Angela White's Blog, page 15
May 23, 2012
Scenes of the Apocalypse #17 – Refugee Camps
Refugee camps will pop
up outside large towns and government complexes in big numbers at first and
unfortunately, few of them will be safe. They will draw the remaining doctors
and nurses who were not taken in the chaos, though, so if you’re hurt, it might
be worth a visit, as long as you have an escape plan ready…for those groups
that don’t care if their members are willing or not. After the apocalypse, any
leader worth their salt will know they need to keep people together to start
the rebuilding. Your personal plans won’t matter to them.
Refugee camps are a way
of life in some places but on US soil, it is a rare sight. These haphazard
homes will provide little protection despite there being safety in numbers.
Having people close won’t always be the best solution after the Apocalypse
because of the violence humans are known for. Refugee camps will spring up all
over the place, but most will be lawless zones where there’s more danger than
if you were alone.
The leaders of these
camps will be harried men (mostly) without the time to ensure their people are
truly safe. You’ll be on your own…unless you get lucky enough to find a place
like Safe Haven refugee camp. In that world, law and order are ever-present and
keep back the horrors of the War of 2012. Here’s an excerpt of the ideal place
to be.
You can see from the
short clip below that this refugee camp is organized and full of people ready
to take on whatever comes to protect each other. That’s the type of setup you
want to be a part of if the Apocalypse comes. But how do you find the right
camp of survivors? Watch them before making contact - look for signs of decency
and law before joining up with just anyone. Most tent-cities will not be so
controlled or safe.
"Seven very gifted
survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If
they can stay alive long enough to find each other. Impossible to put
down." - The
Review Blog
The caravan made camp in the middle of
34, out of sight of Sturgis, SD, as the light began to fade. With only a
darkened skyline to cast distant shadows, it was another of those rare places
that Adrian found for them to make camp. The only signs of the War were the
ones he couldn’t hide, like the black mold growing up the trees and the bodies
of dogs, but the Eagles would get them out of sight shortly and people would
avoid the trees here. Adapting was becoming a normal part of everyday life for
the refuges of 2012.
The center fire and cans quickly pushed
back the falling blackness as the perimeter was taped and secured. A full level
of rested guards took up watch over their new surroundings, along with a dozen
camp members, and the entire area became a flurry of activity.
Men moved things from trucks, women and
kids ran for bathrooms, dogs yapped excitedly, knowing it was almost time to be
fed. It was full of noise and movement, but it was also organized, like a
well-rehearsed play. They'd done it many times.
Angela stepped out of the blazer that
Neil and Kyle had already flown from almost before it was stopped, and she
found Seth waiting casually nearby.
"Guess you're the first wave?"
The redhead threw a charming smile at
her. "Yes ma'am."
Angie snorted at his tone and slung her
duffle bag over one shoulder. "All right then, Sir Eagle, here's my plan.
First, I need a shower. After that, I'd like to be fed, smoked, and then sleep
for a week. That work?"
Seth's lips twitched and he gave her
half a graceful wave. “After you.”
Full
of realistic and fantasy situations, the Life After War series is a combination
of more than 7 genres, so there’s a good chance of everyone liking it and learning
a few things about survival at the same time. You can get a free copy at the
link below, of the first book in the series. It’s free for all of this year to
celebrate the possible end of the world on 12/21/2012.
Adrian’s Eagles Three
months after the War of 2012, Safe Haven refugee camp has made it to South
Dakota and now holds six of the seven special survivors meant to lead the
rebuilding of their country -but it can’t be done until they find a safe place
to settle… and who can think of peace when there’s a huge camp of foreign
invaders less than a day behind their group and they only want one thing? Safe
Haven and everyone inside the light.
Watch
the trailer for this series
Free-The
Survivors-The bestselling novel that started it all.
-See on
iTunes
More
Scenes of the Apocalypse
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 20, 2012
SST#3- New, Unpublished Flash Fiction!
“The blast of
the sirens was a glaring shock. It wasn’t test day, not even the right time of
day, and that blaring warning was horribly loud and instantly ominous. Usually
followed by a pattern of short blasts and one long, this sound never halted,
never paused and it only grew louder, more eerie.
“After a full
minute, other signs began to appear. Television and cable channels tuned
automatically to the emergency broadcast system, as did car radios, cell
phones, and computers- all carrying the same message. We were in grave danger.
“And then the
panic set in as ATMs, bank accounts, internet access, and the NY Stock Exchange
closed down. We couldn’t call, couldn’t withdraw, and were cut-off from all
lines of communication as we stared, stunned at the sight of bombs flying
through American airspace… and then into our homeland. How many went insane
from the shock and grief of watching so much death? It’s impossible to say.
“The cameras
rolled constantly, capturing it right up close. Some day, a gifted soul may find
these relics and use them to prove how the end of the world happened…and I have
little doubt that when it goes public, it will be a censored version of the
truth, like usual. Some things, even a nuclear world war can’t change…”
The professor
hit stop on the recording and turned toward his most promising pupil. “Yes,
Amanda?”
