Mikey Brooks's Blog, page 7

The Dream Makers

Don't forget to check out the GIVEAWAYat the bottom of this post!!
THE DREAM MAKERSA Middle-Grade Fantasy-Adventure by Mikey Brooks
SYNOPSIS: This is the exciting conclusion to The Dream Keeper Chronicles.When the nightmare king escapes into the world of Awake, it is left to Gladamyr and his teen bonds, Parker and Kaelyn, to stop him. They must return Mares back to Dreams before the barrier between the two worlds crumbles and darkness reigns forever. But to do so, Parker and Kaelyn must heal broken friendships and unite an army of children who are brave enough to conquer their fears.  THE DREAM KEEPER (BOOK 1) Kindle  |  Nook  |  Kobo  |  Paperback  |  Hardback | Audiobook
THE DREAMSTONE (BOOK 2) Kindle  |  Nook  |  Kobo  |  Paperback  |  Hardback | Audiobook
THE DREAM MAKERS (BOOK 3) Kindle  | Nook | Kobo | Paperback 
EXCERPT 1:The world was ending. Parker knew it. The ground shook. The sky blazed with fire. A strange mixture of laughter and screaming filled his ears. He held Kaelyn tight against his bare chest. Her warm tears dropped onto his skin. They had failed. It had been their task to stop Mares from escaping. Now, all hope was lost. Allyon had been killed and the prison had been undone. The barrier separating the world of Dreams from the world of Awake would soon crumble.The ground split open with a tremendous crack. Kaelyn dug her shaking fingers into Parker’s skin. He suppressed the urge to cry out. The ground shifted and Parker opened his eyes. Purple lava bubbled out of the once-hollow graves. Worms and zombies wriggled in the liquid as it dissolved their bodies. An acrid smell stung Parker’s nose as a black mist surrounded them. Someone screamed. “Zelda!” Kaelyn cried, reaching for her aunt who was now sliding with Dr. Gates toward the edge of a vast ravine. Parker called upon his stone magic. A shelf of granite collided with the couple, halting their fall. Zelda and Dr. Gates held onto each other as Parker tried to steady the stone slab.“Gladamyr,” Parker called. “I can’t hold it much longer.”With a nod, Gladamyr stretched out his arms. They shifted longer and longer until they wrapped around Kaelyn’s aunt and Parker’s psychiatrist. The Dream Keeper then pulled his bonds to safety. Parker let go his hold on the stone slab, and it toppled over the side of the ravine. A deep laugh boomed. Parker felt his bones shake with each guttural roar. The form of Mares was almost complete. The nightmare’s skeletal body was now being covered in the charred remains of worms and zombies. They leached to Mares like a writhing black skin. It churned Parker’s stomach to look at this monster.  The purple lava snaked its way from the graves and deep ravines. It hissed as Mares slurped the liquid into his body, adding bulk to his thin frame. Bones cracked as Mares overextended, and two dragon-like wings unfurled from his back. He stretched them wide and Parker was reminded of Chernabog in Disney’s Fantasia. The cute Disney demon was nothing compared to Mares, who was raw and poisonous. To look at him was to recall every childhood nightmare.“AHHH!” Gladamyr cried out. He was jerking back and forth as if being dangled from a string. “He wants me to join with him. He needs me.”“No!” Cerulean shouted. “Fight him! Don’t give in!”Gladamyr shook uncontrollably. “He’s too strong.”“You’re stronger! Now, fight it!” Cerulean wrapped her arms around Gladamyr and unfurled her wings. Gladamyr let out another cry, but she held on tight. A blast of light swirled about her and then formed a protective cocoon around her and Gladamyr. Parker watched Gladamyr slump to the ground, the invisible string cut.Mares let out a deafening roar. He brought down his giant wings and Parker found himself falling back. His elbow smashed into the rocky ground, and Kaelyn fell on top of him. The pain in his arm was nothing compared to the pressure in his head. Mares shrieked as he lifted his black body from the earth. He flew upward and pounded against the fiery sky as if it were a shell. It cracked with blue electricity. The sound of shattering glass tore through the fire’s rumble. The nightmare king let out a triumphant howl. The sky began to fall. It was beautiful and frightening all at the same time. Millions of tiny stars shot toward the ground. They slammed into headstones and naked trees, dissolving them like acid. The fire in the sky disappeared, replaced with an electric wonder. Purple swirls of light and blue lightning boomed above. Mares reached out a hand and an opening appeared. The nightmare spread his large dragon wings and flew through the gap. The tear shrank. The brilliance dimmed. The sky turned black.
About The Author:
Mikey Brooks is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is an award winning author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His other middle-grade books include: The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolisand The Stone of Valhalla. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie, and Bean’s Dragons. Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works fulltime as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’ (emblazoners.com). You can find more about him and his books at: www.insidemikeysworld.com

