Mikey Brooks's Blog, page 18

Emblazon: Writing Stories on the Heart of Children

I am proud to announce that I am a part of a great group of authors called Emblazon. We are having our kick off to the website on July 10th. I encourage you to go checkout the site, tell your friends, but especially tell kids and teens. This site is for them.

So what is Emblazon?
Emblazon is a collection of authors–some indie, some traditionally published–who have each produced at least one children’s novel. Our audiences range from fifth grade to young adult, but we have a particular focus on ages 11 to 14. Some call them upper middle grade; others call them low young adult. They’re somewhere in the middle and can lean either way. We call them Tweens.
The first three Wednesdays of every month, we post about some aspect of reading and writing tween literature. We hope our experiences help you to emblazon your own story.

We are having a fun kick off including a giveaway to some terrific books by our very own authors.I'll be posting more on that when I get the details. Until then you are welcomed to check out the site. 
http://emblazoners.wordpress.com
And please share it with others. If you are a blogger and share it on your blog on July 10th, you will be entered to win $100! Check out this link for more info: http://emblazoners.wordpress.com/giftcard-giveaway/

Author Interview: Anna Del C. Dye

I am delighted to introduce you to a fantastic writer and friend, Anna Del C. Dye. Anna is the author of a series of Elf books. If you like the fantastical elements of the Lord of the Rings with a little more romance built into the story, this series is for you. So without further introduction here is Anna:
Anna, I like to thank you for letting me interview you today. I always love to talk with you and hear the things you have to share. I remember the first time meeting you at LTUE. It was a panel on writing romance into your stories. You said that every story needs a little romance—which is so true! Plus, I love your accent.

Your stories are about elves, what inspired you to start writing about them?

Anna Del C. Dye: Tolkien. He opened the door for me to ask more. The character of Legolas was amazing and I wanted to know more about the Elf race, the giant eagles, the dwarfs and so on. To my regret my husband informed me that a conversation with Tolkien was out of the question as he was dead. I cried. That is when my husband suggested I answer my own questions…the rest is history.

Do you base any of your stories on legends, maybe some from your homeland? If so can you briefly share some?
Anna Del C. Dye: Not really. You see, usually moms are the tale tellers in a home. In my case, my mother died when I was six-years-old and I was deprived of childhood stories. I don’t even recall any legends.

If you were an elf, what kind of elf would you be?

Anna Del C. Dye: A beautiful one of course!!! Oh you don’t mean that…well then, I would be the epitome of grace, kindness and love. On the other side I would be the fearless and most tenacious warrior that existed. And I would switch from one to the other gracefully. You could say that I am a mother lion protecting her cubs. I take very personally the welfare of all.

Your stories involve elements of romance, sometimes crossing over into humans and elves falling in love. Have you encountered any struggles in writing a mixed-species couple?
Anna Del C. Dye: Not many, you see my husband and I are from two different cultures. I was born in Chile, South America and he here, in the North America. We speak different languages and our view on life is quite different too. You could say that there are many things that separate us, but at the same time many that don’t create cultural barriers between us… All this has helps to empower me to understand the characters struggles and I use them to enrich the telling. When they said Love conquers all, I have to agree.

You are an indie author, what drives you to be independent from the traditional publishers, and do you have any tips for writers trying to make the decision to go indie?

Anna Del C. Dye: First you have to research and see if this is best for you. In my case, I was so busy writing that it was my husband who decided that we should publish my books. I loved the idea, so he did the research and then we talked about it and chose a publishing company that would give me the freedom I wanted. Another reason is because English is my second language and I felt quite threatened by the many awesome authors out there that speak the language quite well. I didn’t feel I could win against them. One more reason is that I had no idea what I was doing when we published my first book. It was because of publishing The Elf and the Princess that I learned the rules for a writer. It was the best decision we ever made. It was then that I found writer’s groups and learned many things to make the second book better. I am still learning and making every new book better than the last one. Can I compare to Tolkien? I doubt it…just give me a hundred years and I will be there.

