Christine Rains's Blog, page 79

The 13th Floor collection blog tour with Vetis, Goodreads Giveaway, & Creepy Freebies

The 13th Floor Collection blog tour continues!Today my keyboard has been snatched by Vetis, the infamous villain from THE MARQUIS. How he convinced me to let him have his own guest post, I don't know. I'm easily tempted by chocolate, though.
Click on over to Elizabeth Arroyo's blogto find out what Vetis has to say.

Along with the giveaways happening during the tour, I have a Goodreads giveaway going on for the entire month! (Does anyone know how to invite people on Goodreads to enter a giveaway?)
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Goodreads Book Giveaway The 13th Floor Complete Collection by Christine Rains Giveaway ends October 31, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win  
 It's the first Friday of October. Yay!Time for Creepy Freebies with Milo James Fowler.Today you can get treats from these fantastic authors:Erin ColeStoney Setzer
Rhonda Parrish Milo James Fowler

The 13th Floor Collection blog tour & Partners in ParanormalYA Blitz

Today is a big day!Not only do I have some very special guests on my blog, but I have a special post for you today for my blog tour with the wonderful Annalisa Crawford.I will be revealing my brand new author photo.YIKES!I'm more nervous about this than revealing my cover for the Collection.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway on Tania Walsh's blog. You could win a signed copy of the collection!

I'm so very pleased to have here with me today one of my favorite ghosts. I'm a big fan of Franny. You'll see why!

Welcome to Franny Knows Best! I’m your ghost TV show
*enter Badger from backstage. He settles on the couch beside Franny, who’s hovering ever so slightly above the cushion*
Franny: Thanks for coming on my show today, Badger.
Badger: Glad to be here.
Franny: Now let’s get right down to it. Are you afraid of girls?
Badger: What the bloody…? Um, why…erm…who…what?
Franny: It’s okay if you are. I can give you a few pointers. You know I have a way with men from my time as a madam.
Badger: Wait…no. I’m not afraid of girls.
Franny: Well, I’m quite confused on why you haven’t set about courting Indigo. Is it those baggy sweat shirts she wears? I do try to get her to accentuate her feminine wiles at times.
Badger: Indigo’s bloody wonderful. It’s just…complicated.
*cue the Downtown Abbey intro song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XZPt4uKxQo*
Franny: *speaking over the music*: That is all for today’s show. Come back again when another guest gives me a chance to help them because Franny Knows Best.
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About A Guilty Ghost Surprised: Indigo Eady and gang are back with a  feather and a Chance setting off another twisting-turning investigation to bring a cold case, and loved ones, closure at last.
AGGS buy links: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
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About They All Fall Down: Free of their duties as Cleanser and Harvestor, Abby and Basil try to move on with their lives. But some secrets remain. And what is done in the dark won’t be good when it comes to light.
TAFD buy links: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About Partners in ParanormYA:
Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown - YA paranormal authors embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Share with us as we take the Indie journey to bring our works to the world. Buckle up! There'll be mystery, mayhem, action and emotional roller coasters...oh, and a few things that go bump in the night.
Hauntings are scary but we love interaction:
Angela’s author FB page | Gwen’s author FB page
Tweet Angela | Tweet Gwen
Angela’s blog | Gwen’s blog
And don’t forget about the giveaway!a Rafflecopter giveaway

The 13th Floor Collection blog tour sticking with the IWSG for October 2013

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.

I love this group so much. I couldn't miss it during my blog tour. So today I have my IWSG post at M.J. Fifield's blog. She has graciously accepted to host me today as I share the insecurities I had while writing the 13th Floor series.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway. If you don't win this one, remember there will be four more this month!

The 13th Floor collection blog tour begins and Nick Wilford's editing service launch

Happy first day of October!And happy first day of The 13th Floor Complete Collection blog tour!I have a spectacular month planned. There will be FIVE giveaways. Yes, I may be a little crazy, but I know you love it.
I'm starting off the tour with one of my fantastic critique partners, Tania Walsh.Did you know she recently released a great paranormal romance called CLOAKED IN FUR? An awesome werewolf story.I'll be talking about writing the series from start to finish.Plus, you can enter a giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of the collection!
Buy THE 13th FLOOR COMPLETE COLLECTION here:Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords



With the unstoppable rise of self-publishing, it’s easier than ever to put your words and stories out there in the world. This is a great thing, and I’m all for it. However, it’s not just about the story - although of course, that is the most important part - but the way it’s presented. After spending months or years on a novel, building an incredible world and honing your characters and storylines to perfection, the last thing you want is to be let down by a lack of editing. It’s just as important as an arresting cover image.