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Burned Blog Tour

Dont forget to check out the GIVEAWAY at the bottom of this post to win a $20 Gift Card!!
I am thrilled to have Krista Wayment on the blog today and even more excited to announce the release of Book 2 in the Dragon's Trust series: BURNED I had the opportunity to read book 1, TRUSTED, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into this one. I found Krista's writing to be genuine and moving. I was turning pages so fast I quickly lost track of time. I just had to see what happened next! Anyone who likes fantasy stories at their best will love these books! Plus, there are dragons! Lots of them. This book rates right along with the Chronicles of Prydain and Eragon. A truly fantastic tale!  About the BookRenick, apprentice dragonhand, discovers that nothing can stand in the way of a dragon’s thirst for revenge.
Caught between an outcast dragon and his human prey, Renick and his friends must find a way to appease the dragon’s burning anger. Together, Renick, Thane and Lainey learn new magic, rescue a kidnapped friend, and evade the dragon hunters while they try to prevent a war.  What they find is that not all burns can be healed.

And Now for the Interview with Krista Wayment:

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Krista Wayment: I was so young I'm not sure I remember clearly. I was always daydreaming, playing make believe, and making up stories. I think when I finally made the decision was when I wrote my first story (like actually wrote it down) in 5thgrade. It was called Rose Among Thieves and was a mouse in grand Brian Jacques style. That is when it all started for me. From there I started writing and learning about what it took to get published. Took me a long time to get there—but that's when the dream started.
What makes you passionate about writing?
Krista Wayment:  Writing is not something I do. It is part of who I am. Writing is how I best express myself, the blank page is my canvas and the words I put there are my paints. Talking to me in person is much less impressive than reading something that I write.
For me the thing that sparks my passion the most is the thrill of taking an idea—just a spark of something interesting—and running with it. Molding that first flash of inspiration into a character, a world, a story that I can share with others. The creative process, I don't know, sets something free inside of me that relaxes me and makes me feel whole. And apparently very philosophical and sappy.
What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Krista Wayment:  Way back in 5th grade I had the whole dream. Write an amazing story, submit to publishers, and have someone say—this is great—let's publish it. I checked out The Writers Market from the library over a dozen times in high school. I was determined to get some short stories published but at that age I would finish a story and then not send it in.
Around that time I discovered that my ideas are a little too complex for short stories so I decided to write novels instead. I started my first project which at the time was just called Lyni after the main character. (It went through several titles after that including The Pillars of Sh'tara, Haran'damari, and Shadowed Stones).
Fast forward to after college. It took me 10 years to write my first novel. I polished up, had a few friends read it and sent it to Shadow Mountain. That dream I did make come true. I submitted a book to a publisher. I got a no. 
My first novel was shelved and I embarked on another project, and then another, and then another. Then I wrote Trusted followed by a middle grade science fiction (also the start of a series). I send both out to agents and editors. I even entered some pitch contests. And all I got was nos. No thanks, not for us.
I started to become discouraged. Until my husband said: Why don't you self-publish? Now I had been thinking of that for a long time. And with the technology that is out there today—I decided to go for it. 
I did it all myself. Learned as I went from the internet and the online writing community. And now here I'm, letting a second book lose on the world. 
Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Krista Wayment:  When I was a young writer I struggled with feeling like me work wasn't good enough. Even with people telling me it was good. I think that's why it took me so long to write my first book. I read a lot of books and took a few classes on writing. I searched for my own unique voice and finally I joined the online community. I had my mojo finally.
