Jean Murray's Blog, page 18

Cover Reveal ~ A Stiff Kiss, YA Author Avery Olive

Who knew kissing a corpse would change everything?

Death always hits Xylia Morana too close to home, but she likes it that way. She hangs out with the terminally ill, attends random funerals, and every so often, when the weather is right, she sleeps in open graves.

But after Landon Phoenix, the high school hottie, dies in Xylia's hands, she sneaks into the morgue to say goodbye. How could she know stealing a kiss from his corpse would wake him up?

With Landon returned to the living and suddenly interested in Xylia, life has new meaning. But what Xylia doesn't realize is that by kissing Landon back to life, she's thrown Life and Death off balance. The underworld demands a body, and it might just have to be Xylia's this time.

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Author Bio:

Avery Olive is Canadian.  She is married, and when she's not helping raise her very energetic and inquisitive son, she can be found working on her latest novel-where she devilishly adds U's into every word she can.

When she is looking for a break Avery enjoys cake decorating, losing herself in a good book, or heading out to the lake to go camping.

The release of Avery's first novel proves to her it won't be the last. As long as her family continues to be supportive, she can find the time, and people want to read, Avery will keep on writing

I love the premise of this novel, maybe because it reminds me of how awkward we all were in high school.  How many of us where or knew of someone like Xilya?  I think we called it Goth back them.  This one is definitely going in my TBR!!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Ones to Watch ~ Small Press Treasures Blog Hop

 

I want to thank Sam, Elena and Rhonda for hosting this fabulous blog hop.  I love Small Press for many reasons.  First, the stories they produce are truly hidden treasures.  They are the bread and butter of debut and experienced authors, alike.  Stories that would be classified as "not mainstream" enough have an opportunity to shine.  I am so grateful to my small press, Crescent Moon Press.  My editor for Soul Reborn, Heather Howland (now with another small press, Entangled Publishing) mentored me through my first publishing experience.  She cared about the stories and treated the authors with respect.  Small Press companies employ extremely talented artists, no matter what the genre.

So, what am I giving away?? 

An e-copy of Soul Reborn, Wicked Romance Organic Tote with Signed Cover Flats, Egyptian Tarot Cards

To Enter:  Answer one of these questions in a comment below…. 

What do you like best about Small Press Publishers?

What is your favorite Small Press Author or Story Hero or Heroine?? 

My Favorite Small Press Authors:

My Favorite Small Press Covers:

 

My favorite Cast of Key to the Cursed Series Heroes:

Asar, God of the Underworld, Dead and Afterlife.  He is most well-known for judging souls at the gates of the afterlife.  Do not cross him or he may just feed your soul to the beast.  Pass the test and receive everlasting life.

Bakari, son of Asar, and Protector of the Gates.  Holder of the key to the Underworld. You will recognize him by the scorpion carved tattoo on his back and arms.  Those daggers on his chest aren't just for show.  One pierce to the heart will kill any god.

Bomani, Commander of the Underworld Legion.  You can't miss him.  He wears his rank on his skin in the form of scarification tattoos that cover his entire body and the brand of the legion shield on his chest.  Don't let his charismatic smile and jovial personality fool you.  Only the strongest and fiercest alpha warrior rises to the top.

Kamen, brother to Asar, and Soul Eater.  The largest of all the Underworld gods and the most dangerous.  Stay clear of this big fellow.  His stoicism is just a façade to the beast within.  But he has it under control, most of the time.

The Gods of the Underworld have graciously agreed to help me promote my book, Soul Reborn.

For more great small press supporters, see below and continue on the blog hop!!

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Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

1.
Rachel Firasek




2.
Lisa Beth Darling 18+




3.
Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears 18+






4.
Catch the Rush 18+




5.
King of the Dragons 18+




6.
Ketas Keep Romance Blog 18+






7.
Close Encounters with the Night Kind




8.
Shannan Albright Romance you can sink you fangs into 18+




9.
Lisas Lair – Lisa Kessler Author Blog 18+






10.
Jean Murray, Wicked Romance




11.
Mary Abshire-Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Author 18+




12.
Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!






13.
Rosalie Lario




14.
QueenTutts World Of Escapism 18+




15.
SalaciousReads






16.
Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy




17.
Debra Anastasia Poughkeepsie giveaway!




18.
theJeepDiva (US & Int) 18+






19.
Satins Bookish Corner 18+




20.
Book Crazy




21.
Hesperia Loves Books






22.
Ciara Knight




23.
Jess @ Wickedly Bookish




24.
Casey Crow (INT) 18+






25.
LITERAL ADDICTION




26.
Bona Fide Reflections (US/INT)




27.
Leia Shaw @ The Paranormal G-spot 18+






28.
Darhk Portal




29.
Laura Kaye (INT) 18+

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Filed under: Events, Giveaway, Soul Reborn Tagged: blog hop, contest, ebook, egyptian mythos, Jean Murray, Kendall Grey, kindle, lynn rush, paranormal, paranormal fiction, paranormal romance, promotion, Rachel Firasek, romance, Small Press Treasures, soul reborn, wasteland, YA

Author Open MIC ~ Welcomes Hildie McQueen +Giveaway

Click to view slideshow.
Today, we have a very special author who at the end of this has a special treat:
ONE FREE COPY OF DESPERATE BETRAYAL. 

I'd like to introduce Hildie McQueen. 

Hildie loves the strange and unusual, pair that with humor and you've got an idea of what her writing is like.  Besides writing, her other occupation is as an administrative assistant in support of the Department of Defense.  She enjoys making sure action, intrigue, and sizzling romance add up to an escape that her readers won't soon forget.  Hildie is a member of Georgia Romance Writers, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter and Romance Writers of America.

She resides in the beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt.

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Hello everyone, so glad to be here today to introduce my book series. Thank you for stopping by.

One commenter will receive a free e-copy of Desperate Betrayal, the first in the series!

The Protector Series began with the idea to create a hero, who is different, who is immortal and has some vampire-like characteristics.

I had to come up with the guys that while they are born human, are born predestined to become immortal warriors. At the age of about twenty they grow taller and get bulkier. At the same time their eyesight and hearing become keener. Like vampires, they drop fangs when aggravated and have the ability to erase memories. Once they accept their destiny and go with Julian, their leader, they train in Rome with Gladiators to fight.   

