N.R. Wick's Blog, page 5

Book Blogger Fair Guest: Rebecca Hamilton

It's such a pleasure to have Rebecca on the blog today. She's a fantastic writer and an amazing person. Everyone give her a warm welcome!

What can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Forever Girl?

At the time, I was on a huge vampire book kick, but they all felt the same for me. I felt like I was chasing the proverbial high, trying to find that one story that I loved as much as some of my old favorites. Then one day, I thought, “Maybe I should write a book.” It had been something I’d always wanted to do. And so, I started writing. I had a few scenes in mine when I began, though most of those didn’t make the final cut of the story anyway. But I was definitely inspired by the Wiccan religion, by the misconceptions surrounding the religion and the truth behind it as well. It helped create a complex an atmospheric read while at the same time supporting the theme of the story: acceptance.

One of the things I love about this book is the attention to detail in the Wiccan/Pagan themes. Did you consciously try to maintain such a high level of accuracy? What can you tell us about how you did such a great job?
When people tell me how well I did with the accuracy of Wiccan elements of the story, I’m tickled. I put a lot of heart into researching and bringing those aspects to the story without drowning the story with religious details. I had Wiccan friends and editors read my story as well to confirm accuracy. I’m often asked, because of how accurate these details are, if I myself am Wiccan. I’m not. I’m just a huge advocate of freedom of religion and of people not being judged. I also happen to think that the Pagan religions are beautiful; Wiccan and Pagans are some of the kindest-hearted people I know. At the same time, I believe a religion doesn’t make a person. There are good and bad intentioned people in all walks of like, and this is the reason I try to bring balance to the story with characters of differing religions representing the light and dark of each.

The Forever Girl has a fantastic romance story arc. Were there any specific stories (whether they be book, movies, or real life) that inspired the romance between Sophia and Charles?
I find most romantic inspiration from life—from my experiences, from hearing the experiences of others, and from watching people all around me. But people who read paranormal romances do like a little bit of fantasy—a little bit of romance that is larger than life. The most inspiring romantic movie of all time (to me) is Becoming Jane. Whenever I was inspiration to add a little romantic flare to my stories, I watch that movie again. It’s impossible to watch that movie too much :)

What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
Rewriting it . . . over and over and over again. ;)

What do you love the most about being an author?
The people I meet! Most people are surprised to learn how much I completely suck at being social in real life. I do eventually come out of my shell, but only online am I so social “off the bat”. And through my writing, I meet a ton of people online. Many AMAZING people, and even people who inspire me (in a good way) to write new characters in new books. Heros and Heroines. Because there’s a lot of good people in this world—ALL over the world—and I’m lucky to have met them because of my books.

What’s your favorite movie, TV show, and book?
Movie: Becoming Jane hehe
TV Show: Dexter
Book: The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard

Is there anything special or exciting that you have planned and would like to share with us?
Yes. But I’m not allowed. So I’ll tell you the slightly less special but still exciting news: Book 2 of The Forever Girl Series is due to be released later this year, along with a co-written comedic horror novel that I’ve been working on with bestselling author Riley J. Ford. Follow me on Twitter @InkMuse for the latest news and updates!

Thanks for having me!



The Forever Girl (Forever Girl Series #1)Video Trailer Reviews BUY NOW Kindlegraph!HarperCollins: "It’s rare to see such natural flow and tempo from a debut author."

Sophia's family has skeletons, but they aren't in their graves.

At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.

Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.

Survival in his world, she learns, means not asking questions and staying out of the immortal council's way. It's a line she crossed long ago. If Sophia wants to survive the council and save the people she loves, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.

The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampire fiction, ghost stories, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.

Her Sweetest Downfall (A Forever Girl Journal)
Video Trailer BUY NOW Reviews Kindlegraph!
Ophelia's been successful at hiding her true identity, until the mark of the serpent appears on her neck--a death sentence, should it be seen by anyone in her town. Hiding the mark might save her from falling victim to the witch hunts of her era, but the scorching sensation it carries can't be ignored.

When the mysterious Ethan is sent to collect her for a life of something more, she learns concealing the mark is the least of her worries. She's destined to don a new mask--to join a dark, supernatural world and protect the future of people she may never meet.

