Grea Alexander's Blog, page 5

The True Story behind the novel Cabello

In honor of my recent release of Cabello: Petrika, I've decided to share some Fun Facts about Cabello.






Story Origin

The story of Cabello was borne out of a bizarre nightmare I had had when I was a teenager. (Yes, I tend to remember my dreams).






When I was in high school, I had this kitten that one day mysteriously disappeared. This little kitten was very beautiful and we had already by that time foiled a cat-napping attempt on her.

After her disappearance, I started having these bizarre nightmares that this cat was out to get revenge on me.

While most normal people would have simply been freaked out, I instead wrote down the first scraps of what would later evolve into Cabello.

The REAL Cabello

While the IDEA for the story of Cabello came from that freaky nightmare, Cabello's characteristics are actually those of another cat I had as a teen.

This cat in particular was a rescue. My aunt had seen a homeless person throw it into a drainage canal and had called the fire department to save it (telling them it was hers). She then gave the kitten to me.

Picky (my aunt named her not me) never grew bigger than about half the size of an average house cat. She hated everyone except for me and was known to hiss at and even attack anyone aside from me who tried to touch her.

The thing is, as when she was next to me she was very well-behaved (and very beautiful) people always wanted to touch her. No matter how many times I warned people in advance, they never believed me based on how docile she was with me, and they couldn't seem to resist her charms.

However, the moment a hand got within 2 inches of her WHAM!

Needless to say, it generally only took one try before the interlopers quickly realized the error of their ways and backed off - hurt and bloodied.

Picky also thought she was human. She slept at night (often chastising another rescue kitten we had taken in and even training it to do the same) and watched TV. She was very quiet and never "complained" - often content just to sit in my lap or next to me, often stroking me with her tail.

While I adored Picky and to this very day consider her to be the best cat ever, others found her extremely disconcerting. She had this kind of intense gaze - as though she could see right through you. She also had brown and white fur....one green eye and one golden brown eye.

However, Picky was NOT a Maine Coon.

Cabello's Evolution

Cabello was written some time ago and initially intended as a strand alone (though I did use an ending that begged for a book 2 (which I just released 5/15)).






It was only as I started writing Miael Friends (Book 2 in the Miael series) that it occurred to me that I could have a lot of fun with Cabello (a character I had had a great time writing) if I added him to this series. And thus Cabello joined Miael and Miael (a series I conceived of many years after Cabello: Mineau) became the Cabello series prequel.

Cabello would also go on to be a supporting character in Miael: Lovers.






Just like the other characters in Miael (including Acadea), Cabello is not what he appears to be at first glance.

Cabello is not actually a cat at all, but a cursed supernatural being.

Cheers!

Grea

May-Day: May 2019 Sales, Freebies, Prizes & Special Promotions

Cabello: Petrika comes out 05/15/19....just a short time after the release of the original. (cough. cough). In line with my vow to keep my ebook prices as affordable as possible, it will hold the $2.99 line.

It's on presale now via Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, etc.

You can also get your hands on the first chapters here: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...








The 3rd and final book in the series, Cabello: Acadea, js slowly coming alive within the next couple of days and will go on presale (at $2.99 as well).

Find it on presale on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, etc.

Lastly, here's a handy directory of all of Grea Alexander's retailers. Click on a retailer's name and it will take you directly to her page (and thus these titles): http://greaalexander.seamonkeyink.com...

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Ok, so really quickly, here's a rundown of the free ebook giveaways, sales and other promotions I have stuck my fingers into for the month of May. They are on various sites, run by various promoters and have various participants.

Unless otherwise designated, it's likely a free ebook giveaway.

Want the pretty graphical version? Go here: http://seamonkeyink.com/seamonkey_ink... (May additions will update on 5/1)

Lastly, feel free to share this information with whomever you choose, however you choose.

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SCI-FI/FANTASY

- Fantasy Fix: 5/1 - 5/31 https://mybookcave.com/g/63357be9/

- Paranormal May: 5/1-5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/z...