Nick Wilford, Freelance Editor is a one-stop shop for affordable editing, proofreading and formatting services. With professional training and ten years of experience as a journalist and editor, the time has come to transfer these skills in order to help out the fellow authors I have come to love.

But it doesn’t stop there. I’m ready to edit anything; from a crucial term paper, to memoirs and other non-fiction books, short stories, articles or job application letters. Let me put that finishing touch on your masterpiece.

Feel free to take a look at my website for further details of my services and prices.

Bio: Nick Wilford is a writer, freelance editor and stay-at-home dad. Fascinated by words from a young age, he trained as a journalist before embracing the calling of fiction. When not writing he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also co-running a campaign to get a dedicated specialist college built in Scotland.

Links:BlogFacebookTwitterGoodreadsLinkedIn

The Ghosts of Aquinnah cover reveal & Creepy Freebies

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Blurb:


A brilliant flash of light transcends through time.

Another freezes a cloaked figure within a frame of salty mist as waves crash against a rocky shore. Her harrowing expression shadows the beacon to a pinprick.

By the next blaze, she is gone. Only the lighthouse remains.

Hannah’s eyes blink in step with each heartbeat. Images of her deceased parents and Martha’s Vineyard explode like firecrackers inside her mind.

She shakes her head.

For weeks this eerie woman dressed in nineteenth century garb has been haunting my webcam, but tonight she stared into my soul.

Why? ...

Who is she? ...

Casting aside months of research on historic lighthouses, Hannah drives to the coast and boards a ferry.
What is the strange connection she has to this mysterious woman suspended in time?

Hannah finds out.

But, it’s not at all what she expects ...

Hannah unravels a century old murder.

Author Bio:
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Julie Flanders is a novelist and freelance writer in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a life-long love affair with the ocean and has spent more summer vacations than she can count on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. When not writing, Julie can be found reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and watching too much television. She is an animal lover and shares her home with her dog and cat.
Find Julie at:
Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads
The Ghosts of Aquinnah will be released by Ink Smith Publishing on December 5, 2013
Creepy Freebies is back!Milo James Fowler is giving out scary treats every Friday in October. Raffles and free ebooks. You don't even have to dress in a costume! But it would be cool if you did.
Milo has organized a great line-up of authors sharing their books. I was honored he asked me to be a part of Creepy Freebies. On October 11th, you can enter to win THE 13th FLOOR COMPLETE COLLECTION!
I'll remind you every Friday this October. Books are the best treats!
Don't forget tomorrow is the first day of The 13th Floor Collection blog tour. October is going to be an awesome month!

Friday Five for September 27, 2013

1. It's been a busy week. I'm all set for The 13th Floor Complete Collection blog tour. The book is already available on Amazon and Smashwords. It looks fantastic! Cherie Reich did an excellent job editing and formatting for me. We're making great progress with the print version. It'll definitely be ready for October 13th.

2. Click on over to Heather Musk's blog and read what she thought of the final novella in the 13th Floor series, THE GHOST. She'll be interviewing me on October 11th for my blog tour. Don't miss out!

3. I had a terrific time with Yolanda Renee on Monday. As promised, I used Random.org to pick a winner of an ecopy of MEMORIES OF MURDER. The winner is Catherine Stine! Congratulations, Catherine. I've already informed Yolanda that you were picked. Enjoy the book! Guess what? Yolanda is hosting me during my tour next month too. Join us on the 19th.

4. It's school picture day at my son's preschool. Last year I was the photographer's helper, and the boy refused to smile. This year, I won't be there, so hopefully he'll show them his cute dimples. It's been a long week with four days spent babysitting, a school board meeting, and an optometrist's appointment. Glasses have gotten so expensive!

5. Join me Monday for some creepiness. Julie Flanders' cover reveal for THE GHOSTS OF AQUINNAH and an announcement to give you the chills. In a good way!

Have a fantastic weekend!

How To Date a Nerd Blog Hop

How could I resist this blog hop?
I think the bigger question would be how can I pick only one thing when everything about me is nerdy?!

The amazing Cassie Mae is hosting this blog hop celebrating the release of her newest contemporary romance, HOW TO DATE A NERD. Click HERE to add the book to Goodreads.

The rules are simple.
You must answer the question: what is the nerdiest thing about you?

Some lucky nerd will win a prize too!
Cassie is giving away a nerd swag bag!
SQUEEEEE!

Okay, okay, Hmmmm.... the nerdiest thing about me.
My closet full of geeky t-shirts? Nah, that's cool.
The comic books under my bed, in my dresser, and in several of my closets? Nope, it's quality reading material.
My love of cheesy Syfy Channel movies? That's just goofy.

Ah ha! Here we go.
My closet full of boardgames is organized by size and genre, and they are the items I dust most often in the house even though they are stored in a closet.

