K.C. Neal's Blog, page 2
June 16, 2014
Helia's Shadow (YA Sci-Fi Romance) - Description and Excerpt Now Up
Well, hello, dusty blog!
It's been a while, a looong while, but I'm happy to break the blogging silence because I have SO many things in the works! The third Pyxis book (Arise) will be drafted before the end of the year, and the next season of The 'Naturals serial is currently in the writing phase. More info about those will come later, but this post is about something new: The Starlight Age series. The first book of the series, Helia's Shadow, is in editing now. Young adult science fiction romance! With aliens!! :D
The story description and a brief excerpt--the VERY FIRST peek into this book anywhere (beta readers haven't even seen it yet)--are now up on the series page. Please take a look!
If you're a book blogger and you're interested in reviewing Helia's Shadow, please make sure you're signed up for my newsletter so I can let you know when the ARC goes up on NetGalley and give you early dibs on a few early eBook copies I'll have for non-NG reviewers. ;)Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
It's been a while, a looong while, but I'm happy to break the blogging silence because I have SO many things in the works! The third Pyxis book (Arise) will be drafted before the end of the year, and the next season of The 'Naturals serial is currently in the writing phase. More info about those will come later, but this post is about something new: The Starlight Age series. The first book of the series, Helia's Shadow, is in editing now. Young adult science fiction romance! With aliens!! :D
The story description and a brief excerpt--the VERY FIRST peek into this book anywhere (beta readers haven't even seen it yet)--are now up on the series page. Please take a look!
If you're a book blogger and you're interested in reviewing Helia's Shadow, please make sure you're signed up for my newsletter so I can let you know when the ARC goes up on NetGalley and give you early dibs on a few early eBook copies I'll have for non-NG reviewers. ;)Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
December 29, 2012
The Starlight Age Ch 2 - Now on Wattpad
I just published the next chapter of Starlight on Wattpad!
In this chapter, you meet Kalo, an alien. He's brilliant, beautiful, and oozing with ego. As Suma-ren’tala, the first Talan potentially capable of procreation since the Arrival of his people on Earth, Kalo is worshipped as a near-god and allowed anything he desires. For some reason Acelyn can't fathom, he's chosen to study with her class. At the end of this chapter, she discovers Kalo's secret. He's not who he claims to be, but he just might be able to help her. Can she trust him?
Click here to read The Starlight Age for free on WattpadPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
In this chapter, you meet Kalo, an alien. He's brilliant, beautiful, and oozing with ego. As Suma-ren’tala, the first Talan potentially capable of procreation since the Arrival of his people on Earth, Kalo is worshipped as a near-god and allowed anything he desires. For some reason Acelyn can't fathom, he's chosen to study with her class. At the end of this chapter, she discovers Kalo's secret. He's not who he claims to be, but he just might be able to help her. Can she trust him?Click here to read The Starlight Age for free on WattpadPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
December 21, 2012
99 eBooks for 99c! $990 in Prizes! TODAY ONLY!
Pyxis is part of a huge 1-day multi-genre promotion and giveaway -- 99 Kindle books for 99c each, plus $990 in prizes for book lovers!
Go to buymereadme.com for links to all the 99c books! Browse the books and when you're done shopping click the Prizes tab at the top. You could win a Kindle Fire, a Kindle Paperwhite, or a gift card - the top prize is a $500 Amazon gift card!
Know someone who would enjoy Pyxis? You can "gift" the eBook today while it's on sale. On the Amazon page, there's a "Give as a Gift" button under the Buy button. It's very easy - all you need is the recipient's email address. The 99c eBook deals and prize entry are TODAY only - go to buymereadme.com now so you don't miss out! Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
December 18, 2012
My New Project - The Starlight Age, a Sci-Fi Serial
SO! I have something new to share. I'm writing a young adult sci-fi serial, The Starlight Age. I plan to get it edited and publish it as a series of eBooks eventually, but for now I'm posting the * raw and unedited * episodes/chapters for free reading here on the blog and on Wattpad (and BTW the first chapter of Starlight is already up over there).
