Cherie Colyer's Blog, page 49

Miscellaneous musings: Is it common, or just something you know?

First, I'd like to thank everyone who voted on the new badge for my street team. The second design won by a landslide. It's dark and mysterious, and since I write paranormal novels it's a good fit. If you'd like to learn more about my street team, click here.


And now onto today's post...

Being a writer has made me realize some things I thought were common really aren't. For instance, I had thought everyone knew what it meant to “have the TV watch you”, and it wasn't until I penned my first novel that I realized “anyways” was mid-western slang and most people said “anyway” without the “s”. (Just in case someone reading this doesn't know, the first is when you fall asleep in front of the television and now the television is watching you, instead of you watching it.)
And I chuckled when one of my CPs commented that my character drying the sink after washing dishes was an odd thing to do. My mom always dried the sink. Therefore I do, too. My character, however, ended up leaving it to air dry. (The horror! J )
Another saying that I've gotten so used to is “soup sandwich”. My husband will say this when someone (usually me) is doing thing out of order or is all over the place. I’d gotten so used to the saying that I said it to a group of friends only to have them pause and ask me what I’d just said. Hubby has a few saying like this. I really should borrow them for my books.
This is one of the reason I love my critique partners, beta readers, and editors. If I put something in my novels that makes them stop reading, I know I either have to find a way to nonchalantly explain it or I need to change my wording.
Have you discovered that some of the things you do or say aren't as common as you thought? 

Spotlight: CassaStar Series by Alex J. Cavanaugh

I'm thrilled to be spotlighting Alex J. Cavanaugh on my blog today. Like so many other authors, I met Alex on-line. He's not only a wonderful author, he's a great guy. His space opera series is an Amazon Best Seller. From amazing stories, to eye-catching covers, and entertaining book trailers, this is one series you don't want to miss.

CassaStorm (book 3)By Alex J Cavanaugh
From the Amazon Best Selling Series!
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse
"Cavanaugh makes world building on the galactic scale look easy. The stakes affect the entire known universe and yet Cavanaugh makes it intensely personal for our hero. The final installment of this series will break your heart and put it back together."
- Charity Bradford, science fantasy author of The Magic Wakes
$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space operaPrint ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019$3.99 EBook available in all formats


Find CassaStorm:Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Goodreads

And don't miss the rest of the books in the series!


CassaFire (Book 2)


Amazon Best Seller!
6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.Science fiction - space opera/adventurePrint ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5 $15.95EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9 $2.99
CassaStar was only the beginning… 

“This sequel to Cavanaugh's first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction…” - Library Journal


Find CassaFire:Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Amazon UK | Goodreads

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh – Amazon Best Seller!6x9 Trade paperback, 246 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.Science fiction - space opera/adventurePrint ISBN 978-0-9816210-6-7 $15.95EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8 $2.99Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67YBjQ...
To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” -  Library Journal


Find CassaStar:Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Amazon UK | Amazon Kindle | Goodreads
I hope you enjoyed the trailers as much as I did! 

About the author:Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Connect with AlexWebsite | Twitter | Goodreads

Time to Vote! Pick my new Street Team Badge

My Street Team has a new name. Now I need a new badge, and I'd love to get your thoughts! Vote for your favorite design below. 

Not a member of the street team? That's easy to fix! Just fill out the form at the bottom of this post.

Option 1

Option 2

Place your vote:
Thank you for your interest in Colyer’s Clan—a group of readers who are excited about my books and who want to spread the word about upcoming events and releases. I would be honored if you joined my street team. Click here for more information.


Scroll down to see complete form.

Cover reveal: CHALLENGING DESTINY by Cherie Colyer

Look what I recently received in my inbox! I've been dying to share more details about my newest novel, and what better way than to start than with the cover reveal. My cover artist from the Wild Rose Press, Debbie Taylor, did an amazing job. Don't you think?


CHALLENGING DESTINYComing spring 2014 from the Wild Rose Press, Black Rose Imprint
Being Chosen is a terrible thing when there's no one you can trust
Synposis:
Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons. Logan can sense something's not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer's day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He's had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He's afraid this time it might just be Ariana. Logan's fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren't human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she'll damn her brother for eternity. Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind...but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?

