Katie Hamstead's Blog, page 53

Curiosity Quills Author: Amy Lynn Spitzley

1.      Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.      I contacted Lisa to see if she needed another book cover artist, as it was something I was trying to get into. She asked me if I wrote as well, and I ended up subbing Scrapbook of my Revolution to her.
2.      What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?      It’s probably cheesy, but I like how nice everyone is! They answer questions as soon as they can, and I’ve never heard anything negative out of anyone associated with CQ. I like that.
3.      What have your experiences been like working toward being published?      Hard, frustrating, rewarding, frustrating again…typical, I guess.
4.      What would you have done differently?     I can never really answer that question. I try not to think that way—once you go down that road, where do you stop? My path is mine, in publishing and in other things, and it’s got lightning sand and fire and the occasional ROUS, but hey, it’s mine.
5.      How has your book been marketed?     That’s not something I know much about. I’ve done a few signings, but I don’t think much is happening. I’m not an internet-savvy person, and a lot is done that way now…it’s one of my frustrations, though that frustration is mostly directed at myself!
6.      Any advice on how to better market a book?    No, but I’ll take advice if anyone is offering!

7.      Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?     Ireland. As soon as my kids get out of school today. Blue jeans, sweater, sneakers—my usual get-up. I know I’ll look all American and stuff, but I can handle that.

Curiosity Quills Social Media & Marketing Guru: Clare Dugmore

Clare is a thirty-something, aspiring author from England, and Queen of Social Media at Curiosity Quills Press.She runs the Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, and Goodreads accounts for the team, all the while assisting in the curation of blog content, including guest posts from authors and weekly columns.She also schedules and organizes virtual blog tours for CQ authors, and is the person to go to for ARC and review copies.






Tell us how you came to work with Curiosity Quills Press.
When both my sons reached school age, I began looking for work that would allow me to remain at home (so I wouldn’t have to get a sitter for when they got out of school), that was flexible to the needs of a parent, and also related to the publishing industry, too, as I’m also an author.
My mum suggested I see what jobs were available with publishers online, do I began reaching out. I’d heard of Curiosity Quills previously in my research for publishers, and they’re one I’d marked down to query in the future, as I loved what they were doing, knew a few people who’d published/ were going to publish with them, and liked the speculative fiction niche they’d carved for themselves.
I had a very fun Skype interview with Alisa, which led to an internship, after which I was taken on fulltime to manage the social media platforms. After a few months, I was offered the role of web curator too, and joined the marketing team.
That was almost eighteen months ago, and I’ve been lucky enough to watch CQ expand and go through some exciting changes since then. We’re now moving to a distributor, and with the awesome website Eugene created, the future looks amazing!

What does your job entail?
Making sure the Curiosity Quills social media platforms are up to date with current sale, release, pre-order information, and anything else relating to our titles and authors, along with a peppering of literature and writing related things from around the internet.
Adding new titles to the CQ site, and Goodreads, along with creating Goodreads giveaways.
Sending paperbacks to giveaway winners and reviewers, along with creating quotes and filling orders for authors.
Assisting CQ team member Hans with web curation – he mostly deals with serials and regular columns, while I deal with announcements and blog posts by authors and CQ team members.
Organizing review tours, and sending out the monthly reviewer newsletter featuring current and forthcoming titles.
Participating in marketing discussions about covers, promos, events etc.
Contacting bookstores/ libraries/ colleges etc. on behalf of authors to arrange events/ signings.
What do you enjoy most about working with Social Media & Marketing?
As an author myself, I know how much hard work goes into writing a book (let alone everything that comes after it!), so I love seeing an author go from signing with CQ, to their book getting released and the first couple of review coming in, to making it onto bestseller lists on Amazon or getting nominated for awards. The whole process is amazing to watch/ be part of, and I’m so thrilled for – and proud of – our amazing authors.
One of my favourite parts of the whole process is the cover design aspect. I love seeing the initial concept, and artist’s first drafts, and then the author’s reaction when the perfect cover they love is created. We have some amazingly talented cover artists at CQ!
What have your experiences been like organizing all the authors?
Mostly positive. Every job has bad days, but on the whole I love working with the CQ authors, and they’re very easy to organize and do whatever they can to make my job easier.
What is the hardest part of running Social Media & Marketing?I hate giving authors bad news – be it sending across a less than positive review, or letting them know I haven’t been able to secure a signing/ event. Though they’re always understanding about the things beyond my control.
And what is the best part?
Sharing their success. I love it when our authors get nominated for awards, make bestseller lists or get glowing reviews!
Last question; If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Oh, great question. I’d love a dinner party with my favourite authors – Anne Rice, JK Rowling, George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien!

