Eden Baylee's Blog, page 80

I am interviewed on CONVERSATIONS LIVE by @CyrusWebb

I have an interview today with the multi-talented Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine and host of Conversations LIVE Radio.

Conversations LIVE is an interactive podcast, and Cyrus originally interviewed me Dec 2011. I was also thrilled to be included in his magazine.

Tune in today to Blog Talk Radio at 1 PM EST when I’ll have the pleasure of chatting with Cyrus once again.

 

Hope you’ll join us,

eden

 

Filed under: Eden's Guest Blogs & Interviews

I am interviewed on THE WRITE STUFF by author @RaymondBolton

Good friend and author, Raymond Bolton is talking to me on his blog today! You may recall I had the pleasure of interviewing him a short time ago.

He’s the author of the fantasy book, Awakening, and he hosts a terrific author series called “The Write Stuff.”

Connect to Ray at all his virtual homes. He’s a wonderful man to know.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Read Ray’s interview of me on THE WRITE STUFF. He asks some great questions.

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Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews

Eden’s Exchange talks to @CPBialois #Author #interview

I love when relationships develop organically, as they are the ones that usually stick. CP Bialois is an author I met sometime ago, and he’s been a constant source of optimism and encouragement. He’s an extremely diligent and hard-working author, and I’m happy to offer him space to tell you more about himself.

Please give a warm welcome to fantasy author,  CP Bialois.

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CP, great to have you here finally. How would your best friend describe you in 20 words or less?

With a bunch of four letter adjectives. :D He’d say I’m a good, reliable, stand-up kind of guy.

Nice! Do you have any extravagances?

I’d love to be more thought provoking, but it’s books, dvds, and cds. Put me in a store with any of those and a wad of cash, and I’m going to need help carrying them home.

What profession other than your own would you like to try?

I’d love to be a sports or rock star.

What are some of your favorite curse words?

Any and everything. :D But my tops is f—. Few words can be used as a noun, adjective, and verb. There’s a difference between calling someone an idiot and an effing idiot. There’s so much more power behind it.

Agree with you there, cursing is artful wordplay. Do you have a motto you live by?

Life is a risk. Roll the dice and see what happens.

Short and sweet, I like it. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Writing my first book. Until then I had a habit of not finishing something I started. I refused to not finish it and it’s grown from there.

Let’s talk about writing.  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

From life and everything around us. I get yelled at for it, but I can get a story idea from a bird flying overhead.

I fully understand what you mean. What motivates you to write?

I had issues for most of my life and reading helped me to escape. I like to offer someone that same gift. Whether they have a great or horrible day, if I can help them forget their troubles for a short time, I did good.

Name a few of your favorite authors and books, and why you like them.

Oh boy, this could be a long list. Just to name a few, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Stephen King, Robert Louis Stevenson, H.G. Wells, and Tom Clancy. All of them took/take the mundane of everyday life and create a wonderful adventure I’d love to be a part of.

A wonderful list, CP. How would you define your style of writing?

It’s semi-formal and classic depending on what story I’m writing.

What part of writing a novel do you enjoy the most? The least?

Seeing the ideas and images in my head come to life with each stroke of the pen. It’s pure magic. The least is editing. I go through my stories so much I often get to the point of not wanting to see them again. I still love them, but it takes some effort before I’m willing to pick them up and read.

I’m no fan of editing either, but it’s necessary if you want your manuscript to shine. Do you outline, or do you just sit down and write?

Mostly I just sit down and write. If I outline I do it more in a bullet point style with a brief idea about what I want to do. Anything more than that and the outline will be obsolete five minutes after I start writing.

Tell us the genre of your latest book and why people should read it. 

The Last World is in the Apocalyptic Science Fiction genre. Aside from I think it’s a great book, it takes on the notion of sacrifice. What is acceptable to be sacrificed for the good of the many?

Book blurb:

Franklin Bowen was an ordinary man with anger management issues until one day he finds himself drawn into something he never believed possible. Thinking he’s lost his mind, he resists the urging of a mysterious figure named Tanok who only appears to him in visions.

