Allison M. Cosgrove's Blog, page 24
April 21, 2013
Blog Highlight: Lurking Musings
Todays Blog is brought to us by David Lascelles. He blogs about his life as an Indie Author.
A bit about David 
D.A Lascelles is a former clinical scientist turned teacher. He writes in his spare time and is the author of Gods of the Sea, a short story in the Pirates and Swashbucklers Anthology by Pulp Empire (http://pulpempire.com/mag/) and Transitions, a paranormal romance novella due out in 2012 from Mundania Press (http://www.mundania.com/)
You can find Davids blog here —–>http://lurkingmusings.wordpress.com
April 19, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Quiet Rest’
This post is going to have to cover two days as by the time you read this post I should be well on my way to my Annual Mom’s Getaway Weekend.
It is a weekend I have come to look forward to every year. It is my great big giant reset button. It is the break I need so I can come back and be the Mom/Wife I need to be after I had a break from being the business owner/writer that takes up the rest of my time.
Not that I dont love and enjoy my life but I like everyone else need a break every so often. I cant be superwoman all the time.
Will I miss my monsters and my hubby? Of course! I miss them and they miss me.
My staff are wonderful folks and will do just fine. If there is anything it can wait until Monday for me to get back at it.
My book is on sale and should be just fine without me around.
So with that I bid you adieu…have a wonderful weekend… and if you like suspense thrillers … have a look at mine and maybe give mine a try.. its 99cents this weekend only
Q & A with H.R. Hyacinth
Please welcome another wonderful and truly inspirational writer to the proverbial chopping block!
*****
What would your bio say?
I’m shy, awkward, strange, and quiet, but I’m a force to be reckoned with when it comes to my feelings and the feelings of others.
When did you start writing and why?
I just released my very first book, In the Shadows, and it feels incredible. I never thought about writing before, but my editor, publisher, cover designer, and friend- Genevieve Scholl- convinced me to tell my story. She told me that it wasn’t just for my benefit, but for the benefit of teenagers that find themselves in similar situations. I thought about it for a few months and realized she was right. I got through my situation, but other people are still struggling and my book might just help someone.
Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author would have to be Arthur Conan Doyle, because… Well, because he’s a fantastic writer!
What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
Like I said, I just hope my book touches or helps someone. There will always be bullies in the world, but there will also always be fighters, and as long as fighters fight, the battle will never be lost.
Traditional or Self publishing? Why?
Well, technically self-publishing, but Genevieve Scholl actually did the submitting and stuff, because I had no clue what I was doing J
Talk about your journey into the wide world of publishing.
There isn’t much to say. Genevieve Scholl published hers and I felt so proud of her, but- admittedly- I was also a little jealous. Now, I’m published and it feels incredible!
Tell us about your book (s)
In the Shadows is about my journey with bullies and the complications from a particularly traumatic event.
I, Emma Mayweather, was the victim of bullying. Some of the students at my school thought it would be funny to charge the other students to see a particularly embarressing video of me in the locker room, and as a result of the trauma I endured, I lost my eyesight and now I have to get use to living life without the benefit of my eyes. I spend most of my days in the shadows, because that’s where I feel the safest and don’t feel like an outside in the school that I’ve attending for the past fifteen years, but when I overhear someone say something that could be potentially dangerous to another student, I have to decide whether to come out into the light and reveal the truth or sit on my hands and keep my mouth shut.
What inspired you to write these books (or in this genre)?
My true life events.
Tell us why we should love or hate your main character?
You should love Emma, because she is strong and independent, but she’s also skeptical and worried about disappointing her parents. She’s average, she’s shy, she’s awkward—She’s human.
Do(es) your book(s) have a soundtrack?
It doesn’t, but if it did, I would say that a lot of Alanis Morissette songs would be part of it.
*****
Thank you so much HR for sharing with us today! You can follow HR on Facebook and find her book on Amazon!
April 17, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Procrastinate’
Definition: To put off doing something.
That is exactly what I have been doing instead of writing this post or doing anything that remotely resembles work.
