E.J. Wesley's Blog, page 2
August 6, 2014
IWSG - Fiction's Dirty Little Secret: Size Matters
Hey, gang! Welcome to your monthly dose of hot mess we affectionately call the Insecure Writer's Support Group around these parts. Not familiar with IWSG? Click the IWSG button below for all the details!
On the E.J. news front, my New Adult contemporary novel, Perfectly Ernest, is releasing Labor Day weekend. (Less than a month away! *dry heaves from nerves*)
I'd love to have your help spreading the word! Here's a sign up for a book blast/cover reveal. It is scheduled for the last week of August/first week of September.
Loading...
Even if you don't have openings on your blog during that two week period, I'll also send some canned tweets and Facebook messages. Any little thing you can do to help me get the word out is greatly appreciated.
Here's what this story is all about:
From a distance, Ernie’s life seems perfect—he’s a star college baseball player adored by the student body and coveted by professional teams. Up close, he is a disaster. Since the death of his mother, he’s been trapped by a promise he made and forced to live her dream instead of his own. He reaches his breaking point in the biggest game of his young career and sets off a chain of events that will either define or destroy the rest of his life.
Ernie grudgingly joins a quirky campus counseling group that empowers him to heal himself and right his wrongs. By testing old friendships, forging unlikely new ones, and exploring an exciting romance, he begins to unravel the jumbled knot his tangled inner-psyche has become. But old rivals, mental illness, and the risk of a forbidden relationship soon threaten his progress. Will Ernie's new direction and friends be his salvation, or confirmation that he is forever doomed by his imperfections?
Perfectly Ernest is a New Adult contemporary novel with romantic elements by author E.J. Wesley. Ernest offers a smart, funny, sweet, sexy, uplifting, and oftentimes poignant perspective of one person's difficult transition into adulthood. It is a story about overcoming the demons of mental illness and struggling with the profound burden of expectations—both real and imagined. But it’s mostly a tale of friendship, hope, and love.
Add Perfectly Ernest to your TBR!
Fiction's Dirty Little Secret: Size Matters
Click for more info on IWSG!I have a confession: I have a little bit of a size inferiority complex. No, I'm not talking about naughty things. (Hey, eyes up here!) Nor am I talking about the fact that I'm only 5'6" tall. (Someone has to stay small enough to sit in the middle on road trips. I proudly wear that badge of shame.)
I'm talking about the fiction I write. You see, I have a series of novelettes out. Each individual story ranges from 12-17 thousand words. They're short by design, meant to be enjoyed like your favorite TV shows or a fun-sized candy bar. A couple of delicious bites that simultaneously curb your craving and leave you wanting more.
I get the occasional complaint that the stories are too short, but those have mostly come from folks who didn't read the product description. (Or don't realize it's an ongoing series for whatever reasons.) By and large, the feedback I've gotten is that they are enjoyable stories by themselves. So no big worries there.
But then I wrote (and completed) my first novel, Perfectly Ernest. I outlined a story and wrote that story to the best of my ability. While I'd originally planned for it to be around 75k, it ended up being 60. Why? Because that was the story. Anything else I would've added would've been filler or fluff in my mind.
So what's the big deal, E.J.? Sounds like you're happy with the results.
I'm truly thrilled with how the book turned out. It packs the emotional punch I dreamed it would when I first came up with the idea, and also has this weird ability to leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy. (I say weird, because I never planned on this being a feel good story--but I think it somehow is now.) Also, early reviewers are telling me it's a page turner, which is something I always put high on my to-do list.
The big deal is that some readers balk at anything less than 80k being worthy of the title of novel. I've known about the reader size bias for a while. Because of my experience with the Moonsongs series, I know there are readers who won't touch shorter fiction. It's just their preference.
But when an author friend did an informal poll on Facebook the other day, I had my eyes opened to a new kind of size bias: The price Vs size bias.
This friend asked her followers what the single most important factor in making a book purchase was. Many people listed positive reviews, recommendations from friends, and other common factors. But there were many who said they first look at price and word count on the product description.
Most were reluctant to pay more than .99 cents for anything under 80k--no mater what the reviews said. I guess it took me by surprise, because my first concern as a reader is if I'm going to enjoy the story. I've also loved a number of short stories and I realize size isn't going to necessarily indicative of how much I'm going to enjoy a read.
Here's a list of the word lengths for several great novels. I find myself wondering just how many great reads these people are missing out on. Is Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five worth less than a buck because it doesn't hit 50k? A chunk of Ray Bradbury's stuff doesn't hit 70k, neither does John Green's A Fault in Our Stars. The Great Gatsby is around 47k.
Now, I realize these are certified classics, and that Unknown Indie Author X (ME) is in a different class. But lots of someones have to read these stories before they become classics. Seems like a shame to miss out on something possibly great because of arbitrary things like word count and/or price point.
Ultimately, this all leaves me feeling a touch vulnerable when it comes to Perfectly Ernest. How many people are going to walk right by it because it's not going to take them a month to read, or because the author had the nerve to charge $3 for it?
If they saw how much time, grief, and money we spend writing these things, it would probably make more sense. I'm thinking about putting that info in the product description from now on.
"This book took me 8 months, 3 lost friendships, 17 marital fights, 1 disgruntled dog, 2 neglected children, and $2,500 to produce, advertise, and distribute. Thanks for parting with $2.99 and being entertained for hours. Sorry if my blood, sweat, and tear stains slow you down!" LOL (Actually, not a bad idea...)
What do you think? Does size matter when you're browsing for new reads? What about price?
~EJW~
On the E.J. news front, my New Adult contemporary novel, Perfectly Ernest, is releasing Labor Day weekend. (Less than a month away! *dry heaves from nerves*)
I'd love to have your help spreading the word! Here's a sign up for a book blast/cover reveal. It is scheduled for the last week of August/first week of September.
Loading...
Even if you don't have openings on your blog during that two week period, I'll also send some canned tweets and Facebook messages. Any little thing you can do to help me get the word out is greatly appreciated.
Here's what this story is all about:
From a distance, Ernie’s life seems perfect—he’s a star college baseball player adored by the student body and coveted by professional teams. Up close, he is a disaster. Since the death of his mother, he’s been trapped by a promise he made and forced to live her dream instead of his own. He reaches his breaking point in the biggest game of his young career and sets off a chain of events that will either define or destroy the rest of his life.
Ernie grudgingly joins a quirky campus counseling group that empowers him to heal himself and right his wrongs. By testing old friendships, forging unlikely new ones, and exploring an exciting romance, he begins to unravel the jumbled knot his tangled inner-psyche has become. But old rivals, mental illness, and the risk of a forbidden relationship soon threaten his progress. Will Ernie's new direction and friends be his salvation, or confirmation that he is forever doomed by his imperfections?
Perfectly Ernest is a New Adult contemporary novel with romantic elements by author E.J. Wesley. Ernest offers a smart, funny, sweet, sexy, uplifting, and oftentimes poignant perspective of one person's difficult transition into adulthood. It is a story about overcoming the demons of mental illness and struggling with the profound burden of expectations—both real and imagined. But it’s mostly a tale of friendship, hope, and love.
Add Perfectly Ernest to your TBR!Fiction's Dirty Little Secret: Size Matters
Click for more info on IWSG!I have a confession: I have a little bit of a size inferiority complex. No, I'm not talking about naughty things. (Hey, eyes up here!) Nor am I talking about the fact that I'm only 5'6" tall. (Someone has to stay small enough to sit in the middle on road trips. I proudly wear that badge of shame.) I'm talking about the fiction I write. You see, I have a series of novelettes out. Each individual story ranges from 12-17 thousand words. They're short by design, meant to be enjoyed like your favorite TV shows or a fun-sized candy bar. A couple of delicious bites that simultaneously curb your craving and leave you wanting more.
I get the occasional complaint that the stories are too short, but those have mostly come from folks who didn't read the product description. (Or don't realize it's an ongoing series for whatever reasons.) By and large, the feedback I've gotten is that they are enjoyable stories by themselves. So no big worries there.
But then I wrote (and completed) my first novel, Perfectly Ernest. I outlined a story and wrote that story to the best of my ability. While I'd originally planned for it to be around 75k, it ended up being 60. Why? Because that was the story. Anything else I would've added would've been filler or fluff in my mind.
So what's the big deal, E.J.? Sounds like you're happy with the results.
I'm truly thrilled with how the book turned out. It packs the emotional punch I dreamed it would when I first came up with the idea, and also has this weird ability to leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy. (I say weird, because I never planned on this being a feel good story--but I think it somehow is now.) Also, early reviewers are telling me it's a page turner, which is something I always put high on my to-do list.
The big deal is that some readers balk at anything less than 80k being worthy of the title of novel. I've known about the reader size bias for a while. Because of my experience with the Moonsongs series, I know there are readers who won't touch shorter fiction. It's just their preference.
But when an author friend did an informal poll on Facebook the other day, I had my eyes opened to a new kind of size bias: The price Vs size bias.
This friend asked her followers what the single most important factor in making a book purchase was. Many people listed positive reviews, recommendations from friends, and other common factors. But there were many who said they first look at price and word count on the product description.
Most were reluctant to pay more than .99 cents for anything under 80k--no mater what the reviews said. I guess it took me by surprise, because my first concern as a reader is if I'm going to enjoy the story. I've also loved a number of short stories and I realize size isn't going to necessarily indicative of how much I'm going to enjoy a read.
Here's a list of the word lengths for several great novels. I find myself wondering just how many great reads these people are missing out on. Is Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five worth less than a buck because it doesn't hit 50k? A chunk of Ray Bradbury's stuff doesn't hit 70k, neither does John Green's A Fault in Our Stars. The Great Gatsby is around 47k.
Now, I realize these are certified classics, and that Unknown Indie Author X (ME) is in a different class. But lots of someones have to read these stories before they become classics. Seems like a shame to miss out on something possibly great because of arbitrary things like word count and/or price point.
Ultimately, this all leaves me feeling a touch vulnerable when it comes to Perfectly Ernest. How many people are going to walk right by it because it's not going to take them a month to read, or because the author had the nerve to charge $3 for it?
If they saw how much time, grief, and money we spend writing these things, it would probably make more sense. I'm thinking about putting that info in the product description from now on.
"This book took me 8 months, 3 lost friendships, 17 marital fights, 1 disgruntled dog, 2 neglected children, and $2,500 to produce, advertise, and distribute. Thanks for parting with $2.99 and being entertained for hours. Sorry if my blood, sweat, and tear stains slow you down!" LOL (Actually, not a bad idea...)
What do you think? Does size matter when you're browsing for new reads? What about price?
~EJW~
August 1, 2014
Author Interview - M.J. Fifield - Effigy
Hey, gang! Absolutely stoked to be able to bring you a recent sit-down I did with longtime blog friend and debut author, M.J. Fifield. I've known M.J. to be a passionate fan of fantasy fiction, so I can't wait to see how she has carried over that love into her own work.
She has interesting things to say about the female role in fantasy (both as an author and for characters), and her list of influences might surprise you. Let's get to it!
The survival of a once-mighty kingdom rests in the hands of its young queen, Haleine Coileáin, as it slowly succumbs to an ancient evil fueled by her husband’s cruelty.
