A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 140
March 17, 2017
Covers Uncovered – Guest Post by Tamian Wood
I’d like to welcome back cover designer Tamian Wood.
#Bookcovers #Indiepublishing #cover design
Covers Uncovered.
You glance across a crowded room and lock eyes. You are inspired, beguiled. Suddenly, “love-at-first-sight,” makes sense and you feel the spark of a love affair blossoming with …
the BOOK of your dreams?…
Ok, that might be taking the metaphor a bit too far, but work with me on this. The ultimate goal of your books cover is to grab your reader’s attention and tell them in an instant, “Take me HOME, I’m just what you need! Pay no attention to all those other books, I’m the one!”
Think of it like your favourite little black dress that shows off your curves, and accentuates your …assets. 
March 16, 2017
Reblogs – Books
Title: The Supernatural Pet Sitter: The Magic Thief Author: Diane Moat Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy Book Blurb: Every animal can talk to you. You just have to know how to listen. Pepper Neely is better at this than most, especially because she is in charge of pet sitting all the familiars in her […]
March 14, 2017
Swift Six and Blog Tour – Janine Ashbless – Erotic Romance/Fantasy
Name: Janine Ashbless
What attracts you to the genre in which you write?
I write erotic romance and erotica, mostly with fantasy or paranormal settings. It’s the perfect genre for me: I can build whole unique worlds with dramatic settings and life-or-death plots, and at the heart of the story is all the tension and fear and challenge of passionate attraction. I know my readers are going to get a huge kick out of the sex scenes, but I can also use the sex to explore depths of character and pivotal moments of decision.
And yeah, I think love and sex are two of the most important things in life. They can transform it, destroy it, or make it worth living. So why would you not want to write about them?
What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d known when you started your writing adventures?
You are never going to please everyone, no matter what you write or how well you do it. So write for those who love what you do, and don’t worry about the others.
If you could have dinner with any famous person or character who would you chose?
The god Dionysus … The wine would be great and the entertainment truly memorable!
Who has been the greatest influence on your own work?
My greatest literary inspiration is Angela Carter, with her wonderful lyrical fairy tales in the collection “The Bloody Chamber.”
Do you think the e-book revolution will do away with print?
No – there’s something about physical books that people love. In the UK this year the sales for e-books fell for the first time, and the sales of paperbacks rose!
Speaking personally, I buy both. But when I’m hunting for something to read, I’m much more likely to pick up a paperback – and if I read one I love, then I’ll buy that author again.
Which 3 books would you take to a desert island and why?
The Lord of the Rings – because it’s a book I can get lost in every time I read it.
The SAS Survival Handbook – for obvious practical reasons!
A large book of blank pages – so I could write!
Please introduce yourself (250 words or so):
Janine Ashbless is a writer of fantasy erotica and steamy romantic adventure. She likes to write about magic and myth and mystery, dangerous power dynamics, borderline terror, and the not-quite-human.
Janine has been seeing her books in print ever since 2000. She’s also had numerous short stories published by Black Lace, Nexus, Cleis Press, Ravenous Romance, Harlequin Spice, Storm Moon, Xcite, Mischief Books, and Ellora’s Cave among others. She is co-editor of the nerd erotica anthology ‘Geek Love’.
Born in Wales, Janine now lives in the North of England with her husband and two rescued greyhounds. She has worked as a cleaner, library assistant, computer programmer, local government tree officer, and – for five years of muddy feet and shouting – as a full-time costumed Viking. Janine loves goatee beards, ancient ruins, minotaurs, trees, mummies, having her cake and eating it, and holidaying in countries with really bad public sewerage.
Her work has been described as “Hardcore and literate” (Madeline Moore) and “Vivid and tempestuous and dangerous, and bursting with sacrifice, death and love.” (Portia Da Costa)
You can find Janine on Facebook or at her website or blog.
Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc (short)
In Bonds of the Earth is the new paranormal erotic romance by Janine Ashbless, and is the second in the Book of the Watchers trilogy.
“Broad at the shoulders and lean at the hips, six foot-and-then-something of ropey muscle, he looks like a Spartan god who got lost in a thrift store. He moves like ink through water. And his eyes, when you get a good look at them, are silver. Not gray. Silver. You might take their inhuman shine for fancy contact lenses. You’d be wrong.”
