Mikey Brooks's Blog, page 12
January 22, 2014
Reads for Tweens: Taylor Davis Series


Taylor Davis didn't want to move to the Caribbean, and he certainly doesn't want save the world. But when he's sucked into a supernatural world of angels and their adversaries, that's exactly what he must do.
The Flame of Findul--the sword that guards the Tree of Life--has been allowed to burn out. Taylor and his new teammates must relight it in the forge of Findul the firesmith before the tree falls into the wrong hands. But Findul hasn't been seen for several centuries. And a formidable enemy, one who has eaten of the tree, stands in their way.
Sometimes life gooses you when you’re not looking. You might be happily coasting through days in a little New Jersey suburb, dreaming about Jennifer Williams and making plans to see the new movie showing uptown when—bam!—everything changes in an instant. Your family moves overseas and suddenly you’re hacking at water demons with a four-foot blade. Free on Amazon and Smashwords!
And book one is now FREE! TAYLOR DAVIS AND THE CLASH OF KINGDOMS Taylor Davis would get stuck with an archenemy that won't stay dead.

The epidemic soon spreads to national leaders. Taylor and his team are called on to uncover the root of the problem before violence breaks out on a worldwide stage. Their quest leads them to the heart of Africa, to the underworld, and to a second encounter with an enemy who just won’t stay dead. Book two of the Taylor Davis series is now available for Kindle, Nook, and paperback formats.
About the Author:

Michelle will never market profanity or controversy to her young audience. Instead, she relies on fun, solid story-telling. She prefers stories with some depth to them, and especially enjoys beautifully crafted language and a hero who grows and learns and changes. Michelle often receives emails from grown-ups (as old as 79) who encourage her to keep writing for "us kids!"
Visit Michelle at www.michelleisenhoff.com for free classroom materials to accompany her novels.
Published on January 22, 2014 08:26
January 18, 2014
LTUE Gears Up


When: Feb 13-15.
Price: $45 at the door. Students are FREE!
I'll be there on several panels discussing: Monsters You've Never Heard Of, Writing for Children, Effective Book Covers, and MORE!. There is also a fantastic opportunity to meet authors at the mass book signing Friday night at the hotel!
There are tons of AWESOME aut5hors attending this conference. Including: Blake Casselman, Michael Collings, Michaelbrent Colling, David Farland, Brian Hailes, L. E. Modesitt Jr., James A. Owen, Brandon Sanderson, Anne Sowards, and MORE!
For a list of the schedules, about LTUE, and discount information for the hotel follow this link: http://ltue.net/
Published on January 18, 2014 07:52
January 13, 2014
Writer's Conference: Write Here in Ephraim

This year I will be presenting at WHIE, and I couldn't be more delighted. What to expect from me? I will be a part of this year's Writing Camp (personal feedback from writing professionals on your writing project!) And I will be instructing two terrifically amazing classes:
Indie Book Covers:


