Jessica Knauss's Blog, page 16

Release Day and Excerpt: The Trouble with Antlers by A.J. Culey

Happy release day to this first installment of A. J. Culey's Shifter High series! Enjoy an excerpt of this zany teen adventure.
A.J. Culey was not born a shifter, much to her dismay.  Despite her limitations as a human, she enjoys spending time with cats, bunnies and other animals. She hasn’t met a shifter yet, nor has she had any antlers spontaneously appear in any classroom she’s taught in, but she hasn’t given up hope that it might one day happen. In the meantime, she has fun writing about the possibilities.

Now Available on Amazon
In a high school full of shifters, it's the one inquisitive human who poses the biggest threat.

When a human is the only applicant for town veterinarian and moves to Shifterville with his teenaged daughter, Amelia, the town residents conspire to keep the humans in their midst from discovering their secret. If only they can keep Melvin away from Amelia.

Melvin Moose has a problem. Anytime a girl gets too close, his antlers go on walkabout, popping out of his human head at the most inopportune moments. As if that weren’t bad enough, a human girl just enrolled at his school, and if she catches sight of his unruly rack, it’s all over for Shifterville.

Warning: This book contains typical teen language, which does include the occasional swear word. It is also full of rampant, teen hormones and the subsequent fallout.

Excerpt from The Trouble with Antlers (a.k.a. Melvin’s Rampant Rack)
Melvin was late for gym class. Again. Life kind of sucked lately.  Ever since he hit puberty and his antlers grew in, they were a huge load to bear.  Literally.  They’d already popped out twice this morning, once when Laney Queen-of-the-Universe Siamese gave him that haughty look and tossed her hair over her shoulders.  It wasn’t his fault! Her silky hair brushed his nose and he got a headful of heady girl-cat scent and out they sprang.  Boing!  All the kids in the hallway laug

Check out A.J. Culey's writing at her website. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Goodreads Book Giveaway Awash in Talent by Jessica Knauss Giveaway ends June 30, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway

An Interview with Cara McKinnon, author of Essential Magic

JK: What is Essential Magic about?
CM: Essential Magic is the story of Etta Mae Cook, a backwoods witch from Appalachia. But underneath the fantasy trappings, she’s a woman who has been stifled most of her life, and who is finally breaking free and trying to live the life she’s always wanted. The book takes place in an alternate late-Victorian era, so in practical terms, that means she has uprooted herself from the mountains of North Carolina and sailed to London, where she hopes to learn magic from her distant relatives, the Fay clan.
Immediately upon arrival in England, though, some powerful people take an interest in her, including Queen Victoria. And her family is not as welcoming as she’d hoped. Clan Fay has been waging a silent battle for years with the future of magic in the balance, and Etta could be the piece that upsets the scales.
And right in the middle of everything is Malcolm Seward, a mage who has given up magic after an accident involving his sister. He and Etta feel a powerful attraction, but for many reasons decide they must resist its pull…until it grows so strong they give in, and discover that together they are able to do things they’d never imagined apart.
JK: How did you get the idea for the story?
CM: I am an obsessive planner. I outline everything in advance, do lots of research, create pinboards on Pinterest, and generally organize the story to within an inch of its life. So this book is a bit of an anomaly for me. I sat down in November of 2015 to write the sequel to another of my projects, a book about a kitchen witch, which I had already outlined and planned. But when I started writing, it wasn’t about the kitchen witch. Etta Mae Cook stepped from the passenger car onto the platform at Waterloo Station and stumbled. That’s still the first line of the book.
I didn’t know who this woman was or why she was in London, but by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I was hooked on her tale. So the answer is – I honestly do not know! She came to me. Of course it required lots of research and revision to get the book ready for readers, but that’s another story!
JK: Your undergraduate degree is in mythology and folklore. Can you tell us about some of the myths and folklore that inspired your book?
CM: Of course! I love stories, and I think that folklore is the lifeblood of our civilizations. Every culture has stories, even in the modern era. Now we call them urban legends, and we pass them around as clickbait and memes. And we believe in them as fervently as any ancient civilization believed in the fairies or gods. Admit it – you’ve reposted/blogged/tweeted something that turned out to be debunked later. We’ve all done it. We’re drawn in by the narrative, and we accept it as true.
It helps to put folklore in that context first, because we have a tendency to believe that people in the past were somehow different from us. That we’re much more advanced and wouldn’t make the same choices they did. Yet we do every day!That’s one of the reasons why I can’t stop writing fantasy. Fantasy has a bad reputation in some places because it’s “escapist,” or “soft,” or “nostalgia for something that never existed,” but I think fantasy taps into those deep stories that underpin human existence. It’s important that we remember the sense of wonder and possibility that magic creates. It reminds us that we’re a tiny speck in a limitless universe – and yet even that tiny speck is an important piece of the whole.Essential Magic is set in a specific era of history when in the real world society was obsessed with the occult, spiritualism, and fairies. The Grimm brothers gathered their tales during this period (earlier in the 19thcentury), Hans Christian Anderson wrote his stories, and folklorists across the world collected the oral traditions of hundreds of native peoples. So I’ve taken all of those things and made them real in the world of my series. Fairies and ghosts really exist. As do gods and goddesses, although they might wear different shapes and be called by different names depending on what culture they’re visiting at the time. Magic is real, and some people are able to use it.I wasn’t inspired by any one particular tradition of magic, myth, or folklore, but you could say I was inspired by all of them!
Essential Magic releases tomorrow and is available for pre-order at the following retailers:
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | NookThere will also be print versions available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.
Cara McKinnon writes fantasy romances because her heart pumps equal parts magic and passion. Her love of history caused her to set her books in an alternate Victorian era, with surprisingly few changes from the real world. She lives on the East Coast of the United States with her husband, two kids, and an oversized lapdog named Jake.
Visit Cara online at her website, at Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Subscribe to Cara’s newsletter to receive special subscriber-only extras, like snippets from upcoming stories, “deleted scenes” from published work, behind-the-scenes information, and chances to receive swag and even free copies of her books. .goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway Awash in Talent by Jessica Knauss Giveaway ends June 30, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway

