Tanya Contois's Blog, page 16

Interview with Christi Anna, author of the Thief of Life series

 1. If someone looked at your browsing history right now, what kind of things would we find? A lot of Pinterest and a lot of Facebooking. I have an addiction to both. 2. If you could write about any subject that is near and dear to your heart, what would it be and why? Well, technically I can write about any subject, however, there is one in particular I would love to write, but fear it would open too many wounds, feelings would be hurt and very possible a war could begin. It would be a fiction book based off of real events in my life, of victimization and secrets I’ve told no one. Mwahahahaha! 3. Do you have a favorite song, album, or playlist to write to?  I have an instrumental list on my iPod. Its very eclectic, from opera, to yoga to whale music. I just hit shuffle and go to town. 4. What was the first thing you did after the debut of the first book you wrote?  Cried. Did a happy dance. Iced my knee after the happy dance. Cried some more. It was good. 5. What is your biggest pet peeve?  People who have to “One up” everyone else, and people who don’t flush. 6. Do you have any guilty pleasures? Nutella and Ritz crackers and coffee. And I like to pick the mascara off my eyelashes in the mornings. I even buy a certain brand mascara that won’t pull my lashes out so I can do it without fear. Go ahead, judge me. 7. What was your favorite book as a teen? The Elephant Man 8. If an aspiring writer asked for advice what would you tell them?  If you are doing it for money or glory, walk away now, because if you don’t love it, this will only bring you misery. Optional questions :)Favorite Meal: Chicken fried steak and mashed potatoesFavorite Drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) Diet CokeSweet or Salty snacks? Both, all, more please! All time favorite movie? Titanic (Yes, I am a sap).Best book to movie adaption? Lord of the RingsWorst book to movie adaption? Super Mario Brothers The fourth book in the Thief of Life series, Yearning, debuts Monday, October 1st! Check out my website http://www.emovamp.com/index.htmland don’t forget to join me on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christi-Anna-Thief-of-Life/202300263141894

Fiction Frolic for All Hallow's Read

Help Raise 1,000 books for charity and enter to win $200, signed books and swag!

We are excited to share about an ambitious blog tour—Fiction Frolic for All Hallow's Read—where ten authors from several genres are working hard to raise 1,000 books in three weeks for Books for America. From October 1st to 19th, donate a new book (or books!) and earn extra bonus points in a huge giveaway that these authors are hosting. Two winners will each receive the following PRIZES! $100 Amazon G.C. 5 signed books from the authors hosting the event.

A swag bag Plus—in honor of All Hallow's read, gift a signed copy of one of our books to a friend! With a total of $200, 12 signed books (including the gifted books) and major swag, what better way is there to raise books for charity and celebrate All Hallow's Read? Each author participating is also donating signed copies of their books to Books for America, an awesome charity that is officially sponsoring their event and excited to be involved with All Hallow's Read.

 In 2011, Books for America donated more than $800,000 worth of books and materials to DC area schools, shelters and dozens of other educational programs and organizations. The authors are blogging throughout the event at The Fiction Frolic Blog. 10/1-5 Read about how books shaped their love for reading and writing. 10/8-12 Read their scariest, funniest or craziest Halloween experiences, or learn about their favorite Halloween themed book or movie, or favorite work of "dark" literature. 10/15-19 Enjoy some flash fiction, short stories and novel excerpts. So donate, share, and look for daily ways to enter to win. Donate to charity for bonus points!.

This event is sponsored by:

Eleanor T Beaty, author of the YA paranormal Veiled

Mist Brewin' author of the supernatural horror, The Dark Horde

Andy Gavin, author of the fantasy horror, The Darkening Dream

Laxmi Hariharan, author of the YA fantasy, The Destiny of Shaitan

Kimberly Kinrade, author of the YA paranormal thriller/romances, Forbidden Mind & Forbidden Fire

Richard Long, author of the supernatural thriller/horror,

The Book of Paul M.C. Mars, author of the mind-bending novel, Burner

Melissa McPhail, author of epic fantasy Cephrael's Hand

Sheryl Steines, author of She Wulf & Days of First Sun

Pavarti K Tyler., author of the Lit Fic Shadow on the Wall and the erotic horror Consumed by Love

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Interview with author J.F. Jenkins