Milja Patek’s bloodline were sworn to guard the fallen angel imprisoned beneath their family church, until Milja fell in love and set him free. Now she has to learn to navigate her new life as wife and plaything to Azazel.
Angel or demon, protector or tyrant, right or wrong, Everything Milja once knew has been flipped upside down and all she can do is follow her heart, even if that means waging war against Heaven and releasing the rest of the fallen.
Unafraid to tackle the more complex issues surrounding good and evil in mainstream religion, Janine has created a thought-provoking and immersive novel which sets a new standard for paranormal erotic romance. The first in the series, Cover Him With Darkness, was released in 2014 by Cleis Press and received outstanding reviews.
In Bonds of the Earth is published by Sinful Press and is due for release on March 1st, 2017.
Ebook:
Print:
Support your small publisher and buy direct
*****
GIVEAWAY!
Make sure to follow the whole tour—the more posts you visit throughout, the more chances you’ll get to enter the giveaway. The tour dates are here: http://writermarketing.co.uk/prpromotion/blog-tours/currently-on-tour/janine-ashbless-3/
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8b9ec5be178/?
Blog tour organized by Writer Marketing Services .
Excerpt from In Bonds of the Earth
Wrapping the cheap cotton throw from the foot of the bed around my bare body, I padded through to the doorway. The Archangel Michael stood in the middle of my small apartment, looking about him at the book shelves and the pictures. A paperback copy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo slipped from his hand back onto the low table.
“Hello, Milja. Nice place. Has he moved his toothbrush in yet?”
It was like waking to find a giant bird of prey in my tiny living room; he looked wildly unsuited to a domestic setting and way too big for it, even with wings furled. In fact, with that Roman nose and those unblinking amber eyes, there was something distinctly golden eagle-like about him. If he stretched out he could knock over walls, I thought.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked. “This is my home. You can’t just come barging in!”
“You’re right,” he said, looking startled. “I have to have your permission. No, hold on, wait…that’s vampires. Shame.”
I pursed my lips. “Well, God certainly did not hold back on the sarcasm when he made you guys.”
He smirked. If you’re that good-looking, even a less-than-warm smile can be a weapon of devastating charm. Turning to the couch, he sat down with arms draped over the back and knees spread. It was not so much an invitation as a claiming of territory.
“What do you want?” I kept my voice hard, even as I thought of the icon of Saint Michael that had stood guard over the key in my father’s church. That holy painting had always made me feel nervous as a child, and he was no less intimidating in the flesh. His piercing gaze rested lightly upon me, with all the gentleness of a sword-point.
“Nothing.”
His rigger boots were caked in dried mud, I noticed, and flaking on my rug. I wished he would blink. It still creeped me out, even though Azazel should have inured me to it. “Angels aren’t supposed to lie. What are you doing here?”
“Waiting.”
“So, what…you’re sitting guard over me until Azazel comes back? Is that your plan?”
“He’s too much of a coward to face me. Runs every time.”
“If that’s the way you want to call it.”
He looked at the kitchen door. “I see you have a kettle. You got any tea? I like that Earl Grey stuff. Tastes like flowers.”
“I know the rules, you know. You can’t actually do anything to me.”
“True enough. And I’m not stopping you leaving, if that’s worrying you.”
“I can move out. Get a new place.”
“That’s fine, I’ll find you. This apartment’s a bit small for the two of us, to be honest.”
I clenched my jaw, weighing my options. “Okay,” I said, and dropped my wrap to reveal my naked body, in all its post-coital salty glow.
That wiped the smile off his lips. “Don’t play those games,” he growled, sitting up and looking away from me.
Love is Azazel’s weak spot. Shame is theirs. They’re terrified of their own human flesh.
“What? Does this make you uncomfortable? That’s a pity, seeing as how it’s my house and I like to walk around it naked.”
“You are shameless.” His gaze was sliding all over the place, not daring to settle on me.
“I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.” I hefted my breasts and jiggled them. “They’re my tits. In my apartment. If you don’t want to see, clear out.”
“Put your robe back on,” he rasped.
