Karen Swart's Blog, page 90
November 19, 2013
Chasing Flame Blog Tour–Today our stops are over at…
Today our blog stops are over at Mythical Books and Desert Rose Reviews. They have another fully packed stop today so head on over and check them out.
November 18, 2013
Chasing Flames Blog Tour– Blog stop over at Becca Anne’s Book Reviews
November 17, 2013
Author Interview with Kristen Day, author of Hearken
Today on the blog we have author Kristen Day for an interview. Sit back and relax and let’s find out more about this author.
Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
I never really had a choice in the matter! Writing has always been my creative outlet and passion. I simply had to write, so if I had to explain it, I’d say writing chose me. It’s a curse and a blessing. And I’ve loved every second of it. I did go through a phase where I wanted to be an astronaut. That didn’t work out. I’m still waiting on my call from NASA, but I’m not holding my breath.
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
Since I can remember. I’ve written poems since 2nd grade and I journaled for my entire childhood. Everything makes more sense to me when I write it down. It’s always been my way of understanding life and the experiences that have shaped me. I didn’t consider myself an author until last year when I published my first book, but I’ve always considered myself to be a writer.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
When it comes to things I’m passionate about; patience becomes scarce very quickly. I queried agents and publishers for about two months before deciding to self-publish. I never had any grandiose illusions about becoming the next Stephanie Meyer or Amanda Hocking - I just wanted people to read the stories swirling around in my head. I plan on continuing my journey to becoming signed by a publisher, but until then I’ll keep cranking out books because it’s something I love to do.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
My latest book is the 4th book in my Daughters of the Sea Series, Hearken. If I had to summarize it in 20 words or less, it may cause a cataclysmic eruption of brain cells, but I’ll give it a shot…
Hearken will pull you in, scramble your emotions and tug at your heart strings before transporting you to a magical world where anything is possible.
That was 25 but close enough, right?
Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?
I self-publish and because I am a control freak on steroids I also create my own covers! I taught myself how to use InDesign and Photoshop and have had an amazing time creating a visual representation of my stories. I also have an amazing editor, Stacy Sanford, who should be working for Random House as an editor (she’s that good). The entire journey of writing and self-publishing four books in the last year and a half has changed me and my life forever.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
I like to use the metaphor of my heart and soul bleeding onto the pages of my books to describe how I write. It took me 4 months to write my first book, Forsaken, and 3 months for the second, Awaken. Somehow I cranked out Chosen in a month and a half. Hearken also took 4 months, but I’ve noticed the more books I write, the longer they become. It’s like the characters never want it to end!
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
There will be a 5th and final book to the Daughters of the Sea Series that will be released in 2014. I have a blue million ideas for my next book/series, so I have to decide on one first - which might be the hardest part. I’d like to try writing Dystopian, but find myself always coming back to my favorite genre; Fantasy. So, stay tuned...
What genre would you place your books into?
I would place my books into either paranormal romance or fantasy romance.
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
The paranormal/fantasy romance genre has long been my favorite. They encompass my obsession with the otherworldly and often have a darker side, but the romance gives me the warm-fuzzies which wraps everything I need in a book. My imagination is also unbelievably vivid and it will turn even the most normal story and automatically add paranormal or fantasy aspects. It’s always best not to fight with the way your mind works, so when I let mine run free it tends to run towards the ‘make believe’.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?
I have found that my favorite characters are the darker female personalities (Nadia, Olivia, Selene) - mainly because I can live vicariously through them! They add such spice to the story, its impossible not to love them!
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
Depending on the chapter I’m writing, I like to find music that matches the moon of the character its about. Once the music has successfully taken me to the place I need to be, I can write. My favorite spot is an oversized armchair right in front of the TV in my living room. I need noise in the background to make me focus and sometimes listening to music while writing can distract me - it becomes a little too powerful and can pull me out of the books. So give me a Red Bull, the TV, and my fuzzy blanket and I turn into a writing machine!
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
I read every single one. Even the bad ones - they help me the most! I love hearing what people have to say and the differing opinions fascinate me. I never take offense because everyone has different tastes and you simply can’t please everyone. But regardless of what they thought about the book, they still read the book and took the time to write that review - so i’m going to take the time and read it!
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I choose the title first - it helps me keep the story on track.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
All words have a personality to me and names characterize that more than any other - I choose names that mean something specific about the story or that character in particular. In the Daughters of the Sea I researched a myriad of names and usually the right name will pop off the screen and yell at me - pick me! pick me!
Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
I create them first so that I know the personality (person) or atmosphere (place) - that way choosing a name becomes more like a treasure hunt to find the perfect name that fits the vision in my head.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
I have a general personality in mind for each character and as I write they tend to take on a life of their own. That way their personality traits will blossom on their own and it doesn’t feel forced to the reader.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
I don’t start out with a moral, but somehow they always seem to pop up. I’m not sure how that happens, but it does. Crazy, right? *go head and file that under ‘worst answer ever’*
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
I prefer all of the above. If it’s a classic - hardcover (and I take the jacket off), if it’s a book I know I’ll read over and over - paperback. If it’s a book or author I’m not sure about - ebook.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?
I think dystopian and romance books transfer over very well, but paranormal/fantasy do not. There is alot left to the imagination in paranormal/fantasy so it is almost impossible to match the experience the reader had when they read the book (Twilight, Beautiful Creatures), but with Dystopian the author is very precise with the characters and environment, making it a little easier to transfer (Hunger Games, Divergent). Romance can actually be enhanced by the movie industry (Nicholas Sparks)
Your favorite food is?
Baked Ziti
Your favorite singer/group is?
Evanescence
Your favorite color is?
Pink (so cliche, I know)
Your favorite Author is?
Sylvia Plath
Remember to check out today’s spotlight to find out more about Kristen’s books.
Book Blitz and Giveaway: Hearken by Kristen Day
Book Info-
Title-Hearken
Series-Daughters of the Sea Series # 4
By- Kristen Day
Publication Date-November 5th, 2013
Blurb-
Sometimes our souls hear what our minds and hearts refuse to accept. It will whisper its continuous cadence until we're strong enough to glimpse the truth. When the soul's whispers morph into screams, we're forced to gaze into the mirrors of time and see ourselves for who we really are. Would you be able to handle what gazes back?
Links-
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17839403-hearken
Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/374734
Book Info: Forsaken
Daughters of the Sea Series-Book #1
By Kristen Day
Blurb: Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…
Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago.
Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her.
Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity.
Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendants of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.
But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love.
She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesied to be a part of. The fate of all the descendants will forever depend upon it.
Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15764736-forsaken
Book Info: Awaken
Daughters of the Sea Series Book #2
By Kristen Day
Blurb: The sacrifices we make have the power to shift the very fabric of who we are, and ultimately who we are meant to be…
After learning of her true destiny as the intended Leader of the Tydes, Anastasia Whitman must now embark on a perilous quest to the Underworld before the age of eighteen in order to plant the seed of immortality and complete her essence to become a true Sea Goddess. But before she can make her legendary journey, an unexpected new student transfers to Lorelei; initiating a sequence of events that will unravel Stasia’s new life, and test the boundaries of her relationship with the mysterious, dark, and sexy Finn Morrison. The line between the Underworld and the Living begins to blur as gruesome ghosts, morbid reveries, and pure evil haunt her waking hours as well as her sanity. Once the details of Finn’s own startling destiny are revealed, the dangerous secrets he’s been hiding will threaten the very love Stasia believed to be indestructible. As time begins to run out, she will be forced to choose between the one she loves and the destiny she cannot escape.
Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
Book Info: Chosen
Daughters of the Sea Series Book #3
By Kristen Day
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Blurb: The essence of who we are lies not in what we have, but in what we are willing to give up. Because in the end, Time and Tide wait for no one.
After sacrificing all that she had, the evil princess of the Underworld is still successful in her bid to tear Finn from Stasia’s life. In the midst of her search to reclaim him, Stasia is summoned to the island nation of Cyprus to take part in an age-old ritual; unveiling the missing pieces of her ancestry and re-igniting an ancient war. As she struggles to both save Finn’s soul and free Carmen’s mind, Stasia’s bravery and determination will be pushed to its breaking point. A dark storm is forming on the horizon, and the forces who are vying to destroy her may be much closer than she thinks. Destiny weaves a sticky web of evil, betrayal, and revenge that can only be undone by the purity of love and the soul’s unyielding will to survive. In the last installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, the past will collide with the present as Stasia’s future hangs in the balance. The prophecy that paved the way for her new life may indeed be the very thing that strips her of the ones she loves the most.
Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
About The Author:
I am a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. I love all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. I've been told I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I prefer to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something I can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).
