Nancy S. Thompson's Blog, page 3

Cover Reveal: Sacrafice HER by Sheena-kay Graham

The day has finally come.Time to reveal the cover of Sacrifice HER. 
Be amazed.
Cover Design: Image of woman with flowing hair (purchased): © Transfuchsian | Dreamstime.comCover Designer:  Langao @ http://fiverr.com/langao
Title: Sacrifice HER
Author: Sheena-kay Graham
Goodreads: Sacrifice HER
Release Date: December 2013
Summary: When a city is at stake is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of War. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.

Sheena-kay Graham was never meant for a traditional job behind a desk. Her childhood career plans included becoming a ballerina, actress or someone who helped people. So naturally she decided to be a writer who writes from her bed. Yes, no desk for this Jamaican book lover. No matter if it’s reading, writing or using the computer....you get the gist. The love of the written word has always been with her leading to stories, novels, poetry and way too much fan fiction. This Christian woman can be found trolling Amazon online, in local book bookstores, watching movies on the big screen or in her bed, or reading/writing/on the laptop...again in her bed.  Mainly writes YA fiction and is ready to unleash her creativity and wow potential readers.
Find Sheena-kay on:Her blog    Goodreads    Facebook    Twitter

IWSG: It's a(n almost) Brave New World!

It’s the first Wednesday of the month. Time for Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
I heard some terrible news today, that another small press has bit the dust.  Distressing since I’m friends with a few of their authors.  I’m sure they’re upset, angry, and confused.  I know this because I went through something sort of similar not too long ago.
No, my publisher hasn’t closed their doors, but they aren’t accepting any new submissions either, which means I can’t submit my follow-up novel, and since it’s a sequel, no other publisher will even consider it without having published the first book.  As you might imagine, I was a bit freaked out.  I was offered my rights back if I wanted them, but that freaked me out even more. 

So I sat back, pondered my situation, and determined my path.  I would see my contract out with my publisher, who, like me, was happy I chose to stay on, but I would go ahead and self-publish my second book, the sequel titled LEVERAGE.  And later, if necessary, I'll re-brand and self-pub my debut, as well.
Two years ago, I never would have considered self-publishing.  It still felt like the industry’s illegitimate child.  Sure, in some ways, it still is.  I mean, I’ve read a few self-pubbed titles lately that should never have seen the light of day in their current state of un-edited-ness, but still, even with all the errors, they're garnering tons of 5-star reviews.  Most readers don't seem to care as long as the story is good.  I’ve learned a lot about self-publishing this year, most of it from my many self-pubbed author friends, and most of them are doing phenomenally well.  It's incredibly encouraging and very exciting!

At this point, I’m not in it for the money.  I’m just looking to build an audience that will grow with me over time.  I’m gaining that audience with my first book, and they’re asking for a sequel, so self-pubbing is the way to go for now.

Does it scare me?  Hell, yes!  
I’m no Carrie Butler, writer/designer/marketing wiz extraordinaire, but I am a DIY gal, so, with a little help where I need it, I’m gonna get this bad boy out there. 

My point?  
Well, if I, the woman committed to traditional publishing, can muscle past the uncertainty and dive into self-publishing with excitement instead of dread and fear, then anyone can, including these authors who now find their books without a home. 
So many of the current bestsellers on Amazon are self-published titles.  That’s why the Big 6—er, I mean, the Big 5—are scrambling for survival.  Anyone with a good story can put it out there, and at a far cheaper price, which is appealing to the ferocious appetites of today’s readers. 
It’s a brave new world out there, or almost anyway.  And I’m going to grab it.  My fear is gone and my attitude adjusted.  I can do this.  So can you!  

__________

On a side note, after only two months, my Facebook author page has nearly 1000 likes, and so, to celebrate, I'm holding a 1000 Likes Giveaway, with dozens of prizes (ebooks, signed paperbacks, and swag) from 31 authors, including bestsellers.

Just go to my Facebook author page or click on the Rafflecopter below.
There are a ton of ways to enter!



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My 1000 Likes Giveaway on Facebook

Is that the prettiest graphic?  The awesomeCarrie Butler at Forward Authority created it for me!
And now, I'm sharing it, and my giveaway, with YOU!

I know not all of you are on Facebook, but if you are, drop my my author page & check out my
1000 Likes Giveaway!
Two months ago, after much arm twisting, I finally started an author page on Facebook, and I'm already almost to 1000 likes.  So to celebrate, I'm giving away tons of prizes, including 5 signed paperbacks and swag, 30 ebooks, and 2 gift cards.  
There are dozens of ways to enter, so check it out!