“Oops,” I said. “Did I drop it?” Turning my back to him, I spread my feet and, straight-legged, bent over to pick the fabric up again. Nice and slow…
He moved so fast he’d launched me across the room and onto my bed before I even realized he was out of his seat. The abused mattress twanged in alarm. It knocked the wind out of me—and more than that, shocked me half to death. I wasn’t in the least bit hurt, not even bruised, but I hadn’t expected him to touch me at all, under the rules. Maybe the Boatman sailed closer to the wind than I’d bargained for.
“Don’t do that, whore!” he barked, leaning into my face. He looked furious. I knew why. It takes a human decades to learn how to deal with all the things that come with an adult body—all those hormones and instincts—without losing control. Angels never had the advantage of a gradual introduction.
I had two choices: surrender or fight. I bared my teeth and snarled right back at him, matching his rage and contempt. “Or what? You’re going to rape me? ’Cause I think that might just count as a fall from Grace, don’t you? And then you’d be royally fucked, Mister Michael.”
He recoiled, drawing himself up in undisguised horror. I took advantage of the gap between us to roll over and pull the drawer of my bedside cabinet open, pulling out the silicon rabbit sex toy I’d been given at my graduation party. I hadn’t used it in months, I couldn’t even remember if there were any batteries in it, and I certainly wasn’t feeling horny, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.
“Wanna watch?” I asked, spreading my legs wide. “Because that’s what us girls do when we’re home alone these modern days. You can go into the other room if it squicks you out to see. Then you’ll only have to listen to the noises I make.”
He turned on his heel and stomped away, slamming his hands into the doorframe hard enough to crack the wood. But he didn’t leave altogether. He was just that bit too stubborn.
March 13, 2017
Book Spotlight and Blog Tour – An Interesting Find – M/M/M Romance/LGBT Fiction
Out Now—An Interesting Find by Lucy Felthouse (@cw1985) #menage #military #gay
Blurb:
Nathan and Lee are on a relaxing summer holiday in the UK. They plan to do lots of walking and exploring in the beautiful English countryside. Naturally, typical British weather derails their plans on their first day, leaving them cooped up indoors with little to do but read.
When the weather clears, the men eagerly put on their hiking boots and head out for a walk. However, when they reach their destination—a pond a little distance from their holiday cottage—they make a shocking discovery. An odd-looking bundle of rags turns out to be an unconscious man. With no one else around, and no mobile phone signal to call for help, they manage to get the stranger back to their cottage to get him warm and dry, and figure out what to do next.
When their unexpected house guest regains consciousness, however, things just get more complicated. The stranger—a British soldier called Jonny—doesn’t want the authorities to be notified of his presence. As the three men try to come to some agreement, the sexual tension in the air becomes apparent, and suddenly the last thing on any of their minds is leaving the cottage…
Buy links:
Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/an-interesting-find
Amazon (universal link): http://mybook.to/aninterestingfind
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2mstDwW
Google Books: http://bit.ly/2mdFPAS
iBooks: http://apple.co/2maAqt0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lRWHuJ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34096543-an-interesting-find
*****
Excerpt:
Closing his book with a very final slap, Nathan then put it on the coffee table in front of him. He leaned back in his chair. Stretching languidly, he said, “Bloody good, that was. Though, admittedly, I thought it’d last me all week. Wasn’t expecting to get through it on day one.”
Raising an eyebrow, Lee shot Nathan an amused glance. “Not far off myself. Fucking storm. Stupid us, eh, going on holiday in the UK in summertime—not like you can guarantee the sodding weather, is it? Should’ve gone to the Canaries.”
“No, we can’t guarantee the weather, but…” Nathan gave the window a sidelong glance, “I do have some good news.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. The torrential downpour has stopped.”
“Seriously?” Lee slammed his own book closed and scurried over to the window. “Oh, wow, it’s cleared right up, and I can see a rainbow. Wanna head out? Just a little wander down to that pond we saw on the way here, maybe? Get some fresh air. We’ve got loads of daylight left, haven’t we?”
Nathan checked his watch. “Yeah, plenty. Especially if we’re only nipping to the pond. It’s probably only a fifteen-minute walk.”
“Fantastic. I was going a bit fucking stir crazy in here. I’ll grab our coats and shoes.”
