Kayla Curry's Blog, page 3

Blogger Book Fair sign ups are almost closed! Hurry and sign up today!

Check in to the Blogger Book Fair,and book your trip to far away places!
July 22-26, 2013[image error]
Authors and Book Bloggers,
Sign ups for the July 2013 Blogger Book Fair will close on June 15 at midnight central time, so get your registrations in to participate!As of 5/31/2013, we have:Authors: 89Books: 233Bloggers: 14
If you haven't yet registered, you can find all of the information on the Blogger Book Fair page.           
Check out the Code of Conduct           
Fill out either the Author Sign Up form or the Blogger Sign Up form (Deadline June 15)           
Kayla will match everyone with hosts and send out this information to you after sign-ups close           
Check out the events--all authors are eligible to participate in the events, and if you have an event you'd like to host, just fill out the simple Event Sign Up Form--all of this information can be found on the Events! page (Deadline July 8).           
If you're interested in hosting a giveaway to drive traffic to your site, sign up via theGiveaway Sign Up form (Deadline July 15).           
And if your book will be FREE or $0.99 for the duration of the Fair, you can sign up on the Free and $.99 Book Sign Up Forms (Deadline July 15).
Events:as of 5/31/2013Art Fiction Gala hosted by Lucie SmokerDoes your fiction promote the visual arts--through featuring an artist, painting, sculpture, performance art, etc? Then, consider entering Lucie's Art Fiction Gala.The Art Fiction Gala is a virtual celebration of fiction that highlights the visual arts. Dress up in your finest, pick up some friends--a bottle of wine--and sample mind-blowing fiction that crosses the line between literary and visual art. Plus a gallery of art featuring reading.More information & entry instructionsThree Wishes hosted by Kirstin PulioffIntroduce your characters to the world.Kirstin Pulioff invites you to ask your main character, "If you found a magic genie lamp, what would be your three choices?"More information & entry instructionsFlash Fiction Challenge II hosted by Thomas WinshipGet ready to exercise your flash fiction muscles.For the Flash Fiction Challenge II, Thomas Winship will provide an opening line.From there, entrants will craft a flash fiction piece of approx 500 words. Entries will be displayed on Thomas' blog Vaempires during the BBF, spread out evenly across the five days, in order of receipt.More information & entry instructionsSnapshot Synopsis Contest hosted by Fel at The Peasants RevoltChallenge: chisel your synopsis down to 50 words or less.Voting will be open throughout the fair for visitors to vote on their favorite Snapshot Synopsis.More information & entry instructions
Reader's Choice Awards hosted by Sherri at Shut Up & ReadAll books registered for the Blogger Book Fair are automatically entered into the running for the Reader's Choice Awards. Voting will be open from July 22 to July 25.More informationIndie Soap Box Files hosted by Shah WhartonTake a turn on the Soap Box.Shah invites speculative fiction writers to write a guest post about being an indie (or hybrid) writer.More information & entry instructionsRestrictions: Speculative fiction writers only


Monster Menagerie hosted by Noree at Trip the EclipseWhat's your favorite monster or supernatural creature?Feature your creature in a flash fiction piece (500-800) words to be featured on Trip the Eclipse. Visitors will vote on their favorite piece.More information & entry instructions

Ways to Help:Donate to the Blogger Book Fair via the BBF Donation Fund. To help get the word out about BBF, we would like to place ads on Facebook, Goodreads and other places, but to do, so we need a little help. We'd also like to have some BBF sponsored giveaways, so money donated would also go toward prizes. NO MONEY WILL BE KEPT BY ANY ORGANIZER OR PARTICIPANT.
Spread the word! Share the Fair on your social media accounts and show off the Blogger Book Fair logo in your blog's sidebar.Join us on:           
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New Short Story Release! Vibe: Grey Apathy is Now Available!

Vibe Grey Apathy is the first installment of my short story series. It's about 8800 words long and is perfect for those who love crime, science fiction, dystopian societies and a bit of the paranormal.

Here is the blurb:

Welcome to a world where emotions have become weapons, currency and livelihood. Welcome to Vibe City.

Greys feed on apathy. The only problem with that is they sometimes soak up so much apathy, they experience the emotion so strongly that they can't make themselves do anything. Even feeding becomes a chore that may or may not get done. Everyone knows you can't feed on your own emotion. So if you're isolated enough, you could end up drained.

