Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 22

Blog Talk Radio

I was interviewed by the awesome Jo Michaels about my Utopia experience. Plus, I got to talk about my Tala Prophecy series and my work on the upcoming piece, Seven. It's a unique tale I'm working on with the Fractured Glass ladies.

Want to know more? Then, grab a cup of java and enjoy our chat. Or, as I like to do, go for a walk or run, and listen to it as a podcast. 

Click on the image to listen.


If you'd like to listen from your phone, check out this post .

Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) : Misty Provencher

Please welcome the next guest in my Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) series. I knew Misty Provencher online and always admired her makeup skills (seriously, she creates artwork on her face). When she said to buy a certain product (Milk crayon for eye shadow), I ran out and bought it. And, yes, I love it.
Then, at UtopYA, she and her lovely husband sat down and had breakfast with Jo Michaels and me. I felt like I was sitting with old friends.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today.
MP: Seriously, Tia? I couldn’t be more tickled to be here! Thanks for having me over to your space, chica!
Absolutely! I love the cover for The Dimension Thieves series, and I have Episode 1 in my TBR list. This is a series of serial shorts releasing once a month from January through December 2015. Guess I need to get caught up. Why did you decide to publish the series this way, and did you write them all at once?
MP: Have I told you how much I love you?  Thanks for having the Thieves on your TBR and I hope they steal your heart and your breath away.  Let’s see... I decided to publish them this way because I’m utterly insane. Hee hee. Well, actually, I liked the idea of a once-a-month serial because I like to try everything at least once, and I thought that since they are each their own little story, set into one bigger story that ties the whole fandangle together, I hoped people would enjoy the format.  
Fortunately and unfortunately, I did not write them all at once, but I plotted the ever-lovin’ snot out of them. I know every move, every sneeze, and it just has to go from copious notes and brain matter to electronic file. :D  
The unfortunate part of not having them all written ahead came when a relative had some health issues that threw my precariously balanced summer into a bit of chaos. So, the monthly releases for the second half of the series have become one big release of July, August & September episodes at the end of this month. Thank goodness my readers are a dedicated bunch of understanding bibliophiles! Shout out to the reader lovelies: LOVE YOU GUYS!!
Please, please, please can you share a teaser from the latest episode?
MP:  Hmmm…okay!  This is from Episode Nine (September) when Force, the captain of the dimension jumping ship, takes Sterling--the duplicate of Force’s droned ‘girlfriend’ Meadow--to meet Meadow, who has been deactivated and is lying in one of the cells (a hold) reserved for the captain’s precious cargo.   
***
Force stopped outside Meadow’s hold door. “Are you ready for this?”

It was a simple question, but it started a quiver in Sterling’s legs that turned to a tremor even as she nodded.  She thought Force would give her a pep talk, or assure her it was going to be fine, but instead, he turned away and opened the door.

He walked in ahead of Sterling, but peeking out from behind him, she could see the body stretched out on the bed that extended from the wall.  She stopped just inside, Force closing the door behind her, the waft of air running up her back like a final breath.
An itch climbed into her as she looked at the crown of a familiar head. She’d studied enough pictures of herself, during her vain teen years, to know what she looked like from different angles. She stared at Meadow--in every way her exact likeness--laid out on the bed, immobile.
“Is she alive?” Sterling asked, but even as she said it, the itch intensified. She craved to surround Meadow’s motionless neck with her fingers. She yearned to squeeze until she could feel her own fingertips touch through the middle of Meadow’s flesh. She drew back in horror.
“Do you want to kill her?” Force asked softly. It was a bizarre question, but so deadly accurate, it was as if he’d read her mind.
“Yes,” Sterling said.  “But she’s me.”
“You’re a duplicate of her,” he said. It probably wasn’t supposed to sound like it did, but it made Sterling feel as though she’d been wiped down with a dirty towel. A duplicate. It sounded worthless.  
“I won’t hurt her,” Sterling said through clenched teeth, but she dug her nails into her palms to remind herself and to stop herself from lunging at Meadow. But she could feel herself losing hold of her own resolve, the desire to kill ripping out her thinly-tacked will power like a carpenter’s claw bar.
Force saw it too. He turned and jerked the door open, taking hold of Sterling’s upper arm with a firm grip. “Let’s go.”
Sterling ground her teeth, but she let Force drag her into the hall. It was the only way to escape without committing murder. The itch scoured her like steel wool, every nerve raw, and her yearning to destroy Meadow so very, very real. She couldn’t control herself as she kicked out one leg and wedged her foot in the door as Force tried to shut it.
“Help me,” she pleaded.  
With one firm yank, Force shoved Sterling backward. She lost her balance, stumbled and fell against the wall across from Meadow’s hold. Force slammed the door shut, locking it behind him, and turned back to Sterling, who sat crumpled on the floor, panting like a wild animal.  She wiped the sweat from her upper lip.  
“Thank you,” she said.
Okay, that's it! The Dimension Thieves just moved up in my TBR pile! I know you write both young adult and new adult novels. What do you like about each?
MP: It’s the Gump factor...writing is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get, but it’s always going to be something good. I love the discovery of romance in young adult and, even though I cared for high school about as much as the next girl, it’s more fun now to go back and reimagine it. Especially when I can throw in some fantastical situations into it.
New Adult is such a cool playground right now. You’ve got the beauty of youth in your little novel-creating lab beaker to start. Then you pour off the age restrictions on language, maybe slop in a good shot of sexuality if it calls for it. Then you press your thumb over the top and shake it up. AND...BOOM! New Adult novels are YA novels on steroids with maybe a little acid throw in, to eat away at your conscience.
Can I just hear an AMEN? I love your obvious love of both genres. So, like I said in your introduction, you create art with your face paint. When did you start doing this?
MP:  It started when I was attending the launch of one of Leah Clifford’s novels. She was having a steampunk themed launch and I thought it’d be fun. I got some awesome steampunkery boots and bought a semi-steampunkish dress, but it wasn’t enough. While Googling for how to remedy this, a picture of a chick with face paint popped up in my search.  I thought, why not? And that was my first foray.  
When I was invited to Utopia, I was nervous as all get out. The face painting had just happened to be fun, and I had posted some pics of it online that had gotten a lot of response.  When people started asking if I was going to do it at Utopia, I thought, sure, why not? And that’s how it all started.
Here’s an extra weird thing: I usually never wear make-up at all in every day life. I’m actually allergic to most of it. My eyes swell up after a while and my face will itch, but I love doing it for Utopia because it’s fun and people get a kick out of it.  
Creativity clearly runs in your family, because your daughter has a Facebook page (Little Rocker Chick Art) where she features drawings and character sketches. Could you share a picture of her artwork with us? When did she start expressing herself this way?

