Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 207
July 18, 2011
Betrayed Book Blog Tour: Guest Post by Ednah Walters & Giveaway!!
A TRIBUTE TO MY WRITING MENTOR
by Ednah Walters
I'm more than thrilled tell you about my mentor, the person who's been there for me from the beginning of my writing career and continues to offer me support today. No, it's not my husband, although he helps in his unique way. And no, it's not my children, who cheer for me from the sideline and listen to my wacky plots. I'm talking about my writer buddy. Everyone has one, you know who I mean, the person (or persons) who lift you up when you are down and point you in the right direction when you're getting off course.
When I finished college and decided to write while staying at home with my kids, there was me, my desktop and my two children (3 years old and a new-born baby) to keep me busy. I had no idea there was a writing community out there. I live in a small town in northern Utah, and after trying to start a writers' group, I believed I was destined to be that solo author in a dingy room, penning book after book.
Fast forward a few years later, I learned about online critique groups and joined one. The group was so huge it was impossible to connect with anyone. Finally, I met a wonderful writer, Jennifer Laurens (author of Heavenly series). Her work was exceptional, her critiques insightful and her suggestions spot on. I liked her style and she liked mine. We clicked so well we critiqued each other's work whenever we uploaded chapters.
When she decided to start a smaller, tighter critique group, I was more than happy to join her. We are now a group of five strong women who've weathered publishing storms together. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but our friendship goes beyond writing. Thank you, Dawn Brown, Theresa Bellew and Christine Warner.
Jennifer is not just an amazing author, but a wonderful friend. When she started her own publishing company, she encouraged me to do likewise. I vowed to go solo if I didn't find a place for Awakened (book 1 of the Guardian Legacy). Fortunately, my agent found a home for Awakened at a small publishing press. The deal was good, so I took it. However, Jenn sent me a to-do list for marketing Awakened, which included:
Joining YALSA- young adult librarian organization. Through them, you can let librarians know of your soon-to-be-released book.
Where to print bookmarks and how to offer them to librarians through YALSA
The best way to effectively run a blog.
Where to buy and print swags for contests.
Who to connect with for blog hops and blog tours.
How to maximize an author's interaction with online book sites like Goodreads, Shelfari and Facebook.
The best way to tweet and connect with bloggers and readers.
So, yes, I'm happy to say I have a writing family and the head is this wonderful lady. To see some of her work, just click on her name above. In this cutthroat publishing business, it doesn't hurt to have one or more strong, loyal and wonderful ladies watching your back.
From Goodreads:
Lil has come to terms with her life as a Guardian/demon hunter and the wielder of the Nephilim most powerful weapon. She trains everyday to master her growing powers, gets along with her Guardian trainee friends (most of the time) and cherishes her moments with her human friends.
Just when she feels she belongs, her nature-bender father contacts her and warns her about a betrayal by someone close to her. Then Bran, the guy she loves, starts to act strange and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability. While Lil struggles find a connection between these three things, she begins to realize that someone is manipulating her and Bran, and will stop at nothing (including hurting those she loves) to lure them to the dark side.
Betrayed (book 2 of The Guardian Legacy) releases August 1st, 2011.
Betrayed by Ednah Walters is available from:
Barnes & Noble (print)
Kindle store (ebook)
Smashwords (ebook – multiple format)
Find Ednah Walters here:
Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, The Guardian Legacy (YA) blog, Youtube Channel, Book Blogs, E.B. Walters Blog (18 and older only)
Giveaway
For Canada and U.S. only (sorry)
As part of the Betrayed Blog Tour hosted by Sassy Book Lovers, I am giving away two prizes.
A signed ARC copy of Betrayed and signed bookmark
A signed Betrayed bookmark
Just leave a comment here and/or on my review of Betrayed before midnight July 30th. Winner will be posted on my blog August 2nd. For every comment, tweet, shout out on Facebook, follow on Google Friend Connect, etc. you will earn an entry. But you must leave links with your comment for the entries to count.
