Jo Michaels's Blog, page 20

Ozarks Indie Book Fest - First Panel Announced

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I have some exciting news to share with you all today. OIBF's official blogger, The Katy, announced the first panel and moderator for the conference in 2017 (October 19-22)! See the video embedded below.


Want to join in the fun? You can grab your tickets to OIBF on the website here.

Interested in being a sponsor or want an item in the welcome bags? Check out this quick rundown of sponsorships currently available!



I'll be there, and I know a ton of other people who will be there, too!

If you think you'd like to be a part of the OIBF anthology, write a quick 1k words and enter it here. Blind judging will choose the top ten! Deadline for entries is 9/30. Deadline for completed short stories is 12/31. Coolest thing about it? ALL the proceeds will be split between two charities: Loving Paws Rescue and Companions for Heroes. Oh yeah! What are you waiting for?

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I do hope to see you all at the conference! It's gonna be a BLAST. You don't wanna miss it.

What do you think? Did you enter? Planning to?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Cover Reveal - Being Me

 “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.”
-The Great Gatsby

In attempt to manage her rage and shame after a violent assault, Amanda loses touch with reality. Her spiraling physical state forces her to act or die. But to face her demons, she must revisit the emotions she hid from in the first place. Still unsure of what life she wants, but determined to pick up the pieces, she seeks out the right path. Can she mend broken bonds with her friends and family? Will her epic love survive? Find out in this roller coaster finale of the Being Me series.























Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia and now lives in Colorado with her husband, three kids, and multiple four legged and finned friends. Drops of Sunshine is her first young adult and paranormal work. First published in Spellbound, a YA paranormal novella collection, it has already received great reviews. Tricia’s clean new adult Being Me series includes the titles Is This Me?, If I Could Fly, Think You Know Me and Being Me. If not on the trail, you can find Tricia at triciacopeland.com or on many social media channels.



Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Google+ ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube





a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release - Origin - Othala Witch Collection Sector 1

Happy Friday, everyone! Today, I have some more awesome news for you all! If you remember, back in November of 2015, I posted about the Fallen Sorcery novels (if you don't recall, that's okay! Here's the post). Well, the first of the novels, Origin by Rebecca Hamilton, released yesterday, and I'm now allowed to share all the awesome details with you about the collection. Several are available for pre-order, too! Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

Even though it's in the post I linked to above, it won't hurt to retype three things: Get the newsletter for all the Fallen Sorcery collection novels here. Follow FS on Twitter here. Like the page on Facebook here.

Follow the entire Othala Witch Collection on Amazon here, and get more awesome Fallen Sorcery release news by following that author page on Amazon here.

Now, on to the info!

About the Othala Witch Collection:

Many years ago, the Original Sixteen witches were able to contain an outbreak of demon-like creatures from overtaking the earth. But doing so came at a cost. For the human race to survive, the world had to be divided into sixteen sectors, trapping the Ravagers to the Outlands beyond, and trapping the humans in.
The Original Sixteen served as Regents over each of these sectors, and when they died, the strongest of witches took their place, using their own personal enchantment abilities to protect their sector. In the process, communication was lost. The only solace that remains is the knowledge that if another sector fails, their own may still survive.
But what happens when your sector is the one to fail? What happens when the world inside your walls is just as bad as the one outside them? In this collection of sixteen adult dystopian paranormal romance tales, each and every one of the sixteen sectors is about to find out.
Origin - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 1:Author: Rebecca HamiltonGenre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal RomanceLength (print): 390 pagesBuy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99
Blurb:New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton’s ORIGIN is the first in the dystopian paranormal romance collective, The Othala Witch Collection.Don’t fall in love with the Doomed Queen.ALEC KLADIVO: Soldier. Hunter. Fool.

When Alec was a boy, the border posts failed, and Ravagers infiltrated their sector. Through sacrificing his sister, he saved his city and gained the respect of Sector One’s Regent. Ever since that day, he has served his sector with unfailing loyalty and nobility. Until he met her.

ADIRA CHOVANEK: Thief. Witch. Doomed Queen.