MP: My parents (Syd’s grandparents) are both artsy, so when Sydney started drawing, I didn’t think anything of it--that’s just what kids do, right? But she’s got that passion that become obvious really quickly, and she got very serious about it in fifth or sixth grade. There are sketches EVERYWHERE--her room is the typical teenager’s nest, except that her’s is padded with awesome art. She throws away garbage bags full of stuff she doesn’t like, and I’m constantly saving stuff from the trash because I love it.  
She blows us away with all her creative talents--from blasting our neighbors with heavy metal serenades from her electric guitar (hence the name, Little Rocker Chick) to her writing (several of her teachers have told us she’s gifted) to her drawings that she’s constantly commissioned to do...we’re absolutely inspired by her!


Wow! Those are amazing. Talent clearly runs in your family. So, what’s up next after The Dimension Thieves series is completed?
MP: I’ve got a lot of ideas for 2016, but I haven’t really decided for sure what I’ll be doing. I know I’ve got a book for the Utopia collection slated--a revolution themed story, to match the Utopia 2016 theme. That’s going to be fun. And then, there are two books that I’ve written and would like to revise and publish, one that I just plain need to finish, and then there is always that magic that happens on the fly and I get whisked away by something new and shiny...so there’s that.
Oooh. I can't wait for the Utopia collection. Fun! I've asked each of my lovely interview participants... what's your favorite inspirational quote? Why?
MP: Roosevelt was asked how he managed to have such successful children.  He said something along the lines of, “You figure out what they want to do and then you help them do it.”  I think that applies to everything.  Figure out what you want to do, what the people around you want to do, and help yourself and help them achieve.  I love the idea of a loving, understanding, and generous planet.
What do you think makes UtopYA, renamed Utopia for its fifth year in 2016, so special?
MP: It’s always about the people. I’ve met some of the best people on Earth there--authors, readers, and bloggers who have become my best friends, confidants, and trusted circle of giggles. The spirit of ‘lift while you climb’, which Janet spoke of that first year I attended, is so inspiring and beautiful, I think about it all the time. Where can I help? What can I do to be of use?  
People who HELP other people? Yes please, all day long, thank you. That’s my planet!

Mine, too! I found this awesome UtopYA2015 picture I wanted to share of you with CJ Pinard and BJ Sheldon. That's a whole lot of awesome in one picture!


✮✮✮✮✮ Quick Answers ✮✮✮✮✮ 
Last Movie you Saw:  Pitch Perfect 2Comedy, Romance, Drama, or Horror? Comedy and Romance all day long!Last book you Read:  Tall, Tatted & Tempting by Tammy Falkner-  whew! (Get your fan out!)First Job: I used to drag a wagon around my neighborhood and sell cupcakes.  Gift cards or Cash? Doesn’t matter.  Gifts are beautiful things, no matter how they come.Favorite Vacation Spot: Home, with my family curled up all around me.  

More about Misty

Misty Provencher is a prolific author, long-term wife and mama. The second two are a bit more recent, but Provencher’s writing roots date back to the hieroglyphics she left in her mother’s womb.