Blog Tour Schedule:
July 15th – Mindy at http://www.bookscompleteme.blogspot.com
July 16th – Alice at http://bestbooks1.blogspot.com/July
July 18th – Kim Bowman at http://kimbowmanauthor.blogspot.com/
July 19th – Jessica at http://markofthestars.com/wp
July 20th – Katrina at http://www.pageflipperz.blogspot.com
July 21st – Shanese at http://thebo0ki3.blogspot.com/
July 22nd – Melissa at http://1000plusbookstoread.blogspot.com
July 23rd – Tanya at http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 25th – Meghan at www.readergirls.blogspot.com
July 26th – Raquel at http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
July 27th – Autum at http://myhomeawayfromhome-fb.blogspot.com/
July 28th – Lisa at http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
July 29th – Jodie at http://www.booksforcompany.com/
Last stop July 30th – Stacey at http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/
The Official Release Party for Betrayed is from July 31st(10pm) to August 1st (10pm) will be held here: http://fanpage4ednahwalters.proboards.com/index.cgi (Books will include Betrayed and swags, books donated by talented indie authors like Jennifer Laurens, Jennifer Armentrout (ARCs of Half-Blood), Keary Taylor (Dystopian new release Eden) and more.
Book Review: Betrayed by Ednah Walters and Giveaway!!
from Goodreads:
Lil has come to terms with her life as a Guardian/demon hunter and the wielder of the Nephilim most powerful weapon. She trains everyday to master her growing powers, gets along with her Guardian trainee friends (most of the time) and cherishes her moments with her human friends.
Just when she feels she belongs, her nature-bender father contacts her and warns her about a betrayal by someone close to her. Then Bran, the guy she loves, starts to act strange and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability. While Lil struggles find a connection between these three things, she begins to realize that someone is manipulating her and Bran, and will stop at nothing (including hurting those she loves) to lure them to the dark side.
First Line
A yellow corvette shot past us and sped west on Grizzly Boulevard.
My Review
As alrunes, Lil and Bran will be together forever. Or so Lil believes, until Bran becomes distant. Not only does he put a shield against Lil's psi abilities, but he also leaves for long periods of time, never telling her where he's going or where he's been.
Already feeling down, Lil is contacted by her demon father, Valafar, whom she believed to be dead. His continual calls build on the doubts already in her mind, until she doesn't know who to trust.
Betrayed is yet another book by Ednah Walters (E.B. Walters), that I really enjoyed. I found Betrayed to be darker than Awakened, the first book in The Guardian Legacy. Emotions run high and become transfixed with Lil's plight. The middle became a bit slow at some points, but at the same time it helped to build my emotional investment in the story.
Old and new characters are introduced seamlessly. There are also many subplots involved which I look forward to reading about in book three.
Betrayed is another great installment in The Guardian Legacy and I look forward to reading the next in the series and more from Ednah Walters.
My Rating: 5 Aliens out of 5
Watch the book trailer:
Betrayed by Ednah Walters is available from:
Barnes & Noble (print)
Kindle store (ebook)
Smashwords (ebook – multiple format)
You can find Ednah Walters here:
Website: http://ednahwalters.com/
Blog: http://ednahwalters.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Ednah-Walters/100000535104042
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fan-Page-Of-Ednah-Walters/202111176494628
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ednahwalters
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters
Giveaway
For Canada and U.S. only (sorry)
As part of the Betrayed Blog Tour hosted by Sassy Book Lovers, I am giving away two prizes.
A signed ARC copy of Betrayed and signed bookmark
A signed Betrayed bookmark
Just leave a comment here and/or on Ednah Walters' guest post before midnight July 30th. Winner will be posted on my blog August 2nd. For every comment, tweet, shout out on Facebook, follow on Google Friend Connect, etc. you will earn an entry. But you must leave links with your comment for the entries to count.
BlogFest 2011 Winners
First of all, I must say a huge THANK YOU to Cinnamon at A Journey of Books who arranged BlogFest 2011. It was a great undertaking and I believe a wonderful success.
And now for the winners of an ebook copy of Celestial Seduction….
Congratulations to:
Beckie, LadyVampire and Jessica B
Emails have already been sent out. Please check your spam if you won and have not received the email.
Thank you to everyone who visited my blog during BlogFest 2011! I appreciate all of the support!