Interview with Kindle Press Author Erik Therme

Kindle Press author Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. When he’s not at his computer, he can be found cheering for his oldest daughter’s volleyball team, or chilling on the PlayStation 3 with his twelve-year-old. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only seven places in the world UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature. Visit him on Facebook or at www.eriktherme.com.

JK: I've spent some time in that literary city of Iowa, too. Please tell us about your latest book.
Erik Therme: Resthaven is about a group of kids who hold a scavenger hunt inside an abandoned retirement home . . . only to discover they’re not the only ones roaming the hallways. I wanted to write something my teenage daughters would enjoy, and I’ve always been intrigued by old, creepy buildings.
JK: What was your journey to publication?
ET: I chased literary agents and publishers for years, and after a very close call with Gillian Flynn’s agency, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands and self-publish. Shortly after the release of my first book, Mortom, I received an e-mail from Thomas & Mercer publishing, who had discovered the work and wanted to acquire it. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled. When I finished Resthaven, I knew the story wouldn't be a right fit for T&M (they don't handle young adult), so I submitted the book to Kindle Press. Two months later it was selected for publication, and I was off and running.
JK: How has life been different since winning Kindle Scout?
ET: The best thing about winning Kindle Scout has been the opportunity to connect with the other Scout winners. It's an incredibly supportive group of talented writers, and two of my favorite reads of 2016 have come from Scout authors.
JK: I've found it to be a very talented and welcoming community, too. What inspires you to write in your genre?
ET: I believe an author should write the story they feel compelled to tell, regardless of genre. Mortom began life as a horror story before transitioning into a mystery, whereas Resthaven is more action-driven and targeted toward young adults. Part of the joy of writing is being able to follow your imagination wherever it takes you. That said, everything I write seems to gravitate toward suspense with "twinges" of horror.
JK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
ET: One of my all-time favorite books is Catcher in the Rye , by J.D. Salinger. Stephen King has always been a huge influence, and I'm a big fan of Alden Bell, who wrote the brilliant novel The Reapers Are the Angels . I'll pretty much read anything that catches my interest.
JK: What do you do when you're not writing? If such a time exists.
ET: I have a wonderful wife who loves to travel and two teenage daughters who enjoy games and movies. I stay fit by exercising three times a week, and I'm a sucker for exploring small towns (in the surrounding area) on weekends.
JK: Well, I won't keep you from that any longer. Enjoy!
Great news! The Goodreads giveaway of two softcover editions of Awash in Talent has just begun! Get your entry in before June 30 to join in the fun.


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Goodreads Book Giveaway Awash in Talent by Jessica Knauss Giveaway ends June 30, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway

Debut Day for Awash in Talent with Trailer, Bookmarks, and a Giveaway

Getting ready to talk about my dear book. It's harder than you think! Today's the day: June 7! All those who preordered Awash in Talent will magically receive it on their devices today. Order it flat out and starting today, you'll get it instantly! This is a big deal, because Awash in Talent took six years from first idea through writing and editing to publication. If I could've made it appear instantly, I certainly would have. You can also now get your hands on the softcover edition here.

