Annie Douglass Lima's Blog, page 35

Realm Explorers Part XCIV: Visit Flights of Fantasy in the Pacific Northwest with Timothy Trimble

Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 


Author’s name: Timothy Trimble
Title of book and/or series: Air Born – Do You Dream of Flying?
Brief summary of the story: There are those who hide among us who are different. They know how to fly! They guard it with their lives, not even daring to express in writing, or verbally in public, how it feels to embrace the wind and the clouds. They don't even know if they're a part of humanity or if they came from somewhere else. All they know is they are hunted. Hunted by the royal lineage of the Eighteenth of Ahmose, who once considered themselves to be gods, and the only rightful ones to own and control such powers. A young Avitorian, Leif, discovers his heritage and the love of his life, only to suddenly be thrust into the ever present threat of The Eighteenth as they seek to discover the secrets of flight.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: The story is based in the modern world today. Significant scenes in the story are from Joshua Tree National Park in California, and the Seattle (Pacific Northwest) area.
If we were to visit Seattle as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? Go hiking on one of the many thousands of trails to see a waterfall, majestic mountains, or wildlife.
What dangers should we avoid in the Pacific Northwest? Bears! They will eat you! Which is one reason Avitorians love having the ability to fly.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Seattle? Salmon, with more salmon, and a little salmon on top?
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Air Born? No distinctive fighting style. Most of the action/conflict scenes are good old street grappling. There is some distinct, high technology weaponry utilized for capturing Avitorians.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used for travel in Air Born? Aside from normal, every-day types of transportation – the Avitorians have the ability to fly. No capes or special devices are required. It’s all based on particle physics and if I try to explain it you’ll all start yawning and stop reading.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter? The main characters are Avitorians. Aside from their ability to fly, they also have the ability to sense the flow of electricity. Since all life forms (plants, animals, humans, etc.) have electrical impulses flowing throughout, the Avitorians are able to sense it.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Air Born? Sorry, no magic! The Avitorian ability is all based on biology and physics. While fanciful in concept, there is no magic.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Air Born?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples. Some of the weaponry used against Avitorians utilizes microwave energy. Yes, the same as is in your microwave ovens. Heat signature tech is also utilized, and the use of cryonics is highly advanced in the Air Born universe.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Air Born. Soaring with eagles is a lot of fun, along with flying as fast as possible through evergreen trees without smacking into a solid tree trunk. Just drifting through the house without leaving foot prints on the walls is also a bit of a challenge.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Air Born?  Please describe what it involves. While there is no religion mentioned or practiced, the Avitorians do have a higher standard of morals than humankind. They wish for a peaceful existence. And when it comes to finding their mate, it is a singular bond for life.
What is the political or government structure in Air Born?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? One of the supporting characters in Air Born is Georgeo, the Elder of the Avitorians. Though he likes to have everyone call him Uncle Georgeo, he has the massive responsibility of keeping all Avitorians safe and secretive.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of? The need for absolute secrecy by the Avitorians is vital to their existence. Nothing specific about them is ever written. Even emails and texting is done discreetly and with coded phrases. All history and culture is handed down verbally.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? I used to have incredible dreams about slowly drifting and flying through my house. These dreams began when I was a child and every now and then I will still have one. And the internal angst of desiring to be truly in love, to have someone who admires who you are, what you dream of, and what you aspire to be. I wanted to capture that feeling with this story.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? The lack of humankind to be able to get along with one another. Any consideration of being different and thus hated or mistreated is one of the primary reasons the Avitorians remain as secretive as they are.
Author Autobiography: Timothy Trimble is a published author of science fiction and fantasy, stories and novels. He has written non-fiction books for Wiley Publications, Microsoft Press, and over forty articles in print media publications. His Zegin's Adventures stories are popular ebook and print releases on Amazon, and his latest full-length urban fantasy novel, Air Born (Sept. 2016, ebook & print) has received glowing five star reviews. Due the clamoring of fans, the latest focus of his attention is Air Storm, as the second book in the Air Born trilogy series. Timothy lives in the Pacific Northwest, where the prevalence of coffee shops and hiking trails contribute to his inspiration. His insightful, and sometimes humorous mumblings, can be followed via Twitter and his web site (see below).


Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  Please include links.·      Print (Paperback) via Amazon/Createspace ·      Kindle eBook ·      Order from any bookstore·      Sample scene on Goodreads (free)
Where can readers connect with you online?  ·      Facebook·      Twitter·      TimothyTrimble.com
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Pacific Northwest.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima

Cover Reveal: The Perfect Trip, a Young Adult Novel with a Giveaway!

Today I’m excited to celebrate the cover reveal for THE PERFECT TRIP by Stacy Barnett Mozer releasing March 24, 2017 from Spellbound River Press. Before we get to the cover, here's a little about the book and the author:
About the book: Sam Barrette’s life is finally going in the right direction. She’s made the boys travel baseball team, her friendship with Mike is turning into something more, and she’s even connected with her stepmother. But a family camping trip filled with secrets and surprises challenges everything she thought she knew about what the future will hold. To save her dreams, Sam must find a way to fix her perfect trip.About the author: Stacy Barnett Mozer is a middle grade author, a book blogger, and an elementary school teacher. Stacy started writing novels when one of her third grade classes told her there was no way a real author who wrote real books could possibly revise as much as she asked them to revise. She’s been revising her own novels every since. Stacy is an active SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) member and is an Assistant Regional Advisor for New England SCBWI, coordinating the region's critique groups. She is also the founder of Sporty Girl Books, a blog for anyone who loves to watch, play, read, and write about women and girls in sports.THE PERFECT TRIP is the companion novel to THE SWEET SPOT, which released from Spellbound River in March 2016. About THE SWEET SPOT: When thirteen-year-old Sam Barrette’s baseball coach tells her that her attitude’s holding her back, she wants to hit him in the head with a line drive. Why shouldn’t she have an attitude? As the only girl playing in the 13U league, she’s had to listen to boys and people in the stands screaming things like “Go play softball,” all season, just because she’s a girl. Her coach barely lets her play, even though she’s one of the best hitters on the team.Finally, here is the cover of THE PERFECT TRIP, illustrated by Lois Bradley:

Like the cover? You can win an ARC of The Perfect Trip here:a Rafflecopter giveaway <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-unhide:no; color:blue; mso-themecolor:hyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> <br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #383939; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com...

Garden of Her Heart: a WWII Romance

Thank you for hosting me today, Annie. It's such a pleasure to be here on your blog. I thought it might be fun for you and your readers to meet Captain Rock Laroux from Garden of Her Heart.

  Thank you for joining us, Rock!  Rock: Hello. Thank you for welcoming me here today.  You're a captain in the US Army. Is that correct?  Rock: Yep. I was a captain in the US Army Air Force until I crashed my plane and ended up in the hospital.  We're sorry to hear of your accident. Were your injuries extensive?  Rock: Thank you. I lost most of my eyesight for a while, had a side full of shrapnel, and then there's my arm. (Rock holds out his arm) I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to use it again, but it' starting to heal.  Did you really check yourself out of the hospital?  Rock: I did. By accident, I overheard my doctor discussing my case with a colleague. It sounded like he expected me to keel over at any moment, so I decided if I was doomed to die, I wanted to do it at home, not in the hospital. So I left. I'd probably be buried six-feet under right now if it wasn't for Miko coming along at just the right time. Miko? That's the woman who saved you? Rock: Yeah. She saved me, in more ways than I can explain. I was nearly delirious after walking in the rain for a while, trying to make it back to my family farm. I collapsed on the back step of her grandparent's farm. She found me there and nursed me back to health. Thanks to my presence and her refusal to leave me until I was well, things have gotten quite complicated for her.  What do you think the future holds?  Rock: (Chuckles) If I could foresee the future, I'd be set for life, wouldn't I. Unfortunately, I don't possess any supernatural abilities. But I hope whatever the future brings, Miko and I can face it together.  Is there anything else you'd like to share with readers today?  Rock: An invitation to read Garden of Her Heart . It's a romance, but it's also a story of hope and faith and courage - even in the face of great adversity. 
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield joins us with her latest release, a sweet World War II romance. Can forbidden love blossom amid the constraints of war?The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese-Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive. After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life. A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places even under the most challenging circumstances.
Don't miss out on this beautiful happy ever after. Get your copy today!