The girl blushed
prettily, but her teammates knew there was steel under those vivid blue eyes.
She lowered her
hand. “Was she right? Does it never change?”
The instructor’s
sharp gaze evaluated. “There is good and bad in equal amounts in the human
soul. It is up to you which one is served - because of HER efforts to preserve the chance HE gave us.”
The girl nodded,
extremely long blond ponytail properly secured, but for a single rebellious
curl. “And have we? Honored their sacrifices, I mean?”
Never hesitating
to tell his men the truth, the Eagle answered confidently. “Yes, as much as any
group of people can, who carry so much evil naturally.”
Satisfied, the
rookie fighter settled back to finish listening to the audio tape and her CO
made a note to tell those in charge she almost ready for the real battlefield,
where horrors from the past still existed in cruel, heartless reality. Here in
New Network City, they were enclosed by the dome – safe. Out there, was another
world to be conquered, settled.
The teacher hit
the button, letting them listen to the full tape this time. Amanda was all
they’d hoped and more and so far, no one suspected she’d been modified. The
success with her would allow them to get further, and in a few years, there
would be hundreds of embryos that no longer contained the half and half mix of
good and evil. Like the girl in front of him, these daughters of Alexa would be
pure, allowing Adrian’s dream to see fulfillment.
They also
wouldn’t be exactly human. The DNA strands they’d found had allowed them to
almost bring the fire-demon herself back. Alexa would walk again… and in her
rule, the final summit would be achieved.
They couldn’t
kill evil out completely without exterminating themselves. So, they’d chosen to
breed it out instead. Peace at any cost.
Here
are a couple of books you may like. Both of these authors were kind enough to
host me on their blog for Adrian’s Eagles release and I’m very grateful.
The Endarkening by Lee Fitzsimmons
$2.99
In
the darkness, things are not always what they seem to be...
Johnny finds a very old book containing specific instructions about summoning
the Dark Prince Gabriel and his legion of Elder Daemons. These legions of
darkness are after the soul of Rashan Alexander, a Jamaican prodigy whose
destiny it is to bring peace to many war-torn areas of the world. In order to
stop this demonic threat and save the life of Rashan, the people of an entire
city must unite together or be destroyed by their own evil desires.
The Endarkening is the first volume in a series of novellas entitled The
Daemonic Chronicles by up and coming author Lee Fitzsimmons. This passionate,
yet intensely action-packed thriller is filled with both diabolic ritual and
heart-warming salvation, as the quickly paced narrative keeps the reader
entranced until the very last page.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Endarkening-Daemonic-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B006HYZUYO
Gunship-Dual Strike by John M.
Davis
$2.99
Adam
Michaels is a down on his luck space smuggler, that is until he is offered a
chance to score the big payday by taking a job with the highly feared Hunter
clan. The vampiric race places a young lady in the lap of the Gunship's crew,
and Adam slowly begins to fall for the woman he has waited an entire lifetime
to find. Now, he must decide between the money they so desperately need or the
beating heart in his chest, a choice that would place both he and his crew in
serious danger.
Gunship and Glimmeria are both non-stop thrill rides filled with humor, cheap
whiskey and unique races of beings which exist beyond the stars as we know
them.
Cover design by Daniel Davis
Visit the official Gunship Portal to learn more:
http://tinyurl.com/gunshipportal
http://www.amazon.com/Gunship-Dual-Strike-ebook/dp/B006UH8DA6
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 16, 2012
LAW Day #9- Little Becky + Deleted Scene from Book One
Rebecca Ann Kelly
Age: 15
Height: 5’4’
Weight: 115 LBS
Green eyes
Cute, flirty
Redheaded
Dimples
Set on being Neil’s woman
Likes danger, thrills
Shoots well for only 15
Becky is just starting to explore her new femininity and the
hormones encourage her reckless streak. She’s not a bad kid, but her lack of
direction makes her slightly dangerous to herself.
That’s where Rick came in. See, he can sense it, that few
months before she’s a woman, and he knows Neil can too. Rick likes her, who
wouldn’t? But he wants her only because the state trooper does.
So what does the future hold for Miss
Kelly?
Danger and more angst until she grows up a little more,
though that road may be rough. After
that? Well, this deleted scene from book one will give you a clue.
“Everyone shooting must sign in. Only people that have passed the
gun class can enter. Shooters will stay in front of the gate, everyone else
behind. Sign in folks and let’s get started.”
Jeremy was the MC tonight, Neil’s second Eagle, and as Adrian stepped
by, he again caught a whiff of perfume he now recognized as Cynthia’s but said
nothing. He wasn’t worried the Eagle would slip with anything he shouldn’t. Before
the war, Jeremy had been a devout Catholic, quiet and observant. He knew the
meaning of secrecy and he’d found his place here, something the church had been
unable to provide. The guard would be careful with it.
There was standing room only in the bleachers, a large crowd lining
the gate as the shooters signed in, and checked their weapons. Adrian was glad
to see no real fear, no desperation in the faces of his people. The watching
crowd talked loudly, betting on their favorites as they sat in chairs in the
sand or on thick blankets, and the men shooting waited behind the gate, eager
to start.
