Jennifer L. Oliver's Blog: Magic, Mayhem and Everything In Between
January 2, 2015
The Author Engine
The end of 2014 kept me on my toes, and 2015 is starting out the same. But that’s okay, because a new year means new opportunities. And that’s exactly what I’m embracing with my partner, Greg Carrico during the launch of our new business venture, The Author Engine.
It’s a virtual assistant service designed to help other authors handle all those pesky administrative tasks that take time away from writing.
As authors, we understand how much there is to do in this business. Authors have to make the manuscript as best as it can be, prepare and format it for publication, upload it to distributor sites, send out for reviews, and then all the marketing and promotions to tackle as well. But your readers want more. They want the next book now. But with all this to do – when is there time to write??
That’s where having a trusted team at your side helps tremendously. It’s also the reason Greg and I created The Author Engine. Our goal is to handle time-consuming administrative tasks for our clients, thereby helping them organize their free time and focus on what’s really important to them – WRITING THE NEXT BOOK.
Our prices are very affordable and services to meet just about every author’s need. So, if you’re an author in need of some help – be sure to check us out.
For those of you who are readers, don’t worry! I’ve not given up on my writing. No way! Matter of fact, I’m actually working on several projects. The Haedyn Chronicles will see another novel this year, and I’ll introduce the Luna Fairwater series, too. But most exciting is that I’m going to be collaborating with my business partner, Greg, on a whole new stories and series. It’s AWESOME and I can’t wait to be able to tell your more about it. I can’t right now, since we are still in the beginning stages, but I’m loving the characters so far. And I hope you will too!
What new opportunities are you embracing this year?
The post The Author Engine appeared first on Jennifer L. Oliver.
December 11, 2014
Favorite Things about the Holidays
It’s that time of year again! Christmas tress are shining bright through windows adorned with garland, carols are playing on the radio, and fires are burning in the hearths – except here in Florida. We’re still in short sleeves and flip flops. But that doesn’t dampen my spirits for the season!
In fact, I love this time of year so much that I’m participating in the Addictive Reads Holiday Event and Giveaway! From December 12-31, 2014, the Addictive Reads Authors will be hosting a giveaway where you have the chance to win a Kindle Fire HD 7 pre-loaded with over 30 of our novels, novellas, and short stories (an approx. retail value of $239). You can find out what’s included in our Holiday post. There’s something for everyone!
We’re also offering up $50, $20, and $15 gift cards as prizes. The winners will be able to choose to receive their gift cards from Amazon, iTunes, B&N, or Google Play. (Note: Winners for the gift cards will be selected from world wide entries. Unfortunately due to the cost of shipping overseas, the grand prize will be limited to U.S. entries only.)
So to keep in the spirit of the season, I’m going to share a few of my favorite things about the holidays with you.
Decorations. I LOVE to drive around and see all the Christmas lights. I blame this on my sister, because she has a great sense of humor and tends to get kind of creative during the holidays with her outdoor decorations. So now, I like to go around and see what others do and how they bring their lawns and homes to life during this time of year.
Fresh baked goodies! Who doesn’t love warm chocolate chip cookies? Or Almond Fudge Bites? Or Toffee? Or Rollo Stuffed Snickerdoodles? And the smell of yummy cakes and cookies cooking… nothing says “welcome, stay awhile and enjoy” more than that!
Christmas songs. I’m not fond that these start so early nowadays, but I do love the older carols, like Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bell Rock and Silent Night. Of course, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t hear Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer at least once.
SALES! I’m NOT a Black Friday fan, but I do love some sales. The best ones are AFTER Christmas, then you can snag lights and decorations for the next year.
Children’s faces on Christmas morning. When my girls were little, my favorite thing was seeing them run into the room to find out what Santa brought. Of course, my oldest had figured it all out by then, but thankfully she played along. Still, it was a magical moment. To see their smiles, hear their giggles. And now, my granddaughter is that age and it starts all over again. To me, there is nothing more heartwarming than to hear a child laugh and play.
Family Time. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that nothing replaces family. I’m not talking just about blood-relatives either, but those people who have come into your life and become family. This is the time of year that brings all those people closer to your heart. I don’t get to see my family as much as I’d like these days since we live so spread out. But the calls, the cards, and the times we do get to spend together means so much more.
Generosity. I tend to see more acts of generosity during the holidays. Donations, bringing food to a home-bound neighbor, and volunteering are all part of the season of giving. But the best act of kindness I love to see is when a complete stranger offers to help another. In a world that seems to be full of confusion, acts like these renew my faith in humankind and my hopes for the future.
These are just a few of my favorite things I look for during the holidays. What about you? What are some of your favorite things about the holidays?