After seeing the desolation brought upon the immense interstellar human empire by a virus from a neighboring galaxy, Franklin is forced to reconsider his belief in what is real in order to help Tanok save mankind from extinction.

Will Franklin find the strength he needs to persevere, or will the Earth and its people follow what’s left of his sanity?

Buy from Amazon

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Sacrifice is an interesting concept, and something I’ve explored as well. How long did it take for you to write it?

A little over a month. It’s my 2011 NaNoWriMo novel.

Wow! A successful NaNoWriMo indeed! What inspired you to write this book?

I was watching a documentary on the making of the Universal classic, Creature from the Black Lagoon. At one point they were talking about finding the lost world and the story idea suddenly clicked in my head. It’s kind of funny how the story has nothing to do with the movie, but sometimes things just happen. :D

How did you celebrate when you finished your book?

Since I gave up drinking (long story), we went to the Chinese Buffet. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine and I never get tired of their food. :D

I’ve eaten lots of Chinese food, and I still like it too! What has the reception been to your book?

It’s been great. I learned long ago that my stories are either hit or miss with most people and so far everyone who has read it has mostly enjoyed. It’s been a good boost for my confidence in the genre.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from writing your book?

That truth can be as strange as fiction. There are a couple of points I wrote before some of the current news stories came out that makes me feel a little prophetic. Now, if I could figure out how to do that for the lottery I’ll be really happy. :D

What is the best way for someone to support your book, aside from buying it?

Leaving honest reviews is always important, but if you don’t already have a copy, sharing it through social media would help tremendously.

Are you working on another book now? Tell us a bit about it.

I’m currently rewriting the third Sword and the Flame novel titled “The Lightwalker” and hope to have it ready by the end of 2014. It picks up five years after the conclusion of The Purging where an ancient god escapes from his imprisonment and seeks to avenge himself against his fellow gods by using the people of Pyrain. It combines the original group of characters with the new ones in the novella series (the next two books are also coming out this year).

What is your best advice for new authors?

Don’t stop writing and do what’s right for your story. You’ll be inundated with advice and rules but don’t feel bad about not using something if it doesn’t work for you.

I could not agree more CP, let’s finish with a fun lightning round!  

Aside from people/pets, what is the ONE item you would save if your house was on fire? My laptop and as many books as I can carry. :D

Favorite place you’ve traveled to or would like to travel to? Venice, Italy. It’s been a dream of mine to live there one day.

Name a food you can eat everyday. Pizza or Chinese food.

Cat/dog/other pet? Cats and dogs. Although given how ours like to drive us nuts I’m ready for fish in the future. I’ll give in at some point, but dang it, it’s the principle. :D

Favorite style of music? Heavy metal and classical. Nothing gets the blood pumping faster or harder.

The best gift you’ve ever received? A box set of Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island from my dad for Christmas when I was a kid.

Your most guilty pleasure. I’m going to get into so much trouble with the wife for saying this, but it’s adult videos. I told her when we first met, “Don’t mess with my porn” and she hasn’t. :D

Favorite season. It’s a tie. I love spring as it’s bursting with new life, but I also love the fall when the leaves change colors.

Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers? I’d like to wish everyone the best in their endeavors.

You’re so sweet CP. It’s been a pleasure to learn more about you.

Readers, please connect to CP and learn more about this wonderful author. Leave a comment for him and say “hi” too. He’s really friendly as you can tell from all the smiley faces!

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Connect To CP

Blog | Facebook | Twitter @CPBialois | Google +

Pinterest |  | Goodreads | Amazon Author page

Where do I begin? Well first I guess it’s only fair to say that CP Bialois isn’t my real name. It’s a collaboration I made out of the three greatest pets anyone could ever want. My real name is Ed and I’m just an average person that has found a way to do what he loves.

For as long back as I can remember I loved to pretend. Whether it was with my Transformers, GI Joe, or He-Man toys I loved to create intricate plots and have them fight it out. As a fan of horror, science fiction, action, and comedy I dare say my taste in movies are well rounded. Some of my favorites were Star Wars, Star Trek, martial arts, and anything with Swarzenegger in them.