Angeline Kace read snippets of some Starlight scenes when I was still working out the story line, and her repeated demands to FINISH WRITING THIS AND PUBLISH IT ALREADY SO I CAN READ IT IMMEDIATELY spurred me to keep working on developing the story. (Thank you for your overwhelming enthusiasm and not-so-subtle prodding, Angeline!!!). Really, this is is a story I would have written eventually because I'm a little obsessed with it. Yes, The Starlight Age might very well be my first real story crush.
This story has been brewing in my nerdy little brain for years. It's one of those projects that needed some time to ripen and mature, and it's finally evolved into something I'm ready to put down on paper... or in pixels... whatever. It's become a kind of obsession, and I'm ecstatic to finally be writing it. It's futuristic, a little bit sciencey, there's romance, and oh yes, it has ALIENS.
Here's the description.......
Seventeen year old Acelyn Shay is one of the lucky ones. As a student in the elite science and research school, she lives in the heart of the last civilized population center on Earth, and never goes hungry.
She’s always felt like a bit of an outsider—she has plates in her spine to stabilize a defect, and always must move cautiously—but immerses herself in her studies and career goals. And if it weren’t for Kalo, an alien Talan with an ego as big as his people’s city-ship, she’d have the top spot in her class locked up. As Suma-ren’tala, the first Talan potentially capable of procreation since the Arrival of his people on Earth, Kalo is worshipped as a near-god and allowed anything he desires. Acelyn has no idea why he chose to study with her class, and she doesn’t really care. All she wants is to join the team of scientists that will save the people of Earth, and to escape her brilliant mother’s shadow.
She just needs one thing to complete her application to the Interstellar Institute of Applied Sciences and the most important step toward her dream: a copy of her birth records. But her mother keeps refusing to grant access to the records. The application deadline is drawing near when Acelyn accidentally discovers that Kalo has a dangerous secret that will change what it means to be human, and alter the future of two civilizations....Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Angeline Kace read snippets of some Starlight scenes when I was still working out the story line, and her repeated demands to FINISH WRITING THIS AND PUBLISH IT ALREADY SO I CAN READ IT IMMEDIATELY spurred me to keep working on developing the story. (Thank you for your overwhelming enthusiasm and not-so-subtle prodding, Angeline!!!). Really, this is is a story I would have written eventually because I'm a little obsessed with it. Yes, The Starlight Age might very well be my first real story crush.
This story has been brewing in my nerdy little brain for years. It's one of those projects that needed some time to ripen and mature, and it's finally evolved into something I'm ready to put down on paper... or in pixels... whatever. It's become a kind of obsession, and I'm ecstatic to finally be writing it. It's futuristic, a little bit sciencey, there's romance, and oh yes, it has ALIENS.
Here's the description.......Seventeen year old Acelyn Shay is one of the lucky ones. As a student in the elite science and research school, she lives in the heart of the last civilized population center on Earth, and never goes hungry.
She’s always felt like a bit of an outsider—she has plates in her spine to stabilize a defect, and always must move cautiously—but immerses herself in her studies and career goals. And if it weren’t for Kalo, an alien Talan with an ego as big as his people’s city-ship, she’d have the top spot in her class locked up. As Suma-ren’tala, the first Talan potentially capable of procreation since the Arrival of his people on Earth, Kalo is worshipped as a near-god and allowed anything he desires. Acelyn has no idea why he chose to study with her class, and she doesn’t really care. All she wants is to join the team of scientists that will save the people of Earth, and to escape her brilliant mother’s shadow.
