Jamie Marchant's Blog, page 22

Fonda Lee and Shades of Grey Characters

I was blog browsing, and I came across a guest post by Fonda Lee on Fantasy Book Critic. She is discussing her novel, Exo, and I liked what she said about creating characters that are more complex than 100% good or 100% evil. Real people aren't that simple. She writes,

"There’s no shortage of stories about good guys vs. bad guys, especially in YA fiction, which is packed full of courageous rebels and foul tyrants. Personally, I’m far more interested in writing stories that reflect truths about our own world…and those truths are rarely so simple. . . .   I write books for those teens: the ones that question the world, the ones that suspect that so much of what adults tell you is a matter of perspective, that sometimes the more you know, the less certain you become, and that the uncertainty is a good thing, a way to be certain that your mind is still open. In Exo, . . . [t]here are no 'good guys' and 'bad guys' to be found here—only people, all of them doing what they believe is the right thing, based on their worldview and the circumstances of their lives and experiences. And that means they hold certain opinions, they say and do things that some readers will not agree with, they make decisions that are well intentioned but still questionable."

Black and white characters aren't interesting to me because they aren't real people. To read Lee's full post, click here. How do you feel about good guys that are a little bad or bad guys that think they're doing the right thing? Comment below, and tell me your opinion.

What Nobody Told Me, but Every New Author Needs to Know

Five years ago this coming April my first novel, The Goddess's Choice, was published by Reliquary Press. I sent them the final version of the manuscript and thought my job as the author was finished. The book came out. I sat back and waited for it to sell. Anyone at all familiar with the publishing world (which I wasn't) will be unsurprised to learn that six months later only a handful of copies had sold. Maybe it should have been obvious, but no one ever told me that an author needs to market her novel if she wants it  to sell. I had a publisher. Marketing was their job, right?

As I've learned since, I could not have been more wrong. Large publisher do some marketing. Small ones do almost none. Marketing is mostly the author's job, a revelation that really sucked. I'm a writer, not a business person. I knew absolutely nothing about marketing. On top of that, I'm an extreme introvert. I don't like talking to people, except the imaginary ones that inhabit my head.

I tried to do things. Listened to various advise. Some good, some bad, and more copies sold, but not anywhere near what I would have liked. Lately, I have come across three excellent books that have taught me a lot on the topic. I want to recommend them to those of you who are just starting out as authors or those who could also learn more about the part of the job none of us ever wanted.

Book #1: Steve Weber's Plug Your Book

I found this book about six months ago. Lots of good advice of about blogging and other online marketing tools. Since I read it, I have increased my blog views from about 3 a day to 300 a day.











Book #2: Chris Kennedy's Self-publishing for Profit

I met Chris at Marson last month. He chaired the best panel I've ever attended on book marketing and promotion. I learned a lot from him and even more from his book, especially about twitter, which I just didn't get. Besides, being very knowledgeable about how to profit from writing, Chris is a really nice man. I can't recommend his book more strongly.









Book #3: Kim Iverson Headlee's The Business of Writing

I also met Kim at Marson. She was on the panel with Chris. As well as excellent advice on marketing, Kim's book covers many more aspects of the business end of being a writer. I also highly recommend her book.










Don't be like I was, completely ignorant of the business end of being an author. Yes, marketing sucks and isn't why I became a writer, but if you want people to read your books, it has to be done. These three books will give you a place to start.

Please recommend other books you've found useful in the comments below.

Enter the contest

Remember I am giving away two signed print copies and two ebooks of The Bull Riding Witch when it is released. I have added a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift care. To enter the contest, subscribe to my newsletter (see the sidebar) or comment on any of the posts in my blog. Each comment equals one entry, and you can enter as many times as you like.

Dragon's Quest Release Tour & Giveaway

Dragon's QuestDragon Princes Book 1by Cyci CadeGenre: Fantasy
Three lives separated by time and land, connected by curse. Two princes from the Dragon ́s Dynasty, Liu and Wei, are cursed and condemned to live as dragons. After two centuries their fate changes when Kate appears in their lives and they are able to return to their human form. However, the curse isn ́t broken yet. To break the curse, the princes must recover the eyes and heart of the Great Dragon. As Liu, Wei, and Kate embark on a journey to the Palace of Jade in search of the first eye, they ́ll have to face mythological creatures and immortal warriors. They ́ll have to face death too, and prove that they are honorable men to save Kate ́s life. They ́ll be tested as never before. They ́ll discover feelings they never imagined existed. They ́ll have to fight like wild warriors.A curse can be broken... But at what cost?
**Releases Feb 15th, 2017!!**
Goodreads * Amazon

