Katie Hamstead's Blog, page 54

Loving Avery Release!

Today I'm taking a brief interlude from my publisher feature month to announce the release of my novella Loving Avery.

Here are the details:


Loving Avery
New Adult Contemporary Romance

The Clark and Davis kids are grown up!
Follow Rhett, the Clark's second son, who has loved Avery, the Davis' only daughter for as long as he can remember. But after her string of  high school boyfriends, and getting beat up at prom, Rhett decides going to college is the best way to start over and forget Avery Davis.
Except Avery finally realizes she can't live without him. But is it too late?

Goodreads  Amazon







Make sure you read Papina first to get the back story on these families.

I'm holding a release day party on Facebook where I'll be posting about Loving Avery and giving away copies of all my books, especially Papina and Loving Avery. PARTY!
Papina Trailer

Amazon Goodreads
Forrest and Braydon Miller moved to the small town of Papina to follow their dreams and start a family. Braydon loves her new life in the quiet town, kept alive by the prestigious boarding school overlooking the valley. She is so proud of her husband's work, helping the teens on the reservation.Until one day, Forrest doesn't come home.Scandal spreads when one of the teenagers is found missing, too. But Braydon refuses to believe her husband would leave her. When the teen is found, she isn't talking—literally.While Braydon's heart is breaking, she needs to hold her crumbling life together, raise her son, and find a way to love the teenager enough to find the truth of what happened to her husband.

Curiosity Quills Author: Matthew Graybosch

According to official records maintained by the state of New York, Matthew Graybosch was born on Long Island in 1978. Various urban legends suggest he might be Rosemary's Baby, the result of top-secret DOD attempts to continue Nazi experiments combining human technology and black magic. The most outlandish tale suggests that he sprang fully grown from his father's forehead with a sledgehammer in one hand and the second edition ofThe C Programming Language in the other, and has been giving the poor man headaches ever since.The truth is more prosaic. Matthew Graybosch is a novelist from New York who lives with his wife and cats in central Pennsylvania. He is also an avid reader, a long-haired metalhead, and an unrepentant nerd. Without Bloodshed is his first published novel. He's currently hard at work on the second Starbreaker novel, The Blackened Phoenix, and a prequel called Silent Clarion. His day job is software development, and we're not sure how he remains sane. We could ask, but we suspect he'd say, "I'm not sane. I'm just high-functioning."He has a personal blog at http://www.matthewgraybosch.com, and a website for Starbreaker at http://www.starbreakerseries.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and Ello, or send email to public@starbreakerseries.comGoogle+@MGraybosch on Twitter@starbreakerbook on TwitterFacebookGoodreadsEllo
Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.

Alisa Gus saw the scenes from my 2011 rewrite of Starbreaker that I posed on Google+ and asked me if I’d consider serializing the story with them, with proper publication upon completion.

After seeing how ambitious a project Starbreaker is, she suggested breaking it into three or four novels. I emailed her back fifteen minutes later with a set of titles and summaries of what would happen in each book:

Without Bloodshed (out now!)The Blackened Phoenix (I’m working on it.)Proscribed ConstructA Tyranny of Demons

She loved it, and off we went. Without Bloodshed has been out for a little over a year, and given that it isn’t an easy read, or an easily classified read, it seems to sell reasonably well.What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?

I appreciate the patience the staff have shown with me, as well the support. I’m currently serializing a Starbreaker prequel called Silent Clarion, which features Naomi Bradleigh from Without Bloodshed as the heroine. It’s a sci-fi mystery/thriller aimed at the NA market, and Alisa herself is editing each weekly installment.

When I told her that Chapter Twenty-Three (NSFW) would be a steamy scene with Naomi and a character named Christopher Renfield, who’s a former soldier of a defunct nation called the North American Commonwealth, and that I would tone it down if necessary, Alisa reminded me that NA readers expect sex.

When I delivered, Alisa suggested I consider trying my hand at writing romance. I probably won’t publish any as myself, but that’s what pseudonyms are for, and I was enormously flattered to get the suggestion.What have your experiences been like working toward being published?

There’s an urgency driving me now, a need to write the next scene, to finish the next chapter, to get the draft done so I can start the revision. It’s harder to be patient, because I’ve finally reached the end of the beginning. I finally have a book out, but there’s so much more I want to do.

Given time, Starbreaker could be an alternate universe on par with Tolkien’s legendarium, Stephen King’s Dark Tower multiverse, or the multiverse of Michael Moorcock -- but with more kitties.