While Provencher can ride a motorcycle, knows how to Karate chop, and has learned enough French, Spanish, and Sign Language to get herself slapped, Misty’s life is dedicated to connecting with the people who cross her path. She is totally enchanted with them and spends her days trying to translate the soul bouquets of her everyday muses into words.

Misty Provencher writes for teens, new adults and adults.  Her genres include: fantasy, paranormal, Sci-Fi, contemporary romance, and erotica.  A little something for everyone.

Misty Provencher lives in the Mitten. Knock on her internet blog door at mistyprovencherauthor.com.

Aside from the contact form, other options for keeping in touch include: Misty Provencher’s Books on Facebook, mistyprovencher on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Tsu, G+, and wherever coffee is sold.  To get an email whenever the author releases a new title, sign up for the VIP newsletter by clicking this link (opens a secure signup form in a new window).Please visit often for more UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) interviews, and check out the announcement post to seethe schedule and links to past interviews.

Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) : Desiree Williams

Please welcome the next guest in my Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) series. I met Desiree Williams online when she was promoting Heart Song, the first book in her Heart Song trilogy.
Even online, I could tell she was a warm, welcoming spirit. Meeting her in person proved my instincts right. Her smile is gorgeous and inviting, and I was fortunate to get to chat with her on the last day. I only wish we’d had more time.
Hi, Desiree. Welcome to my blog.
DW: Hello! It is such an honor to be here. Thank you! (Side note: your intro gave me warm fuzzies and a cheesy grin)
Finally meeting you in person gave me the warm fuzzies! This year’s UtopYA was your first. How did you find out about the con, and what made you decide to attend?
DW: It was wonderful being able to meet you in person. I chuckle when I think about how nervous I was to come say ‘hi,’ but you just pulled me right in with your own welcoming bubble of sunshine. =)
Anyhoo ... An author friend told me about UtopYA shortly after I published my first book in 2014. However, with all I had to juggle at the time, I couldn’t attend that year’s con, BUT I made sure to put it on the books for 2015. My main goal for the con was to become a sponge. I had planned to soak up as much knowledge, wisdom, and all-around-awesomeness that I could, and I’m pleased to report I did. Now, how I use all of that is a different story altogether.
A sponge... I love it. Such a perfect description of what you need to be at UtopYA. Now, tell us about your Heart Song trilogy. The final book in the series, Heart of the Guardian, recently released. Congrats! What’s the hardest thing about wrapping up a series?

DW: Heart Song is about a girl, who meets a boy, and saves the world. HA! Just kidding. *wink* The Heart Song Trilogy is a journey of love, hope, and redemption. I’ve loved watching my characters grow and develop while the brokenness within them is repaired and each one learns the power of genuine love. Of course all while they’re striving to free their respective nations from the oppression of a dark lord. There’s elemental powers, shifters, action, romance (clean), and comedy.
It’s sad to think that the characters’ journey is coming to an end, but, as the creator of this little world, I’m looking forward to what is in store next. Even though it’s hard to let go, I know it’s not the end-end. *Spoiler alert* There’s a spin off series for the next generation of Guardians. Eep!

Oooh. Glad to hear about the spin off series. So, what advice would you give to new writers who are working on their first book?
DW: Never stop. Don’t ever give up. Keep moving forward.
Seriously, new writers can cram their head full of craft knowledge, but it is the emotional aspect of the writer’s life that could be their downfall. I don’t know how many times I’ve laid on the floor—yup on the floor, staring at my ceiling—wondering why I keep trying. Those icky emotions derive from just self-doubt and have no room in our minds. Kick them out! And if you need help with that, reach out to someone. Just because writers spend hours on end at their computer doesn’t mean the journey has to be traveled alone. Shoot, here’s a virtual hug right now. *big squeeze!*
I love hugs! Sending one right back to you. I've been asking everyone... what is your favorite inspirational quote? Why?
DW: Ah, I have so many. But the one that keeps coming to mind is from Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
Fear is a liar—plain and simple. Everyone has a goal or a dream, but they will never know what they’re capable of until they take that first step. You can’t see the end of the journey, but you can start with Step One.
You are so right... fear is a liar. Plus, it knows how to manipulate us. Finally, what do you think makes UtopYA, renamed Utopia for its fifth year in 2016, so special?
DW: The people. The entire time I was at UtopYA (now Utopia) I could feel the genuine care everyone had for one another. Complete strangers pulled me into conversations just to make me feel welcomed and not like an invisible ant. The panelists were passionate about their topics because they wanted others to succeed. The market may be full of other writers, but it doesn’t have to be a competitive battlefield. The genuine care to help build others up made UtopYA special for me and is what will have me going back again. 

