L.S. Murphy's Blog, page 23

5 Questions with Laura Kaye

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Winner for Best Romance Novella, Forever Freed is the NJRW Golden Leaf Winner for Best Paranormal of 2011 and is a finalist for two GDRWA Booksellers’ Best Awards, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, is a finalist for a FF&P PRISM award, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives inMaryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of theChesapeake Bay every day.

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

1. What was the spark of inspiration for Her Forbidden Hero?

Her Forbidden Hero was inspired in part by the Jack’s Mannequin song “Hammers and Strings.” That song really grabbed me and I started listening to it on repeat. Soon after, the image of a very damaged man sitting in the near dark struggling to play the guitar, and hero Marco Vieri was born. That was last summer, so the characters were in my head for nine months before I could finally write them.

2. Describe your writing routine?

I just to write or do some writing-related business every day. And when I write, I shoot for a daily goal of 2-3,000 words. That allows me to complete a draft of a novel in 4-8 weeks depending on the length of the story, how well it cooperates, and what else is going on in my life. I tend to write either at Panera with my best friend who is also a writer, or at night after I put my young kids to bed.

3. What’s next on the horizon?

First, I’m writing a follow-up story to Her Forbidden Hero that will feature the heroine’s brother Brady in his own book. Expect Brady’s story late summer/early fall. Second, I’m very excited that the second book in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, West of Want, releases on July 10—and it will be the first of my books to release to bookstores everywhere!

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Definitely! First, butt in chair, hands on keyboard! You can’t revise what you haven’t written. You can’t submit what you haven’t written. And getting to the end of a manuscript draft is hugely important for proving you can do this and finish. Second, dive into the next manuscript right away. Having multiple stories to offer gives you another manuscript to give an agent/editor if they like your voice but not the first manuscript you queried, and publishing multiple (quality) stories as fast as you can provides you with a backlist that will help build your readership and income. Third, find a critique partner or group—and not family or friends, but other writers pursuing publication and a professional writing career. Fourth, become a part of the profession, by which I mean the writing organizations relevant to your genre. Doing so will give you friends, networking opportunities, and the insider knowledge you need to be fully successful. Fifth, practice your craft. That means write a lot, read a lot in your genre, read craft books, and take writing workshops and seminars. Finally, have confidence and develop persistence—you will hear a lot of nos on the way to getting those yeses!

5. Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones?

I like both, but…BEATLES!

Buy Laura’s Books

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Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Reading, Romance, Writers, Writing

5 Questions with Justin Bienvenue (Plus an excerpt)

About Me:  My name is Justin Bienvenue. I am 24 years old and live in Attleboro, MA. I like to consider myself a creative thinker and brainstormer. I enjoy writing because it gives me a way to put my creative ideas into perspective and down on paper. I get inspiration from just about anything, whether it be real or fiction, I always try to do something innovative and different. Poetry is something I have enjoyed reading and writing for some time now. I find it to be a great way of self-expression, putting your feelings down and a sweet sounding piece of work with all of its rhythm and other literary devices. I decided to write a book because I wanted more people to read and appreciate my work and I believe it to be really good and worth being made into a book. Whether you like poetry, horror or just like to read all together I believe you will enjoy reading my book. It’s got a little bit of everything and has a good mix of different types of the horror genre. My writing always has either meaning or takes the readers imagination into a whole new perspective. This is what I as a writer, creator and author try to do, this is why I write, to bring out expression and to make my work enjoyable not just for me, but for all who will enjoy and appreciate it as well.

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

1. What was the spark of inspiration for The Macabre Masterpiece: Poems of Horror and Gore?

I don’t know that there was just one spark of inspiration for the book. One day I just decided that I wanted more people to be able to read my work. Bits and pieces inspired poems within such as one day watching a few gruesome horror movies and reading Edgar Allen Poe poems. After seeing and reading them I had so many ideas in my head I just started writing and after about a week or two I had more than enough for the book. Also knowing horror is still quite popular among people made it an inspiration to write for them.

2. Why poetry instead of prose?

I write poetry more than anything else. It’s something I’m good at and it’s a passion of mine, it’s something I enjoy doing. I feel that having my book in poetry form generates a better flow in telling a horror story and also something very different, not normally seen. I have nothing against prose or any other writing style but poetry is what I’m comfortable with and I find I can really express myself through it.