What would you have done differently?

I regret partitioning Starbreaker into four 100,000 - 120,000 word full-length novels. With the ebook market the way it is, I think I might have been wiser to break the story into 25,000 word interlinked novellas that I could later package as sets.

Many of Michael Moorcock’s Elric stories, for example, were novellas, and he later packaged them with revisions as single novels like Stormbringer.

How has your book been marketed?

Mostly by word-of-mouth and social media. I was fortunate to have been featured on Bookbub back in July, and recently had some modest success by running a Facebook ad campaign for my most recent 99c sale on Without Bloodshed.

I also had a book signing back in July, participated in the Baltimore Book Festival, and did an appearance at the 2014 World Fantasy Convention. I was even given a reading slot, which was a shock given that I’m practically indie, but nobody came. I was a bit miffed about that, but I got over it.

I’ve also entertained the idea of paying people to call Rush Limbaugh’s radio show and submit fake complaints about a new sci-fi novel that’s “nothing but dirty liberal atheist propaganda intended to corrupt American children”, but my wife insists that such trolling is beneath me.

It isn’t, and she knows it. She just won’t admit it. :)Any advice on how to better market a book?

You kidding me? My day job is software development. I don’t know a damned thing about marketing books, so don’t take anything I say below as gospel.Have more than one pitch.

People are different, and a pitch that hooks one reader might not hook another. Have a set of pitches handy, and learn to read people so you can give them the right pitch.Since Without Bloodshed draws from multiple genres, I can’t just market the book as straight sci-fi. It’s got thriller elements, mystery, fantasy, romance, some comedy, and even angry wizard sex. I need a pitch for each of these aspects, except maybe the angry wizard sex.Post funny outtakes.

I don’t do this often enough, but I will often post dialogue that I can’t justify actually using in the story on social media with a #shitmycharacterssay hashtag.

For example, here’s an exchange between Naomi Bradleigh, one of Starbreaker’s heroines, and Imaginos, one of the major antagonists.

Naomi Bradleigh: Why take such a ridiculous name as Maestro and teach me the sword?

Imaginos: It was the one thing I could do for my daughter without revealing myself.

Naomi Bradleigh: I think I've seen this movie. Is this the part where you persuade me to come to the dark side?

Imaginos: We have cookies.

Naomi Bradleigh: I refuse to believe you actually said that.

There’s no way I could justify a parody of a pivotal scene from The Empire Strikes Back in my next book, The Blackened Phoenix, especially when a rejoinder like “We have cookies.” is completely out of character for a manipulative bastard like Imaginos.

But this sort of thing usually gets a few laughs.Give ‘em something to look at.

Also, if you can spare the cash, hire an artist to bring some of your major characters to life, and share those pictures on social media.Give the reader their money’s worth.

Don’t overprice your books, and don’t sell shoddy work. Word eventually gets around.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 go to Australia with my wife on a one way ticket with a permanent resident visa, two weeks ago, and I’d be wearing shorts and a Crowley’s Thoth t-shirt. It’s summer down under. :)
Without Bloodshed“All who threaten me die.”With these words, Morgan Stormrider forged his reputation in the Phoenix Society’s elite corps of Individual Rights Defense officers. He served for ten years as the Society’s avenging sword, hunting those who dared kill Adversaries until a mission to strike down a friend gone rogue shattered his faith.Unable to believe in the Society any longer, Morgan wants to begin a new life with his friend and bandmate Naomi Bradleigh. The past is not so easily escaped, however, as the leader of a coup in the city-state of Boston publicly accuses him of assassinating the Phoenix Society’s critics.The Society thrusts Morgan back into action, ordering him to refute Alexander Liebenthal’s charges by taking him alive. His mission is complicated by an attempt to frame Naomi for the murder of his ex, Christabel Crowley. Nor can he ignore a friend’s request to investigate the theft of designs for a murderous new weapon.Most of all, Morgan cannot disregard the corruption implied by the Society’s willingness to scapegoat him should he fail to accomplish his mission without bloodshed. The words that made him a legend haunt him still.Without Bloodshed online:http://www.starbreakerseries.com/stories/without-bloodshed/Purchasing Without Bloodshed
Amazon (Paperback)Amazon (Kindle)Barnes & Noble (Paperback only. Sorry!) Silent ClarionMy curiosity might get me killed. I thought I needed a vacation from my duties as an Adversary in service to the Phoenix Society. After learning about unexplained disappearances in a little town called Clarion, I couldn’t stop myself from checking it out.Now I must guard a witness to two murders without any protection but my sword. I must identify a murderer who strikes from the shadows. I must expose secrets the Phoenix Society’s executive council is hellbent on keeping buried.I have no support but an ally I dare not trust. If I cannot break the silence hiding what happened in Clarion’s past, I have no future. I must discover the truth about Project Harker. Failure is not an option.Silent Clarion OnlineCuriosity Quills Press is currently serializing Silent Clarion online. New installments come out every Wednesday. Refer to http://www.starbreakerseries.com/stories/silent-clarion/ for details.