✮✮✮✮✮ Quick Answers ✮✮✮✮✮ 

Last Movie you Saw: Disney’s Inside Out. Comedy, Romance, Drama, or Horror? Comedy or Romantic comedy. I will go out of my way to avoid a book or movie if I know it will make me cry or scream. Last book you Read: The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall First Job: No laughing, but I was a grocery bagger at the commissary on the base my parents were stationed at. Gift cards or Cash? Gift cards. It lets the person know you’re thinking about their interests, but with the option they can pick out what they want.
Favorite Vacation Spot: The beach! Yes, the sun, sand, and ocean breeze. So many wonderful things to be said about the beach. =)
More about Desiree
Desiree Williams is a dreamer by day and chocoholic by night. She lives in the beautiful state of Kentucky with her husband and daughter, where she juggles life as a wannabe supermom. Desiree is a lover of food and avoider of dirty dishes. She delights in making people laugh and strives to bring hope and love with her wherever she goes.
You can find out more about Desiree and her books at www.desireewilliamsbooks.blogspot.com Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads/ Newsletter
Please visit often for more UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) interviews, and check out the announcement post to seethe schedule and links to past interviews.

Fractured Glass : Finalist in YA Sci-Fi

Happy Monday!

I wanted to share some exciting news.

Last week, Reader's Favorite announced their 2015 award winners, and Fractured Glass was named a Finalist in Young Adult Science-Fiction. Check out other winners here .

* throws confetti *

Check out our new cover with the two award stickers.


And now it's available at other retailers in addition to Amazon.

Buy links Amazon Smashwords Nook
In more exciting news, we are now writing another book. I'm so stoked about this one. It's completely different from anything I've ever done. 

Wanna know more? Check out this post .

And here's a teaser about the title...

Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) : Christina Marie

Please welcome the next guest in my Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) series. 

I couldn’t wait to meet Christina Marie this year. She reviewed Fractured Glass and loved it, and she has such a presence. I began following her blog and watching her YouTube videos and fell in love with her. I’m thrilled to say she’s even more amazing in person. She’s a bright ray of sunshine and always opening her arms for a hug.
Christina with me & Jo MichaelsThanks for hanging out on my blog today.
CM: Of course, Tia! I’m excited to be here!
When did you decide to share your love of books through a blog and YouTube channel?
CM: It was actually three years ago on July 19, 2012 that I started both my blog and my YouTube channel, but I didn’t decide to start sharing my love for books until I read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green back in April 2013! I felt the need to express my feels in a different way and book blogging & book tubing became my home that year!
When I watched your YouTube reflections on UtopYA, I was thrilled to find out you are a writer at heart. I truly believe the best writers love to read. Can you tell us what your book is about?
CM: Yes! I can. I am finally confident and comfortable enough to tell people that I am writing something! My book is about a young girl, Brette, who is abandoned by her mother at a very young age, and so she’s raised by her father. One day her father gets into some trouble and disappears, leaving her to fend for herself as a teenage girl. She becomes homeless because of this — until she is saved by a man that turns out to be her mother’s new husband. So, she’s thrown into this new life and new family with a mother that she’s hated all of her life. My book is about her adapting to all of that, while learning how to love her mother again and fall in love with her new family.
It sounds amazing. I can't wait to read it. I loved the story you shared with me at UtopYA about Marissa Meyer’s influence on you at a young age. Can you share that here? Oh, and tell us how it felt to meet her in person.
CM: Oh gosh! Marissa Meyer was a part of my childhood. When I was about 10 years old, I started watching Sailor Moon when I was at summer Day camp and fell in LOVE with the show — and anime in general. I found myself — really, my mother — buying the soundtracks, the dolls, the manga, everything Sailor Moon related. I was THAT in love. But then I also found myself mentally rewriting the episodes in my head. That was right around the time my mom started letting me on the computer and using the internet, so I found out what fan fiction was. And I happened upon a lot of Sailor Moon fan fiction. It was amazing! I used to print out the stories and keep them in a binder near my bed. I loved reading people’s re-imaginings of characters and episodes that I’d seen.
Anyway, there were about 3 fanfiction stories that I loved so much that I kept reading over and over again. They were by a person with the pen name Alicia Blade. I loved reading her stories. I just loved how real she made these characters feel to me. I still have those stories to this day… those stories got me through really bad days. When I just wasn’t feeling like myself, especially during my teenage years. (Fun Fact: I even wrote my own Sailor Moon/Digimon fan fiction because of Alicia Blade… and I may still have it *wink, wink*)
Turns out, Alicia Blade is none other Marissa Meyer. I love that woman. I love The Lunar Chronicles — they’re some of my favorite books. So, I almost cried when I found out that she and Alicia Blade were the same person!
When I found out she was going to be at UtopYA, I could NOT wait to meet her and tell her about everything she’s done for me. Well, funny story, I almost bulldozed her over when I was looking for her. But she and I got to talk for quite a while about what her writing, published and non published, meant to me. 
It was seriously one of the BEST conversations I’ve ever had with an author. I was literally starstruck. I think I was more starstruck at the fact that I was talking to Alicia Blade, as opposed to Marissa Meyer! haha
I really do love that story. So, you and Ethan Gregory, of One Guy’s Guide to Good Reads, are attached at the hip. I’m also featuring him in this interview series. How did you two become friends?
CM: Funny thing — he and I just talked about this. Ethan and I met in Des Moines, IA at a book event. We had a mutual friend who sent us both there with books we needed to get signed for her. Ethan had to give me the book he had gotten signed, so I could mail them back all together. 
According to him, he didn’t like me at first. He thought I was intimidating… Ha!
But, interestingly enough, our closeness came from a growing distance with our mutual friend. It was one of those “some relationships are only for a season” kind of deals. And he and I bonded over the loss of a mutual friendship. Through that bond, we learned how similar we are — with opinions, with music, etc. We started partnering together on projects — and we’ve been good friends ever since!
So sweet. I think you are both amazing. I've been asking everyone so far... What is your favorite inspirational quote? Why?
CM: I’m a music girl. It’s where my creativity stems from. So, when I think of a quote, it’s always from a song. 
“Your love will be my last — until my life runs out”.
It’s from my favorite song called “Where You Are” and it’s by Gavin DeGraw.
When I first heard that line, I cried. Because it’s what I call “my life verse”. When I love, I love hard. When I’m passionate about something, I am all in. And I try and live my life that way. 
My love for music, for the written word, for people, for life in general runs deep — it will continue to be fast and hard, slow and steady, strong and constant until I take my last breath on this earth. That’s how I want to be remembered. Life is so short; I want to love everything I do and everyone I know with every fiber of my being.
You know what... you totally come across that way, which is why everyone is so drawn to you. I loved meeting you in person in Nashville. What do you think makes UtopYA, renamed Utopia for its fifth year in 2016, so special?
CM: Utopia is seriously the field of dreams. It’s a magical reality. It’s where ideas go to become tangible. I have never felt a better energy and a better support system than Utopia. For it being my first time, I didn’t even feel like I was new! I felt like I knew everyone and that everyone was my family. I didn’t feel like a spectator or a “fan” meeting “celebrities”, like I’ve felt a many other conventions. 
I felt… home. I felt welcomed. I felt included. I felt important. I felt known.
That is what makes Utopia special.
Christina with Mindy Ruiz ✮✮✮✮✮ Quick Answers ✮✮✮✮✮ 
Last Movie you Saw: Forrest Gump (my all time favorite film)Comedy, Romance, Drama, or Horror? Romance (I’m a hopeless romantic)Last book you Read: Shades of Treason by Sandy WilliamsFirst Job: Cashier at Old NavyGift cards or Cash? Cash!Favorite Vacation Spot: Rome, Italy
More about Christina
LuLo Fangirl is a website run by me, Christina Marie. Founded in 2012, I wanted to create something for me. Not for anyone else, but me. Because that’s where it needs to start. If you’re not doing it for you first, then it’s not healthy. I get so much joy from talking about things that I love, from books to music to beauty to fashion. Even film (but that’s usually associated with books).