You have a new book coming out, what’s it about and when can we expect it to be available?

Anna Del C. Dye: My new book is Shahira and the Flying Elfs(yes, I do spell the plural of elves in my books: Elfs.) It is book number six in my Elf Series. The series has seven books so I am almost done with it. Here is a teaser:
What would you do if the world as you know it comes tumbling down? That is what happens to Shahira every time she tries to fly. You see she is an eagle and eagles fly…then why can she not?The wizard Huzan has spent his entire life under the shadow of his renowned brother Zanteon. But no more… He has discovered the book to his brother’s secrets. Now he is going to use it to destroy him and all the Wizarding School.
Llorradinn’s life has been simple and peaceful in the land of the elfs. That is, until the human caravan comes by and he is caught by the claws of a giant eagle. What does the eagle want with him? Elfs have not seen the wise-ones for many centuries; then why now, and why so hostile to the elf race?
You will find this and more answers in Shahira and the Flying Elf the epic book by Anna del C. Dye. Writing in the genre of Tolkien, Anna del C. Dye has created another unique, epic tale to take the reader to a new world, full of twist, secrets, and love. Shahira and the Flying Elfs is already available on amazon.com and other outlets.

What other projects are you working on?

Anna Del C. Dye: I am working on the last book of the Elf series. The Roilden Stone of Elf Mountain. This should have been the first book on this series but I felt that the Trilogy should be the door to my elf kingdom. Now The Roilden Stone of Elf Mountain will become the golden clip for this epic series.
I also have a Sci-Fi children book that needs edited The Intergalactic P.I. in the case of… This series has a possible 28 books on the back burner.

What would you like from the readers of your books?

Anna Del C. Dye: I would love for them to take the time and if they like my books to post a review


Thank you so much for taking the time to be a part of my blog.

and recommend it to their friends. (Reviews should be done on Amazon, B&N, Shelfari, Goodreads, etc.)
Anna Del C. Dye: It was my pleasure Mikey and my best to you and your blog friends.

Can you please share where people can find you and your books?

My website: http://www.annadelc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaDelC
You can find all my books at:
Amazon: http://ning.it/19iThs3
Barnes&Noble. http://ning.it/1744E2U

Awesome Book Deal!!

It's here!! TODAY ONLY! 19 Books for free and 11 more nearly free when you buy SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AVOYI5S And then go here to get your extras: http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/p/book-bomb-june-20th.html Leave your email address and the confirmation receipt number and all THIRTY (yes--that's 30) FREE and NEARLY free books are yours.

So what all do you get for this AMAZING price?
19 FREE eBooksSECRET SISTERS CLUB, by Monique Bucheger (FREE)GANWOLD'S CHILD, by Diann Read (FREE)TWO SOULS ARE BETTER THAN ONE, by Karen Hoover (FREE)SPIDER WARS, by: Angela Carlie (FREE)ABC ADVENTURES: MAGICAL CREATURES, by Mikey Brooks (FREE)MELINDA AND THE WILD WEST, by Linda Weaver Clarke (FREE)THE TROUBLE WITH BERNIE, by Mikey Brooks (FREE)BONGO FLO, by Carolyn Quist, Illustrated by: Mikey Brooks (FREE)THE KEY OF KILENYA, by Andrea Pearson (FREE)BEAN’S DRAGONS, BY Mikey Brooks (FREE)WRITING YOUR FAMILY LEGACY, by Linda Weaver Clarke (FREE)WATCHED, by Cindy Hogan (FREE)OF MICE AND MAGIC, by David Farland (FREE)OCELOT SCOTT, by Carolyn Quist, Illustrated by Mikey Brooks (FREE)
ANASAZI INTRIGUE, by Linda Weaver Clarke (FREE)BY AILAD’S BOOT STRAPS, by Kurt F. Kammeyer (FREE)   HEIRS OF PROPHECY, by Michael Rothman (FREESECRET SISTERS, by Tristi Pinkston (FREE PDF)GOOD THING DADDY'S A SUPERHERO, by Caryn Pinkston's (FREE PDF)11 Nearly FREE eBooksTHE DREAM KEEPER, by Mikey Brooks ($.99)THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH, by Marsha Ward ($.99)THE TREASURE OF ISIAN, by Serena Clarke ($.99)HIDDEN IN THE HEART, by Roseanne Wilkins ($.99)PRIDE AND PRECIPITATION, by Heather Horrocks ($.99)THE PRINCESS PROBLEM, by Diane Darcy ($.99)THE SAPPHIRE FLUTE, by Karen Hoover ($.99)THE HIDDEN SUN, by J. Lloyd Morgan ($.99)THE GOLDEN QUEEN, by David Farland ($.99)CONSECRATED, by  Angie Lofthouse ($.99)TROUBLE BLOWS WEST, by Monique Bucheger ($.99)