Curiosity Quills Author: Mara Valderran

MARA VALDERRAN:Mara Valderran is an author of young adult and new adult books, but she's more than just a madwoman with a writing box. She is an avid reader and fan of all things sci-fi and fantasy. She loves roller skating and movies, though typically not together. She hopes to one day meet Daniel Jackson from SG1, or at least the actor who played him. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing video games, or counting down the days until DragonCon.Website: www.maravalderran.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormaravalderranTwitter: https://twitter.com/MaraValderran
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MaraValderran


1.      Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.a.       I’ve been involved with Curiosity Quills as a blogger and avid reader for a few years, and met so many wonderful people and talented authors that way. I had been talking about writing a dystopian sci-fi YA novel on social media and even discussed the idea with a few CQ people. So when it came time for me to pitch ALTAR OF REALITY, James Wymore, a CQ acquisitions editors, saw me post about it on Facebook and told me to send it his way. This is definitely one of those examples of how building connections and friendships in the writerly world is important and one of the best things you can do. Not to mention getting to know your favorite authors!
2.      What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?a.       I just love how easy going the whole process has been. I’ve heard so many nightmare stories of getting published, and this has been like a dream for me. Everyone involved with CQ is just so nice and easy to work with. You never feel stupid for asking a question or asking for help. The whole team has been warm and welcoming and beyond helpful.
3.      What have your experiences been like working toward being published?a.       Well, I decided to self-publish my new adult fantasy series, and before that I was so completely lost. That’s really when I started getting involved with CQ and learned so much from the authors. So for me, working toward publishing was all about learning. Learning as much as I could about the publishing process, marketing, even learning how to be a better writer—which I’m still learning.
4.      What would you have done differently?a.       I probably wouldn’t have queried HEIRS OF WAR so much. I really had no idea what I was doing and can only hope the agents and editors on the receiving end of my queries at least got a good laugh. Even if it was a pity laugh! haha
5.      How has your book been marketed?a.       ALTAR OF REALITY just came out January 22nd, so it’s been mainly marketed through social media right now. There’s a review tour coming up that I’m really excited about, and I have a book signing scheduled in New York City in March that I am completely over the moon about! I’ll also be appearing on Crossroad Reviews #ReadOn live chats on the 31st and again I believe in February.
6.      Any advice on how to better market a book?a.       Social media has always been the best marketing tool for me when spreading the word about HEIRS OF WAR. I’m not doing blog tours as much now because while they are a lot of fun, they can also be time consuming. I find that spreading the word as much as you can in one day or one given week is really the best plan you can have. If you have a book signing scheduled, schedule some social media stuff around the same time. Facebook parties, a mini-blog tour or blitz with as many bloggers as you can, Twitter, Google+, Instagram---whatever you can do to get your book in front of the eyes of as many people as possible. That’s always when I’ve seen a boost in sales.
7.      Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?a.       New Zealand, as soon as possible, and a pair of elf ears. ;)

ALTAR OF REALITY:Sixteen year-old Madeline has struggled with epilepsy for most of her adolescent life, leaving her something of a social pariah. Things go from bad to worse when she wakes up from her first grand mal seizure in an extremely unfamiliar world but surrounded but familiar faces. Her hometown is in ruins, the aftermath of a Cold War turned hot.
Thomas, the boy that stomped on her heart a year ago, and his brother Brandon have been hiding her away since the explosion that killed her parents. The Lord Commander, now running the southern territories, believes Madeline died with them and the brothers need to keep it that way. The biggest problem? The explosion happened when she was twelve.
Madeline isn’t sure what to believe. The brothers insist her memories must be of a dream life she created while in her coma. But when she returns to the reality she knows, they insist this war-torn world must be the dream. She doesn’t know if she’s truly caught in the middle of a brewing rebellion or teetering on the brink of insanity. As she finds herself flipping between the two lives, her heart becomes torn between two versions of the same boy and the lines between her realities begin to blur.