Available on:



Join us for a Facebook Party today (December 7) from 4-7 p.m. (EST) to celebrate the release of Garden of Her Heart. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1387228264628190/

Excerpt: “Please, Miko? Would you at least consider marrying me?” She shook her head and tried to pull away from him, but he drew her closer, wrapping his arms around her and holding her. His breath tantalized her ear as he bent his head near hers. “Please?” “I can’t, Rock. I don’t want to be the cause of you missing out on the love of a lifetime.” She turned her head to the side and pressed it against his neck. Unintentionally, she heightened the yearning that already pulsed between them. Forcibly, he relaxed his hold on her. “Miko,” he whispered. “Look at me, sweetheart.” Unhurried, she tipped her head back, drawn into the bright warmth of his eyes. “Miko, if I didn’t want to marry you, I wouldn’t offer. I rather like the idea of spending my future with you. We have more going for us than many couples who wed. There is no doubt in my mind at all about your ability to be a good wife. Me, on the other hand…” His cocky grin brought an amused light to her eyes. “It might be challenging to be married to someone like me.” A smile curved her mouth upward and Rock tamped down the desire to kiss her again, even with the pastor watching their every move.


USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.” Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find Shanna’s books at: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Audible
Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at: ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Hong Kong was the afternoon I spent at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. Located outside the city in the New Territories area, the peace and quiet of this beautiful setting was a wonderful change from the hustle and noise of the metropolis.


For anyone who might want to visit, you'll need to take the light blue MTR line to Tai Po Market. (I was staying at Fo Tan, so it was pretty convenient.) From the Tai Po Market station, take exit 1A and go to the bus area (don't worry, it's clearly marked). Take bus 64K to Kadoorie Farm. 
The bus I was on did not announce the different stops, so you have to pay close attention, but it will be about a half-hour ride. This is how Kadoorie Farm looks from across the street. (It will be on your left as you drive up.) There is a sign, but it's a little beyond the main building, so you may not see it from the bus.
This is the view from the same spot as above, looking after the bus as it continues on its way. Note the hard-to-read Kadoorie Farm sign just to the left of the bus, by the cyclists. If you're close enough to read it, you've probably already missed the stop!

Kadoorie Farm was well worth it. I only had two hours to spend there, since I had a flight to catch that evening, but I managed to see most of what I would have wanted to anyway.

I spent most of my time walking around the grounds, enjoying the trees and flowers and a small stream. Apparently there was a longer hiking trail up to the top of a nearby slope (with a wonderful view), but I didn't see it and didn't have time anyway. If I ever go back, I'd like to do that hike.

I have no idea what this dragon thing was doing on its little platform in the trees!

This mountain boar is among dozens of animals (or maybe a couple hundred?) that call Kadoorie Farm home. Most were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.


Hong Kong had just been experiencing a cold spell, so some animals were temporarily lodged in warmer quarters.

Informative (and sometimes interactive) displays accompanied most of the exhibits.

Indoor areas housed special exhibits of small reptiles and amphibians.

Several Chinese water dragons had a pretty comfy life there.

There was also a little building for fish and river-related displays.

Kadoorie Farm places great emphasis on ecology and protecting the environment.

Larger reptiles lived in outdoor enclosures. It was fun seeing some different species hanging out together!

There were several aviaries hosting a variety of birds, like this kite.

In a different enclosure, this cockatoo saw me walking by and came over to say hello (literally).

I could tell this mynah bird had also been somebody's pet. He was very friendly and wanted my attention!

I really enjoyed the insect display. It was quite educational (and not too creepy!).


I don't recall actually seeing any butterflies (it may have been too cold for them), but this display board was interesting.

There were several little deer in an enclosure there. They didn't want to stand still and pose for pictures, though!

I enjoyed the areas where guests could just walk through and see animals in a (sort of) natural habitat, as opposed to behind bars or glass.

They had a scenic pond habitat that housed a number of varieties of small wildlife.

I think the little waterfall was manmade, but it was still pretty!

Some animals at Kadoorie Farm were gifts from other countries.

These flamingoes, for example, were sent over from the Bahamas.

Kadoorie has its own little cafe on the premises.

Everything on the menu is vegetarian and fairly healthy (but tasty)! Prices are reasonable, too.

I heard the red rice with veggies in curry sauce (option B below) was really good. I had eaten a late breakfast and wasn't hungry enough for a full meal, though.