I have instead been hanging about on Facebook (always a great place for procrastinators) and surfing the web for inspiration for a new book I have been cooking up.
The new book will be completely different from my original series and it will be a romantic suspense and not a thriller like I usually write. I think it is going to be a great read myself. That is if i can ever start writing it and not surfing the net. Ahh well.
What do you do when you procrastinate?
April 16, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Opportune’
Definition: Well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate.
So many times over the years I have heard people say that they are waiting for the opportune time to do something. Most of the things they are waiting to do have to do with their passion or something they have dreamed for years of doing.
And you know what happens?
They never do them.
Well almost never.
Lets face it. There is never a completely perfect time for anything. There will always be something that will stand in our way of doing whatever it is we want. Always another bill to pay, another commitment to attend, another something.
It took me a great many years to start chasing my writing dream and only at the urging of my closest friend. Although it can be hectic at times I also have to admit its been a great run so far and I look forward to chasing this one for many years to come.
What have you put off until a better time?
April 15, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Networking’
Definition: The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institution.
This is one topic I absolutely love. Networking. I absolutely love to do it. It is amazing fun and so simple to do.
I was a shy person, still am in a lot of ways but here on the internet there is a certain amount of anonymity for shy folks like me. I have met so many wonderful people in so many corners of the earth because of the freedoms of the internet.
I also recently have gone to a few TweetUps and some in person meetings with like minded individuals. I have gone to writing sessions, and reading sessions. Incredible, wonderful time spent just talking to others.
But most of all I have learned so much. From every corner. That, to me, is the best and most amazing part. It is the things you will learn and the things you will find that you never knew existed. Not to mention the other talent out there that you will encounter and have the pleasure of working with.
Networking is a beautiful thing that I highly recommend for everyone. Not just authors but to people in general. Meet new people and make new friends. Learn something new.
Do you network? What do you do to network with others?
April 14, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Make Up’
Definition: To make something up to someone.
I apologize to those of you who have been following my blog since the beginning of April and have noticed I seem to have skipped over I, J & K. I have been going through a bit of a rough end of the week last week and came up short missing the last three days. I apologize but I will ensure I dont miss another post
Do you ever start out working on something and find yourself getting derailed? What do you do to make yourself back on track?
Blog Highlight: Especially Eve
Heres a wee bit of a twist! This lovely blog is a moms blog as she goes through life Being a Mom I love blogs that Moms write. Reminds me I am not alone
A bit about Ms. Eve:
“I am a married, “struggling” mother of 3 glorious children. A teenager, a Pre-Adolescent and a toddler. I use the word “struggling” because I literally struggle day to day to be the best mother I can be. My daily struggles take me through the alphabet repeatedly. I’m challenged everyday, from dealing with children with ADHD, one with multiple diagnosis’ combined with ADHD, while trying not to lose my zeal to be a mom and wife that honors the lord. Imagine all the fun I have in raising my family. Yes, that leaves a 10 year gap between the older two and my baby. I learn and re-learn new things constantly!
After I had our now 2 year old, I wanted to stay home with her. This would mean cutting our income down to just one. Financially, this puts a strain on our bank account. I have prayed for God to help me manage my family’s finances better so that we’re not always broke and the hope of owning a home is not so far fetched. I believe God has answered my prayers and has shown me many ways to save money, budget and plan for our family’s future. One of the things I’m learning and excited about is couponing. I’m certainly not an extreme couponer but I have enough knowledge to save some dollars. All dollars saved adds up! My couponing experiences have allowed me to save up to 100%!
Budgeting is the biggest tool I use to manage my family’s finances. I thought I had everything under control. I didn’t realize the significance it had until I truly learned about budgeting and put it into effect.
I hope that I can share what I have and am continuing to learn with people so that they too can experience less financial burden.
Having a child with ADHD, other mental disorders and severe behavioral issues is difficult. It certainly tests my faith, makes me question myself as a mother, and makes me feel like quitting on a daily basis. I feel like I have been trying to cope with this alone. For me, local resources or support groups for parents of children with ADHD or other mental disorders are scarce. Too often I feel like I’m on my own in trying to understand and cope with all of this.