Then after the repeated nos I got from agents and publishers and the lack of interest in my two middle grade books in general—I started to get discouraged again. I even thought about giving up on writing a few times. It was taking time I didn't feel I had and not helping me to achieve any of my goals.I worked through it by staying close to my writing friends. Ultimately I decided to keep writing even if I never got published. I realized that my real goal with writing was just to write and share my writing with someone. I didn't want money or fame. I just wanted to share my stories.
That's when I really got my confidence. So much confidence in fact I was able to self-publish. I still feel discouraged. Real life can get in the way of writing and I feel like I'll never reach my goal of publishing 4 books a year. But I keep going. I look at what I have done and realize it is enough. Everything else is just the icing on the cake.
Can you tell us more about BURNED?
Krista Wayment:  Oh yes. I LOVE to talk about my books. I was really worried when writing BURNED because I had to go through several outlines and wasn't sure about the events in the story. I had a certain theme and feeling I wanted to come out of the book. Renick, Thane, and Lainey are tested and hurt but they come out okay. And, without sounding too prideful, I have to say I think I nailed it.
BURNED picks up right where the Epilogue of TRUSTED left off. With the explosion and chaos, which takes place almost a year after the events of TRUSTED. You get to see how Renick, Thane, and Lainey's friendship has grown stronger. You also get to know Grahm and Melatheen a lot better. Renick and his friends are faced a member of the Dragon Kind that is bent on revenge—which is never a good thing. And then they—but if I tell you that it would spoil the ending. It is just totally awesome I can't wait for everyone to read it.
Also, I am totally pumped to get started writing book 3—because it's going to be even better.
This is your second book in the series. How many do you plan on having?
Krista Wayment:  5. Yep, three more. I have tentative titles for them, Stollen, Broken, and Mended. I really like the number 5 for a series. I have a big thing about numbers and 5 is one of my favorite. I also like 3, 7, and even numbers.
Anyway, my goal is to write the first draft of all three books by the end of January, 2015. I'm not ready to declare myself insane—but we are getting close to that threshold.
How do you keep the story going?
Krista Wayment:  I always have a major series long conflict that runs through the whole book. Something that gets introduced in book 1 and resolved in the last book. The other books also have their own individual conflicts. In TRUSTED it was being lost in the forest and then—I won't say more in case anyone hasn't read book 1. BURNED the conflict is the dragon bent on revenge. Still each book in the series takes the characters closer to the final resolution. It helps me to think of a TV series. Each season has a main conflict and then something happens in each episode. 
Who is your favorite character in the story?
Krista Wayment:  That's a tough call for me. Renick, Thane and Lainey are all pretty dear to me. But since you are going to make me rank them here it goes. 
3. At the bottom probably because he is the character that I am still discovering. But the trait about him that I like the most is his bravery and loyalty.
2. Renick. I'll admit there is a lot of me in Renick. So he is of course one of my favs. He's just so down to earth and so observant. 
1. And the winner is … Lainey. Why you ask? Have you ever read the Prydain Chronicles? If not I order you to read them now. Even before you read BURNED. They are that good. I patterned Lainey after Eilonwy who I think is just an excellent character—but there were a few things that bugged me about her.  So that's why Lainey is my favorite. Because she reminds me of a childhood (okay I didn't read the books until college, but still) book friend.
If you were a dragon what color would you be?
Krista Wayment:  Green and silver. Yes, I have thought about this a lot if you were wondering. If I couldn't be green I would totally be red with black markings.
What is the one message you hope readers take from your books?
Krista Wayment:  Never give up. You can succeed at anything if you stick with your friends and never give up.