She just needs one thing to complete her application to the Interstellar Institute of Applied Sciences and the most important step toward her dream: a copy of her birth records. But her mother keeps refusing to grant access to the records. The application deadline is drawing near when Acelyn accidentally discovers that Kalo has a dangerous secret that will change what it means to be human, and alter the future of two civilizations....Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
October 15, 2012
The 'Naturals: Four Teenagers and One Town That Will Never Be the Same
I'm co-authoring this new serial, The 'Naturals (StoneHouse Ink), with best-sellers Aaron Patterson, Melody Carlson, and Robin Parrish (yeah, I'm the newb in the group!). This series is going to be AMAZING. Okay, I might be a tiny bit biased. ;) Read the description below, and see what you think. :)
Episodes 1-4 are available for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and iTunes. We'll be releasing another four episodes every three weeks.
The 'Naturals
Season One: "Awakening"
A small town full of secrets. A coming darkness. Teenagers with supernatural abilities. Think you know the story?
Think again.
As Summer ends, the students at Silverwood High are getting ready to go back to school and resume their normal, everyday lives. Too bad "normal" is no longer an option.
When these teens get their very first tastes of what destiny has in store, will they embrace that destiny... or flee from it? Will they be selfless... or ruthless? Will they master their abilities... or will their abilities master them?
This is their awakening, the first step of an epic journey. But it's only the beginning of something bigger than they could ever imagine.
Four teenagers. One town.
Four authors. One story.
The sleepy little town of Silverwood is about to wake up.
Episode 1 - Avery
Soulful, artistic Avery is intrigued when Silverwood High's strapping, athletic newcomer takes an interest in her. So why is she convinced that there's more going on with this guy than a simple crush?
by Melody Carlson
Episode 2 - Marshall
Brilliant but nerdy Marshall is used to being the odd man out, the last one picked, and the bully's favorite target. But his luck may be changing when he discovers that he can do something that should be completely impossible.
by Robin Parrish
Episode 3 - Hailey
Soccer prodigy Hailey wants desperately to hide every aspect of her home life -- and the anger and regrets that fill her heart. But she's about to discover that concealing her feelings isn't a possibility anymore.
by K.C. Neal
Episode 4 - Israel
Homeschooler Israel is part of a dysfunctional family. They look normal on the outside, but it's a carefully constructed lie that's leaving plenty of scars. It doesn't help that he's having disturbing dreams and experiencing bizarre sensations.
by Aaron PattersonPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Episodes 1-4 are available for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and iTunes. We'll be releasing another four episodes every three weeks.
The 'NaturalsSeason One: "Awakening"
A small town full of secrets. A coming darkness. Teenagers with supernatural abilities. Think you know the story?
Think again.
As Summer ends, the students at Silverwood High are getting ready to go back to school and resume their normal, everyday lives. Too bad "normal" is no longer an option.
When these teens get their very first tastes of what destiny has in store, will they embrace that destiny... or flee from it? Will they be selfless... or ruthless? Will they master their abilities... or will their abilities master them?
This is their awakening, the first step of an epic journey. But it's only the beginning of something bigger than they could ever imagine.
Four teenagers. One town.
Four authors. One story.
The sleepy little town of Silverwood is about to wake up.
Episode 1 - AverySoulful, artistic Avery is intrigued when Silverwood High's strapping, athletic newcomer takes an interest in her. So why is she convinced that there's more going on with this guy than a simple crush?
by Melody Carlson
Episode 2 - Marshall Brilliant but nerdy Marshall is used to being the odd man out, the last one picked, and the bully's favorite target. But his luck may be changing when he discovers that he can do something that should be completely impossible.
by Robin Parrish
Episode 3 - Hailey Soccer prodigy Hailey wants desperately to hide every aspect of her home life -- and the anger and regrets that fill her heart. But she's about to discover that concealing her feelings isn't a possibility anymore.
by K.C. Neal
Episode 4 - Israel Homeschooler Israel is part of a dysfunctional family. They look normal on the outside, but it's a carefully constructed lie that's leaving plenty of scars. It doesn't help that he's having disturbing dreams and experiencing bizarre sensations.
by Aaron PattersonPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
September 17, 2012
Alight (Pyxis Book 2) is Available for Kindle!
