S.E. Myers's Blog, page 3

Bestselling Indie Author Signs Publishing Contract | PRLog

Bestselling Indie Author Signs Publishing Contract | PRLog.

Bestselling Indie Author Signs Publishing Contract

Bestselling author, Stephanie Myers (S.E. Myers) signs publishing contract with Master Koda Select Publishing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan. 9, 2013 – Stephanie Myers, (S.E. Myers) author of the bestselling novel Dark Revelation, recently signed a publishing contract with Master Koda Select Publishing – proving once again that independent authors can be their own best agent. The book was re-edited, tightened and re-released yesterday, already receiving another glowing review.

One reader on Amazon, Ed Drury states, “…surprising twists and turns take the reader through a maze of exciting discoveries.” Another Amazon reviewer states, “I am pleased to say that this book lived up to my expectations; a fantastic, fun and entrancing read.”

When Myers hit the top of the charts on Amazon, not once, but several times during 2012 it drew the attention of acquiring editors and the owner of Master Koda Select Publishing (MKSP). “We’re excited to have the opportunity to represent Ms. Myers. In the sea of millions of stories about the paranormal, she has a fresh voice that speaks to young people and offers a message of the strength of the human spirit. All that was needed was a bit of polish,” states Kim Emerson, owner of MKSP.

Myers is currently working on the second book of the series to be published late 2013 or early 2014. She is available for interviews or public appearance. Contact the author through the MKSP website http://www.masterkodaselectpublishing.com or you can find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/semyers.author

Single mom seeking…

happiness.

Isn’t that what life is all about?  What makes me happy?  That is the question that I ask myself every morning when I wake up.  How can I make sure I have a great day?  How can I make sure I am not a grumpy butt toward my kids?  I know that we choose our own perceptions.  Agree with me or not, it’s true.  I have a choice to yell at the driver who cut me off (this morning), or I can continue singing along to the Swedish Mafia song pounding against my speakers.

I haven’t always had this idea – I haven’t had it long – but it works.  It sometimes takes a few (more than a few) deep breaths to push back the overwhelming feeling to yell at people, but I feel better afterward.  I have to apply this to my career also.

I am a mother.  I am an indie author signed with an indie publisher.  I work for a corporation.  I am an accounting student close to receiving my degree.  

I am all of those things and more.  They all (almost all) make me happy.

I am proud of my children and the love I have for them is beyond expression.  I love to write and cannot believe I published a book.  It has been an amazing feat and well received!  And, I have more coming!  Signing with Master Koda has been a blessing.  Because of the many hats I wear I need the extra eyes, push, help and support they they are giving me.  School has been an amazing experience and gives me the degree I need to move forward in my corporate career.  I hope to not have to work a corporate career for many more years, however, I am a realist and currently, I need that extra income.

I am a single mom.  I have been single for many years.  For the past 7 1/2 years I have focused on raising my children.  Yes, I’ve been single that long.  Am I looking for companionship?  Sure, I would love to have someone in my life, but where would I put them? Ha!

Because my book is was republished, it has fallen in the ranks and I need your help to get it back up there.  Here is the link:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AXOR7S6

Share it with your friends, family, acquaintances, Facebook, twitter, etc…

They will love it

 

A new scene for “The Body Thief”

“Harri, they have Drew.”  The words fell from my mouth faster than I could catch them.  

Harri nodded.  “I figured they would find him, Andie. You don’t ever listen to me.  You never have,” she said as she lit up a cigar. “I’d always known the Cleric’s ran a dirty business. But they usually stayed out of my way, and I made a point to stay out of theirs.”  She blew a smoke ring that continued to grow in size as it drifted lazily toward me. It extended in shape with each movement, stretching its boundaries until its path collided with mine and passed my head through its center like a lion through a circus ring.

I shrugged. “That doesn’t matter now does it,” I said making sure to drag out the sarcasm. Harri narrowed her eyes. Her irritation with my statement itched my skin.

“It does matter now,” she emphasized. “Everything you have done until now matters. The whole frazzing establishment is breathing down my neck! I’m the one who took you in. I’m the one who gave you this job. I’m the one who has your back and has your back-up. So don’t you give me that shoddy crap line that ‘It doesn’t matter now.’ It all matters. Every single bit of it matters. Every single moment matters. Everything.” Harri slammed her hands down on her desk. Her face turned red in frustration, except this time, it also traveled down her neck.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered. I meant it. “I don’t know why you have risked everything for me.” I could feel the tears stream down my cheeks unintentionally. I never cried in front of Harri. I never allowed any true emotion through to anyone. Except Drew, and now Harri.