A sadistic man with a talent for torture and a taste for murder, he is determined to burn the land and all souls within. Haleine is determined to save her kingdom and, after a chance encounter, joins forces with the leader of the people’s rebellion. She gives him her support, soon followed by her heart.
Loving him is inadvertent but becomes as natural and necessary as breathing. She lies and steals on his behalf, doing anything she can to further their cause. She compromises beliefs held all her life, for what life will exist if evil prevails?
Her journey leads to a deceiving world of magic, monsters, and gods she never believed existed outside of myth. The deeper she goes, the more her soul is stripped away, but she continues on, desperate to see her quest complete. If she can bring her husband to ruin and save her people, any sacrifice is worth the price—even if it means her life.
Author Interview, M.J. Fifield
EJ: Effigy sounds like a massively epic fantasy novel (see what I did there?)--full of swords, sorcery, and all the world building trimmings. However, one big thing jumps out at me: Unlike many fantasy series, a strong female protagonist takes the lead here. What/who was your inspiration for Haleine, and how does tackling the genre from a woman's POV alter the 'typical' fantasy experience? (Or does it?)
MJ: Haleine popped into my head one summer and wouldn't get out until I committed to writing her story. I didn't know a lot about her in those early days, but I knew she was queen and that she would work in a sort-of behind-the-scenes capacity to support a rebellion against her husband. She obviously developed more over time. All along, though, I wanted to write a character who was in a position of power, who was expected to be almost an infallible superhuman figurehead, but was very much human—and a flawed one at that. Whether I was at all successful at this remains to be seen, but that's what I set out to do.
And not to be all 'I am woman; hear me roar' or anything, but I like to think that writing a fantasy from a woman's POV doesn't alter the experience at all.
EJ: Part of writing successfully in the fantasy genre (or any genre, really) is being aware of what's been done before. Who are your writing and reading influences? If one of your favorite authors read Effigy, do you think they'd be surprised by anything?
MJ: I read a lot of novels across a lot of genres, and I admire so many authors out there, but I count Ellen Emerson White and Phillipa Gregory as probably my two biggest reading/writing influences.
Ellen Emerson White wrote a YA series about a girl whose mother is elected president that I first came across when I was in middle school. I re-read that series once a year now because it just taught me so much about voice and characters. It was funny and smart, and I've been obsessed with it since I was 12. Fun fact: Ellen Emerson White and I once had a multi-day online conversation about the awesomeness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica. In doing so, I achieved a life goal I didn't know I had.
Phillipa Gregory is a brilliant historical fiction novelist, and every time I pick up one of her books I'm awed by her ability to weave together language in such a intelligent and moving way. Her novel, Wideacre, is an incredibly crazy story in which you spend the entire time wondering how she could possibly end it in a satisfactory manner, but she does so perfectly. Likewise, her novel, The Boleyn Inheritance, is so gorgeously written and put together that it quite literally took my breath away.
If either of them happened to read Effigy, they would probably be most surprised to find that—given the fact they're my influences—Effigy is a fantasy.
EJ: Effigy was a long time in development--which isn't at all unusual for epic fantasy due to the enormous amount of world building involved. What was your greatest challenge during that time, and is there anything you'd tackle differently now that you've survived the experience?
MJ: I think my greatest challenge was probably figuring out what the story was supposed to be, and how I was supposed to tell it. The characters were in my head a long, long time, and it took me a quite few drafts to really work out the right way to tell their tale. Next time, I plan to plan more ahead of time. That doesn't mean the characters will cooperate, because they very seldom do, but I will have tried, at least.
EJ: What about Effigy would translate really well into a film/movie? What wouldn't? Who would you pick to play your main characters?
MJ: Effigy has a lot of human drama—conversations that are meant to be deep and meaningful, a bit of a love story that leads to a couple of sex scenes—that would translate easily onto the screen. There's one character—a tiny, talking pegasus—who would pose more of a challenge. Call the WETA workshop...perhaps it could be an exciting new challenge for Andy Serkis?
As to whom I would cast as my main characters...If I could get the Cate Blanchett who portrayed Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth, I would cast her in a heartbeat because she would be so perfect in so many ways. I also adore Rose Leslie (Ygritte in Game of Thrones). Effigy's male lead is a lot harder to cast. I've never really settled on an actor who I think would fit the role. Past considerees, however, have included Joseph Fiennes (1998's Shakespeare in Love and Elizabeth), and Heath Ledger.
EJ: Last and best question: What are your plans for the The Coileáin Chronicles? And how can we get our hands on Effigy and learn more about you?
MJ: If all goes according to plan (ha!), there will be six books in the Coileáin Chronicles. I'm working on the second book,Second Nature, right now. I'm allergic to spoilers and like to avoid them whenever possible, but I will say that the first three novels cover the three Coileáin sisters. The second three will revolve around the next generation of Coileáins. Or is that too much information? If it is, forget I said anything.
There's currently one planned spin-off—if I can figure out how (and when) to write it. I created a character last November whose only name for the longest time was 'Mercenary Guy.' Mercenary Guy (whose real name is now a well-guarded secret) makes his official debut in Second Nature and is now demanding his own spin-off. Since I like him quite a lot, I'm inclined to give in.
Effigy is currently available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon and Amazon UK. You can also purchase it on CreateSpace. The EPub version should be available soon. I hope.
About M.J.
Armed with a deep and lasting love of chocolate, purple pens, and medieval weaponry, M.J. Fifield is nothing if not a uniquely supplied insomniac. When she isn’t writing, she’s on the hunt for oversized baked goods or shiny new daggers. M.J. lives with a variety of furry creatures—mostly pets—in New Hampshire.
Where to find M.J.
Website: http://www.mjfifield.com/ Blog: http://mjfifield.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Fif... Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJSaysWhat Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/MJFifield
Purchase Effigy AmazonAmazon UK
CreateSpace
a Rafflecopter giveaway
She has interesting things to say about the female role in fantasy (both as an author and for characters), and her list of influences might surprise you. Let's get to it!
The survival of a once-mighty kingdom rests in the hands of its young queen, Haleine Coileáin, as it slowly succumbs to an ancient evil fueled by her husband’s cruelty.
A sadistic man with a talent for torture and a taste for murder, he is determined to burn the land and all souls within. Haleine is determined to save her kingdom and, after a chance encounter, joins forces with the leader of the people’s rebellion. She gives him her support, soon followed by her heart.
Loving him is inadvertent but becomes as natural and necessary as breathing. She lies and steals on his behalf, doing anything she can to further their cause. She compromises beliefs held all her life, for what life will exist if evil prevails?
Her journey leads to a deceiving world of magic, monsters, and gods she never believed existed outside of myth. The deeper she goes, the more her soul is stripped away, but she continues on, desperate to see her quest complete. If she can bring her husband to ruin and save her people, any sacrifice is worth the price—even if it means her life.
Author Interview, M.J. Fifield
EJ: Effigy sounds like a massively epic fantasy novel (see what I did there?)--full of swords, sorcery, and all the world building trimmings. However, one big thing jumps out at me: Unlike many fantasy series, a strong female protagonist takes the lead here. What/who was your inspiration for Haleine, and how does tackling the genre from a woman's POV alter the 'typical' fantasy experience? (Or does it?)
MJ: Haleine popped into my head one summer and wouldn't get out until I committed to writing her story. I didn't know a lot about her in those early days, but I knew she was queen and that she would work in a sort-of behind-the-scenes capacity to support a rebellion against her husband. She obviously developed more over time. All along, though, I wanted to write a character who was in a position of power, who was expected to be almost an infallible superhuman figurehead, but was very much human—and a flawed one at that. Whether I was at all successful at this remains to be seen, but that's what I set out to do.
And not to be all 'I am woman; hear me roar' or anything, but I like to think that writing a fantasy from a woman's POV doesn't alter the experience at all.
EJ: Part of writing successfully in the fantasy genre (or any genre, really) is being aware of what's been done before. Who are your writing and reading influences? If one of your favorite authors read Effigy, do you think they'd be surprised by anything?
MJ: I read a lot of novels across a lot of genres, and I admire so many authors out there, but I count Ellen Emerson White and Phillipa Gregory as probably my two biggest reading/writing influences.
Ellen Emerson White wrote a YA series about a girl whose mother is elected president that I first came across when I was in middle school. I re-read that series once a year now because it just taught me so much about voice and characters. It was funny and smart, and I've been obsessed with it since I was 12. Fun fact: Ellen Emerson White and I once had a multi-day online conversation about the awesomeness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica. In doing so, I achieved a life goal I didn't know I had.
Phillipa Gregory is a brilliant historical fiction novelist, and every time I pick up one of her books I'm awed by her ability to weave together language in such a intelligent and moving way. Her novel, Wideacre, is an incredibly crazy story in which you spend the entire time wondering how she could possibly end it in a satisfactory manner, but she does so perfectly. Likewise, her novel, The Boleyn Inheritance, is so gorgeously written and put together that it quite literally took my breath away.
If either of them happened to read Effigy, they would probably be most surprised to find that—given the fact they're my influences—Effigy is a fantasy.
EJ: Effigy was a long time in development--which isn't at all unusual for epic fantasy due to the enormous amount of world building involved. What was your greatest challenge during that time, and is there anything you'd tackle differently now that you've survived the experience?
MJ: I think my greatest challenge was probably figuring out what the story was supposed to be, and how I was supposed to tell it. The characters were in my head a long, long time, and it took me a quite few drafts to really work out the right way to tell their tale. Next time, I plan to plan more ahead of time. That doesn't mean the characters will cooperate, because they very seldom do, but I will have tried, at least.
EJ: What about Effigy would translate really well into a film/movie? What wouldn't? Who would you pick to play your main characters?
MJ: Effigy has a lot of human drama—conversations that are meant to be deep and meaningful, a bit of a love story that leads to a couple of sex scenes—that would translate easily onto the screen. There's one character—a tiny, talking pegasus—who would pose more of a challenge. Call the WETA workshop...perhaps it could be an exciting new challenge for Andy Serkis?
As to whom I would cast as my main characters...If I could get the Cate Blanchett who portrayed Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth, I would cast her in a heartbeat because she would be so perfect in so many ways. I also adore Rose Leslie (Ygritte in Game of Thrones). Effigy's male lead is a lot harder to cast. I've never really settled on an actor who I think would fit the role. Past considerees, however, have included Joseph Fiennes (1998's Shakespeare in Love and Elizabeth), and Heath Ledger.
EJ: Last and best question: What are your plans for the The Coileáin Chronicles? And how can we get our hands on Effigy and learn more about you?
MJ: If all goes according to plan (ha!), there will be six books in the Coileáin Chronicles. I'm working on the second book,Second Nature, right now. I'm allergic to spoilers and like to avoid them whenever possible, but I will say that the first three novels cover the three Coileáin sisters. The second three will revolve around the next generation of Coileáins. Or is that too much information? If it is, forget I said anything.
There's currently one planned spin-off—if I can figure out how (and when) to write it. I created a character last November whose only name for the longest time was 'Mercenary Guy.' Mercenary Guy (whose real name is now a well-guarded secret) makes his official debut in Second Nature and is now demanding his own spin-off. Since I like him quite a lot, I'm inclined to give in.