Follow me to get the latest updates on this exciting new title!Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Feature Friday: Miki with Lecture toute une Aventure

I recently found Miki’s blog and I’m glad I did. I’m even more thrilled that she agreed to be featured on my blog. 

For those of us who need a little help with our French, Miki’s blog translate to:Reading an Adventurebecause reading allows you to dream, discover, marvel …
I love that. J
Without further ado, let’s get to know her.
Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books? Miki: I was following several blogs and I really enjoyed the book blogging community, I admired it.  Since I have really a few people who love to read around me, I thought that I could try to share my opinion online like those I admired.
Cherie: That’s a great reason to start blogging. How did you come up with the name for your blog? Miki: When I read a book, if I really enjoy it, I get so immersed that I’m in the story. For someone who prefers to stay inside, it’s a wonderful way to escape. There are so many adventures to be lived. I wanted to show how rich a book can be and how much it can offer to the readers, reading can be fun!It’s also a little reference to the roleplaying club I’m in “Adventures’Club”
Cherie: I’m a lot like you in that I love to get swept into new adventures. What’s your favorite part about blogging? Miki: The community, I love how the readers/ bloggers are attentive to others and how they go on their way to help when needed. I’ve made some great friends with whom I have so much in common that gets frightening^^
Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading? Miki: Not really when I start a book I have to finish it, but I won’t deliberately take a book where the character sleeps around for example.
Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy? Miki: Urban fantasy, paranormal mostly but also some steampunk, fantasy, YA and romantic suspense (yes I do read a lot of different genres^^;;)
Cherie: Variety is always good. Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why? Miki: No, I don’t like when they modify characters to fit the audience wishes or changes important elements. (I was so disappointed with Faramir that wasn’t a paladin anymore and wanted the ring.)
Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why? Miki: Mercy Thompson from the series by Patricia Briggs. I would love to meet the werewolves and the friendly fae. Also to speak with some ghosts, and I would have Adam to protect me which is a great bonus. Being able to shift into an animal without any pain and at will is also tempting.
Cherie: I’m going to have to check out her books. Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down? Then end
Who’s your favorite book dad? Adam Hauptman
Secret crush? Shessomaru
Do you believe in love at first sight? Attraction yes, love no (it needs time)
Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself? Not yet
Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?  I can’t answer
If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be? USA, to attend the BEA
Are you a morning person or an evening person? neither
Favorite author? Patricia Briggs, Suzanne Johnson
Favorite place to read? My mother’s bed, by the window
Favorite classic? Quo Vadis? by Henryk Sienkiewicz / Bilbo the Hobbit by Tolkien
What book are you the most excited to read? Pirate’s alley by Suzanne johnson
Are there any types of books you don’t read? Dark Horror and LGTB
Do you have any hobbies? Crafting, creating gifts
It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from? Bones from the night huntress series by Jeaniene Frost

I want to come to your birthday party! Bones is one of my favorite characters. Do you think we can get Cat to share him?
Miki, thanks for being here today!
Connect with MikiLecture toute une Aventure BlogBloglovin - Miki | Bloglovin - Blog | Goodreads

I *Heart* Swag Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the I *Heart* Swag Giveaway Hop hosted by Kelsey Ketch. This hop is all about the swag, so I'm giving away an Embrace Series book bag, official hemp bracelet, and book marks.

Here's what you could win...

Before we get to the Rafflecopter form, I thought I'd share a little teaser from each book...



You can discover the magic of the Embrace series for yourself.EMBRACE  just 99 cents on Kindle or NookHOLD TIGHT on Kindle or Nook
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for stopping by!

Cover Reveal: Eastland by Marian Cheatham

Check out the cover to Marian Cheatham's book Eastland. It's spooky and beautiful at the same time.