Get a copy of BURNEDhttp://www.amazon.com/Burned-Dragons-Trust-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00P1IO1KG

About the Author
Krista Wayment has been making up stories since she learned to talk. Writing naturally grew out of that. Krista is an avid Fantasy and Science Fiction fan, and a total nerd. She is also a software engineer and loves playing video games. Although, curling up with a good book is still one of her favorite past times.www.kristawayment.com
THE GIVEAWAY
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Celebrate with the Emblazoners

Attention teachers, librarians, tweens, and parents of tweens! Announcing a contest just for you... The Emblazon authors are giving away a brand new touch screen Kindle loaded with over 50 of their books. That’s a $300 value and hours of reading entertainment! Emblazon is a collection of authors who seek to create lifelong readers by creating top-notch literature for kids. They have a particular focus on ages 11 to 14. They’re hosting this fabulous giveaway to celebrate their first year and to treat you, the readers. The Rafflecopter contest runs November 3 through November 17 and is open to anyone who loves tween literature. a Rafflecopter giveaway Note: Signing up for the catalog is required for entry. Current subscribers are also eligible for entry. Winners must reside in the United States or Canada. 



List of Stops on the Blog Tour:
November 3rd:This Kid Reviews BooksNovember 5th:Jaclyn Weist, Author Blog

November 10th:Bookworm BlatherMin Reads and ReviewsSharon Ledwith: I came. I saw. I wrote.
November 11th:The Novel Mage

November 12th:R.K. Grow The AuthorMy Keys On: Writing, Illustrating, and More

November 15th:Monique's Musings


You can help even more by sharing this post with your friends and family. If you know teachers or librarians let them know about how awesome the Emblazoners are by sharing the link to their website: http://emblazoners.com/

Andy Smithson Book 3

Not Your Average Fantasy Series – Book Three Launches Today!
In the tradition of C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, author LRW Lee offers fantasy enthusiasts more than entertainment in the Andy Smithson series. Woven throughout her first two books, and with the launch of the third today, is a depth of meaning few authors today achieve. The planned seven-book series is a coming-of-age narrative of redemption about an overly ambitious prince who unscrupulously seizes the throne of the kingdom of Oomaldee from his older sister, Imogenia, plunging the land under a 500-year-old curse. As in all redemption stories, the offender, now king, is thwarted from restoring the kingdom by his own efforts and must rely on an unlikely candidate, an unextraordinary boy, Andy Smithson, to restore that which he most prizes.
For his part, Andy finds himself the chosen one to deliver this land having only his wits, experience as a gamer, a legendary sword and a magic key to rely on. Complicating his efforts, the king of Oomaldee’s northern neighbor, Abaddon, has committed to conquering the land, so in addition to breaking the curse, Andy must also overcome this evil monarch before true freedom exists.
LRW leverages symbolism extensively as she sets up tools and characters. A few examples: Andy’s sword, Methuselah (yes, think Biblical), is legendary in its dividing good and evil; the magic key unlocks (even stone statues) and reveals secrets; gold envelopes contain messages from an unknown eternal sovereign who knows the end from the beginning, and orchestrates events; purple (royal) message spheres (no beginning or end) trumpet messages from the king’s father from the afterlife, to name a few.
In keeping with traditional fantasy narratives, LRW also uses the numbers three, seven and twelve extensively. Three is considered the number of perfection, seven means security, safety and rest and twelve is the number of completion or a whole, perfect and harmonious unit.
Character names are also important in this series. Consider these: Andy, means brave or courageous. His best friend, Alden, means helper. Hannah, their female companion, means favor or grace. Others: Imogenia means blameless; Kaysan, the king, means administrator; Mermin, the wizard, is a parody on Merlin, and the list goes on.
LRW has also leverages the names of the books to imbue yet another layer of meaning, revealing Imogenia’s progress as she feeds her emotional hurt, moving from furious and venomous, to acting disgracefully, below the dignity of a royal. A tiny spoiler: as the series progresses, enthusiasts are sure to see this young woman evolve. Whether it will be for better or worse, LRW will not reveal.
If you are looking for a fantasy, adventure you and your children can sink their teeth into, I recommend LRW Lee’s Andy Smithson series. There’s far more here than meets the eye and it will give you much to ponder.

