K.C. Neal's Blog, page 6
November 23, 2011
New Author Blog Hop!
I recently released Pyxis: The Discovery, the first book in a new YA paranormal fantasy series. To celebrate my book's release, I'm giving away a Kindle - enter to win here! Follow my blog tour for lots of chances to win ebook copies of Pyxis.
So far, readers are loving Pyxis: The Discovery - check out the reviews on Amazon.
UPDATE: Pyxis on sale for 99c for the holidays! :-D
Here's what readers are saying about Pyxis:"This is a story with depth and history and the characters just come to life straight off the pages.... I can definitely recommend this book. If you like young adult fantasy with a little bit of romance and a unique story, then read Pyxis. Trust me, it is worth it." - Hannah, Once Upon a Time (4/5 stars)
"Pyxis is a phenomenal dubut that blew me away." -Kayleigh, K-Books (5/5 stars)
"An amazing cast of characters that I cannot wait to meet up with again in book two, Alight!" -Haley, YA-aholic.com (5/5 stars)
"A completely fresh and original concept in the world of YA Paranormal." -Emma, BelleBooks (5/5 stars)
Where to Buy Pyxis:
Amazon (Kindle, paperback) | Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Book summary:
Corinne doesn't know she's destined to become the next Pyxis, protector of a fragile gateway between two worlds. After her grandmother dies, Corinne finds a box of colored liquids and uses them as food dyes in her baked goods. When her classmates begin showering her with attention after eating her bake sale treats, she begins to suspect things are not what they seem. Corinne sets out to discover who her grandmother really was, and hopes to find answers to questions about her own destiny. Haunted by nightmares and followed by shadowy figures, Corinne is not just trying to unravel her past but also fight for her future and the lives of the people she loves.
Other Places to Find Me Online:
I love connecting with people online! Here's where you can find me:
Twitter (@KCNealTweets) | Facebook | Goodreads | Google
Please go to Of Thoughts and Words to check out the other authors in the hop!
Pyxis: The Discovery by K.C. Neal :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 22, 2011
Guest Blog: Writing the Story You've Always Dreamed by K.M. Parr
Welcome author K.M. Parr, whose debut novel Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock, releases today! Congratulations, Katie!!
Write the Story You've Always Dreamed of Telling
By K.M. Parr
When I was young, my sister Jen and I would ditch watching TV for more creative settings, hightailing it outside to pretend we were anyone but ourselves. Because we lived (and to this day, remain) in a rural town, Jen and I had ample space to set up the worlds of our imaginations. I clearly recall whirlwind expeditions in dinosaur territory, alternate-history reenactments of the Titanic's voyage, and a science-fiction type story that strangely resembled Star Wars. Needless to say, we were heavily influenced by the types of stories read to us, and that influence sparked the interest in crafting the written word.
In hindsight, I guess I can understand why I've always wanted to be a writer. My life was never complete unless I had something to dream about. I even wanted to be a writer before I knew how to spell. My mother had to teach me spelling words that were definitely above my grade level just so I could pen stories about giant flies attacking my house, mermaids, and a made up life about my favorite doll.
I wrote throughout my awkward pre-teen years and started to gain national attention as I entered into junior high. From there, I furthered my interest in the craft, hoping that one day, I would be a published author.
The writing continued throughout high school, college, and when I started my career in the news business. Though Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock took just over a year from concept to finished product, I realized that the story I'd told was a collection of every single tale I had ever woven.
It had the epic adventure of exploring worlds unknown. It incorporated the alternate-history aspect my sister and I had been so intrigued with. And, strangely enough, the book turned out to be a half-brother to the science fiction story we used to play as children. When I discovered these undeniable facts, I knew: this was the story I had always dreamed of telling.
Everyone has a story. It might not be a fantasy and it might not even be fiction. Whatever it is, if there's something so moving inside you, it has to be shared. To anyone who has ever considered writing but aren't sure how to start, I encourage you to either get a pen and paper or turn on your laptop and just write. Let the ideas flow and your creative subconscious take over…
Your story may just be the very idea your mind has been trying to get out your entire life.
* * * * *
For more on K.M. Parr and her debut novel Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock, visit www.kmparrbooks.com , www.goodreads.com/kmparr, or follow her on Twitter-- @kmparr.
To purchase AiW, visit Createspace or AmazonPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Write the Story You've Always Dreamed of TellingBy K.M. Parr
When I was young, my sister Jen and I would ditch watching TV for more creative settings, hightailing it outside to pretend we were anyone but ourselves. Because we lived (and to this day, remain) in a rural town, Jen and I had ample space to set up the worlds of our imaginations. I clearly recall whirlwind expeditions in dinosaur territory, alternate-history reenactments of the Titanic's voyage, and a science-fiction type story that strangely resembled Star Wars. Needless to say, we were heavily influenced by the types of stories read to us, and that influence sparked the interest in crafting the written word.