I ended up ordering the mushroom soup with garlic toast and a cup of hot citron tea. Tasty and satisfying on a chilly day!

All in all, my afternoon at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden was time very well spent. It would make a great school field trip (for any grade) or family outing. Young kids would love it (and I saw plenty of them having a great time there), but as an adult, I loved it too. With admission costing only 30 Hong Kong Dollars (with discounts for kids, the elderly, and groups), it was more than worth it.Highly recommended for everyone!

This is not a Werewolf Story

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans
Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 352 pages
July 26th 2016 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One Of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the jerk of a gym teacher. 
Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous phenomenon that allows him to go home, too. But the woods have secrets . . . and so does Raul. When a new kid arrives at school, they may not stay secret for long.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository



Sandra Evans is a writer and teacher from the Pacific Northwest. Her forthcoming middle grade novel, This is Not a Werewolf Story (Simon & Schuster July 2016), was inspired by her favorite 12th century French tale, Bisclavret, by Marie de France. Born in Washington state, Sandra spent her childhood on U.S. Navy bases from Florida to Hawaii, and returned to the Northwest as a teenager. Since then, she has lived and traveled in France and Europe, but has never strayed far for long from the Puget Sound region.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Tour Schedule
November 28th: LaunchNovember 29th: The Silver Dagger ScriptoriumNovember 30th: Brooke Blogs & Katie's Clean Book CollectionDecember 1st: Beck Valley BooksDecember 2nd: Wishful EndingsDecember 4th: With Love for Books & Moonshine Art SpotDecember 5th: Falling LeavesDecember 6th: Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima & Mel's ShelvesDecember 7th: Life as LeelsDecember 8th: deal sharing aunt & Books, Books the Magical FruitDecember 9th: 100 Pages A DayDecember 11th: Nish Homeschool BlogDecember 12th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway

A hardcover copy of THIS IS NOT A WEREWOLF STORY by Sandra Evans plus Swag
Open internationally
Ends December 16th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Realm Explorers Part CXVIII: Visit the Wylderlands with Jennifer Silverwood (and a Giveaway!)

Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 


Author’s name: Jennifer Silverwood


Title of book and/or series: Scarred Beauty, Volume 2 of the Wylder Tales Series
Brief summary of the story:The classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is retold in a Gothic setting where nothing is exactly as it seems and the heroine must be her own hero. In this sequel to Craving Beauty, Vynasha has become prisoner with the other wyld beasts of the castle, but she is not alone. As she discovers the true nature of the other beasts, she learns she must embrace madness to free them all. Vynasha is willing to do anything to end the curse, even if that means transforming into a monster.

Scarred Beauty

Vynasha has become prisoner with the other wyld beasts of the castle, but she is not alone. In the howling darkness her majikal bond with the Dungeon Master, Grendall grows, awakening the dormant power in her blood.

Yet as she discovers the true nature of the other beasts, she learns she must embrace madness in order to free them all. Vynasha is willing to do anything to end the curse, even if that means transforming into a monster.

Burried secrets come to light in this seductive sequel to Craving Beauty, the Gothic retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, where nothing is exactly as it seems and the heroine must be her own hero.





Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble │ Smashwords


Other Books in the Series

Craving Beauty


Vynasha has spent the last four years tending her mother's roses and looking after her nephew. The fire that killed their family has left her scarred and put Wyll on the brink of death. Soon the first frost will come down from the mountains and she knows this winter will be his last.

Until a strange beggar appears on the road, telling her of the majikal Source that can heal her Wyll. With nothing left to lose, Vynasha braves the forbidden Wylder Mountains to seek out a cure and her fate.

A lost kingdom is uncovered by an equally lost girl, but the castle is not abandoned as she believes. Shadows cloaking unseen eyes watch. Tapestries whisper from the hidden corners, wondering if the one to break their curse has come. And a hungry beast waits, ready to devour her soul.



Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Wolfsbane's Daughter

Wolfsbane and his daughter Resha are on a never ending quest in the Wylder Mountains, to wipe out the wolves who destroyed their village. Before their enemies stole everything she loved, Resha cared for little beyond learning how to be a hunter. After, she learned a hunter must be prepared to fight as well as flee. Now she cares for nothing but revenge.