Reviews of Curiosity Quills Book Part 2

Two Saturdays ago, I posted several reviews of Curiosity Quills book I've read, so here are some more. To find the full details and review, go to the Review tab above and find the book under the author's sir name.

FYI, although it's a bit stop and start due to lots of distractions, I'm currently reading:





This was a great Halloween read. With witches and past lives all twisting and turning, it kept me thinking.

This is definitely a plot that kept me wondering, trying to work out who was who and what exactly was going on. I even thought about it while at the gym, trying to figure out how it would end.
I'm not one to read creepy things, so although this had moments, I didn't get overwhelmed. It was nicely balanced and didn't feel dark.
The only down side; I didn't connect with the main characters, which is pretty sad considering it's their love story.
But I did enjoy it, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants something for Halloween that's not going to give you nightmares, but leaves you happy with the end result.





Talk about all the feels! When I first met Mike, before he died, I soon decided I didn't WANT him to die. This is really early on, so I'm not giving out spoilers. So when he did, I was so sad! But meeting him, getting to know him a but made his death and the events that follow, believable.
Poor Emma. What a crazy series of events she faces in this book. She starts out reserved, kind of beaten down from her high school days and lacking in confidence. But as the book progresses, she changes and grows with each of the lessons the guys unwittingly teach her... some wittingly teach her too. Although she starts out thinking everyone hates her, she learns it's not true. Yes, Mike's brother blames her for his death, but although again she thinks everyone does, it's really just him.
Chrissy I want to beat over the head. Just saying. And Abby is a doll.
But each of the guys you develop a connection with. Each one has his own unique thoughts, feelings and situation he has to take care of, and Emma's there to assist them all, whether she wants to be or not.
All up, a great all around read. I loved it from start to finish, especially all the guys and how well rounded and believable they were. I'm anxious for the next book!



***I was the Acquiring Editor of this book****

Sixteen year old Lyla, is the daughter of the town mortician, and the family has been morticians for generations. When their cosmetologist quits and leaves her resignation painted in lipstick on a body, Lyla rushes in to fix it before all the guests arrive and see it.
But that night, the body vanishes. Everyone thinks it's stolen, and since Lyla is already a social outcast, the mockery at school intensifies.
She has one friend, Cassie, who stands up for her. She is also close to her older brother, Ben, who she sees as her protector. He, in contrast to her, is a cool, popular, lead singer of a band.
Then, the body reappears... reanimated!
A new band member soon appears in her brother's group. Eric seems disinterested in Lyla at first, but when she finds herself confronted with the walking body again, he saves her, and a friendship starts. Lyla even starts to develop feels for this mysterious new band member.
Talk about a great read! This is a fabulous YA read about a girl struggling with self-identity with everyone tearing her down, and things only getting worse as she discovers new things about herself and Eric. But she struggles on, despite the people she cares most about turning against her.
It's rather gripping, and the descriptions of the walking corpses are creepy and gross. I found myself wanting to keep reading, despite needing to sleep and live.

Curiosity Quills Author: Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his first novel in 2003 in the sands of northern Iraq.
His debut novel, The Mussorgsky Riddle, was born from a fusion of two of his lifelong loves: classical music and world mythology. His short stories can be found in various publications and he is currently hard at work on his next novel.
Doctor by day and novelist by night, he writes and practices medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina. When not engaged in either of the above activities, he has been known to strum the guitar, enjoy a bite of sushi, and rumor has it he even sleeps on occasion. Find him online at darinkennedy.com.