1. If someone looked at your browsing history right now, what kind of things would we find.

A link to my livejournal, a google images search for this really cool waterfall in Brazil, facebook, and my dorky online role playing habit.
2. If you could write about any subject that is near and dear to your heart, what would it be and why?
Why teenagers shouldn't be in such a hurry to have adult relationships. I feel like kids just keep growing up faster and faster and faster. Really, when you get to be an adult you're going to look back at it all and go: Gosh, I wish I could go back to being young and sweet and innocent. Life was way easier then. why be in such a hurry? There's nothing wrong with you if you want to wait and enjoy your life.
3. Do you have a favorite song, album, or playlist to write to?
Touched by VAST. It's just...amazing on so many levels. But I don't usually write to music because it's distracting. I plot to it though. ;)
4. What was the first thing you did after the debut of the first book you wrote?
Pinched myself. It didn't seem real. Optional questions :) Favorite Meal: Macaroni and cheese.Favorite Drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) blackberry lemonadeSweet or Salty snacks? SaltyAll time favorite movie The English PatientBest book to movie adaption The English Patient or The Secret Garden.Worst book to movie adaption Xmen. I realize it's a comic but it was so untrue to the series. :|

Links:
Blog: http://adragonslove.blogspot.comTwitter: @jfjenkinstweetsFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/jfjenkinsauthor
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jf-jenkins?keyword=jf+jenkins&store=allproductsAmazon: amazon.com/J.F.-Jenkins/e/B004P3HB6O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_3

Indie author giveaway

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Review of Zeus, Inc. by Robin Burks

Synopsis/summary by the author:
50 years ago, Zeus, Inc., and its CEO, the mysterious Joseph Brentwood, saved the world from a major energy crisis by discovering a new unlimited energy resource. Now, in 2065, Mr. Brentwood has gone missing and private eye Alex Grosjean has been hired to find him by his daughter (and Alex's best friend), Aleisha.

Black-outs begin to occur all over the world and somehow Alex believes it's tied to Mr. Brentwood's disappearance. Her search leads her through her own murky past and into the depths of Hell itself, where she discovers that Mr. Brentwood is not who or what he seems to be.

With the help of an otherworldly man named Pip, Alex must save both Mr. Brentwood and the world. But will she be able to face her own guilty past in order to do it?

Review:
Alex Grosjean is a leather-coat wearing, antique pearl-handled .38-carrying private investigator. After a bad missing person case that ended up a homicide investigation, Alex left the force to become a PI so all she would have to do is investigate things like missing pets. So you can imagine her consternation when her best friend Aleisha calls her to ask her to investigate the disappearance of her super-famous, super-wealthy father.
The investigation of the disappearance soon leads to investigations of multiple murders and very strange people coming into her life: Miss Perfect Bitch, Mr. Scowley Face and the intriguing Pip, who she tries to resist her attraction to.
Her old-school investigation leads to the Athena Library in Olympic City, and then things REALLY get strange. At least she finds outs everybody's real name. But what a trip.
Zeus Inc. reminds me of a cross between the Percy Jackson series and the Tek Wars books. I like Alex's independence, but would have wished for more character development. Zeus, Inc. is easy to read and read through quickly.

Review of Kavachi's Rise by Mike Kearby

  

REVIEW

When I read the synopsis for Kavachi's Rise I was intrigued. However, after I read the entire book I was somewhat disappointed. The pace of the book was too slow for my liking and I found it difficult to really connect with any of the characters in this book. The overall wordiness took away from the plot. I was expecting an exciting horror/thriller novel and I felt a bit let down by the fact the story wasn't more suspenseful.


Title: Kavachi's Rise

Series: The Devouring #1

Author: Mike Kearby

Genre: Damnation Books

Publisher: Horror, Thriller

Paperback/Ebook

Words: 56,000



Purchase:



TBA



Book Description:



A Dark Secret. Thomas Morehart and his sister, Kara are vampyre, not the undead, but creatures evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to mimic their prey, man. Then - rescued from a Nazi Prison Camp, Thomas and Kara are brought to the U.S. and forced to work inside government-owned mortuaries. Now -betrayed by the government sixty-seven years later, Thomas and Kara are in a race against time to transform back to their feral states or risk Exsanguination by government sanctioned hit squads.