- Free & 99c Fantasy Firsties: 5/4 - 5/18 https://storyoriginapp.com/to/Sswd7HI3

- SFF Sci-Fi & Fantasy: 5/13-5/19 http://sffbookbonanza.com/freebooks/ This group also offers BIG prizes such as the chance to win $100 Amazon gift cards & Kindle Gift Baskets

SFF Sci-Fi & Fantasy 99c Books: 5/20 - 5/26 http://sffbookbonanza.com/99c-books/ Same group as above with the same level of prizes

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HORROR

- Mayhem: 5/1-5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/n...

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ROMANCE

- Eternal Love: 4/25 - 12/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/G...

- Spring Into Romance: 5/1 - 5/31 https://mybookcave.com/g/ed4684ca/ Includes a chance to win a $25 giftcard

- Reading Is Sexy: 5/1 - 5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/c... Includes Erotica (Yes, there are multiple authors, just keep scrolling down. (wink))

- Hot Girls & Ladies in Hot Books: 5/1-5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/n... same as above

- May by Moonlight: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/2... Paranormal romance

- Summer Nights Romance Giveaway: 5/13 - 6/13 https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/26...

- Romance, Romance & Romance: 4/28 - 5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/s...

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HISTORICAL FICTION

- Those Who Forget the Past: 5/1 - 5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/c... Historical Fiction & Non-Fiction

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NON-FICTION

- No Myth: 5/1 - 5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/M...


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MULTI-GENRE

- Celebrate Diversity - Authors of Color: 5/15 - 6/15 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/t...

- The Write Stuff - Female Authors 5/15 - 6/15 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/l...

- My Summer Reading List: 5/1 - 5/31 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/F...

--Re-Kindle - Kindle Unlimited Authors: 5/12 - 5/18 https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/25...
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ONGOING

- Dark Fantasy: 4/9 - 6/7 https://storyoriginapp.com/to/OYDG1G5X

- Free Romantic Suspense Books - 4/8 - 5/7: https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/1e...

All of these run 04/11 – 05/10:

- Step into the Past - Historical Fiction: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/Z...

- Steamy Romance Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/A...

- Hell-Raising Horror Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/k...

- Love Bites - Paranormal Romance Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/I...

- Forbidden Planets - Science Fiction Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/J...

- Easter Romance Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/7...

- Discover the Magic - Fantasy Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/P...

Lye-Berries

Happy Wednesday!

I was officially picked up by an additional 300+ libraries in Osceola County Florida & Ohio.

Overdrive (which is used by the majority of libraries that carry my work) allows for library searches. Go here:
https://www.overdrive.com/search?q=gr... then click on: Find In Your Library or Libraries Near By.

Note: Different library systems carry different works.

An as complete of a list as I can gather of Libraries who have acquired my work is here: http://greaalexander.seamonkeyink.com...

Newest additions:

Osceola County Library System (Osceola Library System)
Florida, United States View

West Osceola Branch (Osceola Library System)
Florida, United States View

Buenaventura Lakes Branch (Osceola Library System)
Florida, United States View

Poinciana Branch (Osceola Library System)
Florida, United States View

Hart Memorial Central Library (Osceola Library System)
Florida, United States View

St. Cloud Branch (Osceola Library System)
Florida, United States View

Kenansville Branch (Osceola Library System)



State Library of Ohio (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Corrections Commission of Northwest Ohio (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Auglaize County Public District Library - Wapakoneta (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Wauseon Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Weston Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Loudonville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

McComb Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Frankling-Springboro Public Library-Springboro Location (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mercer County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Briggs Lawrence County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Lake (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Sandy Valley (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brown County Public Library - Georgetown (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lane Public Library - Fairfield (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Monroe County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mt. Sterling Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mary Lou Johnson Hardin County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lane Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library - OSU Lima Campus Outlet (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Licking County Library - Mary E. Babcock Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Normal Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Meigs County District Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - Eaton (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - Camden (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