Harri rose from her desk and slowly walked toward me. She shoved my kicks from her desk and rested her hands on my thighs kneeling down so she was face to face with me. Her dark grey eyes were bloodshot, but even then, they were full of wisdom. The lines that ran from the corners of her eyes connected to those from the corner of her mouth. She sighed and dropped her head down.

“What?” I said. I hadn’t seen her this way before. It made me a little nervous.

She raised her head, her eyes glistening. “Andie, I love you like you are my own child.”

“I know,” I interjected.

“Let me finish,” she said. “This is hard for me. I haven’t had anyone in my life that I could ever count on. At least, until you came along.”

My throat thickened and it was hard to swallow.

“The road before us is dangerous. These Clerics, they run everything. They are powerful. They have powerful weapons. And if I lost you…” Harri’s voice choked up and she rose to her feet turning away from me. “If I lost you, I don’t know what I would do,” she finished.

“Harri,” I said. I grabbed her hand. “Harri, you are like a mother to me. You have been the foundation beneath me. After Sarah died, you were all I had. I know that I haven’t been the best friend or employee or even kid that you had to take care of. But know that I love you and everything I do from this point on, it’s not just for me. It’s for us. It’s for all of us. If we don’t stand up to them and we don’t hurt them the way that they have hurt us. They will continue to control everything and everyone. And people like Drew, will continue to be extracted and disposed of. There has to be a change. And I have to do what I can to make that happen.”

“I know,” Harri sighed. “That’s why I am going with you.” Harri turned around, her face dry and eyes determined. “But we aren’t going alone. The Cleric’s think they have confiscated all mass weaponry, they haven’t. There are multiple rebellion factions that have waited for this moment for the past decade. They have been waiting for this moment. Waiting for you. Andie, you are the only one who can lead us to freedom.”

 

I’m a little annoyed…

You know, I have had my book read and edited at least 6 times.  This does not include the most recent edit for the re-release by MKSP.  It annoys me to no end when someone jumps on the “bad grammar and misspellings” train.  My book has been edited.  Multiple times.  I don’t care if you are a retired typographer or proofreader.  I’ve had a proofreader go through my book.  I’m seriously annoyed.  If you wonder why my book is written in short sentences and intentional fragments, my target audience is ages 11 – 16+.  Just putting that out there also.  

Another Big Thing!!!

Thank you to Kim Emerson of MKSP for linking me back to “The Next Big Thing” blog hop!

What is the working title of your book?    The Body Thief

Where did the idea come from for the book?  From the darkest recesses of my mind.  I am not sure where it came from, but it started out with Andie sitting in a chair waiting for someone to come through a door.

What genre does your book fall under?  This book would be classified as fantasy with a hint of paranormal and science fiction.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?  For Andie, definitely Mila Jovovich.   On a side-note, I’ve written screenplays so when scenes come to me, I always see them as a movie playing out in my head.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  I can’t write a one-sentence synopsis, but I can write one paragraph from Andie herself, “We all make our own choices.  We carve our own paths – our own niches.  I’m on my own journey.  I will offer you a word of warning – if you cross my path the wrong way – I’ll be the one to continue pressing forward through the quicksand.  I will win.  And, when I get to the other side, I won’t look back to save you.  But I will make sure you end up where you are supposed to be.  Because if we do meet, I am your destiny.”

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?  This book will be represented by MKSP, more than likely.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?  It took three months and I am still slowly working on it.  I don’t have a lot of time.  I work, go to school, and am a single mother.  I spend whatever other time I have between my family, homework, and my children.  Whatever is left over (including breaks and lunch at work) on writing.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?  Maybe the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison if I am so bold.  And, I think I am.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?  Where does inspiration come from?  My brain works on a million different levels at times and sometimes there are moments and scenes that pop in and play out if I let them.  This was one of those moments.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?  This book also has a science fiction feel.  There are a lot of moving parts to this story.  I’ve created a dystopian society with an overflowing prison population and part of the reason for break-outs and escapes, ties in the creation of containment. (Did I pique your interest?)

And now, tagging fun!  Take a moment to visit these blogs.  They are great author’s and have helped me a lot on my way.  I rely on them for advice and they have become my friends.

Todd Brown - http://twbrown.blogspot.com/

Donna Dillon - http://authordonnadillon.blogspot.com/

Laurie Boris - http://laurieboris.com/

Nicole Storey - http://nicolestorey.wordpress.com/

These guys are great and have insightful posts and are HUGE supporters and proponents of the independent author community.