I decided to bring the Protector from varied backgrounds, there is one Viking, a Moor, two Highlanders, a British Lord, a Spartan and their leader is a Gladiator. And of course each of them is drop dead gorgeous.

Lastly, they needed a purpose.  The Protectors spend their nights patrolling the streets of Atlanta, protecting innocents from demons and others out to harm them.

Now to the books!

  Desperate Choices, Novella, the prequel to Desperate Betrayal

When an Immortal demon slayer saves Rachel Andrews from certain death, her life changes forever.  An unbreakable bond with the handsome Protector, drags her into a world she never believed existed and has no desire to be part of.

The actions of one night drastically alter the course of his long existence.  Torn between his feelings for Rachel and his life's calling, Roderick Cronan comes face to face with the fact that he is losing both.

Desperate Betrayal

When a beautiful woman in a dirty alley approaches Cyn Fraser, he is intrigued by the fact that she can see him for what he is, a demon slayer, and still dares to approach him.

Emma Blake, has to convince Cyn to help rescue her sister from powerful demons, she goes against every instinct and approaches him despite knowing that she is leading them both into territory so wrought with treachery, neither of them may survive. Will they overcome betrayal? And if they do, will it even matter?

Desperate Surrender

Wendy O'Sullivan's life drastically changes upon discovering she is not human, and is charged with guarding the Key of Peace. To make matters more complicated, she reunites with the Protector she's dreamed of since the day he rescued her from a demon attack.

Kieran Frasier, hasn't kissed, much less loved a woman in over three hundred years, his heart firmly encased behind thick walls. The fierce immortal defends innocents from powerful demons, but can he defend himself from diminutive Wendy, who manages to get past all his barricades?

Faced with arranged marriages to others and battling demons that will stop at nothing to capture Wendy, will they be forced to surrender their chance at true love for the greater good?

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 INTERVIEW:

Hi Hildie.  Welcome to part II of the Author Open MIC where I get to throw some questions at you, especially now that you bated us with your oh-so-fabulous and sexy immortal warriors. 

1.     I read in a previous interview that Desperate Betrayal read very much like JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series (which I must say is my favorite).  Do you find inspiration in other authors who have paved the way for more male centric romance novels? 

I am always flattered when people compare my writing to her because she's my uber-hero! I get inspired when I read great writing, when I laugh out loud or cry because of a specific scene.  Besides JR Ward, I love Gena Showalter, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Pamela Palmer, all of their series based on not only strong males, but also the relationship between the men.

2.     What do you think is the hardest obstacle in writing from a male perspective?  What is the easiest?

I've been surrounded by men my entire life, I was in the army for a while, then continue to work with the government, so I feel that I have a good perspective on the male point of view.  Whenever I don't understand something or need to ask a question, I ask the guys.

3.     I love that your immortal warriors come from different time periods and cultures.  How do you decide what female character will make the best match?

That is a great question, what I usually do is contemplate and try to figure out the type of female that would either be my heroes exact opposite or a mirror image of him, only feminine. Sometimes it's easy other times, its not so much so.

4.     Okay, you have some serious bragging rights as of late for Desperate Betrayal.  What do readers think?

I have received emails from people I don't know to tell me how much they've enjoyed it and to ask about the sequel.  It's been amazing that my debut novel has been so warmly received.  I just hope that I can keep them happy with the sequels.

Host interjects:  Now Hildie, you are being modest.  Okay, I'll brag for you.  Desperate Betrayal was selected as READERS CHOICE at Gravetells in January 2012.  She was up against some stiff competition.  The READERS HAVE SPOKEN – they love her book.  Not to mention all the great reviews on AMAZON and GOODREADS.

5.     Where can readers find out more about you and your books? 

I blog regularly at www.hildiemcqueen.com.  There is also a tab on there for books, which I update regularly.

My Facebook addiction is another way to know what I'm up to, http://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

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GIVEAWAY!!

You must leave a comment for Hildie to be included in the drawing, otherwise we won't know where to find you  

Filed under: Author Open Mic, Events, Giveaway, Guest Author Tagged: desperate betrayal, ebook, fiction, giveaway, guest blog, hildie mcqueen, interview, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, paranormal romance, promotion, romance, the protector series

Author Open MIC: Welcomes Cindy Young-Turner

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Hi everyone.  I'm so excited to introduce a fellow CMP author to you today.  I've had the great pleasure of reading her novel, and fell in love with her heroine.  Although she is here to guest post, I want to give you the opportunity to get to know her and her book.  This is a MUST READ.  At the end of her post, I'll be asking Cindy some questions about her novel and what is on the horizon for her characters—so stay tuned.  You won't be disappointed.

Bio:  Cindy has always been an avid reader and became fascinated by mythology and Arthurian legends at a young age. She quickly decided she enjoyed creating her own worlds and characters and set to work writing her own stories. She won her first writing contest at age twelve, a short story inspired by the style of Edgar Allan Poe. Branching her interests from mythology to classic supernatural tales to medieval history and then to fantasy seemed to be a logical progression.

A native New Englander, Cindy currently lives in the Mid-Atlantic region with her family and each year wishes for more snow. You can visit her at her website at www.cindyyoungturner.com.

So, Cindy.  The mic is yours….
Guest post—A fantasy author finds inspiration in the past

Thanks for having me, Jean! One of the hardest parts about writing fantasy is that I can't go to a particular location where my novel is set or look it up on the internet to do research. My novel takes place in a world I've created. Granted, it's a medieval-based setting, so some things may seem familiar, but it only exists in my head. The closest I've come to experiencing my world is at our local renaissance festival and during a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.

My husband and I took a belated honeymoon to Scotland. It was our first trip out of the country and a dream vacation. I've been fascinated by Scotland for a long time—the culture, the history, the music, the beautiful landscape. With only a nine day trip, we had to carefully pick and choose what we wanted to see. We spent two days in London, then took the train to Edinburgh for a couple days and then another train ride to Inverness. None of it disappointed. Edinburgh was an amazing city. We spent a good amount of time on the Royal Mile, which was a bit touristy, but I loved the cobblestone streets, the old buildings, and all the history that had been preserved.