3. What’s next on the horizon?

Right now I am currently working on my second book which will be a full-fledged book, it is a Horror/Western entitled “A Bloody Bloody Mess in the Wild Wild West” I may also put together another quick poem book for Amazon but not really sure yet.

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

If you can write and are a very creative person or you have ideas write your heart out and don’t give up. The writing process is hard at times but as long as you have an idea make it a reality. Also talk with other authors or read up on them to get a better understanding of how it all works. Set a focus point for yourself and make the best of any opportunity you have as an author/writer and hopefully it will pay off in the long run but overall keep writing and know your writing is worth the hard work you put into it.

5. Finally, Freddy or Jason?

Hmm, I’m gonna have to say Jason. I’ve seen a few Friday the 13th movies but not many Freddy films. I can imagine both as characters in my book, walking around causing mischief

Here’s an excerpt from The Macabre Masterpiece: Poems of Horror and Gore:

The Spirit of the dead is near, they’ve asked me to bring you all here, I can see it in your eyes, you all look despaired.

The need for bloodshed is done in the back of the shed in the back of the head until the back is red.

Crouching in position posing in perfect posture, on the rooftop of a gothic cathedral sits a monster

Goodreads Author Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The‑Mac...

Amazon Author Profile: http://www.amazon.com/Justin‑Bienvenu...

Website: http://jbienvenue.webs.com/

E-Mail- AmadeusAnubis@netzero.net

Book Review: Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye

Synopsis: She’s always been off-limits…

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend’s little sister, but her return home changes that…and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco’s not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he’s not about to let her see the mess he’s become.

…but now she’s all grown up.

When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can’t stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa’s not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she’s back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time…

The First Line: “With seventy-five dollars and a maxed-out credit card to her name, Alyssa Scott sat in the driver’s seat of her beat-up Corolla and stared at the building where she hoped all her dreams would come true.”

The Good: Love Alyssa. She’s not afraid to go after what she wants, whether that’s a job or Marco.

I also love Marco. He’s a damaged hero, but he knows who he is.

When Marco and Alyssa are together, the tension is explosive and exciting. The romance is natural and not forced.

The Bad: I’ve been reading a lot of romances lately that have fallen into the same trope: girl loves older brother’s best friend who falls for girl now that she’s all grown up. Seems to be a pattern lately.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a quick romantic beach read, this will fill that order in spades.

Check back Thursday when Laura Kaye stops by for 5 Questions

Tagged: 2012, book Review, Books, Fun, Just for Fun, Musings, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Romance, Writers, Writing

Cover Reveal: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

Blurb:

Since the car crash that took her father’s life two years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

 

It’s not easy being dead; especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left. His soul.

 

Publication Date: August, 2012

Imprint: Entangled Teen

Novel length: 400 pages

Format: Trade paperback and eBook

Add Inbetween to Goodreads

           Pre order: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository/Books A Million

 

About The Author: Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.

Where you can find Tara.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

 

Go to Tara’s website to read the prologue! http://www.tarafuller.com/

Tagged: 2012, Books, Cover Reveal, Fiction, Fun, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Paranormal Romance, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Romance, Teens, Writing, YA, YA books, YA Paranormal Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Books

5 Questions with Gwen Hayes (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

Gwen Hayes lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero, their children, and the pets that own them. She writes stories for teen and adult readers about love, angst, and saving the world.

Gwen’s first novel, Falling Under, was released in March of 2011 by NAL/Penguin and followed up by the sequel, Dreaming Awake, in January of 2012.

She is represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.

*Gwen also refuses to behave and get a proper author photo taken. Obviously.

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

1.      Dreaming Awake is the second book in the Falling Under series. Did you plan Falling Under as a series?

I didn’t, actually.  Falling Under was a standalone, but my editor wanted two books, and who am I to say no?  The book that came out is so different from the one we started with. Varnie wasn’t even in it. Can you imagine not having Varnie in the books?

People ask if there is a third, and my standard answer is “not at this time.” Never say never though.

2.      Where did the spark of inspiration come from for Theia?

The very first line, “Everything changed the night I saw the burning man fall from the sky.” was my inspiration. I had no idea what was coming. I just couldn’t stop hearing it in my head. Truthfully, as hard as I try to plot books, I have been unsuccessful. I don’t know what is coming until it happens. I had no idea what Haden was until he told Theia.

3.      What’s next on the horizon?

We haven’t decided yet. I haven’t found just the right spark, so I keep wading into a few stories with my lightning rod hoping to be struck down.