In hindsight, I guess I can understand why I've always wanted to be a writer. My life was never complete unless I had something to dream about. I even wanted to be a writer before I knew how to spell. My mother had to teach me spelling words that were definitely above my grade level just so I could pen stories about giant flies attacking my house, mermaids, and a made up life about my favorite doll.
I wrote throughout my awkward pre-teen years and started to gain national attention as I entered into junior high. From there, I furthered my interest in the craft, hoping that one day, I would be a published author.
The writing continued throughout high school, college, and when I started my career in the news business. Though Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock took just over a year from concept to finished product, I realized that the story I'd told was a collection of every single tale I had ever woven.
It had the epic adventure of exploring worlds unknown. It incorporated the alternate-history aspect my sister and I had been so intrigued with. And, strangely enough, the book turned out to be a half-brother to the science fiction story we used to play as children. When I discovered these undeniable facts, I knew: this was the story I had always dreamed of telling.
Everyone has a story. It might not be a fantasy and it might not even be fiction. Whatever it is, if there's something so moving inside you, it has to be shared. To anyone who has ever considered writing but aren't sure how to start, I encourage you to either get a pen and paper or turn on your laptop and just write. Let the ideas flow and your creative subconscious take over…
Your story may just be the very idea your mind has been trying to get out your entire life.
* * * * *
For more on K.M. Parr and her debut novel Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock, visit www.kmparrbooks.com , www.goodreads.com/kmparr, or follow her on Twitter-- @kmparr.
To purchase AiW, visit Createspace or AmazonPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 21, 2011
What Are Readers Saying About Pyxis: The Discovery?
Pyxis: The Discovery has 17 reviews on Amazon, and has been rated nearly 50 times on Goodreads. Here's a sample of what readers are saying....."This is a story with depth and history and the characters just come to life straight off the pages.... I can definitely recommend this book. If you like young adult fantasy with a little bit of romance and a unique story, then read Pyxis. Trust me, it is worth it."
- Hannah, Once Upon a Time (4/5 stars)
"Pyxis is a phenomenal debut that blew me away."
-Kayleigh, K-Books (5/5 stars)
"An amazing cast of characters that I cannot wait to meet up with again in book two, Alight!"
-Haley, YA-aholic.com (5/5 stars)
"A completely fresh and original concept in the world of YA Paranormal."
-Emma, BelleBooks (5/5 stars)
"I was immediately sucked into a compelling world of magic, myths, and mystery.... As a debut novel, Neal had outdone herself with her unique storytelling."
-Diayll, Mother/Gamer/Writer (5/5 stars)
"All in all, Pyxis was a wonderful, entertaining and quick read! I am really eager to get my hands on the next installment to learn more of this exciting new world" -Sharon, Obsession With Books (4/5 stars)
"This is a mystery just as much as it is paranormal. The plot is extremely well-developed.... KC proves to us she deserves our attention and that this series will be one to watch."
-Author Brina Courtney (5/5 stars)
"The paranormal elements of Pyxis are so original.... A fantastic book and a wonderful start to the series. If you're into young adult novels and fantasy, then don't miss this."
-Sophie, Life Between Pages (5/5 stars)
"I still can't get this book out of my head. It is such a cool and interesting story.... I know that this is a book that I will go back and read again.....This book is a must read!"
-Amy, Book Loving Mom (5/5 stars)
"It is well crafted and a great story. If you read Teen or YA you will love this novel."
-Author Aaron Patterson (5/5 stars)
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA ParanormalPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 6, 2011
Time to Write (No Excuses!) Guest Blogger Linna Drehmel
Today I have a guest on the blog. Welcome Linna Drehmel, a writer I met last weekend when she came to town for the Idaho Book Extravaganza. Before we met IRL, I knew Linna online. We live in the same time zone, and she's often one of my only friends up writing/tweeting at 3:00 a.m. like I am. When I hear someone say "it's hard to find time to write," my honest reaction is "well then, writing probably isn't a priority for you." There's nothing wrong with having other priorities. But if you're truly a writer, you make it a priority and you make time to do it, period. I asked Linna to do a guest post because I think she's the perfect example of someone who MAKES time to write. Read on and you'll understand why....
Hello K.C. Thank you for having me on your blog today.