While we were in Edinburgh, we took one of those ghost tours that seem to be all the rage these days. I'd never heard of a ghost tour before (this was a number of years ago), but a friend who had been there highly recommended it. We had a choice between a tour during the daytime that ended in a pub or one at night that ended in a cemetery. Ha, of course we picked the tour ending in a pub. I'm so glad we didn't do one at night because frankly, I was terrified. Lots of creepy things happened on the old streets of Edinburgh, and lots of terrible punishments were meted out. For example, the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare killed people and sold their bodies for medical dissection in the 1800s. Burke was hanged, publicly dissected, and souvenirs were made from his skin. His skeleton is displayed in the University of Edinburgh, and we were told it's set at an angle so his soul would never be at rest. Some of the creepiest stories we heard during the tour were about Mary King's Close, where supposedly when the plague swept through in the 1600s people were boarded up in their homes and left to die. This is one of the most haunted places in the city and has been featured on some of those "most haunted" shows. Just thinking about it still gives me chills. The tour also took us to the South Bridge Vaults, which had recently been opened up. People lived and worked in these underground passages in the late 18th century. Conditions in the vaults were horrific, and it became a slum and a red light district and as a result also attracted all sorts of criminals. We went through some of the vaults on the tour. Imagine walking through dimly lit tunnels with the guide warning you not to lose the group and oh, don't worry if you hear heavy footsteps behind you because sometimes people do. Yikes. No one in the group wanted to be a straggler. After that I was ready for the pub and a good stiff drink.

Now this isn't to say that my novel is full of infamous murderers, cruel punishments, or haunted underground passages. Well, on second thought, some of that does apply. I certainly pictured the narrow, winding cobblestone streets of Edinburgh when I was writing the story. In the town where the primary action of the novel occurs there are a series of tunnels that run beneath the streets. These tunnels play a key role and were inspired by the vaults I went through beneath Edinburgh, although mine don't have such a sordid history (the crime and prostitution happens above ground instead). And since this is fantasy, the tunnels also have a bit of magic, and it's a creepy otherworld kind of magic tinged with fear. In my world, danger lurks around every corner, especially the shadowy ones.

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Sydney, a street urchin and pickpocket in the town of Last Hope, has managed to evade the oppressive Guild for years, but there is no escaping fate when she's sentenced to death for associating with the resistance.

After she's rescued by a wizard, Sydney is forced to accept that magic-long outlawed throughout the Kingdom of Thanumor-still exists, and the Tuatha, a powerful faery folk, are much more than ancient myth and legend. When the wizard offers a chance to fight the Guild and bring Willem, bastard prince and champion of the Tuatha, to the throne, Sydney embraces the cause as a way to find her own redemption.

But Sydney's fear of the Guild, distrust of authority, and surprising connection to the Tuatha threaten Willem's success. Can she untangle the strange threads that entwine her life not only to the fate of the kingdom, but also to Willem himself?

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INTERVIEW WITH CINDY YOUNG-TURNER

1.  Where do you turn to for inspiration?

I love listening to music when I write and picking music that matches the mood of the scene. I listen to a lot of Celtic music and movie soundtracks (especially the Lord of the Rings soundtracks), as well as harder stuff like Godsmack, Evanesence, Black Sabbath, and Nine Inch Nails. And because part of the novel involves people rising up and fighting oppression, I've also been inspired by events in history like the Scottish struggle for independence and the French revolution. I guess I like to root for the underdog.

2.  Okay, now a question for my next favorite thing—your heroine, Sydney.  Tell us about her and what motivates her?

I adore Sydney. She's very flawed and very human. I think to understand her you have to understand where she comes from, that she's lost the person dearest to her and has had to fend for herself on the streets. The town of Last Hope is not a nice place. She's done whatever she had to do to survive. At the beginning of the novel, she has a hard time trusting people and carries around a lot of guilt and doubt in herself. But she also has a moral core that her father figure instilled in her, which has remained despite the difficult choices she's made. During the course of the story she has the opportunity to finally uphold those principles and realizes she really can fight for what she believes in and make a difference. When she meets Willem, the man who is trying to gain the throne and oust the oppressive Guild that has been the source of so much pain for Sydney personally, he gives her hope that change is possible. It's really a turning point for her. And yeah, there's some romance there also.

Sydney undergoes a tremendous amount of growth by the end of the book, even though she makes plenty of mistakes along the way. I hope readers can sympathize with her and will be able to understand and be inspired by her struggle to overcome her past and fight for a better future.

3.  In five words, can you describe the hero, Willem.

Determined, confident, inspiring, compassionate, chivalrous

4.  What is the future for Willem and Sydney?

Well, I don't want to give away any spoilers. I'm working on the sequel to Thief of Hope now. The adventures continue, and as the stakes get higher, the dangers increase, for both Sydney and Willem. I think the question isn't whether they want to be together but whether they CAN be. Can a pickpocket/street urchin become a queen? And does she want to be? Can love conquer all? Honestly, I won't know until I finish writing the book because I'm the kind of person who writes to find out what happens in the story. The jury is still out on this one. My characters often have a way of surprising me, though, so anything is possible.

5.  Where can readers find you?

Website: http://www.cindyyoungturner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Young-Turner/206268086074718

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882750.Cindy_Young_Turner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorCindyYT

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Thief-Hope-Cindy-Young-Turner/dp/0982820070/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_3

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thief-of-hope-cindy-young-turner/1031233191?ean=9780982820070&itm=1&usri=thief%2bof%2bhope

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Cindy, thank you so much for taking the MIC today.  I always love to hear how authors obtain inspiration in creating their worlds.  I fell in love with your book, its setting, and characters.  It's one of those books that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the story with its sights and sounds.  I can't wait for the sequel. 

Keep writing and happy reading to all!!

Filed under: Author Open Mic, Events, Guest Author, Uncategorized Tagged: author open mic, best seller, cindy young-turner, cover art, craft, ebook, fantasy romance, fiction, guest blog, interview, kindle

Cover Reveal: BREATHLESS by YA Author Cole Gibsen

Obituary-reading emo girl Edith Small is broken – the end result of forcing herself inside a mold that doesn't fit. All she wants is to conform to her strict sergeant stepfather's rules long enough to make it to graduation day. But a boat accident threatens to unravel the life Edith has worked so hard to keep. After waking up in a hospital with a lacerated shoulder, Edith fakes amnesia. Because admitting she received her injuries from a blue-haired girl who breathes underwater is all the reason Sir needs to send Edith on the first bus to military school.

