Ash Krafton's Blog, page 22

January 30, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Redgates Secrets by Kim Koning


I'm thrilled to be a part of my writer friend Kim Koning's cover reveal for her book REDGATES SECRETS. I love books that tickle my dark side so I'd like to introduce you to her work.



Redgates Secrets(The Redgates Secrets #1) The Redgates Secrets where shadows become monsters and the chilling truth is revealed in secrets better left untold… Alicia and Joseph Jackson are a couple at cracking point. After years of trying and failing to conceive, Alicia has finally fallen pregnant. But worried for her safety, her doctor prescribes a complete change of pace. What better change of pace but to buy a mortgagee sale smallholding in the country-side? The house has a name: REDGATES. Alicia is immediately charmed by this beautiful sprawling mansion. She can see her baby being born and nurtured here. Joseph is taken with the mysterious history of this old homestead. But digging around in the house’s past may uncover more than just cracks in their marriage. Some secrets are better left untold. Some nightmares hide in the shadows of the day. The locals have another name for the house: The House of Blood & Secrets. Like The Redgates Secrets on Facebook!  Kim Koning  Kim is a dark fiction writer with the heart of a poet and the soul of a gypsy while the ancient rhythms of Africa, the birthplace of storytellers, courses through her veins. Wanting to be either a pathologist or a criminal psychologist, life took her on a few twists and turns while studying journalism and after a couple of meandering offshoots that did not involve fiction, fiction finally chose her when she was asked to write a short story for a NZ anthology (which was a National Award Winner). Kim now lives on the beautiful East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is lucky enough to call the Pacific Ocean her backyard. She can often be found wandering the cliff tops above the crashing ocean and walking through the lush farmlands that surround the area. But with a heart caught between two lands, the sunburned, ancient Africa and the lush, green islands of New Zealand, she finds her true home within the white pages covered in ink. Her fiction is caught between the dark and mysterious, the truth and the what ifs, secrets and reality, shadows and light. Kim really does see ghosts and her loved ones believe ghosts and extreme weather phenomenon follow her around. She grew up spending holidays and weekends at her grandparents’ large old farm homestead which had a hidden wing that was haunted. These early experiences with haunted homes ignited her imagination and started a spark that made her question what else is out there that we couldn’t see, what is around us observing us? Why could she see these ghosts/spirits and many others couldn’t? The spark was lit and the stories started coming as fast as she could write them down. One of these real life experiences sparked The Redgates Secrets, Kim’s debut 6 part novella series. WebsiteBlogTwitterFacebookGoodreads
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Published on January 30, 2013 22:00

January 12, 2013

Pretty Shadows, Wicked Smiles, and Book Blogs

I know what you are thinking…

"I'm in the mood to read a great book blog. I'd like book reviews, blog-of-the-week spotlights, and interviews delivered to my inbox. And, while I'm fantasizing, might as well wish for a great giveaway, too!"
Well, I'm not the only one who can read minds. :D
Meet Dark Franny, head mistress of the Mind Reader Blog. She's recently given her digs a new 'do and, to celebrate the new look, she'd like you to stop by and take a look around.

She has a real thing for books of beautiful darkness, including but not limited to urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she's not reading and reviewing, she's interviewing authors and featuring other great blogs.  And she doesn't stop there...she uses her considerable talents to promote authors through Dark World Books. (She did an amazing job with my BLOOD RUSH cover reveal tour this past December!)

Stop by the Mind Reader blog, peer into the pretty shadows, and wink at the wicked ones smiling at you from within them.
AND--Don't forget to enter the giveaway! She's got some great books to surrender to a lucky winner.
Come on. We both know you want to…
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Published on January 12, 2013 23:00

January 10, 2013

Writers and Resolutions at the QueryTracker Blog

Resolutions. I hate 'em.

Well, maybe not hate. Strongly dislike. And not even resolutions themselves--just the idea of them.

Why? Because New Year's resolutions are stereotypically weak-willed attempts to fix glaring deficiencies within ourselves, using a calender date as our chief driving force instead of simply admitting there is something about ourselves we don't like but are too lazy to jumpstart our own change. < /end rant >

I know, I know...you're probably thinking, Why The Frown? Resolutions are good things! And, honestly, I believe they could be--but only if we back those words up with more than intent. We only succeed when we give ourselves the tools we need to achieve success.

One tool I use to reach my goals is to form a plan. Now, I'm not a strategist. I simply accept the fact that there is no magic transporter that can take me from START to FINISH with the press of a button or the utterance of a resolution. A plan will give me direction, identify milemarkers, and remove obstacles, making that journey a do-able thing--and not some monumental roadblock that makes it easy for us to abandon our cause.

After all, I'm pretty sure the motto isn't "If at first we don't succeed, eff it."