What she doesn't know--what she learns too late--is that her initiation won't be complete until she kills the man she loves.

Set in an alternate Regency England, "Her Sweetest Downfall" is a standalone novella in the "Forever Girl" series, written as a gift to fans of the Forever Girl series.

HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, fantasy, and vampire fiction.

Blogger Book Fair Giveaway

Welcome to the first day of the Blogger Book Fair. I'll be hosting five really great authors this week during the fair, and guess what? Some of them have offered up a free ebook copy of their book to the prize pack for our giveaway. So, if you would like a chance to win a $15 giftcard to Amazon and some awesome books, please enter the giveaway below! Don't forget to tell your friends!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check in to the Blogger Book Fair July 22-26, 2013

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Check in to the Blogger Book Fair, and book your trip to far away places!July 22-26, 2013

Authors and Book Bloggers,

Sign ups for the July 2013 Blogger Book Fair will close on June 15 at midnight central time, so get your registrations in to participate!

As of 5/31/2013, we have:Authors: 89
Books: 233
Bloggers: 14

If you haven't yet registered, you can find all of the information on the Blogger Book Fair page.
Check out the Code of ConductFill out either the Author Sign Up form or the Blogger Sign Up form (Deadline June 15)Kayla will match everyone with hosts and send out this information to you after sign-ups closeCheck out the events--all authors are eligible to participate in the events, and if you have an event you'd like to host, just fill out the simple Event Sign Up Form--all of this information can be found on the Events! page (Deadline July 8).If you're interested in hosting a giveaway to drive traffic to your site, sign up via the Giveaway Sign Up form (Deadline July 15).And if your book will be FREE or $0.99 for the duration of the Fair, you can sign up on the Free and $.99 Book Sign Up Forms (Deadline July 15).
Events:
Art Fiction Gala hosted by Lucie Smoker
Does your fiction promote the visual arts--through featuring an artist, painting, sculpture, performance art, etc? Then, consider entering Lucie's Art Fiction Gala.

The Art Fiction Gala is a virtual celebration of fiction that highlights the visual arts. Dress up in your finest, pick up some friends--a bottle of wine--and sample mind-blowing fiction that crosses the line between literary and visual art. Plus a gallery of art featuring reading.
More information & entry instructions

Three Wishes hosted by Kirstin Pulioff
Introduce your characters to the world.
Kirstin Pulioff invites you to ask your main character, "If you found a magic genie lamp, what would be your three choices?"
More information & entry instructions

Flash Fiction Challenge II hosted by Thomas Winship
Get ready to exercise your flash fiction muscles.
For the Flash Fiction Challenge II, Thomas Winship will provide an opening line.
From there, entrants will craft a flash fiction piece of approx 500 words. Entries will be displayed on Thomas' blog Vaempires during the BBF, spread out evenly across the five days, in order of receipt.
More information & entry instructions

Snapshot Synopsis Contest hosted by Fel at The Peasants RevoltChallenge: chisel your synopsis down to 50 words or less.
Voting will be open throughout the fair for visitors to vote on their favorite Snapshot Synopsis.
More information & entry instructions

Reader's Choice Awards hosted by Sherri at Shut Up & Read
All books registered for the Blogger Book Fair are automatically entered into the running for the Reader's Choice Awards. Voting will be open from July 22 to July 25.
More information

Indie Soap Box Files hosted by Shah Wharton
Take a turn on the Soap Box.
Shah invites speculative fiction writers to write a guest post about being an indie (or hybrid) writer.
More information & entry instructions
Restrictions: Speculative fiction writers only

Monster Menagerie hosted by Noree at Trip the Eclipse
What's your favorite monster or supernatural creature?
Feature your creature in a flash fiction piece (500-800) words to be featured on Trip the Eclipse. Visitors will vote on their favorite piece.
More information & entry instructions


Ways to Help:


Donate to the Blogger Book Fair via the BBF Donation Fund. To help get the word out about BBF, we would like to place ads on Facebook, Goodreads and other places, but to do, so we need a little help. We'd also like to have some BBF sponsored giveaways, so money donated would also go toward prizes. NO MONEY WILL BE KEPT BY ANY ORGANIZER OR PARTICIPANT.