1.     Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.
My agent, Stacey Donaghy at Donaghy Literary Group, presented them to me as a potential publisher for my debut novel, The Mussorgsky Riddle, and after a ton of research, they seemed like a quality outfit with a fantastic business plan. We proceeded with submission, and I have found upon acceptance that my research was more than accurate.
2.     What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?
It’s been a quality experience from Day 1. The transparency of how the company works, the excellent editorial suggestions from Lisa in acquisitions through my actual editor and proofreader, the unwavering support as we sought out the perfect cover, the fantastic marketing team of Clare and Nikki, and most of all the beautiful book produced by Eugene and the rest of the team. My debut publishing experience has been very positive. Now, we just have to reach launch day.
3.     What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
I’ve been working toward this moment for right at eleven years: writing my first book, learning I had a whole lot to learn about writing and editing, slugging through the querying process for three and a half years to finally find the right agent, watching my first book not find a home, and finally arriving at this latest step in the publishing journey. It hasn’t always been easy or even fun, but I can tell you, it’s been worth it.
4.     What would you have done differently?
At each step, I’ve done the best I could with the information I had on hand, the time I had available, and the energy I had left at the end of the day after working the day job. I like where I am right now, so I don’t think I’d change a thing, other than the occasional faux pas along the way as I shed my newbie fluff for actual writer feathers.
5.     How has your book been marketed?
Between Nikki, Clare, and I, I think we’re on a good path with marketing. I have an online launch event, three signings, three science fiction conventions, several interviews and several reviews all lined up and launch is still a month away. I’ve felt very well supported in my marketing efforts. As we head into this last month before launch, I will work to bolster the numbers on all of these and get word about the Mussorgsky Riddle out to as many eyes and ears as possible.
6.     Any advice on how to better market a book?
Think outside the box. Go local and go big. Utilize the resources you have available. (Thanks Clare and Nikki!) Be flexible. Be available.
Most importantly, remember that your readers are your lifeblood. Treat them nice.
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?
There are so many places I want to go, I’m having difficult narrowing it down to just one. I think I’d like to go to New Zealand and walk around some of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings set pieces while they’re still around. I think that would feel like walking into another world, which is what we all do every time we sit down at the keyboard, right?

Psychic Mira Tejedor possesses unique talents that enable her to find anything and anyone, but now she seeks a comatose boy wandering lost inside the labyrinth of his own mind. 13-year-old Anthony Faircloth hasn’t spoken a word in weeks and with each passing day, his near catatonic state worsens.

Pulled into Anthony’s mind, Mira finds the boy’s psyche shattered into the various movements of Modest Mussorgsky’s classical music suite, Pictures at an Exhibition. As she navigates this magical dreamscape drawn from Anthony’s twin loves of Russian composers and classical mythology, Mira must contend with gnomes, troubadours, and witches in her search for the truth.
The real world, however, holds its own dangers. The onset of Anthony’s mysterious malady coincides with the disappearance of his older brother’s girlfriend, a missing persons case that threatens to tear the city apart. Mira discovers that in order to save Anthony, she will have to catch a murderer who will stop at nothing to keep the secrets contained in Anthony’s unique mind from ever seeing the light.
Amazon

Curiosity Quills Cover Artist: Andrea Garcia

Today I have Cover Artist, Andrea Garcia talking about what she does with Curiosity Quills and the beautiful designs for covers.

1.     Tell us how you came to work with Curiosity Quills Press
Well, in January I was contacted by Nikki Tetreault. She told me that they liked my work and she offered me an opportunity to contribute with them as illustrator, creating book covers. Since then, I've been working in Curiosity Quills.
2.     What does your job entail? 

My job is to create an image that represents a book, something that catches the eye of the readers. But to get to that point of the final cover is a process, starting by a good idea for the cover, searching for the right stocks, and create with them something beautiful.
3.     What do you enjoy most about creating book covers? 
I enjoy seeing the process that the image I used as a base has become something completely different or so much better than it was. I think its great to create book covers because every one is a challenge, since each cover has a unique style.
So I think it's great because it helps me develop my skills and is something very fun to do.
4.     What have your experiences been like working with the authors?
I like to talk to the authors because, since they wrote the story, they know details that can make a huge difference in the cover. There are some who have very particular and interesting ideas that helps a lot. 
5.     What is the hardest part in creating covers?
Finding the resources in the way I need to make the cover, because like a said before, there are some authors that have very particular ideas and it's hard to find the right images to make it. Another thing is that I always try visualize how the cover is going to look.
6.  And what is the best part?
Seeing the final result and how happy the author and everybody is to see the final image, It is very rewarding.
7.     Last question; If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Freddie Mercury. because I think he was a genius of a man with a great voice and exceptional talent. He was really creative so I really love to have a conversation with him. :P