In Sector One, there is no greater commodity than a witch. Which is exactly why each and every one of them are in hiding. Should they be discovered by the hunters, they will suffer one of two fates—both of which end in death—unless they can kill a Ravager and bring forth an heir for the sector’s Regent. The only problem is, the Regent is sterile, and would sooner exile a Doomed Queen than admit that to himself or anyone else. This is Adira's fate.

THIRTEEN: The number of days before Adira’s death.

Alec has given Adira just under two weeks to turn herself in and accept her role as the only person who might be able to save their failing sector from certain extinction. And he’s spent each and every one of those days trying to convince her it is the right thing to do. But what happens once he’s finally persuaded her, only to find out he’d been mistaken all along?

Read what fans of The 100, Under the Dome, and Wayward Pines are hoping will be the next hit television drama.
Winter Souls - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 10:Author: Angela FristoeGenre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal RomanceLength (print): Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99 (preorder)
Blurb:
To reclaim his soul, they will risk everything…

For six years, Elora has been confined to an island with the Ice Witch, Niobe. When her captor dies, Elora flees across the ice bridge back to Mason, the man she’s kept in her heart all these years. But Mason isn’t the same man she left behind. In his place is a cold and emotionless stranger.

Mason will never forget the day Elora disappeared over the ice bridge. It was the day the Ice Witch tore out his soul. He has settled into his life as a Tank Guard, protecting the small inlet at the northern edge of the sector from ravagers. But with Elora’s return, he has an opportunity to reclaim his soul and the life he thought lost forever.

It’s a dangerous task that will lead Mason and Elora to the depths of the Underworld. It’s a journey none has ever returned from.


Star Crossed - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 11:Author: J. E. TaylorGenre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal RomanceLength (print): 492 pagesBuy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99 (preorder)
Blurb:No matter which side of the coin she’s on, Star is destined to lose everything she loves.

To keep Sector Eleven in his bloodline, Jaden has to marry a pure witch. Born into the Regency, his challenge is to find a wife who satisfies his mother’s criteria while also managing to love him. Easier said than done when ambition supersedes the connection of hearts in a love mandate.

When Jaden asks Star to help him find a suitable mate, she agrees, but her heart doesn’t want any part of it. Forced to serve the Regency since she was born, Star has been raised to hide her magical ability from Jaden and his mother, for fear the Regent would carry out her promise to destroy Star if she ever showed a propensity for magic.

Star is not sure which is worse, exposing her secrets to the man she loves which will have her exiled to the ravagers, and certain death, or playing matchmaker and losing Jaden to someone else. No matter which side of the coin she’s on, she’s destined to lose everything she cares about. 
Other books in the collection:
Sector 2: Mystic Storm by Bella Love-WinsSector 3: Hybrid by Apryl BakerSector 4: Immortal Winter by N. R. Larry and Rainy KayeSector 5: Under by Conner Kressley and Rebecca HamiltonSector 6: Red Magic by A. C. AndrijeskiSector 7: Savage by Conner KressleySector 8: Dark Elements by Lisa SwallowSector 9: Alchemy by Noree CosperSector 12: Forbidden by Shannon EckrichSector 13: Sea Cursed by Amy Lee BurgessSector 14: Forgotten by Heather Marie AdkinsSector 15: Wildfire by Jaret MartensSector 16: Faye Magic by Jo Michaels
If you'd like a peek at the other covers, visit the Othala Witch Collection page on the Fallen Sorcery website here.
What do you think? Gonna check them out?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo

GLBB Tickets on Sale NOW! Plus, FREE Entry!

Happy Wednesday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I have the AWESOME news for you! GLBB tickets are on sale NOW! Ready to grab yours? Get your clicking fingers ready and let's get going.


Get tickets HERE.
Here's the info, schedule, and available ticket packages:

A two-day event in 2017, Great Lakes Book Bash is going to be an epic experience that you won't want to miss. It's more than just a book signing. There will be informational panels geared towards authors, readers, and bloggers. Don't forget about the COSTUME Party on Saturday night celebrating that "Readers are our Rock Stars".
For more information about the event, please visit our website at www.greatlakesbookbash.com.