“Okay. We have 29 shooters tonight,” Jeremy announced and Adrian
stepped over to the clipboard on the bales of hay.
“Make that 30.”
The crowd cheered loudly and the other shooters groaned.
“First, Kenn Harrison.”
The sun was gone now, the night dark and gritty, but the moon’s
outline, while not clear, gave some light and made people feel better just to
be able to look up and finally find it in the sky. It was something they hadn’t
seen much of for almost a hundred days.
The area was still dim, but huge spotlights on top of the trucks lit
up the ball field and roller-bound targets. The ones set at 25 and 50 feet were
hardly a challenge to the men watching his XO get set, but the ones at 100 and
125 were, and all the contestants knew they would likely be gone before round
seven. He and Kenn had dueled it out last time, easily leaving everyone else
behind. When they were shooting, no one else stood a chance.
“As many direct hits as you can, any target. On your mark.”
The Marine grinned, holding the gun steady against the gusty wind,
accounting for it, and then he was firing smoothly.
The crowd cheered when the call came and the guards on the perimeter
stayed alert, knowing the noise would carry.
“Eight bulls eyes! Next, Adrian Mitchell.”
The blond checked his weapon, and then put it back into his holster,
letting his hand hang loosely like an old west gunslinger. The newer people,
who hadn’t yet seen him shoot, watched nervously, sure he would miss and prove
he was as fallible as the rest of those who had tried to lead.
Adrian’s hand was a blur as he drew and fired, fired, fired. He twirled
the black 9mm a single time and slid it neatly into the holster on his hip.
“Eight bulls-eyes!”
The crowd roared and Jeremy had to shout to be heard as Adrian
grinned, stepped over to Kenn.
“Next, Kyle Reece.”
No one missed a shot until the end of the round. Mary and Heather,
two females he’d sent to the class for match-making purposes, didn’t get any
bulls-eyes, but Adrian was pleased that they had hit anything at all. For the
women here, that was definite progress.
The third woman, Lexa, was a gun shop owner from Los Angeles. Short,
with a big chest and a long, brown ponytail, she hit half the targets, making
Adrian wish he could add her to his list for the next Level One’s. Her draw was
beautiful, almost a perfect copy of his, and with a little instruction, it
would become as natural to her as breathing. He wondered if he would ever get
his Eagles to accept women on the teams. Adrian needed one of these shell
shocked females to be a warrior in disguise that could hold her own among his
army and make the rest of the camp accept it too. For now though, it looked
like Lexa was eliminated.
“Last shooter. Rebecca Ann Kelly.”
The cute teenager moved toward the line and Adrian frowned as the
crowd cheered and catcalled. Had she passed the gun class somehow without him
knowing it? There was always a wait because he hand-filled over half the seats.
Adrian watched her, almost certain she hadn’t, and instead of
immediately calling her on it, the blond let her have one try, thinking again
of how much he needed one of these timid homemakers to really be Xena, the
warrior Princess. Becky was innocent, sexy, playful, and many of his men were
watching the slender girl, waiting for her sixteenth birthday in October, when
it would be legal to ask her out. That included Kenn, but Adrian thought she
had a thing for one of his other top guards. Either way, the girl would be
something here. What, was up to her.
Rebecca’s reddish blond hair was wild with frizzy curls and she
brushed it back impatiently as she took her place, knowing she would only have
this one chance to get noticed, to show these men she was useful too. She’d
almost swallowed her tongue when Adrian signed in; sure he’d see her name and
single her out…
“Anytime you’re ready, shooter,” Jeremy encouraged, eager to get the
next round started, and the nervous girl nodded. She was ready now and she
wanted them to know, needed Adrian to know.
Feeling the magic, the confidence of holding a gun she knew she
could use, Becky pulled the trigger gently, lovingly. The light recoil was well
controlled and she was smiling as she aimed and pulled, lined it up and pulled
again. The bullets dug into the targets and she turned her eyes to the frowning
blond man moving her way while the crowd waited for the call.
“Eight Hits, 5 bulls-eyes!”
They were as loud for her as they had been for Adrian and she was
grinning in satisfaction as the blond stopped next to her, eyes impressed and
displeased at the same time.
“That’s some impressive shooting, Miss Kelly.”
She grinned, face lighting up at his words, and then she dropped her
head, remorseful. She hadn’t broken his rules lightly. Now she would pay the price.
“I’m sorry.” She moved toward Jeremy without waiting to be told, “I
have to withdraw.”
The Level Two Eagle frowned as the crowd muttered and those who knew
she hadn’t taken the class waited to see if Adrian would let her ruin her own
chances here by owning up to it.
“Why?”
If she admitted she cheated, it would be a label she’d carry
forever. “Because I…”
“She forgot she has a shift with the Vet. Right now, we’ll move onto
the next round since we’re losing a shooter,” Adrian’s calm words weren’t doubted
and his men were pleased. If Becky had ruined herself tonight, they couldn’t
show any interest in her, not without losing their place by Adrian, and that
was now something most of these men would never jeopardize.