Spread the word! Share the Fair on your social media accounts and show off the Blogger Book Fair logo in your blog's sidebar.

Join us on:FacebookTwitterGoodreadsGoogle +

Guest Post: Lynna Merrill With Unnaturals

Hi all! I know I've been doing a few guest posts lately, but I'm busy working hard on a couple new ideas as well as teaching. So, to keep you up with some awesome author's I know, who you should totally go read, I'd like to welcome Lynna Merrill to the blog! Her book Unnaturals was just published recently, and I've already read it. It's a really good book, especially for fans of dystopian stories.


Unnaturals

In the perfect city of Lucasta life is easy, bountiful, and completely planned for everyone. New fashions and material goods abound. Everyone constantly communicates with hundreds of friends through their computing device, and benevolent corporations watch over people as good parents. To the new generation, hate and prejudice are just a fairy tale, and pain, disease, and cruelty are fading into a distant memory. So is personal choice.

Teenage Meliora feels as if Lucasta is suffocating her. Always an unusual child, she discovers the dark secret of a world where secrets don’t even exist any more. But what can be wrong with a perfect world?

If you'd like to learn more about the book or read an excerpt, you should visit

Guest Post - Kayla Curry Releases Ruby: A Mystic Stones Jewel

Hi everyone! I'd like to welcome Kayla Curry to the N.R. Wick blog. Today, is the official release of her short story, Ruby. It's a great short story that goes along with her Mystic Stones series. I highly recommend it! Also, at the end of this post, you can get Ruby for FREE!

Ruby: A Mystic Stones Jewel is now available! Ruby is a short story companion to the novel Obsidian: Mystic Stones Series #1 and can be read before or after the novel. The story will be listed at $.99, but I will be offering FREE copies at the end of this post for anyone interested.



Ruby: A Mystic Stones Jewel

Attraction pulls Ava Tanner to her client Tom Walker, but her professionalism prevents her from making any moves.

Tom wants Ava in more ways than one and his desires are almost too much to keep inside. He needs her, but he doesn't want to scare her away for fear of angering the council.Will the spark between Ava and Tom turn into something more, or will Ava allow it to fizzle out?

Available NowAmazon
Smashwords



Here is a  little teaser from Ruby:

The metal elevator doors glided open to the luxurious seventeenth floor of the Herrick-Peyton building. Fresh, colorful hibiscus flowers welcomed Ava as she stepped into the reception area. She glanced around and made eye contact with the man she was looking for: Tom Walker. His face lit up when he saw her, and his handsome grin made Ava’s own smile spread across her face.

“Miss Tanner, what brings you up to the seventeenth floor?” Mr. Walker asked.

“Well, it’s been almost a year since you signed your last lease, and since you seem so comfortable up here, I thought I’d bring up the renewal papers,” Ava said as she looked around the lobby.

“Wonderful! Let’s step into my office, shall we? I’ll sign them right away. Otherwise, they’ll get lost on my desk.”
Ava nodded and followed Tom to his office. He stopped short and let her enter first as he gently placed a hand on the small of her back. Butterflies erupted in her stomach.
He closed the door behind them and gestured at one of the guest chairs while taking the packet of papers from her. She could smell his cologne as he approached her. It reminded her of rain and fresh cut grass. He took a seat behind his large desk, which shined in the sunlight from the window behind him.
“So the papers would get lost on your desk, huh?” Ava asked.

“Well, I might have exaggerated a bit,” he replied. Silence followed as he flipped through the pages of the lease.

He cleared his throat, “So, since I’m signing papers—”

“Oh, no. Let’s not start that, Mr. Walker. You know I can’t work for you,” Ava said, before he got the question out.
“How did you know?” He grinned.
“You ask me every time we see each other.”

