Amy Durham's Blog: Amy Durham, page 6

Pre-Order ASHER'S MARK #discount #ebook

You can now pre-order ASHER'S MARK from all major online ebook retailers!

Even better, the price is discounted for everyone who pre-orders! Everyone who pre-orders the ebook will pay $2.99. On release day (August 25), the price goes up to $3.99.

So grab it while you can for a discount!

Find ASHER'S MARK at:
AmazonB&NiBooksKobo

The "Vibe" of ASHER'S MARK

I want to take a few moments to tell you a little about ASHER’S MARK. Not necessarily about the storyline or about how swoon-worthy Asher is (and trust me… he IS swoon-worthy), but about the “vibe” I’ve attempted to achieve in the book.
New Adult fiction is all the rage right now, and I’ll admit it… I’m a BIG fan. I think New Adult authors are bridging a gap that had existed within the book industry and meeting the reading desires and needs of those individuals in that “transitional period” between high school and adulthood. Great children’s literature and young adult fiction has always been plentiful, and as an avid reader, middle school teacher, and a parent, I’ve always been grateful for that.
And because I’m a parent and a teacher, I tend to keep in mind the younger portion of my reading audience as I’m writing. As a reader, I enjoy a wide variety of fiction... from dark and gritty to sweet and heart-warming… from sexy and mature to youthful and innocent. But when I write, my voice - and the style that comes most natural to me - veers toward the sweet and youthful. And I’m okay with that. I’ve always wanted my writing to be something my kids can take to school, hold up to their teachers and their friends, and say, “My mom did this!” My oldest son is almost 16. My middle son is starting 6th grade, and my youngest is beginning 3rd grade. That they are proud to say “My Mom’s an author” is one of the greatest things about this journey.
So, even though ASHER’S MARK is a New Adult novel (for the bulk of the book, Grace is 18, and Asher is 20), it doesn’t carry a warning label indicating that readers should be over 17.  Like my Sky Cove stories and Dusk, the content in ASHER’S MARK is appropriate for tweens, teens, and adults of any age. That’s not to say that the characters are always perfect. Of course they’re not! They are flawed, and they make mistakes. They might curse on occasion. They make bad choices from time to time. They hurt one another at times. But you know what? That’s life. And more than anything, I want to write characters that experience all the highs and lows of life, while at the same time acting in ways that allow young readers to take the journey with them.
So… I hope you’ll take a chance on Asher & Grace. I love them so much, and I want the love they have for one another to touch your hearts the way it’s touched mine.
ASHER’S MARK will release on August 25. Until then, you can pre-order at B&N, iTunes, and Kobo for $2.99, which is $1 less than it will be on release day! Click HERE for pre-order links.
Happy reading & writing!

Pre-Order ASHER'S MARK at a discount

‎Nook‬, ‪‎iTunes‬/iBooks‬, and ‪Kobo‬ readers, ASHER'S MARK can now be PRE-ORDERED at $1 off! Pre-order today for a guaranteed price of $2.99 before the price goes up to $3.99!

ASHER’S MARK Pre-Orders:
B&N ➜ http://bit.ly/1m8Oxqn
iBooks ➜  http://bit.ly/1kcVVpj
KOBO ➜ http://bit.ly/1uSVkOr

‎** The book releases on August 25, which is when the price goes up to $3.99.

#CoverReveal - ASHER'S MARK - #NewAdult #Romance

I'm THRILLED to reveal the cover for ASHER'S MARK! It was created by the awesome Tracy Stewart at Simply Bookish. The original tattoo was drawn especially for Asher's arm by the multi-talented Teresa Reasor, an author, artist, and all around great friend.

Ebook Cover:


ISN'T IT GORGEOUS?!?!?!?!?!


Print Cover
The "blurb":
Grace Ballard has been in love with Asher Howell for a long time. When she was sixteen, he became her hero, and she fell head over heels for the boy with a ring through his eyebrow, a big heart, and an unending sense of justice. But two years ago he left for college without a backward glance, leaving Grace to wonder if she'd imagined everything.

With no reason to wait for Asher to return, Grace moved on, and Asher's brother, Adam, stepped in to help her pick up the pieces. But Asher never left her thoughts... or her heart.Now, two years later, tragedy brings Asher home and back into Grace's life. The boy who left her behind is now very much a man - a licensed tattoo artist, much to his parents' dismay, and still carrying a major torch for Grace. But two years apart has changed them both, and the things that happened during their separation may create a divide that can't be crossed.

Asher and his brother both left their mark on Grace's heart. Will Asher's be able to stand the test of time?