I´m Cyci Cade and I write urban fantasy and fiction novels for young adult.
I´ll never forget the first time I wrote a story; I was in fifth grade. That experience enchanted me. What should be an insignificant composition became a four pages flash story. My teacher didn´t like it very much, but who cared? She did.Well, I had to shorten my compositions. However, it didn´t discourage me; on the contrary, it made me try harder. I like a good challenge. I like to try new things; some of them don´t work as I expect, but it doesn´t matter. I always learn new things. I started writing articles for magazines, newspapers, and blogs. I wrote my first book in 2010 and published it in 2012. It was so amazing that I didn´t stop anymore. Writing makes me happy.I have received 5 stars reviews from professional websites, and remarkable comments that have encouraged me.During my free time, I like reading, watching TV series, and movies. I live in Brazil and I have a cat named Angel. I love cats too. Welcome to my world!Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram * Goodreads * Amazon



Chapter 1Xuan
China, 1800.
Xuan´s fingers tightened around the spear; her knuckles became white. She wasn´t a warrior, she had only taken a few self-defense classes years ago and she wasn´t sure how to use that weapon; she also didn´t have the necessary strength to manage it. She had never thought that one day she might need to defend her sons´ lives. How could a weakened woman fight against a warrior? He was twice her height, and he was committed to destroy her family. Even the very well-trained soldiers fell by his sword; her husband was probably one of his victims.
The warrior moved toward her. Xuan pointed the spear directly at his chest and ran toward the man. Dodging her blow, he held the spear and pulled the weapon, dragging Xuan with it, throwing her onto the wall. Her head spun, and her vision was foggy. She just heard the rough voice of the warrior.
“It´s my lucky day.” He laughed. “Who could imagine that I´d find the Emperor´s sons in this place? I looked for gold and found something much better.” He looked at her. “Do you have any idea how much money I´ll get for the babies?” He leaned his head back and laughed again. 
“I will give you what you want, but don´t touch my babies.” At first, she begged and then she threatened. “Or you´ll know a mother´s fury.”
He stared at her, narrowing his eyes. “Look at you, woman. You can´t support your own weight.” He turned his back to her and moved to the bed.
The babies cried out. She looked to the corridor, hoping that someone had heard them and would come to their rescue; however, it didn´t happen, nobody appeared. She crawled and grasped the spear that had fallen a few feet from her. Still on the floor, she saw the repugnant man´s dirty hands approaching her sons. He´d touch them. He´d hurt the newborns. She had to stop that man.
She held the spear firmly, yelled, and once more ran toward the man as if powerful hands had lifted Xuan to her feet. She should have done that movement silently because the man turned to her, positioning his sword, but he wasn´t fast enough. She hit his chest.
Xuan released the weapon. The warrior slumped on the floor; she felt her stomach tingling. Pain spread throughout her entire body. She looked down; the soldier had hurt her too. She put a hand on the wound and pressed it. She tried to stop the bleeding, but her unstable legs didn´t have strength enough to support her body and she fell on the floor near the dead warrior, her face against the cold tile.
She looked at her newborn babies for the last time, tears gushed out of her eyes, blurring her vision. The babies cried, waving their short arms; she wondered how she ended up in that situation. I´m not feeling anything else. I´m dying. I´m dying, but I don´t want to die; I can´t die. I have two babies, but even though I´m dying and I can´t stop it, I can´t change it. In a split second, that whole day passed in front of her eyes like a movie.***It seemed a normal day; she gave orders to her servants to decorate the first-born and heir´s room. The layette was ready, yet the Empress´s anxiety grew and grew. She still had two months more to wait before she would be able to hold the baby in her arms, look at his traits, then come face to face with the reality, was it a boy or a girl?
It was too much responsibility for a young woman recently married. Since her betrothal to the Dragon Emperor, she knew she should give an heir to his throne, his dynasty. It happened too quickly; a few months after the wedding Xuan was pregnant, now she had to wait eight weeks to seal her destiny; the empire needed an heir, a male heir. 
Emperor Shun Xiang entered the room, bringing Xuan back to reality. The servants bowed and moved aside, leaving them alone. The expression on his young face became somber, revealing the seriousness of the situation. Without uttering a word, Xuan knew her husband had bad news; she already recognized his expressions.