Cover Reveal: A Curse of Ash and Iron

 http://www.yabookscentral.com/blog/it-s-live-cover-reveal-a-curse-of-ash-and-iron-by-christine-norris-giveaway-us-canada
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press (www.curiosityquills.com )
Release date: May 21, 2015
Benjamin Grimm knows the theater is much like real life. In 1876 Philadelphia, people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives, and never revealing their secrets.
When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, he is delighted. His delight turns to dismay when he discovers she has been under a spell for the past 7 years, being forced to live as a servant in her own home, and he realizes how sinister some secrets can be. She asks for his help, and he can’t refuse. Even if he doesn't believe in ‘real’ magic, he can’t abandon her.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother’s death under the watchful eye and unforgiving eye of her stepmother. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seems no one can help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, who is under a spell of his own. When she sees Ben one evening, it seems he is immune to the magic that binds her, and her hope is rekindled along with her friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the spell before midnight on New Year’s Eve, then both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.


Author website: www.christine-norris.comAuthor blog: https://christinenorris.wordpress.comAuthor Twitter: @cnorrisauthorAuthor Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorChristineNorrisAuthor Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/christinenorrisBook Trailer link: http://youtu.be/x1HcaJt2Owg

YABC blog: www.yabookscentral.com/blog

Curiosity Quills Acquisitions Editor: Vicki Keire

Vicki Keire grew up in a 19th Century haunted house in the Deep South full of books, abandoned coal chutes, and plenty of places to get into trouble with her siblings. She holds degrees in 18th Century British Literature, Romanticism, and Postcolonial Theory. She spent the last decade teaching  writing and literature at a large, football-obsessed university while slipping paranormal fiction in between the pages of her textbooks. Published works include the bestselling Angel’s Edge series, which includes Gifts of the Blood, Darkness in the Blood, and Blood Redemption , The Chronicles of Nowhere series, and the stand-alone novel Daughter of Glass.  She is included in the Dark Tomorrows anthology with J.L. Bryan and Amanda Hocking, and the Primetime anthology with J.R. Rain and Anita Exley.
When not reading and writing about all things paranormal, she enjoys other people’s cooking and keeps vampire hours. She’d rather burn the laundry than fold it, and believes that when an author wins the Newberry, he or she gets a secret lifetime pass to Neverland. She is fond of lost causes and loud music. She currently resides in Central Florida on a lake-front farm full of many furry friends. She loves hearing from readers and can be reached on most social media sites or through her blog (link: http://www.vickikeire.blogspot.com/), of which she is awfully fond.

1.      Tell us how you came to work with Curiosity Quills Press. I signed on with them as one of their first authors for my Chronicles of Nowhere series. I loved every part of my experience with CQ, and when the press started growing, I got to be a part of that growth.
2.      What does your job entail?Reading, reading, and more reading! Also there’s contract negotiation, but the reading is the best part. 
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor? I love being able to discover new authors. It is such a thrill to help debut authors bring their books into the world.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?Very positive. Authors are so excited when their books get accepted, and I love being a part of that.
5.      What is the hardest part of being an acquisitions editor?Sending rejections! I hate that part. I always try and point out the positive, and when I can, be constructive.
6.      And what is the best part?It would have to be discovering that gem of an untouched manuscript.
7.      What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you?I’m reading a lot of romance lately. I’m presently most interested in contemporary romance, especially NA. But I’ll take almost anything with a strong romantic focus, even if it veers into other genres like thrillers or mysteries, or paranormal. Give me unforgettable characters and lots of romantic tension!
8.      Last question; If you were suddenly struck by lightning/bitten by something/exposed to toxic waste, and ended up with super powers, what would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted telepathy. Very useful skill. J