A rough excerpt from “The Body Thief”…

Here is an excerpt from The Body Thief.  It is in 1st person, however, I may switch it to 3rd.  I’m not sure yet.  I hope you enjoy!

 

My hair hung in my face, stringy and matted. I could smell the blood from the lashing I’d just received. I couldn’t help but think of the irony here. Punished by those who elicit my help in catching those who need punished.

 

A groan escaped my lips that I’d been holding back.

 

“You wouldn’t have been subjected to that had you just told us where he is,” Cleric Peter said through gritted teeth.

 

A stream of words invaded my thoughts threatening to erupt from my mouth, but the wracking pain I felt coursing through my body prevented them from escaping my lips.

 

I’d been duped. We’d all been duped into believing the cleric’s had our best interest in mind. They ran everything. Everything.

 

Drew pushed through my mind. He didn’t have much time before he needed a new body. I still held some form of disbelief that the Cleric’s imprisoned him because he found out the truth. Should I even tell them that I know? Should I tell them that I found out? What more would they do? Should I risk the same consequence Drew suffered?

 

Cleric Peter pushed me forward pressing on one of the more tender of spots. I was still a little off balance and my hands tied behind my back didn’t help any.

 

“Do you mind,” I muttered. I was sure he didn’t.

 

I knew where he was taking me. The Order requested my presence I was sure of that. Just like I was sure they requested Cleric Peter to “convince” me I needed to tell them where Drew was.

 

I tripped almost falling on my face. “Whoa, there,” grunted Peter as he caught me just in time.

 

“It might help if you untied my hands,” I said snidely.

 

“Not a chance,” replied Peter. “Not a chance at all.” Peter pushed me from the back and I winced in pain. I took in a deep breath to push it back down and save it for later. He would be the first one. That was for sure.

 

We arrived in front of the dark steel doors guarding the Order’s Requiem. I shivered remembering the last time I was here. The trial without a trial. The Order against me. Demanding me I tell them where Drew was. Asking about Fate. Asking about my sister. The more I thought about it, the more pissed I became.

 

Peter held us at the entry way until he heard a commanding, “Enter!” The ominous voice bounced from wall to wall echoing and growing quieter. I rolled my eyes. I never realized their dramatic flair for effect until now.

The holidays are upon us and what you can expect from me…

Why hello there!

I had a fantastic Thanksgiving with my family and friends.  I hope that you had one with yours as well!

With the Holidays fastly approaching, I encourage you to reach out to those in need and help where you can.  There are a lot of families who will not be able to provide what they desire for their family.  Please help your neighbor’s, friends, and be kind to those you don’t know.  A kind word, hug, or smile may be just the extra touch someone might need.  Adopting a family for the holidays is a rich and rewarding experience, I encourage you to do it if you have the means to do so. 

I have been blessed.  Richly blessed by my friends and family.  I want you all to know how much I love you.  To my new fans I want to say how excited I am to have you reading Ryleigh’s journey.

I have been fervently working on Dark Inhibition, Book 2 in The Revelation Series.  I’ve written then ending and I have never felt so emotional toward anything else that I have written.  This second book does lead into the third, in case you were wondering.  My cover artist Nikki Fortugno and myself have been talking about the design of the next book and let me tell you, she has some amazing concepts.  I am so excited to see them!  I hope you will be too!

For the book drawing/raffle (remember that in October!), the winner was Amy Stuhr Summe.  She won a signed copy of my book “Dark Revelation”, a signed copy of “Zomblog: Snoe” by T.W. Brown, “Through the Gloaming” by Donna Dillon, and two books from the Master Koda Select Publishing library.  She is excited to read new authors!

I will ask that you try reading from an independent author this holiday season.  Support the arts, support local artists, and support your own creativity by venturing out of your comfort zone and do something you have always wanted to do.

I am enjoying every minute of this writing gig even though there are moments I am exhausted, stressed from work, and just dying for one more minute in the day.  I can’t wait for the road ahead and I look forward to this encroaching New Year!

Swirling Memories

It’s always the same. The road I’m on. One foot in front of the other. Blisters burning, heels cracking, and chapped lips licked by my dry tongue.

The dust continues to swirl around me chaffing my skin.

When you think of the end, you don’t imagine this. A dust bowl filled with the remnants of shattered memories. All wasted moments end up here. All in the swirling sands of time.

Grabbing a handful of sand, reflections of a childhood long forgotten sifts through my fingers. Shards of forked roads swarm my vision with what could have been and what was instead.

Too much regret and indecision.