This week, I blogged over at the QTB about my New Year's Resolution to spend more time writing. I'm still going strong, too...using the plan I set up for myself, I've sent in first pass revisions on a novel to one editor, last pass revisions to another, and finished the first draft of my latest work in progress. If I keep up like this, I'm going to be well-accomplished come next New Year's. Fingers crossed!

Are you guilty of making a New Year's Resolution? Well, I want you to follow through on it. Check out my article at QueryTracker Blog: Writers and Resolutions and maybe you'll find a little help in creating your plan to succeed at your resolutions.

Make 2013 a happy and accomplished one, everybody!
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Published on January 10, 2013 08:23

December 28, 2012

Happy Holidays from the Demimonde

      Happy Holidays from everyone at the Demimonde! Looking for a little Kindle action?Sink your teeth into this one...and see how it all began. BLEEDING HEARTS: Book One of the Demimonde    
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Published on December 28, 2012 10:43

December 21, 2012

Darkest Sins: GraveTells Readers Choice Awards 2012!

Thank you to the Darkest Sins Blog for promoting the GraveTells Readers Choice Awards--Bleeding Hearts received two nominations!

I'd really love if you'd stop by the polls, too. This past year was a dream come true when I was blessed to see my debut novel published. My publisher, Pink Narcissus Press, is an amazing team of artists and editors who do everything possible to make me feel like the only author on the planet. :D

Your vote means the world to me...hope I can count on you once more, Demimonde!

You can see the Darkest Sins link below to find direct links to the polls. Check out the direct link to GraveTells.com to see all the other categories. Thank you for your help!

Voting ends December 28.


Darkest Sins: GraveTells Readers Choice Awards 2012!: It's time to vote!
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Published on December 21, 2012 11:48

December 18, 2012

Terri Rochenski Interview (Make Believe Blog Tour)


 Today, I'd like to welcome author Terri Rochenski. She's excited to promote her story in the new MAKE BELIEVE anthology and she's here to share a little more about herself. 

