Jean Murray's Blog, page 22

Backseat Nightmares ~ Join me to discuss "Monsters: What Nightmares are made of…"

Hey folks.  I'm over at Backseat Nightmares for a 2-day event.  Today, I'll be discussing MONSTERS and NIGHTMARES.  The best of what paranormal and horror has to offer.  Come learn about my zombie revens, and read an excerpt tomorrow from my novel, Soul Reborn.

To join me click HERE.

Filed under: Events, Guest Author, PROMO, Soul Reborn Tagged: blog hop, contest, craft, ebook, egyptian mythos, fiction, giveaway, interview, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, soul reborn

Book Launch Tour: Guest Author Kerri Nelson ~ Win Signed Print Copy of Courting Demons

I want to welcome Author Kerri Nelson to Wicked Romance today to celebrate the launching of her new book, Courting Demons, from Jupiter Gardens Press (& Pink Petal Books). Her book releases today and to celebrate she is giving away an author signed print copy of her book to one lucky commenter.  So let's not delay and get things rolling.

Paisley Barton was already having a bad day before she turned her husband into a rat.

First, she was fired by her boss and then came home to find hubby in the  shower with a naked blonde chick. They say that hell hath no fury like a woman  scorned but this break-up may just unleash hell on Earth when Paisley casts a  spell of vengeance against her philandering husband.

After her spell casting inadvertently opens a portal between dimensions, Paisley finds her family home transformed into a nightly courtroom for settling disputes between demons of the underworld and she's the judge! If that's not enough, she's got to deal with a charming, ancient demon named Camden who wants to be her personal bodyguard while trying to explain her husband's sudden, mysterious disappearance to sexy police Detective Dalton Briggs.

But Paisley will show them all that an everyday working mom is better equipped than most to deal with the mystical mayhem…and with a tempting demon hottie and a flirtatious young detective vying for her affection, she soon learns that being single again isn't so bad after all.

"When a wronged wife turns her cheating husband into a rat, you know you have to keep reading! Kerri Nelson offers up a lot of fun and wild magic in Courting Demons!" –Bestselling author Linda Wisdom, Demons

are a Girl's Best Friend

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Kerri Nelson discovered her love of writing at an early age and soon became a columnist for her local newspaper winning the Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year Award for her efforts.  After a fifteen year career in the legal field, Kerri fulfilled her lifelong dream of publication and is now an award winning multi-published author of nearly every genre under the sun (and moon) and also writes young adult fiction under the penname K.G. Summers.   A true southern belle, she comes complete with a dashing southern gentleman and three adorable children for whom she often bakes many homemade treats. 

  Kerri is an active member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America as well as numerous chapters including Futuristic Fantasy & Paranormal Writers and her Presidency of Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

Read more about Kerri's books at her website:  www.kerrinelson.com

Follow her on Twitter here:  www.twitter.com/kerribookwriter

Visit her industry blog here:  www.thebookboost.blogspot.com

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Please give a warm welcome to Kerri. 

JM:  Let's start off by meeting my guest author Kerri Nelson.  Kerri tell us a little about yourself and what you write.

KN:  Hi, Jean.  Thanks for having me at your lovely blog today.  I'm just a southern gal with a  houseful of kids and just like the variety of personalities that inhabit my home—I write just about every genre out there.  Although, most of my novels have a legal or law enforcement theme because of my background in Criminal Justice.  Courting Demons is no exception.  It features a regular southern mom who suddenly finds herself as a judge for the underworld of demons!

JM: What drew you to the romance genre?

KN:  I've always been a romantic at heart.  I still cry at chick movies.  Heck, sometimes I cry at commercials.  Like the one where the guy proposes to his girlfriend by putting the little charm around the cat's neck on its collar.  I'm such a sucker for romance—just ask my hubby.  So, it is natural that I'll always include some romance in my writing.

JM: Are there any other hobbies you enjoy besides writing?