Excerpt:



The soldiers knew this lieutenant. Knew of him, anyway. Nikolai Borisoff was his Russian name, but if all the rumors were true, nobody knew his real name. Others of his kind referred to him as, “Rom baro,” the big man. But in the stories he was known simply as the necromancer hunter.
“Shall we put him in with the others, sir?” one soldier asked.
Nikolai ignored the question and squared himself off to stand face-to-face with the prisoner. He stared into the darkness of the creature’s eyes. “How do you write yourself?” he asked in Amria.
The creature stopped rocking. He looked up and opened a dark pit of a mouth. A word tumbled out: “Death.”
Nikolai frowned, “But where are the others?”
Death tilted his head right and left, like a confused animal trying to make sense of an unfamiliar sound. After several seconds of the head movement, he parted leathery lips and emitted a rattling laugh.
“Others?”
“Yes, the others, like yourself.”
“Killed, dead. All meat.”
“In the showers?”
“A death they would have welcomed.”
Nikolai leaned back. He stared across his left shoulder, down the rows of barracks where the camp’s prisoners were being assembled. The 48thhad found only a handful of them, yet intelligence had said there would be thousands. Reports had indicated as many as twenty thousand. He turned back to Death.
“Where?” he asked.
Death lifted his chin toward the camp entrance. “There,” he whispered. “Only a short way from the death gate. Toward the sea.”
Nikolai looked past the gathered prisoners and through the opened gates of the camp. Pine and aspen lined the road for as far as he could see. He turned back, questioning, “In the woods?”
“In the ground.”
Nikolai frowned. “Can you show me?”
Death shook his head. “I prefer here. It’s very bad luck to go to that place.”
“Why?”
Death began to rock again. “It’s a madhouse filled with all kinds of madness.”
Nikolai studied Death’s face. “Then you’ve been there?”
Death wagged a finger in Nikolai’s direction. “Oh, I went there once. It might even have been twice or maybe three times. I can’t be sure, for the madness takes away one’s sensibility.”
“And your job there?”
“I helped push the carts back to this camp.”
“Back? What had been on the carts before?”
“Creatures.”
“And when you returned?”
“Shoes…and pyjamas…and hair.”
“And what of those who once wore the shoes and pyjamas and hair?”
Death rested his chin against his knees once more and resumed his monotonous cantillate. Then, just as quickly, stopped. It looked up at Nikolai. Its pupils contracted. “Porrajmos!”
Nikolai narrowed his eyes and pinched his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger. His gaze darted back to the front gate and to the forests outside. “Are you saying violate?”
Death’s face twisted. He screamed again, “Porrajmos!”
Nikolai shook his head and released his lip. “To open? To open one’s mouth?”
Death stopped rocking and stared ahead, rigid. His pupils dilated back to their dead state. He exhaled a short breath, then pushed his right index finger into a spot just below his right ear and directly above his jawbone. He held his finger in the spot for several breaths, as if to make sure Nikolai understood, then slowly dragged the finger down his neck to his collarbone.
Nikolai watched, fascinated at the visual. “Rip open?” he uttered.
Death shook his head, exasperated, exhaled a rattling breath, and motioned with an outstretched finger for Nikolai to lean close.
Nikolai stooped forward and turned an ear toward Death’s mouth.
A gush of stagnant air rushed from the man’s lips and flowed across Nikolai’s cheek and nose.
Nikolai jerked away from the dead gas -- and from the two words that had drifted on the offensive fumes. He sucked in a quick breath and jerked the pilotka from his head.
Death nodded blindly, as if pleased, and then started rocking again.
Nikolai could only stare at the living corpse swaying in front of him.
Porrajmos.
Such a simple word.
And when translated into Russian, two words: The devouring.


About the Author:






Kearby was born in Mineral Wells, Texas, and received a B.S. from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1972. He taught high school English and reading for 10 years and created ""The Collaborative Novella Project"" The project allows future authors to go through the novel writing process from idea to published work. Kearby began novel writing in 2005 and has completed eight novels, one graphic novel, and written the afterword to the TCU Press 2010 release of western novelist's, Elmer Kelton, ""The Far Away Canyon"".



""Ambush at Mustang Canyon"" was a finalist for the 2008 Spur Awards.