I hope you'll help spread the word about ASHER'S MARK! A late August release is planned, so if you have friends who enjoy New Adult Romance (without the 18 & over warning), point them here to take a look at this AMAZING cover!
Happy reading & writing everyone!

ALL BROKE DOWN by Cora Carmack #CoverReveal

We are so excited to get to share the cover for Cora Carmack's ALL BROKE DOWN today! A New Adult Contemporary Romance, and published by William Morrow-an imprint of HarperCollins, this is the second book in her Rusk University Series, and it is set to be released on October 28, 2014! But you can pre-order it NOW! Check out what it's about and then fall in love with this gorgeous cover! ABOUT ALL BROKE DOWN: In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause. Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help. Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all. Pre-Order Your Copy Today!Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunesAbout Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. Website ** Twitter ** FacebookAuthor Goodreads ** ALL BROKE DOWN Goodreads

Night Owl Reviews Summer Fun Scavenger Hunt

This summer I'm am participating author in the Night Owl Reviews Summer Fun Scavenger Hunt. There are TONS of amazing authors and books to be discovered... and LOADS of great gift baskets to be won! Check it out! More info in the right sidebar!

FANGIRLING!

Yesterday (Saturday, June 7) I took off my "author hat" - and put on my "fangirl" hat - and attended the Nashville Author Event. Held at the Musicians Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville, it was an absolutely FABULOUS event! My bestie, Glenda, and I enjoyed the day so much that we felt like college girls again. Until this morning (Sunday, June 8), when I woke up with quite a large "fun hangover". If you're unfamiliar with that term, it means a 40 year-old woman who fangirled all day like a 20 year old. No alcohol was involved, although there was some really yummy coffee, delicious lunch, and sweet dessert from the Frothy Monkey coffee shop. Followed by several hours of book/reader/author/musician HEAVEN. Despite my body reminding me the following morning me that it isn't 20 anymore, I wouldn't trade a moment of our spectacular girls' day out!

There were SO many highlights during the course of the day, not the least of which was meeting a super nice lady from Evansville, Indiana as we stood in line to register and meet the authors. We had such great conversations as we waited for the line to move, but somehow, I forgot to get her name. Terrible manners, I know. I think the heat in the place was affecting my brain (because, GEEZ, was it hot in there)! I did however manage to give her my web address, so if you are reading this and you are the nice lady from Evansville, please be sure to email me at amybdurham@gmail.com so we can stay in touch! And I hope you and your husband enjoyed the rest of your stay in Nashville!
Below are a few pictures of the rest of the highlights of the day. These are all SLAMMING AWESOME New Adult authors that I highly recommend - to readers 17/18 and over. 

Me with Colleen HooverMy FAVES of hers: "Maybe Someday" & "Hopeless"(both of which I stayed up WAY past my normal bedtime to finish!)



Me with Cora CarmackCan't wait to read her new college football book, "All Lined Up"



Me with Jay CrownoverLOVE her "Marked Men" series


Also at the event was musician Griffin Peterson and his band. He partnered with Colleen Hoover on the book "Maybe Someday". The two main characters in that book are musicians who wind up writing songs together. Throughout the course of the book, you see their love develop in the lyrics they write together. I LOVED this book, but what made it even cooler was the fact that the songs the two characters wrote together weren't just words on the page... they were available on iTunes (and other places)! Griffin's work on the music to go along with this book is just fantastic. It's the kind of "groove" I really like these days - folky/bluesy rock. I've recommended it to several people already, but after seeing him perform live, I'll recommend it even more! Here's a snapshot of him during the performance, and one of me with him and the band - Griffin on the far right. (Again... reminding myself that I am 40, not 20!)







And finally... a shot of my lovely Hazelnut White Mocha and Peach Hand Pie at the Frothy Monkey. If you're even in downtown Nashville, check them out. Local ingredients, lots of breakfast, brunch, and lunch selections, and a really cool vibe!


And now... to continue my recovery, so that some time down the road I can do it all over again!
Happy reading and writing!

#SnippetSunday - ASHER'S MARK (#NA #Romance)

Welcome back to another Snippet Sunday! It's a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend here in KY, and I hope wherever you are, you are enjoying this weekend as well.

Today's excerpt again comes from my current work-in-progress, ASHER'S MARK. My last snippet was in Asher's point of view, as he decided to draw something special for Grace before he leaves to go away to college. So, for today, I thought I'd give you a bit of Grace's point of view from the scene when Asher gives her the drawing. You get a description of PART of the drawing, but not the whole thing. Grace figures out later that the drawing holds far more meaning than she originally thought, and it helps bring about the resolution at the end of the book. So... you only get HALF of the drawing described today! Don't want to ruin the surprise!