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I Be Pimpin'!: The Urban Fantasy "FIRST BORN" Paperbacks on Sale!

When twenty-six-year-old graphic designer Lily Moore shapeshifts for the first time, Atlanta police detectives consult wildlife experts to sort through the bizarre forensic evidence she leaves in her wake. Her traumatic transformation coincides with murder and Lily finds herself the center of a mad vortex of area crimes.
On the run, Lily turns to her younger brother to help unravel the secrets surrounding her boyfriend’s death as well as unlock the mysteries of their Chinese heritage. When a loved one goes missing, Lily finds herself scrambling to find purchase in this new world where there hasn’t been balance for a century.

As she learns to master her new preternatural abilities, she must cut through the lies of those around her. With the police and a killer hot on her trail, can she solve the mystery of being First Born or will family secrets prove deadly?
Price slashed from $13.99. Now $8.50 + discounted shipping!http://www.triciazoeller.com/purchase-booksupcoming-works.html
Tricia Zoeller lives in Marietta, Georgiawith her husband, Lou, her little yappy dog, Lola Belle, and her big orange mutant cat, George. Her two stepsons, Joseph and Robert, make stopovers as well, making sure to keep life an adventure. Writing has always been a part of her life–like breathing and chocolate. 
Stalk Tricia here: Website  Facebook Goodreads  Twitter

May I Ask a Favor?

Look at me, two posts in one week!  And I'm not even back from hiatus yet either.  But this is super important, so I hope you can take a quick moment to give this some consideration.

My BFF, author Lisa Regan's, debut novel, Finding Claire Fletcher, is a two-time finalist in the eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards.  It's up for Best Novel and Best Hero/Heroine.  She seems to have Best Heroine category clinched, but is trailing the leader by a few votes in Best Novel and could use some help.

Now, I realize, some will not want to vote for a book they have not yet read, and I totally understand that, so no spanking necessary.  But if you don't object and wouldn't mind going through the process of registering then voting, I would really love your help!
You see, not only is Finding Claire Fletcher a superbly written and fantastic story -- one ripped from the headlines BEFORE there even were headlines -- it rates 4.8 stars on Amazon with 60 of its 70 ratings at 5-stars, and 8 more at 4-stars.  Plus, unlike its leading competition in the awards, Finding Claire Fletcher ranks consistently well in sales.  That should tell you something:  Not only do people love it, they WANT to buy it!  It's that good!  
So, if you're on board to help, this is how you can vote:
1. Go HERE and register. (REGISTER is at the top OR just click on this link).  Don't worry, you will NOT receive any unwanted spam mail from them at all.
Tips:

At the CONFIRMATION CODE captcha -- if it's a video, hit the play button and a phrase will come up along the bottom of the video after 2-4 seconds. Just type that phrase into the blank space at the bottom of the video box. If it's only a simple captcha, then just input the characters.

Below that, after you AGREE TO THESE TERMS and hit  SUBMIT , you're actually DONE.  It will take you to a page that says, "You're almost finished…" THAT'S AN AD. You don't actually have to do anything there. So close out the page.

2. Then go HERE to the Awards Hall to vote.


Tips:

There will be a list of polls.  BEST HERO/HEROINE is closer to the top and BEST NOVEL is almost halfway down the list.  Just click on each poll (or the links I provided above) and you will be taken to a list of books to vote for.  You can go back to the Awards Hall and vote on other polls.
THAT'S IT!!  Thank you so very much for your time and consideration.  I hope we can pull Lisa's book up to the #1 position it so rightly deserves.

Cover Reveal: SWITCHED by Cassie Mae!

Hello!  Yes, I’m still around, though I’m just a lurker these days as I work on my next book and earn a little cash editing.  But I try to stay on top of the comings and goings of my closest writer friends, and today is the cover reveal for Cassie Mae’s next book, Switchedfrom Random House FLIRT, launching sometime in December.


SWITCHEDbyCassie MaeNew Adult Romance coming December 2013
Cassie Mae redefines the New Adult genre with a novel that answers the eternal question: What do you do when you’re head-over-heels for your best friend’s guy?
Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart. But time is ticking and they must act now, before Talon gives Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for.
Sure enough, the once-happy couple is fighting, Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “just a friend” ever should. But something just isn’t right. Then Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together, and discover a hitch they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.