Thursday 10/26/2017
7pm - Registration will open to exhibitors and assistants
7-9pm - Exhibitor set-up

Friday 10/27/2017
9:30-10:30am - Opening announcements and keynote speech from M.R. Polish (everyone is welcome to come to the opening announcements and keynote speech - no ticket required)
10:30am - registration opens for ticket holders
11am-2pm - Author signing (bring your own books or buy them from the authors)
3pm-7pm - Informational panels
9pm - Exhibitor meet and greet (location TBD)

Saturday 10/28/2017
10:30am - registration opens for ticket holders
11am-2pm - Author signing
2pm-3pm - Exhibitor break-down
3pm-6pm - Informational panels
8pm-12am - Readers are our Rock Stars COSTUME Party

(The schedule of events is subject to change at any time. The most up to date version of the schedule can be found on our website at the address listed above.)

WHEN:
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 9:30 AM - Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11:30 PM (EDT)

WHERE:
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center - 100 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Available Ticket Packages:

Friday Signing ONLY ticket Free This ticket includes your admission to the signing on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 11am-2pm only in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.
Hide Info Saturday Signing ONLY ticket Free  This ticket includes your admission to the signing on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm only in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.
Hide Info Two-day Signing ticket $15.00 (+$1.37 fee)  This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Friday, October 27, 2017 and Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on both Friday and Saturday. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary. This ticket DOES NOT include admission to the Rock Star Costume Party on Saturday night.
Hide Info Rock Star Costume Party ONLY ticket $15.00 (+$1.37 fee)  This ticket includes your admission to the Rock Star Costume Party on Saturday, October 28, 2017 ONLY that will be held in the Ballroom at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, MI from 8pm to midnight. You MUST pick up for name badge before entering the costume party at the registration table that will be located outside the ballroom beginning at 7pm.
Hide Info Rock Star Pass $20.00 (+$1.49 fee) This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 7pm and the Rock Star Costume Party that will be held from 8pm to midnight at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in the Ballroom. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.
Hide Info VIP Rock Star Pass $30.00 (+$1.74 fee) This ticket includes your admission to Great Lakes Book Bash on Friday, October 27, 2017 and Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the Kalamazoo Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, MI as well as ALL panels on both Friday and Saturday, the Rock Star Costume Party & you will receive a VIP tote bag filled with goodies from some of the attending authors. Registration will open at 10:30am. You MUST stop at the registration table located outside the event room and pick up your name badge to be granted access to the event. A master list will be available and no printed ticket will be necessary.
What are you waiting for? Get on it RIGHT NOW!

Tickets HERE!
Well, what do you think? Are you coming?

That's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

New Release - Destiny

Can you survive your destiny?
Alone and imprisoned by the Ravinori, Geneva’s legendary power is tested as Malakai’s quest for supremacy threatens the people she loves. It’s do or die as she faces her overwhelming destiny head on. Despite the cost, Geneva will give everything she has to fulfill her mythical prophecy. She’s forged the strength and courage to face her fate, but can Geneva’s light surpass the darkness?





*PLEASE INSERT REVIEW HERE IF REVIEWING*


























Christina Benjamin is the Award-Winning Author of the Young Adult series The Geneva Project.

Her debut novel, The Geneva Project - Truth, has won multiple awards, including the Gold Medal for YA fiction at the 2014 Florida Authors & Publishers Awards.

The Geneva Project offers fans of mega-hit YA fiction like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson a new series to obsess over. Christina paints a vivid world, where magic and imagination run wild in her epic tale of adventure, courage, friendship and self-discovery.