I’d write my own stories about the characters I saw in the theaters or TV or I’d just daydream about what I’d see myself as the hero of course. You can’t have a daydream without beating the bad guys, getting the girl, etc. It’s just not right to envision yourself as a flunky or sidekick.

As far as books I loved Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Island, Dracula, and the normal assortment. My early love was the Star Trek novels, I’d read them or the Hardy Boys relentlessly. For a time I could tell you the plot of over a hundred books not to mention comics. Read more on CP’s Amazon page.

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Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews

A COMMON EVIL is upon us thanks to @brchitwood

One of my favorite people, author Billy Ray Chitwood releases his book, A Common Evil today! Sink your teeth into this series. I’m glad I did! Read my review below and discover why. You can also find my review on:

Amazon US | UK | Canada  and Goodreads.

Please join me in congratulating Billy Ray on his latest book. Well done, sir!

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 Buy from Amazon in ebook and print

US  ~  UK  ~  CA

Former sleuth Bailey Crane and lovely wife Wendy are enjoying their penthouse pleasures until a cartel sting operation at their Mexican resort brings chaos and emotional uncertainty into a blurry reality. Wendy is kidnapped, and Bailey faces the demons running loose in his mind as he struggles with his choices. Also President of the resort’s HOA, Bailey has not only kidnapping and murders with which to contend, but other problems which add to this suspenseful chapter in his life. The surprising end point brings back to Bailey and Wendy those memories better left in the memory vault.

An exciting, intense thriller in the sand and cacti of Mexico’s Sonoran desert by the beautiful Sea of Cortez.

This is the final Book 6 of ‘The Bailey Crane Mystery Series’.

My 5-star review for A Common Evil

A Common Evil addresses something basic in all of us—the need to preserve the things we love, whether they are people, a place to live, or a certain way of life.

This is the sixth and final book in the Bailey Crane Mystery series, which started with An Arizona Tragedy – (Bailey Crane Mystery Series Book 1), and it more than stands on its own as an engaging story.

The setting is the Sea of Cortez, also known by other names—Gulf of California or Gulf of Mexico, a large inlet along the northwestern coast of Mexico. Already, the story attracted me due to its location – exotic, hot, sand, beach, and home to Corona beer.

Bailey Crane, a retired detective is minding his own business, living in a luxury beach resort with his wife, Wendy, when he is drawn into the shifty underworld. The start of the book pulls you in immediately with raucous gunfire. It offers a look of what it’s like to live among drug cartels that are at odds with one another. The paradox of paradise is that life is expendable when profit and greed motivate those in power.

Against the backdrop of the fascinating world of living in Mexico as an American, Mr. Chitwood treats us to moments of self-reflection with strong hints of his Southern upbringing. These moments were for me, some of the most satisfying passages in the book. They offered a deeper look into the inner workings of his protagonist.

Bailey Crane is not afraid to be brutish to protect what he wants. While he may wrestle with inner demons, he can steep himself firmly in the task at hand and reflect on his own morality later. In other words, he gets the job done.

Through his two main characters, the author offers us a glimpse of a couple who have been through a lot. Bailey Crane and Wendy have a very strong relationship, one with a love that runs deep and is deeply personal. Within that love, words are not always required to express how they feel for each other. At times, the book reads as an ode from Bailey to Wendy, and I found this particularly endearing.

As with all good mystery/thrillers, there are twists and turns and a surprise ending that made for a wonderful read. For lovers of the mystery genre, whether you slant toward action, cozy, or literary—A Common Evil will not disappoint.

Find Billy Ray at all his virtual homes

Website | Blog | Twitter @brchitwood | Independent Authors Network

Amazon Page US | Amazon Page UK | Goodreads

Billy Ray was interviewed here March 2013.

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Filed under: Author Promotions

First Impressions ~ Guest blog for @junying007

Today, I have the pleasure of guest blogging about my new book, Stranger at Sunset, and it’s hosted by one of my favorite people.