KN:  Yes.  I'm an avid baker.  I love to make dessert creations in my kitchen.  Particularly, I enjoy coming up with unique cake designs.  I once made vampire bunny cupcakes and a gator cake. I love a baking challenge.  In addition to that, I'm addicted to television shows on DVD.  I rarely have time to watch shows during their first run on television. so these commercial free collections are right

up my alley.

JM: You have a new book, Courting Demons, that is releasing today.  Can you tell us about the book and its characters?

KN:  Paisley is a mother of two kids and currently down on her luck when it comes to men.  After her hubby cheats on her, she turns to magic as a remedy for her aching heart. Only then does she find out what real trouble can become when you mix black magic with vengeance…all hell breaks loose…literally.  Soon she's holding court in her home and working with demons and witches and guardians…it is a virtual smorgasbord of creatures of the night.  She has to learn to be Judge Mom while trying to regain control of her life.  A combination of humor, romance, and pure insanity abounds in Courting Demons.

 JM:   When you envision Paisley, who in the public eye would best represent her characteristics?

KN:  I gave my cover artist an image of actress Jami Gertz (http://jamigertz.org/) as she is who I envision in my mind's eye starring in the movie version of Courting Demons (in my dreams)!  I think my very talented cover artist, Christine Griffin, did a fabulous job creating her on the cover.

JM:   Without revealing too much, what part of the book did you have the most fun writing and why?

KN:  My favorite parts of the book are the actual court cases that Paisley must preside over throughout the story.  I had a blast coming up with what possible issues demons might have in their world and how a "regular" mom might solve such problems.

JM:   I love the tagline on the front cover. "When you break the laws of magic be prepared to serve the sentence from hell…"  What do you like best about your cover? Did you have any input into its development?

KN:  Thanks, Jean.  I love that tagline too and I appreciate the compliment.  I did work closely with both my cover artist and the publisher on developing this cover.  It was extremely important to me when attempting to capture the essence of this story.  When you have a story that is both humorous and dark fantasy—it is quite a challenge to mix together.  My fave part about this cover is the way the

colors are so rich and warm.  It really draws you in.

JM:   What inspired you to use the State of Georgia for the backdrop of the book?

KN:  Well, as I mentioned above, I'm a southern gal born and bred.  Although, I currently reside in the neighboring state of Alabama, I visit the areas of Georgia mentioned in this book quite often.  This area of the country is beautiful and the history is rich with wicked details.  I couldn't resist setting it in the south.  After all, isn't it the perfect place for hot demons?

JM:   Was there a lot of research that went into this book?  Did you create your own Code of Justice for your world?

KN:  There wasn't really much research on this story.  With my degree in Criminal Justice and my 15 years working in the legal and law enforcement fields, I was pretty up to date on the ways of the law.  But since we are dealing with supernatural court and maintaining the law and order of demons, I mostly used my imagination as my guide here.  I do make reference to some specific Codes of Law within the story.  I'll leave it up to the readers to see if anyone can figure out why I chose to give them those particular names/numbers.

JM:    Where can readers find out more about you and your book? What formats and locations can they purchase your book?

KN:  You can keep up with all my current mayhem and chaos by following me on Twitter (@kerribookwriter); by following my author blog (www.kerribookwriter.blogspot.com); and by checking my website for updates (www.kerrinelson.com).

My book is available for order in both e-book and print formats through my publisher Jupiter Gardens Press (& Pink Petal Books).  They are offering a free gift with purchase if you get the print version.

Also, the book will also be available pretty much wherever books are sold (from Amazon.com to Barnes & Noble and beyond).  I hope you'll pick up a copy!

Pre-Order Buy Link (releases on 9/15 and available everywhere books are sold):  http://jupitergardens.com/Kerri-Nelson/

JM:    I noticed on your website, you sponsor A Cure for Diabetes. Can you tell us a little about this charity and why it is so important to you?