“I wish we would see each other more often. Then maybe I would wear you down.”
“I just don’t think I’d fit in at Psytech, and I like where I am now,” Ava replied.
Tom sighed. “I know you do. I just can’t figure out why.”
The pen dragged on the last page of the renewal papers as Tom signed his name with a flourish. He stood and rounded the desk with a predatory look on his face. It was one that Ava had seen often. She couldn’t convince herself it was only the look of a man who wanted her to work for him. To her, it sometimes seemed that he wanted so much more. She took a deep breath as he came closer. She was about to stand, but he surprised her by sitting in the guest seat next to her.
“I hope that one day you will say yes to me. Psytech could really use you—I could really use you.”
***


Obsidian: Mystic Stones Series #1Available Now!AmazonAll Available Formats (Martin Sisters Publishing)
Ava Tanner finds herself in a world without satellite technology in a time of GPS, Smart Phones and Tablets. When she discovers that a corporation headed by vampires with a sinister motive is to blame, her world is turned upside-down. After a narrow escape, she learns a mystical secret about herself that could aide her in her fight against the vampires. Unfortunately, the vampires see her either as a valuable asset or a target for destruction.
When the world is on the brink of complete social and technological devastation, one must ask themselves: Would I give up my blood for the modern ideal way of life, or will I wage war with the overlords of chaos?


There are four ways you can get Ruby for free and these offers will stand for an UNLIMITED TIME. Here is how to get Ruby for free:
Leave a review of Obsidian.Buy Obsidian.Post about Obsidian/Ruby on your blog.Post about Obsidian/Ruby on Facebook or Twitter everyday for one week.
Just pick one of the options above and fill out this form:

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About the Author: Kayla CurryKayla Curry, author of Obsidian: The Mystic Stones Series, lives in North Platte, Nebraska with her husband and two children.

She likes spending time with family and friends when she’s not writing or marketing.

Her other hobbies include reading and arts and crafts. You can visit her website at http://sites.google.com/site/kaylacurryauthor/ to keep up on her progress in the Mystic Stones Series.

Links to Kayla Curry:
Website
Blog
TwitterFacebook

Becoming the Night Cover Reveal

I'm writing a novella about Kit from the Dark Ascension series. The release date is still to be determined, though I'm trying for April.




Cover designed by Regina Wamba at MaeIDesign & Photography
Photography by Cathleen Tarawhiti

Land of No Demons is Now Available!

Hi everyone! Are you excited? Land of No Demons is now available in ebook format on most venues! You can purchase it directly or you can scroll down and see the links to other vendors from which you can buy.



"Land of No Demons" by Alchemy Ink Publishing on Ganxy

Please spread the word and enjoy!

Celebrate Author Elle Casey's Anniversary With Free Books

Elle Casey is the author of Wrecked and The Changelings and writes fiction for young adults. To celebrate the anniversary of her first year in publishing, she's hosting a HUGE giveaway with tons of books to pick from. If you would like to win free books, head on over to her site and sign up. I've got  the link below. You will find my books on the list of prizes along with a lot of other amazing authors like V.J Chambers and Sarra Cannon.


Follow this link to Elle Casey's Indie Book Giveaway!

Cover Reveal - Land of No Demons

Hi everyone!

It's about that time. Land of No Demons is expected to be released at the end of February, which means it's time to show everyone the beautiful cover! The cover was designed by Amanda Kelsey at Razzle Dazzle Design, and like always, she did an amazing job. And without further ado, I present to you the cover of the final book in the Dark Ascension series, Land of No Angels!



For fun, I'll put all three covers next to each other below, so everyone can see what they look like together.

12 Authors of Christmas - N.R. Wick

To celebrate the coming Christmas holiday, I've joined together with 11 other authors for a fantastic event we've dubbed the 12 Authors of Christmas. This event is a great way to learn about new and talented authors.

Each day through Christmas eve, I will present a different author and showcase their book(s). Don't forget to check these authors out!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...






N.R. Wick
Land of No Angels
The Ascension marked a demon apocalypse that decimated the human race and forced survivors into hiding. Sixteen year old Rebecca Ashford and her younger sister, Errol, have spent the last year hidden in their family's tornado bunker. When the sound of a screaming baby wakes them in the middle of the night, they attempt to save the infant and Errol is poisoned by a demon.

With only a week until the poison consumes her, Rebecca must trust a mysterious survivor named Fox to help her find a cure. Together, they confront demons and other monsters while Rebecca struggles to learn magic that will help them locate the ingredients needed to save her sister.