Michele E. Gwynn's Blog, page 30

Community Charity Book to Fund New Library/Literacy Programs

Charity, they say, begins at home, and sometimes that ‘home’ is much more than four walls with a roof. A home is also a community. In the city of Universal City, Texas, that community has come together in a big way! Residents have applied pen to paper to create fantastic stories and amazing poetry which have all been compiled into a book, ‘Tales and Poems from Universal City, Texas’, to benefit this community home. How? Simple. All sales from this warm and wonderful book will go towards a new library and projects that support literacy in all its forms for UC’s citizens.
Resident author and organizer Brian M. Hayden (author of ‘Death: Living to Talk About It’ , ‘Road to Transplant’ and ‘Five Short Stories and Twelve Poems’) with the help of author/journalist Michele E. Gwynn (author of ‘Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown’ and ‘Harvest’), have worked together to market Tales and Poems from Universal City, Texas which has launched on CreateSpace (an Amazon affiliate), and is now available to the public for sale. Friends of the Universal City Library, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization is the custodian of all the proceeds.
Tales and Poems from Universal City, Texas
As the outspoken Mr. Hayden shares, “”In 2014, politicians at all levels consider the arts an elective that children do not require. There is war to pay for…and big businesses to bail out!” Indeed, with funds being cut from education in Texas ($4 Billion in 2011) due to budget shortfalls, and only $3.2 Billion added back in for the 2014-2015 budget which does not adequately make up for the loss nor does it keep at pace with per-student funding, failing even to hit at pre-recession levels, communities have to look within to correct what our elected officials fail at accomplishing. Providing for an educational hub that meets the needs of its community. While Texas felt it was necessary to make sure businesses received more than $1Billion in tax cuts in the latest budget, it either refused to see or failed to see how those tax revenues could benefit school programs and libraries for every single child and resident of the great state of Texas.
With that in mind, forward-thinking and compassionate individuals in the town of Universal City, Texas (a population of about 19,000, largely military families) decided that the old building currently housing books and hosting a slew of helpful programs needed a massive upgrade. After all, the old building used to be, according to Kim Turner, Assistant City Manager, “aThis book is for those who support libraries, support community literacy programs, and have a love of reading. It’s family-friendly, fun, and inspirational. 
From our home to yours, we, the citizens of Universal City, Texas invite you to learn more about us, and encourage you to support our library and programs such as senior day, community classes, children’s reading time, and more by purchasing Tales and Poems from Universal City, Texas. This book is what communities are all aboutVisit CreateSpace here to purchase your copy today! We extend our heartfelt thanks and eternal gratitude for all your support.  Receive a 30% discount through Createspace using this discount code. 79V5CX2U   Discount good through September 21, 2014.   

Writing Can Be Therapeutic Says Author Holly Barbo

Holly Barbo , author of science fiction fantasy books The Sage Seed Chronicles , shares why writing is a great way to work out personal issues. A little tongue-in-cheek mixed with sage advice, Barbo details all the reasons why her own writing keeps her sane.

Join Holly Barbo's Book Tour featuring her new novel, The Unraveling. (Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway!)