J. R. Clarke Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Defiance Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Carroll County District Library - Malvern (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brown County Public Library - Sardinia (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brown County Public Library - Fayetteville/Perry Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Coshocton Public Library - W. Lafayette (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Guernsey County District Public Library - Crossroads (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Findlay-Hancock Public Library - Arlington (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Patrick Henry Public Library - Malinta Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Harris-Elmore Library - Genoa Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Portsmouth Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Portsmouth Public Library - Wheelersburg (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Portsmouth Public Library - South Webster (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Wadsworth Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Salem Township Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Putnam County District Library - Leipsic Edwards-Gamper Memorial (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Champaign County - North Lewisburg Branch Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Arcanum Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County - Gambier (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Marion Public Library - Caledonia Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Forest-Jackson Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Washington County Public Library - Belpre Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library - Richmond Dale (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Logan-Hocking County District Library - Laurelville Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Amelia Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Felicity Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

SEO Library Center (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Union Township Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Milford-Miami Township Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Owensville Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Holgate Community Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

St. Marys Community Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Massillon Public Library - Askren (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Archbold Community Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Wright Memorial Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Auglaize County Public District Library - Waynesfield (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Ada Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Richwood-North Union Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Avon Lake Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Shelby County Libraries - Philip Sheets Family Botkins (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Washington County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Huron County Community Library System (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mansfield-Richland County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Kent Free Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Evergreen Community Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Coldwater Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Dover Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Galion Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Minerva Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mohawk Community Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lane Public Library - Oxford (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Canal Fulton Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Monroeville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lebanon Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

New Madison Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Carnegie Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Licking County Library - Hebron Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Tiffin-Seneca Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - Preble County Room (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Patrick Henry Public Library - Edwin Wood Memorial (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Carnegie Public Library - East Liverpool (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Bucyrus Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Defiance Public Library - Johnson Memorial Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Claymont Public Library - Dennison (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Dorcas Carey Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Highland County District Library - Leesburg (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Highland County District Library - Lynchburg (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Ashland Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Highland County District Library - Greenfield (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Sabina Public Library - New Vienna Branch Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brown County Public Library - Mt. Orab Branch Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Germantown Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Ida Rupp Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Portsmouth Public Library - New Boston (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Grafton-Midview Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States

Portsmouth Public Library - Lucasville (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Marvin Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Meigs County District Public Library - Racine Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Meigs County District Public Library - Eastern Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Piqua Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Kaubisch Memorial Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Marion Public Library - Henkle-Holliday (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Putnam County District Library - Continental (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Fort Recovery Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library - Northside (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library - Paxton (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mary L. Cook Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mason Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Massillon Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Grand Valley Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clark County Public Library - Houston Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Great Oaks Schools (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Herrick Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark Bookmobile Services (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Crestline Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Cuyahoga Falls Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Kate Love Simpson-Morgan County Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Ashtabula County District Library - Geneva Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Delaware County District Library - Ostrander Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Delphos Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Sylvester Memorial Wellston Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Auglaize County Public District Library - Minster (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Auglaize County Public District Library - New Knoxville (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Shelby County Libraries - AJ Wise-Fort Loramie (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Shelby County Libraries - Jackson Center (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Upper Sandusky Community Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Licking County Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Bellaire Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Cardington-Lincoln Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - DeHoff Memorial (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Mount Gilead Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Paulding County Carnegie Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Madge Youtz (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Rodman Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Main Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - North (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Milton-Union Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

St. Paris Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Caldwell Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Wornstaff Memorial Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Carroll County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brown County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Highland County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Patrick Henry Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Newcomerstown Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library - Cairo (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clark County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Licking County Library - Hervey Memorial (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library - Elida (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Oak Hill Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Putnam County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - West Alexandria (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - West Elkton (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Garnet A. Wilson Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Dally Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Pemberville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Jackson City Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Leetonia Community Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Reed Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Sabina Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Selover Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Delaware County District Library - Orange Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Blanchester Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Amherst Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Gnadenhutten Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Logan-Hocking County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Putnam County District Library - Fort Jennings (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Putnam County District Library - Columbus Grove (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Midpointe Library System (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Midpointe Library System - Trenton Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Midpointe Library System - West Chester Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Findlay-Hancock Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Perry Cook Memorial Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Centerburg Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library - Kingston (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Washington County Public Library - Barlow Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library - Howard S. Young (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Washington County Public Library - Marietta Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Washington County Public Library - New Matamoras Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Salem Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clark County Public Library - Village Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clark County Public Library - Enon Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - New Richmond - Howard F. Flannery Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Goshen Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Guernsey County District Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Harris Elmore Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Hardin-Northern Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Westerville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