“Rebecca is eliminated. Kenn will start round two.”
Becky smiled gratefully at Adrian as she left, very thankful he’d
chosen to stop her admission. His men weren’t the only ones who were aware of
all she’d risked to be noticed.
“Three shots this time and only those beyond 25 feet count. Bottom
two will be eliminated.” Jeremy looked at Kenn, “You ready?”
The Marine opened fire in answer.
Becky isn’t sure of her place in Safe Haven.
Before the War of 2012, she was a cheerleader, popular and flirty, much
sought-after. Now, she’s just another survivor and she isn’t old enough yet to
know how miraculous that is by itself. I hope she just needs time to grow up
but I’m worried for her…Rick is dangerous.
Next Week: Rick
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 14, 2012
The 7 Steps to Complete Amazon Success
So
we’ve come to the end of our Amazon series. I’ll be taking the summer off, but
these sales posts will resume when I get back. For today, let’s get into the
steps. Each section was partially covered in a previous post, so if you missed
them, just take the blue links in the text.
Amazon
can make you or break you. I’ve had royalty checks in the dollars and in the
thousands of dollars. And when you get a bad review, it shows in your sales
right away. Only quick steps and daily measures will give you complete success.
If you spend more time playing on social sites than you do monitoring your
sales and rank, I’m sorry, but you’re not serious enough to be a Bestseller
that rules the charts for months at a time. If you have more game files than
book files, you’re not even close to ready for the work ahead of you.
If
you wake up wanting to check on things, and flip on the computer while trying
not to piss yourself, you’re ready. Somewhere in between? Then these articles
are perfect for you. I taught myself to do it all, from covers and formatting,
to marketing and distribution. And I started just like you are now – digging
for the information.
The 7 steps to complete success on Amazon
1 .) Pricing-
How to get it listed free on Amazon
I
chose to tackle this first due to a recent jump in sales that I attribute to my
novel finally being listed for free on Amazon. Over 2000 downloads the
first week, and hopefully those people will come back for books 2 and 3, which
are not free. That’s why authors and publishing houses offer their titles for
free - to draw in more readers. And it works. I recommend having the first book
in any series, be listed as free in as many places as you can find to put it.
But I can’t get
Amazon to lower it!
Yes, you can. Here’s how…
2- Covers
Ebook
Covers. I won’t bore you with another lecture on how important is to have a
good one. Instead, I’m giving you 4 great places where you can get stunning
premade covers for under $25.
3- Keywords
I’ll
assume everyone knows what they are and the basics of what they do. If not, here’s
a solid article on it. Basically, keywords brought you to my post. If you
look at the bottom, you’ll see the words I chose when I put this article up.
I’ll bet you see something familiar, right? Keywords. They bring the readers to
you.
So,
how do you find the perfect set of keywords that will lead new readers straight
to your book? I use…
4- Author Central Features
HI
and welcome to Amazon month. This is a 5 part series that is guaranteed to
increase your sales there. All you have to do is follow the advice. Let’s start
with features. Many of you may already have your author central pages filled
out and think they’re fine. Are you sure? Amazon has a lot of little items that
can be overlooked or not taken full advantage of. Such as…
5- Sales Page
Cover
Price
Review
rating/the # of stars.
If
you can make sure these three things are PERFECT, you can guarantee a sale.
They wouldn’t have clicked on your title if they didn’t like that genre. You’ve
got them there based on the category you chose. (You do have your browse
categories picked, don’t you? –Not sure what that is? You need an Amazon
page evaluation.)
6-Free reviews
Amazon
has a top 1000 list of
reviewers, but before you go rushing off, consider this picture -You’ve
been doing reviews for years, working your way up the ranks, and now everyone
and their mother wants you to review their stuff. Which ones do you agree to?
The ones that followed the guidelines you’ve laid out (Reviews high in rank put
this information on their profiles and blogs, usually under review policy or
submissions tabs) and of course, the ones that catch your eye but being
original and friendly. If you send a short note and just ask, you’ll get a
negative response – if you get one at all...
7-Tags and Likes
Right
now, there is an epidemic of tagging and liking. It comes from friends and fans
ganging up to deliver a record number of likes and tags in a day or two… and
then nothing. Amazon ranking plummet back to where they were. Why did they increase
at all, with no sales, only visits? Because every visit to that book’s page
registers and tells Amazon to move you higher. Once the visits stop, the rank
drops. But you need those likes and tags, right?
If
you follow the steps outlines in these articles, you’ll be a bestseller in as
little as 3 months, providing you can really write. Can you? Some people assume
so because they have a story to tell or because friends and family encourage
it. That doesn’t mean just anyone can do this. If you’ve got the bullets and
the balls, though, I salute you for trying. Good luck and feel free to leave
comments or ask questions. I’ll try to answer them as soon as I can.
Have
a wonderful summer, World,
A.