KN:  Yes!  I'm a huge advocate for finding a cure for juvenile diabetes.  My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed at the age of 2 with this terrible disease and it is something we face on a daily basis.  A

lot of people consider insulin a cure but I'm here to tell you—Insulin Is NOT a cure.  It is merely a life support system for my daughter and all the other innocent children like her.  There is currently no cure but research is growing and developing new treatments every day.   I hope you'll all jump on the bandwagon and support efforts for a cure.

JM:    Tell us quickly, what other novels or series you have available? Do you use a pen name?

KN:  Courting Demons is my 17th release!  I have 16 other novels and novellas in every genre from inspirational and young adult (written under pen name K.G. Summers) to erotic and paranormal and much more.  Check out the Books page on my website for a full list of everything currently available.

JM:    Do you have an excerpt/book trailer from Courting Demons you would like to share with readers today?

KN:  Yes, a sneak peak excerpt is available on my publisher's website and another one will come out on their upcoming Newsletter so be sure to get on the mailing list for that and much more fun stuff.  Here are the links:

Excerpt for Courting Demons: http://www.jupitergardens.com/excerpts/kn_cd.html

Join the Jupiter Gardens Mail List here: http://jupitergardens.com/Subscribe-to-our-newsletter.html

Thanks for having me today, Jean.  Hope to hear from some readers.

©  Kerri Nelson 2011

I want to thank Kerri for visiting Wicked Romance today.  Her book, Courting Demons, is a fabulous read that everyone will enjoy.  Wicked Romance is just one of the stops on her Book Launching Tour.  If you want a chance to win an author signed print copy of Courting Demons today, leave a comment or question.  See rules and more prize opportunities below. 

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Kerri's Giveaway for the day:

Leave a question or comment for Ms. Nelson on Wicked Romance to be entered to win a signed, print copy of Courting Demons.
Then, enter to win my book tour Grand Prize Kindle by following me on tour and e-mailing me the answers to each question of the day at the end of tour.  The more questions you answer, the more entries you gain.

Question of the Day: 

What is the name of Paisley's son and what type of new pet does he get?

Details on how to enter to win the GRAND PRIZE Kindle at the end of Ms. Nelson's  "Dark Days of Demons Tour" are located here:  http://kerribookwriter.blogspot.com/2011/09/courting-demons-blog-tour-win-kindle.html

 

Filed under: Events, Guest Author, PROMO, Sales Tagged: advertising, blog hop, book release, cover art, ebook, Editing; editor; novel, fiction, giveaway, guest blog, interview, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, Sales

AAD Conference Pictures & Book Signing

Sorry, it has taken me so long to post these.  Hurricane Irene was nice enough to take our power out for 5-days.  I was able to still run the AAD Missing Winner contest from my phone and Susan was my lucky winner.  Congratulations, Susan.

I want to take an opportunity to thank those of you who placed their tickets in the Crescent Moon Press Author Basket for the Pets Alive auction.  Joanna B. was the winner of that fabulous basket.  It consisted of five  novels (Soul Reborn, by ME, Demon Soul by Christine Ashworth, Magick Charm by Jennifer Wells, Thief of Hope by Cindy Young-Turner , Midnight Bleu by Renee Rearden).  You can click on the picture, which will take you the Crescent Moon Press website to learn more about these great authors.

I had such a wonderful time at AAD.  It was filled with many of my "firsts."  First panel, first book signing, first corset fitting, first time seeing a guy swallow a sword.  I don't think I can top that one.  I met some of the bloggers that have graciously allowed me to post on their sites–  JoJo, and Joy from Joyfully Reviewed.  I think the best part was getting to meet new readers, authors and bloggers a like.  We all have a passion for books and a good love story.  Below are just some of the pictures that captured those moments (Book signing and Steampunk Ball).

Click to view slideshow.