Just Released!
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure
Number of Pages: 252
Synopsis: Now twelve, Andy discovers more than he bargained for when his parents reveal his mom's past and he realizes she will die when he breaks the curse unless he intervenes.
Andy returns to Oomaldee to find its citizens on edge after many have been turned into vulture-people. Against this background, Andy and his company embark upon the next quest, to retrieve the horn of a unicorn. But not long into it, a seductive voice calls to Andy, tempting him to surrender the next ingredient in exchange for a promise to preserve his mom. Will he be able to stop the transformation of Oomaldee’s citizens? Will he jeopardize his ability to end the curse to save Mom?
Purchase Kindleand Paperback
The Buzz"Sometimes, I just let the 5 star rating speak for itself. I can add nothing more." - Wayne Walker, Home School Book Review
 “I loved reading Disgrace of the Unicorn's Honor as much as I enjoyed the first two in the series. In Book 3, new life changing truths are revealed, Andy and friends go on high adventures, meet new characters and continue to battle evil. I was not ready for the book to end. As usual, L.R.W. Lee leaves Andy in an interesting spot and the reader longing for the story to go on. Can't wait for Book 4!”  – Maggie T. Amazon Reviewer
"A long-lasting story that is part of one of my favorite series." - Erik Weibel, This Kid Reviews Books Blog (Erik is 13)

eBook 1,  Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury  is FREE. Pick up a copy at Smashwords, Kobo, Google,  B&N . You can also listen to the FREE podcast of Book 1 on iTunes. Book one is also available in paperback.

Book 2,  Andy Smithson: Venom of the Serpent’s Cunning  is available in Kindle and Paperback.
About the Author: L. R. W. Lee
L. R. W. Lee writes to teach her readers principles that can transform their lives – overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and more. She also shows why responsibility, diligence and dignity are the keys to true success in life. L. R. W. Lee lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband, daughter and son.
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Email

Cover Reveal: CASE FILE 13

The cover that the Whitney award finalist, Author J. Scott Savage revealed to us on Tuesday was amazing, right? (Click here if you didn't get to see it!) Well, today we have cover to share with you from his other amazing YA series, Case File 13. If you haven't had the opportunity to READ THIS SERIES you should. It is one of those books that can be enjoyed by either kids or adults. For me it brought back memories of my own childhood and the kind of movies I liked to enjoy, The Monster Squad and Goonies. You'll find yourself laughing out loud and turning pages--just waiting to see what happens next. Overall these are amazing books! A wicked Halloween treat!

First, for those of you who didn't get to see his author bio on Tuesday, lets help you guys get to know the man behind the amazing books real quick!

Author Bio: J. Scott Savage has returned after being lost in a Mexican rain forest. His office is now filled with Mayan scrolls, hieroglyphics, artifacts, and star charts. His children and children-in-law, Big Nick, Erica, Scott, Natalie, Jake, and Little Nick, look pale, and claim to be cursed. His grandchildren, Gray, Lizzie, and Jack, are heavily wrapped in mummy-like bandages. And his wife, Jennifer, has reportedly been seen glowing green and hexing the neighbors.

You can visit him on his blog jscottsavage.blogspot.com or on Twitter @jscottsavage.


Praise for Case File 13 Zombie Kid (Book 1 in the series):
An Amazon Best Book of the Month  A Whitney Award Finalist
“Sure to please young readers looking for a thrill. It’s hard to imagine that readers (particularly boys) won’t enjoy every minute of hair-raising fun.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review.
“With its mix of creepy chills and laugh-out-loud humor, Zombie Kid is the perfect book. Nick and his friends are my new favorite people.” —James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of The Maze.


Now about the book that this absolutely AMAZING cover is for! Here is the back cover blurb:

BEWARE! This is not your ordinary back-cover blurb! (It may cause uncontrollable giggles and/or out right laughter.)
You hold in your hands a very sinister story.I have searched every nook and cranny to compile the evidence in Case File 13. Now, in this book, you will find the next eerie installment in the adventures of Nick, Carter, and Angelo, three monster-obsessed boys whose harmless trip to Mexico turned into something so horrendous, so revolting—  Wait a second, Mr. B! You’re making this whole thing sound way scarier than it really was. Maybe dial it back a notch?But Nick, it is that scary. In this volume alone there are haunted pyramids, alien artifacts, and even a mummy with a terrible curse.  True, but there’s also the part with the hidden treasure, and the time when Carter used his knitting needles to—Yes, all right, you win. Now if you’ll excuse me...  You hold in your hands a very sinister, VERY SILLY story, following the WACKY adventures of three boys whose expedition to Mexico turned into something OUT OF THIS WORLD. This is the fourth volume. Read on if you dare...