Until she discovers two majikal humans half frozen in the forest. Resha has a choice, to follow her instincts and leave the strangers to the wolves, or save them. Yet the enemy is on the prowl and there is little time for Wolfsbane's daughter to find safe haven before they are discovered.



Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Smashwords


Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:Vynasha and her family lived in a mountain village called Whistleande, all that remains of a tiny and forgotten kingdom bordering the Wylderlands. Vynasha’s world is almost a reflection of our own, possibly a glimpse into a not too distant past. Her journey takes her into the forbidden Wylder Mountains, a place where nothing but danger and legends roam, they say. What Vynasha finds is a lost realm of cursed beasts and kingdoms.
Book Trailer for Scarred Beauty





If we were to visit the Wylderlands as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?The Wylderlands is not a destination for the faint of heart. Only the bravest should dare venture here, perhaps with a healthy touch of madness. However, with the right tour guide, there are sights unparalleled to be found. From the enchanted Silver Wood you can follow the river north to the Lost Diamond Caves. Travelers beware, these waters tend to have nasty side effects. Or perhaps you prefer a more leisurely route, take the old road through the pass and to the Lost City, where a beastly Prince dwells.
What dangers should we avoid in the Wylderlands?A pack of hungry wolves prowl these mountains, though rumor has it these ancient protectors are not ordinary beasts. As fearsome as they are, even stranger creatures roam the darkest parts of the forest. Best not to travel alone, or at night, unless you happen to already be a nocturnal beasty.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served?Enchantments in the forest lure in unwary travelers, pulling you closer to the lost city and the Beast that rules there. Should you find yourself in his company, he may offer you such strange foods as gooseberry juice served with powkre roast and other sinfully delicious dishes. Best to sample the charla too, and don’t worry about pronunciation. These delicacies are not to be found outside Wylderland.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common there?Daggers are a favorite weapon, though swords and other steel of the hack and slash variety is welcome. However, the preferred weapon of choice in Wylderland is tooth and claw.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Wylderlands? Travel is made almost entirely by foot, or paw. No beasts of burden have survived so far north, not with so many apex predators on the prowl. Once upon a time, the people used horse drawn carts. Now the only carts drawn are by what people remain. As most humans have fled their homes, their love for invention and things that tick have also dimmed. Surviving the harsh winters and harsher neighbors has become paramount. Centuries trapped under a curse that likes to lure in maidens and turn them into monsters does put a damper on progress.
What is the political or government structure?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The wolves who protect the valley and land bordering the Lost City keep their own rules. They watch over the forgotten folk in their village. Once, the Prince’s father ruled the land from the Lost City. His increasing fear of majik drove him to madness and a purge of the majikal people under his rule. The protectors fought him, but they were losing the war until the Prince’s mother, a Fayere enchantress cursed the land. Her curse would drive all simple folk into beasts, or twisted versions of themselves. The Prince now rules over his crumbling castle, as much a prisoner as the fading spirits within. So now it is the curse which truly rules the people of Wylderland, until the prophesied one comes to free them.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit?Depending on your choice host, (and truly there are only three options here) you may be required to either hunt for your food while running for your life, read forbidden spell books while avoiding the wolves in your village or dining while dressed in velvets and fine jewels with a courtly Prince.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?I spent some time in Romania, particularly Transylvania and the beauty of this country left its stamp on me. Some places seem more magical than others, they leave a mark. The Carpathian Mountains slope and tower overhead and are covered by a forest of gorgeous trees. On the roads winding through, you came across villages and passed by horse and carts piled with hay. The land captivated me, especially the old tales about wolves coming down from the mountains in winter to steal sheep, like something out of a fairy tale. Much of the atmosphere and mystery I felt in that place is in the Wylder Tales Series.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
This is not your average Beauty meets and falls in love with her Beast. Sometimes the heroine must be her own hero. In our heroine, Vynasha’s case, she was already scarred before she was lured to the Beast’s clutches. And while she may indeed love him, she has chosen to take matters into her own hands. No “hot-button” topics here in todays’ modern era. Just a tale old as time about a scarred girl who learns ugliness is a matter of perspective, and that it’s okay to embrace her inner monster to rescue the ones she loves. 
Author Biography:
Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas. She is the author of the Heaven’s Edge series, Stay and Silver Hollow.



Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Tumblr

Other Books by the Author






Do you create fanart? 