Christina lives in Florida with her husband, and her character inspiring pets, where she spends her free time working on her book series and speaking at schools to inspiring creativity in young writers.Awards:
FAPA President's Gold Medal (YA Fiction)
London Book Festival - Runner-Up (Young Adult Category)
"Top Choice" - www.litpik.com
Readers Favorite- Silver Medal(YA Fiction)
Bookie Award- Favorite New Author

Facebook     FB Book Series     Twitter     Instagram     Instagram Book Series    Tumblr   Google+     YouTube     LinkedIn     Website     Book Website      SquareUp    Amazon    Goodreads    Trivia Quiz on Goodreads

Guest Post - 5 Self-Editing Tips that Will Make Your Book 10 Times Better

Happy WHATEVER, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I have a super special guest post for you all on editing. The fabulous Alicia Rades is going to take you through a number of tips to make your book awesome. Don't forget to give Alicia a follow on all the social media things linked at the end of this post! Ready? Grab those pens and notebooks and let's get going!
 5 Self-Editing Tips that Will Make Your Book 10 Times Better

As authors, we go through a lot of stages of writing. There’s brainstorming, outlining, actually writing the first draft, self-editing, beta reading, more self-editing, repeat, repeat, sending to an actual editor, and so on. I don’t know about you, but for me, self-editing is one of the longest and most stressful stages.

It’s also one of the most satisfying. Seeing your story transform into something better than you imagined is a magical experience. What’s better is that you get the satisfaction of knowing you made that happen.

Self-editing should never be used to replace a professional editor. However, tweaking scenes, improving wording, and catching your own mistakes can all help you make your story better. Here are a couple of techniques I personally use when self-editing my novels.

Take a Breather

The first thing I do is set my manuscript aside. I recommend forgetting about it for at least two weeks. I know. It sounds like torture to not be working on your book. But this strategy allows you to approach your manuscript with a clear mind. Once you start to forget a little of what you wrote, it almost feels like you’re reading someone else’s writing. It makes it so much easier to spot your mistakes.

Focus on One Thing at a Time

Don’t go through your manuscript looking to fix everything at once. Instead, take it in stages. The first time back through it, you might read for plot holes or areas that need clarification. Next, identify unnecessary scenes. Then focus on characters actions and their development throughout the story. Do they act like themselves the whole time? Do they grow from beginning to end?

Once you have the bigger kinks worked out, you can move on to focus on your wording. Is there a better way to describe an action? Do you repeat the same words too often? Are there misspellings that spellcheck didn’t catch, such as “weather” versus “whether”?

That’s not to say you should ignore certain parts if you’re not explicitly looking for them. For example, if you are reading for plot holes but notice a misspelling, feel free to fix it. Just don’t try to fix everything at once or you’ll end up missing too much.

Search for Overused or Misused Words or Phrases

Once I get down to the nitty gritty and start looking for ways to clean up my phrasing, one of the most effective tactics I’ve found is to use the search function. In a Microsoft Word document, there’s a “find” button, or you can click CTRL + F. Then type in the word you know you want to clean up throughout the manuscript.

For example, like many authors, I’m a culprit of using the word “that” far too often. As a general rule, you should only use it provide clarification. Overusing it makes your writing seem somewhat amateurish, and it can pull readers out of the story. So by searching “that” in your document, you can identify areas where it’s needed and where it can be removed.

Don’t stop the search at phrases you tend to overuse. Also take a look at words you tend to misuse. Examples include:
good/wellaffect/effecttheir/they’re/thereyour/you’relay/liethat/whichfurther/fartherRead Your Manuscript Aloud

It’s a tedious task, but reading your manuscript aloud is worth it. Doing this makes it easier to catch strange phrasing or repeated information in the story. I personally read each of my books aloud to my husband like an audiobook when we’re in the car together. This gives me a chance to hear mistakes while my husband can give me feedback on the storyline. If you’re not comfortable reading aloud to someone else, it can be just as effective to do it in private.

Don’t Over Edit

As authors, we want the work we send out to the world to be perfect. The reality is that it isn’t going to be perfect because you’re always going to want to change something. And when you’re always changing something, you may end up working backward and hurting your manuscript.

The good news? You can get pretty darn close to perfection! To manage that, though, you eventually need to set down your manuscript and say, “I’m done!” Self-edits are an important part of creating a professional product. They work together with a professional editor to make your story the best it can be. Not only that, but working with an editor can help you become better at self-editing.

Do you have any personal strategies when it comes to self-editing? Tell us your secrets in the comments.