St Clairsville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Massillon Public Library - Belloni (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)


Mechanicsburg Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Ashtabula County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Tuscarawas County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lakewood Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Delaware County District Library - Powell Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Union Township Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Delaware County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Auglaize County Public District Library - New Bremen (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Shelby County Libraries - Amos Memorial (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brown Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Alger Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Sinclair Community College (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Liberty Center Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Way Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

North Canton Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Wayne Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Williams County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Wood County District Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Belmont County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Bliss Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Bluffton Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Bowerston Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Athens County Public Libraries (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Brumback Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Logan County Libraries (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - East Canton (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Jackson (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lepper Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Perry Sippo (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Napoleon Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Stark County District Library - Plain (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lane Public Library - Hamilton (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lane Community Technology Center (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Owens Community College (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Montpelier Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Carnegie Public Library - Washington Court House (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Pataskala Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Auglaize County Public District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

New Carlisle Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Chatfield College Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Delta Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

New London Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Gratis Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Licking County Library - Buckeye Lake Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Licking County Library - Emerson R. Miller Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library - Lafayette (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library - Spencerville (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Lima Public Library - Main Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Claymont Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

East Palestine Memorial Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

North Baltimore Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Oak Harbor Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - Eldorado (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - West Manchester (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Preble County District Library - New Paris (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Franklin-Springboro Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Coshocton Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Perry County District Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Louisville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Patrick Henry Public Library - Hamler Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Defiance Public Library - Sherwood Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Guernsey County District Public Library - Byesville (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Champaign County Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Public Library of Steubenville & Jefferson County (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Puskarich Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Greenville Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Wellsville Carnegie Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Putnam County District Library - Ottoville-Monterey Twp (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Putnam County District Library - Kalida (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Putnam County District Library - Pandora-Riley (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Meigs County District Public Library - Middleport Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Worch Memorial Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Marion Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Marion Public Library - Prospect Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Ridgemont Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Rockford Carnegie Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Washington County Public Library - Local History and Genealogy (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Washington County Public Library -Beverly Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Rossford Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library - South Salem (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clark County Public Library - Park Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Clermont County Public Library - Bethel Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Clermont County Public Library - Batavia Branch - Doris Wood (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

Clermont County Public Library - Williamsburg Branch - Marion G. Croswell (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Shelby County Libraries (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Columbiana Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Community Library (Sunbury) (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Wilmington Public Library of Clinton County (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Highland County District Library - Hillsboro (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Wilmington Public Library of Clinton County - Clinton Massie Branch (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Holmes County District Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Belle Center Free Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Swanton LSD Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Tipp City Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Seneca East Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)


Auglaize County Public District Library - Cridersville (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Adams County Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Shelby County Libraries - Anna (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Shelby County Libraries - Russia (The Ohio Digital Library)
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Homer Public Library (The Ohio Digital Library)
Ohio, United States View

OverDrive College Demo (OverDrive College Demo)

This joins libraries in Harris County, TX & Buffalo/Erie NY:

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

North Park Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Central Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Crane Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Kenilworth Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Lackawanna Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Dudley Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Niagara Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

East Delavan Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Eggertsville-Snyder Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

City of Tonawanda Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Riverside Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

East Clinton Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Amherst Main Library at Audubon (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Elma Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Lake Shore Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Cheektowaga Public Library Anna M. Reinstein
Memorial Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Alden Free Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Williamsville Branch Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Aurora Town Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Orchard Park Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Lancaster Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Clarence Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Concord Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

West Seneca Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Angola Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

North Collins Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Grand Island Memorial Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Public Library Julia Boyer Reinstein Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Marilla Free Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Hamburg Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Collins Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Amherst Public Library- Clearfield Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Newstead Public Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Eden Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Kenmore Branch (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Boston Free Library (Buffalo & Erie County Public Library) New York, United States

Harris County Law Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Harris County Public Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

High Meadows Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Crosby Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Lone Star College - Cy-Fair Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Evelyn Meador Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Aldine Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Barbara Bush Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

North Channel Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Stratford Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Texas Medical Center Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Maud Marks Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

West University Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Katherine Tyra Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Katy Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

South Houston Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Northwest Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

La Porte Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Octavia Fields Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Northwest (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Jacinto City Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Atascocita Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Kingwood Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Fairbanks Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Parker Williams Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Freeman Memorial Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Galena Park Branch Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States

Lone Star College - Tomball Community Library (Harris County Public Library) Texas, United States


Cheers!