Effigy is currently available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon and Amazon UK. You can also purchase it on CreateSpace. The EPub version should be available soon. I hope.
About M.J.
Armed with a deep and lasting love of chocolate, purple pens, and medieval weaponry, M.J. Fifield is nothing if not a uniquely supplied insomniac. When she isn’t writing, she’s on the hunt for oversized baked goods or shiny new daggers. M.J. lives with a variety of furry creatures—mostly pets—in New Hampshire.
Where to find M.J.
Website: http://www.mjfifield.com/ Blog: http://mjfifield.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Fif... Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJSaysWhat Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/MJFifield
Purchase Effigy AmazonAmazon UK
CreateSpace
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 23, 2014
Soul Twister ... Left Hand Awesome!
Hey, gang! I'm taking part in the Soul Twister blog tour today. It's the 3rd book in my pal Robyn Jones' Touched Girl series. Robyn is a serious paranormal diehard (reader and writer) and layers tons of snark into some truly wild and imaginative fiction. Hope you'll check out her work!
Welcome to my stop on the Soul Twister (A Touched Girl #3) by Robyn Jones Blog Tour!
Soul Twister (A Touched Girl Novel #3) by Robyn Jones
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Goodreads Summary:Months into recovering from the bloody events that took place in Soul Bender, Anna Pierce is ready to get back out there and fulfill her self-crafted destiny. Sadly, no one in her life feels the same way. The emergence of buried memories and out-of-the-blue powers send her straight into regular sessions with the school counselor. If only she could talk about her overly protective vampire boyfriend or the real threat posed by former friends turned enemies or her new guide who makes her former guide look like a bowl of sunshine. Anna has a lot going on, but at least she's too busy to think about her first Christmas at Ella's.
For a limited time, the First 2 Touched Girl novels are on sale for $.99 at Amazon!Purchase Links: Soul Walker
| Soul Bender
Get to know Betsy from Soul Twister
Name: Elizabeth (Betsy if you know what’s good for you)
Description: Shorter than everyone she knows, long blond curly hair, sharp features, yet she still pulls off the angelic look during school hours, princess pink nails, and blue eyes
Top pet peeves: Anna driving Betsy’s car, Anna playing with Betsy’s hair, Anna standing too close, the list goes on and on
Family: Ella, her cranky great aunt, Sara, her teen mom best friend and cousin, Sam, Sara’s baby boy, Anna, her pain in the ass cousin, and her parents she never talks about and always tries to avoid
Surprising traits: Fiercely protective of Anna despite referring to Anna as “weird girl” on a regular basis, terrified of the movie The Ring, never talks about boyfriends but believes the only way to get over heartache is to move on quickly
Hobbies: Who knows what she does when she’s not hanging out with Sara? The girl does not share details about herself other than the fact that she is awesome. It’s suspected she listens to a lot of indie music and goes to parties. Anna also believes she practices her snark in the mirror.
Shining Betsy moments (according to Anna):
“Anna, space?” I hadn’t noticed, but I was practically sitting on Betsy's lap. “Do you really have to play with my hair?”
“Yes, it's so soft and curly. It tickles my fingers.” Had to give the little cousin credit for how hard she fought the smile that made her look like a completely different girl. A sweet one. (Soul Walker)
“Leave Anna alone,” Betsy said. “She’s my family.” The world shifted by a few inches. I realized I had gone up on my tiptoes. The sun shot diagonal beams of light at us as we stood just outside the front doors to St. Lucy’s, and all I wanted to do was twirl in the warm rays. I was Betsy’s family.
“Moment’s over, Anna,” my newest hero said quietly from a few feet away. We were alone and I had slipped into a twirl.
“Are we late?” I asked.
“No, but you know how to freak out a bunch of spoiled shits.” (Soul Bender)
The screen door barely had time to screech before the front door flew open. “Same damn spot, Anna. Shit. I can’t handle those clothes anymore! Give them to me.” Betsy’s stern expression and outstretched hand proved too much. I cracked up, moaned, held my stomach, and cracked up again.
“No? Fine. Get your ass up and no crying about your stab wounds.” Peter snickered next to me because Betsy saved irate for very special occasions. Usually, she went with annoyed or amused in a bad way.
“Where are we going? Are you allowed to leave school at lunch?”
“Never mind that. You like salsa. I’m banking on you spilling a shitload on your clothes and Ella deeming them unfit.”
“Ella stopped looking too closely at my clothes, Betsy.”
“Argh! Peter, get your girlfriend in my car. Then go away. You’re not invited.” It was my most favorite hostile date. (Soul Twister)
About Robyn Jones:I laugh when people fall down. It's a glitch in my programming, but even my mom has suffered this quirk. I have a BA in Studio Art from the University of Puget Sound. My boys make me laugh every day. I steal pens; I try real hard not to. I collect those free bookmarks at the checkout counter at libraries. I've had more stitches than anyone I know. I love stories; writing them, reading them, watching them. You can email me at robgirlbooks@gmail.com. Blog / Twitter / Goodreads
Giveaway: 8 Winners!a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome to my stop on the Soul Twister (A Touched Girl #3) by Robyn Jones Blog Tour!Soul Twister (A Touched Girl Novel #3) by Robyn Jones
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Goodreads Summary:Months into recovering from the bloody events that took place in Soul Bender, Anna Pierce is ready to get back out there and fulfill her self-crafted destiny. Sadly, no one in her life feels the same way. The emergence of buried memories and out-of-the-blue powers send her straight into regular sessions with the school counselor. If only she could talk about her overly protective vampire boyfriend or the real threat posed by former friends turned enemies or her new guide who makes her former guide look like a bowl of sunshine. Anna has a lot going on, but at least she's too busy to think about her first Christmas at Ella's.
For a limited time, the First 2 Touched Girl novels are on sale for $.99 at Amazon!Purchase Links: Soul Walker
| Soul BenderGet to know Betsy from Soul Twister
Name: Elizabeth (Betsy if you know what’s good for you)
Description: Shorter than everyone she knows, long blond curly hair, sharp features, yet she still pulls off the angelic look during school hours, princess pink nails, and blue eyes
Top pet peeves: Anna driving Betsy’s car, Anna playing with Betsy’s hair, Anna standing too close, the list goes on and on
Family: Ella, her cranky great aunt, Sara, her teen mom best friend and cousin, Sam, Sara’s baby boy, Anna, her pain in the ass cousin, and her parents she never talks about and always tries to avoid
Surprising traits: Fiercely protective of Anna despite referring to Anna as “weird girl” on a regular basis, terrified of the movie The Ring, never talks about boyfriends but believes the only way to get over heartache is to move on quickly
Hobbies: Who knows what she does when she’s not hanging out with Sara? The girl does not share details about herself other than the fact that she is awesome. It’s suspected she listens to a lot of indie music and goes to parties. Anna also believes she practices her snark in the mirror.
Shining Betsy moments (according to Anna):
“Anna, space?” I hadn’t noticed, but I was practically sitting on Betsy's lap. “Do you really have to play with my hair?”
“Yes, it's so soft and curly. It tickles my fingers.” Had to give the little cousin credit for how hard she fought the smile that made her look like a completely different girl. A sweet one. (Soul Walker)
“Leave Anna alone,” Betsy said. “She’s my family.” The world shifted by a few inches. I realized I had gone up on my tiptoes. The sun shot diagonal beams of light at us as we stood just outside the front doors to St. Lucy’s, and all I wanted to do was twirl in the warm rays. I was Betsy’s family.
“Moment’s over, Anna,” my newest hero said quietly from a few feet away. We were alone and I had slipped into a twirl.
“Are we late?” I asked.
“No, but you know how to freak out a bunch of spoiled shits.” (Soul Bender)
The screen door barely had time to screech before the front door flew open. “Same damn spot, Anna. Shit. I can’t handle those clothes anymore! Give them to me.” Betsy’s stern expression and outstretched hand proved too much. I cracked up, moaned, held my stomach, and cracked up again.
“No? Fine. Get your ass up and no crying about your stab wounds.” Peter snickered next to me because Betsy saved irate for very special occasions. Usually, she went with annoyed or amused in a bad way.
“Where are we going? Are you allowed to leave school at lunch?”
“Never mind that. You like salsa. I’m banking on you spilling a shitload on your clothes and Ella deeming them unfit.”
“Ella stopped looking too closely at my clothes, Betsy.”
“Argh! Peter, get your girlfriend in my car. Then go away. You’re not invited.” It was my most favorite hostile date. (Soul Twister)
About Robyn Jones:I laugh when people fall down. It's a glitch in my programming, but even my mom has suffered this quirk. I have a BA in Studio Art from the University of Puget Sound. My boys make me laugh every day. I steal pens; I try real hard not to. I collect those free bookmarks at the checkout counter at libraries. I've had more stitches than anyone I know. I love stories; writing them, reading them, watching them. You can email me at robgirlbooks@gmail.com. Blog / Twitter / Goodreads
Giveaway: 8 Winners!a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 16, 2014
Big Giveaway Event & Lots of News!
Hey, gang! Hope everyone is enjoying the midst of summertime. :) I have lots of announcements today!
- Have you seen Crystal Collier's cover for Soulless, the second book in her Maiden of Time series? Just gorgeous!
- It's release week for my pal ST Bende and the second book in her Elsker saga, Endre. Stop by and wish her luck. But feast your eyes on her pretty cover before you go. :)
- Another release new release, and also from someone I've featured on this blog before. SJ Pajonas is offering up (for a very limited time) her book, Face Time - A Love in the Digital Age Novel, for .99 cents. SJ introduced the story on a site called Wattpad with lots of success, and has now released the full novel.
- Speaking of, are any of you on Wattpad? I am! I've shared a couple of the Moonsongs stories there already, and I'm finding it to be a really fun community to connect with readers. I would love to connect with you there as well, if I haven't already. Just let me know in the comments and I'll find you! (That came out way more threatening than I'd intended...)
- Fellow author-blogger M.J. Fifield is looking for help with her upcoming book launch. This is her debut novel, and we can all sympathize with how challenging-exciting-awesome-terrifying that can be. :)
--MY NEWS--
I just wrapped up the final edits on my first full-length novel. It's New Adult contemporary (with romantic elements!), with a publication date of September 1 (Labor Day weekend).
Perfectly Ernest is a coming of age story about a college baseball player who is perfect on the field and anything but off of it. It's a tale about the roller coaster of mental illness, but it's mostly about friendship and falling in love. Here's a short description:
“Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all.” Robert Frost
From a distance, Ernie seems perfect. He’s a star college baseball player, adored by the student body, and coveted by professional teams. Up close, Ernie is a disaster. Since the death of his mother, he has self-destructed at every turn, opposed his coaches, and destroyed most of his relationships. His personal implosion is complete when he gets booted from the team.
Ernie is forced into group counseling in an attempt to salvage his mother's dying wish and revive his baseball dreams. By testing old friendships, forging unlikely new ones, and falling in love, Ernie begins to unravel the jumbled knot his tangled inner-psyche has become. But when things start going wrong again, will Ernie's new direction and friends be his salvation, or confirmation that his imperfections will forever rule his life?
If this sounds like your cup of tea, I'm looking for folks to send ARCs to. Sign up below, and I'll get in touch with the details. :)
Perfectly Ernest eARC signup!