Filed under: Events, PROMO, Sales, Soul Reborn Tagged: AAD, Authors After Dark, book signing, ebook, egyptian mythos, giveaway, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, soul reborn, steampunk

WINNER of AAD Mythos Ball Egyptian Treasure Chest

Tropical storm has knocked out our power and beat the hell out of our house with wind and rain. Thank god for smart phones.  I'm typing furiously on my little key pad as I wanted to share the winner's name of the round 2 giveaway of my AAD Mythos prize, which includes – Kindle, ebook copy of my novel, Soul Reborn, $10 amazon kindle gift card, egyptian talisman, and How to make a mummy t-shirt.

And the winner is -  Susan Romito. Susan, please contact me by email jean(dot)murray(at)trfx.com with you address to claim your prize. 

Thank you to everyone that left comments.  This was so much fun.  Can't wait for NOLA.  Just no hurricaines please.

Jean murray

Filed under: Events, Soul Reborn Tagged: hurricaine irene

Authors After Dark: Post Conference Bliss & Missing Winner

In celebration of the wonderful AAD conference and my Mythos Ball Prize that just couldn't find its winner, I wanted to give all 2011 AAD participants another chance to win my Egyptian Treasure Chest. 

Luckily, I had another key, broke in to the chest and emptied its contents.  One lucky commentor will receive KINDLE, $10 gift Amazon Kindle Gift Card, Copy of SOUL REBORN, Egyptian talisman, Wicked Romance Tote and How to Make a Mummy T-shirt (from Chicago Field Museum).

Eligibility for the contest will be as follows:

1.  Must have attended 2011 AAD conference (name of winner will be verified against AAD roster)

2.  Share your most memoriable moment (positive comments only) or what you liked best about the conference (if you have more than one, please share)  If you have a picture that captures your memorable moment, send them to me and I'll post to the blog. 

3.  Tell us why you would like to attend 2012 AAD conference

4.  Must post comment by midnight, Friday August 26, 2011  (winner will be announced within 48 hours)

Winner will be selected randomly (random.org) and announced on Wicked Romance within 48 hrs.  Winner must respond within 72 hours of announcement by email to jean(dot)murray(at)trfx.com to claim prize or alternate winner will be selected (don't want another Mythos Ball repeat- LOL!)

Now to share:

My most memorable moment:  My very first Book Signing   Thank you, Lady D and Ruth! 

What I liked best:  Meeting so many great people.  I'm a nurse and by nature we are very friendly but I have to admit readers, writers, bloggers and authors are hands down the most welcoming group of people.  I was told that this only happens among the romance community.  If that is the case, I picked a great group of people to be with. 

Why I'd like to attend 2012 AAD:  Because it's Kick Ass and in New Orleans!  Enough said

Lastly, I want to give a shout out of THANKS to Stella Price and her cohort of assistants that made this conference fantastic for 300 attendees.  Congratulations on a job well done!! 

AAD 2012 Conference Information:

Because readers rule romance. Click on picture to visit AAD Blog

For more information about 2012 Authors After Dark conference, please click on the following links ~  AAD Forum   &    AAD Blog

AAD Virgins ~ I highly recommend this conference.  It is geared towards you, the reader, will have over 80 authors in attendance and more free stuff that you can pack into your suitcase.         

Filed under: Events, PROMO, Soul Reborn Tagged: AAD, Authors After Dark, Authors After Dark 2011, contest, ebook, egyptian mythos, fiction, giveaway, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, soul reborn

Authors After Dark ~ Author Appearance & Book Signing

Authors After Dark is fast approaching and I'm scrambling to finish up my "grand prize" for the Mythos Ball.  I'm one of the featured authors and will be giving away two author signed copies of Soul Reborn and plus a TREASURE CHEST of Egyptian goodies. And a KINDLE, plus $10 Amazon gift card.  Each participant will receive a key chain purse with a key inside. 

One lucky key will open the chest, but beware of curses. Lilly, my heroine, made that unfortunate mistake.

If you are attending AAD this year, please stop by and say hello.  I will be on the following Panels and events:

E-Book Authors
Light Paranormal
Blogger Sleep Over
Spontaneously Paranormal
Food and Clothing in Romance
Mythos Ball – ** featured author**
Book Signing – Crescent Moon Press / OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Although the registration is closed for AAD, the BOOK SIGNING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so if you are in the Philly area stop by the Doubletree Hotel at Center City, August 13th from 2-4pm.  Look for me at the Crescent Moon Press Table.