Let me introduce myself my name is Linna Drehmel and I am a young adult SciFi/fantasy author. I have been married to the same great man for twenty years and we have 8 amazing kids (hobbits). I have been asked by so many people how in the world I can possibly write books with such a big family.
It's not easy I can tell you that much. I sacrifice and work hard. I often work through the night with no sleep, and at 6 am I get kids off to school, and have to take care of my two littlest hobbits.
The best time of day for me is at 3pm, no matter how little sleep I got the night before I get out every day and do a 5-8 mile walk/work out. I think about plots and characters while I listen to my 'muses'.
If writing is something that you love then you will find a way to make time. Giving up watching tv for me was the best way to make time. It is easier than one would think to make the time to do it. I started out my telling myself that I could write for 30 minutes, and then I worked my way up to an hour then an hour and half. By the time I got up to an hour and a half I was so into the story that I didn't notice that I had gone long past the hour and a half.
Something that helps me to stay on track and keeps me inspired is my 'muses' Josh Groban, Depeche Mode, and Evanescence. Three very different sounding musicians but I need different sounds to do one scene or write that character or another. It really does help to have 'muses', so find what kind of music moves you. I have a very good friend by the name of Lindsay Downs who writes YA mystery and she is moved by country music. Country music is not my thing but I read her stories all the time and they are fantastic!
I think the best advice I ever heard was at the Idaho Book Extravaganza. Mr. Vincent Zandri said that the best way to get a book written is butt to chair. It is as simple as that.
If you love writing then find what moves you, find the time and put your behind in a chair and write, because somewhere out in that big world there is a reader who will love your work.
Thank you once again for having me on your blog.
Happy writing and let your light so shine.
Linna Drehmel
Thanks so much, Linna! See you on Twitter.... :) -Kate
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Hello K.C. Thank you for having me on your blog today.Let me introduce myself my name is Linna Drehmel and I am a young adult SciFi/fantasy author. I have been married to the same great man for twenty years and we have 8 amazing kids (hobbits). I have been asked by so many people how in the world I can possibly write books with such a big family.
It's not easy I can tell you that much. I sacrifice and work hard. I often work through the night with no sleep, and at 6 am I get kids off to school, and have to take care of my two littlest hobbits.
The best time of day for me is at 3pm, no matter how little sleep I got the night before I get out every day and do a 5-8 mile walk/work out. I think about plots and characters while I listen to my 'muses'.
If writing is something that you love then you will find a way to make time. Giving up watching tv for me was the best way to make time. It is easier than one would think to make the time to do it. I started out my telling myself that I could write for 30 minutes, and then I worked my way up to an hour then an hour and half. By the time I got up to an hour and a half I was so into the story that I didn't notice that I had gone long past the hour and a half.
Something that helps me to stay on track and keeps me inspired is my 'muses' Josh Groban, Depeche Mode, and Evanescence. Three very different sounding musicians but I need different sounds to do one scene or write that character or another. It really does help to have 'muses', so find what kind of music moves you. I have a very good friend by the name of Lindsay Downs who writes YA mystery and she is moved by country music. Country music is not my thing but I read her stories all the time and they are fantastic!
I think the best advice I ever heard was at the Idaho Book Extravaganza. Mr. Vincent Zandri said that the best way to get a book written is butt to chair. It is as simple as that.
If you love writing then find what moves you, find the time and put your behind in a chair and write, because somewhere out in that big world there is a reader who will love your work.
Thank you once again for having me on your blog.
Happy writing and let your light so shine.
Linna Drehmel
Thanks so much, Linna! See you on Twitter.... :) -Kate
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 5, 2011
So Many People to Thank....
I spent two and a half years writing novels, reading about the upheaval in publishing, and hardly talking to anyone about it. It seems kind of crazy now, but it didn't really cross my mind that there was a larger writing and publishing community out there that I might become part of. That changed this year. I have hundreds of new friends whose names, faces, and book covers I know by heart. I talk to you every day on Twitter and Facebook, and I've even met a few of you IRL. :) You give me advice and encouragement, you support my efforts, and you make me laugh. I truly can't imagine life without you.In addition to the people I acknowledged in the book, there are many, many others who have helped and supported me. The list of book bloggers alone could fill this entire post. I now have a whole circle of awesome local writer friends. And tons of new online friends in recent weeks like Brina Courtney, Diayll Sales, Amy (Book Loving Mom), Amy (Following the Reader), Mandy (Romance Bookie), Dan Hanks, Ashley (Bookish Brunette aka Zombie Queen), Prosperine, Ifrah, Sophie (Life Between Pages), and so many others, who have reviewed, RTed, and supported... it's really quite overwhelming when I think about it. :) Thank you all!!