Prism is a detective with problems of her own. She's been off the job for a while, but now she's back and working with a transfer named Atramen on the case of the drained grey. Being a color wheel has its advantages and disadvantages. The power to make anyone feel any emotion you want them to is a pro, but being bombarded 24/7 with the emotions of others is most definitely a con. Can Prism and Atramen find the killer and overcome the obstacles associated with a new partnership?

Get it now on Amazon or Smashwords because it's only $0.99!

Today's Feature: Shadowed by Ken Hughes!

Today I'm featuring a book that sounds really awesome! It's called Shadowed and the author, Ken Hughes came up with a very interesting premise. Check it out:

Blurb:
He can hear a whisper a block away… and can’t remember why.
Paul lives in hiding, struggling to control preternatural senses no secret is safe from, and certain that nobody suspects he exists. And now he must risk everything to protect the family he left and face enemies more ruthless than his worst fears… because the one person who knows what happened, is the one who did it to him.
Link to Amazon













Author Bio:
Ken Hughes has been living for storytelling since his father first read him The Wind In The Willows, and everything from Stephen King’s edge to Hayao Miyazaki’s sense of wonder has only fed that fire. He has worked as a technical writer in Los Angeles at positions from medical research to online gaming to mission proposals for a flight to Mars.  For more about his stories, songs, and his Unified Writing Field Theory, see www.kenhughesauthor.com.

Link to Website
Link to Facebook

A letter to my lovely and awesome readers.

Dear Readers,

I want you to know that I appreciate everyone who stops by this blog. I know I've been slacking lately, but things have been busy.  My lack of posts isn't what I want to talk to you about today. I want to talk to you about an issue that has recently showed it's face. Apparently, some writers out there think that readers are a machine that needs to be fed and right now readers want erotic romance and that is what everyone should be writing if they want to make money.

Well, I don't have any problem with erotic romance. I read it, but I don't write it. I'm not going to write it just because it's popular right now. I don't think I'd be any good at it and I won't subject you to that kind of torture. Regardless of genre, I will always write what I feel like writing. Some of that may find it's way to you. Some of it might sit on my computer for years and years. The point is, I'm not going to publish everything I write just because I want to make money.

I do not see you, the reader, as a wallet waiting to be emptied. I have great respect for you and the only reason I write is to connect with you. Anyone who picks up my books or stories is likely to have something in common with me. The communication may be one way, (Me talking to you through the story) but I do love talking to many of you on social media sites, through this blog, and sometimes via email. Honestly, your support is all I need.

If you only enter giveaways because you can't afford to buy your books, I STILL appreciate you, because you are putting in an effort to read something that I wrote. I would be very honored to meet anyone who read something of mine whether you won it in a contest, borrowed it from a friend, or paid for it with your hard earned money.

I've been a little down in the dumps lately, because I didn't think anyone was buying my book. The other day I got my royalty statement and I was surprised to see that I'd sold more print books than I did ebooks. I couldn't believe it. My print books are fairly expensive compared to others and there were people out there who wanted to spend that money to read what I wrote and own a physical copy of it. If you are one of those people, or even if you are just reading this post, I want to thank you. You are not part of a machine. You are all living, breathing individuals with opinions of your own and you deserve the best.

I started this blog because I want to connect with other people who like the paranormal genre, not because I want to shove my book down your throat. I would really love to know how YOU think I can improve this blog before I post anything else, so please tell me what you want to see in the comments. I want to make this blog about you, not me.

With much appreciation,
Kayla Curry

New Release Alert! Frostwalker by Brandon R. Luffman

New Release Announcement:Frostwalker, By Brandon R. LuffmanA Survival Horror NovelThere’s something in the woods behind Jake Marsden’s house – and someone wants him to find it. A strange dream shatters his sleep, night after night, and a compulsion to find the dark presence in the forest wars with his logical and ordered nature. What’s a geek to do?

When his small hometown of Wynn, North Carolina falls under an ancient curse, Jake will find himself in a battle against creatures worse than any he’s faced in a game. Playing for keeps, it will be geek versus god in the fight to stop an evil force bent on destroying everything he holds dear.

The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth – If They Live Long Enough.