Would you like to follow Alicia? Here are all the stalk links!
Website: aliciaradesauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliciaradesauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciarades
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/aliciarades
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alicia-Rades/e/B00F9ZFTE8/

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Cover Reveal - JILL

Title: JILLAuthor: N.L. GreeneGenre: NA Thriller/SuspenseExpected Release Date: September 30, 2016


Blurb:
Jill Abberline is an only child, raised by her single Detective dad. Although he’s done his best to raise a well rounded girl, Jill’s remained quiet, shy, and studious. Now in college, a few years ahead of other kids her age, she’s working hard to get her degree and help make the world a better place. She’s had her life planned out since day one, and hasn’t allowed anything to distract her from her goals.
Nothing could’ve prepared her for when those plans were derailed and her dreams crushed.
Now Jill’s faced with horrific changes that force her to try and put the pieces of her life back together. As she does, she discovers a case her dad has secretly been working on, opening her eyes to the real world around her. One filled with deceit, lies, murder… and revenge.
Author Bio:


Author N.L. Greene is a writer of many genres from YA Fantasy, to NA Paranormal Romance and Contemporary, to Adult Historical Fiction, and many more to come. Her first series, The Deadly Flowers Series (written under the pen name Riana Lucas), is a 4 book series about a Faery warrior, Poppy. Writing under the name N.L. Greene, she has written NA magically romantic books in the series The MysticSeeker Series, and about bullying in her mature YA Contemporary novel, Twisted. She has also had the opportunity to collaborate with four other amazing authors to create Fractured Glass and Seven, both of which are award winning novels.
N.L. Greene currently lives in Florida with her husband and two beautiful daughters. When she isn't writing or reading, she enjoys traveling around the world with her family, shopping and doing other girly things with her girls, or playing video games with her husband. She is a lover of dogs, chocolate, and anything pink!




Author Links:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1T6GigXFacebook - http://bit.ly/263gwBsTwitter - @AuthorNLGreeneInstagram - @greene_nicholeBlog - www.nlgreene.blogspot.com
Haven't read anything by N.L. Greene? Check out Illusions Begin for FREE on Amazon now! http://amzn.to/1TiZLLx
You guys, I'm frothing at the mouth to get my hands on this book!

What do you think?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Harvest Saga Box Set