The name name “LuLo” comes from “Luscious and Lovely”, which is the name that this site originally possessed because it was primarily a beauty/fashion site. But in 2013, I decided to expand my focus on ALL things that interested me, not just beauty. Not just fashion. So “LuLo” was born. 

“Fangirl” was added in 2014 as my personal statement. A statement of ownership. Of pride. I used to get made fun of for being too excited about books or makeup or fashion. And I used to hide it. Not anymore. I wear the term as a badge of honor. I am a fangirl. And screw what you think.

LuLo Fangirl is a place for those who yearn to be understood. To squeal unnecessarily about the latest Cumberbatch photobomb or the new Cassandra Clare book. It’s for the fangirls to just fangirl; but it’s also for me. This site gives me permission to just be myself and I hope you enjoy me.

Other media outlets:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lcmarie19
Tumblr: http://lcmarie19.tumblr.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/krazytina05
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lcmarie19
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lcmarie19


Please visit often for more UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) interviews, and check out the announcement post to seethe schedule and links to past interviews.

Lose Sight of the Shore : #IWSG

The  Insecure Writer's Support Group  (or IWSG) is a wonderful group put together by the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh (which now has an equally cool  Facebook group ). 

The first Wednesday of each month is the perfect opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch, get encouragement and support about such insecurities, and to read how other writers are faring.

With the insanity of summer and kids being at home (my girls just started 10th, 8th, and 5th grades), I missed last month's posting. I'm glad to be back and look forward to checking in on as many people as I can.

Lately, my biggest fear is playing it too safe.

I've reached a point in my writing career (that shows a great first step, I called it career instead of something else) where I am not unhappy with my successes. However, I tend to be conservative... always playing it too safe.

To get to the next level, I have to take bigger chances and push the envelope. Which, inevitably, means there will be some failure.

Ugh. I. Hate. That. Word.

I know I can't get to the next step with a spotless record of success. I can't fear failure.


So, please help me out. Inspire Me! What are your favorite inspirational quotes surrounding success? Please share in the comments. I would greatly appreciate it.

My self-confidence thanks you.

