M.O. Kenyan's Blog, page 37
September 8, 2012
Lisa Logue
Lisa Logue has written everything from poetry and short stories to her debut novel Cursed Secrets. Originally from Long Island, NY, she now resides in Tennessee with her family including her two sons.
At the age of seven, Lisa began writing short stories depicting dramatic scenes of abusive relationships and murder/mysteries. After several calls home from the teacher, Lisa made it clear that while the stories seemed real her imagination created the drama. But it didn’t stop there. After the short stories came poetry with which she received many awards including winning several contests. Her earlier poems were published in coffee table books and various online websites, proving she’s no stranger to the written word.
After a long two years, her first novel Cursed Secrets has finally been published. Lisa is constantly working to improve and adapt her writing to intrigue and entice readers. As an avid reader herself, creating “real” characters has been an important part of the project. While Cursed Secrets encompasses a variety of supernatural characters, the human element is prominent and relatable.
When Lisa isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, working, or attending classes for her degree. She also loves to read and often finds herself curled up in a snuggie with a glass of wine. Spending time with her boyfriend of almost five years and their friends is another enjoyment and break from crazy daily life.
Cursed Secrets (Legacy of Secrets #1)
Ten years ago, Lia’s life had been normal, until she witnessed a murder. Since then she’s been plagued by reliving that horrible night in a dream. But that wasn’t the worst of her problems. A force had awakened inside her, unleashing something so frightening, she couldn’t bear being close to anyone. Until she met Christian. Intrigued by her power and the strange connection between them, Christian is determined to find out what makes her tick. Struggling to keep his urges under control, he vows to stand by her. But as her past is revealed, he uncovers secrets that shake him to the core, forcing a decision that could lead to her death.
*Includes some language*
*Includes minor sexual situations*
**Bonus material!!!**
[image error]
Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella
With a past fueled by blood, sex and death, Christian vowed to be different. The things he witnessed left him hardened, turning his body and heart to ice.
A tiny sliver of humanity remained, leading him to Lia like a moth to a flame. Mortal desires awakened inside him, chipping away the cold. He tells Lia his story, realizing she’s the one who revived him. She’s the fire to his ice.
*Includes some language*
*Includes some sexual situations*
WRITING A GUEST BLOG
Please write a blog that pertains to writing in general or about your journey to create your story and your characters. Or if you have a better blog topic that encompasses you as an author please use that. Please make the blog PG. Please send any pictures with copyright information if you have photos to attach.
Guest Blog: Lisa Logue- Author of Legacy of Secrets
Writing has always been my dream. A few years ago, I started writing a short story based on a crazy dream I had. A few months later, I was still writing and the story transformed. That crazy dream turned into a two year project and my debut novel Cursed Secrets. It became a bestseller in just under a month and I haven’t stopped since! Writing has always been my dream, but I never imagined it would be this awesome!
One thing I’ve seen a lot of on my journey has been very passionate writers who seem like they’re searching for validation. For most, writing has been somewhat of a life-long goal. It is a love of more than just reading, but creating and molding characters and plots into something bigger than simply words on a page. It can be scary to bare your heart and soul to millions or billions, but that’s also what makes it exciting.
Where these authors and writers go wrong is looking to others to determine whether they should continue writing. I understand wanting to be praised and told you’re good at something, especially when that something is the one thing you’ve always wanted to do. But why should you have to? I’m a firm believer in people being the best at the things they’re most passionate about. If you love to write, why not take the chance?
For different people, success is measured in different ways. Some feel as though success is unattainable unless you receive a publishing contract. Others try to spout off rankings and sales numbers. Some try to dictate that unless you’ve paid hundreds of dollars for editing, plus hundreds more for artwork and a few hundred more for a professional printing press, your books aren’t really books and you’ve wasted your time. In all honesty, success is relative and you’ll never get the same answer from any two people. Those same people who say these things would also say that I haven’t been successful. I beg to differ.
I don’t have a traditional publishing contract, but I am an author. My books haven’t sold thousands, but they have sold hundreds. I may not be on bookshelves, but I do have print options. I don’t spend a lot of money, but I have a graphic artist and an editor. Most of all, I don’t care what the critics say. I have readers who enjoy my books and that’s enough for me.