White
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 13, 2012
Scenes of the Apocalypse #11 - Noises Change
For the first weeks after the Apocalypse,
noise will be constant. There will be screams and gunshots most often, but also
weather, structures collapsing, and battles for survival. These noises will
slowly die out until a heavy silence hangs on the world. When it’s broken,
people will pay attention because it is so rare.
Alarms and days of having warnings will
be a thing of the past. Survivors will have to rely on their senses and
instincts, especially when it comes to Mother Nature. Like in the clip below
from my new release, some of the more ‘ready’ refugees will use these moments
as opportunities to escape the clutches of those trying to take the things
they’ve gathered. Food, water, and women will have replaced cash as the
currency and the survivors will have to be ready to defend what’s theirs.
Paying attention to the noise of the post-apocalyptic world will save lives and
provide safety in a world where little of that exists.
"Seven very
gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear
apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other. Impossible
to put down." - The Review Blog
“What’s that sound?”
They stilled at her question, able to
feel it under their feet, even so far above the town. It echoed hungrily,
bearing down on Howes like a missile.
“What is it?”
No one answered. They couldn’t, too
stunned by the sight of death rushing toward the unsuspecting group of killers.
The transport truck was next to cross, one jeep already waiting on the opposite
bank, and none of them seemed to notice the louder roar or the extra echo under
their tires.
The wall of debris-laden water swept
downstream, wider than the bank as it slammed into the first bridge pillar with
no mercy. The jeep on the opposite bank vanished under the flood and didn’t
come back up.
The bridge trembled, swaying as the
sabotaged beams gave way and the transport carrier tilted precariously over the
new abyss.
The wall of water snagged the front
bumper, ripping it free of the dock, and the entire load of truck, tank, and
bridge fell into the violently churning waves. Behind it, the Slavers tried to
turn around, but most were too slow to avoid being swept away.
The only ones to get clear were the two
rear jeeps and as if sensing survivors, the torrent spilt between the dock and
street, roaring through the narrow road in pursuit.
Adrian’s semi was pulled out into the
street by the waves, and the slower of the two jeeps turned sharply to the
right to miss crashing into it. The tail lights flashed as the driver tried to
stop, but it was too late and they went over the side of the dock. A huge spray
rose up in their wake.
The second jeep was gaining ground on
the water, staying ahead, and Adrian grabbed the rifle from his back.
“Follow my lead.” He got set and Kenn
and Marc did the same on either side of him.
Neil was almost whining with frustration
from not being in on the action, but he knew better than to shirk his unspoken
duty to protect Angela right now and he stayed close to her.
Making fast adjustments, Adrian braced as
the jeep charged up the hill they were on. “Now!” Adrian saw it go perfectly in
his mind, and then fired.
Full
of realistic and fantasy situations, the Life After War series is a combination
of more than 7 genres, so there’s a good chance of everyone liking it and
learning a few things about survival at the same time. You can get a free copy
at the link below, of the first book in the series. It’s free for all of this
year to celebrate the possible end of the world on 12/21/2012.
Adrian’s
Eagles Three months after the War of 2012, Safe Haven refugee camp has made
it to South Dakota and now holds six of the seven special survivors meant to
lead the rebuilding of their country -but it can’t be done until they find a
safe place to settle… and who can think of peace when there’s a huge camp of
foreign invaders less than a day behind their group and they only want one
thing? Safe Haven and everyone inside the light.
Watch the trailer for this
series
Free-The Survivors-The bestselling
novel that started it all.
-See on
iTunes
More Scenes of the Apocalypse
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 10, 2012
Three bestselling Authors join up for an hour of Q&A with readers!
Jackie Druga, Rachel Higginson, and Angela White have taken the indie world by
storm with their gritty fantasy novels. Outselling even giants like Random
House and Simon & Schuster, these three writers will be live on FB for a Q
& A session with readers.
-This chat is not sponsored by Facebook and does not contain prizes or
contests. There will be free book links provided.
Let’s meet the authors…
Jacqueline Druga is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. She is a prolific writer and
filmmaker. Her published works include genres of all types, but favors
post-apocalypse and apocalypse writing. Currently she is in production of her
third full-length feature film in which she has written and is producing. She
is best known for her novels Dust, The Flu, and Sleepers and has more than
three dozen works available.
Rachel Higginson: I was born and raised in Nebraska, but spent my college years
traveling the world. I fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and
the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka. But I came back home to marry my high
school sweetheart and now I spend my days raising our growing family. In those
few spare moments I have, I am either reading or writing Young Adult Fiction,
because I am Obsessed with it! – Rachel has 4 books currently available, all
part of her Endless Magic series.
Angela White: Little pleases me more than to explore the fantasy, horror, sci
fi, and romance stories that get stuck in my head. Knowing other people also
like them is second only to the magic of this new career I've chosen. As a
die-hard Cincinnatian, I much prefer writing to the stresses of being a city
Taxicab dispatcher. – Angela has 11 books currently available, including the
Life After War series.
And now for the readers… hey! That’s you!