Shun held her hands, pulling her closer. He leaned toward her; his lips touched her forehead slightly. “We are under attack. Guards are going to conduct you and the midwife to the shelter where there is food and water. You have everything you need there. Lock the door; open it to no one. I´ll return as soon as possible.” Shun stroked Xuan´s belly. “Take good care of our heir.”
The Empress held her husband´s arm. “Please, stay with us. I need you; our son needs you,” she asked with a pleading voice. It was her first and last attempt.
“The warriors and the empire need me. It is my duty.” He touched her face. “I´ll come back soon; you won´t miss me, I promise you. Now hurry, the invaders can reach the palace anytime. Guards are going to protect you. I don´t think the invaders can find the shelter.” He kissed his beautiful and pregnant wife, grinned, and left her in tears.
Xuan heard a rumble followed by shots, screams, pandemonium; the sound of battle was perfectly audible and moved toward the palace very quickly. That was the worst time for combat; her young Emperor would face a great risk protecting the empire, her and his son´s life. She prayed daily for this to never happen; however, it was in vain. Her husband could die today.
More afraid of the bad timing of war, was her concern about the baby’s gender. The Emperor wanted a boy to be his heir. What if it was born a girl instead? That burden laid heavier than her huge belly. He´d be disappointed; he just talked about the boy who might arrive soon. Poor child, coming to the world with so many uncertainties and bearing great responsibilities.
She went to the door. People ran; they tried to protect their lives. Ai, the servant woman and midwife, approached with the guards. Ai carried bags full of the Empress´s belongings. “Your Majesty, we should go, the guards are waiting for us and everything is prepared for your comfort.”
Xuan looked at the nursery, then reluctantly she moved to the shelter, guided by the guards and the servant. She held her belly and walked as fast as she could. She was scared; the enemies would give anything to capture her and the empire heir. In this case, it might be the end of the Emperor, the Dragon´s Dynasty and their story. Shun would die before he saw his empire in the enemies´ hands.
The imperial guard entered first to check inside the shelter; Xuan and Ai followed. The guards left; while Ai closed the door, Xuan could hear their heavy footsteps moving to their station. Silence filled the room after the woman locked the door. They were alone in that place for an undetermined time.
Ai helped Xuan to lie down on the bed; she put many pillows under Xuan´s back and made the Empress comfortable. Xuan´s belly was too big and heavy. The baby constantly squirmed causing her discomfort. So violent were the baby´s kicks that her skin seemed on the verge of tearing. Maybe she was wrong, and she was more than seven months pregnant. If that was the case, the baby could be born at any time. Xuan tried to avoid the thoughts that constantly passed through her mind. 
“Ai, bring me water. I´m not feeling well.” Her breath became deep and intense; her hands were trembling and wet. She rubbed her belly and whispered, “Calm down, son, it isn´t your time yet. Your father isn´t here to see you.”
Ai took a glass of water, put a hand underneath the Empress´s back and gently pushed her forward. “Are you feeling better?” the servant asked while Xuan sipped the water. Ai put another pillow under Xuan´s neck and she lay again.
“No,” Xuan gasped. “Something is wrong!” she screamed and curved forward pressing her belly. “The baby is coming,” she warned the servant through gritted teeth and cried in agony.
“It is too early, he can´t be born now,” Ai said, perplexed.
Xuan grabbed Ai´s hand, breathing shortly and quickly. “I know, but I don’t think he agrees with us,” she screamed louder and writhed; her screams might scare the enemies.
“We can do this, don´t worry. Take deep and long breaths.” The midwife brought a basin full of water and clothes. She removed the pillows from Xuan´s back, parted the Empress´s knees, and lifted her skirt. “It will be fast, the baby´s head is facing. Take a deep mouthful of air and push now.”  Xuan inhaled, curved forward, put all her strength in a push and yelled, exhaling the air, then she let her tired body fall on the bed and tried to recover; however, Ai didn´t give her a break.“Again!” Ai ordered.
Xuan pushed one, two, three times and many others; her belly became rigid, the contractions didn´t stop, the pain drained her strength. Minutes had passed, and the last push was less intense but efficient. She felt all power leaving her body; Xuan needed to refill it, she needed some rest.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Author, Lisa Colodny

Welcome my guest today, author Lisa Colodny. Be sure to comment below. I love to hear your opinions. Also, remember that every comment on my blog between now and May enters you into a contest to win either a signed print or ecopy of The Bull Riding Witch. To make the contest sweeter, I'm adding a $25 Amazon gift card to the pot of prizes.