Have you ever wanted to write a picture book but don’t know where to start? If so this is the class for you. Join author/illustrator, Mikey Brooks, as he shares the 5 plots of picture books, storyboarding technics, and the basics to getting starting in crafting your own picture book. From words to illustration, you will leave with a better understanding on what makes pictures so magical for kids.
There are a ton of great things for you to learn at this conference so I invite you to take a look at the website: http://writehereinephraim.weebly.com/.
ENJOY A MEET AND GREET with authors and publishers on Friday night, March 28, in the Snow College Greenwood Student Center! Refreshments! Available to all who register for either day, or free for students. Come and mingle and learn more about writing in a social atmosphere from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
I look forward to seeing you all there. Make sure you register and plan on attending this AWESOME conference this March! It is a low price of only $15 (per-register or $20 at the door). It is FREE for students with a valid ID!
Published on January 13, 2014 11:30
January 9, 2014
Celebrate with Andrea Pearson and FREE eBooks!
Hi, Everyone! My name is Andrea Pearson and I'm an author of middle grade and young adult fantasy. In celebration of the completion of my Kilenya Series, I'm giving away eBooks! Read on for more details. :-)
The Key of Kilenya, first book in the Kilenya Series (with 50 five-star reviews on Amazon), is available everywhere for free (Kindle, Nook, Smashwords), but only until the 18th of January.
It's originally $3.99, and is geared to readers 10 and older. If it were a movie, it would be rated PG. No swearing or vulgarity, and very minimal violence.
Here's the book description:
We all have a choice—but we can’t choose the consequences.
Jacob Clark is chased down a path that takes him to another world—a world where he is a wanted young man. The Lorkon want to control him and the special powers he possesses. The people of the new world want him to save them from the destruction of the Lorkon. All Jacob wants is to go home, but even that choice has consequences. He doesn’t know what to do and if he waits too long, the new world and the one he came from will be destroyed. As Jacob looks for people he can trust, he finds himself in the center of the fight for freedom—both for himself and the people he’s come to know.
Jacob has no idea where the path he chooses will take him, but once the choice has been made—bring on the consequences.
Back to Andrea. :-) I had so much fun writing this book! I came up with the idea for the magical key when I was 10 - the same age as many of my readers - and built on it until I was 22, when I sat down and actually wrote the book. The Kilenya Series has sold really well and I've been so excited to find people just as passionate about the books as I am. :-)
The second book, The Ember Gods, is available for $0.99 until January 18, but you don't have to buy it if you don't want to, because I'm giving it away for free. In fact, I'm giving away three different eBooks. The only thing required on your part is to decide which one you want, mention it on this blog post, then email me the info, and I'll send you the file. :-)
Here are the books to choose from:
The Ember Gods, Kilenya Series Book Two
Original and discounted price: $3.99 to $0.99
(or free, if you choose this eBook :-))Discounted Until January 18thGenre and target audience: Fantasy for teensIf this book were a movie, what would it be rated? PGIf you don't want it for free (ha ha :-)), you can download it from: Kindle, Nook
Book description:
Jacob Clark’s new abilities are a blessing and a curse. He’s a hero for returning the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners, but at school he's starting to get noticed for something other than his basketball skills. And the attention is freaking him out.
Balancing both worlds is tricky enough, but Jacob has tasked himself with saving Aloren who’s trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods. He doesn't want to wait for the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon, but the desire to prove himself to the high school basketball coach conflicts with his plans to rescue her.
Feeling pulled by both sides, Jacob must walk a tightrope of warring worlds with lives on the line. Lives that will be lost if he doesn’t figure out how to complete his quest and balance his abilities. Fast.
August Fortress, Kilenya Series Book Three
Price: $3.99 (or free, if you choose this eBook :-))
Genre and target audience: Fantasy for teens
If this book were a movie, what would it be rated? PG
If you don't want it for free, you can download it from: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Book description:
Since Jacob Clark discovered his abilities, his life has changed for the better—and the worse.
The basketball coach won't notice him and high school is much more complicated than before. Jacob finds himself needed more and more in Eklaron where his abilities are saving lives. And then the call comes—he and his friends must rescue the powerful Sheingols from August Fortress where they've been held for fifteen years. The only problem is, Lorkon traps are everywhere and getting past them might be impossible.
The closer he gets to his goal, the harder the traps are to overcome. Can he master more of his powers to fight the traps? Or has Jacob finally met his match?
Samara: A Kilenya Romance
Original price:$1.99 (or free, if you choose this eBook :-))
Genre and target audience: Clean teen romance
If this book were a movie, what would it be rated? G (or a very, very soft PG)
If you don't want it for free, you can download it from: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Book description:
When Samara Oldroyd meets the most amazing guy ever, she's frustrated their conversation is cut short. Her wishes that they'll run into each other again come true when she meets her sister's new boyfriend. It's him! Eeek!
Inspired by the film Dan in Real Life, this novella will tickle you pink as Samara tries—in vain—to undo her crush.
(There is no magic involved in this story. It contains characters you'll meet in the Kilenya Series and can be read separately.)
Now that you've chosen which free eBook you want, here's how you get it:
Comment on this blog, saying which eBook you wantSend me an email(ap@andreapearsonbooks.com) and tell me:The title of the book The name of the blog that sent youWhich format you want the eBook in (Kindle, Nook, etc.) And that's all!
I can't wait for you to delve into the world of Kilenya and discover the magic, monsters, and people there!
Andrea Pearson, author of the Kilenya Series, Kilenya Romances, and Katon University series, lives with her husband and daughter in a small valley framed with hills. She is Executive Director of the Indie Author Hub group and creator of the writing application, Writer’s Progress Bar. She is an editor for the website Gather.com.
Andrea spends as much time with her husband and daughter as possible. Favorite activities include painting, watching movies, collecting and listening to music, and discussing books and authors.
Her mother says they can't possibly be related because Andrea isn't in love with chocolate and tomatoes, though she’ll eat either. (But not together.) She would much rather snack on toasted English muffins with lots of butter or nearly anything with cheese.
The Key of Kilenya, first book in the Kilenya Series (with 50 five-star reviews on Amazon), is available everywhere for free (Kindle, Nook, Smashwords), but only until the 18th of January.