To attend, simply ‘like’ the author’s page (Hosting Author)(RachelHigginson)(Jackie Druga). As the chat starts, the feed will appear on your wall
and you can question or comment at your convenience. Authors will only be live
for one hour, from 7pm-8pm, Ohio time. After that, you will be asked to direct
your comments to each individual author’s FB page.
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We hope to chat with you, so stop by, and please, tell your friends!
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 9, 2012
LAW Day #8- The Sam Prism
Samantha Moore
Age: 28
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 125 lbs
12/24/84
Had a pass to NORAD for saving the President’s life
Seattle EPA worker
Dirty blonde
Doesn’t fear death, only pain
Craves morphine after doing self surgery
Quote: “There’s a storm coming.”
FBI Notes
-Marker identified. Subject can
predict weather with a 98% accuracy rate. Has been used twice. Should be kept
close enough to be useful to command. No termination orders are expected unless
an antigovernment attitude develops.
Strengths
-Will do whatever she has to, no matter how ugly it gets.
-Incredibly strong.
Weaknesses
-Too forgiving. She often overlooks flaws most people
wouldn’t.
-Had so little contact with the outside world that she
always feels like an outcast.
So what’s the deal with the Sam prism? Will
Jeremy (left) win her heart through his patient kindness? Or will Neil (right)
finally realize he loves her?
Only an open declaration of love will get Sam to become
Neil’s mate, but her own past would endanger his place and Adrian’s dream if
the camp found out. So Adrian will try his damnedest to make sure they don’t
and still give Samantha the happiness she needs to make her stronger. Because
Adrian knows that deep inside, she really wants to be as free as Angela now is.
This is a clip of the two women talking about it – Sam finally admitting what
she wants.
“He’s very
protective.” Sam commented when two more rookies joined the guards below.
Angela kept her
voice low. “Good reason to be.” Needing the woman to know she understood,
Angela let a bit of her own worries out. “They’re coming soon. We have to help
him.”
“I want to, but
other than… some forewarnings, I can’t do what you’re doing.”
Angela raised a
brow. “Why not? You and I both know there’s more to your…skills, than have been
used.”
Sam flushed, but
didn’t deny it. “If they find out…” Her whisper was laced with bitterness and
longing in equal amounts. “I want it, too, but they’ll burn us. These sheep
will panic and we’ll be caught in the stampede.”
“So you worry
about getting hurt again?” Angela asked softly, sure she had been through the
same hells, and worse.
“No.” Samantha’s
voice was broken. “I worry I’ll get these people hurt.”
Angela shrugged.
“That’s a worthy argument, but don’t forget to weigh in how much difference we
can make when he has all of this in place.”
“I have. And I’m
watching, seeing where I can help.”
“Me too. The
Eagles are another way to do that, you know.”
Sam snorted,
drawing attention again, and her voice lowered. “Me? Just can’t see that
happening.”
“But you’ve
thought about it or you’d be hiding in a tree somewhere else. Like the rest of
us, you’re drawn to it.”
“Yes. I want
what you’re building, what he’s about to offer to all the women here.”
“Good. Watch
what I have to go through and get ready for it. Jeremy and Neil will help you.”
“And Adrian?
Won’t he want to handpick the females who do this?”
“We pick
ourselves, Sam. If you want it, grab it. Let him know you’re ready for the
chance and he’ll see to it personally.”
Jeremy
Level Five Eagle(4/5/2013), XO of his Team
Not very much is known about Jeremy. By readers, camp
members, or the Eagles. Even I only have a vague, shadowy picture. He worked in
an office, he had extra money laying around, and he knows how to manipulate things
like Adrian. I suspect there’s a lot more to him. (I honestly thought Billy,
the pony-tailed blond Eagle on Kyle’s team-would play this role. I also assumed
it was all a setup to get Neil and Sam together. As soon as I started writing
it, I found out how quickly he fell for her. Maybe he was on the rebound from
the death of a mate who looked like Sam. I think that’s very likely.)
Neil
Third in Command of
Safe Haven(unofficial)
Level Five Eagle,
Leader of his Team
His bio can be found here. However, when that bio came out,
Sam hadn’t stormed tracked his life yet. Neil expected to be lightly playing
with Becky for the next 6 months. After that, if he went through with it, he
thought he’d be enjoying the change of age at night and strutting like a
rooster during the day. He had no idea the tidal wave was coming.
So what’s with his obsession for young girls? He doesn’t
really have one. Todd fear being out of control at all. His mom’s violent
history made him sure he has to keep himself in line at all times, always
follow the rules. With a young girl, he’ll always have that.
Its only since losing his father in the War and then finding
Adrian’s light, that he’s begun to unwind. He fell into the chain of command
and secured his place with complete loyalty, but his fear of losing control may
endanger it. If he takes Becky as his mate, his own team may vote him out of
lead. To keep that from happening, they’ve been watching for signs that he’s
drawn to anyone else.
Enter Samantha.