Cassie Mae is a nerd to the core from Utah, who likes to write about other nerds who find love. She’s the author of the Amazon Bestseller REASONS I FELL FOR THE FUNNY FAT FRIEND, and is the debut author for the Random House FLIRT line with her New Adult novels FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI and SWITCHED. She also has a three book deal with Swoon Romance Publishing, including her book HOW TO DATE A NERD. 
She spends time with her angel children and perfect husband who fan her and feed her grapes while she clacks away on the keyboard. Then she wakes up from that dream world and manages to get a few words on the computer while the house explodes around her. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with the youth in her community as a volleyball and basketball coach, or searching the house desperately for chocolate.

Author of Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend
Friday Night Alibi to be released July 29th by Random House Flirt
How to Date a Nerd to be released September 24th by Swoon Romance Publishing
Switched to be released December 30th by Random House Flirt


Find Cassie on :Facebook  &  Her blog
____________
Yay, Cassie!  I'm gonna need an entire shelf for all your books!

And since a happy dance is in order, I just had to include this funny GIF Cassie sent over.
______________  
By the way, while I'm on hiatus, if you'd like to take over for a guest post, reveal your cover, or announce the launch of your book, let me know and I'll get you scheduled.  
  

IWSG - Excuse Me While I Take Another Breath

It's the first Wednesday of the month.  Time forAlex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group.
In addition to being on a blogging hiatus, I'm also on vacation, so no real IWSG post from me today.  But if I were to post on my newest insecurity, it would be that I have absolutely no time anymore.  

I want to blog, but I always seem to have some marketing project or chore to see to.  In between those pesky promo duties, I have to earn money.  I do that by editing, which is great, but also gets in the way of my critiques.  
That probably sounds like I have it backwards to you since the editing nets me money and critiques do not.  That's true, but critiquing is a very important part of being a writer.  It's how I learned most of what I now know.  And, more importantly, it's how I give back.  But I just can't seem to find the balance.  

I'm wondering how you all manage that. Any advice is greatly appreciated.  
And I promise to be back next month for a real IWSG post.I actually have a lot to tell you guys!

It's Here, it's here! FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI by Cassie Mae!

Today's a HUGE day for your friend and mine, the bubbly and vivacious, Cassie Mae.It's launch day for her book, FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI from Random House.
Go to Goodreads and add it to your TBR.  
I'm turning things over to Cassie's protagonist, Kelli Pinkins.She has an interesting story about food!  Take it away, Kelli...

Why Falling In Love Changed My Taste Buds by Kelli Pinkins
Geez, that’s a long title for who I am. But hopefully it explains enough that I can just dive right in here to my post.
Oh! Before I forget, thanks to Nancy Thompson, the girl who rocks my purple polka-dot socks for letting me crash her blog for a day.
So, I totally love food. Big fan, and dinner time is so my favorite part of the day because I actually get to sit down with the ‘rents. Even if they are busy talking over or around me, I get to eat some pretty delicious gourmet.
Like this beauty.

Yeah… That’s lobster, and it’s delicious.
Sometimes we get the octopus. Also super yummy, even if it freaks some people out.

Top it off with some tiramisu, and gosh, I’ve got the meal from heaven!

And for my “me time” (or Friday alibi nights) I went with the Twizzlers bucket, and sometimes, when I really was craving it… the lobster bisque. Yeah, I love lobster.


But then Chase stepped into the picture, and things totally flippity flopped. How the heck did a guy make my taste buds go bazonkers and make me want nothing but oranges?

Orange soda…

Orange sherbet…

Orange juice…

Even citrusy gum!

He messed me all up, just because of that super delicious kiss we had. And his cologne. And his car air freshener… He’s ruined me.
If you want to see exactly HOW he did this, you can read about it here. I tell all about how this crazy annoying guy who smells of citrus heaven tangled his heart around mine. And it’s out as of TODAY! 
Pretty awesome :)
Another thanks to Nancy!
Kelli out.
Thanks, Kelli!  Now, please, someone, get me something orangy!

Hop on over to Cassie's place and see who else is on the Friday Night Alibi tour!
And for those of you who don't know Cassie, you can find her on her blog and on Goodreads.
And find FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI at:
And now, for the really fun stuff...

ENTER TO WIN A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

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Day 2 of Nancy LaRonda Johnson's "Salted With Fire" Blog Tour + a GIVEAWAY!