Safe at home, Edith struggles to put the nightmare behind her. But the mysterious creatures that live in the ocean aren't about to let her forget. After meeting Bastin – a strange boy with silver hair and black eyes – on a secluded dock, Edith learns about the war raging undersea to end human existence. A war that Edith, unwittingly, has become the key to winning.

In a world where death is an ever-present shadow and motives are as dark as the bottom of the ocean, Edith must decide if her life is worth risking for a love that can't survive past the shore.

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Cole Gibson:  Cole Gibsen first realized she different when, in high school, she was still reading comic books while the other girls were reading fashion magazines.  It was her love of superheroes that first inspired her to pick up a pen. Her favorite things to write about are ordinary girls who find themselves in extraordinary situations.

When Cole Gibsen isn't writing fiction for young adults she can be found shaking her booty in a zumba class, picking off her nail polish, or drinking straight from the jug (when no one is looking). Cole currently resides in the Greater St. Louis area with her husband, daughter, and one very cranky border collie.

Find her here:

Author Homepage

Goodreads

Facebook

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 This cover is incredible.  I think it captures the book's title perfectly, not to mention the feeling each of us had when we were in high school– in over our heads, drowning in expectations, struggling to discover who we really were…
Cole's novel is due out this spring.  Add it to your TBR on Goodreads.  You won't want to miss this one!

Filed under: Cover Reveal, Events Tagged: book release, breathless, cole gibsen, cover art, cover reveal, ebook, Editing; editor; novel, fantasy romance, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, paranormal romance, promotion, romance, YA, YA author

Author Open Mic ~ Welcomes Elizabeth Cheryl

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I am so excited to introduce Wicked Romance's next guest for Author Open Mic, YA author Elizabeth Cheryl.  Her debut novel ,The Summerland, is due out any moment now.  I can't wait.  Elizabeth has an amazing heartfelt story of love, courage and determination. I wouldn't do her story justice so I am glad she is here today to share her journey to publication with you.  Above are some snapshots of Elizabeth in Salem, MA (the setting of her book) and the individual her book, The Summerland, is dedicated– her mother. 

Take a look at this beautiful cover…

When Abigail Parker moves to Salem, Massachusetts, with her Aunt Bridgette, nothing makes sense from the moment she arrives. A familiar but unknown voice whispers words of reassurance. Her aunt's behavior is confusing at best.

When Bridgette's gravely injured, Abigail desperately seeks help from a spell book she found in her closet. But something goes terribly wrong. Abbey is hurtled three centuries backward in time, landing in a vastly different Salem.

It's summertime 1692 – the infamous witch trials are in full swing and Abigail's sporting pink nail polish and a tattoo. Abigail finds William, the source of the familiar voice and something much more. However, she must return to modern Salem to retrieve the spell book.

Can she do so in time to save her family and without exposing herself to accusations of witchcraft? Most importantly, how does she leave when she's just finding love?

*************************************

Before we get to the interview questions below, I want to give Elizabeth the opportunity to tell her story, and the journey that brought her to this moment and time.  Get your tissues out, because I don't think there will be a virtual dry eye out there.  When I first heard it, my breath caught in my throat. The amount of love that went into the writing of her book is astounding. 

Elizabeth, thank you for coming today.  Can you please take a moment to tell us your story and the significance of your journey?

 Hi Jean…First of all I wanted to start off by thanking you for including me in such a wonderful blog. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such talented authors like yourself at Crescent Moon Press. Second I would like to acknowledge the loss of one of our own at Crescent Moon Press on Saturday. I just sadly read the news of Judi McCoy and we all will experience her absence in some form or another.

As for my story about how I ended up in such a wonderful family of writers is an interesting journey.  About 2 years ago I had a dream about a couple in the Seventeenth Century. They were young and so in love. I wanted to create a world for them to belong to and a story that would touch hearts as they touched mine. I had decided to write about what life was like for them during Puritan Times and the torture endured during the Salem Witch Trials. What would one do if the man or woman you deeply loved were to be hung in front of you and your children. The thought gripped me. I began researching more about those times and the stories of the accused. During this process I had a notion to have my main character, Abigail live here during modern times and somehow time travel back to Salem, Massachusetts where the story takes place.

I had just recently learned that my mom was ill, possibly cancer but we were not sure of the severity back then. As I created Abigail's story it took on a very similar spin as my mom's life. My mom was born in raised just outside of Boston in a town called Millis, Massachusetts. She was about a half hour or 40 minute drive from Salem depending on traffic. I spent countless hours with my mom who needless to mention was also my very best friend. We would sit together in her office as I wrote each page picking her brain about Massachusetts and its scenery, smell, people and so on. Each page I wrote became a part of us. Her past, a history lesson for both of us and a bond of a story that we began to fall in love with. I would write a page and hand it to her in anticipation to see if she laughed at the right parts or cried where I had hoped she would.

So many times over that 8 month period of writing the book she shared that, "I was a wonderful writer" and I would crack up laughing because I had never written a damn thing in my life. I figured she just really loved me…

As the book came to an end, I had written an 85,000 word novel and she had edited her first book. We were so excited with what we had done together. But as life seems to have its own plans, my moms cancer had suddenly worsened. On January 31, 2011 I had just finished the last chapter of the novel when I received a phone call from my mom that she was having trouble breathing. My mom had been diagnosed with Non-Smoking Lung Cancer during our process of writing the book. I drove quickly to her house which was only 7 minutes from mine but seemed like 70 minutes knowing she was struggling to breathe. I had called 911 on the way to her house to make sure they would be there when I arrived. After viewing her CT Scans of her lung our worst nightmares had come to life. My mom was given 2 weeks to live.

I stood motionless in the hospital room with my brother and sister. We had decided to take my mom home with hospice to my bothers 5 acre house at the top of the El Dorado National Forest. There we cared for my mom until 13 days later she passed away in our arms on February 12, 2011. I had painted her toes that day and read to her the first three chapters of the book hoping it brought her some peace. You see Abigail, my main character ended up in Salem after losing her mother to cancer. Before I had any idea that I would lose my own mother to the same fate as the novel unraveled.