What was it about her that has straight-laced Todd O’Neil
bucking his own plans? If not for Angela’s dream, he may have missed her. It
could be that she’s special and worthy to be his mate, but I doubt it. I just
think they’re supposed to be together. That doesn’t mean fate might not have
other plans...
“That hasn’t been revealed yet.”
Next week: Little Becky
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 7, 2012
Increase sales on Amazon by ‘liking’ and ‘tagging’
Right
now, there is an epidemic of tagging and liking. It comes from friends and fans
ganging up to deliver a record number of likes and tags in a day or two… and
then nothing. Amazon rankings plummet back to where they were. Why did they
increase at all, with no sales, only visits? Because every visit to that book’s
page registers and tells Amazon to move you higher. Once the visits stop, the
rank drops. But you need those likes and tags, right?
Yes.
Here’s what they do for you - bring readers. Not so much the likes -they’re
eye-candy that helps convert a look into a download. Here’s last week’s
article-building the perfect sales page- it doesn’t cover likes because this is
such a touchy topic right now that I wanted to be able to spend a minute on it.
We’ll start with tags. These are not the exact search terms you put on your
book when you uploaded it, but they work the same way. Use your secondary
keywords-the ones you didn’t have room for after picking your main ten
words…you don’t have Google researched keywords to use for tags? Sighing… maybe
you should start at the beginning of this series. This
link will take you my post on finding the perfect keywords.
Now
where was I?... oh yes, tags. Use the keywords you didn’t have room for and
then like with the Google search tool, use Amazon’s own directory to ad more.
When you begin to type in a tag, suggestions appear. Pick the ones that have
the least amount of uses. Least? Am I kidding? No. You can’t compete with
500,897 other books using that tag. Low competition is key when picking tags.
So
how do you get more without being guilty of the two-day tagging binge? It’s all
about the fans, of course. While you’re asking them to review the book they’ve
just left a note about, ask them to hit the buttons and even look at the first
few reviews and see if they find them helpful. Never ask them to vote one way
or the other, though. It’s very bad and will lose you readers.
Now
- liking. This button is often overlooked. You can ask fans and reviewers to do
it, but chances are, when they get to the bottom to the place where their
review goes, they’ll have already forgotten about that button. So, what do you
do?
First,
let me ask you a question. At the end of your books, do you include a personal
note or thought direct to the reader? I won’t ask why not on that one. Some
people don’t think of it and others just think it’s a bad idea. I do and I use
that space to encourage the readers to not only contact me through my website’s
contact form, I… here we go again. No website form, click here.- Take a fast look and
come back.
Anyway,
I ask for things in that 1-2 page space. Carefully. I also give them things,
like links to my blog and website so they can leave those comments. Release
news for the next book is also great here, as they’ve just finished. Remember
that feeling? The storyline is filling your mind and you want more! Give it to
them.
Another
choice for Likes- put a notice on your FB wall, in your information so it never
gets shuffled by Timeline. Tell them it would be very helpful if they could
stop by and like it or vote on a review. It’s okay by Amazon’s TOS to suggest
they do so, as long as you don’t try to influence their choices. And really,
you don’t need to. If they followed the link in your book to your wall, they
already ‘like’ it….you don’t know how to put live links in your epubs?
I
understand. That’s a pain in my ass that I’ve only managed to do on a laptop or
pc, never a Mac. I assume it’s my program and skills, as I know others who’ve
done it with great success. I’ll be covering a PC method in one of these posts,
probably after I come back from summer break. If you need it now, it’s all
about making the link in the word copy before you import it into the file…don’t
know how to import? Many people don’t. I think we’ll have an epub month this year,
like this Amazon set.
Next
Week: The 7 steps to complete Amazon success.
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
May 2, 2012
LAW Day #7-Tonya
Tonya Lynn
Murphy
Age: 28
1/7/85Height: 5'7
Weight: 135lb
Green Eyes
Irish/Caucasian
Long, Curly,
Bright Red Hair.
Loves short, red
dresses
BW: Topless dancer on the Nevada Strip
AW: Save Haven Refugee and Camp Whore
Quote:
"Maybe we can find who he really is while everyone’s distracted by Barbie
and her wolfman.”
Strengths
- She can adapt
to almost anything.
- She's more
aware of herself than most women, not afraid to go after what she wants.
Weaknesses
- Selfish.
Almost to the point of being dangerous.
- Uses people to
get what she wants.
FBI Notes
-The FBI has no
file for Tonya Lynn Murphy. Local NV records show a statistical arrest record,
indicative of early childhood abuse and poverty.
Back-story
Tonya was raised
in a shack with a father that couldn't keep his hands to himself, and a mother that
couldn't pass up a drink. She quickly learned that her body will get her a lot,
and at 16 was pregnant. Her father pays for an abortion and she runs away from
him to keep him from knocking her up again.
She becomes a
stripper and sleeps her way into an exclusive club on the Nevada strip. Greedy
and scheming, this fiery redhead will do what ever it takes.
Still an abused
girl on the inside Tonya longs to be part of the 'in-crowd' at the Safe Haven
but can't seem to find the door. Maybe she just needs a firm hand.