Totally hilarious right?!?!? 


You should be totally eager to take a peak at this cover now.



Are you READY?????




BAM!  Amazing cover, right? Leave your comments for the author below!!! 
If this isn't awesome enough for you, Author J. Scott Savage ALSO set up a Rafflecopter for all of you wonderful fans! Be sure to get your name in the drawing!
Click here to join in the  Rafflecopter giveaway!
The drawing ends tonight!!!!


Cover Reveal Blog List:
http://pennybrojacquie.wordpress.com/ railynstone.blogspot.com http://mehousdonblog.weebly.com readinginsarahscorner.wordpress.com julkbearreads.wordpress.com http://abookandacupofcoffee.wordpress.com/ http://authorsrevealed.blogspot.com/ http://jessicaparkerstories.wordpress.com/ http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/ http://bookloverslife.blogspot.ie/ http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/ www.321golivelaughloveandread.blogspot.com http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/ http://booksshelly27.blogspot.com/?zx=fab341e33c76a4c http://writtenbymikey.blogspot.com/ http://semishort.blogspot.com/

Cover Reveal: FIRE KEEP

I am absolutely thrilled to share this. I am a HUGE fan of J. Scott Savage. Not only as an author but as a person. He is really my hero. His Farworld series is special to me in more ways than one. The main reason it is about a boy who despite his disabilities, has the courage and strength to overcome his struggles in life. The message of endurance that is so delicately woven throughout the Farworld books helps me in the times that I struggle with my own disabilities. Marcus and Kyja have become friends and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW COVER???? DO YOU WANT TO?  BEFORE we show you his AMAZING new cover, lets get to know the man behind the book a little!
Author Bio: J. Scott Savage has returned after being lost in a Mexican rain forest. His office is now filled with Mayan scrolls, hieroglyphics, artifacts, and star charts. His children and children-in-law, Big Nick, Erica, Scott, Natalie, Jake, and Little Nick, look pale, and claim to be cursed. His grandchildren, Gray, Lizzie, and Jack, are heavily wrapped in mummy-like bandages. And his wife, Jennifer, has reportedly been seen glowing green and hexing the neighbors.

You can visit him on his blog jscottsavage.blogspot.com or on Twitter @jscottsavage.



Now for a little bit about this, the 4th book in the Farworld Series.

Back cover blurb for Fire Keep:With no word from Kyja, the people of Farworld are beginning to face the possibility that she is truly dead, and the quest to save Farworld and Earth has failed. In an effort to find a way to bring Kyja back, Marcus goes on a quest that lands him in the most dangerous place possible--the realm of shadows.
Meanwhile, Kyja wakes up in a world of lost souls and memories. With no idea who she is, she wanders Fire Keep, home to the most quick tempered of the elementals. the other spirits around her have given up hope. But Kyja is driven by a strong sense that something is wrong and getting worse.
To recover her memories, she must face a literal trial by fire. Can Marcus survive the realm of shadows to reach Kyja? Can Kyja survive Fire Keep in time to regain her memory? Time is running out for Kyja, Marcus, and their worlds--and the Dark Circle's real plan is only now beginning to be revealed.

So, do you think you are ready for the awesomeness that is this cover?


I'm not sure you are ready...


Are you sure you can handle this?






TA-DA!!!!
Here it is!!!!! Leave your comments below for the author!

But WAIT! There is more! This isn't the only cover reveal Author J. Scott Savage is sharing with us this week! On Thursday, the cover for The Curse of the Mummy's Uncle, Book 4 of the Case File 13 series is going to be revealed!!!!Here is the FB event page so you can stay tuned: https://www.facebook.com/events/291102321088972/