18 Thoughts Launch & Giveaway!

 Greetings, fellow book nerds! I’m YA author Jamie Ayres, and I’m sooo excited to announce that 18 Thoughts , the final book in the My So-Called Afterlife trilogy, is finally available from Curiosity Quills Press! Toss the virtual confetti, because it’s been three years in the making (and virtual confetti is a lot less messier). If you haven't heard of this series yet, here's the cliffnotes summary of each book:
  18 Things: Olga Gay Worontzoff struggles to live again after a lightning strike kills the best friend she was secretly in love with. Her therapist suggests she write a life list of eighteen things to complete the year of her eighteenth birthday, sending her and her friends, including the new hottie in town, on an unexpected journey they’ll never forget. But there’s more to Olga’s quests than meets the eye and when her therapist reveals a terrifying secret, her world is shaken. 
  18 Truths: With the lessons the 18 Things life list taught her engraved on her heart, Olga spends her summer in the Underworld and embarks on a new adventure as a spirit guide, but nothing prepares her for the chilling truths she’s learning along the way. 
  18 Thoughts: Olga Gay Worontzoff left the Underworld anxious to return to normal, but fate had other plans; now she’s caught in a world that’s a mix of familiar and supernatural, torn between past and present. 
  Book Trailer:
     What do others have to say about the series?   "A surprising paranormal tale that explores deep questions concerning love, faith, and friendship that will absolutely resonate with teens." ~Amy Christine Parker, Critically Acclaimed Author of Gated and Astray 
"A haunting tale that had me smiling one moment and on the brink of tears the next." ~ Heather Burch, Critically Acclaimed Author of the Halflings Series and One Lavender Ribbon 
 "A touching story that will make you cherish each day and the ones you love." ~Jaime Rush, New York Times bestselling author of the Hidden series
"Warning: These characters will move right into your heart, rearrange all the furniture, and never, ever leave. 18 Thoughts will become a part of you--prepare to be changed." ~Teshelle Combs, Amazon Best-Selling Author ofthe Core Series 
 "A twisty conclusion to a spiritually charged trilogy that will grip you from book one." ~Eliza Tilton, YA Author of the Daath Chronicles
"An emotional journey readers won't soon forget--will have readers making their own bucket lists." ~Marisa Cleveland, Author of the South Beach Series, Pushed, and The Valentine Challenge 
 "An achingly beautiful story of life, loss and hope... a triumph." ~J. Keller Ford, Author of Dragon Flight and The Amulet of Ormisez 
 Purchase 18 Thoughts (Book 3) on Amazon
 Purchase 18 Things (Book 1) on Amazon (Free from Jan. 25-27th!)
Purchase 18 Truths (Book 2) on Amazon (Special $2.99 price through Jan. 27th!) 
 To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a huge swag bag valued at $115! Just enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! a Rafflecopter giveaway 
 Yes, it's open to all people of the world, not just Americans :-) Best of luck, and happy reading! 
  Amazon bestselling author Jamie Ayres writes young adult love stories by night and teaches young adults as an English teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. She has been praised for featuring strong, appealing heroines and plot twists readers never saw coming. Visit jamieayres.com for more information or to simply share your thoughts with her.    

Curiosity Quills Author: Lisa Kent

About LisaLisa Monique Kent is a librarian and first-time author of the novel Peace Cottage, a story about hope and new beginnings. She lives with her family and pets in rural Vermont, and is currently working on her second book, Vinehart Farm, and the sequel to Peace Cottage, Raising Evangeline. Follow Lisa at https://lisamoniquekent.wordpress.comand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lisamoniquekent