Lies Facebook Party & Indie Podcasts : Indie News & Highlights

Happy Monday!

I have some great stuff to share with you today. Are you looking for entertainment from the Indie world? If so, you'll love this post.

First up...

Today, 8/31/15, starting at 2pmEST, head on over to Facebook to enjoy a fun release day party for Christina Benjamin's Lies.

Some information:


I'll be hosting starting at 10:30pm EST (it's perfect for me, because it's only 7:30pm EST). Join us here .

*****Next up...

If you love podcasts, there's an awesome new series from Jo Michaels, A Daily Cup of Jo. She features awesome interviews from the world of Utopia. All Indie, all the time. It's so awesome. I'm started listening to them on my run/walks.

To find out more about the shows, visit Jo's blog page here .

Just in case you are like me (not tech-savvy), I wanted to show you how easy it is to listen to Podcasts (this one is free, by the way).

Simply click this icon on your iPhone...


Then, search for "A Daily Cup of Jo". You should see this graphic...


Now all you need to do is enjoy.

Since I'm new to Podcasts, please let me know some other ones I should be listening to in the comments section below. Thanks in advance!

Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) : Ashley Bodette

Please welcome the next guest in my Meet Some UtopYA2016 Lovelies (Unofficial) series. I’ve followed her blog, Book Junkie: Not-So-Anonymous, for a while. But this year was the first time I sat down and really got to know her.
She’s funny, inspiring, and just plain awesome. Let me just say, there’s no better way to get to know someone than by playing Cards Against Humanity.
Thanks for hanging out on the blog today!
AB: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here! And I have to agree, Cards Against Humanity is a pretty great way to get to know someone!
You are the heart and soul behind Book Junkie: Not-So-Anonymous. What inspired you to start a book blog?
AB: Mostly I was just looking for a way to connect more with other readers and authors.  It took me almost a YEAR to convince myself to finally start it.  I didn’t really know that book blogs existed until 2012 when I joined Goodreads to keep track of what I was reading.  I started devouring other blogs’ posts, and I wanted to do it myself, but I was really scared that I would be putting my words out into the void, and no one would read it.  But if these other people could do it, I could to. And let me tell you, starting my blog changed my life.
You have some exciting things happening for the rest of 2015. Later this year, you are moving to London to pursue a Masters in Publishing. How did this come about?
AB: From August 2013-August 2014 I was Rachel Harris’s assistant.  As part of the internship, Rachel showed me everything she could about the publishing industry. I did a lot of beta reading/critiquing for her, and she kept on encouraging me to pursue an actual career in editing, or at least somewhere within publishing.  I looked into MA programs here in the states, but none of them seemed to fit. So I started looking in other English speaking countries. And once I found Kingston University, I knew that was it for me. I did a ton of research about their program, and the area outside of London where I would be going to school. I wrote the hardest essay of my life (my personal statement), filled out the rest of the application, and hit submit. A week later, I was sent my acceptance letter, and the rest is history.
I can't wait to hear all about your adventures. What non-book related thing are you most looking forward to doing in London?
AB: Hmm…well, this is just outside of London, but I’m REALLY looking forward to visiting the Doctor Who Experience. And I’m also excited to see lots of things on stage! (Musicals, plays, etc.)
Can I please come visit? :-) So, I also happen to know you are writing a book. Can you tell us anything about it? And when did you know you wanted to be an author?
AB: This was another Rachel Harris idea. She kept telling me I should just try to write something, so I started writing short stories a year ago. One of these short stories, it turns out, is not a short story at all. Although it started out as a funny, fluffy piece, the more I wrote, the deeper and darker it got. (I am a pantser, if you couldn’t tell.) 
I guess you could say the platform of my novel is that dating abuse is happening to teens across our nation, and abuse doesn’t just mean being physically hurt. My main characters, Becca and Asher, have pretty much been best friends since they were eight. Or at least, they were until Becca started dating Trip. Trip asked her to stop spending time with other males, and she did, because she thought it was cute that he was jealous. But over time, his requests and ‘suggestions’ isolated and hurt Becca more and more. After a HUGE bad moment, Becca broke up with Trip, but she’s having a hard time rejoining the rest of the world. This is the short blurb one of my beta-readers help put together for it:
A teenage story of acceptance, love, and finding the calm after the storm.
After losing herself during an abusive relationship, Becca is on a journey to find herself again, whether she knows it or not.
And Asher is going to help her get there.
That sounds awesome. Congrats. Oh, and I'm a proud pantser, too. I can't wait to read your work. Knowing you love books, I have to ask... what was your first favorite book?
AB: The Boxcar Children. My first grade teacher handed it to me because I was bored with all of the picture books we were reading in class. Once I worked through The Boxcar Children, I was hooked.  I haven’t stopped reading since.
Ah, I love that series and my girls did, too. So, I've been asking everyone... What is your favorite inspirational quote? Why?
AB: Alright, this is kind of a tie between two, but they’re related. First, “She needed a hero, so that’s what she became.” Second is a quote from Coco Chanel: “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”  
These are my mantras, both for myself, and my main character.  I personally got out of an abusive marriage three years ago, and I know how hard it can be to get out of an abusive relationship. But, we should never have to change ourselves in order to make someone else happy. And in order to get out of those relationships, we have to become our own hero. No one can save us but ourselves.
I love those quotes. By the way, congratulations on again being named an official Utopia blogger. What do you think makes UtopYA, renamed Utopia for its fifth year in 2016, so special?
AB: Hands down, it’s the people. These people are MY people. We truly are a family. I don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed of being ME, my book-loving self. Of course the workshops, awards, and other chances for industry interaction are phenomenal as well. But without the people, those workshops and awards wouldn’t mean a thing.