Please visit the other participants in this nerdtastic blog hop and find out their nerdy secrets!

Wicked Wednesday - what do you as readers want?

It feels like it's been a long while since we've had a Wicked Wednesday post, hasn't it? September was a busy month, and October is going to be even busier with The 13th Floor Collection blog tour. November and December will be a break time except for a few special events. I need to get working on what comes next now that my series is done.

I want to revise and query one of my unpublished novels. I considered a sci-fi or dystopian, but I don't think I'm quite ready to delve back into those yet. My focus is still on the paranormal romances. I have three options I'm considering. I'd appreciate your opinion. What catches your interest as a reader?

1) WITCH'S FIRST RULE. This is the first book in a completed trilogy. Before my son was born, I queried this book, and it got some interest, but eventually, everyone passed on it. I realized I was marketing it all wrong. I also did some major rewrites. The protagonist is a witch and professional marriage therapist named Magena Silver. She uses love potions to reignite the passion in broken marriages and boost her success rating. Magena has been with me for several years. Every time I take a break from her story, I eventually find myself coming back to her. Magena is strong, opinionated, and in charge of her life. She doesn't like it when I ignore her.
Overall story: A powerful witch demands Magena reverse the effects of a love potion on two of her clients. She must create an antidote or lose her life.
Romantic plot: Nathan is an empath sent to watch over Magena as she tries to create the antidote. He's the only man that has ever been able to get past her emotionally cool facade.

2) SUPER FAMOUS. This was my NaNoWriMo book from last year. It's a superhero romance. I thought it was a bit silly at the time I was writing it, but I've recently read it again, and I liked it a lot. It would need a lot of revising, but it could work. Oakley a.k.a. The Silver Skipper is the leader of a group of superheroes. They're on the rise to international fame. Unfortunately this draws the attention of some scary super villains. With super crime increasing, the government is cracking down on all people with superpowers including the heroes. The heroes are forbidden to use their powers lest they become criminals too.
Overall story: Oakley and her team risk their freedom and lives to save the innocent as the villains kidnap children with superpowers.
Romantic plot: Oakley is the ultimate superhero and never lets her guard down, but Benniton sees her more than just as The Silver Skipper.

3) SORROW PHAGE. (That's only the working title.) This is a paranormal romance where the protagonist works at a supernatural funeral home. Hey, paranormal beings can die too. Erinys is a demon that feeds on people's sorrow. See, it's handy she works at a funeral home! A new and gorgeous vampire wakes up in the mortuary, and she finds herself tangled up in a whole load of trouble.
Overall story: Supernatural drug war reveals itself as something much more horrifying, and Erinys is caught in the middle of it.
Romantic plot: Erinys helps a new vampire named Nicholas and starts to fall for him even when he brings death to her door.

If only I could write better taglines! So what do you think? What catches your attention?

Primetime and After Dark cover reveals

Curiosity Quills Press brings some of their bestselling authors together to create a spine-tingling, mind-blowing, quirky collection of short stories in their first ever, annual PRIMETIME Anthology, scheduled for release 7th October, 2013. Available in digital and paperback formats, with an IndieGoGo campaign launching after release to fund the hardback version.

The anthology is not limited to one specific genre, but all of our novels are guaranteed to be quirky and paranormal, in some way or another.  We also guarantee 10% of every purchase will go straight to animals in need. The CQ team has selected humane societies on both the East and West coast that spend well and do not stray from the “no-kill” policies of their strays.

Featuring: J.R. Rain, Tony Healey, A.W. Exley, Vicki Keire, A.E. Propher, Eliza Tilton, Gerilyn Marin, Grace Eyre, James Wymore, K.H. Koehler, Matthew Graybosch, Michael Panush, Michael Shean, Mike Robinson, Nathan Yocum, Nina Post, Rand B. Lee, Randy Attwood, Sharon Bayliss, William Vitka.

Official Primetime Page | Primetime on Goodreads
Curiosity Quills Press brings some of their bestselling authors together in PRIMETIME’s steamier, sexier counterpart, AFTER DARK.  Scheduled for release 7th October, 2013. Available in digital and paperback formats, with an IndieGoGo campaign launching after release to fund the hardback version.

The anthology is not limited to one specific genre, but all of our novels are guaranteed to be quirky and paranormal, in some way or another.  We also guarantee 10% of every purchase will go straight to animals in need. The CQ team has selected humane societies on both the East and West coast that spend well and do not stray from the “no-kill” policies of their strays.

Featuring: A.W. Exley, Jose Prendes, Nathan Yocum, Jade Hart , Gerilyn Marin, A.E. Propher.