When Angela and her
group arrived in Safe Haven, Tonya was sure she would have to try to move her
sights lower…maybe even as far down as Doug or Seth. She can’t compete with Becky’s
youth and Kyle can’t stand her. She was debating being ‘caught’ in one of their
tents, when she realized she could still have Kenn. Because of what Angela told
her upon their first contact. “If you want him, he’s yours.”
See, Tonya didn’t take
that seriously at first. Not until she heard the rumors about the Wolfman and
began watching them. After only a day, it was clear that Kenn didn’t stand a
chance. When he’d turned to her in his rage, Tonya wisely welcomed him and now,
she’s in the middle of some hard decisions. Kenn is trying very hard to earn
back his place and if Tonya wants to keep him, she’ll have to really become one
of them. It should be fun watching her reform. Here’s a clip of the beginning.
“I need you to talk to Tonya.”
Moving by the fire truck, Angela looked
up at Kenn in surprise, “Why?”
“Adrian wants it, said to ask you.”
Angela understood then. The blond wanted
to be sure Kenn wasn’t abusing her, and who better to know than his former
victim?
“I’ll do it before we leave.”
“Report to him, not me.”
Kenn turned stiffly back to the hose
they had wrapped in duct tape to stop the leak and though she could have
assumed it was because he was scared of more transgressions being revealed,
Angela thought it was really about trust. Tonya was a snake that would turn on
a man if it suited her needs. The Marine wouldn’t have to have done anything
for her to say it was true.
“That’s
why he’s sending you,” The Witch enlightened. “You’ll know if she lies.”
Angela changed directions, heading for the
small hooch the camp whore called home. Tonya was set up in the rear of camp,
under the sparse trees that were chirping loudly with young Cicadas and Angela
knew from her time with Kenn that it was to cover the noise they made.
She tapped on the flap, ignoring the dozen
or so camp members watching her in surprise.
“Come in.”
Tonya’s face tightened at the Eagle
stepping through her flap. “What the hell do you want?”
Angela saw the new clothes, jeans and a
t-shirt with a flag on the front, the clean tent, and the strands of red
scattered around the vinyl floor. Kenn had taken her advice. He was trying to
reform Tonya.
“Well?” Tonya’s snarl was more misery
than threat.
“Is this a chopping party?”
Tonya snapped another large chunk with
the scissors and tossed it on the floor next to her chair. “I’m making your
Marine happy, as I’m sure you know.” Tonya glared at her. “And I agreed to it,
so go back and tell the Guardian I’m
fine.”
Angela stared in surprise. Was Kenn
sharing that much information with her?
“Why does the hair have to go?” Already
knowing, Angela waited patiently.
“He said I’m vain, about these,” She
snipped another clump, and a tear rolled down her unpainted cheek. “I guess
he’s right.”
Next
Week: The Sam Prism
Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
April 30, 2012
Hundreds of free reviews-where to get them and how to ask
This
will be a short post, as AE release has me a bit overwhelmed. Free reviews are
something an author searches for and hardly ever finds. Until now. The internet
and Amazon are a team unmatched by any in the world when it comes to offering
people opportunities they never would have had. From the actual ebook
publishing, to the lists of free things you can get… like reviews.
Amazon
has a top 1000 list of
reviewers, but before you go rushing off, please consider this picture:
You’ve been doing reviews for years, working your way up the ranks, and now
everyone and their mother wants you to review their stuff. Which ones do you
agree to? The ones that followed the guidelines you’ve laid out (Reviewers high
in rank put this information on their profiles and blogs, usually under review
policy or submissions tabs) and of course, the ones that catch your eye but
being original and friendly. If you send a short note and just ask, you’ll get
a negative response – if you get one at all.
So
how do you ask for a review? Pretend you are having a normal conversation but
follow the rules below.
1-Try
to use Mr. or Mrs. when you can to avoid being too familiar but don’t put their
entire name. It looks too form-letterish.
2-Be
friendly. Wave at them, smile. You’re an author. Create an instant image with a
short note. For example: Hi One-eyed-sloth! Great name.
My
name is ---. I found you on the Amazon reviewers list (Congrats!) and I’m
hoping you’ll review my book. I’ve put the details below.
Waving
at you,
Your
first name only
Now,
the below part, should be a copy (mostly) of your Amazon sales page, with a
link to it. If you don’t include a direct link to where they can download it,
you’ve wasted your time. Make it easy for them and remember that some people
still only read print so mentioning that in a PS is a good idea if you only
offer ebook copies for review.
When
you get a positive answer, thank them right away and then GIFT them the book if
it isn’t free. Never make a reviewer pay for a copy, even print. –And also when
you send out a print copy for review, be sure to autograph it.
Next
Week: Increasing sales with ‘tagging’ and ‘liking’.
"Seven very gifted survivors are destined to rebuild their country after a nuclear apocalypse...If they can stay alive long enough to find each other.”
The Survivors: Book One
Now FREE on:
iTunes
Amazon
Kobo Books
Google eBooks
Author’s Website