Writing can be a personal form of therapy for the author. Not for every writer, but definitely for some of us. I can use The Unraveling to illustrate the point.
My main character is Erin, a young woman in her late teens, whose life has been completely shattered by the murder of her parents, and the knowledge that she is on the list to be killed. She flees to the first person she can think of who her parents trusted: an old, wise woman by the name of Ree who lives in a cabin at the bend of a river.
I need to hop out of my story for a minute and explain how this illustrated the point about a “personal form of therapy.” My Grandmother, Cherie (Ree Ree), lived in a cabin at the bend of a river. We were very close, and I knew I could always go to her when I was troubled. She has been gone for many years and I still miss her. The description of Ree and her home were close with very little creative license. By writing her in as a character I was able to visit with her once again. She is an old woman in the last three books of my series which is the way I knew her. But she first appears in the book before this one as a young woman of nineteen, so I had to imagine what she would have been like at that age.
My second example is Tempo; a little skunk who becomes one of Erin’s companions. I had a pet when I was about Erin’s age ... a de-scented skunk. I adored her but circumstances changed and I never got to see her grow up. Tempo is in three books and I have enjoyed every minute with the character.
The last two situations fall under the category of “This drives me crazy’, and ‘if I had the power...”. Since we have been talking about characters I’ll hit that first (That’s a pun...hold on, I’ll explain.) You might have heard the statement: “Don’t p*ss off an author or you’ll get written into their book!” It’s so true, and I’ve been able to take out my anger all over their hapless two dimensional selves. Bwhahahaha. Very satisfying!
Finally, have you ever wanted to change something in our world? I do all the time. Watching the news can be a very irritating experience. Each book has a few topics that I would like to say something about. Oh, I’m not pushy or preachy about it, but I weave in that which troubles me and I fix it. It’s part of the reason I write sci-fi / fantasy. I can create my own world, my own laws, and the societal structure. I, then, have the power!
See? Writing can be very therapeutic!  :D

~ Holly Barbo

The Unraveling Book Tour with Author Holly Barbo

The UnravelingBy Holly Barbo
Blog Tour Link: http://wp.me/p30w17-iz (goes live on Sept 7)
Blurb:Erin's parents are murdered and she can sense that same malevolent energy hunting her down. With little time to grieve, Erin is forced into hiding and discovers an unusual ability she's never had before — she can talk to animals!
With the help of her new found animal companions, she eludes the killer. Disguising herself as a boy, she joins the Autumn Gathering and is able to concentrate on the questions she needs to solve: Who killed her parents? Why are they trying to kill her, too?
Quakes, storms, and murders begin plaguing Erin's world and she soon realizes that they're all connected. The fabric of her world is just beginning to unravel…

Add the book to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16691604-the-unraveling
Buy links:Amazon: http://smarturl.it/hlblxuBarnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1bs7pgaiTunes: http://smarturl.it/16ef3dKobo: http://bit.ly/ShMx6hSmashwords: http://bit.ly/UC4A88
About the Author:Holly Barbo's world is shaped by her love of her family, the beauty of the natural world in Northwest Washington State and an irrepressible creative drive.
Living where the scenery is incredible with a rich abundance of wildlife "is so special and soothing that it feels like a quiet kind of magic," according to Barbo. She is drawn to creating stories where there is just a bit of something unworldly, perhaps it is magic or psychic skills. Her stories are mostly in non-urban settings and usually have some focus on nature, building a discordant drama inside the peaceful frame.
Social media links:Website: http://hollybarbo-books.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Barbo/249101148537523
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hollybarbo/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HBarboWriting
Giveaway rules to post before widget: Giveaway is open internationally and ends on September 27, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winners will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter and announced on the widget as well as emailed; winning entries will be verified prior to prize being awarded. They will have 48 hours to respond. Failure to respond will result in a new winner being selected. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified. Number of eligible entries received determines odds of winning. **If audiobooks cannot be downloaded via Audible for whatever reason, winner of audiobook prize pack will be given the Sage Seed Chronicle ebook set as an alternative.** Giveaway was organized by Paper Crane Books and sponsored by both the press and the author. Void where prohibited by law. Your information will not be sold or shared and will only be used for the purpose of contacting the winner.
Rafflecopter Code (for giveaway): a Rafflecopter giveaway 

  >Rafflecopter link to get code (if code above does not work):
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/shar...

Check out Holly's Guest Blog: Writing Can Be Therapeutic

Author seeks book minions

You read that right. I'm seeking book-loving minions to come join my street team on Facebook. It's actually my author page, but for all intents and purposes, it's also home for my minions.

Michele's Marvelous Minions on Facebook
What are street team minions? Well, they're friends and fans of my books willing to share, tweet, tumble, pin to Pinterest, Stumble, and more all of my news and updates (and yes, GIVEAWAYS) for my books. Minions help me get the word out to people who love a good read.  So stop by my Facebook page and just click LIKE. It's that easy! You get to be the first in the know, and also get to participate in fun games and giveaways.