 ✮✮✮✮✮ Quick Answers ✮✮✮✮✮ 
Last Movie you Saw: Disney Pixar’s Inside OutComedy, Romance, Drama, or Horror? Can I have them all mixed together? JLast book you Read: The Forgotten Mountain by Heather LyonsFirst Job: NannyGift cards or Cash? Depends who it’s coming from…
Favorite Vacation Spot: This one’s tough!  I’m going to go with camping in The Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.
More about Ashley
Wow. My life is really in the middle of a lot of change, making this hard to write.  I grew up on a small hobby farm in Minnesota, and lived in/near the same small town for (almost all of) the first 25 years of my life!  I moved to Florida in 2012. Although I have missed seeing snow at Christmas time, I definitely haven’t been able to complain about the warmer weather!  In September I will be moving to London for a year to study my MA in publishing at Kingston University.
My grandpa taught me how to read when I was 4 years old, and I haven’t stopped reading since!  I have a BA in English literature, with a minor in music.  I currently dabble in beta reading, proofreading, and critiquing/editing, as well as writing.
Find her on Facebook , Twitter @AshleyBodette, author Facebook page , and Instagram .
Please visit often for more UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) interviews, and check out the announcement post to seethe schedule and links to past interviews.

Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) : CJ Pinard

Please welcome the next guest in my Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) series.
Me with CJ & Jo Michaels at UtopYA2015When I first walked up to greet CJ this year, my daughter was already there. She made it clear I was ruining her mojo, so I went back later. CJ is a gorgeous person, inside and out, and she’s always got a smile and kind word to share.
Thanks for hanging out on my blog today.
CJ: Hey! Thanks for having me! It was sooo great seeing you at UtopYA2015, and meeting your beautiful daughter.
My daughter lives for UtopYA. She actually asked for the ticket as her birthday gift. Speaking of birthdays, happy belated birthday. I'm a summer baby, too. Oh, and congratulations on your new release (and book birthday) for Soul Release (Rebel Riders #3). Tell us about Soul Release.
CJ: Well, Soul Release is the third installment of this trilogy. This series, like all my books, was supposed to be one book, but this story continued to stretch into more books. This will probably be the last. 
I think my characters like to get into so much trouble and have adventures that their stories just keep going. I really enjoyed this series, kinda sad to see it come to an end. With that being said, there’s a character who sort of tried to take over and I had to put a leash on him, so to speak, and he may be getting a novella for all his troubles!
You write both young adult paranormal and new adult romances. Which challenges you more as a writer? Do you have a favorite?
CJ: Definitely the romances. Paranormal is my first love, and those seem to flow pretty easily for me. But the romances I feel I need to put a bit more emotion into (which is why these are written in first person, versus my paranormal, which are written in third). I don’t want to write a flat and boring romance that doesn’t make the reader at least get some emotional investment from the characters and/or the storyline. I have cried while writing all of them, especially Tour of Duty. I have a soft spot for our military men and women. That one is my favorite to date. We’ll see after my new series comes out if I can outdo myself.
I have no doubt you can do anything you set your mind to. By the way, I'm impressed with the number of books you’ve published. What’s your writing schedule like?
CJ: Haha, thank you! I hear that a lot. Believe it or not, I still have a full time day job that I can’t leave because I’ve only got six years left until I can draw a partial retirement, so I plan on sticking it out. I write in the evenings mostly, but not every night. I just sometimes can’t or don’t want to. I think once I get on a roll, though, that I can produce a lot of words in a small amount of time. I think typing 100 WPM helps too, heh.
I bet it does. That's awesome. I've been asking everyone... What is your favorite inspirational quote? Why?
CJ: “Scars are souvenirs you never lose.” That one small lyric has resonated with me for years. We all carry scars, some on the outside, some on the inside. I decided a long time ago that mine were going to be something to treasure and learn from, not something I was gonna let break me or weaken me (and I have a lot!). I will use mine to better myself, and I teach my children the same thing. If only I could guard them from obtaining any scars, ya know? I truly believe scarred people are the most genuine and kindhearted.
I won't forget that one now. Thanks for sharing. So, what do you think makes UtopYA, renamed Utopia for its fifth year in 2016, so special?
CJ: I think it’s sort of an original concept that has now been copied. Not just a one-day book signing, but several days of panels, keynotes, and fandom. I think it’s great that it appeals to both future/wannabe writers and current seasoned vets. I love the ‘big’ names who come to speak, too. You can never learn enough about this industry. I really enjoyed Sylvia Day last year. What a nice gal too. I really enjoy watching the friendships develop and the excitement build on Facebook in the weeks and months building up to it.
CJ with Sylvia Day at UtopYA2014✮✮✮✮✮ Quick Answers ✮✮✮✮✮ 
Last Movie you Saw:Fifty Shades of Grey (I just had to!)Comedy, Romance, Drama, or Horror? For movies? Comedy. For reading? HorrorLast Book you Read:The Mortis Vampire Series by J.C. Diem (still reading this, it’s addicting!)First Job: Deli ClerkGift cards or Cash?Gift CardsFavorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere in Florida
CJ with her book model, Nathan WellerI hope to see you next year in Nashville! I’m gonna try my darndest!!!
More about CJ
C.J. is a west coast native who has lived on both coasts and now lives near the middle, in Colorado! Coming from a family of writers and editors, she feels writing is in her blood and hopes people will lose themselves for a little while in the fantasy and fun of her stories. She also loves sweet red wine, the SF 49ers, and unlike most authors, doesn't have any cats (allergies!). When she's not writing, she can be found chasing around her kids or working at her day job, which she totally feels interferes with life, but it also gives her inspiration for her books, since reality is sometimes way more interesting than fiction.
She also loves getting notifications that people have sent her an email, added her on Facebook, or on Twitter. So stop by and say hi - don't be shy! She's not! :)
Email me: cjpinardauthor@gmail.com
Find me: http://cjpinard.com/
Like me: https://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor
Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007822338176
Follow me: https://twitter.com/CJPinard
Add me: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6565787.C_J_Pinard