I know I haven’t been around much lately.  I’ve committed myself to writing over the summer, though I admit to being sidetracked by edit and design jobs.  But I’m not complaining, and every once in a while, like today, I get to have a friend over. 
Today just happens to be Day 2 on Nancy La Ronda Johnson’s Salted With Fire Blog Tour, and Nancy’s dropped by to share a little about herself, her book, her passions, and her giveaway! 
Take it away, Nancy…

Salted With Fire
Black magic, murder, insanity… humor, honor and devotion. Salted With Fire is a journey of flash fiction and poetry that shows my writing transformation from worldly to wanting to please God.
Flash fiction is my passion; poetry is my release. I love creating a complete story, with a beginning, middle and end, with twists, drama, compassion and horror, all under 1000 words. Salted With Fire isn’t just a book of stories and poetry, it is my journey as a writer, from writing only for the mere joy of it regardless of the message, to writing stories that highlight God’s will for people, even if the stories are not religious in nature.
Inside are fifteen flash fiction pieces and twelve poems with full-color pictures, and short Biblical discussions after each story.

Bio
Nancy LaRonda Johnson has written short stories, poetry and personal journals most of her life, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Juris Doctorate. A probation officer by day, she strives during her off-hours to write interesting characters who make it through trying times. Her first book, the literary Christian speculative novel Anticipation of the Penitent, about a serial killer and his mother, reached the finals in the Indie Publishing Contest sponsored by the San Francisco Writer’s Conference 2012. Salted With Fire is her second publication. She is working on several projects, including a sequel to Anticipation of the Penitent. Visit her website at www.nancylarondajohnson.com.
Flash fiction one-liners from Salted With Fire:Too Bad! Too Late! What would you do if you found a skeleton in your closet?
Secondary IllnessThere’s a bit of insecurities – and madness – in all of us.
Sometimes You Get ShotIf you don’t consider the consequences of your actions, Sometimes You Get Shot.
DebtWhen Sal doesn’t get paid… there is always Notorious Natalie.
Career DayExperience the breakdown of one classroom on this special day.
You Are Not Going To Believe ThisPerilous things happen when Mr. Titan Talé is not heard.
You Wanna Be a Funambulist?Once you understand what that means, will you wanna be one?
Taxi!Marcus would traverse the country to save his daughter.
FreewayFinding that special, peaceful moment can be dangerous.
Quarter ToWhen Perry doesn’t heed the warning, he puts everything at risk.
Braden’s PopHenry will risk looking like a fool to save his town.
THE LESSONWill Sandra learn in time before she totally loses it?
The X’es Mark the SpotsTwo holes in the backyard; four places set for dinner….
The Other SideHarry Montgomery drags through his days, until one special boy enters his life.
My BoazSome imaginations will cause even God to come in response.
Also enjoy Biblical discussions and twelve poems in Salted With Fire.
.99 cent eBook! – Available in print and eBook:
AmazonSmashwordsCreateSpace
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NancyLaRondaJohnsonWebpage: www.nancylarondajohnson.comBlog: www.nancylarondajohnson.blogspot.com

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Cover Reveal: COURAGE (Mark of Nexus #2) by Carrie Butler

Courage(Mark of Nexus #2)byCarrie Butler 
Design: Carrie ButlerPhotography: Subbotina Anna & Yuri Arcurs
New Adult (NA)
Paranormal Romance (PNR)Coming October 15, 2013(E-Book & Paperback)
Making a deal with the bad guys wasn’t the highlight of Rena Collins’ semester, but, hey, it saved her boyfriend. Now, in order to appease the human-altering organization known as ERA, she’ll crawl under their microscope while they study the Mark of Nexus and plot their eye-glazed version of the future—until she realizes that’s not all they’re plotting.
Wallace Blake has always known his girlfriend is unlike most girls. But now that information has surfaced regarding the two bloodlines that balance his supernatural race, he finally understands why. Rena belongs to one of them. She’s been augmenting his power, all along...
Enter: Corynn Catley. Brought into the country under the guise of an internship, she’s intended to become ERA’s secret weapon. Kind of. Her abilities cancel out Wallace’s, rendering him powerless, but that’s exactly what he’s always wanted. Too bad it only works when his girlfriend’s not around.
All the while, Rena fails to notice the crush her geeky best friend, Aiden Ross, is nursing. He’d give anything for her to see him in a new light—even reinvent himself through questionable means—but there’s a reason people are told to be careful what they wish for. Finding the courage to tell her could put everyone’s lives in danger.
Find Carrie on:
WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |   TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS  |  GOOGLE+  | NA ALLEY | PINTEREST
Find Courage (Mark of Nexus #2) on:BOOK PAGE  |  GOODREADS  |   BOOK TRAILER
Book Bloggers may start requesting e-ARCs via this form . :)



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