4.      What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Read as much as you can. Listen to audiobooks, too. I find listening to stories helps me slow down the cadence in my own writing. And be aware of the market, but don’t be a slave to it. It changes so fast. The best you can do is write the book you want to read yourself.

5.      Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Oh no. I couldn’t possibly. I love them both so much. You’re the meanest interviewer ever.

  Gwen is giving one person a FREE E-BOOK! YAY! Thanks, Gwen. 

I’ll make it easy for you. The FIRST person (legit person, not spammer) will win an ebook from Gwen’s backlist. Just leave your email addy. Easy Peasy. Either way, drop of note to say HEY.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Fiction, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Paranormal Romance, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, Young Adult Books

5 Questions with Jennifer Azantian

Jennifer Azantian assists Sandra Dijkstra and Elise Capron, and manages incoming submissions for SDLA. At the University of California, San Diego, she studied clinical and developmental child psychology, and graduated cum laude in 2010. After graduation, she spent a wonderful summer interning at the Dijkstra agency before joining full-time in fall of 2011.

Beyond university, Azantian is a published author of several short stories and brings to the agency her passion for literature born of a writer’s heart. Her personal tastes run toward all flavors of the fantastic. She believes that it is against the backdrop of fantasy and science fiction that basic human truths can be best examined, magnified, and delighted in. She has just begun to acquire projects and welcomes all submissions that match her interests.

http://www.dijkstraagency.com/

 

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

1. How important is a platform for new and established authors in the 21st century?

For me, having a platform before publishing a first novel is a bonus but definitely not a necessity. Especially for the science fiction and fantasy genres, I think platform is something that can be built over time. For that reason, I’d say that it would be great if an author had a pre-established audience, but if they didn’t, there is nothing wrong with just focusing on their work. It’s too easy to get lost in how many twitter and facebook friends you have and how many re-pins your boards get and forget to be writing!

2. On your agency’s website, it states you are only looking for “young-adult science-fiction and fantasy (including all of their sub-genres).” What does the novel have to have to draw you in?

For a novel to draw me in, I have to be excited about the ideas presented and moved by the voice. I’m looking for stories with concepts that make me perk up from my stack of reading and go, “Whoa, that’s different.” Really thinking about why each plot point must occur and trying to set the story apart through creativity is a great place to start. Beyond that, I also have to want to spend time with the characters. They need to be individuals and not devices, have specific qualities, and behave in a manner that is consistent with those qualities. Finding a new project is about as easy to find as true love, but the great thing for authors is that, just as in love, what moves us is different for every agent.

3. What is the most common mistake most authors make when pitching an agent at a conference?

The most common mistake I see authors make when pitching an agent at a conference is not doing their research (or in some cases disregarding guidelines because there is no agent at the conference that quite fits their project). Writers spend months and years on their work. It’s equally important to spend time on finding the right agent for them, one that represents their type of work and whose style fits well with the author’s needs. It’s easy to get excited about any agent because they signify that next step to the publishing goal, but if I’m approached with a piece of writing in a genre or age-group that I don’t represent, there isn’t much a can do. I simply won’t have the right insight and connects to bring that project to light.

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

As cliché as it sounds: Write Every Day and Keep Moving Forward. With rare exception, it takes time to develop the craft of writing, to figure out what works and what doesn’t for you. The only way to get better at anything is to practice. Make writing a priority in your life, and be consistent with it. Don’t put down your work publicly, and try your very best not to do it privately, either. Editing is imperative; self-deprecation is not. I truly believe what separates those who are successful from those who are not is that the successful ones never quit.

5. Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Star Wars. Wait, what was the question, again?

 

Tagged: 2012, Books, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Literary Agent, literary agent interviews, Literary Agents, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, Young Adult, Young Adult Books

Book Review: Oracle by J.C. Martin

Synopsis: As the countdown begins, the body count rises.

With London gearing up to host the Olympics, the city doesn’t need a serial killer stalking the streets. They’ve got one anyway.

Leaving a trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police are no closer to finding their latest murderer than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solution for his daughter’s disability.

Thrust into the pressure cooker of a high profile case, the struggling single parent is wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety of a growing population of potential next victims.

One of whom could be his own daughter.

Fingers point in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer’s only answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.