Now for something fun you can take part in tomorrow. It's the summer's 'can't miss' Facebook party for fans of book series!
This Thursday, July 17th (6 PM Eastern), 12 authors will be giving away the first books in their series along with gift cards and a Kindle Fire HD. I'm one of them!
Here's a little video about the event:
So how do you go about scoring some of those sweet, sweet prizes? Simple!
First, just show up and interact with the authors. Ask us about our books, find out who we cheered for in the World Cup, tell us about your book boyfriends and girlfriends, share LOL cat videos--do whatever it is you do to party.
Second, check this infographic:
Third, pay attention to see if you've won stuff. It's that easy!
This is truly going to be a ton of fun, and you're guaranteed to get to hang out with some super fun folks. And who knows? Maybe you'll score the Kindle loaded with all of our books!
Hope to see you there!
- Have you seen Crystal Collier's cover for Soulless, the second book in her Maiden of Time series? Just gorgeous!
- It's release week for my pal ST Bende and the second book in her Elsker saga, Endre. Stop by and wish her luck. But feast your eyes on her pretty cover before you go. :)
- Another release new release, and also from someone I've featured on this blog before. SJ Pajonas is offering up (for a very limited time) her book, Face Time - A Love in the Digital Age Novel, for .99 cents. SJ introduced the story on a site called Wattpad with lots of success, and has now released the full novel.
- Speaking of, are any of you on Wattpad? I am! I've shared a couple of the Moonsongs stories there already, and I'm finding it to be a really fun community to connect with readers. I would love to connect with you there as well, if I haven't already. Just let me know in the comments and I'll find you! (That came out way more threatening than I'd intended...)
- Fellow author-blogger M.J. Fifield is looking for help with her upcoming book launch. This is her debut novel, and we can all sympathize with how challenging-exciting-awesome-terrifying that can be. :)
--MY NEWS--
I just wrapped up the final edits on my first full-length novel. It's New Adult contemporary (with romantic elements!), with a publication date of September 1 (Labor Day weekend).
Perfectly Ernest is a coming of age story about a college baseball player who is perfect on the field and anything but off of it. It's a tale about the roller coaster of mental illness, but it's mostly about friendship and falling in love. Here's a short description:
“Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all.” Robert Frost
From a distance, Ernie seems perfect. He’s a star college baseball player, adored by the student body, and coveted by professional teams. Up close, Ernie is a disaster. Since the death of his mother, he has self-destructed at every turn, opposed his coaches, and destroyed most of his relationships. His personal implosion is complete when he gets booted from the team.
Ernie is forced into group counseling in an attempt to salvage his mother's dying wish and revive his baseball dreams. By testing old friendships, forging unlikely new ones, and falling in love, Ernie begins to unravel the jumbled knot his tangled inner-psyche has become. But when things start going wrong again, will Ernie's new direction and friends be his salvation, or confirmation that his imperfections will forever rule his life?
If this sounds like your cup of tea, I'm looking for folks to send ARCs to. Sign up below, and I'll get in touch with the details. :)
Perfectly Ernest eARC signup!
Now for something fun you can take part in tomorrow. It's the summer's 'can't miss' Facebook party for fans of book series!
This Thursday, July 17th (6 PM Eastern), 12 authors will be giving away the first books in their series along with gift cards and a Kindle Fire HD. I'm one of them!
Here's a little video about the event:
So how do you go about scoring some of those sweet, sweet prizes? Simple!
First, just show up and interact with the authors. Ask us about our books, find out who we cheered for in the World Cup, tell us about your book boyfriends and girlfriends, share LOL cat videos--do whatever it is you do to party.
Second, check this infographic:
Third, pay attention to see if you've won stuff. It's that easy!
This is truly going to be a ton of fun, and you're guaranteed to get to hang out with some super fun folks. And who knows? Maybe you'll score the Kindle loaded with all of our books!
Hope to see you there!
July 2, 2014
IWSG - The Yin-Yang of Writing
Hey, gang! Time for the July Insecure Writer's Support Group. What is the IWSG? Basically, it's a monthly blogging circle of writer folk who sit around the virtual campfire and share our fears, encouragement, and all of the other 'feels' that come with the writing life.
If you'd like to take part, or just learn more, click the button below.
And speaking of encouragement, there are a couple of folks in our community who could really use some this week. If you get a second, please hop over and share some with Shelly and Misha.
The Yin-Yang of Writing
Writing is a struggle. But the word struggle doesn't have to be a negative. It's just an active process requiring a lot of effort to attain something we desire.
We struggle with lots of worthwhile things in this world. Being a parent is a struggle at times. A career (both getting there and maintaining it) is a struggle. Falling in love and finding the right partner is often a struggle.
If something is important to you, you'll endure a lot of grief to get it. Writing is no different for those of us who dive into its murky waters. We know it's hard. We know it will be painful. Yet, we still do it anyway.
I love this Goerge Orwell quote, and think it summarizes the desire nicely:
“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.”
I believe there is a certain harmony to it all. Some of the things in writing that are THE most difficult to me are also at the root of my greatest joy and accomplishment. (Sounds a lot like life, doesn't it?)
When things get tough, sometimes it's helpful to look at the flip side of the coin for a little perspective. Here are a few things in writing that are real negatives when I'm struggling with them, but eventually become some of my favorite aspects.
Opening Line/Paragraph
Yin/Negative - Making a good first impression on a reader is HUGE. We know it. They know it. Which is why there is so much pressure to nail the opening of a story. Doesn't seem fair at all when you've written 90k damn good words after it.
Yang/Positive - When you finally get it exactly right, the rest of the story takes on a showroom shine. For me, it's THE moment when I fall in love with my own work--which is something I resist doing throughout the process of drafting. I'm just naturally a self-loather, and it's hard for me to see the positive in my own stuff. So it's a huge deal for my overall confidence.
Feedback
Yin - It really sucks to have your flaws pointed out. Sucks. Hard. And we actually ask people to do it! It doesn't make it any less painful, even when you know it's the only way you're story is going to be as good as you want it to be.
Yang - After the initial sting has worn off, I really enjoy wading through feedback from critters and editors. Mostly because there's invariably something I did right that I had no idea I'd done right. Plus, it's the beginning of the final plan to make the story great. Once I've identified what's wrong with a story and my writing from several different perspectives, I can get very concrete about how to fix it. Before I get feedback, I have no real idea of a story's potential.
Revisions
Yin - The process of actually fixing it can be torturous. Some projects feel as though you've got more bad than good going on. (Those usually turn into rewrites for me...) Plus, when you're faced with repairing all of the little things you've screwed up for days and weeks at a time, it can take a serious toll on your confidence. Revisions just have a way of turning into a black hole you think you'll never get out of.
Yang - When I finally see the light, and I know I've improved my story exponentially, there's a certain bulletproof feeling that sweeps over me. I know it's maybe not perfect, but I start to believe it'll hold up to just about anything or anyone. What was once a source of major insecurity turns into something close to pride. When I've properly executed a revision plan I'm as high on the mountain as I'll get in the pre-publication phase.
Those are just three yin-yang areas for me, but I have many more. (Reviews! Naming characters! ...) What about you? Do you have any areas in your writing that you struggle with but ultimately lead you to the greatest accomplishment?
~EJW~
If you'd like to take part, or just learn more, click the button below.
And speaking of encouragement, there are a couple of folks in our community who could really use some this week. If you get a second, please hop over and share some with Shelly and Misha.
The Yin-Yang of Writing
Writing is a struggle. But the word struggle doesn't have to be a negative. It's just an active process requiring a lot of effort to attain something we desire.
We struggle with lots of worthwhile things in this world. Being a parent is a struggle at times. A career (both getting there and maintaining it) is a struggle. Falling in love and finding the right partner is often a struggle.
If something is important to you, you'll endure a lot of grief to get it. Writing is no different for those of us who dive into its murky waters. We know it's hard. We know it will be painful. Yet, we still do it anyway.
I love this Goerge Orwell quote, and think it summarizes the desire nicely:
“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.”
I believe there is a certain harmony to it all. Some of the things in writing that are THE most difficult to me are also at the root of my greatest joy and accomplishment. (Sounds a lot like life, doesn't it?)
When things get tough, sometimes it's helpful to look at the flip side of the coin for a little perspective. Here are a few things in writing that are real negatives when I'm struggling with them, but eventually become some of my favorite aspects.
Opening Line/Paragraph
Yin/Negative - Making a good first impression on a reader is HUGE. We know it. They know it. Which is why there is so much pressure to nail the opening of a story. Doesn't seem fair at all when you've written 90k damn good words after it.
Yang/Positive - When you finally get it exactly right, the rest of the story takes on a showroom shine. For me, it's THE moment when I fall in love with my own work--which is something I resist doing throughout the process of drafting. I'm just naturally a self-loather, and it's hard for me to see the positive in my own stuff. So it's a huge deal for my overall confidence.
Feedback
Yin - It really sucks to have your flaws pointed out. Sucks. Hard. And we actually ask people to do it! It doesn't make it any less painful, even when you know it's the only way you're story is going to be as good as you want it to be.
Yang - After the initial sting has worn off, I really enjoy wading through feedback from critters and editors. Mostly because there's invariably something I did right that I had no idea I'd done right. Plus, it's the beginning of the final plan to make the story great. Once I've identified what's wrong with a story and my writing from several different perspectives, I can get very concrete about how to fix it. Before I get feedback, I have no real idea of a story's potential.
Revisions
Yin - The process of actually fixing it can be torturous. Some projects feel as though you've got more bad than good going on. (Those usually turn into rewrites for me...) Plus, when you're faced with repairing all of the little things you've screwed up for days and weeks at a time, it can take a serious toll on your confidence. Revisions just have a way of turning into a black hole you think you'll never get out of.
Yang - When I finally see the light, and I know I've improved my story exponentially, there's a certain bulletproof feeling that sweeps over me. I know it's maybe not perfect, but I start to believe it'll hold up to just about anything or anyone. What was once a source of major insecurity turns into something close to pride. When I've properly executed a revision plan I'm as high on the mountain as I'll get in the pre-publication phase.
Those are just three yin-yang areas for me, but I have many more. (Reviews! Naming characters! ...) What about you? Do you have any areas in your writing that you struggle with but ultimately lead you to the greatest accomplishment?
~EJW~
June 13, 2014
Four Great Covers AND a Mystery Prince
Happy Friday, gang! A huge batch of awesome to share with you today--
First, one of my longtime author/blog friends, Mary Waibel, has released a new novella, The Mystery Prince. This story sounds like it's straight from the pages of a Disney script, so don't miss it!
Next, Author S.J. Pajonas is revealing a brand new set of covers for her Nogiku series. Let me tell you, if you are even mildly into Japanese culture, science fiction, and fun, this is the series for you.
I think they look gorgeous! Congrats to both ladies, and happy weekend-ing to all of you. :)
~EJ
The Mystery Prince, a novella
Tristan enjoys being in the shadows as Prince Rand's bodyguard. Similar in looks, the two often exchanged places in their youth, but he never expected the king to order him to impersonate the heir to the throne in order to win the hand of a princess.