As always, thank you for supporting what I do! Peace, light, and love to you all.


Post by Michele E. Gwynn.

Get hooked on the Kriminal Erotic Series by Michele E. Gwynn

It's Saturday, and that means leisure time. You might be looking for a good book to get lost in. Have I got one for you!

Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown is now available on Amazon.com through Beau Coup Publishing. This story unravels revealing dark drama hidden in shadows and around corners amidst one young woman's pursuit of sexual self-discovery. Sarah made plans for an educational vacation, but fate had other ideas. (Warning: For 18+)

Excerpt from Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown


“Paul, it’s Sarah.”  Sarah’s voice was raw after so little sleep and her tearful breakdown at the table over coffee.
“Sarah?  What’s wrong?”  His tone shifted from irritable to concerned. 
“I have terrible news.  Last night, someone took Anno.”  She had to stop.  Just saying it out loud brought a huge lump to her throat that threatened to choke her.
“Took him?  What do mean?”  Paul sat up in bed, a small alarm bell started ringing somewhere in the back of his mind.
“Someone broke into Elsa’s flat while she was at work and took him.  The police found a rag soaked in ether, and the landlady’s surveillance camera identified the guy.  Some known sex trafficker from Amsterdam; something Gruber.”
Paul stopped breathing.  Gruber.  He knew the man.  Knew he sometimes worked for his uncle.  Knew that Gruber was paid now and again to retrieve a certain ‘type’ of woman from small towns in Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, and Croatia according to Greta.  He was a dangerous man.  Paul sat, stunned.  Thoughts ran rampant through his head.  He knew his uncle was behind this, but somehow, he couldn’t quite believe he’d go so far as to kidnap a child and have him secreted out of the country – have the boy brought to him.  Yet he was more than aware of the kind of monster Peter was; always would be.  If he said nothing, the boy would be abused in ways he’d never be able to forget, to heal from.  Anno would be scarred for life…just like Paul.  He’d feared his uncle for so long, but he only had himself to worry about.  Now, an innocent and wonderful boy was going through hell.  He couldn’t just slink away and hide; not anymore.
“Sarah, listen to me.  I can’t explain over the phone, but I know who this man is.  I know who he works for.  I’m coming over.  Call your detective and have him meet me there.”  Paul stood up, looking around for his clothes.  



“Wait, text me Elsa’s address.” 
“Paul, how do you know this man?  He’s a criminal!  Why can’t you explain now?”  Sarah’s voice rose, and she had to force herself to take a few breaths. 
“Sarah, do as I say.  Time isn’t on our side.  Call your detective.  I’ll be there within the hour.”  Paul hung up and began throwing his clothes into his bag.  He would need to be ready to get on the soonest flight back home.  This time Uncle Peter would not get away with his crimes.  It was time for him to meet Paul Christiansen, the man.  He couldn’t save himself all those years ago.  He was too small, too young, and not even his own mother had believed him.  No one helped him, but he’d be damned if he’d stand by and let this happen to Anno.  No one was there to help him then, but he was here now to help this young man.   A quick shower found Paul dressed, but unshaved.  He didn’t want to spare the time.  Every moment would count from here on out. 
Download your copy today!

Freebie Friday Goodies

Good day, all,

It's TGIF, and that means, at least today, Freebie Friday! Get your FREE copy of Erotic Liaison; book I in The Erotic Diary of Xaviera Snow on Amazon.com.

It's an erotic short because sometimes you just need a quickie!

Download your Free Copy Here!
Remember that book I, The Power of Three is also on Amazon and available for only $0.99. Once you've read one or the other, and had a cigarette, take a moment to leave a review. Tell me, was it good for you?

Purchase HereNow go get yours! And have a very happy Friday.

Hugs and kisses,

Michele E. Gwynn

P.S. Don't forget to grab a copy of my new novel, Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown. A great read that will pull you with the story, and seduce your body with its erotic thrills.

It's Here! Exposed exposed on Amazon!

Let the good times roll, and let the reading begin! Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown is now officially published out under Beau Coup LLC.