If you did not win and would like a copy of Celestial Seduction, it is available from the following ebook retailers:
Decadent Publishing (multiple ebook formats)
Amazon Kindle Store
All Romance ebooks
Coffee Time Romance
1 Place for Romance
Smashwords
BookStrand
and more to come
July 14, 2011
BlogFest 2011: Enter to win one of three copies of Celestial Seduction
BlogFest 2011 is a huge event (a blog run) with over 200 blogs each offering a fantastic giveaway for readers to enter. I'm #84. A Journey of Books is the main blog with a list of all of the participants. You should have come here from Jennifer Wells, Paranormal Romance Author. Your next five stops are Jill Foltz, JoAnne Kenrick, Just Another Story, Karissa's Reading Review, and Kay Dee Royal Paranormal & Erotica Romance Musings.
I will be giving away three ebook copies of my recent release, Celestial Seduction. Read below for blurb and excerpt.
Blurb:
At the end of his obligated commitment to the Space Service, Frey Berger decides to stay on Earth to further experience human emotions rather than return to Ginnun where his intended has already mated with another. Looking for real love and someone to accept him for what he is, Frey enlists in Madame Evangeline's popular dating service. Although he does not understand the concept of a one-night stand, he hopes to find his perfect mate.
Carrie Cooper's husband divorced her for someone who could provide him with children, leaving her with little self-confidence and no desire to let a man hurt her again. Her best friend convinces her to join a dating service, claiming Carrie needs to get laid, while not winding up with a broken heart since her date requires no commitment after the night is over.
Although several misunderstandings nearly derail them before the date has even begun, Carrie and Frey end up becoming closer than they ever believed possible. Still, Frey will need to convince Carrie that her perfect mate isn't human at all, and that one night can lead to a forever love.
Excerpt:
"Remember how I said I needed an open-minded partner?"
She nodded, her eyes catching a quick glance from his before returning to her stomach.
Just a couple more minutes and he'd be finished. He prepared to hold her down should she freak out when he told her he came from space. "I'm not exactly like you and most of the people on Earth. I'm….different."
"Like a demon or a guardian angel?"
He laughed. It sounded forced, but he needed to stay focused on healing Carrie rather than mating with her. "No, you're thinking paranormal. Try science fiction."
She began to squirm under him, but he didn't need to restrain her. "A….clone? Artificial intelligence?"
He finished healing her and lay down beside her. His thumb ran across her lips, wanting to taste them again, but knowing he probably wouldn't. "Try alien."
Her mouth curved into a smile. "Alien. I don't think so. You're missing the big head and eyes, the green skin, the willowy limbs."
He touched his fingertips to the side of her head. "Like this?" He flashed an image of the alien Earthlings always expected to arrive from space.
"Yeah, but how'd you do that?" Fear shone in her eyes.
Leaving the bed, he sat on one of the loveseats. The night was over. In a second, she'd dress as quickly as possible and rush out of the room. "I told you, I'm an alien from outer space." Perhaps he shouldn't have told her. He would spend the rest of the night alone.
For your chance to win an ecopy of Celestial Seduction, fill out:
THIS FORM
Also, be sure to leave your address if you would like a signed Celestial Seduction postcard. Contest ends July 17, 2011 at midnight EST. I will post the winners name on this blog on July 18th. Thanks for stopping by!
Celestial Seduction is available from:
Decadent Publishing (in multiple ebook formats)
Amazon (for your Kindle)
other ebook retailers
Be sure to check out these other Decadent authors participating:
Ashlynn Monroe
Ryssa Edwards
JoAnne Kenrick
Keta Diablo
Laura Kaye
Mahalia Levey
Valerie Mann
Enjoy!
July 13, 2011
Recently Enjoyed Books: Just For Tonight by Natalie Dae
I won't be writing too many more book reviews on this blog as I focus on my own writing. And because I am published with Decadent, it is a conflict of interest to review any more books published by my own publisher. Therefore, I've started this "Recently Enjoyed Books" feature to showcase books from various publishers I've recently read and enjoyed. Be sure to check them out!
Just For Tonight (1 Night Stand series) by Natalie Dae
Publication date: April 14, 2011 by Decadent Publishing
Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Fantasy
From Decadent:
After numerous failed relationships, Dahlia Singleton joins 1NightStand, a dating agency that promises to match her with the perfect lover for one night. After a month with no match, Dahlia begins to think she'll never find love—until the owner of the agency, Madame Evangeline, telephones to say Dahlia's date is waiting at the Castillo Hotel.