The Novel is called The Summerland because according to Pagan belief that is the place where  the soul goes to rest before it is reincarnated into another human body for another life again on this planet. My mom had been Pagan most of my life. So this was a familiar concept to me.The day before my mom passed she was able to whisper a few words to me, her last words were, "I will see you in The Summerland."

Those words run circles in my head as every day passes but aside from the irony of Abigail in my book and my mom with cancer there was another undeniable coincidence. My mom was very into earthly and spiritual things. She studied many religions but felt a deep connection with the more Pagan beliefs. With that came her appreciation for the cosmic realms of life including the moon. Being that it is one of the most fascinating things in the night sky it can easily become a favorite amongst paintings and jewelry and so on. Her favorite moon was the Crescent. It was her earrings and her pictures and rings…

When I wrote out my submission letters for publishers I was unsure of writing ever again. I lost my desire because she was not sitting by my side reading every page anymore. I had no one to write for. I only sent out 6 submissions at midnight one night. A day later I received a request for my manuscript and 4 days later I was signed with an amazing publisher, none other than its name being, Crescent Moon Press.

Thanks mom

You mention that your heroine, Abigail has suffered a similar loss.  Was it difficult putting your experience into words? Do you think your story will help other young adults understand how to cope with loss?

Yes, Jean it was very difficult. But you have to understand that when I wrote the novel my mom was still with me. I had never imagined what that type of pain could feel like. It wasn't until I lost her that I actually could really relate to Abigail's loss of her mom to cancer. After about a two month period of time, a time when I thought I would never write again was when I had to go through the manuscript and rewrite many parts of the book. From an actual perspective that was so hauntingly familiar to Abigail's. I can only hope that from reading this story that it would give some peace of the healing process. 

Your novel The Summerland is scheduled to release next month, March 2012 and what a beautiful cover.  Not every author gets input into their own cover, but at Crescent Moon Press the authors get to communicate to the cover artist, key elements from their book.  Themes, symbols etc…  What input did you have in its creation?  Tell us what you love best about your cover and how best it represents your story?

Well the cover was an interesting project. When I first wrote the book, and Summerland was in its baby stages I knew Abigail was young and blonde. I pictured her in a flowing white dress amongst a field of flowers. When you look up the definition of The Summerland on Google many images are described, many that sound similar to heaven. Warm and full of flowers and nature. I pictured that for the cover, but I also pictured an Oak Tree as well. The Oak Tree was a symbol in the book as the tree where the accused were hung on Gallows Hill. I pictured a beautiful strong tree with its mighty branches, but its once strong and magnificent arms had been turned into a killing machine to hang innocent people. That tree was not meant for those purposes and it took away from its pride and beauty. I felt that was significant as well for the cover. Crescent Moon Press created a cover that was beyond what my mind could had imagined. I could not be more proud, it was everything my mom and I had discussed. I can only hope she is looking down to see the beauty we had envisioned together. 

What inspired you to write a YA story?  What do you find most challenging and fulfilling about writing for this particular genre?

 Hmmmm… My inspiration to write this story was my yearning to share with our generation of teens what life was like three hundred years ago. I took Abigail who was immersed in Facebook and iphones as most teens are and I slammed her into the Seventeenth Century. I felt it was important to explore life then compared to the freedoms we seem to take for granted now a days. Our history books only scratch the surface of what life was really like during Puritan times. How far we have come with our civil rights and how far women have come from being dunked in chairs or beaten with sticks for mis-spoken words. It was a harsh time to be a woman or to just be alive then.

I found the most challenging part of writing a young adult novel was tactfulness. I wanted to throw in some swear words every once in a while and maybe a steamy love scene but that was out of the question. I had to stay in the mind of an eighteen year old and that was difficult to do sometimes.

I love that this book travels back in time.  What a shock it would be for a modern teenager to end up in Salem, MA.  Without giving away any secrets… How does Abigail manage?

Haha…That's a good question! How does she manage? Not very well I guess. She faces a lot of challenges and witnesses a society that is un-accepting of anything that is different, and lets face it, Abigail is very different. But one thing I can say is that she grows on this journey. As we all do in life, we will grow with her in this book and the next three sequels to follow….

Describe Abigail in five words or less…   What about William?

 Abigail in 5 words or less…. Naive, Passionate, Awkward, Caring, and on her way to becoming very strong.

William is Handsome, Well Mannered, Humorous, Compassionate, Sheltered

Do you see a little of yourself or your own children in Abigail?

I see a lot of myself in Abigail as far as her will to try to make a difference. She wants to change history and save the ones she loves. She is absolutely a gluten for punishment as I believe I can be that way and she loves with reckless abandonment. I might have a little of that too….Maybe…

The story's setting is in Salem, MA.  What inspired you to use this location?  Have you been to Salem and do you have a favorite location you have been or would love to visit?

Well this is a heavy hitter question for me…I had not been to Salem when I first wrote the book. All the information I had gotten about the area I had to research through the internet and see through my moms eyes and her stories. We had a trip planned for last October to go there to visit Gallows Hill and Salem itself. It would be my first trip to the East Coast and Boston. We were going to see where her little house was and her high school. We had bought our plane tickets and were both so excited to go when the leaves were changing. She was so proud to finally share with one of her kids her home town. We were going to stuff our backpacks with food and go on adventures back there for about a week. But my little 4-year-old had gotten sick and I had to cancel our very special trip. She was devastated, she must had known she didn't have much longer to live but never shared that disappointment with me. She passed away a few months later.

When I was offered a contract with Crescent Moon Press it was around the same time as the NEC Conference in Salem, Massachusetts. Not only was this conference right after I was offered my first book deal but it was in Salem!!! I knew I had to go. I flew out to Boston by myself in May of 2011 on a trip that was supposed to be with my mom. This was our trip, our time and extremely bittersweet…I cried all the way there on the plane because beside me was her ashes. I wanted to bring her on the trip but I also wanted to bring her home. I spread her ashes in Salem Harbor and in the Atlantic Ocean. I went on to Gallows Hill and most places she and I had discussed and I knew she was with me, just not the way we had planned.