I want to share all my adventures of being a mommy here on this blog and hope that anyone reading it will find it resourceful, entertaining and in turn, perhaps share their experiences and adventures.
I am a person who believes that everything I do is in my or my family’s best interest. I don’t let anyone else tell me different or make me feel ashamed. I know what I have gone through and what my family has been through. You may read some of my posts and disagree with choices I’ve made or feelings I express. That’s fine. I understand that everyone will have an opinion and it will not necessarily be the same as mine. Everyone goes through their own struggles in life and deals with them differently. Here, you will read about mine. Some days are filled with laughter and happiness, some have sorrows. My life, much like anyone else’s is a roller coaster….there’s ups and downs. My blog is real life.”
You can find Ms. Eve’s blog here —–> http://especiallyeve.com
April 12, 2013
Spring Fever Reads Giveaway Event
Welcome to my tiny part of the Spring Fever Reads Giveaway Event (April 12th – 13th, 2013)!
I recently found myself in a chat with a group of like-minded authors. We asked ourselves: what can we do to celebrate spring with our readers? And that is how the idea for the Spring Fever Reads Giveaway was born. We are over 30 authors giving away a ton of great prizes. Keep reading to find out what they are!
Spring Fever Reads Giveaway Event
Have you joined our event on FaceBook yet? Please take a moment to do so and invite your friends. We are using the event page to highlight the books that are being given away on our blogs. We’re also having some games you can play to earn additional entries in the giveaways. Come on over so you don’t miss out on anything!
Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/321896231269344/
Book Prizes
We have over 40 ebooks to give to our readers! You can win these five wonderful ebooks, right here on my blog.
Hot & Forbidden, by Patricia Macias: De La Cruz Saga is heartbreaking, tantalizing and exciting. Nicolas De La Cruz and Daniella De La Cruz fall in love. Their love rocks their world flinging them into pain, despair, and ecstasy.
Nicolas is hot, sensitive, and captivating. Nick’s amor (love) for Daniella is intense and passionate. Daniella De La Cruz is hot, sexy and sweet. Nick and Daniella recognize that they are alma gemelas (soul mates).
Nicolas De La Cruz leaves the familia (family) to work in Washington. The close knit familia has no clue to the cause of the emotional rollercoaster that rocks Nicolas’ world. The familia is mystified and disturbed with his departure.
Daniella De La Cruz is expecting a bebe. She refuses to tell the familia who is the padre (father) of her bebe (baby). Daniella dreams of the day she’s reunited with her bebe’s father, her alma gemela.
Their love rocks their world. The forbidden is enticing and painful. Can they overcome the obstacles that threaten their amor? The familia’s secret is the key to unlock their amor and set it free.
Dark Hero by Lily Silver: Guard Your Dreams . . . Lest They Emerge from the Mists to Embrace You!
After her mother is murdered, Elizabeth’s grandmother casts a spell summoning a champion to arise from the mists to rescue them. When a beguiling Irishman appears at their cottage one magic summer eve, he seems to be everything Elizabeth imagined in a hero.
But Donovan turns out to be much more than she bargained for when she said ‘I do’. Once they arrive at his isolated estate, a dismal place where sorrow pervades and ghosts linger, Elizabeth finds his charm has waned.
When she is stalked by a malicious spirit she must embrace her secret magical heritage in order to confront her dark past and protect her family.
The cost of her actions may be too steep; if Donovan learns her secrets she may lose his love.
Deja Vu by Vallory Vance: Darcey St. Claire is never surprised when a man is attracted to her. In fact, her style revolves around that assumption. From her short skirts to her thigh-high boots to her flirty laugh, Darcey flits along the edge of provocation to sell the overpriced services of the Hayden Court Hotel and afford her the spot as top Sales Manager.
So the lustful looks Vincent Guidry cast in her direction didn’t faze her. It was the feeling of déjà vu creeping up her spine that made her run at breakneck speed away from the handsome former quarterback.