Princess Zoe needs to find a husband. After a year of searching with no success, her father insists on hosting a masquerade ball for the eligible princes of the nine kingdoms. Not one prince piques her interest, until she meets the mysterious stranger who won't tell her his name.
When Tristan meets Zoe he finds the girl of his dreams. The only problem? She's a princess and he's impersonating a prince―a crime punishable by imprisonment and floggings. Unable to tell Zoe his real name, he gives her a special navigation device. One that leads to the owner's true love. Will this magic device lead Zoe to Tristan, or will her true love forever remain a mystery prince?
~EXCERPT~
“Good evening, Princess Zoe,” her new partner said, bowing low.
A slight tremor of anticipation tickled down her spine, and her eyes widened in appreciation of the man standing before her. He stood a good head taller than she and appeared quite muscular. At least that's what his doublet and form fitting trousers revealed to her as she skimmed a discreet glance at his body.
Sandy-blond hair brushed his broad shoulders. He wore it loose, a custom in several neighboring kingdoms. Behind his black domino, blue-green eyes glittered in the candlelight.
“Good evening, Prince…”
She trailed off, hoping he would supply his name as none came to her mind. He remained silent, studying her with his sea-colored eyes. She lifted a brow at his silence.
“I'm sorry, but you have me at a disadvantage. I don't know your name.”
A grin crept across his face, sending unfamiliar tingles racing down her spine to settle as a warm glow in her stomach. Her lips curved in response—she couldn't help it. Something about him called out to her.
From the smile alone, she knew he wasn't like the others—stuffy, pompous. No, he would be witty and charming, someone she would enjoy being with for at least fifteen minutes, if not longer. For the first time tonight, she looked forward to her dance partner.
“Revealing my name defeats the purpose of a masquerade, does it not?”
His voice sounded low and gruff, not smooth and cultured like the princes she usually spoke with. Another piece to add to the mystery of who he was.
She tipped her head forward, silently acknowledging his point. “Touché. But what shall I call you, Your Highness?”
His grin widened. “I don't think names will be a problem, Princess.”
THE MYSTERY PRINCE ON AMAZON
~About the Author~
Mary lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn't twisting fairytales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. Her Princess of Valendria series (Quest of the Hart, Charmed Memories, Different Kind of Knight) are available from MuseItUp Publishing and other major retailers. Her novella, The Mystery Prince, is available at Amazon. Her Faery Marked (book 1 in the Faery Series) will be available from BookFishBooks this summer.
You can find Mary Waibel at:
http://marywaibel.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/authormarywaibel
https://twitter.com/mewtweety14
Cover Reveal Nogiku series by SJ Pajonas
Revealed: Part One: New Year’s Eve with Jiro and Mark (Nogiku series #0.1)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Blurb:
Get immersed in the Nogiku world with Jiro Itō as he gets ready for a boring and annoying New Year’s Eve out in Nishikyō. At least, that’s what he expects his night to be like. Jiro would rather drink with the geisha all evening, and avoid taking anyone home, but he has family business to attend to instead. When the family business leads to an unfamiliar restaurant, Jiro spies Sanaa Griffin smiling at him from across the room, and his night turns around.
But Mark Sakai, his uncle, is not pleased with Jiro’s flirtations. Mark has worked hard for over a decade to get Sanaa into position for her new life, and he can’t have Jiro interfering. Will a stern warning be enough to keep them apart?
PART ONE of REVEALED is a companion short story to REMOVED, Book ONE of the Nogiku Series. The first chapter of REMOVED is included at the end of PART ONE. Read REVEALED first or read it later, but don’t miss this look into the other side of Sanaa’s story.
Approximately 10,000 words.
You can find Revealed on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22037318-revealed
You can buy Revealed here:
- Amazon: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1Am
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1B
- Kobo: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1K
- iBooks: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1iB
Removed (Nogiku series #1)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: September 11, 2013
Blurb:
Duty knows no family. Love has no price. Secrets can cost you everything.
Twenty-year-old Sanaa Griffin is about to get more than she bargained for when she wishes for love, happiness, and excitement on New Year’s Eve. Ripped from the job she always loved, she is reassigned to work for mysterious Mark Sakai and spy on the corrupt leaders of her city. War looms on the horizon, and Sanaa must help Sakai determine the key players and their weak spots before it’s too late.
Mark Sakai has many plans for Sanaa that will take her into a web of lies and danger, and her only protection is to learn to defend herself. But defense training under the watchful eye of Jiro, a strong and enigmatic young man she has a crush on, was not what she expected. Between falling in love with Jiro and the information she is gathering, Sanaa realizes Sakai is holding back secrets about her family and her deceased parents, secrets as to why she was chosen for this job, and learning the truth puts all of humanity in jeopardy.
REMOVED is the first book in a captivating post-apocalyptic series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.
You can find Removed on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18366156-removed
Want to view some inspirational images for Removed, visit the Removed inspirational Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/spajonas/removed-nogiku-series-1-inspiration/
You can buy Removed here:
- Amazon: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1Am
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1B
- iBooks: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1iB
- Kobo: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1K
You can watch the trailer for Removed on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPzShpFemIg
Released (Nogiku series #2)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Blurb:
Left in the desert to recuperate from her injuries, Sanaa Itami paces the floors and contemplates her mistakes. She trusted too easily, and now people she loved are dead, killed at the hands of men coming to assassinate her. Sanaa feels beaten, but life awaits her at home. While her city recovers from the devastating earthquake, negotiations for Sanaa's future continue. New allies must be made, new friendships brokered, new skills acquired -- at all costs.
Life at the top of the chain is complicated and lonely, though. With all her friendships rocky and uncertain, Sanaa must learn to trust others again more than she's willing. Who is left holding a grudge? And will the new family Sanaa has found with Jiro support or betray her?
RELEASED, Book TWO of the Nogiku Series, is the second book in a captivating post-apocalyptic romance series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.
You can find Released on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18674881-released
You can buy Released here:
- Amazon: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2Am
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2B
- Kobo: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2K
- iBooks: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2iB
[image error]Reunited (Nogiku series #3)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: August 14, 2014
Blurb:
Yūsei has surprises for Sanaa Itami. The long trip across the stars ends with Mark Sakai delivering bad news from orbit over their new home, and there’s no turning back or moving on. Despite all their misgivings, this is where they will have to stay.
Sanaa, Jiro, and the rest of Earth’s settlers move into a coastal town and stick to their plans to live the colonization life they dreamed of. But Sanaa’s existence won’t be kept secret from her enemies for long. Kazuo promised he would see her in another life, on another world, and he aims to keep his word. Now she will face those who want their revenge and make new enemies while dispensing with old ones on her journey across the fascinating and unfamiliar landscape of Yūsei.
REUNITED, Book THREE of the Nogiku Series, is the third book in a captivating post-apocalyptic romance series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.
You can find Reunited on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22037312-reunited[image error]
[image error]
[image error]About the Author:
S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan and the East for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.
Face Time is the first novel in the Love in the Digital Age series, and Pajonas’s first foray into Korean culture and families. Along with Removed and Released in the Nogiku Series, she continues to take the cultures of Asia and weave them into stories that appeal to people from around the world. Her writing is described as unique and unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.
Stephanie lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
You can find and contact SJ Pajonas here:
- Website: http://www.spajonas.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJPajonas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/spajonas
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7233209.S_J_Pajonas
- Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/spajonas/
- Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gleek
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/spajonas#
- Tumblr: http://spajonas.tumblr.com/
First, one of my longtime author/blog friends, Mary Waibel, has released a new novella, The Mystery Prince. This story sounds like it's straight from the pages of a Disney script, so don't miss it!
Next, Author S.J. Pajonas is revealing a brand new set of covers for her Nogiku series. Let me tell you, if you are even mildly into Japanese culture, science fiction, and fun, this is the series for you.
I think they look gorgeous! Congrats to both ladies, and happy weekend-ing to all of you. :)
~EJ
The Mystery Prince, a novella
Tristan enjoys being in the shadows as Prince Rand's bodyguard. Similar in looks, the two often exchanged places in their youth, but he never expected the king to order him to impersonate the heir to the throne in order to win the hand of a princess.
Princess Zoe needs to find a husband. After a year of searching with no success, her father insists on hosting a masquerade ball for the eligible princes of the nine kingdoms. Not one prince piques her interest, until she meets the mysterious stranger who won't tell her his name.
When Tristan meets Zoe he finds the girl of his dreams. The only problem? She's a princess and he's impersonating a prince―a crime punishable by imprisonment and floggings. Unable to tell Zoe his real name, he gives her a special navigation device. One that leads to the owner's true love. Will this magic device lead Zoe to Tristan, or will her true love forever remain a mystery prince?
~EXCERPT~
“Good evening, Princess Zoe,” her new partner said, bowing low.
A slight tremor of anticipation tickled down her spine, and her eyes widened in appreciation of the man standing before her. He stood a good head taller than she and appeared quite muscular. At least that's what his doublet and form fitting trousers revealed to her as she skimmed a discreet glance at his body.
Sandy-blond hair brushed his broad shoulders. He wore it loose, a custom in several neighboring kingdoms. Behind his black domino, blue-green eyes glittered in the candlelight.
“Good evening, Prince…”
She trailed off, hoping he would supply his name as none came to her mind. He remained silent, studying her with his sea-colored eyes. She lifted a brow at his silence.
“I'm sorry, but you have me at a disadvantage. I don't know your name.”
A grin crept across his face, sending unfamiliar tingles racing down her spine to settle as a warm glow in her stomach. Her lips curved in response—she couldn't help it. Something about him called out to her.
From the smile alone, she knew he wasn't like the others—stuffy, pompous. No, he would be witty and charming, someone she would enjoy being with for at least fifteen minutes, if not longer. For the first time tonight, she looked forward to her dance partner.
“Revealing my name defeats the purpose of a masquerade, does it not?”
His voice sounded low and gruff, not smooth and cultured like the princes she usually spoke with. Another piece to add to the mystery of who he was.
She tipped her head forward, silently acknowledging his point. “Touché. But what shall I call you, Your Highness?”
His grin widened. “I don't think names will be a problem, Princess.”
THE MYSTERY PRINCE ON AMAZON
~About the Author~
Mary lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn't twisting fairytales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. Her Princess of Valendria series (Quest of the Hart, Charmed Memories, Different Kind of Knight) are available from MuseItUp Publishing and other major retailers. Her novella, The Mystery Prince, is available at Amazon. Her Faery Marked (book 1 in the Faery Series) will be available from BookFishBooks this summer. You can find Mary Waibel at:
http://marywaibel.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/authormarywaibel
https://twitter.com/mewtweety14
Cover Reveal Nogiku series by SJ Pajonas
Revealed: Part One: New Year’s Eve with Jiro and Mark (Nogiku series #0.1)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Blurb:
Get immersed in the Nogiku world with Jiro Itō as he gets ready for a boring and annoying New Year’s Eve out in Nishikyō. At least, that’s what he expects his night to be like. Jiro would rather drink with the geisha all evening, and avoid taking anyone home, but he has family business to attend to instead. When the family business leads to an unfamiliar restaurant, Jiro spies Sanaa Griffin smiling at him from across the room, and his night turns around.