Jennifer is offering extra entries on her tour giveaway and a special giveaway


during the Twitter Chat to one lucky artist! Post your fanart and share with


Jennifer on social media (@JennSilverwood on Twitter and Tumblr and


silverwoodj on Facebook). Look for inspiration and see her posts on Tumblr.

Tour Schedule








December 1st: Launch




December 2nd: Magic & Machines & Nicole's Book Musings




December 4th: Wishful Endings & Falling Leaves




December 5th: Letters from Annie Douglass Lima & fuonlyknew




December 6th: The Silver Dagger Scriptorium & Bloggin' & Writing




December 7th: Mel's Shelves & Book Butterfly in Dreamland




December 8th: Grand Finale




December 9th: Twitter Chat 8-9 PM ET #ScarredBeauty

Tour Giveaway

3 winners to receive ebooks of all three books in A Wylder Tales: Craving Beauty, Wolfsbane's Daughter, and Scarred Beauty (extra swag to US winners)
Open internationally
Ends December 12th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Wylderlands.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world!-Annie Douglass Lima

The Perfect Cover for your Book

It isn't easy to create a really good book cover, and if you aren't the artistic type, it's probably not worth trying to design your own. But here are some resources that may help, whether you're making your own or simply giving instructions to the artist you've chosen.

First, you may want to take a look at Amazon's criteria for Kindle book covers and paperback book covers to make sure that yours meets the requirements.

Author Tamie Dearen has compiled a list of sites where you can find free images to use in book covers or other designs.

My Book Cave has a two-part series on book cover design. Part 1 is about picking the right image, and part 2 deals with setting up your file and image.

YouTuber Derek Murphy has a video about 7 must-have qualities for a book cover that sells. Make sure to check out his link under the video if you want more video options about cover creation.

The same Derek Murphy also has a useful list of specific fonts that work well on book covers, organized by genre.

And, he has an article listing cover design "secrets" that can be used to "manipulate" people into buying books.

Starla Huchton, herself a cover designer, has a great article with some quick tips for cover design.

She's also written an article about the costs of a good cover, and how to end up with an affordable one.

Canva is a great site on which you can create your own cover for free.

These people give instructions for how to create a cover using Microsoft Word or Photoshop.

Want to get elaborate? Here is Derk Muphy's explanation of how to create an animated (gif) cover for your ebook!

Want to put several books together into a boxed set, but unsure how to make your existing cover work for that? Lisa Shea explains how in this article. Indies Unlimited has another explanation of how to do it using Gimp.

Have you made a cover, but you're wondering if it's any good? The Rate My Kindle Cover site will let you upload it and get feedback (for free!) before you publish your book.

Finally, here are some book cover artists you can contact if you're looking for someone to design the perfect cover for your own book. Note that some of them have specific styles or focus on specific genres, so you'll want to choose carefully as you consider what will work best for your book - and of course your budget.

Affordable Book Covers and More

Blue Valley Author Services

Book Cover Bakery

C.K. Volnek

Damonza

Deranged Doctor Design

The Design in Your Mind

DogEared Design

E Kaiser Writes

Indie Book Cover Sales and Design

Indie Cover Design

Indigo Forest Designs

Jennifer White

The July Group

Karmada Arts

McCorkle Creations

Mythspinner Studios

Perry Elisabeth Design

Psalm 40 Publishing Services

Seedlings 

Time Keeper Art

Tugboat Design

And if you're planning to work with a cover artist, don't miss Starla Huchton's blog post on that topic.

I hope these tips are helpful! If you have any other cover artists to recommend, or if you know of any other useful articles on the topic of cover creation, please feel free to mention them in the comments! You're welcome to share tips of your own, too.

How to Write a Book Blurb (and a Synopsis, Logline and Tagline)

Many authors agree that writing the back-cover blurb is the hardest part of writing a novel! Fortunately there are a lot of talented writers out there willing to share their expertise on the topic. Here are some useful resources that I hope will make the process a little less painful!

First, the synopsis. This is longer than a blurb, and most indie authors don't have to do write one very often. But if you're trying to get the attention of an agent or publisher, you will probably need a synopsis. Krystine Kercher has a useful article about how to create one.