Lisa Robin Phillips Colodny was born and grew up in the rural countryside of Kentucky. She attended the University of Kentucky and Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, graduated with a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University in 1994 and later obtained an MBA in 2004. Her non fiction publishing history includes approximately 34 publications in the health and science industry and 5 book contributions (also medical). Additionally, she's been interviewed for 15 television programs or newspaper articles and participated in over 50 healthcare related speaking events. Fiction publishing history includes a short story publication (My Name is Edith) for the Broward College newspaper and an X-files story (H2O)that appeared in a magazine entitled to the Fullest X tent in 1997. In 2014 the fictional story The Town Time Forgot was published and is currently still available. In 2015 she published a children’s story, Ms Abrams Everything Garden, which received the Purple Dragonfly award in June 2016 from Five Star Publications. Current projects include a second children’s story, Jericho Alley, which focus on the homeless and "Yellow River Pledge" (a fictional piece currently being edited). A third novel, Sanctuary Road, is currently in the works as is another children’s story.


InterviewWhat made you want to become a writer? I don’t ever really remember actually deciding I wanted to write. I’ve always loved to write whether it was summarizing the daily events of The Young and the Restless or writing short stories about growing up with my cousins. When I was a sophomore in high school, I made an active decision to actually pen a fictional story. It wasn’t very good, but I did enjoy writing it. Years later when I wrote Town Time Forgot, I used several “scenes” from that story of so long ago. What are your biggest literary influences? Favorite authors and why? I read Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier when I was much younger, and it blew my mind to find out how much the new husband of the main character actually hated and despised his deceased first wife.  I enjoy Janice Holt Giles method of telling a story and how authentic her characters are. All of her books are on my list. Years ago during my divorce, I could swear Elizabeth Berg was bugging my house because so much of what was going on with her character, I was able to relate to. I love all kinds of books, historical, fictional, Xfiles, and paranormal phenomenon. Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book? Town Time Forgot is centered around a male NY city police detective and a female US Marshall who are thrown together to transport a somewhat notorious criminal from NYC to Washington state. In route, they are intercepted and the prisoner taken by force. Injured and left for dead, aid is rendered by a farmer and his wife. When things settle, they’ve been transported back in time to 1869 Nebraska. It’s  a long story with three distinct sections settling into life in 1869, returning to present time, and then escaping the killer who was followed them home. I was very pleased with the 4/4 stars it received from onlinebookclub.org. Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why? That’s kind of like asking you to pick a favorite child. All of the women in my stories are strong, even when their world is falling down around them. Since Devon McKenzie was my first, I’d have to say she’s my favorite. I like that she’s strong when she needs to be, yet weak (almost child –like) at other times. My favorite trait of hers is that she never gives up on herself or those she cares about. Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer?  If so, what do you do during the day?  I have a Doctorate in Pharmacy and an MBA. I work in a within the pharmacy of a community hospital. When I’m not at work, I’m working with my daughter’s Girl Scout troop or the Youth groups at church. Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Do you have any other books in the works? Last year, I published a children’s book, Ms Abrams’ Everything Garden, which won the Purple Dragonfly Award from Five Star Publications. I have a second children’s book, Jericho Alley, which is with the Illustrator right now and another fictional story, Yellow River Pledge, that’s being edited. Currently, I’m in the very early chapters of a third fictional story, Sanctuary Road and penned some note for another children’s story. I hope to find more time in 2017 to write. Where can we find you online? Blog: http://sbprabooks.com/lisacolodnyWebsite: http://www.lisacolodny.com/Facebook: /lisa.colodny.5Twitter: @colodny_lisaAmazon: amazon.com/author/lisacolodnyThe Town Time ForgotAuthor Lisa Colodny has pulled it all together in her 700-page saga that starts in modern day New
York City, as U.S. Marshal Devon McKenzie and NYC Detective Chris Gates are transporting a well-known prisoner along the interstate. The two have never gotten along and are squabbling as usual when their prisoner is forcefully removed from their custody. Their vehicle is wrecked and the officers are injured. This all happens on a night when the Aurora Borealis is at its brightest. Devon and Chris spend the next three days surviving in an isolated wilderness area. When they come upon a farmer, they discover they’ve been transported back in time to 1869 Nebraska. Devon and Chris are assumed to be a married couple, so they play along until they can figure out how to get back to their own time. Three months pass and the two fall in love, but will they spend the rest of their lives in the past – or will they make it home – with their romance intact? Travel back with them to The Town Time Forgot. ExcerptDevon supposed she could just tell them the truth. It would only take a few minutes to explain how she and Gates were pretending to be married and playing roles and everything else that went along with it. She bit her lip to distract herself from the tears welling in her eyes. It might actually be a relief to admit how awkwardly she felt, especially when Thomas Hayden Junior was nearby. Devon was used to being in control, especially when it came to her emotions. But here, everything was out of order. She was uncharacteristically not in control and it frightened her.
She couldn’t bring herself to respond to them truthfully. Instead, she wiped at the tears that ran quickly down her cheek.
Mrs. Ennis moved closer to Devon. “Honey, what’s this about?”
“I can’t do this anymore, I’m sorry.” She wiped at her tears. “I’m so scared, and I can’t keep pretending like I’m not. I’m afraid all the time, and I hate the way it makes me feel.” The tears fell more freely now, and she fought to get the words out. “I want the life I had before—I want it all back. And I don’t know how to get any of it back.” She turned and fled to the guesthouse, letting the back door of the Ennis’s kitchen snap loudly back into place.
Mr. and Mrs. Ennis stood quietly looking at the door as she let it shut behind her. Gabriel picked up the lunch buckets that Mrs. Ennis had prepared for him and Gates. “I don’t understand what this is all about. What’s wrong with her? Is she having second thoughts about being married?”
“I don’t know Gabriel. Maybe, or it could be something else. She’s been through a lot the last few days. “
“Something else?”
“Just let her settle down and I’ll talk to her.” She kissed him on his cheek and ushered him out the door.
***
As he approached the field, he could see Gates with his jacket off and hat pulled down tight against his head. He had attached the plow to his horse and was plowing an irrigation ditch through the field from end to end by the river. Gates was pushing the animal with such intensity that Gabriel knew what was on his mind. Gates waved to Gabriel as he hitched his horse to the closest tree. Gabriel held up the lunch pail and indicated for Gates to join him. Gates pulled the horse to a stop and walked toward him.
Gates pointed to where the horse was standing by the plow. “It can’t be time for lunch already.” He looked up to the sky as if to validate his statement about the earliness of the hour.
“Edith sent you some breakfast in with lunch; you left so early this morning.” He leaned against a tree, its bark thick and uneven. “You okay? Devon mentioned that there was some trouble in town last night.”
Gates sat down on the cool ground and peeked into the pail, pulling out an egg sandwich. “What did she say?” he asked, stuffing an edge of the sandwich in his mouth.
Gabriel pulled out a knot of twisted tobacco leaf and bit off a piece. He chewed roughly on the knot then spat. “She said something happened with Thomas Junior and that y’all left town early.”