I did have a chance to go back again just this last October 2011 for Halloween! It was amazing. I did tons of research on Gallows Hill. Walked Abigail's street on Belleview Dr and even visited her coffee shop and bookstore from the book. It's all really there in Salem. And the crazy part is I wrote all of that before I had ever been there. I feel and so does my family and dear friends that as I wrote the book everything that was in it has happened and is real…even finding true love..

Care to share some interesting facts from your research?

I can say one fact that I have learned is that they have said that the exact location of the 1692 hangings is unknown on Gallows Hill. There is a lot of information out there and I have made a commitment to myself over the course of my journey with this series, to find or come close to that infamous oak tree…I know its wishful thinking but I will have many adventures trying to find it.

Do you have a favorite author you would like to emulate?  Or one that has influenced your writing?

Thats actually kind of funny because as a writer I am not exactly inspired by a specific author, I am inspired by history. 

So, what do you have planned for your big launch?  Where can readers find you next month and the weeks to come?

The big awaited launch??? I guess all over Northern California. I am going to RT in Chicago in April 2012 and I am very excited about that. I have many bookstores in Salem that want to do launches there and carry the books and a few things planned locally in Sacramento. I had Sacramento News and Review approach me a few weeks back about doing an article and interview. It will be out the first week in March so that is some great promo and I'm very humbled by the opportunity. I have a few other things up my sleeve over the next few months so I will keep you posted…I am just honored at this point to be able to breathe life into this story. It has so much meaning to me and my mom and I want to make her proud. Everything I do is in her light and its all dedicated to her. She was my everything.

Your social links:

http://thesummerlandnovel.blogspot.com

*********************************

I want to thank Elizabeth for sharing her story with us today. It  takes a lot of courage to be able to speak about something so painful, as the loss of her mother.  Her and her mother's journey inspires me and I have no doubt that Elizabeth will be successful in her endeavors.  Her mom's legacy will live on in her writing.

I can't wait to read Abigail's story.  March can't get here quick enough.  The Summerland releases next month.  Look for it on Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads.

Also, I want to second Elizabeth's acknowledgment of Judi McCoy.  She was a great mentor to those of us at Crescent Moon Press.  It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Judi.  Crescent Moon Press & RT Book Reviews have posted a tribute to Judi's long-standing career, not only as an author but an avid mentor and teacher.  May we all send our love and prayers to her and her family during this great time of loss.

Filed under: Author Open Mic, Cover Reveal, Events, Guest Author, Uncategorized Tagged: author open mic, best seller, book release, cover art, ebook, Elizabeth Cheryl, fantasy romance, fiction, interview, Jean Murray, paranormal, paranormal fiction, paranormal romance, romance, The Summerland, YA, young adult

Cover Reveal: TASTE by Kate Evangelista

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Yuri has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn't realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Yuri the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Crescent Moon Press' YA line is growing by leaps and bounds.  This has got to be one of the most beautiful covers I've seen.  Jaw dropping gorgeous!!

Kate's Bio:

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world that she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized that to be a writer, none of those things mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of your computer, writing. For more information on Kate and her writing, you can visit her website: www.kateevangelista.com

To see more about Kate and her upcoming release, click HERE.

Filed under: Cover Reveal, Events Tagged: cover reveal, crescent moon press, kate evangelista, paranormal romance, taste, YA

Author Open Mic ~ Welcomes Sean Poindexter

Click to view slideshow.

Host Jean: I want to welcome Author Sean Poindexter to Author Open Mic today.  I'm so excited to have him here, because he's going to talk about DRAGONS.  Not only is he going to talk about another of my favorite myths, he is going to give us a behind the scenes making of the symbol that graces his cover. Please note the beautiful artwork above, created by Sean's talented friend, Gennifer Bone. TO SEE MORE, visit her deviant art profile here: http://razielart.deviantart.com/ 

Before I hand Sean the MIC, I'd like to tell you a little about him….

Bio:

Sean graduated from Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO) in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy.  He received a Master of Science in Justice Studies from Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas) in 2005. For three years he performed investigations for the Missouri Department of Health into allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of disabled adults. His literary influences include H.P. Lovecraft, Anne Rice, Robert E. Howard, George R.R. Martin and R.A. Salvatore.  Sean's background in sociology, criminology, and philosophy are heavy influences on his work, as well as his experience as a social service worker (former) for the State of Missouri.

Sean has been writing for as long as he's been able to read, and interested in fantasy even before that. His mother used to read him Norse mythology as bedtime stories, and he's never quite outgrown his fascination with all things mystical and amazing. In addition to reading fantasy and science fiction, he enjoys movies (all kinds) and comic books. Other hobbies include fantasy role-playing games, riffing bad movies with his friends, and collecting firearms. He is also very active on Twitter. He enjoys many kinds of music, but is most fond of harder edged industrial and electronic-fused gothic music. He lives in Joplin with his wife Amanda and their three cats Sif, Orion and Thor.

So now that we know a little about Sean, let me hand over the MIC and let the dragon speak begin….  It's all yours, Sean.

Sean:  Before I explain why I decided on this symbol, let me make a few things clear. I am NOT a Sumerologist, nor do I claim to be an expert on that (or any) ancient culture. Likewise, I know next to nothing about Cuneiform. I don't know how to read it, I never took a college level course on it, nor do I know anyone who has. I do have a book about Cuneiform, but I've never read it. It just sits on my bookshelf and makes me look smarter. The bulk of my knowledge on the subject, as well as the source of the symbol above, comes from the Internet. And, like many things on the Internet, may be correct or wildly inaccurate. None of this really matters: what does is that the symbol looks cool.

Also, I'm not a graphic artist. It took me like three hours to make that damn thing. Yeah…I'm not kidding. I'm terrible at this stuff. But I tried explaining to my more artistic friends what I wanted but they couldn't seem to translate my imaginings to paper. I blame myself, really. But it's okay now, because I have created the symbol. With Fotoflexer.

This symbol is designed from the ancient cuneiform symbol for Tiamat, though only partially. Tiamat is expressed in three characters:   That's the biggest picture of that I could find anywhere. Again, it may be completely inaccurate, so I don't want any Cuneiform experts or Sumerologists (all nine of them) sending me hate mail about how I don't know anything about anything. I KNOW. I'm a fantasy writer. I'm literally making this stuff up as I go.