I am THRILLED to let you know that Alight: The Peril is for sale in the Kindle store! It took more time than I planned, but I think it was worth it and I hope you think so, too. There's definitely more action and drama, and some of the questions from Pyxis get answered ... and of course there are some new mysteries, too. ; )Oh, and it should be live in the iTunes and Nook stores soon, too, if it's not already.
If you know anyone who might enjoy Pyxis, it's still free in the Kindle and iTunes stores, but probably not for much longer. And it's still 99c for Nook.
Thank you so much for all your support. Please let me know what you think of Alight!
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA ParanormalPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
July 2, 2012
Update and utopYA Con
It's been a while since my last update, but LOTS of exciting things going on in the past few months! The highlights: I started a business, left the corporate world to write and work in publishing full-time, finished the first draft of Alight (Pyxis Book 2), and Pyxis got re-released with new cover. And the release of Alight is right around the corner. :)Meet Me in Nashville!
I'm very excited that I'll be attending utopYA con in Nashville this week. If you're planning to go to this event, please look for me and introduce yourself! I am truly honored that Pyxis was nominated for 3 utopYA awards - Best Paranormal Romance YA Book of the Year, Best Editing, and Most Innovative Marketing. Many of my awesome author friends also were nominated for awards, too. I loved seeing so many familiar names on the ballot!
I'll be speaking on 2 panels at the convention - Query Letter Zone and From Fan to Famous! Reader Today, Author Tomorrow.
I think utopYA is going to be an amazing event, and I'm SO looking forward to meeting authors, book bloggers, and readers in person! There are so many I've known and chatted with online for well over a year, and it's been a little dream of mine to meet online friends IRL.
Thanks to all who have read Pyxis, recommended it to others, and for all of the ways you've supported me!Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
May 16, 2012
MICHAEL (Airel Saga Book 2) Is Out... And on SALE!)
The 2nd book in the Airel Saga, MICHAEL, is out! Guest post and giveaways from Aaron Patterson.....ONE DAY BLOG TOUR!
MAY 17th!
Michael, book two in the Airel Saga, is live on Amazon TODAY ONLY for a discounted price!!
To promote Michael I’m hosting a contest where you can win a FREE copy of Airel and win a free Kindle Fire.
To take advantage of this awesome deal, head to Amazon and check out the eBook version of MICHAEL at its promotional price, then see below to enter the contest. Also, leave a comment on this post. The blogger with the most comments will win the Kindle Fire! (From K.C.: If I win, I’ll also get the chance to be part of a special giveaway in the next few months.)
Praise for Michael
"Move over Twilight! Here comes Aaron Patterson!" --Joshua Graham, bestselling author of Beyond Justice and Darkroom
"I was surprised by how much I really, really liked this book. I have not jumped on the whole "fallen angel" bandwagon, just as I didn't jump on all of the vampire stories that came out after Twilight. This is not your typical fallen angel story. It is one that has left me breathlessly waiting for the next one in the series. Hurry up please!!!" --Sandra Stiles
Description of Michael
Michael did the unthinkable to save Airel from death, but now he must live with the choices he has made--both good and evil. Tortured by his past and haunted by what he believes might be his future, Michael seeks redemption--but will the past prove to be too strong? How can he break free of it and be the man he longs to be for Airel? If only he had never...
Airel. Michael's one true love. He had forced her to drink in new life only to find that old wounds and deep scars do not heal overnight. Can she truly forgive Michael, can she truly love him? And can he accept that forgiveness? Or is it all for nothing, and has he gone too far already? As the darkness of past choices closes in on them, chases them, intercepts them, coming at them from everywhere at once, how can their love possibly survive?