1.      Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.My good friend Amy read the first draft of a book I wrote, and suggested I try to get it published. She happened to be a good friend of Lisa Gus, at CQ. I wrote to Lisa to ask some questions about publishing and how it all worked, one thing led to another, and Lisa asked to read my manuscript. After a few rounds of edits, she offered me a contract for Peace Cottage. I thought she was just showing me what a contract looked like, and it took a while and a few more emails before I realized the contract was for me! I signed it very quickly.
2.      What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?I love the direct, personal feedback regarding my writing from Lisa and my editor, Cait. Peace Cottage was a much better novel thanks to their insights. I also love the camaraderie in the CQ family—and the goat videos are fun.
3.      What have your experiences been like working toward being published?I’ve been very lucky, with my first attempt at a book being picked up right away by CQ. I write contemporary fiction, so I believe I was a bit of a stretch and a risk. Both Lisa and Cait were kind and patient with me as we went through the editing process, my book received a beautiful cover, and when it was finally published, well, I’m sure you heard me hooting and hollering! The journey has been great so far.
4.      What would you have done differently?One thing I know now that I didn’t know before is that getting a book published takes time and patience. There are reasons for each step. I’m working on having more patience with the process this time around.
5.      How has your book been marketed?Peace Cottage is available at bookstores through Ingram, is on Amazon, and is being sold locally. I’ve attended several book signings and author talks, and they have been successful. I also blog and am on Facebook. I continue to learn new ways to push my book out into the world, and am always looking for new ideas.
6.      Any advice on how to better market a book?I think I’m doing it the hard way, book by book, so I need advice rather than giving it!
7.      Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
I’d like to go to Europe on a walking tour in the spring, and it would be soon, before I get too old to walk long distances. I’d be wearing hiking clothes and shoes, and I’d have a very pretty walking stick and a sweet dog named Henry by my side as my faithful companion.

About Peace Cottage
Amazon

Overcoming Tragedy and Finding PeaceNo one is prepared for the death of a loved one–least of all Lucy Cook, whose life shatters with the news of her husband’s death. Alienated and alone, Lucy cannot stay in Vermont. Packing up her two daughters and their life, she escapes the demons of her past to find peace and renewal on the coast of Maine. Her new home doesn’t offer her the peace of mind she craves as she learns there are mysteries here she shouldn’t be a part of–and the man who owns her cottage certainly doesn’t shed any light. Learning to live with uncertainty, Lucy’s strength overpowers her fears of being alone as she navigates the strange waters of her new life. A novel of loss, love, and hope, Peace Cottage re-defines what it means to build a life, and to build a home.

Altar of Reality is AVAILABLE!!!!!

OMG I'm excited for this book!!! I know how hard Mara has worked to get to this point, and what I have read is fantastic. I'm so happy for her!
Unfortunately, due to edits coming up on my part, I haven't been able to put together a review for this book, but once I can, you know it will show up here! But for now, get your hands on your own copy!

 Date of Publication: January 22, 2015
Cover Artist: Alexandria Thompson at Gothic Fate

Description:
 Sixteen year-old Madeline has struggled with epilepsy for most of her adolescent life, leaving her something of a social pariah. Things go from bad to worse when she wakes up from her first grand mal seizure in an extremely unfamiliar world but surrounded but familiar faces. Her hometown is in ruins, the aftermath of a Cold War turned hot.Thomas, the boy that stomped on her heart a year ago, and his brother Brandon have been hiding her away since the explosion that killed her parents.
The Lord Commander, now running the southern territories, believes Madeline died with them and the brothers need to keep it that way. The biggest problem? The explosion happened when she was twelve. Madeline isn’t sure what to believe. The brothers insist her memories must be of a dream life she created while in her coma. But when she returns to the reality she knows, they insist this wartorn world must be the dream. She doesn’t know if she’s truly caught in the middle of a brewing rebellion or teetering on the brink of insanity. As she finds herself flipping between the two lives, her heart becomes torn between two versions of the same boy and the lines between her realities begin to blur.
Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK

About Mara Valderran:
Mara Valderran is an author of young adult and new adult books, but she's more than just a madwoman with a writing box. She is an avid reader and fan of all things sci-fi and fantasy. She loves roller skating and movies, though typically not together. She hopes to one day meet Daniel Jackson from SG1, or at least the actor who played him. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing video games, or counting down the days until DragonCon. Her debut novel, HEIRS OF WAR, has been met with great reviews and was featured on Wattpad in 2013, raking in over 600k reads. The series continues with the second book, HEIRS OF WAR, CROWN OF FLAMES, released in Summer 2014. Her short story “The Austenation” will is included in the Borderlands Anthology and she is looking forward to publishing her young adult dystopian ALTAR OF REALITY with Curiosity Quills Spring 2015.

Find Mara Valderran Online: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Curiosity Quills Author: Randy Attwood

Randy Attwood grew up at Larned (KS) State Hospital where his father was the insane asylum's dentist. He has been a journalist, director of PR at an academic medical center, and Media Officer at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. His fiction touches many genres. He has nine novels and two collections of shorter works published.




1. Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.
I don't remember the internet route through which I discovered CQ. I believe I was one of their early authors. They accepted "Blow Up the Roses," a very dark suspense/thriller Eugene called "Brilliantly disturbing" in April of 2012. I had started self-publishing my work in the spring of 2011, after editors at a couple of traditional houses urged my agent to encourage me to do so. That was a revelation because I'd always been against self-publishing. I still wanted a more traditional publisher and CQ filled that role.
2. What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?
Just the external validation of one's work by being accepted by CQ is enough. But then I got to work with some really good editors and terrific cover and layout artists. The camaraderie of fellow CQ authors is a tremendous side benefit.
3. What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
I'm one of those older authors who has written all his life without much traditional publishing success to show. I'd actually given up several times but always found I was more miserable not writing than I was not getting published. Now, retired, I'm writing again. Self-publishing and being published by CQ saved my creative life. I now have four titles in the CQ library.
4. What would you have done differently?
I suppose if I could have specialized in one genre I would. But I know that isn't me. My fiction is a smorgasbord. In every work I do something has to touch a deep well within myself. Otherwise, I just can get involved in that work and it shows in the writing. The great reward as been that when my writing connects with a reader, the reviews show that it really connects at a deep level.
5. How has your book been marketed?
This is the major hurdle. There is so much material out there that it has become so difficult to read readers. And the paid avenues are really expensive. I appreciate the help CQ provides. My own strategy is pretty simple: "Just keep at it."
6. Any advice on how to better market a book?
I need to read advice from others. I think I've tried just about everything. I wish I could figure out how to persuade happy readers to tell their friends. Wish I could see my books being gifted from reader to friend.
7. Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
Florence, Italy, any time of the year, in the 1950s would be ideal. I'd be wearing my Borsalino hat (see picture).

CQ published works:




Blow Up the RosesSuspense/Thriller
How much pain, horror and anguish can one cul d'sac endure? Why is so much murder, mystery and sexual brutality condensed among the few duplex homes built so close together on the Elm Street cul d'sac? The answers lie within the language of flowers; and the language of flowers can be brutally frank. They can also save your life.
Amazon



Tortured TruthsMystery/Suspense
"Once a journalist, always a journalist." Until the Hezbollah get a hold of you and show you just what a coward you are. Phillip McGuire was already a burnt-out foreign correspondent before the Hezbollah kidnapped him in Beirut and, under torture by exposing the nerves of his hand, got him to give the layout of the Marine compound he had visited. They blow it up, killing those 237 soldiers. Then why release Phillip, whose psyche is now blown to smithereens with guilt?
The hand gets repaired. Phillip quits journalism and returns to his college town to buy and run a bar and try to repair his psyche. A brash Hispanic journalism student teaches him to love again and she starts his healing process. But local drug plots and the young journalist's prying bring him full cycle right back to the hands of the Hezbollah. But this time he just might be able to sort out all the double-crosses.
Amazon

Heart ChantsMystery/Suspense
Phil McGuire is back, and with cracked ribs as he threw himself into the hands of three Chinese men to save a beautiful Chinese damsel in distress, Hsu Chi. As he lays recovering in bed a friend asks him to put a Navajo girl because two other Navajo female students from Haskell Indian University have gone missing. While Phil is recovering with the aid of two beautiful women a young half-white, half-Navajo young man who calls himself Ko-yo-teh, is following the vision of his grandfather to rid the land of the White People. Increasing suspense builds as the reader is plunged into Ko-yo-teh's world and Phil assists in solving the mystery of the missing girls. The elements within the novel merge together as the developing plot becomes progressively more compelling for a riveting, unforgettable, and unsuspected ending.
Amazon



SPILL: Take that, Big OilPolitical Comedy
Fred Underwood, a failed English teacher fired long before retirement age, now makes his living as a package deliveryman. Seeing a gasoline station advertising its per gallon price at $4.15, an idea strikes him-how to use the political system to get rich. He will run as a Democratic candidate in an all Republican area for the state's House of Representatives on an ultra-liberal campaign of nationalizing the oil industry, socializing medicine and banning handguns. His accomplice, Zoe, the female bartender he lusts for, will run against him so there will be a Democratic primary. He theorizes his campaign will encourage Big Oil and other special interests groups to donate money to her campaign and they will share the proceeds. Thus begins a wild and very funny read.