Despite a hiccup in the process (technical stuff from Amazon), all has smoothed over, and now we're just riding the waves on this exciting new journey into erotic suspense, intrigue, and action and adventure.

The Dangers of Sex

Sarah Brown sets out on a journey to sexual self-discovery and falls face first into danger. In Barcelona, Anthony de Luca, an author and photographer unleashes the full force of his charm that threatens to steal her heart, a prize he openly admits he doesn’t want. Still, she can’t resist him, and finds herself experiencing the heights of ecstasy and the lows of heartbreak as her lover leaves without a word. In Berlin, Paul Christiansen, a handsome Dutch lothario with a sordid past works his wiles to seduce her body; while in the shadows, a predator stalks a young boy close to Sarah determined to get what he wants or kill anyone who gets in his way. One of her two lovers has led a dangerous criminal straight to her door, but which one? And who can she trust? Will Sarah survive or will she lose both her heart and her life to desire? 

Grab your copy today, and immerse yourself into this mystery tonight. (Click Here to Purchase)
I'd like to thank all my readers and supporters. You guys make it all worth while. 

Exposed on Labor Day!

"Start spreading the news.....Exposed is coming your way....(You're singing the song now, aren't you?)"Did I mention the release of Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown happens tomorrow? Did I also tell you it is now under the marketing fleur of Beau Coup LLC Publishing? Well...

I just wanted to make sure you knew! As you can see, I'm very excited, and also taking a short break from writing the second book in the Kriminal Erotic Series, The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss. See? I love you all.

Now, go forth and spread the word, and turn up the music and do a happy dance while waiting for my next post WITH LINKS TO PURCHASE!

"Start spreading the news....Exposed is coming your way...and you will be a part of it, my brand new book!"

Charity Book Supporting Literacy and New Library

As an author, I write because I love it. It's also a career because we all make our living somehow, and if we're lucky, we get to do something we truly enjoy. Still, it's always good to give back, and that's just what I've done in Tales and Poems from Universal City, Texas.

This charity book is a compilation of short stories and poems written by the residents of Universal City including the mayor, John Williams, mayor pro-tem, and councilmen also featuring published authors Brian M. Hayden , Crystal Faldalen, and myself, Michele E. Gwynn. Remember my sci-fi short, Synthesis, that I mentioned as being donated to a charity book? This is it! All proceeds, every dollar earned, will go toward a new library and fund its literacy projects for residents.

The book was born from an idea by Friends of the Universal City Library, a 501(c)3 non-profit fundraising arm for the library. And this weekend only, on its debut launch, the book can be purchased through CreateSpace (part of Amazon.com) using the following discount code offering $10 off.

LABOR DAY SALE “Tales and Poems From Universal City, Texas” written by our citizens ALL PROCEEDES GO TO THE “FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSAL CITY LIBRARY”
 HT2HTD5V Use this code for $10.00 off the list price. This is a limited time discount. https://www.createspace.com/4898263offer good through Labor Day
If you believe in books, support literacy, and just love good stories and poems, then grab your copy! 

 

Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown Relaunching Monday

Published by Beau Coup LLC, cover design by Jennifer Stevens. It's coming!! Yes, I'm so excited to be sharing the news that my book, now under the fleur of Beau Coup LLC Publishing is scheduled for release on Monday, September 1st. 

Sarah Brown is back, and she's better and more badass than ever. Immerse yourself into the world of erotic self-discovery and criminal intrigue. Get swept along on a tide of passion, or tied up in a dungeon in Berlin, and flogged by a dominatrix in thigh-high leather boots. Fear for your life as a predator denied his prize seeks revenge against those he sees as responsible for his loss. Get lost inside the pages of this erotic suspense.

It's a rollercoaster of sexual drama, danger, and mystery. This is book one in the Kriminal Erotic Series, and I'm already knee-deep into book two!

Stay tuned. I'll be back on Monday with links to purchase Exposed, and will keep you updated on the series.

Thank you so much to my Beau Coup family of awesome professionals, and my readers! Let's make this happen.

(Psst! What do you think of the new cover?)