Excited and nervous, Dahlia meets Connor, a sexy-as-hell man with a British accent that melts her knees. And that isn't all that's melting! Dahlia has the ride of her life, realizing the distinct possibility that she may just have found her soul mate.
What books have you recently read that you've enjoyed?
July 12, 2011
Waiting On Wednesday: Impulse Control by Sara Brookes
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Breaking the Spine in which we spotlight soon-to-be released books that we can't wait to get our hands on!
Impulse Control (Sypricon Masters) by Sara Brookes
Publication date: July 22, 2011 by Decadent Publishing
Science Fiction Romance, Erotic Romance, BDSM
From Goodreads: Planetary Deputy Chief Marshal Selene Orasova is looking for a reminder pleasure still exists in the universe. Fresh off her latest case, she heads to Tawse, a BDSM club on the planet Sypricon. However, upon her arrival she finds the club almost empty as nearly all the staff has been hired out for the night. Disappointed, she starts to leave, only to walk face first into a wall of muscle.
Vaughn, one of the few Doms at the club Selene hasn't been under the command of, is immediately intrigued by the hard edged cop. A few instructions and she's easily under his guidance. However, Vaughn quickly discovers Selene has a problem relinquishing total control. She likes to top from the bottom and that isn't something Vaughn will stand for. Determined to correct her, Vaughn pushes her limits with a little impulse control.
I have been waiting for this book for a long time. Shortly after reading Hardware, I learned Sara was writing this new series, with three already contracted. This is the first to be released. She writes BDSM and SFR so well, and now she's combined the two. Should be a wild ride.
Sara also has a book releasing today, which I'll be buying. It's Ragged Edge from Ellora's Cave.
What upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading?
I'm at Paranormal Romantics today!!
Thanks to the wonderful Rebecca Royce, I am guest posting at Paranormal Romantics today. Learn more about my fear of aliens and how I overcame that fear.
July 10, 2011
My Writing Family: Guest Post by Dianne Hartsock & Giveaway
I'd like to welcome Dianne Hartsock back to tell us about those in her life who have affected her writing career. This is part of a series I call "My Writing Family."
Thank you, Jessica, for having me back as a guest on your wonderful site. I'm talking about my 'writing family' today, which makes me feel like one of those actresses accepting an academy award. You know, the one's who ramble on about their writers and producers and make-up artists, etc., until we're thankful for the commercial. I'm waiting for the paparazzi to show up on my doorstep!
I have such a large extended family when it comes to writing, I couldn't possible fit them all on a page. So I'd like to tell you about the people who were especially helpful.
First was my 7th grade creative writing teacher, so long ago it seems like another lifetime. I've always been bit of a story teller, but she was the first person to say I had a talent and encouraged me to keep writing. I've been writing ever since, but it wasn't until five years ago that I really became serious about it.
It was due to the fantastic editor I had at Wolf-Pirate Publishing. I was accepted into their Writer's Workshop program, and let me tell you, it was an amazing process. We spent nearly a year on my manuscript, taking it chapter by chapter, then sentence by sentence, with May Bestall explaining why some sentences worked while others didn't. She showed me how to dig into a character's past to find out who they are and why they react to things in the story the way they do. She showed me how to develop plot and to RESEARCH! Basically, she helped me discover my writer's voice.
Which brings me to today. Since then, I've worked with three other super-talented editors, Amy Knox from Breathless Press, Tanja Cilia at MuseItUp Publishing, and Martina Mercer at Solstice Publishing, who gently but firmly pointed out my excessive use of pronouns and was and my never ending battle with show vs. tell.
I would also like to give a nod of thanks to the wonderful people at Litopia Writer's Colony, which is the friendliest, most supportive group of people you could hope to meet. Their advice and gentle teaching has made me believe in myself as a writer.
I wish I had a long list of Beta Readers and critique partners to share with you. Unfortunately for me, writing is an intensely personal experience. There are only a few people who've seen a story of mine outside of publishers and editors, but their feedback has given me the nudge I needed to go on with my writing.
Thanks for listening to me ramble on! I'd like to leave you with an excerpt from my paranormal/suspense novel ALEX. Yes, this is the story I worked on with May in the workshop. See what you think!