From the human Cuneiform word for Tiamat, my symbol is the first half of the third symbol and the second half of the first. What does it actually mean? Probably nothing. But it looks cool. And it makes sense that the dragons would write this way.  The idea is that the dragons used a complicated form of language that humans later mimicked to create Cuneiform. As such, any dragon writing found lying about would generally be assumed by archeologists to be Cuneiform, rather than the still-living ancient language of dragons. The wedge-shaped pieces of the symbols are indicative of the way dragons would write: by dragging their claws over things. The wide portion of the edge is called the top, the length is the stem and the tip is called the point. The cross symbol on the right has indentations at the top because the dragon drew this portion of the word with two reversed claw swipe: top down and then left to right. Dragon claws tend to angle in, like eagle talons. The crescent portion is drawn with a series of forward-angled claw motions, so the wedges are filled at their top. Dragons are highly reverent of this symbol, and will generally consider it an insult if a human attempts to draw it and screws it up.

This symbol is used in the book. One dragon uses it, as well as a few others, as a signal to another dragon. The symbol is very important to dragons. The dragons don't exactly worship Tiamat, but they do see her as the progenitor of their race. They also believe that all dragons stand in judgement of her, before and after their deaths. When fortune favors a dragon, they believe that Tiamat has smiled upon them. When it doesn't, they believe she has turned her eyes from them in shame. Dragons are well aware that humans have incorporated their progenitor into their ancient faith. Most of them find this amusing, at best. Knowledge of Tiamat's existence is believed to have passed to human from a prehistoric time in which dragons enslaved humans and, in some cases, forced them to worship them as gods. These are referred to by dragons as the Old Ways. When dragons abandoned the Old Ways and decided to live among humans, many of their influences remained in human culture, including Tiamat. However, it is telling that early humans considered Tiamat a demonic goddess, which is likely due to the adversarial relationship their ancestors had with power-hungry dragons during their domination of the Earth. Tiamat is not "evil" though she isn't terribly concerned with the affairs of humans and, like most dragons, may seem callous by negligence.

A little something about the dragon language –

Dragon language is complicated and impossible to understand by most other beings. Dragon vocal chords are exceptional organs, capable of producing multiple sounds simultaneously, many of which are imperceptible to the ears of lesser races. To creatures, two dragons conversing sound more like two wild animals roaring, hissing and snarling. However, dragons are also capable of talking in human languages while in dragon form, despite not having humanoid mouths. In these instances, the dragon's powerful vocal chords replicate the intricacies of human speech. The only difficulty present is the depth by which these vocalizations occur inside the dragon's mouth and throat. This results in a cavernous reverberation when a dragon speaks a human language in its natural form. Otherwise, they are capable of mimicking almost any voice or sound they've heard, but prefer to affect a copy of whatever voice they use while in human form. Conversely, while a dragon in human form is capable of understanding draconic speech, it is not capable of speaking it.

Dragon writing is a combination of pictographic and symbolic letters, highly complicated with different shapes representing specific sound clusters. Likewise, dragon writing is not linear. Dragons construct sentences out of a complicated array of symbols that change meaning depending on their orientation to and relative size against other symbols in the same cluster. The actual size of the whole arrangement doesn't matter, so long as the symbols are of the same proportion to one another. So, a sentiment expressed in dragon would mean the same thing whether it was drawn on a 5 ft. x 5 ft. square of stone, or etched into the side of a mountain. All that matters is that the correct symbols are in the right place, and to the appropriate scale. Longer thoughts and expressions are similarly sized and spaced, making Dragon language stupidly complicated to understand…unless you're a dragon. Humans can replicate this, but are far less precise and more likely to screw it up. Computers have made this somewhat easier for humans, as they have powerful processors capable of managing the exacting attention to detail required to successfully communicate in Dragon. However, humans very rarely have anything of interest to say to dragons so it's a moot point.

Host Jean:  This is so fascinating.  Thank you for sharing.  So, let's shift gears and focus on the content of your book. 

Dragons have pervaded various cultures for centuries.  Can you tell us a little about your dragons and the mythos your book is centered around?

Sean:  Dragons are creatures of almost godlike power. While they are far from omnipotent, they are still awe-inspiring enough that they've left an indelible impression on human culture. I've tried to use as many different mythos and beliefs and combine them into a proto-mythos from which human traditions and beliefs would stem. The reference to Tiamat in the title of the book is just one of many connections to beliefs in human antiquity that has survived the thousands of years since dragons stopped interacting with them.

Host Jean:  You mention vampires in your back cover blurb.  Can you paint a picture of the world of paranormal creatures you have created for your book?  What inspired you to mix vampires and dragons?

Sean:  I wanted to create an entire shadow world under the surface, with a veneer similar to the one in which we actually live. The Shadow of Tiamat makes reference to other paranormal/supernatural beings, but they don't begin to arrive until the next book. The struggles between order and chaos, love and fear, good and evil, light and darkness, beauty and destruction are major themes in my writing; all creatures, including humans, have a part in these struggles. I saw the vampires as a stark contrast to the dragons. Where the dragons are generally solitary, self-sufficient and noble, the vampires are predatory, parasitic and anarchic. Also, I really wanted to write a fight between a dragon and a vampire. I know it isn't really a very fair matchup but…well, I just wanted to make it happen.

Host Jean:  Garrett is disguised as a human. What challenges did you have transitioning him to his dragon form and back?

Sean:  I decided the best way to handle this would be to just make it happen. The dragons generally only get one human form, though some (like Aoni'a) can take other forms as well. When Garrett changes from a human to a dragon, his clothes are destroyed unless he takes them off first, and are gone when he changes back. The transformation is almost instantaneous, there isn't a "metamorphosis" like with other shapeshifters. The best way I can describe it is that it isn't as much a biological transformation as it is molecular. Dragons are living conduits for elemental powers, and they change from human to dragon form by manipulating their own atomic structure. They don't really understand how this works, they just know it does. There isn't anything in human science that can explain it. Some writers of fantasy take the view that sorcery, magic and the supernatural are really just science that humans haven't discovered yet; like showing gunpowder to a caveman. I don't use that method. The supernatural is wholly different and disconnected from physics and the "natural" order of the universe. Things like thermodynamics, the conservation of mass etc. don't apply.