Grea.

April Showers Bring Even More Than Flowers - UPDATED 04-09-2019

No idea what is going on this month, but the number of free ebook and discount promotions is INSANE. Scroll to the bottom to see the new additions (or start at the top if you're just now seeing this post).

You can also find this information in pretty, easy to digest, graphical format on my website (and as far in the future as I'm aware of): http://seamonkeyink.com/seamonkey_ink...

Please note: These promotions are run through various outfits and on various sites. Some ask for your email address and some don't.

With no further ado:

Here are the free ebooks and deeply discounted book promotions for April.

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Get your free thriller, crime & horror ebook fix here 4/1 - 4/30: https://storyoriginapp.com/to/Pfx3l8Wa NOT at Dark-Novels.com.

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Like your Springs full of Steam? Free sexy romances here 4/5 - 4/14: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/o...

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Wishing Fantasy Island was real? Get your fantasy fix 4/7-4/22 here: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/c...

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Did you miss the Steamy Springs? Never fear for Kiss Steamy Romance is here (4/1 thru 4/30): https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/A...

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Want to see some Fantasy Falls and meet the keeper of the blue hand flame for less than the cost of a candy bar (including The Pack: Addison by Grea Alexander)?





Go here: ** https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/A... between 4/1 and April 14th.

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Want even more titillating titles? Romance is here. April 1 through April 30th: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/z...

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Want to read something scarier than your tax bill? Get your free horror ebooks here: ** https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/2...

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Have you ever said to yourself: "Gee, if only my romance had a supernatural flare." or "Why can't fantasies come true in the city?"

Well here you go! Free Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy ebooks can be had here: https://mybookcave.com/g/685de190/

As a bonus, you can enter to win $25!

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Want even more Paranormal Romance but with a little more spice? Sexy Paranormal Romance is here: https://mybookcave.com/g/d8b30beb/

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NEW ADDITIONS AS OF 04-03-2019:

Romance - Free Hot and Steam Reads: 4/5 - 4/30: https://books.bookfunnel.com/romanceb...

Free Paranormal Love: 4/5 - 4/30: https://books.bookfunnel.com/paranorm...

Spring After Sunset (Free Paranormal Romance) : 4/8 - 4/30/19 https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/m...

NEW ADDITIONS AS OF 04-07-2019:

Free Romantic Suspense Books - 4/8 - 5/7: https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/1e...

99c Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror sale - 4/12 - 4/21: https://books.bookfunnel.com/writerso...

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NEW ADDITIONS AS OF 04-07-2019:

All of these run 04/11 – 05/10:

Step into the Past - Historical Fiction: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/Z...

Steamy Romance Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/A...

Hell-Raising Horror Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/k...

Love Bites - Paranormal Romance Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/I...

Forbidden Planets - Science Fiction Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/J...

Easter Romance Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/7...

Discover the Magic - Fantasy Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/P...

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Enjoy!

Grea.

Even MORE Mucho Marcho - more free giveways & over 100 titles!

Yes, you read that right: 100 free ebook titles (full books & samples).

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Missing Valentine's Day already? Well get your free fix of Romance titles here: https://storyoriginapp.com/to/Z4uUMHgd

This promotion runs now through 3/31/2019.

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Looking for new free urban fantasy and paranormal romance titles? Here's your place: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/F...

This promotion runs now through 4/15/2019.

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My 99c title this promotion: http://sffbookbonanza.com/99c-books-m... (now through 3/24)?

Miael: Family



Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Smashwords: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

You can also pick up other Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror titles AND enter to win a Mega Kindle giftbasket featuring a kindle $100 Gift Card and lots of goodies at the link above.

Cheers!

Grea.

Mucho Marcho!

Hello....
Are free books what you're looking for?

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Remember how I told you at some point that I'm always pulling something new out of my arse...enal? Well here it is!

Below you will find a listing of the Special Promotions I will be participating in this month. Some give you free ebooks and/or deep discounts and some also give you a chance to win gift cards & other prizes!