Title: The Harvest Saga Box SetAuthor: Casey L BondGenre: YA DystopianHosted by: Lady Amber’s PR Blurb: Reap (Book 1): The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers. In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon. Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of. She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow. But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend? Resist (Book 2): Abby Kelley returns home from the Greater city of Olympus to find that things in Orchard Village are bad, very bad. The Olympian Guard has taken over village affairs. The Lessers are being worked to the bone in the coldest winter Orchard has seen. Villagers are being dragged away for the slightest indication of what they call “resistance.” She needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. But, it’s so hard to do when everything within you screams rebellion. Kyan is coming on strong, trying to convince her to take a chance on him. Shocking news of Crew’s activities in Olympus sweeps through the Villages. When Abby is taken away by the Olympian guard, Kyan sends word to Vesuvius for help. But, no one could have predicted their idea of help or what they might expect in return. Who will be left to pick up the pieces of Abby’s heart? Reclaim (Book 3): The Greaters have ruled over the Lessers since The Fall. They’ve taken Abby’s family. They’ve taken her friends. They’ve taken her hostage and threatened the villages. Enough is enough. Freedom is worth fighting for. Love is worth dying for. And the Lessers are done taking orders from the Greaters. Reclaim…the epic conclusion of the award-winning Harvest Saga. Award-winning author Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction. You can find more information about Bond’s books via the following links: Website: www.authorcaseybond.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybondTwitter: https://twitter.com/authorcaseybondGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212486.Casey_L_BondPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PmE0pgFan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032678336804562/Newsletter: http://authorcaseybond.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e812bbce406a10776c6a28162&id=79850847f2Buy Link: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2b6leckIf you love The Harvest Saga, you can vote for the series to be made into a television show or film! You can nominate actors and choose your dream cast! http://www.iflist.com/stories/reaptheharvestsaga A SLAM JOLTED ME OUT of my slumber. Another bang echoed in the front of the cabin, and footsteps hurried to my door. I didn’t know how long I’d slept, or if it was still daylight, but I was still tired and wanted to retreat back into the sweet abyss again. My door opened, and I turned my head to see my aunt standing in the doorway.“What happened, Abby?” She rushed over.I tried to push myself up, but my back was so stiff. The skin even felt stiff. How was that possible? I winced.“Stay down. Let me see.” She gingerly lifted the back of Ky’s shirt and peeked underneath. The fabric slowly peeled away from my skin where the bandages Evelyn had applied didn’t quite reach, or had shifted, and it felt like part of the wounds tore open again. A hiss escaped from between my teeth at the same time a curse flew from her lips. “Evelyn sent more salve. She said that your body would absorb part of it and that more would have to be packed in.” Lulu helped me sit up and, one by one, I unbuttoned the shirt and again pried it away from my back. The only portion not torn to shreds from the fifteen lashes was the part my bra had covered; although, by the last lash, it only hung on by a thread.“Evelyn came to the depot. She said you’d been injured and gave me the medicine and salve. I had no idea. Did Norris do this?”All I could do was nod.Lulu took my shirt as I laid back down on my stomach and tried to remain as still as possible while she packed my wounds. Having left the room, I could hear her banging around in the kitchen before she returned with a steaming mug containing more of the special tea. I gulped it down, hoping it would help numb the pain like it had before. When my head hit the pillow, I fell asleep almost immediately.Something was touching my face, caressing my cheek. The skin that brushed mine was rough, hardened by the work we all shared. Am I dreaming? I waited, trying to see if it was real or part of a dream. Whichever it was, it was nice, comforting.Rough fingertips moved over the parts of my back that weren’t split open and packed with gunk. I sucked in a breath and held it. It was real. I moved my head and saw his silhouette against the candlelight flickering in from the kitchen and living room. “Ky?” My voice was raspy and barely sounded like my own. Sleep and exhaustion filled every chord.“Shh. I’m here.” Suddenly, I was very aware I was lying shirtless on my bed. Even though I was on my stomach, that didn’t help me feel any less naked in front of my best friend—who happened to be a member of the male species—a very fine specimen according to my girlfriends.I knew he was handsome. I wasn’t blind. But I didn’t see him like that. He’d dated many of my friends and was getting ready to marry Paige Winters after the harvest was complete and the orchards picked bare. His fingertips traced the intact skin between my shoulder blades, and I tensed under his touch.He’d kissed my head and temple and hugged me more times than I could count, but that was different; it was more intimate. His touch was delicate, gentle compared to his normal strength, and anything but playful. “Ky?”He didn’t answer. His fingers explored my back, careful not to stray too close to the wounds streaking across my skin. “Kyan?”“Shut up, Abby. Just let me... Just shut up.” He’d never talked to me like that. His voice was raspy, and he’d never, ever told me to shut up before. So I did. I wasn’t sure why. He shouldn’t have been touching my skin. Shouldn’t have been caressing the good parts left; but, sitting with me in the dark, he was doing exactly that, and I was allowing it.
Copyrighted 2014 Casey L. Bond

New Release - Unbreakable Heroes of Arcania #3

Unbreakable (HoA #3)Heroes of Arcania TrilogyRELEASE DAY BLITZAugust 18th, 2016

True heroes refuse to be broken.Nova started the fight against Fortune for simple revenge, but now it’s turned into something much bigger. Arcania’s criminals are at each other’s throats, putting the city right in the middle of a warzone. She’ll have to work with a few unlikely allies to end Fortune’s games once and for all. Nova thought she understood what it meant to be a superhero, but will she have to lose herself to truly defeat Fortune?
Fortune has given Cole a choice, one with unbearable consequences. When Cole takes matters into his own hands to save his sister Penelope, he realizes too late he’s another pawn in Fortune’s games. Fortune will use Cole’s gift against his enemies…including Nova. Cole will have to become the hero he always wanted to be if he’s going to protect the love of his life.
Nova and Cole could finally save Arcania from Fortune’s deadly games, but are they willing to sacrifice each other?
BUY IT ON AMAZON Haven’t Started the Series Yet?
~*~ABOUT LIZ~*~
Liz Long is a proud graduate of Longwood University. Her inspiration comes from action and thriller genres and she spends entirely too much time watching superhero movies. Her day job includes writing for a magazine publisher in Roanoke, VA. The Donovan Circus series has best been described as "X-Men meets the circus." Adult horror story Witch Hearts tells the tale of a serial killer hunting witches for their powers. New Adult PNR A Reaper Made is about a teen Reaper who gets caught between falling in love or saving her sister's soul. All titles are available for paperback or ebook on Amazon. To learn more about Liz (including more information on her books, plus writing, marketing, and social media tips), visit her website: http://lizclong.com.
Want to Meet Liz?