Lee had disappeared into the hallway of their rented holiday cottage before Nathan had the chance to reply. Shaking his head with a smile, Nathan collected their empty mugs from the coffee table and took them into the kitchen, then got a bottle of water from the fridge. He doubted they’d need a drink during their short trek along the road, but he could just shove the bottle in his coat pocket and forget about it. At least it’d be there if they wanted it.
When he returned to the living room, Lee was just about to tie up his laces.
“I got water,” Nathan said, brandishing the bottle.
“Cool. Shoes are there.” He nodded to the chair Nathan had been sitting in. Sure enough, his trail shoes were waiting on the floor in front of it.
“Thanks.”
Within a few minutes, they were headed out of the door. Nathan locked up, pocketed the key, then checked the handle. He doubted very much the place would get broken into—they were in the middle of nowhere, after all. There were farms nearby, but the closest village was about a mile and a half away. So any thieves would have to make a considerable effort to get to the cottage in the first place, never mind attempt to break into it. Rolling his eyes at his own paranoia, he turned and followed Lee, who’d already started walking slowly along the road in the direction of the pond.
After falling into step beside Lee, Nathan pulled in some deep breaths, enjoying the fresh air after being cooped up in the cottage. It was a beautiful and cozy place, but it was supposed to be a base for them to go walking—somewhere for them to eat, sleep and shower, not to be stuck in for hours on end, staring at the walls. Or climbing them.
He admired the rainbow as they walked, its vivid colors painted across the watery sky. It seemed the clouds had literally exhausted themselves—only occasional wispy streaks of white now interrupted the never-ending blue. The sun beamed down, heating up the ground and beginning to evaporate the huge puddles. It would take some doing—one such puddle stretched across the width of the road, and they had to skirt around its edge to avoid getting wet feet.
Nathan smiled. Though the storm itself had been grim, the washed-out aftermath made everything feel fresh, clean somehow.
“You look thoughtful,” Lee said, breaking into his reverie. “A penny for them?”
“Mmm. It’s one of those things that sounds better in your head than said out loud.”
“Try me.”
Shrugging, Nathan replied. “Nothing major. Just admiring the rainbow, the sky, the clouds… Thinking how everything looks so fresh and clean after a good storm. Like it’s been purified, or something… Ugh, it’s stupid.”
Lee stopped and reached for Nathan’s hand. His green eyes were wide and filled with wonder. “No, it isn’t. Not at all—I was thinking something similar myself. It’s kinda romantic, isn’t it? Purification, rebirth, and all that.”
“In a roundabout way, maybe. I dunno.” He shrugged again.
Lee’s eyes narrowed, and his lips curved into a wicked grin. “We could make it romantic.”
“How so?”
“Come here, and I’ll show you.” Still gripping Nathan’s hand, Lee tugged him close and moved in for a kiss. Nathan went into the embrace willingly, the smile on his face soon smothered by Lee’s hot lips.
*****
Author Bio:
Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller) and The Persecution of the Wolves. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 150 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. You can also subscribe to her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9
Release blitz organised by Writer Marketing Services.
Books – reblog
Welcome to the first of the Cafe & Bookstore updates this week. If you are an author in the bookstore then please let me know when you have a new release or would like to share a great review…or if your book is on offer. All the details for the promotions are in this link. […]
March 12, 2017
Book Spotlight and Blog Tour- Shattered Time Anthology – Sci-fi/Fantasy
Title: Shattered Time Anthology
Authors: J.L. Clayton, Carissa Ann Lynch, Niki Livingston, Regina O’Connell, Ashlee Shades, Bradon Nave, Jeremy Simons, Joe Pranaitis, D.A. Roach, Genevieve Moultrie, Grace Charles, and T. Guthrie
Genre: Sci Fi/Fantasy/Time Travel
Release Date: March 13, 2017
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33949356-shattered-time-anthology
Buy Links:
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BLURBS
Lines of Time and Desire
If someone sent you a text saying they’re from the future, would you believe them? Londyn doesn’t know if this stranger with a charming personality is just pulling her leg or telling the truth, but what she does know is that it’s too much fun not to play along. With her heart now on the line and dark secrets looming, will she make the right decision or will she let the love of her life disappear into time? A romantic tale of love, time, and tragedy.