Here's the book description:
We all have a choice—but we can’t choose the consequences.
Jacob Clark is chased down a path that takes him to another world—a world where he is a wanted young man. The Lorkon want to control him and the special powers he possesses. The people of the new world want him to save them from the destruction of the Lorkon. All Jacob wants is to go home, but even that choice has consequences. He doesn’t know what to do and if he waits too long, the new world and the one he came from will be destroyed. As Jacob looks for people he can trust, he finds himself in the center of the fight for freedom—both for himself and the people he’s come to know.
Jacob has no idea where the path he chooses will take him, but once the choice has been made—bring on the consequences.
Back to Andrea. :-) I had so much fun writing this book! I came up with the idea for the magical key when I was 10 - the same age as many of my readers - and built on it until I was 22, when I sat down and actually wrote the book. The Kilenya Series has sold really well and I've been so excited to find people just as passionate about the books as I am. :-)
The second book, The Ember Gods, is available for $0.99 until January 18, but you don't have to buy it if you don't want to, because I'm giving it away for free. In fact, I'm giving away three different eBooks. The only thing required on your part is to decide which one you want, mention it on this blog post, then email me the info, and I'll send you the file. :-)
Here are the books to choose from:
The Ember Gods, Kilenya Series Book Two

(or free, if you choose this eBook :-))Discounted Until January 18thGenre and target audience: Fantasy for teensIf this book were a movie, what would it be rated? PGIf you don't want it for free (ha ha :-)), you can download it from: Kindle, Nook
Book description:
Jacob Clark’s new abilities are a blessing and a curse. He’s a hero for returning the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners, but at school he's starting to get noticed for something other than his basketball skills. And the attention is freaking him out.
Balancing both worlds is tricky enough, but Jacob has tasked himself with saving Aloren who’s trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods. He doesn't want to wait for the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon, but the desire to prove himself to the high school basketball coach conflicts with his plans to rescue her.
Feeling pulled by both sides, Jacob must walk a tightrope of warring worlds with lives on the line. Lives that will be lost if he doesn’t figure out how to complete his quest and balance his abilities. Fast.
August Fortress, Kilenya Series Book Three

Genre and target audience: Fantasy for teens
If this book were a movie, what would it be rated? PG
If you don't want it for free, you can download it from: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Book description:
Since Jacob Clark discovered his abilities, his life has changed for the better—and the worse.
The basketball coach won't notice him and high school is much more complicated than before. Jacob finds himself needed more and more in Eklaron where his abilities are saving lives. And then the call comes—he and his friends must rescue the powerful Sheingols from August Fortress where they've been held for fifteen years. The only problem is, Lorkon traps are everywhere and getting past them might be impossible.
The closer he gets to his goal, the harder the traps are to overcome. Can he master more of his powers to fight the traps? Or has Jacob finally met his match?
Samara: A Kilenya Romance