I am the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN, and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). I love all books, but really enjoy writing young adult, paranormal romances. I've loved to write for as long as I can remember. My first published work was my poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, I know) that won me 5 gold stars and a spot in my elementary school's poetry book. That's when my addiction to the written word officially began. I was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh – it’s okay.
When I'm not writing I'm making jewelry, painting, drinking sweet tea, watching the discovery channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with my amazing husband. I graduated from Appalachian State University and dream of becoming a full time novelist.
Author Links:
November 16, 2013
Chasing Flames Blog Tour–Today our stops are over at…
Today our blog stops are over at The Enigma Of Herself and Darkmotive's Books and More. Head on over and check them out!
Series Blitz and Giveaway: Crush Series by Lacey Weatherford
Book Info-
Title: Crush
Series: Crush #1
By: Lacey Weatherford
Publication Date: October 20th, 2012
Blurb-
Cami Wimberley has a plan, and that plan includes no room for boys—especially the big time party animal, Hunter Wilder, no matter how handsome and charismatic he is. She’s beautiful, a senior, extremely talented, gets good grades, and is working her way toward her dream college to be a musical theater major. Everything is perfect.
Hunter Wilder does not want a girlfriend—that would complicate his life way too much right now. He especially doesn’t want this girl, Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, so how come he can’t keep his eyes off her? He tries to keep her at arms length, but fate seems to keep pushing them together. Before long, it’s obvious to everyone they’re crushing on each other.
As sparks begin to fly, Hunter finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into hot water. Soon he’s scrambling to keep Cami from discovering his dark secret—one that can destroy their entire relationship.
Links-
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16045855-crush
Amazon Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Crush-ebook/dp/B009TU0TVM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371162158&sr=8-1
Amazon Paperback- http://www.amazon.com/Crush-Lacey-Weatherford/dp/1479398772/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371162158&sr=8-1&keywords=crush+by+lacey+weatherford
Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crush-lacey-weatherford/1113536812?ean=9781479398775
Kobo- http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Crush/book-fZMpix0ci0eIWOTGrS_oBQ/page1.html
Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246473
Book Info-
Title- Smitten
Series- Crush # 2
By-Lacey Weatherford
Blurb-
Life is good. Cami is away at her dream college with her dream man by her side. She thinks if she can just get through with meeting Hunter’s family that everything will be perfect. Little does she know that life’s about to turn upside down again when Hunter is called to infiltrate a gang whose specialty is chopping and racing cars. His contact happens to be a beautiful curvy girl who is the gang leader’s sister and he has to pose as her boyfriend. Communication with Cami is basically forbidden to help keep his cover.
Hunter, however, can’t stand being away from the girl he really loves, and he sneaks away one night to meet her across town. He doesn’t know the gang leader, Ripper, has suspicions about him already and he’s following him to see where he goes. He surprises Hunter and Cami, and Hunter quickly introduces her as his cousin who is having some car trouble. He thinks all is well until he discovers he has one serious problem. Ripper likes Cami and decides to pursue her, drawing her into the same dangerous world he’s supposed to bring down.
Can he keep his cover without having Cami get caught in the crossfire? Will the two of them survive having to watch each other fake it in the arms of another? Or will their hot stolen kisses destroy everything?
Links-
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17252101-smitten
Amazon Paperback- http://www.amazon.com/Smitten-Crush-Volume-Lacey-Weatherford/dp/1484109724/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1383255647&sr=8-1
Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/smitten-lacey-weatherford/1115793676?ean=2940016536958
Barnes & Noble Paperback- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/smitten-lacey-weatherford/1115793676?ean=9781484109724
Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/328748
Kobo- http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/smitten-5
About The Author-
Lacey Weatherford was born in Ft. Meade Maryland while her father was serving in the military. She has been a life long resident of Arizona, spending most of her time growing up in the small rural town of Clay Springs.
It was while she was attending the small country school in Clay Springs, that she read her first "big" book at the age of eight. It was a Nancy Drew novel and Lacey was instantly hooked. She read every book that she could find in the series and decided that she wanted to write stories too.
Lacey spent a lot of time at the library from that time forward, even volunteering in her later teen years and early twenties. She would don a crazy clown outfit for the Friends of the Library fundraisers in an effort to help get the new town library built.
When she and her husband moved away from the area, Lacey took the opportunity to take some creative writing classes at the local college to help further along her interests. Several years later, they were blessed with the opportunity to move back to Clay Springs with their family. The town had finally succeeded in building their library and Lacey had the opportunity to be President of the Friends of the Library for a very short time, before relocating.