By J.L. Clayton
Homecoming
Astrid finds something at a local witch’s house, something that doesn’t belong there…
It belongs to her baby brother. The only problem with that is…he’s supposed to be dead.
Astrid searches for the truth, learning that sometimes death isn’t final…
By Carissa Ann Lynch
A Web Through Time
Meet Alex. Ordinary. Quiet. And she plays by the rules. Until she’s forced into a world where her past becomes her future and the governments of Earth are searching for her execution. Will she embrace her true nature or succumb to the threats of her parents’ enemies?
By Niki Livingston
Willow and The Forbidden Portal
Willow, a simple Herb Woman, flees for her life after a child under her care loses his life.
Accused of witchery, she knows the only way to save her life is to find The Forbidden Portal and escape through time.
By Regina Oconnell
Cassandra’s Choice
One moment, Cassandra’s driving along in her car to meet her new niece; the next, she’s waking up in the bed of an angry 19th-century Duke. What begins as a battle of wills soon turns into a struggle of emotions as Cassandra finds herself falling in love with the Duke. Will she make it back or choose to stay with the man she has come to love?
By Ashlee Shades
The Secrets Crows Keep
Mildred was certain she’d escaped her past…she buried him. So when he showed up at her front door she had no choice but to question everything. As secrets are revealed, she realizes nothing is as it seems and the truth is more bizarre than she’d imagined.
By Bradon Nave
Bridging the Gap
A dismantled bridge. A portal into an era time had forgotten. That was all Garrett needed to realize how better the future could be. But at what price?
It isn’t until Garrett sees his ways are destroying the future rather than bettering it that he comes to his senses. But will it be too late?
By Jeremy Simons
Time’s Launch
The year is 2363, and the Earth Confederation launched their first time-ship the ECS Andrea commanded by Captain Joseph Dyson, the ships experimental engines move them ten thousand years into the future.
By Joe Pranaitis
The Salesman
Melanie, consumed by guilt over a recent tragedy, struggled to forgive herself and move forward, until one day, when a peculiar salesman offered a remedy to what ailed her.
By D.A. Roach
“One Cockroach Left”
A tale of dinosaurs, aliens, time travel, and a really bad day . . . sixty-six million years ago.
By Genevieve Moultrie
Time
When tragedy strikes, Vida Morton is given the choice to go back in time, and save the man she loves, Mort Vidal. But love is a tricky game, and so is time. Especially in the face of death.
By Grace Charles
Whispers of Forever
A breathless caress, an echo of desire whispering of Forever.
Layla thinks she is from the modern world, but her modern life hasn’t been simple. Plagued with visions of others, Layla always felt as if she belonged in another time with the strangers that haunt her mind. Layla will soon find out if her visions are true. A deliciously dark serenade of hope filled tragedy.
By T. Guthrie
MEET THE AUTHORS:
J.L. Clayton Bio: J. L. Clayton lives in a small town and works at the local post office, delivering mail every day with a smile on her face. She and her husband, Robert, have a 17-year-old daughter, Shyla. J. L. was inspired by the Twilight series to write A Spark of Magic: Chosen Saga Book One, her first novel. Since her first novel, J.L. has released several books.
J.L. Clayton Social Media Links:
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2mZJYu3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J.L.ClaytonBooks/
Website: http://jlclayton.wix.com/chosensaga
Carissa Ann Lynch Bio:
Carissa Ann Lynch is the USA TODAY Bestselling and award winning author of the Flocksdale Files trilogy, Horror High series, Dark Legends, Searching for Sullivan, Things Only the Darkness Knows, Shattered Time, 13, Grayson’s Ridge, and This Is Not About Love. She resides in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading and collecting books. She has a background in psychology and corrections.
Carissa Ann Lynch Social Media Links:
Niki Livingston Bio:
Niki is the author of the Epic Fantasy series, Theia’s Moons. Today, she lives in Utah with her partner, their four children and two over-sized cats, but dreams of one day living on a beach, where she can spend her days dazzling the world with her imagination.