But Mark Sakai, his uncle, is not pleased with Jiro’s flirtations. Mark has worked hard for over a decade to get Sanaa into position for her new life, and he can’t have Jiro interfering. Will a stern warning be enough to keep them apart?
PART ONE of REVEALED is a companion short story to REMOVED, Book ONE of the Nogiku Series. The first chapter of REMOVED is included at the end of PART ONE. Read REVEALED first or read it later, but don’t miss this look into the other side of Sanaa’s story.
Approximately 10,000 words.
You can find Revealed on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22037318-revealed
You can buy Revealed here:
- Amazon: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1Am
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1B
- Kobo: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1K
- iBooks: http://www.onigiripress.com/NogikuSS1iB
Removed (Nogiku series #1)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: September 11, 2013
Blurb:
Duty knows no family. Love has no price. Secrets can cost you everything.
Twenty-year-old Sanaa Griffin is about to get more than she bargained for when she wishes for love, happiness, and excitement on New Year’s Eve. Ripped from the job she always loved, she is reassigned to work for mysterious Mark Sakai and spy on the corrupt leaders of her city. War looms on the horizon, and Sanaa must help Sakai determine the key players and their weak spots before it’s too late.
Mark Sakai has many plans for Sanaa that will take her into a web of lies and danger, and her only protection is to learn to defend herself. But defense training under the watchful eye of Jiro, a strong and enigmatic young man she has a crush on, was not what she expected. Between falling in love with Jiro and the information she is gathering, Sanaa realizes Sakai is holding back secrets about her family and her deceased parents, secrets as to why she was chosen for this job, and learning the truth puts all of humanity in jeopardy.
REMOVED is the first book in a captivating post-apocalyptic series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.
You can find Removed on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18366156-removed
Want to view some inspirational images for Removed, visit the Removed inspirational Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/spajonas/removed-nogiku-series-1-inspiration/
You can buy Removed here:
- Amazon: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1Am
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1B
- iBooks: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1iB
- Kobo: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku1K
You can watch the trailer for Removed on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPzShpFemIg
Released (Nogiku series #2)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Blurb:
Left in the desert to recuperate from her injuries, Sanaa Itami paces the floors and contemplates her mistakes. She trusted too easily, and now people she loved are dead, killed at the hands of men coming to assassinate her. Sanaa feels beaten, but life awaits her at home. While her city recovers from the devastating earthquake, negotiations for Sanaa's future continue. New allies must be made, new friendships brokered, new skills acquired -- at all costs.
Life at the top of the chain is complicated and lonely, though. With all her friendships rocky and uncertain, Sanaa must learn to trust others again more than she's willing. Who is left holding a grudge? And will the new family Sanaa has found with Jiro support or betray her?
RELEASED, Book TWO of the Nogiku Series, is the second book in a captivating post-apocalyptic romance series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.
You can find Released on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18674881-released
You can buy Released here:
- Amazon: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2Am
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2B
- Kobo: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2K
- iBooks: http://www.onigiripress.com/Nogiku2iB
[image error]Reunited (Nogiku series #3) By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Science Fiction Romance, Post-apocalyptic
Age category: Young Adult, Adult
Release Date: August 14, 2014
Blurb:
Yūsei has surprises for Sanaa Itami. The long trip across the stars ends with Mark Sakai delivering bad news from orbit over their new home, and there’s no turning back or moving on. Despite all their misgivings, this is where they will have to stay.
Sanaa, Jiro, and the rest of Earth’s settlers move into a coastal town and stick to their plans to live the colonization life they dreamed of. But Sanaa’s existence won’t be kept secret from her enemies for long. Kazuo promised he would see her in another life, on another world, and he aims to keep his word. Now she will face those who want their revenge and make new enemies while dispensing with old ones on her journey across the fascinating and unfamiliar landscape of Yūsei.
REUNITED, Book THREE of the Nogiku Series, is the third book in a captivating post-apocalyptic romance series that harnesses the cultures and traditions of Japan and sweeps them into the future between Earth and a faraway land.
You can find Reunited on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22037312-reunited[image error]
[image error]
[image error]About the Author:
S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan and the East for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.
Face Time is the first novel in the Love in the Digital Age series, and Pajonas’s first foray into Korean culture and families. Along with Removed and Released in the Nogiku Series, she continues to take the cultures of Asia and weave them into stories that appeal to people from around the world. Her writing is described as unique and unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.
Stephanie lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
You can find and contact SJ Pajonas here:
- Website: http://www.spajonas.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJPajonas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/spajonas
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7233209.S_J_Pajonas
- Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/spajonas/
- Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gleek
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/spajonas#
- Tumblr: http://spajonas.tumblr.com/
June 9, 2014
Great YA Collection For A Great Cause
Hey, gang! Just wanted to bring you some quick news about an awesome collaborative project, organized for a fantastic cause.
Yesterday was World Oceans Day, a day dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the earth's seas. In honor of the event, several fantastic YA authors (who also happen to be very passionate about this cause) donated 'seaworthy' stories for a collection. Which you can snatch up for a limited time.
They're also doing a fun Facebook party (started yesterday, continuing today). All of the details are below:
To celebrate, ten bestselling young adult authors have created a collection of romantic "sea reads" called #OceansDeep. This boxed set has 12 full-length young adult novels (2500 pages!) that celebrate the sun and sea! They're full of mermaids and surfers, lifeguards and dolphins, sand and waves. These books span a variety of genres including science fiction, fantasy, contemporary and mythology, but they all have one thing in common: they leave readers more in love with the ocean than they were before.
Lani Wendt Young - Telesa
Elle Strauss - Seaweed
Kristen Day - Forsaken
Karen Amanda Hooper - Tangled Tides
Amber Garr - Promises & Betrayal
Cheri Lasota - Artemis Rising
Heather Allen - Just Breathe
Nikki Godwin - Chasing Forever Down
Leigh Talbert Moore - Dragonfly & Undertow
Amy Evans - Clicks
Cover by Starla HuchtonFormatting by Emily Mah Tippett
It's an entire summer's worth of beach reads for $3.99 and all profits will go to TheOceanProject to further the mission of environmental education and ocean conservation. The theme of this years event is together we have the power to protect the ocean. The OceansDeep collection does that one word, one page, one story at a time. Because while facts may change people's minds, fiction can change their hearts.
Buy Links: Amazon / bn.com / iBooks / Kobo
► JOIN the Authors and designers Sunday & Monday June 8th & 9th evenings, 7-10:30 pm EST! for a Facebook Event
***Exclusive Excerpts, Fun teasers, and of course #GIVEAWAYS!!!*** Enter the rafflecopter to win more books and other prizes too, and please help spread the word about OceansDeep.
Rafflecopter giveaway
Yesterday was World Oceans Day, a day dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the earth's seas. In honor of the event, several fantastic YA authors (who also happen to be very passionate about this cause) donated 'seaworthy' stories for a collection. Which you can snatch up for a limited time.
They're also doing a fun Facebook party (started yesterday, continuing today). All of the details are below:
To celebrate, ten bestselling young adult authors have created a collection of romantic "sea reads" called #OceansDeep. This boxed set has 12 full-length young adult novels (2500 pages!) that celebrate the sun and sea! They're full of mermaids and surfers, lifeguards and dolphins, sand and waves. These books span a variety of genres including science fiction, fantasy, contemporary and mythology, but they all have one thing in common: they leave readers more in love with the ocean than they were before.
Lani Wendt Young - Telesa
Elle Strauss - Seaweed
Kristen Day - Forsaken
Karen Amanda Hooper - Tangled Tides
Amber Garr - Promises & Betrayal
Cheri Lasota - Artemis Rising
Heather Allen - Just Breathe
Nikki Godwin - Chasing Forever Down
Leigh Talbert Moore - Dragonfly & Undertow
Amy Evans - Clicks
Cover by Starla HuchtonFormatting by Emily Mah Tippett
It's an entire summer's worth of beach reads for $3.99 and all profits will go to TheOceanProject to further the mission of environmental education and ocean conservation. The theme of this years event is together we have the power to protect the ocean. The OceansDeep collection does that one word, one page, one story at a time. Because while facts may change people's minds, fiction can change their hearts.
Buy Links: Amazon / bn.com / iBooks / Kobo
► JOIN the Authors and designers Sunday & Monday June 8th & 9th evenings, 7-10:30 pm EST! for a Facebook Event
***Exclusive Excerpts, Fun teasers, and of course #GIVEAWAYS!!!*** Enter the rafflecopter to win more books and other prizes too, and please help spread the word about OceansDeep.
Rafflecopter giveaway
June 2, 2014
Interview: Historical Romance Author Melissa Maygrove
Hey, gang! Absolutely thrilled to share an interview I did recently with one of THE coolest writers on the block. Melissa Maygrove recently self-published her first book,
Come Back
. It's historical romance, and I was privileged to be able to beta read for M.
I say privileged, because Melissa is truly a wonderful writer, and she got me invested in a genre of story I normally wouldn't touch with a Texas-sized pole!
How did she do it? How did she navigate the choppy indie waters on her own? Does she have tips for anyone else considering the plunge? Let's find out!
Interview: Come Back Author, Melissa Maygrove
EJ: We're about a month into the release of Come Back. This was your first publication, which you handled yourself. What are two things you wished you'd done differently going in? Two things you did right?
MM: I gave a detailed list in a guest post titled Woulda Shoulda Coulda, so I'll choose my top two glad-I-did's and regrets. First, the regrets.
I wish I...
Would have searched for stock images sooner. That was far more time consuming than I thought it would be--especially for a historical.
Would have learned more about the publishing industry sooner. I managed to find my way, but some of it was dumb luck.
I'm glad I...
Hired out the graphics and formatting. It cost me a couple of extra shifts at work, but it was soooo worth it.
Took time to learn the craft before putting my work out there. We can't and won't please everyone, but we don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
EJ: You sold me on Come Back as a beta reader, and I'm not remotely your target audience. (It being Historical Romance, and me being the reader of all things NOT Historical Romance.) What's the secret ingredient to telling an accessible story that will appeal to fans across genres?
MM: I'm not really sure, but betas have told me that about all three MSs (Come Back is my third). I guess it's because at the heart of the story are people wanting to be loved and accepted, and them struggling to find safety and happiness. That's something we all can relate to.
EJ: I know you labored over which publishing path best suited you for a while. Was self-publishing everything you thought it would be? What would you say to another writer trying to make a similar decision?
MM: Re: publishing path... Yes, I did. Though, when I was honest with myself, I knew deep down indie was the way for me.
Was it everything I thought it would be? For the most part, yes. Some things were more difficult than I'd anticipated, but others were easier.
My advice to other writers: Spend plenty of time in the writing world before you even THINK about making a decision. Don't be in a hurry to self-publish and don't be in a rush to query either. Be a fly on the wall and watch and listen. Get your work critiqued by writers who are more experienced than you, then don your rhino skin and LISTEN to what they have to say. Be open and teachable. Keep learning and practicing until you're sure you're ready.
It doesn't matter which publishing path you choose if you jump the gun and put an inferior product out there. Rejection hurts, no matter whether it comes from publishers or readers.