Bottom line: you really can’t lose if you love what you’re doing. Life is too short to let others cut you down and keep you from your dreams. There’s always someone out there who will give you an honest opinion before publishing, but there’s no need to beg for reviews. Those who deem your work fitting will review it. Don’t hold your breath waiting for it, but it will happen eventually. Take advantage of information others give you, but do your research. The same things won’t work for everyone. If you feel like your books aren’t selling as well as others in the same genre, get a couple of them, read and compare. It may be something as simple as cover art. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Most authors who are self-published have small time success. We all dream of being big, but it’s how you measure your personal success that matters.
If anyone ever asked, I’d never tell them that I am a better writer than anyone else or that what I’ve accomplished is some amazing feat. I’ve gotten lucky to have met great writers, sold hundreds of books, gained publicity from my friends and enough fans to reach almost 650 likes on Facebook. I don’t go out looking for someone to tell me I should keep writing, I keep writing because it’s what I love. My advice to all those who are unsure: never stop doing what your heart tells you and you’ll know soon enough.
~Lisa Logue
“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” David Frost
Read more athttp://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_success.html#P8ELutTGGZ7y0KUD.99
Gail Briggs (Author 5 Prince Publishing)
Gail Briggs
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
My favourite thing about being a writer is sitting at my desk and writing down ideas that have been in my head, watching them grow into real stories, and knowing people are reading and enjoying them.
What genre(s) do you write?
I write in the supernatural/paranormal genre. I have written a couple or three children’s stories, but they will never see the light of day. Right now, I am concentrating on getting the immediate ideas out of my head and onto paper (computer), but I would like to try my hand at other genres. I have a fantasy novel idea that I am working on, and want to see how that goes in the near future.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part is moving on to the next chapter. Trying to finish a chapter when my inner grammar buzzer won’t be quiet is very hard. Getting the words out in the first draft is a matter of simply writing and getting it down, which is an alien concept to me. It was a hard lesson, but worth learning.
Another difficult part for me was knowing that, within the supernatural genre, I was writing books about demons, when the world was reading about vampires and zombies. Having faith in myself and knowing I was doing the right thing for me, was a challenge.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A little bit of both. I plot the first five chapters and the last chapter in the book before I start writing. Then when the writing process has begun, the characters shape the way the story actually unfolds and gets us to the end.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope readers take with them a slight sense of fear of the unknown. Maybe it could happen, maybe not. Satisfaction in the story is another thing I hope readers feel when they reach the end of one of my books.
How long have you been a writer?
I have been a writer for a year now. I have always wanted to write, but life tends to take over. I’ve recently found the time to write, as my children are all grown up now, and I enjoy the peace and quiet this brings which allows me to write in peace.
How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?
I began writing Fabled Enigma in August of 2011, and it was finished, edited and published in February 2012. My latest novel, Exorcism of the Species, was started in March 2012, finished in July and edited and published on 30 August 2012.
Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
Some of the events in the books are loosely based on experiences in my life. Only one character is based on an actual person, but I’m not going to reveal who. The person asked to be included in my book, and I thought ‘why not’. But the character was changed just enough that only the friend knows which character it is.
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
A Woman of Substance was an amazing novel and shaped the way I thought of the world. Bless the Child is another novel that spoke to me.
How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
I have had a mixed responses from both family and friends. Some were shocked and surprised, others thought my writing was a ‘phase’ I was going through, and others still never even raised an eyebrow. They are all mostly supportive now though, which I am thankful for.
Where are you from?
I’m from Manchester in the UK.
How do you come up with the titles?
Fabled Enigma, my first novel was originally named Stealth. I changed it one morning on a whim that popped into my head. My second novel, Exorcism of the Species was names so because the first book talked about the subject, and the book is all about exactly what the title says.
Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?
My life has not changed at all. The only thing that has changed has been my mindset on the writing process.
Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
I definitely multi-task. At the moment I’m working on three or more projects, including the third book in the Stealth series, which will see a Christmas release, hopefully.
When not writing, how do you relax?
I read, a lot. I have a kindle and it never leaves my side. I always seem to have at least four books that I am reading at once.
Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I have just released my second novel, Exorcism of the Species, on August 30th 2012, and I am proud to say that it reached number 4 in the supernatural best sellers list on Amazon, on its release day. It’s still in the top 30 in the supernatural category, and I hope it remains so for a long time.