OTHER BOOKS BY C.J. PINARD: Enchanted Immortals (Book #1)Enchanted Immortals 2: The VortexEnchanted Immortals 3: The VampyreEnchanted Immortals 4: The Vixen BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation (An Enchanted Immortals Novella)Patriotic Duty (Duty & Desire, #1)Tour of Duty (Duty & Desire #2)Boots Beneath My Bed (Duty & Desire #3)Playing the Field (Duty & Desire #4)Unscathed (A paranormal romance collaboration with Tim O’Rourke)Three of a Kind: Tales of Luck, Chance & Misfortune (short story collaboration)Summer Sizzle: Stories of Love, Lust, and Passion (short story collaboration)Blood Bites: Three Vampire Tales (short story collaboration)Tidal Wave: Tales of Deep Passion (short story collaboration, a Duty & Desire short)Soul Rebel (Rebel Riders #1)Soul Redemption (Rebel Riders #2)Soul Release (Rebel Riders #3)
Coming soon: Imperfect Heroes Series (3 book contemporary romance series)Unraveled (Paranormal romance #2 with Tim O’Rourke)
All books available where eBooks are sold.
Please visit often for more UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial) interviews, and check out the announcement post to seethe schedule and links to past interviews.

Vampire Ascension by Eva Pohler Release Day : Indie News & Highlights

When seventeen-year-old Gertie leaves New York to study abroad in Athens, she learns that vampires and demigods are real and unwittingly becomes a catalyst to an uprising led by Dionysus, lord of the vampires.

 
In this final installment, Gertie, Jeno, and Hector struggle to bring a peaceful resolution to the war in Athens, but any success they make comes at great cost. How many more people must die for freedom and justice? The teens quickly learn that nothing is fair in love and war. Sometimes even love requires a terrible price.
  
If you don't already have the first book, Vampire Addiction, go here for your FREE copy: http://www.evapohler.com/facebook.       

Check out this one-minute series trailer!

 
Some Early Reviews

"An absolutely EPIC conclusion to an awesome tale of vampires and Greek mythology!"--Jeanine Walsh Palinkas

"The unique blend of the paranormal with Greek mythology is breathtaking and will leave you dying for more."--Jonel Boyko of Pure Jonel (A book review site) 


Buy your copy of Vampire Ascension: The Vampires of Athens, Book Three at your favorite retailer today for $3.99 for a limited time! 

Kindle Nook iBooks Kobo Google Play Smashwords 
Come celebrate this new release with fun games and prizes at our Facebook event tonight! Click to join!

 
As part of the celebration, Eva is giving away a signed set of paperbacks of ALL SIX books in her Gatekeeper's Saga, plus an Eva Pohler's Books drawstring tote full of swag. Click here to enter! 


More About Eva

Eva Pohler is the Amazon bestselling author of The Gatekeeper's Saga, The Purgatorium Series, The Vampires of Athens, and The Mystery Book Collection. She also teaches writing and literature at a university, where she lives with her husband, three children, two dogs, and two guinea pigs.