The post Favorite Things about the Holidays appeared first on Jennifer L. Oliver.
October 13, 2014
My blog is moving! My blog is moving!
It’s true – my blog is moving.
But it won’t be going too far. I’m incorporating it into my self-hosted website so that I can have everything in one place.
And the best part is that I’m taking you all with me!
I’ll be transferring all my awesome subscribers to the new place very soon. But don’t worry, you’ll still get the same quirky posts from me – maybe even a bit more often.
If you’re interested, take a look at the new digs and let me know whatcha think!
See you soon!!
August 14, 2014
It’s a Birthday Giveaway!
Guess who celebrates a birthday on Friday, August 15th… Ben Afleck.
No, really, he does. But he shares that awesome day with ME!
Yep, I’ve made it another year and to celebrate I’m offering a giveaway.
Not only will I be giving away several ebooks of the first three books in the HAEDYN CHRONICLES, but a few of my author friends are joining in, too!
Check out these great books!
ANGEL OF DEATH
(Children of the Fallen)
(Fantasy/Sci-fi/Romance)
The Angel of Death falls in love with a mortal in this tale of true love, reincarnation, and forgiveness that spans from ancient Carthage to the current Iraq/Afghanistan war.
STRONGER THAN MAGIC
(House of Xannone, Book 1)
(Urban Fantasy)
Water can be deadly, in the right hands.
In a world of magic, hidden away from those who have no power, Tarian Xannon commands the natural forces of water, air, and fire. As heir to the Dolphin Throne, her job is to learn what it takes to lead—but she’d much rather forget the heavy weight of responsibility in the waves of the ocean. When a power play for the throne ignites the Succession Ritual, Tarian is forced to make hard choices about the future of her unborn child, House Xannon, and the very fabric of magical society. As her defenses wane, his attacks grow bolder. All she knows and loves hangs in the balance.
A KIND OF JUDGMENT (Dark Fiction/Horror)
A vignette of noir fiction, a Faustian fantasy.
Life can be Hell…
A single choice is like a hidden hand of cards that can lead to victory or downfall. Born in the rural South, Lena finds herself half way across the world decades after escaping abuse and neglect. Now, she faces the demons of her past while a terrible darkness awaits.
AN INCONVENIENT DEBT
(Dark Fiction/Horror)
After a fleeting appearance in “A Kind of Judgment”, the mysterious Jonas is back to stir up more trouble.
A mother makes a Faustian bargain for her son’s freedom. But can she truly meet the cost when his real prison demands payment of a different debt?
SURVIVAL
(Survival Series #1)
(Horror)
When Sarah escapes from her brutal abductors, she promises to return to rescue her twin sister, but with the dead walking the earth she is forced to rely on a coworker who made her work life hell for years. With her coworker weakened by cancer treatments, her sister still imprisoned, and the dead looking for an easy meal, Sarah’s only plan, if she can pull it off, is Survival.
SURVIVAL is a 14,000 word short story – the first in a new zombie apocalypse series.
These look amazing right?
Enter here to get the party started!!
Tagged: Anna Erishkigal, authors, Birthday, books, celebrations, fantasy, Giveaway, Jennifer L. Oliver, Melinda VanLone, Natalie G. Owens, novels, Paranormal, Rhonda Hopkins
August 6, 2014
New Releases and Addictive Reads
I love new things. The way it feels when you slide your foot into a new pair of shoes. Or the smell of a new car. Or that moment when you taste a new food and it’s SOOO good. Those are awesome moments. Especially the shoes… one never gets tired of new shoes, am I right?
But I also love new happenings. Things like a new book release, meeting new friends, and finding new opportunities. And guess what… all three of these happened to me in the last couple of weeks!
First, I finally finished another book.
Lenore’s Secret, a short story companion to the Haedyn Chronicles, went out to the reading masses on July 31st. Here’s the description:
Every secret has a price.
Only by taking the demon Azazel as a lover was Lenore able to gain advantage in the hierarchy of witches–an advantage that ensured her survival. But there’s a cost to every action, and now she has secrets to hide. To escape the outcome of her deeds, Lenore must seek help from a formidable species that she knows only from the terror filled nightmares of her childhood. Will the People of the Wood help her or is there a greater price yet to be paid?
This is a short story companion to the Haedyn Chronicles.
Amazon B&N Smashwords Kobo iTunes
Writing this one got me back into the groove. I’d been fighting off a terrible block and having no luck at writing anything for such a long time. It felt really good to be back in my chair and putting words on the page.
Then, I was invited to be an ADDICTIVE READS author. I did a little jig in my chair when I read the invite. Seriously, I did!