Blurb:
'Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. The world presses on him with its horrors and pain. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. He's driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he's the cause of the problem, not the solution.'
Excerpt:
Her skin was soft under his fingertips. Her bare shoulders, the curve of muscle in her arms, her slim fingers; all so soft. Her breath caressed his cheek as he stared at her lips. He wanted to kiss her. It was a risk, he knew, but he ached for someone to break the loneliness. He bent his head and ran his tongue tentatively over the sweet fullness of her mouth. Her tongue met his but he was unprepared for the fire that tore through him. She pressed against him to deepen the kiss and a wild madness surged through his blood.
Something was wrong. She cried out as she struggled in his arms. Her nails raked across his neck. He let her go and watched in bewilderment as she scrambled away, her breath coming in sharp gasps. He reached out a tentative hand, wanting to explain—apologize, but she stepped hastily away from him.
"Freak!" she spat and quickly fled.
He jerked as the word struck him, his arm dropping to his side. The pain of her rejection flooded him. He touched his mouth and wondered desperately what she'd seen as he'd kissed her.
She stopped at the end of the bridge and looked over her shoulder. He couldn't make out her expression, but he hoped to God it wasn't pity. He took a hesitant step toward her but she tore her eyes away and rushed off.
He watched her follow the road back to town, hurrying as the sun sank. The far side of the road was already lost in darkness. His shoulders slumped in defeat when she disappeared into the gloom.
Dejected, he sat on the edge of the bridge and dangled his feet over the swift current. The sound of the rushing water echoed under him, filling his ears. It dulled the edge of his pain, making him forget his humiliation as he listened. He could almost make out a voice in the resonance.
Buy links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/ikCVTW,
BooksOnBoard: http://bit.ly/lntnso
Giveaway:Dianne has generously offered a PDF copy of Alex to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment telling us who has influenced you the most. Contest ends tonight at midnight EST.
Find Dianne here:
Website: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock
July 9, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday #38: 07/10/11 – Frey from Celestial Seduction
Thank you to everyone who keeps coming back to read and comment on my excerpts every week.
This excerpt comes from my recent release, Celestial Seduction available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.
Last week I gave you a cliffhanger. Want to know what Frey looks like?
He smiled, some of his confidence back while his human image flickered for a few seconds before completely disappearing. Unsure what to expect, she tried not to judge until she'd set eyes on his entire figure. Long, spindly fingers intertwined with hers. He tried to let go, but she held them tight. His body appeared taller and leaner than before. She saw the same black eyes, a less prominent nose and barely visible ears.
I cut this off at six sentences, but there is more to this description, including his nether region, but you'll have to read the story for the rest.
Blurb:
At the end of his obligated commitment to the Space Service, Frey Berger decides to stay on Earth to further experience human emotions rather than return to Ginnun where his intended has already mated with another. Looking for real love and someone to accept him for what he is, Frey enlists in Madame Evangeline's popular dating service. Although he does not understand the concept of a one-night stand, he hopes to find his perfect mate.
Carrie Cooper's husband divorced her for someone who could provide him with children, leaving her with little self-confidence and no desire to let a man hurt her again. Her best friend convinces her to join a dating service, claiming Carrie needs to get laid, while not winding up with a broken heart since her date requires no commitment after the night is over.
Although several misunderstandings nearly derail them before the date has even begun, Carrie and Frey end up becoming closer than they ever believed possible. Still, Frey will need to convince Carrie that her perfect mate isn't human at all, and that one night can lead to a forever love.
Visit http://www.sixsunday.com/ to find out who's participating in Six Sentence Sunday this week or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter.
If you get a chance, fantasy author Lorna Suzuki is interviewing me on her blog today.
Just so you all know, I won't be participating next weekend as my hubby and I will be celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary. (Although we've been together for much longer.) Have fun! I know I will. 
Celestial Seduction: More guest posts
Come and join me!
Today you can find me at Daily Dose of Decadence talking about how I found my talent.
I am also featured on Leanne Dyck's Sweater Cursed blog with Celestial Seduction. Thank you Leanne for having me!
It was also an honor this week to find Celestial Seduction mentioned on the blogs of two big names in SFR:
Heather Massey from The Galaxy Express & author of Once Upon A Time In Space
Gini Koch, author of the Alien series (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family) from DAW books