She enjoys a whole variety of things, including reading stories that keep her on the edge of my seat, having late night talks with her handsome fireman, creating dysfunctional and funny children,all the while making sure they become functional adults, having happy/crappy time at the dinner table, playing in the dirt in hopes to create a bountiful garden and sitting quietly on her back porch, sipping coffee and watching the sun wake up the world.
Niki Livingston Social Media Links:
Website: http://nikilivingstonauthor.com/
Newsletter: Newsletter
Twitter: Twitter
Regina O’Connell Social Media Links:
Amazon Author Page: Amazon Author Page
Facebook: Facebook
Ashlee Shades Bio:
Ashlee Shades is a Contemporary Romance author.
Ashlee enjoys writing sensual and hot romance stories featuring alpha bad boys (who doesn’t love a bad boy taking control?), role play scenarios, and revenge.
Ashlee enjoys spending her days either reading when she’s not writing…or hanging out on social media. Her reading and writing genre of choice is steamy romance. (Ashlee’s middle name is Isabelle). Who wouldn’t love to escape reality within the pages of a romance book that has a touch of spice?
Ashlee’s goal is to give the reader a sensually, romantic journey as they read her books, and to hopefully inspire them to add a little spice to their life. Her readers have referred to her stories as “hot”, “sensual”, and a “must read”.
Her books are a little bit naughty, a little bit nice – but one fantastic package!
She loves connecting with readers (reading their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions – both good and bad, have helped her grow and learn as a writer) and supporting fellow authors. So please, contact her through the contact page on her website, or follow her on twitter at @ashlee_shades
Ashlee Shades Social Media Links:
Website: http://ashleeshades.wixsite.com/author
Bradon Nave Bio:
Bradon Nave was born and raised in Oklahoma. He attended a small school during junior high and high school, and graduated with only three people in his class. After graduate school, he decided to devote his spare time to his passion of writing.Bradon currently lives in Piedmont, Oklahoma, with his wife and two young children. He loves running, being with friends, and writing.
Bradon Nave Social Media Links:
Jeremy Simons Bio:
Jeremy Simons is a horror/suspense author with Twilight Terror Press (an affiliate of Celestial Waters Publishing). He is an avid reader of books in those same genres. He has been writing since he was a child. His shorter works have appeared across the Internet with numerous zines and in several paperback anthologies.
Jeremy Simons Social Media Links:
Joe Pranaitis Bio:
I grew up in East Chicago, Indiana, and at an early age I was introduced to science fiction by my parents whom I miss. When I was a kid I was introduced to the novel Star Trek: Final Frontier by Diane Carey and later on Babylon 5 both of which have a powerful influence on the stories that I write. For the past 12 years I’ve been working at the Hoosier Theatre in Whiting Indiana, and during my time there I’ve written 13 novels, currently working on my next novel, 2 of which have been published under the title of Infinite Possibilities of which the main title will now be changed to make it more marketable. One more thing about Infinite Possibilities it will continue in its new form. One of my goals is to work with every major studio and I am currently co-writing and co-producing my first theatrical movie. Which is leading me to direct my first short film. I am the VP and Co-owner of the production company Shareef Entertainment.
Joe Pranaitis Social Media Links:
D.A. Roach Bio:
D.A. Roach has been telling stories since she was a young girl in the suburbs of Chicago. In college she met the man of her dreams, her happily ever after, and married him 2 weeks after graduating. They have 3 kids together and a pet cockatiel named Gimli. D.A. did not find a love for books until after college. Her parents were immigrants from Lithuania and found tv and radio easier ways to hear stories so they did not do much reading or encourage it. But once she finished college and D.A. had free time, she discovered how amazing it was to get lost in a story.
D.A. is a full time mom and wife. When she is not doing domestic things (laundry, bills, etc) she is writing, reading, creating mixed media art, and helping beautify her kids’ school landscape. Oh, and she is ALWAYS listening to music. Her favorite authors include Rebecca Donovan, Richelle Mead, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Meyer, E.L. James, and Sylvia Day. Reading great works from authors like these has motivated D.A. to write her own stories. She hopes to make positive changes in the world with her art and writing.