And she wouldn’t have ever sought him out again. Not for herself. But there was someone else to consider…
Lost To You by AL Jackson: People come into our lives. Some stay, and many go. Some build us up, while most tear us down. They become our friends, our enemies, our lovers, our tormentors.
Christian Davison came into mine, and I knew I’d never be the same.
To Elizabeth Ayers, New York City had always been a dream. She’s worked her entire young life to make it here.
Groomed to one day take over his father’s law firm, attending Columbia University was Christian Davison’s only option.
Neither wanted anything more until they sat across from each other at a café table after being paired as study partners.
Christian wants her, but Elizabeth knows better than to give into their intense attraction. Yet there is little she can do to stay away.
Lost to You, the prequel to the bestselling romance, Take This Regret. A New Adult novella, recommended for readers 17+. It’s unnecessary to have read Take This Regret to enjoy Lost to You.
Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne: Nic Lamoureux’s perfect movie star life is shattered by a stalker who threatens any woman close to him. When he meets photographer Lauren James, the attraction is instant–and mutual. She’s exactly the sort of woman he craves, but the stalker makes deadly clear Lauren is the competition. And the competition must be eliminated.
Here’s how it works: There are ten of us who are featuring the giveaway books on our blogs. The books will be won individually so your chances of winning are very high. Be sure to go to all ten blogs to maximize your odds.
To enter: fill out the rafflecopter below. The more actions you do, the more entries you get!
Grand Prize
Now for the grand prize. We are also giving away a fabulous Kindle Fire Tablet (7″ LCD Display, Wi-Fi, 8GB)!
To enter: fill out the rafflecopter below. Complete as many of the actions as you can to increase your odds of winning!
What Now?
For more great ebooks to win, please return to the Spring Reads Giveaway Event page. We’ll be highlighting more ebooks, and the blogs where you can go to win them.
Thanks for joining us!
COVER REVEAL!! Shard of Ice
*****
Title: A Shard of Ice
Series: Black Symphony Saga
Publisher: Red Alice Press
Release Date: April 14th, 2014
Synopsis:
THEIR SOULS, REAWAKENED
When 13-year-old Lilix Morgan is found alive and floating on a bed of ice at sea, everyone counts it a miracle. Kidnapped nearly four weeks earlier, she remembers nothing of her mysterious abduction. When she tries to remember what happened, she hears only a melody – a faint and delicate set of notes, strung together in a tune she doesn’t understand.
THEIR POWER, UNMATCHED
A year later and desperate to put the lingering nightmares of her past behind her, Lilix crosses the country to enroll at Baelmorte Academy, aiming to become the violinist she once dreamt of. Things seem to be finally going well, and Lilix settles into a routine of sheet music and inspiration among new friends.
Then the dreams start.
The melody and night terrors she thought she’d left behind return with a vengeance, threatening to ruin her fragile version of normalcy. Then an unlikely ally tells her that she isn’t alone. That there are others just like her, fighting to hide their own shocking truths from coming to light. That they know who she is, and what she’s been through. Now, accompanied by four other girls, Lilix discovers her nightmares are larger than a single trauma; they’re a window to a hidden part of her soul, a place of immense power with a destiny that cannot be ignored.
THEIR BATTLE, IS ONLY BEGINNING
With this knowledge comes a new and frightening reality. For Lilix has been reawakened to stop an age-old enemy, one thought to have been destroyed centuries ago. Trapped by her destiny, Lilix is torn between what feels right and what she remembers. Her memories tell her of a star-crossed love waiting to be reunited, of friendships and trust broken in the past. But can she save that love when reality brings her an enemy, and an evil that will be the undoing of them all if they don’t destroy it?
Cover:
LINKS:
Facebook for Alivia Anders: http://www.facebook.com/aliviaanders
Twitter for Alivia Anders: https://twitter.com/AliviaAnders
Blogger for Alivia Anders: aliviaanders.blogspot.com
Official author website (still under construction): aliviaanders.com
A Shard of Ice on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17207178-a-shard-of-ice