Curiosity Quills Editor: Mark W. Woodring

BIO:Mark W. Woodring was born in a little town in central Pennsylvania before being whisked away to the far-off land of Texas at the age of 12. After graduating high school by the skin of his teeth, he reluctantly joined the US Air Force, where he spent 20 years traveling to such exotic locations as Austin, Texas, and Ogden, Utah (along with South Korea and various deployments to Saudi Arabia), while learning skills that have no practical application in the outside world. After he retired, he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah (which, ironically, also have no practical application in the outside world…..hmmm). Mark currently spends his time working as a technical editor for the US government while continuing to write for publication and his blog at MyOwnLittleShadow.Wordpress.com. He hopes to release The Cooper’s Son, a fantasy novel set in Arthurian Britain, sometime in 2015. Mark lives with his wife, college-student daughter, and three incredibly demanding cats in Utah.
1.      Tell us how you came to work with Curiosity Quills Press.Well, it's a simple tale. One you've probably heard a hundred time. As an aspiring writer, it seemed like a good way to get my foot in the door with a publisher. I also thought that editing other writers’ work might give me some much-needed insight into my own writing, which it has. I have learned a lot about my own writing. So when I hear that Curiosity Quills was looking for editors, I threw my hat in the ring, and here I am.
2.      What does your job entail? Generally, I simply read a manuscript and evaluate it for the usual suspects, like grammar and spelling, but I also provide insight and opinion on how interesting the story is, how the characters are portrayed and developed, how the plot flows together, etc. Most importantly, however, is the fact that I need to also be able to articulate any problem areas to the author, as well as provide some feedback on what, as a reader, I feel might add to the piece in a general sense. After all, it’s their work, and I don’t want to impose either my own ideas or styles onto it.
3.      What do you enjoy most about being an editor?I really enjoy when I have spent several long comments outlining problems that I see in a relatively short stretch of the piece, and the author comes back and says “Thanks. I knew that something was wrong, but I couldn't figure out what.” When I see their fixes and they’re good, I always like to throw them an “atta-boy!” for working it out. It’s always nice to feel useful.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?I have worked with a handful of authors for Curiosity Quills, and they are generally a very receptive lot when it comes to taking my comments. I tend to be a bit on the blunt side, mostly because of my professional background, and I don’t like to be misunderstood when I am addressing something. So often, I may highlight an entire paragraph and simply make the comment “Really?” But they seem to get my point, so….I had one particular piece I edited for Curiosity Quills (I won’t name it, but it’s coming out shortly), that I was really struggling to find things to suggest. Probably 80% of my notes were technical issues, as opposed to story/plot/character issues. Those are fun, because I get to read more continuously and get into the flow of the story, instead of stopping more often to address an issue that might be a show-stopper.I did work one manuscript (coming out in 2015, I understand) where I felt like that ratio was reversed. It was a great story idea that had a lot of issues in the execution, and I was really intent on giving the author everything they needed to get to where they wanted to be. I put in some overtime on that one! But the author was very receptive and made some good changes, and I think that they were happy with what I’d done for them.
5.      What is the hardest part of being an editor?The hardest part is actually two sides of the same coin. Sometimes I will read a manuscript and think “oh, this is so good, it’s no wonder I can’t get my stuff published.” Other times, I might read a piece where I think “Mine is as good as this. What the heck?” Definitely a challenge as a writer.From a purely editorial standpoint, the hardest part has to be reading a manuscript that I might not really be into personally. I know that sounds frivolous, but I think it’s true of most editors. Trying to read something that isn't in your wheelhouse is difficult. I haven’t found a manuscript yet that I hate, but some are just more appealing as a reader for me than others. In a way I guess this broadens my horizons as an editor.
6.      And what is the best part?The best part of being an editor is seeing a suggestion or comment I make turned into sometime 1-2 extra pages of great content that go beyond what I might have considered asking for. It almost feels like I’m inspiring the author, which isn't really part of the job, per se, but it’s nice when you see that response to your feedback in such a positive way. Every writer I've worked with has always expressed their appreciation for my feedback, and it’s a nice bit of validation to get.
7.      Last question; If you could bring any book/movie/TV show to life, what would it be and why?Oh, this is a terrible question! There are so many! I don’t know if it's world I’d want to have come alive, but I’d love to see a SINGLE, live action Hobbit film (damn you, Peter Jackson). Honestly, I still find the Rankin-Bass version to be better than the Jackson film. A simple, perfect telling of Tolkien’s tale.But, if I have to be serious and bring something to LIFE, there are actually 2:I would love to visit Stephen R. Donaldson’s “Land” from the Thomas Covenant series. I have loved those books forever!I’d also love to experience Roger Zelazny’s reality-bending world of the Chronicles of Amber. That is a series of books I would love to help adapt into a film/series. Actually, that would make a great TV show…..hmmmm….