I’d been admiring this group from a far… okay, maybe not that far. I mean more than half of the writers in this group are on my “FAVORITE – MUST READ” list. I’m talking about amazing authors like Gregory Carrico, CC MacKenzie, Rhonda Hopkins, Stacey Joy Netzel, Kristine Cayne, Sheila Seabrook, Nana Malone, Meredith Bond, Cate Dean and so many more.
So being invited to join this group was a stalker’s dream come true – er… total fan-girl moment.
I know you must be thinking, “Well, that’s all well and great for you, Jenn. But what’s that got to go with me?”
Well, ADDICTIVE READS‘ authors have one very important thing in common – we truly value our readers. Our goal is to provide well-written and entertaining books. 
On our website, you’ll find books from just about every type of genre there – all kinds of Romance, Fantasy, Mystery and Suspense, Thrillers, Horror, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Children’s, Non-fiction and more.
All these books in one place! It’s a book lover’s paradise!
And if you sign up to our newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about new releases, sales, events, giveaways, and more. Plus, from time to time, we might even have events or giveaway exclusively for our subscribers!
How awesome is that?!
See, that’s just one reason why I love new things! New friends for me and new opportunities to find great books for you!
Has anything “new” been happening in your life? Do tell!
Tagged: Addictive Reads, author, books, Jennifer L. Oliver, Lenore's Secret, novel, reading, recommended reads, Writing
July 14, 2014
Digital Book Day!
It’s here! Digital Book Day has arrived!
Over 400 books from 
authors around the world are being offered FREE to readers. Yes, that’s right – FREE!!
Some of these books are advance copies, which means they’ve never been offered before. Seriously, how freaking cool is that?
I’m talking about awesome reads from authors like Alex Kava, CC MacKenzie, Joshua Graham, Dale Amidei, Rhonda Hopkins, Stacey Joy Netzel, CJ Lyons, Johnny B. Truant, Sean Platt, David Wright, JF Penn, Bob Mayer and me! Plus so many more I can’t even begin to list them all here.
So what are you waiting for?
Go to DigitalBookDay.com and see for yourself. I promise, you don’t want to miss this one!
****UPDATE: The site is running a bit slow due to the success of this event. So if you get an error message, just keep checking back. I promise, it is well worth it! ****
Tagged: author, books, ebooks, Free books, Jennifer L. Oliver, novels, Paranormal,
June 17, 2014
WRITE A STORY WITH ME!
So I had this crazy idea about a fun project I want to do to help stretch my writing muscles and entertain my easily-distracted muse. But I need your help!
Remember those “choose your own adventure” books where you’d flip to a certain page if you wanted the character to do one thing or to a different page if you wanted him to go the other way? (I loved those books!) Anyway, I decided to build on that idea and make it so that you get to help me.
This is how it will work:
Over on my Facebook Author Page, I posted the beginning scene to a story. But – here’s the kicker – I left off right when the really good stuff was about to happen. Why? Because I want YOU to help me decide what happens next!
I’m going to post a quick poll that will give you different options to choose from. And once I get the tally at the end of the deadline (usually two days so everyone can see it), I’ll write the next part and post it. Throughout the entire story, I’ll give you the chance to help me figure out what happens to the characters and what they are going to do next!
I can’t wait to get this started. It’s going to be such fun writing a story with you!
Here’s the link to my FB author page (https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLOliverAuthor)
Be sure to check there for the first installment and give it a like if you haven’t already, ok?
The poll should be up soon!
See ya there!
February 24, 2014
Sharing Fun and Excitement
I love it when good things happen to my friends. Mostly because they get all excited, which in turn gets me excited. Then I feel the need to share all that excitement and fun with everyone I know.
So to start things off, today is release day for PLAN BRADY by L.C. Giroux. This is Book 11 in the Lovers and Other Strangers series, and let me tell you, it’s a good one. I totally recommend this series to all my romance reader friends.
Check out this book trailer!
But there’s more! Kristina Haecker over at http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2014/02/character-interview-and-excerpt-lc.html is having a give away, so go comment over there. AND if you buy Plan Brady this week, send L.C. Giroux the receipt because she will send you a copy of Just Her Type, the book proceeding Plan Brady. You can contact her through Facebook HERE or through her website at www.lcgiroux.com
How awesome is that?
Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes!
On to the next item on my “sharing the good news” list. My friend and fantastic author, Myndi Shafer‘s most recently book, HANNAH, HANNAH ONE AND TWO has been nominated for the Indie ReCon’s Best Indie Novel Award 2014. Way to go, Myndi!!