Never before have I felt my writing to be so validated. Awash in Talent is unusual, so I often wondered whether I would be able to rally enough interested people to publish traditionally. Kindle Press made that dream come true with added benefits such as a great community of authors.

There is a lot of celebrating going on today. First, I've celebrated by putting on the shirt I was wearing when I met Manolo García to film a sincere trailer in which I talk about what makes me proud about Awash in Talent . What do you think?


I've also celebrated by creating some pretty nifty bookmarks for my readers to enjoy. Contact me for yours!


And last but not least, I'm celebrating by giving you fair warning of the exciting giveaway I have planned. On Goodreads, a giveaway of two softcover editions of Awash in Talent will begin on June 12. Get ready to get your entry in before June 30 to join in the fun.


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Goodreads Book Giveaway Awash in Talent by Jessica Knauss Giveaway ends June 30, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
The Awash in Talent Book Launch Tour is still going on. Find out all kinds of new facts and get answers to your burning questions at these great links.

“Kindle Scout Success” with Kristin Gleeson“What If The Abolitionist Had Telekinesis?” with Kim Rendfeld“Author Spotlight” with Teresa Roman“Jessica Knauss: She’s Awash in Talent” with Linda SandsAuthor Interview with Rachelle Paige

"Jessica Knauss—Awash in Talent" with Katherine HaytonAbout the Kindle Scout campaign with The Crazy Mind

Awash in Talent Book Launch Blog Tour: Read All About It!

The book launch tour has begun! Click live links, or wait for publication on the stated day.

Already, historical author Kristin Gleeson lets me share the exact moments of inspiration for Awash in Talent and how I came to participate in the Kindle Scout program and become a Kindle Press author here.

Also now, read all about some of my favorite things (castles and The Princess Bride are involved) in gracious author Teresa Roman's author spotlight.

On May 31, I'm here with historical fiction author Kim Rendfeld describing the way history influenced Awash in Talent even though it's contemporary. Providence, Rhode Island, wasn't born yesterday!

On June 1 I join author Linda Sands, who's just received a nomination for the Georgia Author of the Year Awards! Congratulate her and check out the Awash in Talent action here.

June 2, I'll have a fun and creative conversation with author Rachelle Paige here.

I send out my sincere thanks to everyone who's hosted me or who's going to! Many more Talented posts to come!

Awash in Talent is Available for Preorder Now

The book at the top of every wish list Confirmation: The link we've all been waiting for has arrived! Awash in Talent is available for preorder here. Everyone who nominated it should have received a notification to download their free copy! I know I did!

Queen of the castle because I'm a published author!
If you didn't nominate it during its Kindle Scout campaign, now is your chance to get in on the Gilmore Girls-with-a-paranormal-twist action. Help it reach its potential and I will be grateful to you forever.

Even better, it already has a five-star review from someone I'm not related to.

The official release is June 7, and the softcover is coming right around then, too.


This great news means the blog tour has begun! Check back here for links to interviews, excerpts, and all kinds of Awash in Talent fun.

You May be Wondering...

While all those great interviews have been going on, you may have wondering what was going on with Awash in Talent. It's on its way! I've gone over the edits, which have helped clarify some of Emily's contorted thinking, and the manuscript is being formatted as you read.

Kindle Scout nominators will receive their free copies and Awash in Talent will be released as a preorder next week! And then the fun really starts rolling. I'll be sharing lots of interviews and guest posts and there will be a softcover giveaway involved.

Just so you don't think I've been lazy, I'd like to share my new website with you. With the help and artistry of Amygdala Design,  JessicaKnauss.com finally has just about everything I ever wanted for it. It's been a lot of work, but the fun kind of work—a labor of love. I'm putting the finishing touches on as I find a spare moment here and there. Take a browse and please tell me if you think anything is missing.

Thanks!

Today at Unusual Historicals: My Characters' Moment in Space and Time

Me and my gal, LambraThis month, Unusual Historicals is letting us historical fiction authors go crazy on our favorite topics: the "unusual" setting and time period of our stories! Mine is about the formative history taking place during Seven Noble Knights. "My Characters Lived in... Tenth-Century Spain" has tons of information and pictures I've gathered over my many years of obsession with medieval Spain. Check it out!

Thanks for stopping by.

Branching Out as a Writer: An Interview with Armand Rosamilia

Fellow Kindle Press author Armand Rosamilia is stopping by today. For his Kindle Scout experience, he branched out from his usual writing routine.