Genre and target audience: Clean teen romance
If this book were a movie, what would it be rated? G (or a very, very soft PG)
If you don't want it for free, you can download it from: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Book description:
When Samara Oldroyd meets the most amazing guy ever, she's frustrated their conversation is cut short. Her wishes that they'll run into each other again come true when she meets her sister's new boyfriend. It's him! Eeek!
Inspired by the film Dan in Real Life, this novella will tickle you pink as Samara tries—in vain—to undo her crush.
(There is no magic involved in this story. It contains characters you'll meet in the Kilenya Series and can be read separately.)
Now that you've chosen which free eBook you want, here's how you get it:
Comment on this blog, saying which eBook you wantSend me an email(ap@andreapearsonbooks.com) and tell me:The title of the book The name of the blog that sent youWhich format you want the eBook in (Kindle, Nook, etc.) And that's all!
I can't wait for you to delve into the world of Kilenya and discover the magic, monsters, and people there!

Andrea spends as much time with her husband and daughter as possible. Favorite activities include painting, watching movies, collecting and listening to music, and discussing books and authors.
Her mother says they can't possibly be related because Andrea isn't in love with chocolate and tomatoes, though she’ll eat either. (But not together.) She would much rather snack on toasted English muffins with lots of butter or nearly anything with cheese.
Published on January 09, 2014 04:00
January 3, 2014
Goal Follow Up and New Goals Set
I took the time to look up my post that I wrote last year on the goals I wanted to accomplish in 2013. All I have to say is WOW! Things didn’t really go as planned but I think they went AWESOME! This was my list last year and my follow up:
To have my Dream Keeper Series contracted by a traditional publisher. Well I did. I received a contract by a traditional publisher and then turned it down opting to indie publish it. Probably the hardest decision I have made thus far in my writing career. Was it the wrong choice? Heck no! In fact, I couldn’t be happier with the way The Dream Keeper and The Dreamstone have done. They both have hit the bestseller list on Amazon and I have an audiobook! I am excited to get reviews, to talk with kids about the things they learned, and just darn happy to see my name on the spine of a real book. Goal met!
Finish the third book and prequel to the Dream Keeper Series, and finish one other full length book (not a picture book). This goal took a little turn. I have the first part of the book 3 of the Dream Keeper Chronicles done and I will be working on it soon. I did write more books. I wrote The Stone of Valhalla which will be released in March and The Witches of Roosevelt Elementary, which I have with an agent right now. I also did a collaboration picture book with my wife, ABC Adventures: Cooking with Kids, which will be out in Spring. So I finished 2 full length novels and a picture book. I’m adding The Dream Keeper books to my goals this year—after all it’s scheduled to come out this summer.
Be a full time writer/illustrator by the end of the year. This goal came with a twist. Last year I was diagnosed with crippling arthritis as a side effect of having Crohn’s disease. It put me on disability which then forced me to stay at home. I now work full-time as a writer and freelance illustrator and cover designer. So I am doing what I love. God just put a little spin on how I was to get there.
Write and illustrate four picture books, two in my ABC series, one in the Bean’s series, and one more fun and fantastic picture book. Obviously I didn’t remember how much effort picture books take to produce. This is an example of setting too BIG of a goal. I have one I finished in the ABC series and I wrote a new story I plan on doing the art for this year. I don't think I understood how much time marketing books takes.
Obtain more author clients for my freelance illustrating business. I am proud to say that I have been working my butt off on this goal. I started my own freelance illustrating and cover design business shortly after the start of the year and it has bloomed. I have over a dozen covers under my belt and a bunch more scheduled for this year. I am so happy to use my talents I have. It is truly my dream job. I’m always looking for more clients. They equal more opportunities for me to create magic.
Attend more than just one writers conference. Last year I attended THREE! Life the Universe and Everything, Write Here in Ephraim, and LDS Storymakers. I am also proud to say that I was a presenter/panelist at LTUE and WHIE, something I only dreamed would happen.
Be actively involved in my writers group. I said goodbye to my old writing group and started a new writer’s group with some members of the Authors’ Think Tank. I learned the value of having a great critique group. They have helped me improve so much as a writer.
Be able to be myself around other authors that intimidate the crap out of me because they are more successful. I’m still working on this but I have done better. It helped that when I went to my first conference last year people started to know who I was. It sure does help the inner critic to shut up when people come to you for advice.
Share my dreams with the world. I am continuing to do this. I have had my book read by people all over the world. I’ve received reviews from people all over the US and some from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and South America! I am spreading myself everywhere. I only hope I can reach even more this year!
I am glad I had this time to reflect on the goals I made. I have learned some things in reading this. One, I should have my goals written down in a place where I can see them all the time. I’d forgotten some and glad I accomplished them. Two, my goals should be obtainable. Setting a goal to have three novels plus four pictures books completed was not a very obtainable goal. I know that if you want a goal to be met you need to have it reachable. The last thing I learned was that I had a plan. It is important once you set a goal to create plan for executing it. If you don’t plan, you won’t achieve.
Okay. Here are my writing goals for 2014. Indie Publish 4 books this year. I already have 3 scheduled so adding one more shouldn’t be too much work.Get an agent. This is something I have worked on for years. I want to be a hybrid author, using both the traditional publishers and indie publishing.Finish 2 picture books. I have 1 written—not illustrated. I plan to do one more. This is kind of a harder goal because the art can take a long time to complete, especially with the arthritis, but I will do it!See my books once again on the bestseller list. To do this I need to first write a bestseller and then market it productively.Set up more school visits. I plan on having at least one a month during the school year.Present at more conferences. I already plan on presenting at two this year.Help other writers achieve their dreams. Write at least 2 more full length books this year.Those are my goals. Now I need to go write a plan for how I am going to accomplish them. What else am I going to do? I am going to print my goals and post it up where I’ll see them all the time. What are your goals and your plans on accomplishing them?
Published on January 03, 2014 07:48
December 26, 2013
Tween The Weekends