Read excerpts posted on Brandon's blog:
Excerpt #1 - Dreams Of Smoke 
Excerpt #2 - The Pit
Excerpt #3 - Opening Scene: Jake Walks The Field 
Excerpt #4 - Deputy Fallon Gets BusyRead the first third of the book for free at the Smashwords link below!Grab Your Copy Today!Paperback - $7.99:CreateSpace 
AmazonEbook/Kindle - $3.99:Smashwords
Amazon

More Retailers To Come!About Brandon R. Luffman


Born in Statesboro, Georgia in 1976, Brandon Luffman was raised in rural North Carolina from the time he was old enough to walk. In the sixth grade he discovered “The Chronicles Of Narnia”. Soon after that, he was on to Stephen King and Arthur C. Clarke. At the same time, he was making his first forays into writing fiction. After creating a series of short fantasy pieces for a class assignment that were received with praise, he was hooked on writing fiction for the entertainment of others. Now Brandon writes supernatural horror as well as fantasy, science fiction, and other genres. His short fiction is available online in various formats. Brandon still lives on the family farm in northwestern North Carolina with his wife and family. Taking inspiration from his homeland, he brings southern sensibilities and a modern flair to these classic genre themes. His first novel,  Frostwalker , was released in May of 2013.
Find Brandon OnlineBlog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

Tiger Dynasty Publishing - Are you ready to roar?

Are you looking to publish your work? Well, there's a new publisher in town, and that's Tiger Dynasty Publishing. I asked one of the owners to tell us a little about the company. His name is Nathan Squiers and he'll tell you what Tiger Dynasty is all about.


Well, for starters I, Megan J. Parker, and our partner, Kristina Gehring, founded Tiger Dynasty Publishing because we wanted to provide both authors/artists and the public with a quality source for what they were looking for. We don't operate in an exclusive genre because the company was founded by a trio that, in some way or another, embraces all forms of literature. These are the branches of TDP and what they encompass:
➢ “Bobcat Press” – Young Adult & children’s
➢ “Cheetah-Print Press” – Erotica
➢ “Jagged Jaguar Comics” – Comic books
➢ “Lions’ Pride Press” – Romance
➢ “Lurid Leopard Press” – Adult fiction (fantasy, supernatural/paranormal, (dark) urban fantasy, occult, mystery, horror/thriller)
➢ “Lynx’s Paradox Press” – Non-fiction/poetry
➢ “Panther Nebula Press” – Sci-fi
➢ “Serval’s Secrets Press” – Spirituality/occult

We are not a vanity press nor do we charge our authors/artists for any of the publication process (with the exception of outside expenses that they personally choose to incorporate into their work). We cover editing, formatting, marketing/promotions (authors are, of course, encouraged to do what they can to self-promote, as well, but we don't force them to travel that road alone), as well as costs associated with publishing (ISBNs and whatnot).

We are currently open to submissions and signing new authors/pieces, so our list of future releases is limited to what I and the staff are currently releasing/re-releasing:

Books #1 & #2, "Noir" and "Sins of the Father", of the Crimson Shadow series by me (re-releases). Limited Edition pre-orders are available HERE (a Limited Edition copy includes exclusive cover art, several short stories/prequels tied to the novel, the novel itself, and never-before-seen notes/research that I used when writing the original work), and all pre-ordered copies will be autographed. The Limited Edition copies will be out in June and the official re-releases will be out later in the summer."Curtain Call: A Death Metal Novel" (book #1 of the series) by me."Scarlet Night" (a re-release of book #1 of the trilogy by Megan J. Parker)."Crimson Rose" (first book in the series by Gabrielle Franchetti).
We also have some poetry collections, anthologies, and non-fiction books coming out in the future.

Information (as well as submission guidelines) can be found at Tiger Dynasty's website.

New Release Alert! Embroiled by Darlene Jones

The forth installment of Darlene Jones' series is here. You may remember my post a few months ago about her first book. If not, you can see it here: http://paranormallounge.blogspot.com/2013/03/embraced-by-darlene-jones-excerpt-and.html

BLURB:

What if I could go “up there?”  Why does this obsession drive Emily’s life when she doesn’t believe in heaven? Even the wonderful Dr. David can’t help her find the answers she needs.

Learning that she has lived other lives shocks Emily. Then Yves takes her to his world. There she meets gods and Powers and people rescued from doomed planets—living the perfect heavenly life. She knows she belongs “up there” with Yves, but all is not as idyllic as it appears. Emily is the only one who sees the danger. Will she be able to save Yves and his world?



LINKS:

Amazon: http://ow.ly/kqKOc

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/307726

Website: http://ow.ly/9qn3S

Blog: http://ow.ly/btyYZ

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/darlenejones47

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmandYves

Goodreads author page: http://ow.ly/azeWd



About Darlene Jones:

A long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart-wrenching poverty. The story line of my books reflects my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place. If only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the requisite romance.