EJ: Like many of us, I know you want to tell many different types of stories. (Paranormal, historical, etc.) However, I saw on your blog that you're committing to writing more in the historical romance genre to meet fan expectations. How important do you think establishing a brand or identity is to a beginning author trying to grow and maintain a fan base, and would you view it differently if you hadn't had as much initial success?
MM: The quick and unexpected success of Come Back had a big impact on my choice of genre for the next book. As I said in the post you mentioned, I'd been so busy with all the tasks of editing and publishing, I hadn't given enough thought to how the genre of my debut would brand me.
Had my debut fizzled like a firework dud, I doubt it would matter what I wrote next. As it is, I have fans begging me for another book. So, yes, I would advise authors to consider carefully what genre they choose for their debut.
EJ: As always, here are the most important questions: Where do we find out more about you and get our hands on Come Back?
ABOUT COME BACK
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
Where to buy Come Back:
Amazon / Kindle / Barnes & Noble / Nook / Kobo
Come Back on Goodreads.
ABOUT MELISSA
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
Where to find Melissa:
Website / Blog / Twitter @MelissaMaygrove / Facebook / Google+/ Goodreads
For autographs, I use Authorgraph.
I say privileged, because Melissa is truly a wonderful writer, and she got me invested in a genre of story I normally wouldn't touch with a Texas-sized pole!
How did she do it? How did she navigate the choppy indie waters on her own? Does she have tips for anyone else considering the plunge? Let's find out!
Interview: Come Back Author, Melissa Maygrove
EJ: We're about a month into the release of Come Back. This was your first publication, which you handled yourself. What are two things you wished you'd done differently going in? Two things you did right?
MM: I gave a detailed list in a guest post titled Woulda Shoulda Coulda, so I'll choose my top two glad-I-did's and regrets. First, the regrets.
I wish I...
Would have searched for stock images sooner. That was far more time consuming than I thought it would be--especially for a historical.
Would have learned more about the publishing industry sooner. I managed to find my way, but some of it was dumb luck.
I'm glad I...
Hired out the graphics and formatting. It cost me a couple of extra shifts at work, but it was soooo worth it.
Took time to learn the craft before putting my work out there. We can't and won't please everyone, but we don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
EJ: You sold me on Come Back as a beta reader, and I'm not remotely your target audience. (It being Historical Romance, and me being the reader of all things NOT Historical Romance.) What's the secret ingredient to telling an accessible story that will appeal to fans across genres?
MM: I'm not really sure, but betas have told me that about all three MSs (Come Back is my third). I guess it's because at the heart of the story are people wanting to be loved and accepted, and them struggling to find safety and happiness. That's something we all can relate to.
EJ: I know you labored over which publishing path best suited you for a while. Was self-publishing everything you thought it would be? What would you say to another writer trying to make a similar decision?
MM: Re: publishing path... Yes, I did. Though, when I was honest with myself, I knew deep down indie was the way for me.
Was it everything I thought it would be? For the most part, yes. Some things were more difficult than I'd anticipated, but others were easier.
My advice to other writers: Spend plenty of time in the writing world before you even THINK about making a decision. Don't be in a hurry to self-publish and don't be in a rush to query either. Be a fly on the wall and watch and listen. Get your work critiqued by writers who are more experienced than you, then don your rhino skin and LISTEN to what they have to say. Be open and teachable. Keep learning and practicing until you're sure you're ready.
It doesn't matter which publishing path you choose if you jump the gun and put an inferior product out there. Rejection hurts, no matter whether it comes from publishers or readers.
EJ: Like many of us, I know you want to tell many different types of stories. (Paranormal, historical, etc.) However, I saw on your blog that you're committing to writing more in the historical romance genre to meet fan expectations. How important do you think establishing a brand or identity is to a beginning author trying to grow and maintain a fan base, and would you view it differently if you hadn't had as much initial success?
MM: The quick and unexpected success of Come Back had a big impact on my choice of genre for the next book. As I said in the post you mentioned, I'd been so busy with all the tasks of editing and publishing, I hadn't given enough thought to how the genre of my debut would brand me.
Had my debut fizzled like a firework dud, I doubt it would matter what I wrote next. As it is, I have fans begging me for another book. So, yes, I would advise authors to consider carefully what genre they choose for their debut.
EJ: As always, here are the most important questions: Where do we find out more about you and get our hands on Come Back?
ABOUT COME BACK
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
Where to buy Come Back:
Amazon / Kindle / Barnes & Noble / Nook / Kobo
Come Back on Goodreads.
ABOUT MELISSA
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
Where to find Melissa:
Website / Blog / Twitter @MelissaMaygrove / Facebook / Google+/ Goodreads
For autographs, I use Authorgraph.
May 30, 2014
A Norse of a Different Color - Meet Ull, Master of the Smolder!
Happy Friday, gang! If you're into frosty fantasy with some smooching thrown in, this is THE week to be hanging at my blog. Earlier this week, I shared news of Lynn Rush's latest, Absolute Zero. It's all about a girl with "frozen' super powers heading off to college--and probably saving the world. You can check the details HERE, and be sure to enter for your chance to win a Kindle Fire at the bottom of the post.
TODAY, I've got author S.T. Bende on celebrating the re-launch of her Elsker Saga with Tur, Elsker Saga 0.5. It's all about this Norse god named Ull and a girl in modern times who befriends him after he's condemned to Earth. Okay, based on the covers, I'm thinking she maybe spends more time ogling than "friending".
But don't be fooled into thinking, "I've seen this movie, it's called Thor." S.T. has woven some serious fun and charm into this series, and if you've ever bumped into S.T. on Twitter, you'll know it's going to be unique experience. (Take that however you want, S.T.! :D)
S.T. also has a super power of her own, it's called being awesome and determined. Her series debuted with Elsker as a traditionally published book, now (after some handwringing and gnashing of teeth) she's a one-woman show, doing the indie author thing to its fullest.
So y'all know I'm thrilled to offer her some support (and hope you will, too). :)
Without further ado, I present to you, THE SMOLDER! Er, I mean Tur and Elsker.
Title: Tur
Series: The Elsker Saga #0.5
Author: S.T. Bende
Genre/Age Range: Paranormal, Romance, New Adult
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Goodreads Link: http://tinyurl.com/kmnttof
Inga Andersson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all -- great friends, a job as Odin’s personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm’s hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga’s best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she’ll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from the moment this battle begins, Inga’s happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.
Some things are worth fighting for.
Title: Elsker
Series: The Elsker Saga #1
Author: S.T. Bende
Genre/Age Range: Paranormal, Romance, New Adult
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Goodreads Link: http://tinyurl.com/lo4y6oz
You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.
Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. He’s an honest to goodness Norse God - an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms. Her orderly life just got very messy.
Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, ST Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and Europe… where she became overly fond of the musical Cats. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired the ELSKER series. She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day pastries will be considered a health food.
You can follow ST Bende on Twitter @stbende, or send an e-mail to stbende@gmail.com.
Links: Website + Facebook + Twitter + Goodreads
SNEAK PEEK AT ELSKER!
“Are you sure you will be all right on the stairs?” Ull stood in the grand hall of Cardiff Castle, glancing at the four-inch, shiny death-traps Victoria called shoes. Since Ull’s eyes practically bugged out of his face when he picked me up, I had no intention of changing into the emergency flats I’d stuck in my purse. Victoria had scored another hit.
“Probably not. Walk behind me in case I fall?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
“On our right, the coats of arms,” continued the tour guide. He’d been talking for a good five minutes and I couldn’t remember a single word. That was because Ull had started stroking the small of my back when our tour began, and it took all my concentration just to stay upright.
“The castle is gorgeous.” I admired the stonework as we made our way toward the stairs. There I shifted focus to my feet, staring at each step until I’d reached the top. “Made it.”
“And I was so hoping I would get to catch you.” Ull came up next to me and skimmed my hand with the pads of his fingers.
“Well, the night is young and these shoes are high. You may still get your chance.” “Tease.” Ull kissed my palm.
“Um.” I swayed on the heels and he chuckled.
“Come, Miss Tostenson. We are losing the group.”
“Right.”
We walked the long corridor framed with paintings. All of the history in these walls was kind of overwhelming. The castle was two thousand years old. The oldest thing we had back in Nehalem was probably the Homestead. Cardiff Castle had about eighteen hundred years on that farm.
“This place is huge,” I whispered when we’d caught up to the tour. “I can’t imagine living here. How could you ever get comfortable?”
“You get used to it,” Ull shrugged. “Find little corners to make your own.”
“How on earth could anyone get used to all of this?”
“When you are stuck in it every day it gets old. Trust me.”
“Right.” Like Ull was an authority on royal dwellings. “Living in a castle sounds sooo terrible.”
“Depends on the day.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just that these walls did more than keep people out -- they kept people in, too.”
I thought about my vision from Friday night -- of Ull and me in a meadow by a castle. Huh.
“Where did you say your family lived, exactly?” I probed.
But Ull bristled. I’d hit a nerve. “Come Kristia, we have lost our group again.” He gently pulled me down the hall.
“You may have noticed the Animal Wall in front of the Castle. Though William Burges designed the Wall in 1866, it was not constructed until 1890 -- nine years after Burges’s death.” The guide lifted an eyebrow as we caught up. “Please do try to stay with the tour,” he admonished before turning down another corridor. The rest of the group followed closely.
“Sorry.” I ducked my head.
Ull raised a corner of his mouth in a smile. “Why, Kristia, you are blushing.”
“And?” I lifted my chin, and took a step back so I stood against the wall.
“It is sweet.” Ull paused and lifted a finger to my cheek. My knees buckled and he grabbed my arm to steady me. The touch sent shockwaves straight to my head, leaving me with the unnerving sensation of being underwater. I lost my bearings again and Ull wrapped both hands around my waist to stop my fall.
“Sorry,” I mouthed. “Must be the shoes.” I couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. They almost looked nervous.
“Must be.” He ran his finger along my jaw, stopping to grasp my chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes focused on my mouth and my heartbeat accelerated. He ran his thumb lightly over my lips. They parted under his touch. A wave of heat shot from my lower lip straight to my abdomen, creating a slow burn that wasn’t altogether uncomfortable. I watched as his eyes slowly moved down then back up, lingering at the neckline of my dress. Victoria had been right about the push-up bra.
“Must be,” I repeated.
Ull drew his eyes away from my cleavage and took a step closer. He leaned one forearm against the wall, leaving me enveloped between the cold stone and his warm chest. I was suddenly very dizzy.
“Kristia,” he spoke in a whisper.
“Yes?” I whispered back. Ull was looking at me with an intensity I wasn’t prepared for. He stepped in, closing the last inch between us.
“Look at me.” He spoke again, lifting my chin so my lips were tilted towards his. If his body hadn’t been pressed against mine, I would have collapsed in a heap that instant. Instead, I took a shaky breath as Ull dropped his head. He ran his nose along my jaw line, pausing when he reached my ear. He breathed in, the cool air sending a shiver down my neck. With painstaking slowness he drew his nose across my cheek until our lips were almost touching. Now when I looked into his eyes I saw something entirely different. He was strong. Confident. And very much in control.
I let out a small sigh and immediately he covered my mouth with his. It wasn’t a gentle kiss -- it was commanding, almost forceful. I melted against him as he claimed my lips, moved down my jaw to consume my neck. My insides throbbed. In that moment, I would have done absolutely anything he asked me to.