MG—or middle-grade books, may seem like they are written solely for kids the age of 9-12 but reality tells a different story. The party I described started out with adults–only adults, that were reading the Harry Potter books. We read them because there was something in there that grabbed at our heart strings and made us feel younger. More and more I see adults favoring MG books over the books geared toward them as adults. Why you might ask? There are several reasons why readers choose MG.

Another reason is that these books help us to relate with our younger selves. Who says your inner teen isn’t still around? The reason I write MG is because these are the books I would have read when I was a kid. I also refer to MG books as “tween” books. Tween books are bridges to help teens cross over to adult. To help them find their way out of the in-be-tween. These books help tweens embrace themselves and help them find their identity in a world full of loud voices. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful genre a books.
To answer the question above, you are never too old to read MG. Like those happy, Quidditch playing adults, they fell in love with a MG book and embraced the magic found within its pages.
Published on December 26, 2013 06:20
December 19, 2013
Christmas eBook Sale

Published on December 19, 2013 12:46
December 18, 2013
Blog Tour: Artesans of Albia


just a few days. I was absorbed in the rich details of the world of Albia. The story made me a fan for life! When her publisher announced their closer this past summer I was horrified. I felt absolutely terrible for my friend. I immediately sent an email to Cas to find out how she was handling it. Surprisingly, Cas was extremely positive (I would have been crushed)—she saw it as a new opportunity. When she told me then that she wanted to redesign the covers of her last two books, I practically begged her to let me do the art (I really did beg). I was star struck when she let me.
I’m not sure if anyone would know how I felt as I worked on the covers of these books. As I said before, I am a huge fan of the Albia books. I felt a mixture of feelings while working on the covers, from insecurity in my art, to elation. I was thrilled when Cas told me she loved them. I hope you love them too. They do not give the story justice, Cas has genius in writing that could never properly be reflected in art, but it is my hope that you see a glimmer of the magic she has created in them. With a much longer introduction than I intended, I give to you the rerelease of the Artesans Albia Trilogy, by Cas Peace.
Artesans of Albia series synopsis:

Concerned by the vicious raids that follow Taran's actions, Major Sullyan of the High King's forces crosses into Andaryon to seek diplomatic resolution to the crisis. She is captured and tortured by Lord Rykan, aspirant to the Andaryon throne.
Slowly dying, Sullyan escapes his clutches. She offers her skills to the Hierarch in defense of his throne, finally confronting Rykan on the field of battle.
Her handsome Captain and lover, Robin Tamsen, embarks on a desperate quest to recover the Staff. But Rykan's greedy General, Sonten, is two steps ahead of him. If Robin cannot lay hold of the weapon before Sonten does, Sullyan's life and the lives of all Artesans are forfeit.
The race for the Staff has begun.
Praise for King’s Artesan

“Splendidly written in a wonderful voice, drew me in immediately. Ms. Peace’s imagination alone gets 5 stars. Spectacular worlds and enchanting scenes. Anyone who enjoys losing themselves in a world of a charming fantasy with plenty of layers and a host of intriguing characters won’t be disappointed!” ~Rosary McQuestion, author of Once Upon Another Time
“As soon as I finished this book I was eager to start the next. I highly recommend this book. Great Job!!” ~Janus Gangi, author of Elizabeth Rose and That Morning After
About the Author:

Cas's other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing. Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.
Author Links:Website: http://www.caspeace.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace?fref=tsBook Songs: http://www.caspeace.com/downloads/songsHere is the YouTube link to the new Trilogy trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ORbCO_wGI

ARTESAN’s Blog Tour ScheduleDecember 12th– December 19
December 12th– Kelly P.'s Blog
December 12th– Candace Bowen
December 13th– Donna K. Weaver
December 13th– Musings of a Writer
December 14th- <3.....Laura Crean.....<3
December 14th– Book Lovers Life
December 14th– Dionne Lister, Author
December 15th– Heoric Fantasy Books
December 15th– Ozero
December 15th- Harren Press
December 16th– Beesley Buzz
December 16th– R.K. Grow
December 17th– Itz2Mainstreem
December 17th– Ren Garcia
December 18th– Cabin Goddess
December 18th– Illusions of Intamacy
December 18th– Inside Mikey's World
December 19th– Airborn Express
December 19th- Litery of Erana
December 19th- Telling Stories

Published on December 18, 2013 00:00
December 16, 2013
Last Day of the Blog Tour

Today is the LAST day of the blog tour. I want to thank everyone who participated and all those who have visited the stops and help promote this book to your friends.
Today we have a terrific interview on author Sharon Ledwith’s blog: I Came. I Saw. I Wrote.: http://goo.gl/EzSMy2.
Also check out this book feature on Just Me, Myself, and I: http://goo.gl/chRIvm.
There is one more post to come, I’ll let you know when it goes live. Thank you again for all your support! Have a wonderful day!!

Kindle eBooks:The Dream Keeper: http://goo.gl/FPa2vT The Dreamstone: http://goo.gl/yBBub5
Kobo eBooks:The Dream Keeper: http://goo.gl/3R4d1WThe Dream Stone: http://goo.gl/M3iXYQ
Nook eBooks: http://goo.gl/tGKJOP
Published on December 16, 2013 07:33
December 14, 2013
Blog Tour Day 13

The Blog Tour for The Dreamstone is whining down. There is a destination in sight! Only 2 more days of stops and we’ll take a break on the Dream Keeper Express until the 3rd book comes out in summer. Today we have a fantastic review by Jaclyn Weist, author of the Stolen Luck, on her blog: http://goo.gl/OOZB8a. We have another stop scheduled; I’ll let you know when it goes live.

Kindle eBooks:The Dream Keeper: http://goo.gl/FPa2vT The Dreamstone: http://goo.gl/yBBub5
Kobo eBooks:The Dream Keeper: http://goo.gl/3R4d1WThe Dream Stone: http://goo.gl/M3iXYQ
Nook eBooks: http://goo.gl/tGKJOP
Published on December 14, 2013 05:57