D.A. Roach Social Media Link:
WEBSITE: http://daroachbooks.blogspot.com/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/DARoachDA/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/daroach12books
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/author/daroach
Genevieve Moultrie Social Media Links:
Grace Charles Social Media Links:
T. Guthrie Social Media Links:
Facebook: Facebook
March 10, 2017
Legal Deposit for Self-Published (And Other) Authors
Useful to know. I really should do this!
Yesterday evening, I met up with an old friend (who is also an author) for dinner. Inevitably the conversation touched upon writing and I asked whether my friend had provided print copies of his novel to the British Library and the 5 other libraries as stipulated under Legal Deposit legislation. He was unaware of Legal Deposit as (I believe) are quite a few other authors. I therefore thought it would be helpful to furnish the below information pertaining to Legal Deposit.
In the below extract, the British Library refer to the duty on publishers to furnish copies of publications to the designated libraries. In the case of most (perhaps all) self-published authors (including both my friend and I) this duty does, in practice devolve on us as authors who utilise Print on Demand or (POD) technology.
—
Introduction to legal deposit
Legal deposit has existed in English law since 1662…
View original post 329 more words
March 5, 2017
Smashwords Read an E-book Week – Sale March 5 – 11 #books #indieauthors
Smashwords are having a sale for Read an E-book Week 5th – 11th March
To celebrate some of my books are in the sale. This is for the SMASHWORDS copies only.
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I is now available for half price (1.50) with code RAE50
The Shining Citadel is now available for half price (1.75) with code RAE50
The Stolen Tower is now available for half price (1.63) with code RAE50
Shattered Mirror – A Poetry Collection is now FREE with code RAE7
The Kitchen Imps is FREE with code RAE25
Outside the Walls is FREE with code RAE75
Click on the link and it will take you to the bookpage – click on BUY WITH COUPON and this will add the relevant discount.
All my books except The Stolen Tower are also available in audio – so if you enjoy the book please check those out. And don’t forget to leave a review.
There are also hundreds of other books on offer until 11th March, and to check out some others from authors in the Goodreads Smashwords author group please look here Smashwords Read an E Book 2017
March 4, 2017
Book Spotlight – Tortured Worlds – Science Fiction
Title: Tortured Worlds: Stories of Science Fiction
Author: Caleb Peiffer
Genre: Science Fiction
Main character description (short). Leon Caval and Nedda Silvio, stars of the first short story, Across Worlds, have never met in person, but each night they meet in a dream world. Leon has led a sheltered, privileged life, and the appearance of the highly evolved, seemingly heroic Supermen aliens is exciting to him. Meanwhile, Nedda, who’s never had a loving home or relationship, is skeptical of anyone with power.
Synopsis:
A post-apocalyptic winter, superpowered aliens, a machine that controls the planets’ movement, immortal love, and voices echoing from nowhere. These are just some of the things that torture the worlds you’ll find in these stories.
The Tortured Worlds collection features five stories of science fiction and fantasy:
Across Worlds – While the Supermen, powerful extraterrestrial visitors, try to save the world, Leon and Nedda, two star-crossed strangers who meet in their dreams, have to save their own world from destruction.
A Pyre for the World on Ice – In a post-apocalyptic world frozen by a nuclear winter, time-traveling Alex Dandes has to track down a bomber in a seemingly lifeless Tokyo.
Receding – Quelorian, Lord of Chaos, sits on the edge of the universe, waiting for it to end, desperate to undo the past mistakes that tore him and the love of his life apart.
Throne of God – In the 26th century, the Neo-Sun gives light and life to the human race, and Samson Arsovi is the newest recruit elected to pilot the machine that controls our solar system.
Voices in the Void – If reality is an illusion, and we’re all the figments of one deranged, schizophrenic imagination, then whose dream are we in?
Brief Excerpt 250 words:
Nedda Silvio dreamed about a boy. Not the way other girls dreamed, about the nebulous idea of the perfect boy, someone handsome and sexy, sweet with a dark side or dark with a sweet side, who’d treat her like a princess and always say she was beautiful and respect her for her mind too. Nedda Silvio had only ever liked one boy. The one in her dream.