ENJOY!

The picture reveals itself slowly, and as the last edge unrolls, it's all my eyes can do to take in the beauty of it. 

"Asher," I say softly, as my lungs struggle to take in enough oxygen. "Wow." 

It's me. The entire left side of the drawing is me. He captured me from the shoulders up, my face turned to the side. My gaze is fixed on something far away... something I long for... something I love. It's the exact way I feel in my heart every time I look at Asher. 

And he's captured it perfectly, even though he knows none of what I feel.

Check back regularly for more snippets, and watch for the release date (which I hope will be before the end of summer). Hopefully you'll want to read the book to find out what's on the RIGHT side of that drawing and what it all means!

In the meantime, all my other books are ON SALE through Monday, for only 99 CENTS each. Not to mention there's also a permanently-free short story! So... if you're looking for bargain books this holiday weekend, click HERE and check them out!



Happy reading & writing!

ONCE AND FOR ALL - #ebook #99Cents

For a LIMITED time, ONCE AND FOR ALL (Sky Cove #2) is discounted to only...

99 CENTS on Amazon!

Normally this book is $3.99, so take advantage of the discount and pick up Phoebe and Todd's story. I think you'll really love them! Click here to see the book on Amazon.

Spring Into Romance Blog Hop

I was invited by Teresa Reasor to participate in the SPRING INTO ROMANCE Blog Hop. Teresa is a fantastic author of historical romance, as well as heart-stopping romantic suspense featuring to-die-for Navy SEALS. Click HERE to learn more about Teresa and her books, or visit her Amazon page HERE.

Teresa Reasor was born in Southeastern Kentucky, but grew up a Marine Corps brat. The love of reading instilled in her in Kindergarten at Parris Island, South Carolina made books her friends during the many transfers her father's military career entailed. The transition from reading to writing came easily to her and she penned her first book in second grade. But it wasn’t until 2007 that her first published work was released.  After twenty-one years as an Art Teacher and ten years as a part time College Instructor, she’s now retired and living her dream as a full time Writer.

Her body of work includes both full-length novels and shorter pieces in many different genres, Military Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance and Children’s Books.

Now... on to the questions Teresa has asked me to answer!

1) What am I working on now?

I'm working on a book titled ASHER'S MARK. This is a non-paranormal New Adult romance featuring Grace, a 18 year-old recent high school graduate, and Asher, a 20 year old college drop-out turned tattooist. They fell in love in high school, then drifted apart for 2 years. A family tragedy brings them back together, but may also be the very thing that keeps them apart forever.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I think the characters ASHER'S MARK exhibit a lot of passion, and I don't mean in explicit kind. Asher is passionate about many things... art, creativity, individuality, and, of course, Grace. Grace is also passionate about a lot of things... justice, compassion, self-worth, and, naturally, Asher. I like to think that this story demonstrates the passionate side of humanity... and makes clear that passion means WAY more than just physical passion.

3) Why do I write what I do?

I love to read YA and NA fiction. I love that it gives hope to young readers and gives young-at-hearts (like me!) the change to re-live the exuberance of youth! Also, I teach middle school and high school and I'm raising 3 sons of my own, so I'm kind of acquainted with the teen/tween mindset!

4) How does my writing process work?

I write when I have free moments. Sometimes as I wait in the car for my oldest kiddo to get out of band practice. Sometimes after the kids are in bed. Sometimes on weekends. I try to carve out regular time to write, but with a full-time job and a family that includes 3 more-than-full-time kids, sometimes a writing schedule is hard to come by. But, I'm always looking for those moments! I usually start with an outline - a really rough one - so that I have some idea where I'm headed. Normally, there are several crucial, pivotal scenes that are very clear to me from the beginning, and I work to fill in the blanks between them. Things never go exactly the way I think they will... the characters always surprise me!


Next week, be sure to check out Mary Martinez on the Spring Into Romance Blog Hop! Mary lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with her husband, she has six grown children, and five wonderful grandsons and two beautiful granddaughters. Mary’s youngest daughter is adding to the grandchildren, Bella will be joining the family on or around June 3, 2014. And that isn’t all the additions. Her son is now engaged to a nice woman. She is the mother of twin girls, not to mention they will have a little brother or sister in November. That will make 11 grandchildren! Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing, and Italy for the wine. With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters.

I met Mary in 2010, at the Romance Writers of America national conference in Orlando, FL, and she's just a delight! I know you'll enjoy meeting her!