Next, a logline. As the folks at Writers Helping Writers explain, "a logline is a one- or two-sentence pitch that explains what your story is about in a way that makes listeners want to read it." Some book promo sites ask for loglines, and they're also useful when people who don't have much time to sit and listen hear that you've written a book and ask you what it's about. This article gives some great examples and talks about how to write good ones.

And now for the blurb. Here are some of my favorite resources:

The Fussy Librarian suggests techniques for how to write an "irresistible" blurb here.

Author Pauline Creeden has a 3-part blurb writing "clinic" on her blog. Part 1 lists 12 dos and don'ts. Part 2 explains how to write a tagline (similar to logline, but not the same). Part 3 explains what to do in a blurb if your book involves multiple genres and main characters.

Fix My Story talks about how to write an "incredible" blurb, complete with tagline, here.

And now for the one I have personally found to be the most helpful. Author Libby Hawker has a fun and useful video about blurb writing here. 

Some people suggest formatting parts of your blurb (e.g. with bold, italics, different sizes, or color) to make it really stand out on Amazon and other sites. Here are a few resources on that topic:

In this article, the Fix My Story folks talk about how to use simple HTML to format your description on Amazon.
Here on Kindlepreneuer, they will actually generate the HTML for you. All you have to do is paste in your blog and format it with easy buttons such as you'd find in Microsoft Word.

Finally, for those familiar with HTML and knowledgeable enough to use it on their own, Amazon itself has a list of the HTML tags supported on their site.

I hope these resources are useful! And if you have links to others that you use, or would like to share your own suggestions about how to write a good blurb (or synopsis, logline, tagline, or anything similar), I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy: 7 Christian Winter Romances

"Would You Rather" Interview with the authors of Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy!1) Would you rather drink coffee or tea?Cindy K. Green: This is an easy one for me. I am a total tea drinker. (In fact, I am one of those odd ones who actually hates coffee!) If you came to my house, I would have a myriad of different types of teas to choose from, and I would serve it to you in a proper cup and saucer (no mugs please). My favorite is green tea with a bend of acai and blueberry.2) Would you rather live on the east coast or on the west coast of the US?Lindi Peterson: I love this question because I’m on the east coast, in Georgia, while my brother and his family live in Seattle, the city I call my favorite city in America. I’ve spent a few weeks in Seattle over the years, but never for an extended period of time. If you’ve never been you must go! The green is different in Seattle. It’s hard to explain, but it’s how I see it. The city itself is amazing, Lake Washington and the surrounding area is beautiful. Seattle is my west coast experience and I’ve said for years if the rest of my family would move there with me I’d go in a heartbeat. But they won’t, and I’m kind of partial to living with my husband, so I’m staying on the east coast. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful here, too. We have coastline and mountains within a short driving distance. So my east coast body wants to live on the west coast, but that may simply be a case of the grass is always greener on the other side. (No pun intended on the green thing!)3) Would you rather have a castle in Scotland or a countryside villa in Italy?Trisha Grace: This is a tough one! I love historical romance, so a castle in Scotland would be a dream come true. But I have a soft spot for Italy, too. It’s a beautiful country, and I went there for my honeymoon. If I really have to choose, I’ll rather have a . . . castle in Scotland. As beautiful as a countryside villa in lovely Italy would be, I’ve never been to Scotland. For a city girl, a castle is something I’ve only ever seen in movies and pictures. So yeah, castle in Scotland it is!4) Would you rather watch a football game or baseball game?Jenn Faulk: Honestly, I would much prefer to watch a basketball game over football or baseball either one! But if given a choice between the two in this question, I would pick football, mainly because baseball moves sooooo slowly. I went to a MLB game with my husband a couple of months ago (he got me there by promising me a lot of trips to the concession stand), and we made it all the way to the fifth inning with NO home runs! I told him, “If this was an NBA game, we’d be up seventy points by now.” (See why I prefer basketball?) Football is the same! I like seeing action on the field, not everyone just standing around, ha ha!5) Would you rather vacation on the beach or in the mountains?Cindy Flores Martinez: I’m fortunate to live close enough to the beach and the mountains that I can visit both places. But if I had to choose only one of them to vacation at, it would have to be the beach. Although the mountains are beautiful, there’s just something about being by the ocean that’s much more exhilarating for me. I also find that the mountains are a bit more isolated compared to most beach towns, which is awkward for this suburb girl who is used to being around a lot of people.6) Would you rather go horseback riding or whitewater rafting?Tanya Eavenson: I love horses so horseback riding for sure! My husband and kids are another story. They go whitewater rafting every year in Georgia. I rather stay dry! =)7) Would you rather live in Hawaii or Alaska?Liwen Y. Ho: Definitely, without a doubt, in a heartbeat—Hawaii! I am a beach girl and the beaches of Hawaii are breathtakingly beautiful. I love Hawaii so much that I made the island of Oahu the setting for my story, Tropical Kiss Or Miss. I wouldn’t mind visiting Alaska though; I have an aunt who’s lived there for over thirty years.Snuggle up with seven brand new, never before published Christian winter romances from bestselling and award-winning authors. Kisses and kids abound in this collection of novellas that will warm your heart all winter long.Amazon: https://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-action/us/bookshelf.marketplacelink/B01JTDE03GKobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/kisses-kids-and-bundles-of-joyiTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kisses-kids-and-bundles-of-joy/id1141527848?ls=1&mt=11