There aren’t too many awards for Indie Authors out there so when one of us gets a chance like this, we all celebrate! We also try to support each other the best we can. In this case, that means voting! I’ve already placed mine, but I’d love it if you could do the same.
Just click this link:
http://ircbin2014.blogspot.com/2014/02/adult-26-hanna-hanna-one-and-two.html
This is just another great story by Myndi. Her first two, Shrilugh and The Darkening were awesome!
Her books are always on my To-Read list.
Last, but definitely not least – ZOMBIES!!
A hot cowboy sheriff will do anything to protect his town. Especially from a once-debutant Zombie who wants to rule the world.
Okay, well not just zombies, but a Zombie WESTERN. That piqued your interest, didn’t it? Mine too!
MASSACRE at LONESOME RIDGE by Samantha Warren takes readers straight back to the Old West and gives them all the glory of Zombies, too!
It is due to release in 15 days (March 11. 2014) but is available NOW for Pre-Order at Barnes and Noble and iTunes.
But that’s not all! Want to get in on the Massacre at Lonesome Ridge fun before release? Join the Lonesome Ridge Refugees on Facebook and get sneak peeks at future books, fun swag, early access, and discounts! There’s a giveaway going between now and the official release for some really cool zombie prizes. So…
DON’T STOP! DON’T LOOK BACK! JUST RUN!
And join the fun!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/463299573792913/
Does anyone else have some great news to share today? If so post in the comments! 
Tagged: authors, books, Hannah Hannah One and Two, IndieReCon, Jennifer L. Oliver, L.C. Giroux, Massacre at Lonesome Ridge, Myndi Shafer, novels, Plan Brady, Samantha Warren, Writing
January 12, 2014
I Want a Do Over!
When I was a kid, if something didn’t go as planned all I’d have to say is “I want a do over!” And then I could just try again. Hopefully with better results.
As adults, life rarely gives us that option but sometimes we get lucky. That’s why I love being a self-published author. Being my own boss and having control over my business decisions allows me to try different avenues. If something isn’t working well, I get to try something else. That’s right, I get Do Overs!
And of course, I am taking advantage of that opportunity. I recently overhauled my website, Facebook cover photo, and Twitter background for branding purposes. (Oh, the joys of marketing!) I also created a new email list, the Readers’ Portal.
As a reader, I enjoy finding ways to interact with the authors I love. My email list is not only a way I can talk directly with my subscribers, but it is also a way I can give back.
When one signs up for Readers’ Portal, they’ll be the first to know of sales and special offers, news on upcoming releases, launch parties, giveaways, discounts I’ve created JUST FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS, and sneak peeks at books I’m working on. Plus, I’ll be offering some of my short stories for FREE. These are stories I have yet to publish and subscribers will get them before anyone else.
Right now, I’m working on revamping the book covers for The Unnamed and Haedyn’s Choice. I love playing with images and graphics, so for me this was tons of fun. I finally narrowed down the cover choices for Haedyn’s Choice to two. But I can’t decide between them. So, I’m going to ask my email list subscribers to help me choose.
I’d love it if you signed up and gave me your input as well! Just click HERE, or you can click the link to the right of this blog. I can’t wait to see which cover you choose.
Have you ever taken advantage of a “Do Over”? How did it work out for you?
Tagged: blogging, ebook covers, Jennifer L. Oliver, Newsletter sign ups, novels, Paranormal, urban fantasy, Writing
January 4, 2014
Join the WG2E Beta/Review Club!
Do you enjoy getting the first peek at new books? Do you read with a critical eye? We have the perfect place for you!
The WG2E Street Team has a new group for beta readers and reviewers, where authors and readers can come together to help each other.
What’s the difference between a beta reader and a reviewer?
A beta reader reads a book that is still a work-in-progress and provides feedback to the author in order to make the book the best it can be. They are not reviewing the work publicly. All thoughts on the book go directly to the author. The book they read is not the finished product.
A reviewer reads a completed book either right before it’s published or shortly after and leaves their opinion of the book on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, etc. to help other readers make a decision on whether to read the book.
Beta readers are not reviewers and vice versa, though you can do both for different books (or if you re-read the book in its completed form).
Let’s have a little fun!
Once every three months, all authors who used beta readers or reviewers will contribute to the pot and a gift card will be given to one random beta reader or reviewer.
Want to find new authors and help out those you love? Head on over to the WG2E Beta/Review Club on Facebook and request to join. Just click the link below!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WG2EBetaReviewClub/
Tagged: Beta Readers, Jennifer L. Oliver, novels, Paranormal, Reviewers, reviews, supernatural thriller, urban fantasy, WG2E, Writer's Guide 2 E-Publishing, Writing