""A Hundred Miles to Water"" was awarded the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Adult Fiction.

“Texas Tales Illustrated” was awarded the 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best YA Non-Fiction.



Find the Author:



Website | Twitter | Blog |






http://fmbblogtours.blogspot.com/2012/09/tour-schedule-kavachis-rise-devouring-1.html

Promo: Breaking the Devil's Heart by H.A. Goodman

 Tour Set Up By Illuminated Tours
Breaking the Devil’s Heart: A Logic of Demon Series Novel
Synopsis: When Stewart and Layla recruit a demon to spy on the Devil, their decision takes them on whirlwind ride through the afterlife. Journey alongside this young couple in H. A. Goodman’s new novel, Breaking the Devil’s Heart, and join forces with a teenage Angel outcast to bankrupt Satan's underground Company and save Heaven from civil war. H. A. Goodman's Breaking the Devil’s Heart is a rollercoaster afterlife experience that tests a young couple's love, their grasp on reality, and the essence of human nature. What happens when Stewart and Layla tour Hell’s Marketing Department and Stock Exchange? What happens when their relationship is tested by Satan? This book is unlike anything you’ve ever read, or ever thought the afterlife might be like. Breaking the Devil’s Heart is an enlightening look into an alternate world, a new afterlife, and a profound journey inside the human conscience.


Add to Your ‘To-Read’ Shelf!
Purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Sneak PeekFranklin, I’m an Observer. Essentially, I’m a naughty Angel—a naughty angel with ties to Heaven. I managed to convince some of my contacts upstairs to allow a demon entry, with the condition that the knowledge he provides ends up saving human lives.”
He stared at me with those bloodshot eyes for several seconds without blinking. “Very well, let’s talk. I have information on the next major war on Earth. I can give you the details as soon as I get some type of assurance that you’re serious about getting me into Heaven.”
“Don’t insult me, Franklin.”
“What?”
“You think that a demon like you, a being who has tormented humanity for centuries, would be given access to Heaven with information on a war? I can tell you about four or five possible future conflicts just with the knowledge I gained from working at the CIA. And let’s not get into the countless number of people I’m sure you killed when you were alive. No, I need more from you.”
“How much more?”
“I’m sure you’ve had enough of this miserable existence, forever locked inside a dreadful office?” He’d contacted us because he wanted a way out of the never-ending torture and now was my time to milk him for as much information as possible. “I want to know more about what’s in that Formula you sell. I want to witness your sales trips firsthand.”
He let out a bellow of laughter. “You’re out of your mind, Observer. You’ve gone completely bonkers. Never.”
I got up from my chair and prepared to teleport out of his office. “Your loss. Thank you for your time, Franklin.”
“Wait!”
“Yes?”
The frustrated demon took in a long, deep breath, almost popping the bright red buttons of his dress shirt. “How many sales trips would you like to observe?”
My plan was working. Being stuck in an office until the end of time is enough to turn anyone into a traitor. I couldn’t envision an afterlife wasting away in stuffy rooms full of backstabbing coworkers, breathing the stale air of copy machines, and watching other people get the promotions I deserved. And if that wasn’t enough, Franklin also faced the monotonous work, soulless bureaucratic protocols, unrealistic sales goals, egotistical superiors, tasteless coffee, deadlines, stress, aniexty and everything else associated with gloomy office life.
“As many as it takes me to find out what’s in The Formula. You have nothing to lose Franklin, and everything to gain. You contacted us, so I know you want out of your current existence. I’m offering you unimaginable happiness: freedom from your miserable corporate job. Or, you can just keep meeting deadline after deadline, watching other people take credit for your work, and suffering through pointless small talk with coworkers, always and forever.” I smiled, enjoying my little diatribe and how each word made the demon wince.
“I’m sending a salesman to an Arab village called Shafa’Amr. A father and son are in need of my services. You may observe the interaction.”
Bingo. I had him.
“Great. I’m glad we could make a deal,” I said.
“Before you leave, remember one thing, Stewart. If you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, I’ll ensure that you’re trapped in this office with me—always and forever.” He emphasized the last portion of his sentence with a maniacal grin.
I did my best to pretend his words hadn’t affected me. “Don’t worry about that. Like I said, I wouldn’t risk being here and working with you if I wasn’t serious about making a deal. I’ll get you into Heaven. You just provide me with the information I want.”