Amazon

Curiosity Quills VP of Operations: Andrew Buckley

Today we have Andrew Buckley, master of all things behind the scenes at Curiosity Quills. Please give him a warm welcome, and here he is!

1.     Tell us how you came to work with Curiosity Quills Press.I was first in touch with CQ back when it was a writing blog (early 2011 I think) and I offered up some flash fiction/true stories about a deranged cat I used to own before he was tragically eaten by a cougar (the big cat, not the old woman in the bar). I fell out of touch with them for a year or so and then when I reconnected they had launched CQ Press.  They signed my first novel and 6 months later they asked if I’d read acquisitions for them.  3 months later they asked if I’d come on board as the Acquisitions Manager and formulize the acquisitions process as at the point they were growing extremely quickly.  In April 2014 I was asked if I’d be interested in becoming the VP of Operations and take over the production department. I jumped at the chance :)
2.     What does your job entail?I manage the production and acquisitions department and am part of the core management group at CQ (we’re like the Illuminati but with less light and tighter secrecy).  Day to day I manage the production process of novels as they go from query to contracting to editing/cover design to formatting to galleys.  At any given time we have an average of 70-80 books in production. 
3.     What do you enjoy most about working in Production?It’s always different which keeps it interesting but most of all I like seeing books go from query to finished release.  There’s something great about being able to help guide the birth cycle of a book :)
4.     What have your experiences been like organizing all the authors on their road toward being published?It’s a challenge, but a challenge I really enjoy. I was an unpublished author who went through this process myself so I know the ins and outs and I understand the excitement and expectations that come with, in particular, being a first-time published author.  We have a fairly defined process for production now although we constantly make changes to try and make it better for everyone. 
5.     What is the hardest part of running production?The emails!  On average I receive 100-200 emails per day for CQ.  Not all of them apply directly to me but it’s a lot to sort, reply, address, forward, etc.  And then I hit ‘send and receive’ and then there’s a ton more! :)
6.     And what is the best part?The people.  Both CQ staff and authors alike.  I’m very blessed to work with awesome and creative people every day.  And I’m more than happy that they get my sense of humor . . . most of the time.  Admittedly, I don’t remember how the goat thing got started . . .
7.     Last question; If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
I feel like I should have a more interesting answer but most of all I’d love to meet Douglas Adams.  He’s been my favorite author from a young age and still heavily influences my writing style today.  I’d love to have met him to talk writing and general silliness!  As soon as my TARDIS is complete, I’ll make it happen . . .


Andrew Buckley has been writing steadily since he was six years old when he wrote a story about a big blue dinosaur and received a gold star from his elementary school teacher.  He had the good fortune to grow up in England where the sense of humor is rather silly.
In 1997 he moved to Canada because the thought of a country run entirely by beavers was amusing. He attended the Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film and Television program where he graduated with excellence. After pitching and developing several screenplay projects for film and television he worked in marketing and public relations for several years before venturing into a number of content writing contracts. During this time he abandoned screenwriting altogether and began writing his first novel. 
Andrew now dwells happily in the Okanagan Valley, BC with 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 needy dog, 1 beautiful wife, and a multitude of voices that live comfortably inside of his head. His debut novel Death, The Devil, and the Goldfish was released to thunderous silence (people were too in awe to clap) on December 5th, 2012 from Curiosity Quills Press followed closely by his second full length novel, Stiltskin, published on December 9th, 2013.
Andrew also works as the VP of Operations for CQ Press. He also co-hosts a geek movie podcast, is working on his first YA novel, and has a stunning amount of other ideas, none of which he has time for until he figures out how to successfully clone himself...Watch this space...
Good job watching that space there, gripping wasn't it?  As of May 2014 Andrew's literary work is represented by Mark Gottlieb at the Trident Media Group in NY.
Find Andrew online:
Web:  www.planetkibi.com
Podcasts: Write Out Loud, Fairytales Out Loud & Trilogy
Follow Me: Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | GoodreadsAvailable now! My new novel StiltskinMy debut novel... Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish
Also in audiobook format from Audible.comRepresented by Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group