Official After Dark Page | After Dark on Goodreads  About Curiosity Quills:
Curiosity Quills launched in 2011 by writers, for writers, presenting uniformly top-notch quality, tastefully curated, hard-hitting storylines. We know it’s hard to stand out from the crowd when it’s millions large, but Curiosity Quills Press helps level the playing field through its members’ innovative social media approach, a transparent culture, and a deeply passionate team.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google Plus |Tumblr | Pinterest

An Interview with Crime Writer Yolanda Renee

I'm excited to have the wonderful Yolanda Renee here today. She's the author of MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, a fantastic tale of crime. Her next book in the series, MEMORIES OF MURDER comes out in a few weeks, and you can win an e-copy! Continue reading to find out how.

1. Your newest book, MEMORIES OF MURDER will be released in just over a week on October 4th. In three sentences or less, get us hooked!

World damnation is a psychotic man’s goal, but two obstacles stand in his way: greed and a dedicated detective.

2. How would you commit the perfect murder?

Believe it or not I've thought about this, probably too much, oh dear, did I just say that as if I've been planning to kill someone. NO! I'm not, but I have thought about it, because I write it. I own books on it, and I've Goggled the hell out of it, so I'll be the first suspect if anyone one close to me dies.

However, if all that weren't the case – I'd most likely choose the typical female weapon – poison. Poison is less messy, if you choose the right one. And I'd try to do it so that the individual dies with the help of poison but during an accident and hopefully forgo the autopsy. I'd also make the poison atypical, so if there is an autopsy the poison won't be easily found. Did I mention I have a Book of Poisons?

3. What three words best describe your protagonist, Detective Steven Quaid?

Passionate, honorable, determined.

4. Are there any real or fictional people who inspired Steven Quaid?

Of all the characters I've created Steven Quaid was an enigma – I had no idea where he came from and just recently figured it out. My first movie star crush was for Steve McQueen when I was a young girl – he had the most beautiful blue eyes, loved motorcycles and fast cars, and was just so cool. Detective Steven Quaid, also has blue eyes, owns a motorcycle and is damn cool. Although, Quaid looks nothing like McQueen, the essence of the real man (or the actor) is there!

5. Why crime stories?

I've always loved murder mysteries along with the great romances so it was a natural progression. Also, I'm very analytical and like to understand the why of things, especially murder.
 
6. What is the most interesting thing you've learned while researching for your books?

In Memories of Murder, I researched Satanism, and found a plethora of information on cults, believers and their temples. I was amazed by the religion, not to mention the mythology surrounding Lucifer and Lilith. Did you know there are over 40 names for the Devil?

Although the most shocking thing I discovered were the number of people named Lucifer. But then again, Lilith is a popular name too. My own grandmother was named Lilly. It is just a name, right?

I didn't want to insult anyone, or their beliefs, so I created my own Satanic religion based on my characters beliefs in a book I called Dominion, it's referenced in my book as a book that Lucifer, the antagonist, has written. Dominion details his beliefs, ceremonies, and prayers. I created a calendar of Blood Sabbaths, rituals and ceremonies, a full wedding ceremony, and the Summons Prayer.

7. Writing crime, you have characters that lie. Are you a good liar?

I'd like to think so, but my husband says I'm not. He's wrong. See how good I am, he believes he's right!
 
8. What's the biggest challenge to writing about murder?

The biggest challenge is creating empathy, while making the act realistic, without being too graphic.

9. What was your favorite childhood game? Your favorite game now?

I was always very competitive, and as a child loved playing cards, and board games, especially Monopoly. We didn't have video games and watching TV was for the adults except Saturday mornings. We would explore the universe pretending the tree was our spaceship, or fight in the old west with the garage serving as Tombstone. Oh dear, there I go aging myself again.

Today, I'm unbeatable at Monopoly, but my husband is the better card player, he counts cards, the cheater!

10. People always describe a writer's style as a flavor. If your books were a flavor, what would they taste like?

My books would be the flavor of dark chocolate, sensual and sweet without being excessive, and sinful yet good for you!

Thanks Christine, for the opportunity to discuss my newest release.

It was a pleasure to chat with you, Yolanda. I can't wait to read your new book!

MEMORIES OF MURDER blurb:
Decades ago, the seeds were planted …

Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction.

A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body.

A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold.

In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice?

Only two things stand in his way ...

His greed ...

And ...

Detective Steven Quaid.


An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renee to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.

She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.

She now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.

You can stalk Yolanda at these places: Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest 




You can enter to win a copy of MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE on Yolanda's blog, but I'm also giving away an e-copy of MEMORIES OF MURDER to one random commenter! You have until the end of the week to comment. Then I'll pick someone through Random.org. Don't miss out on this chance to win a great crime story.