If you like what you've read, comment below. Her book can be purchased at the following link:

The Bull Riding Witch Contest and Blurb

Two weeks ago, I posted the short story, which I expanded into the novel, The Bull Riding Witch. (See previous blog post for the story.) Today I am announcing a contest to win the novel when it is released. I will be awarding two signed print copies and two ebooks. To enter the contest, subscribe to my newsletter (see the sidebar) or comment on any of the posts in my blog. Each comment equals one entry, and you can enter as many times as you like.

Just what is The Bull Riding Witch about? I'm glad you asked.

As the crown princess of Asteria, Daulphina has always thought life would have been easier if she had been born a man. One morning, she wakes up to find her wish has come true, in a way. She has been transported to the parallel realm of Earth and into the body of Joshua Killenyen, a good ol’ boy in small town, Alabama. To keep from starving and find her way home, she must choose between Joshua’s two professions: shoveling horse manure and riding rodeo bulls.
 In The Bull Riding Witch, a novel that mixes urban and high fantasy, Daulphina finds herself caught in a world she doesn’t understand, one ruled by technology rather than magic. Although she figures out how to use her magic to master the bulls she must ride, her problems only multiply. Joshua, in her body, insists to the king that he isn’t a princess and that he “ain’t wearing no dress.” Because of Joshua’s bizarre actions, the king threatens to disinherit Daulphina and make Fitzrigh, her bastard brother, heir. Daulphina is desperate to return home to prevent this. To make matters worse, someone starts using magic to make her fall of the bulls. Since she believes no magic exists on Earth, she is certain a witch has followed her from Asteria to finish her off. Can she find the witch and force the witch to tell her not only how to get home, but back into her own body? Or will the witch succeed in killing her, leaving her bastard brother as heir to the throne?