Enjoy!

Grea

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Something, Hot, Spicy & Sweet: https://mybookcave.com/g/0cee9e0f/

Dates: Right now through March 5th.

Details: 45 free Spicy, sexy romance novels including a sample of:







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Explore Science Fiction & Fantasy (including Dark Fantasy/Horror) https://mybookcave.com/g/2d167f2a/

Dates: March 1 - March 31

Details: Enter to win a $25 gift card and download some free sci-fi & fantasy ebooks! 49 titles available.

Includes a free sample of:







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Black Girl Magic: https://mybookcave.com/g/425cdd90/

Dates: March 1 - March 31

Details: Free ebook samples and full length novels featuring a black female heroine (in the romance genre or containing at least some romantic elements) including a sample of:







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The Romance Reviews 8th Anniversary Party: https://www.theromancereviews.com/eve...

Dates: March 1 - March 31

Details: Enter to win a $50 gift card and free Romance books! Over 100 participating authors to discover and 100 prizes to be won.

Includes (on March 8th) a chance to win a complete copy of:







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SFF Book Bonanza http://sffbookbonanza.com/free-books

Dates: March 11 - March 17

Details: Free ebook downloads for a wide variety of sci-fi & fantasy genres including: action & adventure, space opera, hard SF, Military SF, Dystopian & Post-Apocalyptic, Cyperpunk & Steampunk, Romance, Epic Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Horror, Fables & Myths, Fantasy & Paranormal Romance.

I'm unsure what the prize is for March; however, this outfit gives out big prizes such as $100 Amazon gift cards & the Ultimate E-reader gift baskets that include e-readers, etc. (Scroll down the page for the entry banner)

Includes a free sample of:







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SFF Book Bonanza http://sffbookbonanza.com/99c-books

Dates: March 18 - March 24

Details: Get your sci-fi/fantasy fix for only 99 cents on Amazon (all of them)! Includes a wide variety of sci-fi & fantasy genres including: action & adventure, space opera, hard SF, Military SF, Dystopian & Post-Apocalyptic, Cyperpunk & Steampunk, Romance, Epic Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Horror, Fables & Myths, Fantasy & Paranormal Romance.

I'm unsure what the prize is for March; however, this outfit gives out big prizes such as $100 Amazon gift cards & the Ultimate E-reader gift baskets that include e-readers, etc. (Scroll down the page for the entry banner)

Includes this Grea Alexander title for only 99 cents USD on Amazon (all Amazon sites)!






Pop on over and see for yourself between March 18 - March 24! (wink)

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Seamonkey Ink Special Promotions: http://www.seamonkeyink.com/seamonkey...

Re-covery!

Yay me! I just finished redesigning my book covers.

Mosey on over and check 'em out!
































A lot of work but also a lot of fun in a lot of ways.

Enjoy!

Grea.

The First Timers' Guide to Fishing

Ok, Little Seamonkeys. I don't really write humorous stories, per say (though some of my stories tend to have elements of my twisted and sometimes very dark sense of humor). However, today, I'm kind of in the mood to relay a funny story for some reason.

Here it goes:

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For some strange reason (insert wide, innocent eyes here) I have been the fodder of anecdotes, gossip and outright tall tales my entire life. I have been compared to everything from a Byronic Hero (by my high school English teacher) to a human cartoon character. No idea why. (grin) I just kind of do things, think about things, speak about things and write about things in a way different from most other, normal people. In fact, according to my Myers-Briggs Type Indicator profile only about 2% of people in the world have my particular personality leanings.

That being said, I’ve never been one to let not knowing what I was doing slow me down in any sense whatsoever or to keep me from running headlong into what my son likes to refer to as my “adventures”. I suffer from the “If they can do it, surely with me being me, I can do it too.” disease.

You see, at a frighteningly young age I grasped the concept that so long as you *appear* confident - as if you know exactly what you are talking about and/or doing - and are charismatic, the stars generally align and all will kind of work itself out in the end.

Needless to say, I have had some rather interesting and what other people might view as comical life experiences - the kind of experiences that people take for granted will happen to me even if there would be a snowball’s chance in h...the oven that they would happen to anyone else.