Acknowledgements from Pyxis....
My parents: You've been my personal cheering section since the day I was born. Thank you for your limitless confidence in me.
My husband: Thank you for your unconditional support, everything you do for me, and your innate understanding of the creative life. This book never would have happened without you.
Camille Koehler and Ryan Powers: Sincere thanks for your time, generosity, and excellent feedback. You helped make this story what it is.
Aaron Patterson: Thank you for reaching out to me and instantly becoming my friend, and for helping me with everything from writing to cover art to publishing. I couldn't have asked to meet a better example of success and vision.
Claudia of Phatpuppy Art, Tiffany Mize-Carter, and Riley: Thank you for teaming up to create such a beautiful book cover. It truly is a work of art.
Angeline Kace (Yin/Yang): I never expected that writing a book would lead me to make a friend like you. Your encouragement, empathy, advice, and friendship smoothed so many large and small bumps in the road. Thank you for being exactly the friend I needed.
Natasha Larry, Matthew Merrick, and the BNFFs: I am so lucky to have found all of you. I so appreciate all the kindness, laughs, and support.
Book bloggers extraordinaire Haley (YA-aholic), Emma (Belle Books), Kayleigh (K-Books), and Tezza (Spades High Reads): Deepest gratitude for helping me introduce my book to the world with such excitement and dedication. I am so fortunate to be able to work with great people like you.
Book bloggers everywhere: Thank you for working so hard to bring new books to readers. You amaze me!
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 4, 2011
Pyxis eBook Release & Kindle Giveaway!
The day is finally here - it's ebook release day for Pyxis! The ebook is available for Kindle and Nook, and it's only $2.99!
Today is also the start of the Pyxis Release Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour. And the first tour stop is... right here! Enter to win a Kindle below.
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Buy Pyxis for Kindle
Buy Pyxis for Nook
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Today is also the start of the Pyxis Release Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour. And the first tour stop is... right here! Enter to win a Kindle below.
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.Buy Pyxis for Kindle
Buy Pyxis for Nook
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 3, 2011
Feature on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog!
I am very excited about being featured on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Kathy's book blog is amazing - she has built an impressive community with one of the largest YA book blog followings out there.
If you've never checked out her Blog Hops page, you should take a look! You can participate in blog hops, or follow them to win all kinds of books and book-related stuff. There's an all-giftcard giveaway hop coming up in December - I'll definitely be following that one. :)
Check out my interview and enter to win a copy of Pyxis!
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 2, 2011
Indie Frenzy!
I am so honored to be the Indie Frenzy author on The Bookish Brunette, run by one of my favorite book bloggers, the always-fabulous Ashley (all hail the Zombie Queen!). Indie Frenzy is a new feature on her blog where she showcases an indie author with giveaways, guest posts, reviews, and interviews. If you're an indie author and you'd like to be featured, sign up here.
In my guest post, I share a bit about the main character, Corinne, and the two most important people in her life: her best friend Angeline, and her oldest friend and sort-of, not-really boyfriend Mason.
When life gets weird, you need your best friendthere with you to help you figure it out, and in this scene, Corinne andAngeline are trying to work out exactly what's going on..... Read my guest post....
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
November 1, 2011
Book Loving Mom's Review + Ebook Giveaway
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Today on Book Loving Mom blog, there's a great write-up for Pyxis, and you can enter to win an ebook copy of the book!
Thanks for being a great tour stop host, Amy!
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
Today on Book Loving Mom blog, there's a great write-up for Pyxis, and you can enter to win an ebook copy of the book!
"I still can't get this book out of my head. It is such a cool and interesting story, and I am just almost speechless. I know that this is a book that I will go back and read again."
Read the rest of Amy's review....
Thanks for being a great tour stop host, Amy!
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
October 31, 2011
Pyxis Ebook Release and Kindle Giveaway This Week!
This Friday November 4th, Pyxis will be available in ebook format AND the month-long Kindle Giveaway begins. November will be full of inteviews, Pyxis reviews, ebook giveaways, and of course, the chance to win a Kindle! I have a ton of amazing bloggers helping me with these exciting events - I couldn't do this without them. I hope you'll check out their posts, leave comments, and follow their blogs.
There will be some ebook giveaways, guest posts, and interviews this week leading up to the book release, too. Watch for my blog posts and tweets! Oh... you ARE following me on Twitter, right (@KCNealTweets)? ;)
Blog tour stops and events are posted here:
Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour
Pyxis Release Blog Tour
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Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal / YA FantasyPlease visit http://kcneal.blogspot.com/ for more info and features. Thanks for reading!