The First Line: “The last of the theatergoers had gone, the place locked up for the night, but for Vincent the Magnificent, the entertainment had only just begun.” Really, now. The party’s just getting started? Interesting opening. I’m curious as to what will happen next. Since this is a suspense/thriller, I assume this guy’s going to bite it and now I want to know why.

The Good: Kurt Lancer is a single father to Meghan. Unfortunately for Kurt, Meghan’s losing her eyesight. Not only does Lancer have to deal with the tough job of being a homicide detective, but he’s struggling to deal with his daughter’s physical issues. Not only does this add serious depth to the character, but it makes a harden cop sympathetic. Usually, that’s one of my biggest problems with crime novels. I get tired of “harden cops” being such a stereotype that they become unlikeable. That’s not an issue here.

Martin’s setting is timely. Set in London just before the Summer Olympics, a murderer is on the loose. Lancer and his team, Sam Blaize and Tom Holloway, need to catch the killer before the Olympics begin.

The Bad: Wish Angie’s story had been clearer earlier. It felt like it was drawn out for dramatic effect when it didn’t need to be.

Recommendation: Definitely check this out. Especially if you love a good thriller. The setting, characters, and mystery will keep you reading throughout the night.

Tagged: 2012, book Review, Books, Fiction, Fun, London, Musings, Mystery, Novels, Olympics, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Reading, Suspense, Thriller, Writers, Writing

Winner of the SIGNED copy of Katana by Cole Gibsen

Congratulations to JAY (@DLITERARYBITCH) who won the signed copy of Katana by Cole Gibsen.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented on what’s getting old and what they’d like to see in YA. It was very enlightening.

Once I hit 200 likes on my facebook page, I’ll do another giveaway. So spread the word!

Tagged: 2012, Books, Opinion, Reading, Teens, Winner, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, Young Adult, Young Adult Books

5 Questions with Amy Fellner Dominy

Amy Fellner Dominy is a little quirky.  She doesn’t like beaches, she thinks chocolate is just okay, and she talks to herself.  Amy loves writing about teens who are just as quirky in their own ways.  A former advertising copywriter, Amy got her MFA in 2004 with an emphasis in playwriting.  Amy’s plays have been staged across the country and she’s published in both children’s plays and short stories. Teen novels include OyMG (Walker Books,2011) and Audition & Subtraction (Walker Books, Fall 2012.) Amy lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her hubby, two teens and various pets.  http://amydominy.com/

Now on to the Five Questions

1. Where did the spark of inspiration for OyMG come from?

I think most of us grow up feeling different in one way or another.  For me, I was one of the only Jewish kids in my school. I was proud of my faith, but at times (especially Christmas) it was just plain hard.  I wanted to be like everyone else.

Then, when I was about 14-years-old, I got fired from a babysitting job when the family found out I was Jewish.  It was awful to realize that someone could hate you like that — and I realized how tempting it might be to hide that part of yourself you think someone else might not like. The question is how far will we go to conform and fit in?  What part of ourselves are we willing to hide?  From that question, Ellie Taylor and OyMG came to life.

2. How long did it take from initial concept to publication?

I wrote the first page for an SCBWI conference in November 2006.  I wanted to enter it for a First Page panel. When I got great feedback it was a mixed blessing—all I had was the first page!!  It took me until 2009 to have a finished book.  It sold that fall and appeared on shelves May 2011.  So, all-in-all, about 5 years from concept to publication.

3. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

In a word: finish.  Whatever you’re working on, don’t stop until you reach the end.  One of the dangers that so many writers fall into, me included, is to edit and revise our work as we write so that we never actually complete the book.  Until you type “The End” it’s impossible to know what your story is really about.  And, it’s impossible to publish it. J

4. What is your solution to writer’s block?

When I get writer’s block, I ask myself one question:  What does my character NEED?  It’s need that creates action and it’s action that creates plot.  If you’re stuck, it’s probably because your character has no goal—no need to move forward.  Make sure your character has a concrete goal and your writer’s block will hopefully be cured.

5. Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Rolling Stones. Maybe because Mick Jagger is still going strong.

Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Fun, High School, Interviews, Just for Fun, Novels, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA books, Young Adult Books

Happy 4th of July

Here’s probably one of the most famous renditions of our National Anthem. RIP Jimi.

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Have a safe and fab Fourth.

Tagged: 2012, Fun, Jimi Hendrix, Just for Fun, Memories, Music, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Star Spangled Banner, Videos