I press forward in my journey, taking a refreshing gulp of air filling my lungs with a renewed sense of hope.

Shimmering mirages of tomorrow whisper promises of adventure. The sand takes shape and lush meadows birth beneath my feet. The wind cools the harshness of the heat my skin endured. With one thought, a change takes place, and endless possibilities replace the hopelessness. I breathe a sigh of relief with the realization that nothing is written in stone and destiny can change with a blink.

The road lays before me untraveled. One foot in front of the other, I continue to tread. One foot in front of the other, the road may be the same, but the scenery has changed.

Mistaken Identity

I have been busy working a lot of overtime lately.  I still have a raffle to do (Saturday) and in the meantime have messages, posts, and twitter’s to respond to.

The most interesting messages have been from Twilight fans.  I usually try to respond but sometimes I get many and have to ignore them.  Not that I want to ignore potential readers, but, explaining I am not Stephenie Meyer 20 times in a row becomes monotonous.

The message that drew my attention belongs to Jamie:

Hi Ms. Myers, Just wanta say I’m a huge fan of your work! Truely amazing, I’m sure you get this all the time! I was wondering if I could ask a favor not for me but my 15 year old cousin Nichole who just adores your books, lost everything including her prized twilight books in a 3 alarm house fire afew weeks ago in Bedford NH, would it be possible to purchase signed copies of your twilight series from you to send to her, I know it would lift her spirits to receive such a gift… She is one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met… She is the first one to help out when others are in need… When I was trying to put a care package together the day after the fire she is so selfless that she said thank you but she didn’t want me spending money, I love this little girl so much & feel horribly for her… I’ve sent her clothes and gift cards but these things can not replace the memories and special things she has lost… I would love to give her something special she will never forget it… I know this would mean the world to her… Please think of doing this for this special little girl again I will pay for the books & shipping… I know you are a busy woman so thank you for your time, and thank you for such wonderfully written works. Jamie Schneider

I of course mentioned that I am an indie author and not Stephenie Meyer but I am more than happy to help.

Here is the News Article.

She apologized for the confusion and advised that it isn’t a great situation and that she would check out my book on Amazon.com.

I received another message:

I was checking out your book in amazon I think Nichole would really enjoy it, I can send you money for a signed copy for Nichole :)

I will send a book for free.

Here is another article I found. Three-alarm fire

This wasn’t a small home and based on the market value (yes, I did my internet research) it was worth almost a half million, I am sure that her parents can afford to buy her more books.  But, that is beside the point.

I would like my fellow indie YA authors to jump in with both feet and send their books to this little girl.   If you are willing to help, please email me @ semyers.author@gmail.com and I will provide you her address information to send your books to.

I’ll be mailing mine this weekend.

 

The Next Big Thing Blog Chain

Thank you to Jeremy Bates for including me in this!

Awesome!  This is my first real Blog Hop thing.  If your name is listed at the bottom of this blog post, copy and paste these ten questions into your blog, answer them referencing one of your works, either a book or WIP.  Then whomever reads this post will hop on over to your blog and so on, and so on, and so on…   And if you want to hope aboard –just contact one of the bloggers at the bottom of the post and they will likely add you to their five-author list.

My TEN questions are going to be about the next book in the Revelation Series.

TEN QUESTIONS:

1. What is the working title of your book?

Dark Inhibition.  I think the title really delves into the psyche of Ryleigh and where she is after her battle with Finar.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

It is the second in the series.  Originally, I wanted to write a stand-alone YA novel.  But then, this story I have brewing has become pretty large.  I’ve semi-outlined the third and final installment, but I’ll talk about that another day.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

YA Supernatural (Paranormal as it is written) OR under Amazon guidelines, Children’s Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I’ve actually thought about this.  Is that weird?  I love love LOVE, Emma Stone.  I think she would make an awesome Ryleigh, but my children think she might be too old.  I think she is just right to be honest.  I also like Alex Pettyfer for Tristan.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

It’s time to fight the darkness inside.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Hopefully through Master Koda, they’ve accepted the first installment for re-release and will hopefully not pass on the 2nd.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I’m still working on it.  I want this completed by Christmas or shortly after.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Beautiful Darkness-ish.

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My children.  My family.  The support of my small fan base.  I love you guys!  And the support of all the indie author’s I’ve connect with

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

If you liked the first one, you’ll love the second.  More romance, more turmoil, and … you-know-who is coming back, bigger and badder than ever!

YAY!  Now, five awesome writers that I am tagging in this tour!

Todd Brown

Nicole Storey

Donna Dillon

Rich Meyer

Ey Wade