Eastlandby Marian CheathamRelease Date: 02/14/14

Book Summary:WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE FOR JUST ONE DAY OF FREEDOM?
For hardworking teen, Dee Pageau, the annual employee picnic will let her escape the drudgery of work and possibly find love with her best friend Mae’s older brother, Karel. But in 1915 Chicago, girls don’t go on picnics without their mother’s approval. 
Unfortunately for Dee, Mama has had a premonition of disaster and forbids Dee from going. Forced to watch as Mae and Karel leave without her, Dee defies Mama and rushes off to join her friends. 
But Dee’s joy soon turns to terror when the ship ferrying them to the picnic capsizes. Rescued not once but twice-by Karel and a mysterious sailor-Dee finds herself tested in unimaginable ways. What happens next turns out to be worse … and better … than anything Dee ever expected.
About the Author:
Marian Cheatham lives in a suburb of Chicago with her family and their menagerie of pets. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Marian taught Special Education for many years before becoming a full-time writer. 
Author Links:    

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Feature Friday: Brooke with The Cover Contessa

The Cover Contessa is a wonderful blog to visit to discover new books. From informative reviews to author interviews, you’re sure to find something you like. Today, I’m turning the tables and interviewing Brooke, the blogger behind the blog.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books? Brooke: When I jumped back into reading a few years back, a friend introduced me to Goodreads. I saw that many people on there were blogging about their book reviews and decided it might be nice to share that with the world. Thus, The Cover Contessa was born!
Cherie: How did you come up with the name for your blog? Brooke: I love book covers. So I knew I wanted to use that word in the title. And I knew I wanted to portray myself as queen of books or something of that sort. But I have this thing about the word having the same first letter as cover. So I googled words that were similar to queen but starting with a C, and The Cover Contessa it was!
Cherie: I love how much thought went into the name of your blog. J What’s your favorite part about blogging? Brooke: Everything: the books, the reviews, the authors, the publishers, the interviews, the promotions, the book blast, the blog tours, and just about anything that has to do with books!
Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading? Brooke: Info-dump. I can’t stand it. I don’t want info-dump. Much of the time this comes in the form of excessive narration. I want some dialogue. I want to see the characters myself, not be told about them! Show me what’s going on, don’t tell me!
Cherie: I agree! What type of books do you enjoy? Brooke: I read middle grade and young adult for the most part. Pretty much any sub-genre, although I’m not a huge fan of contemporary, though there are a few I like a lot. Mostly I read paranormal, fantasy, science fiction and dystopian.
Cherie: Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?Brooke: I don’t mind it if it’s done originally. So take the idea (such as a retelling) but make sure you give me twists and turns and have it be different from any of the other stories I’ve read that might be like it. Otherwise I’m going to be bored and put it down!
Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why? Brooke: Sometimes. I read books before I see the movie. I understand that the entire book can’t really be captured in the movie, but I need to see the main points. And I want to see it as it is in the book, not changed because someone thinks it will make more money. I want it to stay real and true to the book. Twists that don’t happen in the book will make me mad.
Cherie: Are there any types of books you don’t read? Brooke: I’m not much for erotica, although I have read a bit of it. And I don’t read non-fiction. I read to get away, to be taken to another world, non-fiction can’t do that for me!
Cherie: Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down? 25%, then I’m done.
Who’s your favorite book mom? Clary’s mom Jocelyn from The Mortal Instruments.
Who’s your favorite  book dad?Honestly, I can’t really think of one that I love.
Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.) Not such a secret: Kellen Lutz
Do you believe in love at first sight? ABSOLUTELY!
Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself? I have, and now I’m married to him!
Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy? I would say mostly the bad guy.
What’s the first thing you notice about a guy? Eyes and voice.
If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be? Australia or Hawaii
Are you a morning person or an evening person? Morning
Favorite author? Just one? Impossible! Here are some: Jennifer L. Armentrout, Katie Mcgarry, Christine Fonseca, Emi Gayle, Marissa Meyer, Lauren DeStefano, the list could go on and on!
Yeah, I know that last question wasn’t fair. Favorite place to read? Anywhere I can sit with a book or my Kindle (or even my phone)
Favorite classic? I love Shakespear. The Taming of the Shrew is my favorite.
What book are you the most excited to read? So many to name, but right  now I’m jumping into an ARC of Cress and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! I also am looking forward to Opposition the final book in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series.
Do you have any hobbies? Besides reading? Um…no…LOL!
What book would make a great movie? The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer, The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved? Oh my, people will hate me, but I’m not a lover of the Covenant Series covers. They are ok for me, but kind of boring.
It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from? Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Calre.
If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why? Tessa from The Infernal Decvices, because she gets to be with Will of course!
Brooke, thanks for being here today!