They’d never met in the daytime. Only in the dreamscape. It was a beautiful place, not misty and cushioned with clouds everywhere like she’d always imagined a world of dreams, but something a little like that. Not like Earth, either, but something like that too. It had forests, like Earth, with trees that were thicker and more like clouds than Earth’s. It had mountains, but they were round like giant hills, and sometimes shaped liked spheres that looked as if they should roll but didn’t. There were cities if you looked for them, full of crowds of people who never moved and never spoke. The people were hazy and formless and they didn’t have faces.
They talked about the Supermen, sometimes. The boy thought they were heroes. They scared Nedda, but she thought they were on the humans’ side. Whether or not that was a good thing, she wasn’t sure. The boy didn’t understand how those could be different things. He asked her if she’d read the novel the Superman who called itself Artemis had written. She hadn’t. He told her the story.
Why should readers buy this book?
Tortured Worlds features five sci-fi short stories that put – if you will – tortuous twists on sci-fi cliches. I think there’s something for everyone here. But more than that, it’s my hope that these stories will inspire. Show you that, no matter how tortured your world, dragons can be slain.
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Links etc.
Buy: Amazon Smile
Author Website: http://calebpeiffer.com
March 3, 2017
Swift Six Character Interview – Estella Delcour – Dark Fantasy
Swift Six Character Interview
Character Name: Estella Delcour
Which book/world do you live in? The Shadow Crucible, set in medieval London.
Tell us about yourself
I am the person you least suspect, they deem me holy yet I am not. I inspire love and hatred in equal measure. My manor is empty of guests, it is a court for demonic fiends you will never see. I hold audiences with demons more than the living. I delight in walking among the Templars, the Clergy, and the Royal Courts hearing their barren truths; for those who speak do not know, whilst those who know do not speak. How they would love to burn me at the stake. A dark trail follows me and it will follow you, if you betray my name or the words I now share with you. I am a seer, not the mediocre kind, I see beyond the heavens into the macabre game between Samael and the Throne. I have been hither to an unsuspected spectator, until the blind one finds out I have been watching all along. I am hunted, to be a precious cog in his dark machinations
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? My greatest strength is my magic, I am strong enough to hold back from giving into the demons that plagued me all my life, and stubborn enough to stand up to Lucifer. I am my own person and I do not let society dictate to me. I am very resourceful and know how to play the social games that allow me to hide in plain sight. I am ready to sacrifice everything not to give in to an evil master, I am determined to break free of the chessboard of the Gods.
My greatest weakness is my confusion of the meaning of my life; the fact that I feel that I am a pawn in other people’s game renders me bitter and unpredictable, prone to rash decisions. Anything that threatens my sense of identity makes me flee.
Name three important people/creatures/institutions in your world (such as lovers, pets, government institutions, leaders, gods etc).
The Crone is dear to me, she is the facet of the Goddess that I cherish the most, comforting and austere, she is the strength I seek to emulate.
The Horned God: who gave me a higher purpose and my freedom.
Mikhail, I knew he was a product of his upbringing but he has the same spirit as me, the same need to defy the establishment on earth and heaven.
What does ‘heroism’ mean to you?
Making the tough decisions that no one else wants to make, often forcing their hand for the greater good. It’s the ability to foresee the outcomes and make sacrifices for the sake of humanity. But it is also overrated; people are dying for meaning and would often throw their lives away for recognition. Heroism is a form of leadership, where you take the initiative and forge the destiny of others. But for me it also means taking the blame and the risks that nobody wants to undertake.
What do you think of your ‘creator’?
I think she sees the world around her as a dark place and if she could, she would disappear into the worlds she creates. She is disenchanted with humanity and seeks the sublime truths and answers to ancient enigmas. The lack of magic in her world saddens her and she wishes she could pull back the veil and see what lies beyond, for she believes the ancient myths and stories hold a grain of truth and there is more to the universe than everyone sees.
Give us your favourite piece of advice: Everyone is seeking recognition and a sense of purpose, you take that away from them, you undo them and make of them an enemy, the meaningless of life terrifies people. So, if you want to make friends with them, attune your purpose to theirs and suddenly they are your best friend.
Links to book
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Crucible-Blind-God/dp/1590794141
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-shadow-crucible/t-m-lakomy/9781590794142
Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shadow-crucible-t-m-lakomy/1124245404?ean=9781590794142