Curiosity Quills Acquisitions Editor: Kathleen Kubasiak

Bio: Acquisition Editor Kathleen Kubasiak is living the dream life, surrounded 24/7 by her devoted fan club (aka: her children).  She draws on her degrees in Education and Language Arts, as well as her Masters in Library and Information Sciences, in order to homeschool her children while exploring all the nation, and the world, has to offer, thanks to her husband's career.  

First of all, Katie, I’d like to thank you for inviting me to be a part of your blog.  I love what I do, and I love the company and people I work for, so I welcome any opportunity to talk about work. 
1.       Tell us how you came to work with Curiosity Quills Press.  a.      As with all good things, I happened upon this opportunity when I least expected it.  Jessa Russo, now an editor for Curiosity Quills Press, contacted me about the position and urged me to apply.  I did, and Voila!  Here I am, enjoying my third year with CQ.    2.      What does your job entail?a.      Authors submit their manuscripts via our submission portal, https://curiosityquills.com/submission-guidelines/, and the appropriate submissions make their way over to me.  I read the query and the sample pages and determine whether or not the manuscript is a good fit for Curiosity Quills.  I continue requesting more chapters until I make the decision to reject the manuscript or offer a contract.  At that point I work with the author to make sure they understand the contract and that they feel comfortable with what they are signing.  After everything is squared away, I hand off the author to the marvelous editors at CQ.  3.      What do you enjoy most about being an acquisitions editor?a.      Overall, what is so enjoyable is that being an acquisitions editor provides the perfect excuse to read ALL THE TIME.  Either I am reading and taking notes on submissions or I am keeping up with the current market.  It’s lovely to have one’s favorite hobby become a job, especially when I can help others achieve their dreams in the process.
4.      What have your experiences been like working with the authors?a.      I have been consistently impressed by the professionalism of the authors with whom I have worked.  The majority of these authors have been very open to receiving feedback and critique.  It has been clear that they take pride in their work, as a career and as an art. 
5.      What is the hardest part of being an acquisitions editor?a.      The rejections.  Knowing that an author has put so much of her/himself into a manuscript makes the act of rejection difficult.  I try very hard to offer tangible feedback to all authors in the hopes that I can help them find a home for their manuscript. 
6.      And what is the best part?a.      The best part is helping authors’ dreams become reality.  It is so rewarding to help an author sign a contract for their book.  It is especially wonderful to be involved with an author’s first publication.  I am proud to be a part of the company that welcomes novice authors.
7.      What kind of manuscripts do you enjoy and are looking for, and how can an author submit to you?a.      I read mostly Young Adult literature, but also enjoy Middle Grade and New Adult.  I love a strong, dynamic character and am always keeping an eye out for a male protagonist.  Historical romance and historical fantasy are high on my list this season, but I always love anything with a paranormal slant or with a well-developed mystery.   Submission can be made through the Curiosity Quills Press website, https://curiosityquills.com/submission-guidelines/. If you are particularly interested in having your manuscript reach me, please include my name in the query portion of your submission. 
8.      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?a.      Holli Anderson introduced me to the idea that super powers interfere with a person’s ability to use electronic devices and now I’m convinced that I must have a super power.  That is clearly the only explanation for why every electronic device I ever touch has an immediate meltdown, but the rest of my family can use them without an issue.   Now, I’m not sure what my super power is, but it seems to be pretty strong.  I’m hoping it has something to do with my eyes, an evil eye, a death stare, laser, the ability to use my eyes as headlamps…something like that.  I’ll let you know when I figure it out J
Thank you again Katie for having me as a guest on your blog.
Here are some of the wonderful authors with whom I have had the privilege to work:
The Darkworld Series by  Emma L. Adams: http://www.emmaladams.com/index.htmlhttp://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Watching-Darkworld-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00FQXND14/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419229653&sr=1-1&keywords=Darkness+Watching

Five: Out of the Dark and Five: Out of the Pitby Holli Anderson: http://www.holli-anderson.com/http://www.amazon.com/Five-Out-Dark-Holli-Anderson/dp/1620072998/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419229568&sr=1-1&keywords=Five%3A+Out+of+the+Darkhttp://www.amazon.com/Five-Out-Pit-Holli-Anderson/dp/1620075113/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419229604&sr=1-1&keywords=Five%3A+Out+of+the+Pit