 Thanks for joining us, Terri!

~~~~~
 Tell us about your story in the newly released Make Believe anthology.I’m totally going to cheat here & give you the blurb. I worked too hard on it to try and reword!! Sacrificial Oath
An impetuous act unwittingly makes Alesuela the fulfillment of the Sovereign’s Blood Oath to their Goddess. In five days, she’ll be forced to make the greatest choice of her life: become the virginal sacrifice already promised, or force the man she loves most to die in her place. 

With an impossible choice in front of her, she searches for ways to undo the oath, and in her quest, finds not everything in her life is as she expects.How did the opportunity to take part in this project come about?Someone in my writer’s forum Scribophile made an announcement that J. Taylor Publishing released an anthology call based on a picture prompt. I got lucky and that photo became the beautiful cover. You can tell a lot about a writer just by looking at her writing space. Describe yours.Ha! First it’s my clipboard & pen, then I move to the kitchen table where my laptop gets shoved around amidst Play Doh, My Little Ponies, and crayons.Tell us one strange (or fun) thing about your reading/writing habits that your fans may not know.It used to be that I write by hand, but that strangeness has been uncovered. I’m extremely organized. Every story has its own notebook. Every novel ends up with a 3-ring binder with all the research pages in page protectors. What's the next project we can look forward to from you?My fantasy novel is currently in beta readers’ hands. Hoping to get it submitted to my publisher before this post goes live! *fingers crossed*A few years ago everything I believed in was swept from beneath my feet, leaving me questioning my faith. This story started as an outlet for my disappointment and anger. I’m hoping its underlying theme will resonate with readers or perhaps help them heal from their own hurt.Here’s a thrown-together blurb:As the only Native to escape imprisonment by the human High Priest, Hyla turns to her faith for help and answers, learning life is much more complicated than she'd ever dreamed. ~~~~~ Thanks for stopping by, Terri. I really resonate with the sound of that last blurb and I can't wait until you share it with us.Best wishes for your continued success! Readers can find out more about MAKE BELIEVE bychecking out this post for links and ordering information.

 Also, enter Terri's giveaway by filling out tbe Rafflecopter! (Thanks, Terri, for a great giveaway!)


   a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Published on December 18, 2012 21:00

December 12, 2012

Dark World Books Launch: Boutique Services For Authors

Introducing DARK WORLD BOOKS! Dark World Books is a new company that offers author promotion services and was the creative force behind my recent Cover Reveal Tour for Blood Rush (Demimonde #2). Dark World Books offers customized boutique services for independent and published authors of Urban/Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, Steampunk, YA Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance and Dark Erotica genres. To celebrate their own launch, they are hosting a MASSIVE giveaway. Get your name in the hat to win! (And by hat I mean Rafflecopter form. :D  ) 

To join us in the celebration of Dark World Books’ launch, Wynne Channing, Louis Corsair, Rebecca Hamilton, Krista Holle, Ash Krafton, Jana Oliver, Elle J Rossi & Thomas Winship are kindly offering all the gifts listed below to one lucky winner!

an eBook copy of What Kills Me + a signed What Kills Me bookmarka paperback of Absolution + bookmarksa signed paperback of The Forever Girla signed paperback of The Lure Of Shapinsay + swag and a large T-shirta signed paperback of Bleeding Hearts + swaga Demon Trappers swagan eBook copy of Chasing Fate & The Luminary + bookmarkssigned paperbacks of Vaempires: Revolution, Vaempires: White Christmas & Vaempires: Zombie Rising For your chance to win this amazing prize pack, all you need to do is fill the Rafflecopter form below. The contest is open internationally and will run until January 23rd, 2013. Please note that in order to be eligible for the giveaway, all the mandatory tasks must be completed.
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Published on December 12, 2012 04:05

December 10, 2012

GraveTells.com: Readers Choice Awards 2012

Today I read some news that will put a permanent spin on Monday mornings forever:

Bleeding Hearts: Book One of the Demimonde has earned two nominations in the annual Readers Choice Awards!   
I can't express how thrilled I am. This year saw the debut of my first novel, an urban fantasy that has long been my magnum opus. It went from a secretive hobby to a craft-developing project to a published novel. Publishing with Pink Narcissus Press has been a dream come true because, not only did I get to see my work in print but I also gained a new family. My editors love that book as much as I do and the proof is the enthusiasm with which they've worked to get that book into print.

The readers' reactions on Goodreads have also been so exciting to read. Sometimes I sit back and scratch my head and think: Wow, is that my book they're talking about?

Voting will begin on December 21st and, if the world doesn't end, I'll post the link. :)

For now, take a look at these beautiful badges. I want to hug them.

     I also want to hug DavinciKittie and Molly over at Gravetells.com for their support of Bleeding Hearts (Demimonde #1). You gals have always made me feel like a champion. Hugs! Please take time to vote when the poll goes live on December 21st. My deepest thanks go out to each of you. Cheers!
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Published on December 10, 2012 07:11

December 7, 2012

Goodreads G!veaway: Bleeding Hearts (Demimonde #1) by Ash Krafton

Visit Goodreads and enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Bleeding Hearts: Book One of the Demimonde!

Contest is open internationally. (It's the key to world domination.) *grin*



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Goodreads Book Giveaway Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton Giveaway ends December 10, 2012.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
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Published on December 07, 2012 21:02

December 6, 2012

The End of the World BL0GH0P


I get apocalypse anxiety. Seriously. When the whole Mayan calender threat first hit the news, I hyperventilated. OMG. We'reallgonnadie. My husband just rolled his eyes. He's used to my vapors. I'd long ago forbade him to watch any disaster shows or movies. Anything with killer tsunamis or nuclear fall out or apocolypto-anything. Off limits. We are a disaster-free zone in this house, dammit. I did sit through that movie about the caldera below Yellowstone National Park. It's just a matter of time. I know it. So keep your tales of boiling geysers and killer bears to yourselves, because the true danger is that big-ass supervolcano getting ready to erupt. I bet those damn Mayans have it hard-wired to go off in two weeks. Deep breath... Of course, I take comfort in the words of my guru, prophet of the stars Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who recently Tweeted: 
Neil deGrasse Tyson@neiltyson
Y'all should know by now that if the World were going to end for any cosmic reason, I'd tell you how and I'd tell you when.
 
I trust this guy. But still. Just in case the reason for our impending demise isn't a cosmic event, I've decided to go out, go with a bang...or at least a BLAST!   It's The End of the World Blog Hop Sponsored by Place of Reads So before the end of the world happens, we are going to celebrate!
Be prepared for great reviews, marvelous posts, amazing interviews and breathtaking giveaways! The great thing is that this giveaway happens through December 22. And if the world doesn’t end, you have a great chance of winning some books!

We have some marvelous items to giveaway! Just fill out the Rafflecopter at the end of the post to enter. And hey--if the world survives this latest apocolypse, you'll actually have a chance to snag something!

 A Signed Copy of The Selection by Kiera CassA Signed Copy of The Kissing Tree by Prudence BiceA Copy of Ascent of Blood by Elizabeth Marx5 - E-book Copies of The Scavengers by Mike ParkerAn E-book Copy of Blood and Guitars by Heather JensenAn E-book Copy of Bleeding Hearts by Ash KraftonAn E-book Copy of The Mine by John HeldtAn E-book Copy of The Journey by John HeldtA Swag Bag from Ada Adams


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Published on December 06, 2012 05:05