“Kristia,” he whispered again.
“Mmm.” It was the best I could muster by way of response.
“I think we need to stop.”
In God’s name, why?
“Will you be joining the rest of my tour, or shall I leave the two of you here?” The guide stood at the end of the corridor, literally tapping his foot. Oops.
Ull placed his hands around my waist to right me. I smoothed my hair and straightened my dress, my cheeks burning the whole time.
“Great timing,” I muttered. Just when things were getting good.
“Do not worry Kristia.” Ull winked. “We have all the time in the world.”
I sure hoped so.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
TODAY, I've got author S.T. Bende on celebrating the re-launch of her Elsker Saga with Tur, Elsker Saga 0.5. It's all about this Norse god named Ull and a girl in modern times who befriends him after he's condemned to Earth. Okay, based on the covers, I'm thinking she maybe spends more time ogling than "friending".
But don't be fooled into thinking, "I've seen this movie, it's called Thor." S.T. has woven some serious fun and charm into this series, and if you've ever bumped into S.T. on Twitter, you'll know it's going to be unique experience. (Take that however you want, S.T.! :D)
S.T. also has a super power of her own, it's called being awesome and determined. Her series debuted with Elsker as a traditionally published book, now (after some handwringing and gnashing of teeth) she's a one-woman show, doing the indie author thing to its fullest.
So y'all know I'm thrilled to offer her some support (and hope you will, too). :)
Without further ado, I present to you, THE SMOLDER! Er, I mean Tur and Elsker.
Title: Tur
Series: The Elsker Saga #0.5
Author: S.T. Bende
Genre/Age Range: Paranormal, Romance, New Adult
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Goodreads Link: http://tinyurl.com/kmnttof
Inga Andersson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all -- great friends, a job as Odin’s personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm’s hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga’s best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she’ll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from the moment this battle begins, Inga’s happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.
Some things are worth fighting for.
Title: Elsker
Series: The Elsker Saga #1
Author: S.T. Bende
Genre/Age Range: Paranormal, Romance, New Adult
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Goodreads Link: http://tinyurl.com/lo4y6oz
You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.
Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. He’s an honest to goodness Norse God - an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms. Her orderly life just got very messy.
Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, ST Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and Europe… where she became overly fond of the musical Cats. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired the ELSKER series. She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day pastries will be considered a health food.
You can follow ST Bende on Twitter @stbende, or send an e-mail to stbende@gmail.com.
Links: Website + Facebook + Twitter + Goodreads
SNEAK PEEK AT ELSKER!
“Are you sure you will be all right on the stairs?” Ull stood in the grand hall of Cardiff Castle, glancing at the four-inch, shiny death-traps Victoria called shoes. Since Ull’s eyes practically bugged out of his face when he picked me up, I had no intention of changing into the emergency flats I’d stuck in my purse. Victoria had scored another hit.
“Probably not. Walk behind me in case I fall?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
“On our right, the coats of arms,” continued the tour guide. He’d been talking for a good five minutes and I couldn’t remember a single word. That was because Ull had started stroking the small of my back when our tour began, and it took all my concentration just to stay upright.
“The castle is gorgeous.” I admired the stonework as we made our way toward the stairs. There I shifted focus to my feet, staring at each step until I’d reached the top. “Made it.”
“And I was so hoping I would get to catch you.” Ull came up next to me and skimmed my hand with the pads of his fingers.
“Well, the night is young and these shoes are high. You may still get your chance.” “Tease.” Ull kissed my palm.
“Um.” I swayed on the heels and he chuckled.
“Come, Miss Tostenson. We are losing the group.”
“Right.”
We walked the long corridor framed with paintings. All of the history in these walls was kind of overwhelming. The castle was two thousand years old. The oldest thing we had back in Nehalem was probably the Homestead. Cardiff Castle had about eighteen hundred years on that farm.
“This place is huge,” I whispered when we’d caught up to the tour. “I can’t imagine living here. How could you ever get comfortable?”
“You get used to it,” Ull shrugged. “Find little corners to make your own.”
“How on earth could anyone get used to all of this?”
“When you are stuck in it every day it gets old. Trust me.”
“Right.” Like Ull was an authority on royal dwellings. “Living in a castle sounds sooo terrible.”
“Depends on the day.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just that these walls did more than keep people out -- they kept people in, too.”
I thought about my vision from Friday night -- of Ull and me in a meadow by a castle. Huh.
“Where did you say your family lived, exactly?” I probed.
But Ull bristled. I’d hit a nerve. “Come Kristia, we have lost our group again.” He gently pulled me down the hall.
“You may have noticed the Animal Wall in front of the Castle. Though William Burges designed the Wall in 1866, it was not constructed until 1890 -- nine years after Burges’s death.” The guide lifted an eyebrow as we caught up. “Please do try to stay with the tour,” he admonished before turning down another corridor. The rest of the group followed closely.
“Sorry.” I ducked my head.
Ull raised a corner of his mouth in a smile. “Why, Kristia, you are blushing.”
“And?” I lifted my chin, and took a step back so I stood against the wall.
“It is sweet.” Ull paused and lifted a finger to my cheek. My knees buckled and he grabbed my arm to steady me. The touch sent shockwaves straight to my head, leaving me with the unnerving sensation of being underwater. I lost my bearings again and Ull wrapped both hands around my waist to stop my fall.
“Sorry,” I mouthed. “Must be the shoes.” I couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. They almost looked nervous.
“Must be.” He ran his finger along my jaw, stopping to grasp my chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes focused on my mouth and my heartbeat accelerated. He ran his thumb lightly over my lips. They parted under his touch. A wave of heat shot from my lower lip straight to my abdomen, creating a slow burn that wasn’t altogether uncomfortable. I watched as his eyes slowly moved down then back up, lingering at the neckline of my dress. Victoria had been right about the push-up bra.
“Must be,” I repeated.
Ull drew his eyes away from my cleavage and took a step closer. He leaned one forearm against the wall, leaving me enveloped between the cold stone and his warm chest. I was suddenly very dizzy.
“Kristia,” he spoke in a whisper.
“Yes?” I whispered back. Ull was looking at me with an intensity I wasn’t prepared for. He stepped in, closing the last inch between us.
“Look at me.” He spoke again, lifting my chin so my lips were tilted towards his. If his body hadn’t been pressed against mine, I would have collapsed in a heap that instant. Instead, I took a shaky breath as Ull dropped his head. He ran his nose along my jaw line, pausing when he reached my ear. He breathed in, the cool air sending a shiver down my neck. With painstaking slowness he drew his nose across my cheek until our lips were almost touching. Now when I looked into his eyes I saw something entirely different. He was strong. Confident. And very much in control.
I let out a small sigh and immediately he covered my mouth with his. It wasn’t a gentle kiss -- it was commanding, almost forceful. I melted against him as he claimed my lips, moved down my jaw to consume my neck. My insides throbbed. In that moment, I would have done absolutely anything he asked me to.
“Kristia,” he whispered again.
“Mmm.” It was the best I could muster by way of response.
“I think we need to stop.”
In God’s name, why?
“Will you be joining the rest of my tour, or shall I leave the two of you here?” The guide stood at the end of the corridor, literally tapping his foot. Oops.
Ull placed his hands around my waist to right me. I smoothed my hair and straightened my dress, my cheeks burning the whole time.
“Great timing,” I muttered. Just when things were getting good.
“Do not worry Kristia.” Ull winked. “We have all the time in the world.”
I sure hoped so.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 28, 2014
Fire & Ice - Absolute Zero by Lynn Rush
Hey, gang! Bringing you a quick book blast from my author-pal, Lynn Rush. The second story in her Touch of Frost series (YA/NA Paranormal) is out this week.
Absolute Zero is about a girl with icy powers trying to blend in. And it sounds like she might be struggling to do that. :)
To heat things up, Lynn is sponsoring a giveaway with a Kindle Fire as a prize! So be sure to enter below the post.
Congrats, Lynn!
Book Title: Absolute Zero (Touch of Frost #2)
Author: Lynn Rush
Release Date: 5/21/14
Genre: Upper YA/New Adult Paranormal
Death may be the only way I can live…
The Center is destroyed. Mandy and Georgia have their own place near campus and are ready to start their new lives as college students. All that’s missing is Mandy’s steamy relationship with Zach. His sudden distance and irritability has Mandy wondering…and possibly wandering.
Nate Ashcroft, a beautiful, but mysterious, guy literally falls into Mandy’s life, shattering her already unstable relationship with Zach. When an unknown agency sets its targets on Mandy and Georgia, ugly truths of Mandy’s powers, her parents’ deaths and the people she’s chosen to trust send her life into a tailspin.
One only her death can stop.
Absolute Zero on Goodreads
Absolute Zero on Amazon
Originally from Minnesota, Lynn Rush currently enjoys living in the sunny Arizona desert with her husband of seventeen years and her loveable Shetland Sheep dog, Maddux. Rush holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master's degree from the University of Iowa. When she’s not busy writing her next trilogy, she can be found pounding the pavement, training for her next endurance event.
Lynn Rush is a contributing blogger at the widely popular site New Adult Alley and has been part of the New Adult revolution for years having penned over thirty novels in the exciting new category.
Connect with Lynn on Twitter, through Facebook or her website. Lynn also writes as Reese Monroe and you can find her alter ego here.
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AWESOME PRIZE PACKS, INCLUDING A KINDLE FIRE!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Absolute Zero is about a girl with icy powers trying to blend in. And it sounds like she might be struggling to do that. :)
To heat things up, Lynn is sponsoring a giveaway with a Kindle Fire as a prize! So be sure to enter below the post.
Congrats, Lynn!
Book Title: Absolute Zero (Touch of Frost #2)
Author: Lynn Rush
Release Date: 5/21/14
Genre: Upper YA/New Adult Paranormal
Death may be the only way I can live…
The Center is destroyed. Mandy and Georgia have their own place near campus and are ready to start their new lives as college students. All that’s missing is Mandy’s steamy relationship with Zach. His sudden distance and irritability has Mandy wondering…and possibly wandering.
Nate Ashcroft, a beautiful, but mysterious, guy literally falls into Mandy’s life, shattering her already unstable relationship with Zach. When an unknown agency sets its targets on Mandy and Georgia, ugly truths of Mandy’s powers, her parents’ deaths and the people she’s chosen to trust send her life into a tailspin.
One only her death can stop.
Absolute Zero on Goodreads
Absolute Zero on Amazon
Originally from Minnesota, Lynn Rush currently enjoys living in the sunny Arizona desert with her husband of seventeen years and her loveable Shetland Sheep dog, Maddux. Rush holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master's degree from the University of Iowa. When she’s not busy writing her next trilogy, she can be found pounding the pavement, training for her next endurance event.
Lynn Rush is a contributing blogger at the widely popular site New Adult Alley and has been part of the New Adult revolution for years having penned over thirty novels in the exciting new category.
Connect with Lynn on Twitter, through Facebook or her website. Lynn also writes as Reese Monroe and you can find her alter ego here.
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AWESOME PRIZE PACKS, INCLUDING A KINDLE FIRE!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