Copied by S.M. Anderson: http://www.smandersonfiction.com/http://www.amazon.com/Copied-S-M-Anderson/dp/1620074117/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419229776&sr=1-1&keywords=Copied

Legasea by Krystalyn Drown: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6480737.Krystalyn_Drownhttp://www.amazon.com/Legasea-Krystalyn-Drown/dp/1620071630/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419229433&sr=1-1&keywords=legasea+by+krystalyn+drown
 LOOK! IT'S ME! -->(KIYA Trilogy by Katie Hamstead: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Hamsteads-Stories/247238178656484http://www.amazon.com/Kiya-Hope-Pharaoh-Katie-Hamstead/dp/1620072475/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419230305&sr=1-3&keywords=Kiyahttp://www.amazon.com/Kiya-Mother-King-Katie-Hamstead/dp/162007379X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_yhttp://www.amazon.com/Kiya-Rise-Dynasty-Katie-Hamstead/dp/1620074753/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_z

I can’t wait to see these books in print!  Coming in 2015:Dead Girl by B.C. Johnson: http://www.bc-johnson.com/Acne, Asthma and Other Signs you May be a Dragon by Rena Ford: http://drfaeriegodmother.blogspot.kr/
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris: http://www.christine-norris.com/

Curiosity Quills Author: Ann M Noser

My to-do list dictates that I try to cram 48 hours of living into a day instead of the usual 24.  I’ve chosen a life filled with animals.  I train for marathons with my dog, then go to work as a small animal veterinarian, and finish the day by tripping over my pets as I attempt to convince my two unruly children that YES, it really IS time for bed.  But I can’t wait until the house is quiet to write; I have to steal moments throughout the day.  Ten minutes here, a half hour there, I live within my imagination.
Like all busy American mothers, I multi-task.  I work out plot holes during runs.  Instead of meditating, I type madly during yoga stretches.  I find inspiration in everyday things:  a beautiful smile, a heartbreaking song, or a newspaper article on a political theory.  For example, a long drive in the dark listening to an NPR program on the SMILEY FACE MURDERS theory made me ask so many questions that I wrote HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS to answer them to my satisfaction.
I’d love to have more time to write (and run, read, and sleep), but until I find Hermione Granger’s time turner, I will juggle real life with the half-written stories in my head.  Main characters and plot lines intertwine in my cranium, and I need to let my writing weave the tales on paper so I can find out what happens next.


Blog Facebook Goodreads PageTwitter: @AnnMNoser
1.     Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.
During the summer of 2013 I entered a query contest put on by a great blog named Aussie Owned and Read (perhaps you've heard of them, snicker, snicker). After that came a Twitter pitch party. That's when CQ picked me up. To be specific, the wondrous Erika Galpin chose How to Date Dead Guys from their slush pile.
2.     What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?
I'm sorry this is SO generic sounding, but I'm a newbie, and holding my book in my hands, and being able to say OUT LOUD "I am a published author!"
Yeah, I'm pathetic that way.
3.     What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
Excuse my French (actually, I don't know French, so just excuse my swearing), but I don't know jack-sh** about publishing. Every time I assume something, I'm wrong. So I have to ask A LOT of questions, and am totally surprised at the answers. I feel so young at this (maybe that's a good thing, right?).
4.     What would you have done differently?
I would've queried LATER, and joined a writing group of CPs SOONER.
5.     How has your book been marketed?
That's what I'm working on at the moment. So far, it's had a blog tour, a review tour, and I have the usual social presence—twitter, author facebook page, and the like. It's not that easy to get newspaper and magazine articles, but I have had one done, and hoping for two more this month (we shall see).
6.     Any advice on how to better market a book?
Let's be honest, here—I’m the one who needs this advice. In a few years, once I've had experience doing this, then I'll be happy to share what I've learned with others. J
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 love to see Italy someday, and I'd be wearing running shoes. (Clothes, too, of course, it's just I would be paying attention to the scenery and not my attire if I were lucky enough to get there.) J

Thank you, Ann, for dropping by! And here's the details for her book, and my review for it is here.