The Bull Riding Witch

I've scheduled a release date for The Bull Riding Witch, my new urban fantasy. It will be coming out on May 15. It is quite different from my epic fantasy series, The Kronicles of Korthlundia, both funner and lighter, but being who I am, I couldn't help torturing Daulphina a bit.

I just got the art for the cover done, and I think the artist did an amazing job. In the comments, tell me what you think.

Magick & Mayhem Cover Reveal

Join us for the spectacular cover reveal ofMagick & Mayhem by Sharon Papefrom Lyrical Press!
Genre: Mystery Pub Date: 5/2/2017

What’s in a murderer’s bag of tricks?Twenty-something Kailyn Wilde has learned to embrace her unpredictable life as a descendant of small-town New Camel’s most magickal family. She just didn’t expect to inherit her mother and grandmother’s centuries-old shop, Abracadabra, so suddenly. The surprises keep coming when Kailyn goes to finalize the estate at the local attorney’s office—and stumbles over the body of her best friend Elise’s husband . . .As a brash detective casts the blame on Elise, Kailyn summons her deepest powers to find answers and start an investigation of her own. What with running a business, perfecting ancient spells, and keeping up with an uninvited guest of fabled origins, Kailyn has her hands full. But with the help of her uncanny black cat Sashkatu and her muumuu-clad Aunt Tilly, she’s closing in on a killer—who will do anything to make sure she never tests her supernatural skills again!
Buy Link

Sharon Pape is the author of the popular Portrait of Crime and Crystal Shop mystery series. She started writing stories in first grade and never looked back. She studied French and Spanish literature in college and went on to teach both languages on the secondary level. After being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer in 1992, Sharon became a Reach to Recovery peer support volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She went on to become the coordinator of the program on Long Island. She and her surgeon created a non profit organization called Lean On Me to provide peer support and information to newly diagnosed women and men. After turning her attention back to writing, she has shared her storytelling skills with thousands of fans. She lives with her husband on Long Island, New York, near her grown children. She loves reading, writing, and providing day care for her grand-dogs.
Website * Facebook * Twitter

The Goddess's Choice Expanded Edition Blurb

Here's the blurb for The Goddess's Choice along with my niece cool design again.

The crown princess Samantha fears she’s mad; no one but she sees colors glowing around people. The peasant Robrek Angusstamm believes he’s a demon; animals speak to him, and his healing powers far outstrip those of his village’s priests. Despite their fears, their combined powers make them the goddess’s choice to rule the kingdom of Korthlundia. Samantha’s ability enables her to discern a person’s character through their multi-colored aura, and Robrek’s makes him the strongest healer the kingdom has seen in centuries. But their gifts also endanger their lives. Royals scheme to usurp the throne by marrying or killing Samantha, and priests plot to burn Robrek at the stake. Robrek escapes the priests only to be captured by Samantha’s arch-enemy, Duke Argblutal; Argblutal intends to force the princess to marry him by exploiting Robrek’s powers. To save their own lives and stop the realm from sinking into civil war, Robrek and Samantha must consolidate their powers and unite the people behind them.
If you've read The Goddess's Choice, tell me what you think in the comments. Anything you noticed that I should fix for the expanded edition?

The Goddess's Choice Expanded Edition

My contract with Reliquary Press for my first novel, The Goddess's Choice, expires in April, and at the beginning of May, I will be bringing out an expanded edition that includes some of the material I had to cut for length. (The original manuscript was 323,000 words. I cut it to 178,000 words for the Reliquary Press edition.) In addition, I'll be cleaning up and strengthening the language.

The Reliquary Kindle edition for $2.99. This is a price set by the publisher and lower than the typical cost for a book of this length. When the expanded edition is released, I will be selling it for $5.99. Between now and then, I am offering a special. Buy the original edition of the ebook any time before the release of the expanded edition, and I will send you the expanded edition for free as soon as it is available. Just forward your order email from Amazon to jamie-marchant@jamie-marchant.com. This way you will get the expanded edition for only $2.99, a savings of $3. Quite the deal, eh? Just click the link below to order.


The cool link won't show on Chrome, so if you use Chrome, you can use this link instead: https://www.amazon.com/Goddesss-Choice-Jamie-Marchant-ebook/dp/B007VPA9R6 
The expanded edition will have a new cover. My favorite niece (don't feel badly my other niece; she made me say that) is an amazing artist. See her art below and tell me you don't agree:



Because of her uber skills, I asked her to do the cover art for me. Here is the rough sketch of her design so far side by side with the original cover.

When she gets it finished, I think it will be a much cooler cover. In the comments let me know what you think.