Cover Reveal: King's Artesan

Available August 2013

The race for the Staff has begun.

Rykan’s Staff is vital to Sullyan’s survival. In order to retrieve it, Robin Tamsen must cross the Veils into Albia and go to Taran’s village. He arrives too late. 

Intent on reviving his own plans for conquest, Sonten forces Taran to reveal the Staff’s location. Outwitting Robin, he besieges the village of Hyecombe and takes possession of the Staff.

If Robin cannot stop Sonten taking the weapon back to Andaryon, Sullyan’s life and the lives of every Artesan are forfeit. Yet it is not just Sonten he must battle, but also one of his own. And the mysterious Albian Baron hasn’t abandoned his plans, either…

Add here

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can. 

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.

Website | Facebook | Book Songs | Goodreads

Author Interview: Monique Bucheger

I am excited to introduce Monique Bucheger, author of the fantastic middle-grade series, THE GINNIE WEST ADVENTURES. I met Monique in one of my author’s groups when she consented to review LUCIUS AND THE CHRISTMAS STAR last year. That later led to Monique approaching me about working on a picture book and possibly redoing her covers. Monique is impossible not to love. She is outgoing and truly willing to bend over backwards to help people—just one of the lings I like about her. I got to read her first book, THE SECRET SISTERS CLUB, and discovered she has a gift. I am not afraid to share this series with everyone because it’s down to Earth and fantastic without having to rely on the gimmicks of fantasy. Farm life and family is magical on its own. So without further introductions, here is the interview Monique Bucheger:
What exactly is “awesome sauce”? And would you mind sharing the recipe? 
Monique Bucheger: An expression of extreme jubilation. Take 2 parts great news, add a heaping helping of delight, throw in some relief or greater understanding, mix it all in a teen and out pops jubilation—usually accompanied by a huge smile.

Your lead character, Ginnie West, is something else. Some have called her a modern day Tom Sawyer and Pippi Longstockings. What makes her such a strong lead?  Monique Bucheger: Ginnie is feisty and determined, and has a great sense of wrong and right. Ginnie’s not against following the rules—most of the time. J She never intentionally breaks them, but there do seem to be quite a few bent and twisted ones in her wake. 
Do you see much of yourself in Ginnie?
Monique Bucheger: I do. I love that Ginnie can give herself whole-hearted to a cause, a person, or a project. She doesn’t doubt much when she wants to do something. She just figures out how to get it done. These are qualities I’d like to have more of.

You books deal with a lot of grown up topics: divorce, death of a parent, and child abuse. Do you find these topics hard to discuss when your target audience is children?
Monique Bucheger: Yes and no. These things affect kids, whether we (as adults) want to believe that or not. How children process these huge issues can empower a kids’ life in a positive way or impact them negatively. Life isn’t easy in the best of circumstances. But add badly-behaving adults, child abuse, ugly divorces, adults who aren’t committed to helping their kids feel or be safe, and there is a recipe for disillusionment, hurt, and the opportunity to send or receive the wrong message. Kids are impressionable and at 12 and under—they also think that the world revolves around them and assign too much responsibility for things they can’t control. IE: “If I keep my room clean, Mom and Dad will quit fighting and be nice to each other.” One thing probably has nothing to do with the other—but kids think like that. In my books, I make it clear that adults are responsible for adult behavior and kids are responsible for kids’. When adults hurt kids, it’s not ok—and there is a big difference between discipline and abuse.
You write good, clean, hometown stories. Do you ever think about writing something different? Like say fantasy? Monique Bucheger: Yes, I have another series that is YA/New Adult—though it revolves a family of four teenage brothers and a baby sister, scrambling to keep their head above water when their parents return from their 2nd honeymoon in mahogany caskets. Eventually, I will definitely make the leap into fantasy. I enjoy fantasy books and most of my friends write fantasy. But for now, I am happy with my ‘slice of life,’ family dramas.