College sophomore Emma Roberts remembers her mother’s sage advice:  “don’t sleep around, don’t burp in public, and don’t tell anyone you see ghosts”.  But when charming Mike Carlson drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters. 
Blamed for Mike’s death and haunted by nightmares, Emma turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back.  Under a Blood Moon, she lights candles, draws a pentacle on the campus bridge, and casts a spell.  The invoked river rages up against her, but she escapes its fury.  As she stumbles back to the dorm, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. And he isn't the only one.  
Instead of raising Mike, Emma assists the others she stole back from the dead—a pre-med student who jumped off the bridge, a desperate victim determined to solve his own murder, and a frat boy Emma can’t stand…at first.  More comfortable with the dead than the living, Emma delves deeper into the seductive Book of Shadows.  Her powers grow, but witchcraft may not be enough to protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims.
Inspired by the controversial Smiley Face Murders, HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS will ignite the secret powers hidden deep within each of us.

Amazon  B&N

Watch Me Burn Release!

Hooray! The day is finally here! Book 2 in The December People series, Watch Me Burn, is now available for purchase. Re-join the Vandergraff family as they navigate the delicate balance between dark magic and family.


Buy on AMAZON
Barnes and Noble & Kobo links should be available soon.


David Vandergraff lost his home, his job, and contact with his oldest son, but remains determined to be a good husband and father despite being a dark winter wizard.

His resolve is tested when a flyer for a missing girl--who happens to be a summer witch--begins to haunt him. David believes a spell needs to use him to save her, so he follows the magic's command and looks into her disappearance. His teenage daughter Emmy resents him for caring so much about a random stranger. But when she uncovers some disturbing evidence close to home, she begins an investigation of her own.

David and Emmy quickly learn that the mystery is not only about a missing girl they barely know, but a deeply personal story that impacts everyone they care about. As their world crumbles, they fear the warning may be true—never mess with summer wizards, because the good guys always win.

A little taste...

Curiosity Quills Author: Michael Cristiano

Michael Cristiano is a Canadian writer. His relentless obsession with fiction began long before he could even spell the words 'relentless obsession'. He spent most of his childhood getting lost in fantastical masterpieces, learning foreign languages, and attempting to be published by the age of thirteen. Though he’s off by a few years, The Black Oracle is his debut novel and is due for publication in 2015.
Website: www.michaelcristiano.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/MichaelCristianoOfficialTwitter: www.twitter.com/mcristianowrite




1. Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.I actually had been querying for a long time. Shocker, right? I wrote my first completed manuscript when I was 18 and I queried that around while I was writing The Black Oracle. When I finished writing, I gave up on trying to get that first novel published and focused on The Black Oracle. After querying for a year, I almost gave up on The Black Oracle too, but I finished my undergraduate degree, went backpacking, and sent it off for one last hurrah through the querying process. The week before I boarded my flight to Johannesburg, Katie Teller from Curiosity Quills showed interest in the novel and asked me to do rewrites. A month later, I was in Heidelberg, Germany, and I found out I was going to be published.
2. What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?I like the community and support that comes with being a CQ author. It’s like we’re a family. We all help each other out and we all share in each other’s success. Even the “higher-ups” are approachable and real.
3. What have your experiences been like working toward being published?I wouldn’t say that it’s been any different for me than it has been for other aspiring authors. I really enjoy the creation process. I love polishing a piece and becoming proud of my work, but up until I got signed with CQ, I was less than enthralled with the querying process. It can be very trying and tiring and sometimes, rejection can be hard. But in the end, it’s a rewarding experience, and I think when I see The Black Oracle in print with my name on it, it’ll all be worth it.
4. What would you have done differently?I would have learned how to write an effective query faster! No, really, it took me a long time. But other than that, I wouldn’t do much else differently. I think the years of fruitless querying have helped me develop a thick skin and hone my craft. I feel a lot more confident in my work now than I did when I was 18.
5. How has your book been marketed?The marketing is just beginning! I have some ideas and I’m excited to get those started, but right now, I’m just trying to master the art of social media and blogging. I didn’t really think it was such an involved thing. A lot of thought and calculation goes into it sometimes.
6. Any advice on how to better market a book?Watch other authors – and not just the ones with a big name publisher. Yes, a lot of the times, a book sells because of their publisher, but there are also authors that grow their sales with their own blood, sweat, and tears. I’ve been watching a few authors and their marketing campaigns closely to see what works and what doesn’t. I think there’s a lot of good marketing to be done if you just know how to do it effectively.
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’m actually planning my next backpacking trip right now, and though I think I may be going back to South Africa, I love travelling and I’ll go anywhere. I really want to go to Iceland too! I’d want to leave right now. Right this moment. And I’d be wearing really good walking shoes. It’s all about that arch support, especially when you’re carrying 25 pounds on your back!