Soul Reborn reviews:

RT Book Reviews: 4 stars/Scorcher, "Murray's debut effort is an ambitious undertaking …" review by Karen Sweeny-Justice.

Read more here:  RT Review of Soul Reborn

Bitten by Paranormal Romance: 5 alpha howls, "I was blown away by this book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series."  Review by Ollie    

Read more here:  BPR Review of Soul Reborn  

Filed under: Book Review, Events, Guest Author, PROMO, Soul Reborn Tagged: AAD, Authors After Dark, Authors After Dark 2011, book review, contest, ebook, egyptian mythos, fiction, giveaway, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, soul reborn

Soul Reborn ~ 5/5 STAR review, "a fresh take on the paranormal…"

Bakin Goddess Blog Site

I woke up to a wonderful review today at the Reading with the Bakin Goddess Blog Site. 

5 out of 5 STAR rating.  I was ecstatic.  Yes, the 5 rating is fabulous, but I think what reviewers say is even more important. 

Excerpt from Ms. Flood's review:  "If you haven't read her book yet. Get in your car (don't drive? Get on your bike, hail a taxi, walk, run but just get there) and drive to your nearest book store — I guess getting online and getting the e-book would be great too!!! HA! Anyway, I have reviewed the book and I cannot say enough positive things about this book! It completely blew me away! I LOVED it!…"   READ MORE HERE.  

Ms. Flood is the owner of the Reading with the Bakin Goddess Blog Site.  She has a beautiful site that is a nice mix of two pleasures: cooking/food and good books.  We crossed paths during one of my blog giveaways and won a copy of Soul Reborn.  And soon following, I was one of her first author interviews. Needless to say she is a fabulous person and made it quite clear to me that if she holds her STARS very tightly.  I feel very honored to have earned 5 of them.  Thanks, Kimberly.  Follow her .  Let's see if we can get her to 200 followers.

Filed under: Book Review, Events, PROMO, Soul Reborn Tagged: book review, customer review, ebook, egyptian mythos, fiction, giveaway, guest blog, interview, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, soul reborn

Soul Reborn ~ up on RT Website

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Sensuality: SCORCHER

 RT Rating

"Murray's debut effort is an ambitious undertaking …" review by Karen Sweeny-Justice.

Read more here:  RT Review of Soul Reborn

Can't wait to get my grubby hands on my RT magazine.  Happy Reading.

Filed under: Book Review, PROMO, Sales, Soul Reborn Tagged: book review, ebook, fiction, paranormal, paranormal fiction, promotion, romance, Romantic Times, RT, soul reborn

RT Book Review of Soul Reborn ~ 4 star rating

Well, it's out.  The review I have been sweating just released in September Issue of the Romantic Times (RT) Book Reviews…

4: Compelling. A page-turner

RT gave Soul Reborn 4-stars out of their 41/2 star rating.  RT reviews are some of the most weighted reviews in the romance industry.  I am ecstatic and can't wait to get my copy of RT in the mail.  I'm dying to find out what they wrote.  Did you receive your RT magazine?  Are you willing to give me a sneak peek of the review?

Filed under: Book Review, Events, PROMO, Sales, Soul Reborn Tagged: book review, craft, customer review, ebook, Romantic Times, RT, soul reborn

Soul Reborn ~ FREE READ & author interview over at Tink's Place

Please join me over at Tink's Place for a FREE READ of Soul Reborn & interview of behind the scenes making of Soul Reborn. Come find out what's in store for the Key to the Cursed Series.  The goddess needs to pay for her sins…

Filed under: Craft, Guest Author, PROMO, Soul Reborn Tagged: advertising, book review, craft, ebook, egyptian mythos, fiction, guest blog, interview, kindle, paranormal, paranormal fiction, romance, soul reborn