I have known author, Junying Kirk for sometime now. She is a wonderful writer living in England originally from China. A multi-published author and world traveler, she’s a fascinating woman who is also featuring Stranger at Sunset as her book of the month in July!

Read First Impressions on Junying’s terrific blog and find out how it ties into my book.

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Find out more about Junying by following her links below.

Website | Twitter @junying007 | Facebook | YouTube | Goodreads

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Buy from Amazon worldwide
No Kindle? No Worries.

There is a Kindle App for just about any electronic device (Click here to get one). If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, then you are able to download my e-books.

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Filed under: Eden's Guest Blogs & Interviews, Stranger at Sunset

STRANGER AT SUNSET with music – THANK YOU (Part 1)

They say it takes a village to raise a child. It takes even more to raise awareness for a new book.

Over the next few months, I’ll feature wonderful people who’ve helped me promote my latest release. They’ve done it in different ways and deserve recognition for their hard work.

I’m a huge fan of giving credit back to those who help me. It’s the polite thing to do, but beyond that, I know the time it takes out of one’s own schedule to help someone else. For that reason, I always try to recognize those who support me.

In no particular order, I present some of the best people to have in your social network. I’ve linked them, so visit their sites and connect. I can’t say enough good things about them, and it’s only the beginning.

I will be adding more names over the next few months, so if I didn’t catch you this round, please DO NOT hesitate to send me a note. I try to keep up with everyone who has spread the word. If I have missed you, it’s an oversight I will gladly correct.

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♥ BIG HUGS to those who’ve bought a book and reviewed it on any of the Amazon sites:  US | UK | Canada and Goodreads ~ It’s greatly appreciated. Good or bad, your reviews mean a lot to me and help connect me to more readers, so THANK YOU! ♥

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See all the wonderful places I’ve been in just a couple of weeks! 

Karen Einsel – Pre-release announcement

The Daily Grime – Pre-release reblog

Lorna Suzuki – Pre-release interview

C.P. Bialois – Release reblog

Casey Sheridan - Book release blog

Larry Enright – Book release blog

Stephen Moran – Book release blog

Gemma Parkes – Book Release blog

Tim Dittmer – Pre-release blog & review on his blog

John Dolan – Book review on his blog and networks

Christoph Fischer – Book review/profile on his blog and networks & Canada Day/birthday celebration w/ Canadian authors

Billy Ray Chitwood – Author interview and review on the networks

Jersey Joe – Book review on Goodreads

Mars Dorian – Book review on Goodreads and the networks

Junying Kirk – Book of the Month for July and review on the networks

Diantha’s Book Corner – Facebook cover page of my book

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This song is an oldie, but the sentiment seemed perfect. THANK YOU ALL for being a friend!

The following people have shared my book across their social networks – Facebook, Twitter, Linked in, Google+, Pinterest and beyond! They are a diverse group of: authors; bloggers; reviewers; designers; marketers; filmmakers; podcasters and of course—readers. THANK YOU! 

Bill Kirton

Rob Schreck

Darcia Helle

R.B. Wood

Sessha Batto

Lydia Aswolf

Lisette Brodey

Joe Hefferon

Maria Savva

Wyatt McIntyre

Carolyn Arnold

William Kendall

John Anstie

Steven M. Grant

Loren Kleinman

Christoph Paul

Alex Greenwood

Justin Bog

Annetta Ribken

Patti Larsen

Carol Romanella

Laurie Smith

Rob “Sharky” Pruneda

Efrain Nadal De Choudens

Casey Ryan

Cyrus Webb

Dannie C. Hill

Savannah Chase

Nicole Chardenet

Robert Chazz Chute

Rachel Thompson

Pavarti K. Tyler

The Bloody Munchkin

Sue Nador

Britt Skrabanek

Angus Vieira

BadRedhead Media

Sid Kali

Badass Marketing

Dom Portalla


2Life


Wally Lane

J.B. Graphics

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Filed under: Stranger at Sunset

I am interviewed by author @BRChitwood

Who is that handsome devil, you ask? Why, It’s my friend, Billy Ray Chitwood! Billy Ray is an author I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing on my blog, and we’ve been friends ever since.