Lacey and her family still live in the White Mountains of Arizona, where she continues to write young adult novels that have a fantasy/fairytale or paranormal bent to them, as well as being sure to include a great romantic storyline!
Author Links-
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3297510.Lacey_Weatherford
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lacey-Weatherford-Author/294193747306212?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter- https://twitter.com/LMWeatherford
Website- http://www.laceyweatherfordbooks.com
Amazon Author Page- http://www.amazon.com/Lacey-Weatherford/e/B0033DCQBC
November 15, 2013
Chasing Flames Blog Tour–Jammed packed blog stop over at Once Upon a YA Book
Today we have another jammed packed stop over at Once Upon a YA Book. Head on over and check them out!
Book Blitz: My Brother, My Rival by Eve Rabi
Author– Eve Rabi Publication Date – August 29, 2013 Cover Artist – Author
BUY LINKS AMAZON - BOOK 1 | AMAZON - BOOK 2 
< ?NO!? hour?? an in about What>
Eve Rabi lives in Australia, but she was born in South Africa. She is the author of 20 books and is known for her kick-ass leading ladies, alpha males and no holes-barred love stories. Oh, and let’s not forget about humour, it’s a must in her books. To quote a smashwords.com reviewer: “When you pick up an Eve Rabi book, forget sleep. She writes gripping page turners that will keep you reading till the very end.” STALKER LINKS Amazon Author Page | Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Smashwords CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Bewitching Book Tours Hot Holiday Giveaway!!
Bewitching Book Tours Hot Holiday Giveaway
Nov 15- Dec 15
Giveaways:
1 Kindle Fire HD 8.9 inch or equivalent value Amazon Gift Card
3 Bewitching Prize Packs full of books and book swag goodies- open to US Shipping- prize packs may contain print copies of The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle, Would Be Witch by Kimberly Frost and Earth Angel by E Van Lowe, Paranormal Pleasures by Roxanne Rhoads, Tasty Christmas Treats by Roxanne Rhoads- books will be distributed among the 3 prize packs
1 e-book set of the first three books in the Seven Seals Series by Traci Douglass
1 Release, book 3 of The Angler series by Annie Nicholas
1 ebook copy Murder on Mars A New Orleans Mystery by MM Shelley
1 Ebook giveaway Hollow’s End by Marianne Morea
1 Ebook copy of Tigress by JE Taylor
1 ebook copy of In Flames by Jessica Jayne
1 copy of River Road by Suzanne Johnson
1 ebook copy of Visionary- Unleashed by N Dunham
1 copy of each Bleeding Hearts and Blood Rush by Ash Krafton
1 ebook copy of Soul Meaning (Seventeen Book 1) by AD Starrling
1 ebook copy of Blaze Ignites by JL Madore
1 e-book copy of Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad
1 Earth’s Requiem by Ann Gimpel. Print if in the U.S., an e-copy otherwise.
1 ebook copy Silent Oath (Book 2 of the Locked Within Trilogy) by Paul Anthony Shortt
1 Ebook: Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy from the Season of Seduction Carina Press erotic holiday anthology
1 eBook: An Unexpected Bride (The Bride Series, Book 1) by Shadonna Richards
1 eCopy of Divine Destiny by Joanna Grace
1 Ministry Protocol: Thrilling Tales of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
1 Ebook giveaway. "Beautiful Stranger" by Katalina Leon
1 ebook copy of Chasing the Star Garden by Melanie Karsak
1 ebook copy of Cleaning Up by Jophrael L Avario
1 One e-book copy of Haven by Celia Breslin
1 one e-book copy of Dragon Fire by Dina Von Lowenkraft
1 ebook copy of Hex and the Single Witch by Roxanne Rhoads
1 one kindle copy of Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective by Christine Amsden
1 One ecopy of Cursed Ever After by AC James
1 copy of The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter by Jillian Stone
1 ecopy of Catwalk:Messiah by Nick Kelly
1 ecopy of Wucaii by Pembroke Sinclair
1 ecopy of The Bottom Line by Shelley Munro
1 Ebook copy of Dangerous Pursuit by Margaret Daly
November 14, 2013
Chasing Flames Blog Tour–YA Book Addict reveals the playlist.
Today our stop is over at YA Book Addict, and they are revealing the playlist for Chasing Flames. Head on over and check them out!