Book description:
Humanity is in danger of extinction from an otherworldly race of savage creatures hell bent on revenge for their banishment from the physical realm eons ago. They aim to take back what was once theirs, the physical realm, by culling the human race. They are coming through an open portal into this realm in their thousands and spreading across the whole country, waiting for the signal to begin their invasion.
It’s a race against time as Elena has no choice but to join forces with her enemy and enter the forsaken realm to search for the lost items needed to re-enact the banishment of so long ago.
Join them on their journey through the forsaken realm. Travel with them as they battle creatures, tackle obstacles, and seek to avoid letting the savageness of the realm change their very souls.
Each group seeks the means to exorcise the other species from existence.
Only one race can survive.
Please share any links you have so readers can find you.
Time Untime by Sherilyn Kenyon
I’m a huge fan of sherilyn Kenyon, and every book just leaves me hungry for the next. This book is no exception.
We were introduced to Ren in the last book, but the introduction was rather brief. But we got enough to know he is a tortured soul. This book shows us just how tortured he is, and how long he’s been tortured.
I love her books
September 7, 2012
NEW RELEASES (5 PRINCE PUBLISHERS)
While Carmen DeSousa does not write “Christian” books, she does share her characters’ Christian beliefs. Her characters are real people who come with real flaws; no perfect people allowed.
She characterizes her stories as modern-day fairytales, as they are overflowing with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of her novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
Both of her published novels, She Belongs to Meand Land of the Noonday Sun, have reached bestseller status right alongside Nicholas Sparks, J.D. Robb, and other great authors. Her third novel, Entangled Dreams, releases September 2012.
When Alexandra Nicole was eight, she thought she was a princess in a fairytale. But after a tragic accident shatters her magical life, she finds herself in a cold and heartless reality.
As an adult, she once again faces harsh truths and decides to take control of her destiny. Unfortunately, choices have a way of entangling her dreams and pushing her down a dark and dismal path.
Alexandra must trust her instincts to escape danger, but be able to surrender all to find her happily ever after. Knowing how to decipher the difference, will be her toughest challenge.
Author interview no.483 with writer Jade Heasley
Reblogged from Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog:
Welcome to the four hundred and eighty-third of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with humorous novelist and memoirist Jade Heasley. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.
Morgen: Hello, Jade. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.
Author Spotlight no.117 – Rick Reed
Reblogged from Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog:
Complementing my daily blog interviews, today’s Author Spotlight, the one hundred and seventeenth, is of crime thriller author Rick Reed.
Rick Reed was a member of the Evansville Police Department and Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department for 30 years. He worked as an investigator in the Criminal Investigations Unit from 1987 until 2003 when he was promoted from Detective to the rank of Detective Sergeant.
What We're Reading
Reblogged from BookPeople's Blog:
WIL
The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens
“The Fire Chronicle is the sequel to The Emerald Atlas, which was awesome! The story has dwarfs, an evil queen… all the right stuff. In the sequel we once again join Kate, Emma, and Michael on an adventure through time with their magic time traveling book. Their book is the first of 3 books of power.
Author interview no.484 with mystery writer James M Copeland
Reblogged from Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog:
Welcome to the four hundred and eighty-fourth of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with mystery author James M Copeland. A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.
Morgen: Hello, James. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.
Interview with Bestselling Author, Bernadette Marie ~ Win a copy of Opposite Attraction!
Hi Bernadette, I’m excited to have you here to celebrate your new release Opposite Attraction (Book 3 of the Keller Family Series) Share a little bit about yourself.
I am the happily married mother of 5 growing sons (14-7.) I have been writing since I was thirteen-years-old. I am also the owner of 5 Prince Publishing. I have been blessed to have had nine books published, so far, and all of my 5 Prince Publishing titles have gone bestseller.
September 4, 2012
Author interview no.482 with multi-genre writer Rinah Lidonde aka Christina Ow
Reblogged from Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog:
Welcome to the four hundred and eighty-second of my blog interviews with novelists, poets, short story authors, biographers, agents, publishers and more. Today’s is with multi-genre author Rinah Lidonde aka Christina Ow (who often reblogs my posts on to her site ). A list of interviewees (blogged and scheduled) can be found here. If you like what you read, please do go and investigate further.