I've always believed we can't be the only beings existing in the vastness of the universe. There must be others “out there somewhere” and I brought some of them along for the ride.The setting stays, for the most part, within the realities of our world, but I've found that I love the magic the sci-fi element of other beings can bring to the story.

Cover Reveal: The Warrior's Code by David James

Live by the Code. Die by the Code. 

Official Synopsis: "In the magical world of the Order, Warriors fight for justice, freedom, and peace. Becoming a Warrior is an honor given to few, and twelve-year-olds Zackery Solts and Kate Black will do anything to have a place among the elite. Zack and Kate must compete against eighteen others and pass three deadly tests of courage and skill. Above all, they must be strong because while the dangers of the tests are unknown, one thing is clear: not everyone will survive."

Available 5.14.13

The Warrior’s Code (Book 1.2) is an e-format prequel short story in the Legend of the Dreamer series that can be read before or after Light of the Moon (Book 1) and The Witch's Curse (Book 1.1). 


David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer series, as well as the companion novellas, THE WITCH'S CURSE and THE WARRIOR’S CODE. The sequel, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in late 2013. Living in Michigan, he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. He enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Be sure to visit David’s blog and facebook to learn more about his various addictions and novels.Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Amazon  Blog

On this day in Moonstone . . . #5

I'm preparing my second book of the Mystic Stones Series for release, and the story just happens to begin on April 26, 2013! So, until the 30th I'll be releasing an unedited excerpt of Moonstone each day. Each excerpt will take place on the same day it actually takes place in the book!

So, on April 30, 2013 in Moonstone, this happens . . .


“No, Aila. It’s not a joke. I drink blood. I wanted to drink yours. Andrei will want to drink your blood. I’m a vampire and I can prove it, but I don’t want to scare you. That’s why I’m telling you now. He’ll try to tear us apart, but I know you are the one to break my curse.”

“How would you prove it?” Aila asked reluctantly.

“There are a few ways, but the easiest would be if I showed you my fangs, but that’s not a good idea. Don’t worry—I have sworn to myself that I would not drink from you. I don’t want to drink human blood anymore, but it’s the only way I can survive right now.”

Aila seemed to think it over for a moment. She hadn’t suspected anything. Her whole point of view on everything was changing. Dorin didn’t know if it would be in a good way or a disastrous way, but her words came out calmly when she said, “I think I want you to show me. Not because I think you are crazy, but to prove to myself that I am not crazy for believing you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m ready.”

Dorin opened his mouth and tried to bring out his fangs as slow as possible to show her that he had control and to try not to scare her. Two sharp, white teeth slowly descended from the spot his canines were in. Aila’s curiosity peeked as she stared at them for a long moment with her mouth wide open.

“I felt it,” she said.

Dorin retracted his fangs and asked, “Felt what?”

“I felt the ring push you away. First at the desk . . . and then again in the elevator . . . and when I went to your room to help you with the thermostat. I didn’t wear it on our first date. Then I felt it when you picked me up for our second date. You had me take it off at the museum . . . Oh, my.”

“Yes, I did, but I returned it to you.”

“Yes, but you had so many chances. Why didn’t you . . .”

“I wanted to, but I just couldn’t. You were too perfect. You are too perfect. I can’t ruin the one thing that has brought me humanity in the last 250 years,” Dorin replied.


Well, if you liked the excerpts, sign up to be notified when the book is released!

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A to Z Challenge - Day 26: Z is for Zaratan!

Well, it's the last day of the A to Z Challenge. I made it!! I feel so awesome right now.

Let's jump right into the paranormal beings for today. They are the Zombie and the Zaratan. The zombie is, of course, an undead human who usually feeds on flesh or brains. I am actually working on a book with zombies in it. I don't know if it will ever see the light of day, but maybe.

The Zaratan is a sea turtle so big that it is sometimes mistaken as an island. You can see this creature in the third Aladdin Disney movie. How cool would it be to see a turtle that size? I think I might write about it. Short story? Novella?

Now for some "Z" characters:


Zap from Foreign Identity by Becca J. Campbell
Zee from What Kills Me by Wynne Channing
Zephaniah from Gateway to Reality by Becca J. Campbell

Wow. Thank you all for visiting my blog during the A to Z Challenge. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed talking to all the people who commented. I'm not sure if I will do it again nest year. If I do, it will only be one blog, not two! I didn't have any Z books or authors. Do you know any? Have a great day!!