Host Jean:  Tells us a little about Garrett and Meg.

Sean:  Garrett and Meg are meant to be reluctant representatives of their respective worlds. Meg is the natural world that we all know; Garrett brings with him a world of unknowable power and ancient secrets. Their relationship isn't only significant to them personally, but shows how the two worlds that have been kept separate for so long will begin to interweave. As Garrett's world spills into Meg's life, so too does her world invade Garrett's. As a result, both characters undergo great changes, awakening parts of themselves that they never knew existed.

When I created Meg, I didn't want to use the old model of the "perfect" woman. Meg isn't perfect. She is intelligent and independent, but has some issues. On the other hand, she isn't deeply flawed or unbalanced. She's a remarkable person, but her exceptional nature isn't immediately apparent. She is someone I wanted the readers to want to get to know, rather than just reading a description of her and thinking "ah, she's one of those characters."

Garrett, on the other hand, is immediately noticeable. Dragons are vain creatures, though they tend to carry it well. As in, true vanity doesn't need constant reminders of how great it is. Because of this, dragons tend to be exceedingly beautiful in their human forms, but most of the time they aren't fully aware of how beautiful they really are. Garrett is even less aware of it than most dragons because he's not very social. He admires humans, though until he meets Meg he hasn't really had any desire to interact with them personally.

It was an interesting dynamic, I think, that brought Meg and Garrett together. I had to really think about what it would take to make two people with these personalities and traits attracted to one another. There would have to be something exceptional about the other that others would have missed or ignored. Meg and Garrett needed to see in the other person something they always needed but had never missed or looked for. It's a bit of a mystery, really. One that isn't completely resolved in the first novel.

Host Jean:  What comes next in the The Dragon's Blood Chronicles?

Sean:  Crescent Moon Press has offered (and I have accepted) a contract for the second book in the series, The Will of the Darkest One. I have also signed a contract with them for the first book in a "spin-off" series focused around one of the supporting characters from The Shadow of Tiamat. This series is darker, more horror/mystery than fantasy, though fantasy elements are present. Garrett even makes an appearance briefly.

Host Jean:  Do you have anything you want to share with readers?  (Excerpts, trailers, hero/heroine bios)

Social media Links/webpage

Official Webpage – http://www.seanpoindexter.com/

Blog: King of the Dragons – http://seanpoindexter.blogspot.com/

Facebook- http://on.fb.me/seanpfanpage

Twitter – http://twitter.com/seanpoindexter

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/sean_poindexter

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006J12ZRA

Where to get the book -

Paperback from Amazon: http://amzn.to/tiamat-ppb

Paperback from B&N: http://bit.ly/voMy5Z

Kindle from Amazon: http://amzn.to/tiamat-kindle

Nook from B&N: http://bit.ly/tiamat-nook

Other ebook formats: http://bit.ly/utxfuB

Paperback from Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/rMQ7fi

Paperback from Powell's Books : http://bit.ly/uRJbpK

Paperback/ebook from Indiebound: http://bit.ly/vwKpcP

Review links

"The author not only gave us strong and resourceful characters that were both smart and funny, but the storyline as well ebbed and flowed to keep the reader involved and entangled throughout…and its twist ending left me wanting the next installment right away!" "4 1/2 Tombstones out of 5!" – Bitten By Books Reviews

"I walked into this book expecting a romance. I soon realized that this is a gritty, smart fantasy written by a no-holds barred author. If you'll pardon the pun, it's downright fiery." 5 stars – Goodreads Author and Reviewer Agnes Jayne, author of The Problem with Power

"Fantastic!!! I was completely blown away.Intense imagery and a compelling plot has put this high on my must read list. I can't wait to see what Sean Poindexter comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and buy this book today!!!" 5 stars — Goodreads Author and Reviewer Brian D Anderson, author of The Godling Chronicles: The Sword of Truth.

"The Shadow of Tiamat is one of the most original pieces of work I have read in awhile.With the way most books are now, I expected a generic, already been done, revamped story of dragons. Nope, this book provides a truly one of a kind take on these beings. The only thing better than the characters in this story is the action that takes place. I found it very difficult to pick a favorite part in this story. I'm waiting in anticipation for the next one. Come on Book 2!!!! I'm so excited!!!" 5 stars — Amazon Reviewer stardustgalaxy

Those are some fabulous reviews! 
I can't wait to read this book, as it will be my first dragon book.
Thank you, Sean for spending the day with us here at Wicked Romance's
AUTHOR OPEN MIC.
If anyone is interested in TAKING the MIC, just send me an email.
murray . jeanm @ gmail . com

Filed under: Author Open Mic, Events, Guest Author, PROMO Tagged: book release, Dragon's Blood Chronicles, ebook, fiction, guest blog, interview, Jean Murray, paranormal, promotion, Sales, sean poindexter, The Shadow Of Tiamat

Dirty Little Secrets…

Hi folks.

I'm over at Samsawesomness discussing the dirty little secrets we all carry, including our heros and heroines.  Find out what Asar from Soul Reborn is hiding.  What are you hiding???

Jean

Filed under: Events, Soul Reborn Tagged: blogspot, giveaway, guest post, Jean Murray, key to the cursed, samawesomness, soul reborn, wicked romance

Cover Reveal: AWAITED by Lynn Rush

Awaited is the second book in the Wasteland series by Lynn Rush.

Release Date: May 2012

The voice is a powerful thing…

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who's lost faith in his purpose. So when he's charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it's the red-headed beauty who's been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian's Mark.

He soon realizes she's been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate, mute beauty, to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon—her voice.

Add Awaited to your Goodreads to-read shelf

If you haven't read book I, Wasteland, I highly recommend you do.  It is a fabulous tale about good versus evil and the second book will no doubt prove to be just as compelling. 

Happy Reading!!!

Jean

Filed under: Events, Guest Author, PROMO, Uncategorized Tagged: book release, cover art, cover reveal, ebook, fantasy romance, kindle, lynn rush, paranormal, paranormal fiction, paranormal romance, promotion, romance, wasteland