New Release - Rescue

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of justice. Would you risk it all for love?”

It all comes down to choice. Choose to live. Choose to die. Choose to love.

Zared’s choice is to rescue the love of his life, Tru Shepard, despite the warrant for his own death. She’s a prisoner at a remote military compound.

Tru’s choices are limited. Marry a man she despises or face death.

Sometimes life dictates what’s important.

Is love enough to risk it all?

Will Zared’s ultimate mission prevail?











CHAPTER 1ZARED“Citizens help the New Order find and eliminate terrorist agitators! The keys to spotting traitors of the American Republic:Traitors don’t support Inoculation Day, …doubt the Government, …don’t watch AR news streams, …talk of Alliance, …avoid mandated educational questionnaires, Traitors don’t support Riza.Don’t be caught supporting a traitor! Be a loyal citizen. Report any and all suspected traitors.”(A communiqué from the Bureau of Homeland Protection)

I saved a life and took a life in a matter of seconds. Watching the Canadian medics wheel Ko away, I know she’ll be fine, thanks to me. Another set of medics claims my father’s body. Also my fault. I did the right thing. He would have killed Ko and anyone else who got in his way. But, my father’s blood staining my hands is a stark reality I have to face. Children don’t kill their parents. We’re supposed to love and cherish them. Yet, parents shouldn’t incite their children to commit murder. Perhaps I could have overlooked his faults. I search my memory trying to latch on to the good times we shared, but the vault’s dry. My father abandoned me years ago.Still, I wanted to forgive him. All I needed was one reason, any excuse would have worked. I wasn’t picky. I needed to know why he discarded me when I needed him the most. Now, I’ll never know.  “Aoki, we need to talk.” The loud, acidic voice cuts through the silence. Malcolm slithers his way across the floor. I have no desire to go up against the former rapper turned activist. I need time to myself to accept what I’ve done.“Can it wait?” I croak.“I need a status report,” he blasts back. The man once known as the Ice Pimp crosses his arms, staring me down with intense, eerie blue eyes.“I need to deal with what happened,” I say absently, pushing the hair off my forehead. A slight tremor quakes through my body followed by a trail of sweat etching its way down my spine. The tremor morphs into a fully charged piston. Its incessant revving urges my feet toward the door. Either time needs to speed up, or Malcolm needs to shut up.  “We ‘preciate what you did for the cause.” I bristle at Malcolm’s callousness. Jabbing a finger, I snap. “It wasn’t about the damn cause. It was self-preservation. Don’t you get it?” Malcolm’s face tightens, insubordination on my part. For once, I didn’t care about the repercussions. What I’d done mattered more than a status report or this militant’s battle. “I killed my FATHER! It was him or me.”Malcolm sneers. “What would you like me to do? Throw you a goddamned party? Get over yo’self. You had a job to do. You did it. End of story.”The arrogant-ass prick doesn’t get it. Killing my father, killing anyone, wasn’t the job. Damn it, I loved my father. At one point in my life, I’m sure, the man loved me. I know he did. I believe he did. I hope he did. I need time to handle my loss and the person I’ve become… a murderer. Reality sucker punches me. I’ve been a lot of things in my life—son, boyfriend, liar, cheat. But never a murderer.One person understands me. Tru. I need my girl.“I’ve got to get out of here.” I rush for the exit.Malcolm blocks my path. “I need the report.”I stare up at him. He juts his chin, squints, and a hard smile crosses his face. Damn! I’m a complete idiot. This ass played me. My fingers clench. “You planned this,” I accuse.“And you carried it out. Mission complete.” His cold eyes mock me.Unbelievable. Malcolm wasn’t man enough to do the job himself, so he set me up. Who the hell does that? I reach for my gun. It’s not in my waistband. The glint of steel catches my eye from the floor.Malcolm follows my line of sight. “You’re not that stupid, Aoki.”He’s right, I concede. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting to rip his heart out with my bare hands. His death, however, serves no purpose. My father will still be dead, and I’ll be a punching bag for Riza. Bastards like him cause their own demise. I storm past Malcolm. His joyless laughter is the backdrop to my hurried steps.A few Alliance mercenaries stand around outside the building. I approach a sturdy soldier in tan camo fatigues. The name on his shirt pocket reads Niang, a Purebred from Senegal. He salutes. I return the gesture. “Aoki.”“Private Niang, sir.” His French-accented voice booms from his body. Definitely not native to the American Republic.“Don’t have to be so formal. No rank here. Did you take someone to an Ubernet café today?”Niang frowns. “No, but I know where it is. I can take you there.”“Good. Let’s go.” I hop into the passenger seat, lean back, and close my eyes. The image of my father’s inanimate body surrounded by his own blood invades my thoughts and causes bile to rise up in my throat. “Pull over, now!”As soon as Niang stops the vehicle, I jump out, spilling my guts across the cracked asphalt. Reality kicks my ass. The gun blast and the image of my father crumpling to the ground loop in my mind.My God, I killed him.With my own hands, I ended my father’s life. Yes, I saved Ko and prevented more bloodshed. But it didn’t change the fact I killed my own flesh and blood.Squeezing my eyes shut, I attempt to mourn for him. To ask God for forgiveness. Memories of the suffering and heartache I endured because of my father’s abandonment blur the lines of grief. His involvement with the New Order crushes any shred of remorse left in my heart.With final resolve, I rest my trembling body against the Jeep. Where will my father’s soul find its resting place? With all the havoc he caused on Earth, I hope he owned a pair of asbestos-lined boots. “Sir?” Niang’s voice, like the peal of shattered glass, interrupts my thoughts. I scrape my hand down my pants leg before wiping my mouth and climb back into the vehicle. “I’m ready.” My life hasn’t been easy. The green kid who stared at a pretty girl across the school yard years ago no longer exists. Life on the streets hardened me, corrupted my youth, and left behind a guy who’s discovering not everyone has my best interests at heart.  Working for the Alliance wasn’t something I could avoid. My options were clear-cut: join the cause and help in any way requested or face punishment for a crime I didn’t commit. I disagreed, but lost the war of words. Malcolm’s possession of a video showing a different altercation sealed my fate and guaranteed my cooperation. If anyone had to die today, it should have been the cold-hearted Hybrid.Trust. It’s not something one does living on the streets of New Detroit. New perils present themselves daily. Deviants, hanging out on corners waiting for guys like me, want to play cat and mouse games. Survival requires being smarter.Joining the Alliance kept me alive. In doing so, I merely exchanged a familiar predator for a craftier, secretive one. It’s time to take back control of my life.Niang stops the vehicle in front of a red-brick storefront. I pull out my phone and call Tru. Straight to voicemail. I exit the vehicle, hoping Tru waits inside the café. 













 SF Benson, a Michigan native, resides in Georgia with her husband, a human daughter,
and a couple of miniature fur kids (two female short-haired guinea pigs). At one time she
wrangled a household which included three Samoyeds, saltwater fish, a hamster, and three
guinea pigs.
SF has always wanted to be a writer, but she’s had a variety of positions ‘feeding’ her
creative brain—blogger/reviewer, customer service representative, veterinary assistant,
marketing assistant, editorial assistant, receptionist, and even cashier for women’s clothing
and shoes.
She’s an avid bookworm who appreciates a well-written book regardless of genre. SF
prefers to write stories which allow her to answer the question “what if”. She leans towards
writing strong, diverse protagonists set in dystopian, science fiction, or paranormal worlds.



Email ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Instagram: @authorsfbenson