Armand Rosamilia JK: What is  Dirty Deeds  about? Have you written many crime thrillers?
AR: Dirty Deeds is my first official foray into crime thriller fiction. It started out as a much darker idea... about a hit man who kills children. It luckily evolved into a story I wanted to make more mainstream and for more potential readers to enjoy, so it is still about a guy who is paid to kill children... but he doesn't actually do it. He saves them and gets them into better situations, although one of these supposed deaths from years ago comes back and his cover might be blown.
JK: What inspired these ideas?
AR: I think what inspired me is all of the horror fiction I read and write coupled with my wife watching Investigation Discovery every night. 
JK: Did you enjoy your Kindle Scout experience? How was it different from other publishing you’ve done?
AR: The 30 days my book was in the Kindle Scout program were nerve-wracking. It felt like forever and I hadn't been that nervous in years about a submission.
JK: I know what you mean. Mine was the longest February of my life!
AR: I'm glad I did it, though, because I learned quite a bit about marketing and engaging new readers. I felt like I'd become stagnant with the wonderful fan base I have. Complacent. With Kindle Scout and promoting a crime thriller, something I don't normally write and in a slightly different focus (no profanity, no over-the-top sex or violence) it helped me to reach new readers. I am so glad I tried because it has definitely taken me to the next level. Plus, all of my back-list has started to sell even better and I'd like to think a big chunk of that is because new readers loved Dirty Deeds  and wanted to read more from me. 
JK: Podcasts seem to be the up-and-coming new platform for authors, and you have two. What topics do they cover? 
AR: I started out about four years ago on an AM station, which turned into a small FM station. Then I did internet radio. I got into podcasting because I saw it would be a definite plus for me as an author. I'd been on a few great podcasts and I saw it helped sales and getting my name out there. I started Arm Cast Podcast about two years ago and I'm coming up on my one hundredth episode soon. I interview other authors and it is very casual. Two writers having a chat about the business and the craft. I've had on musicians, filmmakers, actors and actresses as well, entertainment people. Each episode lasts about an hour and has two interviews. Every Friday you can hear it on Project iRadio. 
The second podcast I do now is Arm N Toof'sDead Time Podcast, co-hosted with author Mark Tufo. We run about an hour every Wednesday and interview one guest. We talk to quite a few film makers, actors, and actresses. We also run it very casual and leave the bloopers and screw-ups in. It is also on ProjectiRadio and I couldn't be more happy about the reach and the interaction with listeners. 
JK: We’ll be sure to tune in! Thank you for stopping by.
AR: Thanks for the interview!

Be sure to check out Dirty Deeds and find all the latest from Armand at his website: armandrosamilia.com

Small Town Romance: An Interview with Kindle Press Author Rachelle Paige

Small town contemporary romance author Rachelle Paige is a fellow Kindle Scout winner. She’s visiting today from RachellePaige.com to share a little about her series and her writing.   Author Rachelle Paige JK: Tell us about your Kindle Press novel. Is it similar to any other novels you may have written or published?
RP: My Kindle Press novel,  Tiny Island Summer , is the second in my contemporary romance series. Set in a beautiful small town on an island in Lake Superior, the True North seriesis all about finding home (and love). I won Kindle Scout with my second novel.
JK: How is your life different since winning Kindle Scout? 
RP: The biggest change is that winning Kindle Scout encouraged me to share my novels with friends and family. Their support has propelled me forward.
JK: What are you working on now? 
RP: I just finished the final two novels in my True North series, On the Rocks (to be released this month) and Across the Lake (to be released in June). After several months of editing, I am jumping back into writing the next novel in my new, sweet romance series, Golden Shores. The first novel,  Tidal Patterns , is available now.
JK: Aside from writing, what are you really good at? 
RP: Planning. I know that answer sounds vague, but my specialty is thinking about a project from all angles and planning out everything so the project is flawless. This is notable especially for vacations and parties (my kids’ birthdays and our wedding the most notable). I love planning so much that for a brief while I was an assistant to a wedding planner. And I LOVED that job.
JK: Is there anything unusual about your writing methods? 
RP: The only thing unusual is the time. I’m a full-time mom to two active boys (the youngest is a toddler). I don’t get time to write until after they go to bed. As a morning person, this was really tough to get used to, but now I find I have a hard time working during the day (when I get the rare chance)
JK: Do you have a favorite quote?
RP: I love the Teddy Roosevelt quote “Get action.” I’m not one to sit around and wait for something to happen.
I recommend the readers of this blog take that quote to heart and “get action” by visiting Rachelle’s web site!