What have you enjoyed most about your journey to publication?
Monique Bucheger: Without question: meeting awesome people. The authors I know personally (and I know a lot of them) are without fail, a generous, kind-hearted bunch. Always willing to guide, direct, help, in all the craziness of what it means to be an author: writing, critiquing, formatting e-books, teaching, marketing, publishing. It can be overwhelming and hard, but when you have a group of like-minded souls who understand the demands, it is certainly easier to stay the course.

What have been some of your challenges with publishing your books?
Monique Bucheger: Figuring out how to do it. Especially formatting them to e-book form—there’s an exercise in frustration.

If you had a horse what would it look like and what would be its name?
Monique Bucheger: Ginnie’s horse, Calliope. Hers is a chocolate brown Thoroughbred. Though, I might like to own a Morgan.

You have three Ginnie West adventures out, I know you have another coming this year, how many more Ginnie books have you planned? Are there any new concepts to expect as the story continues?

Monique Bucheger: At least 2 more. Yes, the seed is planted in Book 3, but will come to full fruition in the next 2 books.

I’ve heard that you plan on expanding your series into children’s picture books. How many of those books do you have planned and do you have one coming out soon?
Monique Bucheger: I have a few percolating. Ginnie started out as a way to entertain the kids I babysat years ago—one of whom lives in the actual West Farm house today. The girls, especially, loved my “Ginnie stories” and would beg for a new one. Often, they helped me create them and Ginnie would always be a precocious preschooler. We had her do some crazy things—think Ramona the Brave. Those were some fun nights. So, I think the picture books will be a lot of fun.

What is the best advice you have received on your road to publication?
Monique Bucheger: Write what you know and what you want to read. My series seems to appeal to adults as much as it does to kids. With Harry Potter’s success in surrounding great kid characters with quirky adults, a lot of adults fell in love with MG/YA books all over again. Because my books deal with hard topics, though I try to write it in an uplifting way, I know several people who have read them with their younger kids and discussed why and how these things can happen and what to do about it. I think that has been a positive result, helping people—and especially children—feel empowered and take actionable steps. When I was 12, two of my friends were abused by their parents. I knew, but felt powerless to help—besides offering a sympathetic ear. Tillie, my second main character, was abused and abandoned by her birth father. She starts out timid, but every book helps her realize that she didn’t do anything wrong, and that she is better and stronger than her fears. She still has some difficult hurdles to overcome, but she will face them.Fear can be incredibly crippling. Knowledge plus actionable steps are the best gift you can give people wanting out of an abusive relationship—or at least to change the dynamics. Belief that you don’t deserve to be treated badly is a powerful first step. The Wests make that very clear.

Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you! It is always a pleasure to talk with you and to read your books.
Monique Bucheger: It’s fun to get to know other middle-grade authors. Thanks for having me here today. J
MONIQUE’S BOOK BOMB:
This is an amazing deal! Monique has gotten the help of several authors to bring you more books for your buck. BUY Monique’s book, SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN, on June 20th and you’ll get an email with a list of links of FREE books and some close to FREE (just $.99!). You don’t want to miss out on this. For more info visit: http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/p/book-bomb-june-20th.html