About the Author: H.A.Goodman is a former financial advisor for Morgan Stanley and Charles Schwab as well as a former LAUSD history teacher. He has a degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California and has also worked at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. His debut novel, Logic of Demons: Search for Nadine's Soul, has received rave reviewers from over 35 books blogs and review sites. In 2012, H.A. Goodman combined his love for fantasy and philosophy to create a whirlwind ride through the afterlife in Breaking the Devil’s Heart, the second installment (which is a stand-alone novel) to his Logic of Demons Series. H.A. Goodman lives in L.A. with his lovely wife, Linda.
Where to Find the AuthorWebsiteFacebook

Review of Blaze by Joan Swan

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal. . .

Ever since FBI agent Keira O'Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she's felt a connection even her empathic abilities can't explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that--not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she's regretted walking out on for three long years.

Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable--in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it's the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke's really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again. . .

REVIEW

Blaze by Joan Swan is the second book in her Phoenix Rising series. Blaze immediately kicks into high gear with tons of action. I enjoyed getting to know more about the character of Luke Ransom. The relationship between Keira and Luke was incredibly intense and the intimate scenes were downright steamy. I loved the role reversal that took place in Blaze, it usually is the male main character who holds back and is hesistant to settle down. I found the fact that Keira knew what she did and didn't want and how she was not afraid to go after it. I was very pleased that some of the characters from Fever returned and played such an important part in Blaze's storyline. This is a thrill a minute, high octane romantic suspense novel with a dash of paranormal tossed into the mix and I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series.

Review of Moon Music by Faye Kellerman

In the bleak wasteland of the Nevada desert, not far from the sparkling, twenty-four-hour neon of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the body of a once-beautiful showgirl is discovered, horribly mauled and mutilated. It is a horrendous crime, shocking in its brutality, excessive even for a city celebrated for its excess.

Seasoned police veteran and Vegas native Detective Sergeant Romulus Poe has seen his fair share of depravity in this mecca of glitz and vice. But there is something about this unfortunate young woman's death—and a similar murder that is to follow soon after—that harkens back to an unsolved slaying and so-called suicide a quarter century ago. The grim similarities—along with some frightening new possibilities—are leading Poe into a night world of dark shadows best left unilluminated and pulling the inquisitive policeman toward secrets from a strange and sordid past that could destroy those closest to him, and drag him over the edge.


REVIEW

Moon Music by Faye Kellerman is an intense story that was not what I initially expected when I began reading. The way Faye Kellerman describes Las Vegas with such strong words made me feel as if I was there. Moon Music begins at a good pace which quickly kicks into high gear. The characters were very well developed and intriguing because each of them had flaws which is what made them so real to me. Midway through Moon Music when I thought I had figured out what was going to happen, Faye Kellerman went and completely changed directions. This was an extremely smart move because everything I previously believed was tossed out and in order to know who the villain was I had to continue reading.

http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Music-Novel-Faye-Kellerman/dp/0062135821/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348492150&sr=1-1&keywords=moon+music+by+faye+kellerman

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moon-music-faye-kellerman/1103370632

Book Spotlight: The Case of the Syphilitic Sister by James Hutchings

James Hutchings lives in Melbourne, Australia. He fights crime as Poetic Justice, but his day job is acting. You might know him by his stage-name 'Brad Pitt.' He specializes in short fantasy fiction. His work has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, fiction365 and Enchanted Conversation among other markets. His ebook collection 'The New Death and others' is now available from Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and DriveThruFiction. He blogs regularly at http://www.apolitical.info/teleleli.

THE NEW DEATH AND OTHERS:


Death gets a roommate...

An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question...

A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...

44 stories. 19 poems. No sparkly vampires. There's a thin line between genius and insanity, and James Hutchings has just crossed it - but from which direction?

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q8Q8DY

Smashwords:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-new-death-and-others-james-hutchings/1106579897

DriveThruFiction:

http://www.drivethrufiction.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=4616


THE CASE OF THE SYPHILITIC SISTER


With an innocent girl dead, America's finest superheroic detective agency must find and destroy a sinister cult!

Chapter One:

http://www.jukepopserials.com/home/read/13