Aaron Patterson is the author of the best-selling WJA series, as well as two Digital Shorts: 19 and The Craigslist Killer. He was home-schooled and grew up in the west. Aaron loved to read as a small child and would often be found behind a book, reading one to three a day on average. Chris White has an award for reading 750 books in one school year — from the 3rd grade. So yes, he’s more of a nerd than Aaron. Chris loves history, Sherlock Holmes, and anything that’s not virtual, like old motorcycles and mechanical typewriters.
a Rafflecopter giveaway<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
May 14, 2012
Sign Up for the MICHAEL (AIREL Saga Book 2) 1-Day Blog Tour!
I signed up for the 1-day blog tour for MICHAEL, the 2nd book of the AIREL Saga. I'm almost halfway through an advance copy of the book, and it's awesome!! If you liked AIREL, you're going to *love* MICHAEL.If you're a book blogger, head over to Aaron Patterson's blog to sign up for the 1-day tour that will be on May 17. AAAND Aaron has a limited number of review e-copies for book bloggers! Email him at pattersonbooks@hotmail.com to request a copy.
Sign up for the 1-day MICHAEL Blog Tour! Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
May 4, 2012
Did You Miss the Amazon Rep Webinar? Catch an Encore
Register for an encore replay of this webinar:
Saturday May 5, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
Tuesday May 8, 5:30 p.m. Mountain (MDT)
Thursday May 10, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
A couple of weeks ago, StoneHouse University hosted a webinar with an Amazon rep. Thom Kephart, an Amazon Community Outreach Project Manager, gave a presentation he usually does only for conferences and meetings. Throughout the presentation and at the end, he answered questions submitted by indie authors and publishers.
Thom KephartIt was an awesome session packed with great info about publishing, promoting, and selling books on Amazon. He gave us an in-depth insider view on KDP, KDP Select, Author Central, Amazon Advantage, Createspace, Look Inside the Book, and tons of other tools and features for authors and publishers.
Some of the author and publisher questions he addressed included:
How can I maximize free days?Can you explain the algorithms that push books to bestseller status? Will indie authors ever be able to do pre-sales?Will Amazon price match free books that are not in KDP Select?Can anything be done about reviewer trolls?Can authors filter their products so that titles by one pen name don't show up with another?How do I sell print books worldwide through Amazon?Can you explain the benefits of Amazon Advantage? Can I pre-sell books through Advantage if I use a POD such as Lightning Source?And many more great questions.....Register for an encore replay of this webinar:
Saturday May 5, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
Tuesday May 8, 5:30 p.m. Mountain (MDT)
Thursday May 10, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
We guarantee you will learn something you didn't know about publishing, promoting, or selling on Amazon!
Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Saturday May 5, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
Tuesday May 8, 5:30 p.m. Mountain (MDT)
Thursday May 10, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
A couple of weeks ago, StoneHouse University hosted a webinar with an Amazon rep. Thom Kephart, an Amazon Community Outreach Project Manager, gave a presentation he usually does only for conferences and meetings. Throughout the presentation and at the end, he answered questions submitted by indie authors and publishers.
Thom KephartIt was an awesome session packed with great info about publishing, promoting, and selling books on Amazon. He gave us an in-depth insider view on KDP, KDP Select, Author Central, Amazon Advantage, Createspace, Look Inside the Book, and tons of other tools and features for authors and publishers.Some of the author and publisher questions he addressed included:
How can I maximize free days?Can you explain the algorithms that push books to bestseller status? Will indie authors ever be able to do pre-sales?Will Amazon price match free books that are not in KDP Select?Can anything be done about reviewer trolls?Can authors filter their products so that titles by one pen name don't show up with another?How do I sell print books worldwide through Amazon?Can you explain the benefits of Amazon Advantage? Can I pre-sell books through Advantage if I use a POD such as Lightning Source?And many more great questions.....Register for an encore replay of this webinar:
Saturday May 5, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
Tuesday May 8, 5:30 p.m. Mountain (MDT)
Thursday May 10, 10:00 a.m. Mountain (MDT)
We guarantee you will learn something you didn't know about publishing, promoting, or selling on Amazon!
Please visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