MONIQUE’S BLOG TOUR DATES:MONDAY:June 17: The Fictorian Era: Spotlight June 17: Roseanne's Spot: Review of The Secret Sisters ClubJune 17: J. Lloyd Morgan: Review of Trouble Blows West
TUESDAY:June 18: Braden Bell: SpotlightJune 18: Tristi: Review of Simply West of HeavenJune 18: Tina Gower: (June 18: Mikey Brooks: Interview
WEDNESDAY:June 19: A Hero's Journey: SpotlightJune 19: Kimberly Griffiths Little : Review of The Secret Sisters ClubJune 19: Jen Greyson: Spotlight
THURSDAY: (BOOK BOMB DAY)June 20: In Brief: Blog PostJune 20: An Author In Progress: Overview of all 3 books.June 20: A Book A Day: Review of Simply West of HeavenJune 20: Marathon Writer: Spotlight & InterviewJune 20: Angela Carlie: SpotlightJune 20: David Farland: Shoutout
FRIDAY: REDEEM the FREE & Almost free books :)June 21: Ordinary happily Ever After: Review of Simply West of HeavenJune 21: A Writer's Ramblings: SpotlightJune 21: Pauline Toohey: Author: Interview
SATURDAY:June 22: James Duckett: InterviewJune 22: Author Andrea Pearson: SpotlightJune 22: The Clan of the Stone: Spotlight
ABOUT MONIQUE BUCHEGER:
When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, one adorable granddaughter, two cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books and hopes to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works at: www.moniquebucheger.blogspot.com

Book Bomb for Danyelle Leafty's Books!

Running June 18-20th.
WHAT IS A BOOK BOMB?
A book bomb is when people are posting about a book on a particular day and which a big majority of those people hopefully purchase that book. This furthers the exposure the book especially to people who wouldn't have seen it other wise. (Because the reader is the most important person in the process, I want you to have the best possible product available. To do this, I need to be able to pay my production team. So the more viral this goes, the sooner more titles can become available.)

WHAT CAN YOU DO? BUY THE BOOKS AND SPREAD THE NEWS:
Amazon|B&N|Kobo

If you've read The Trouble with Toads, honest reviews posted to Amazon are very appreciated and helpful. Amazon

Slippers of Pearl will be only $1.99 this week only. Amazon has also marked the paper copy down by 13%. Amazon

It is part of a special sale called: Summer Reads for Tweens going from the 17th-21st of June. 31-32books for under $30.

Summer Reads for Tweens!!