Realm Explorers Part CXVII: Visit The Valley of Slaves with Laura Frances

Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 

Author’s name:Laura Frances
Title of book and/or series:SlaveThis is book one. The series and book two are yet to be titled!
Brief summary of the story:There is no sun. There is no moon. There is only gray—the smog belched from coal-fueled factories. The Workers silently shuffle to their assigned posts. The Outcasts watch from the alley walls. On every corner, a Watcher stands stone-faced, a rifle in hand. This is the only life that exists. Beyond the mountains is a dream. But dreams are foolish in a place like this.

Hannah has spent nineteen years dodging Watchers and doing as she is told.

Do not look Watchers in the eye. Don't give them a reason to notice you.

But when she wakes to the valley exploding in revolution, Hannah is forced onto a dangerous path, where nothing is what she believed. Suddenly freedom is in her grasp, and the way there requires working with the men she once feared.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:Slave is set in a deep valley filled with factories and blanketed in smog. The residents of the valley have never seen the sky. It is a maze of dank alleys and bordered by high mountains.
If we were to visit the valley as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?I would recommend never visiting the valley as a tourist. In fact, it would never happen. The residents of the valley are a hidden people. No one enters or exits unless they are a Watcher or an expert needed for a factory.
What dangers should we avoid in the valley?Don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself. Better to keep your head down, mouth shut, and eyes on your next step. Watchers are everywhere, and they don’t need a reason to kill you.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the valley?I hope you like plain oats. Workers are fed oats and dehydrated apples every day for lunch. Dinner will come from your cabinet of rations—probably a can of beans.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the valley?Only the Watchers have weapons. An assault rifle and a pistol strapped to their leg. Both require a fingerprint to use, so good luck trying to take one.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the valley?Workers walk. Technology is mediocre at best. There are some advances, like print scanners and whatever is needed for the manufacturing of goods. But the Workers rarely utilize it themselves. As far as animals go, the mountains are rumored to be filled with beasts. I don’t recommend trying to escape.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the valley.Sleep is nice. Staring at walls in the silence of your unit might be soothing. Really anything to try to mentally disconnect from the events of the day and the reality of life in the valley.
What is the political or government structure in the valley?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The valley is governed by a panel of five leaders. They are called the Council. No one sees them, but occasionally they address the Workers from the speakers. The residents are policed by Watchers. They are the ones enforcing curfew, performing executions, and overseeing the daily labor.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?I live in Japan, just a stone's throw from China. I am occasionally told I ought to wear a mask, because the pollution is high, blowing in across The Sea of Japan and The East China Sea. I watched a documentary some time ago about the high levels of smog in certain areas of China. One little girl was asked if she had ever seen stars. She said no. This stuck with me. The story is also in some ways inspired by my lifelong struggle with social anxiety. Fear, and becoming free from it, is a major theme in Slave.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? There is a theme of finding our humanity and working to understand life from one another's perspective. Society is becoming more segregated, and I hope by this story that readers will be inspired to fight for one another...rather than against.
Author Autobiography:Laura Frances was born in Heidelberg, Germany as a military brat. She grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and now lives in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, with her husband and two children. Slave is Laura’s debut novel.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? You can
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the valley.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXVIII!-Annie Douglass Lima