We aren't done YET!!!!! In honor of the double reveals for this week, J. Scott Savage has been generous enough to giveaway some prizes too! So be sure to get your name into the Rafflecopter, too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a list of all the blogs that will be helping us to promote this super AMAZING cover! Show your support for J. Scott Savage by check them out too!
abstractness.wordpress.com http://pennybrojacquie.wordpress.com/ http://mehousdonblog.weebly.com readinginsarahscorner.wordpress.com julkbearreads.wordpress.com http://abookandacupofcoffee.wordpress.com/ http://mybookfairy.blogspot.com/ http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/ http://bookloverslife.blogspot.ie/ http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/ www.321golivelaughloveandread.blogspot.com http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com http://semishort.blogspot.com/

Feeling Validated as a Writer

I was recently asked on a radio interview when I knew that I had made it as a writer. I think this was a good question because so often writers seek validation for their work. My answer I gave came in two ways:
The first was an email I received from one of my readers. He explained that he had been dealing with a bully issue in school. He’d been just ignoring the taunts and basically been trying to avoid the person all together. Then he read The Dream Keeper Chroniclesand saw that Kaelyn was going through a similar situation. He said his favorite part was when Kaelyn stood up for herself when she was being bullied. He said that her courage gave him courage. He never said if it solved his issue he had being bullied, but to me I felt like my book had really touched someone. That after all is why I write what I write. Some will say there’s really no money in middle-grade books, and for the most part that’s true. A few select middle-grade authors hit the big time but for the most part we are all just mid-list authors. Obviously I am not in it for the money. I am in it because I love writing books for kids and teens. They are the most impressionable and they still believe in the possibility of magic and wonder.
Drawing by Levi, 14 years old. Depicting a scene from The Dreamstone.The second instance when I felt like a true writer just happened recently. I got an email from another reader. This time it came with some fan art. I was tickled pink when I saw it. Art has always had a close spot next to my heart. I learned to paint and draw by watching my grandmother put color on canvas. When I was little I always admired a painting my father had painted for my grandpa that hung in their living room. I loved how pictures could be stories within themselves. So of course when I got my first ever fan art from one of my books I was ecstatic. The artist, a 14 year old boy, asked me if I knew what scene he’d drawn. Of course I knew! It was one of my favorite scenes in the book. From all the things he could have drawn I think maybe it was one of his too.
I am glad I was asked that interview question. I think it wonderful to think about all the things that help you feel validated in your dreams. I have always wanted to be an author. I have always wanted the validation of a “real” publisher. When I decided to self-publish my books I kind of felt cheated of that validation. I had no one backing me in my dreams and goals, not publicly anyway. Validation comes in so many forms. Mine was two emails. Both from teen boys who had read my books and loved them. They are the ones that made me feel like a writer…a real writer.

Cover Reveal: The Dream Makers

I am thrilled to announce that the final book in The Dream Keeper Chronicles: The Dream Makers will be release November 3rd—in just 7 weeks!! This is what the new cover will look like. I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out. What do you think?

For those of you who are super anxious to get the book. It is available now as a pre-order on Amazon kindle: http://ASIN.cc/15tUpKq It will also be available for Kobo and Nook soon.
So what’s this one about?The exciting conclusion of The Dream Keeper Chronicles.When Mares escapes into the world of Awake, it is left to Gladamyr and his teen bonds, Parker and Kaelyn, to stop him. They must return the most evil nightmare ever to exist back to Dreams before the barrier between the two worlds crumbles and darkness reigns forever. But to do so, Parker and Kaelyn must heal broken friendships and unite an army of children who are brave enough to conquer their fears.
Did you know?Both books 1 and 2 have been released in audiobook. Professional actor, Anthony Bianco, really brings the world of Dreams to life in his narration. I have come to fall in love with Parker, Kaelyn, and Gladamyr all over again. If you want a really fun experience reading a book, I recommend checking out the audiobooks. Available on iTunes, Amazon, and Audible.
The Dream Keeper Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Paperback | Hardback | iTunes | Audible
The Dreamstone Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Paperback | Hardback | iTunes | Audible

Check out this review!

A fantastic review on The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis. I love it when reviewers get what I was trying to do. :) Follow this link to see what she said:



Sharon Ledwith: I came. I saw. I wrote.: Save Atlantis. Save the World... with MG author Mi...: Book Review: The Gates of Atlantis: Book 6 Battle for Acropolis by Mikey Brooks... Magic is dying. And it’s up to 13-year-old Talon a...

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