I am part of a 99 cent eBook sale taking place this week, Monday-Friday (June17-21). Check out these great books that will ALL BE JUST $.99 EACH!! Reads for Tweens: Six Degrees Lost, by Linda Benson The GirlRemembered Horses, by Linda Benson  The Dream Keeper, by Mikey Brooks Night Children: Dark Threats, by Scott Bryan The Secret Sisters Club, by Monique Bucheger Trouble Blows West, by Monique Bucheger Through the Mirror and Into Snow (Before Happily Ever After), by Ann T Bugg Michaela’s Gift, by Cordelia Dinsmore Of Mice and Magic, by David Farland The Sapphire Flute, by Karen E. Hoover TheArmor of Light, by Karen E. Hoover Two Souls Are Better Than One, by Karen E. Hoover Andthe Mountain Burns, by Karen E. Hoover The Quill Pen, by Michelle Isenhoff Song of theMountain, by Michelle Isenhoff The Color of Freedom, by Michelle Isenhoff Taylor Davis and the Flame of Findul, by Michelle Isenhoff Gangsterland, by Ansha Kotyk Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon's Fury, by L.R.W. Lee Slippers of Pearl, by Danyelle Leafty Of Wind and Winter, by Danyelle Leafty The Circle of Law, by Lia London Magian High, by Lia London A Pony For The Fair, by Inge Moore The Hidden Sun, by J. Lloyd Morgan The Super Spies and the High School Bomber, by Lisa Orchard The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer, by Lisa Orchard Trapped: A Tale of Friendship Bog, by Gloria Repp A Difference of Purpose: A Novel of the American Civil War, by Terry Soileau The Mother-Earth Series Omnibus, by Alan Tucker (3 books in one!) 1.      Six Degrees Lost, by Linda Benson 2.      The Girl Who Remembered Horses, by Linda Benson  3.      The Dream Keeper, by Mikey Brooks 4.      Night Children: Dark Threats, by Scott Bryan 5.      The Secret Sisters Club, by Monique Bucheger6.      Trouble Blows West, by Monique Bucheger 7.      Through the Mirror and Into Snow (Before Happily Ever After), by Ann T Bugg 8.      Michaela’s Gift, by Cordelia Dinsmore 9.      Of Mice and Magic, by David Farland 10.  The Sapphire Flute, by Karen E. Hoover 11.  The Armor of Light, by Karen E. Hoover 12.  Two Souls Are Better Than One, by Karen E. Hoover 13.  And the Mountain Burns, by Karen E. Hoover 14.  The Quill Pen, by Michelle Isenhoff 15.  Song of the Mountain, by Michelle Isenhoff 16.  The Color of Freedom, by Michelle Isenhoff 17.  Taylor Davis and the Flame of Findul, by Michelle Isenhoff 18.  Gangsterland, by Ansha Kotyk 19.  Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon's Fury, by L.R.W. Lee 20.  Slippers of Pearl, by Danyelle Leafty 21.  Of Wind and Winter, by Danyelle Leafty 22.  The Circle of Law, by Lia London 23.  Magian High, by Lia London 24.  A Pony For The Fair, by Inge Moore 25.  The Hidden Sun, by J. Lloyd Morgan 26.  The Super Spies and the High School Bomber, by Lisa Orchard 27.  The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer, by Lisa Orchard 28.  Trapped: A Tale of Friendship Bog, by Gloria Repp 29.  A Difference of Purpose: A Novel of the American Civil War, by Terry Soileau 30.  The Mother-Earth Series Omnibus, by Alan Tucker (3 books in one!) - See more at: http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/#sth...

Blog Tour Day 27: Double Header

As we wrap up the blog tour I just want to thank everyone who helped participate in the event. It was a BLAST!! I hope everyone who has followed has met some new fantastic people and started following some terrific blogs.

Today we are visiting two wonderful blogs. The first is my good friend and co-host of the Author's Think Tank Podcast, Jennifer Bennett. She is a big foot hunter and expert so you'll find not only me on her blog today but a lot of other incredible stuff. http://www.jjbennett.com/

And the other is the blog of the talented Paul Yoder. If you haven't heard of this guy, you soon will. His book The Covenant just came out. And he is now the newest member of my writer's group! Check him out at: http://paulyoderswritingden.blogspot.com/

Also: you have FIVE DAYS left to enter the giveaway sponsored by Konstanz Silverbow on her blog at: http://nothoughts2small.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-tour-dream-keeper-book-review.html

Blog Tour Day 26: Adventure Interview

I have been waiting for a while to share this interview with you all because it was so much fun. If you guys don't know Shirley Bahlmann than you are missing out on a slice of the good life. This lady is drop-dead-funny and always knows what to say to perk up your day. So go visit her blog and read "the adventure interview". It's really worth the two minutes of your day. http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-dream-keeper.html

Summer $.99 Reads for Tweens

Do you need a list of great books for your tween’s summer reading?
Here you go…and guess what else? They are all going for just $.99 June 17-21!!
That’s 16 eBooks for under $13 bucks!Holy cow!! 


The Dream Keeper, by Mikey BrooksThe Secret Sisters Club, by Monique BuchegerTrouble Blows West, by Monique BuchegerMichaela’s Gift, by Cordelia DinsmoreThe Quill Pen, by Michelle IsenhoffSong of the Mountain, by Michelle IsenhoffThe Color of Freedom, by Michelle IsenhoffGangsterland, by Ansha KotykThe Cicle of Law, by Lia LondonMagian High, by Lia LondonTrapped: A Tale of Friendship Bog, by Gloria ReppA Difference of Purpose: A Novel of theAmerican Civil War, by Terry Soileau The Mother-Earth Series Omnibus, by Alan Tucker (3 books in one!)