When he offered to chat with me after the release of my book, I did a happy dance :D because he is just THAT cool.

As one of the most supportive authors I know, he’s also a writer of numerous books, with another releasing this month. I grabbed a copy of  A Common Evil and will share more about it here, so stay tuned!

Billy Ray is laid back even though he’s wearing a tux and bowtie in this picture ;). I recommend you connect to this Southern gentleman at all his virtual homes. He’s a lovely author to know.

Website | Blog | Twitter @brchitwood | Amazon US ~ UK | Goodreads

Read my interview with the entertaining, Billy Ray Chitwood HERE and enjoy!

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Filed under: Eden's Guest Blogs & Interviews, Stranger at Sunset

My mystery novel – STRANGER AT SUNSET is here!

Today is the official day of my book release, wheee! Thanks to all the people who’ve taken the time to share about it, and who will help me promote the book over the next few months. You’ve been incredible. ♥

My sincere thanks to early readers of the book and those who have already reviewed it. The final version was uploaded just before midnight tonight, so if you have downloaded an earlier version, let me know and I will get you the most recent one. THANK YOU for being so earnest though. It thrills me to know you are interested in my work.

Stranger at Sunset is sold on Amazon only for now, via e-book. A print version will be available at a later date.

Buy from Amazon  US | UK | Canada

For other parts of the world, access here

No Kindle? No Worries.

There is a Kindle App for just about any electronic device (Click here to get one). If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, then you are able to download my e-books.

THANK YOU to everyone for your encouragement and ongoing support.  ~ eden

 

Filed under: Stranger at Sunset

I am interviewed by author @LornaSuzuki

A day before my book, Stranger at Sunset launches, the lovely Lorna Suzuki invited me for an interview to talk about it.

She is one of the most amazing and supportive people I’ve met and the author of the excellent Imago Chronicles, now being made into a movie!

Find out where to buy Lorna’s books and connect to her at all her homes.

Website | Facebook | Twitter @lornasuzuki | Youtube

You can read my interview with Lorna here.

Enjoy,

eden

Filed under: Stranger at Sunset

Stranger at Sunset ~ Releases 6.30.14 ~ New Website and Summary

My upcoming novel, Stranger at Sunset, releases June 30th. What better time to revamp a website than now?

HUGE thanks to JB Graphics for putting it together under enormous pressure.

Along with the new site, I have finally published all 8 novellas from my two anthologies—Fall into Winter and Spring into Summer.

Buy the novellas separately or as part of the anthology.

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New Website:  www.edenbayleebooks.com

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THANK YOU to all who have continued to share about Stranger at Sunset before it even comes out! Your generosity has been amazing.

Check out the new website. It’s cool!

I’ve included a book summary below too.

Hope you enjoy it. ;)

AVAILABLE as an e-book, June 30, 2014

A vacation can be a killer

Dr. Kate Hampton, a respected psychiatrist, gathers with a group of strangers at her favorite travel spot, Sunset Villa in Jamaica. Included in the mix are friends of the owners, a businessman with dubious credentials, and a couple who won the trip from a TV game show.

It is January 2013, following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The luxury resort is struggling, not from the storm, but due to a scathing review from caustic travel writer, Matthew Kane. The owners have invited him back with hopes he will pen a more favorable review to restore their reputation.

Even though she is haunted by her own demons, Kate feels compelled to help. She sets out to discover the motivation behind Kane’s vitriol. Used to getting what he wants, has the reviewer met his match in Kate? Or has she met hers?

Stranger at Sunset is a slow-burning mystery/thriller as seen through the eyes of different narrators, each with their own murky sense of justice. As Kate’s own psychological past begins to unravel, a mysterious stranger at Sunset may be the only one who can save her.

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4 easy ways to stay in touch with me:

1) Upper right, hit the RED button to add your name to my mailing list (Releases and my book news only).

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Filed under: Stranger at Sunset