Connect with Brooke at The Cover ContessaThe Cover Contessa Blog | GoodreadsTwitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr 

Spotlight: Face of Death by Kelly Hashway

Book three in Kelly Hashway's Touch of Death series is now. Kelly is a fellow member of Darkly Delicious YA and I'm absolutely thrilled to spotlight her books.


FACE OF DEATH
Coming January 2014

Synopsis:
Having fallen at the hands of Hades, Jodi's enduring torture like she never imagined. Worse, she has to watch her Ophi friends suffer along with her--the punishment doled out by the very people she'd sentenced to life in Tartarus. Hell. This is one reunion Jodi hoped would never happen, but now she must find a way to free them all.

Except the underworld is nearly impossible to escape.

Jodi's one chance may rest in raising the human soul she killed when she drank Medusa's blood.

But splitting her human soul from her Ophi soul means living a double life: One as an Ophi experiencing unspeakable torture and the other as the human she could have been if she never came into her powers. With her two worlds colliding, Jodi will have to make the toughest decision she's faced yet.


Kelly has been kind enough to share a couple of teasers with us. Enjoy!


That was the beauty of my plan. I wasn't going to try to get out of the underworld alive. I was going to try to raise my own soul. My human soul. The one I'd killed. I was going to force that soul into the body of another dead person.
I was going to become one of the living dead—and hopefully not the zombie kind. 
Oh! I love that excerpt. And the next one, because there's a three-headed dog from Hell.


"Can you call Hades?" I asked Cerberus, keeping my voice as steady and non-threatening as possible. "Call your master here. Tell him I need to talk to him."
"Our fearless leader, everyone," Lexi said. "Talking to a three-headed dog from Hell. We're all screwed. 
I love Lexi's reply, and I can't wait to read the book!

Read FACE OF DEATH today: Kindle | NookAdd to your TBR list on Goodreads.
Catch up on books one and two in the Touch of Death series. 

   
(Click the title to learn more about the book.)
About the author:
Bio:
Kelly Hashway is a former language arts teacher who now works as a full-time writer, freelance editor, and mother to an adorable little girl. In addition to writing YA novels, Kelly writes middle grade books, picture books, and short stories. When she’s not writing or digging her way out from under her enormous To Be Read pile, she’s running and playing with her daughter. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets. 
Connect with KellyWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

On Controversy – Pushing Buttons

Fantasy by definition is the free play of creative imagination. When one picks up a novel that is fantasy he expects fantastical things to happen and he expects there to be creatures that bend the mortal rules of what can and cannot be done.
My latest work-in-progress features angels and demons. As I always do, I researched what is known and then created a modern day world to set my story in. My characters are fictional. Their world is fictional. And while I do use a lot of known lore in my novel, I put my own twist on things.  
My novel doesn't attack religion. In fact, no religion is mentioned. So I found it interesting (as I always do) when what I thought was a small comment made by one of my characters started an intense debate with my critique partners. Friendly lines were drawn: those who weren't too happy with the comment and those who recognized I based my angels on the Old Testament.
Controversy can be good. It causes us to think and to ask questions. It challenges us to see things in a different light. One person might feel that all angels are good and should be seen as guardians, while another person might remember angels as God’s warriors: fierce and a force not to be mess with. I believe both views are right. If I’m thinking of an angel that guides mankind, I think of guardian angels. But if I’m thinking of angels fighting to keep Heaven and Earth safe, I picture warriors with their swords drawn ready for battle.
It’s important to read fiction with an open mind. It’s important to remember that the views of the characters aren't necessarily the views of the author. Good fiction doesn't come from a person preaching their personal beliefs. It comes from a writer’s ability to create a world so vivid it propels a reader into the characters’ world. Good writing will have a reader asking questions. That’s a wonderful thing. It means the writer has done more than just tell a story. He or she has woven together an engaging tale that has touched the reader on some level.
As a reader, I enjoy books that challenge my knowledge of a subject or that has me wondering where fact ended and the fantastical began. Hats off to all authors who are able to pull this off, because isn't the whole point of reading fiction to become lost in the story?
Happy reading everyone!