Taking my son fishing for the first time was no exception.

Note: Everything I’m about to relay to you is absolutely true and it really happened just as I describe it. Also, my son has a rather unusual name. So, in order to protect his identity, I will just refer to him throughout this anecdote as Peanut (which is, of course, obviously short for Peanut Butter and Jelly Head).

Now, the summer before, while visiting a friend in another city, a male friend of ours decided to take my son fishing. My son had a ball and ever since had been constantly begging and begging.... and begging me to take him fishing.

I was a little leery at first as I had never actually fished a day in my life. Yes, I’ve kinda sorta been in the vicinity of other people while they fished; however, I was too busy “accidentally” kicking over their worm buckets so that the little suckers could burrow for their lives whenever the fisher people’s backs were turned to actually pay attention to what they were doing (past them cutting the worms up into pieces and skewering them).

I imagined myself having to massacre and torture the poor little creatures myself. I imagined having to unhook this poor, wiggly, slimy and angry creature from a hook while it sent secret, irate fish sonar messages to its little friends to attack. In all of my imaginings, I simply did not imagine that fishing was the thing for me. Leaving the “dirty work” to others had worked well for me in my gastronomic life so far. I saw no reason why it should change then.

Still, there was my little Puffy Cheeks with his big, pleading eyes and confident, charismatic ways (no idea where that came from) begging and begging me to take him fishing just once.

On top of that, I was stabbed in the back by fate.

We were wandering through a store when we spotted fishing gear on clearance – rods and everything.

My son lit up like a sparkler on the fourth of July. Ever so calmly, I explained to my son that I had no idea how to put that stuff together or what all we would need. My adoring son, however, points out to me that that package over there says it’s a complete ready to use kit. (Darn his school and their accursed phonics!)

Having no real viable reason not to, I give in and I get us each a kit. Of course, in my opinion, they were mostly for decorative purposes.

And they were - for a time.

Just owning the shiny, new fishing kits made my son deliriously happy – for a time.

However, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months (and the kits began to grow cobwebs), Peanut finally begins to realize that he was no closer to going fishing with me then than he had been before we had bought the darn things.

Slowly, but surely the begging begins again. Ok, so he nagged the living...snails out of me until I finally decided to give it a go.

My first step was to look up how to fish on the interweb. Second, to seek advice.

I asked a male friend of mine and he was full of optimism and tales of how easy fishing was. He was so confident in fact that I decided I did not really need to re-review my handy, dandy packet o’ information I gleaned from the net. I mean it certainly *looks* easy enough on television and there he was telling me that it’s all easy breezy…beautiful, Covergirl.

So, loading up our complete fishing kits in the car, we decided to head to the beach for a combo beach picnic, frolic and pier fishing day.

After hours of frolicking in the surf and having our picnic, I could put it off no longer. We decided to try our hand at fishing. Okay, so my son nagged the living seashells out of me to get me to agree to try our hands at fishing.

Our adventure began with us taking my “complete ready to fish fishing kit” out of the package and Peanut taking out his Simpson’s pole. While it certainly appeared that all I had to do was to stick the smaller pole into the larger pole, when I opened the package, the reely thingamabob fell off! (Apparently they were only going for the *illusion* of easy assembly.)

But no worries, with no instructions that made any sense to me on the package, assembly was a veritable breeze!

After a while of watching me curse under my breath and engage in questionable assembly practices, Peanut asks some guy walking by for help. This guy takes one look at all of my hard work and he starts laughing. As it turns out, while the reely thing was in fact attached with some tenacity, it was attached incorrectly – backwards and upside down were the terms I believed he used.

So, said gentleman kindly proceeds to destroy all of my hard work in the name of assembling the thing “correctly”. Done, he and his sons strung us up right proper like and hooked us and all (with my artificial bait).

At last, off we go on our journey to find a dock off of which to test our hereto obviously hidden fishing prowess.

I learned many things that holiday weekend day. I learned:

1. A “complete ready to fish kit” does *not* come with easy to understand directions, something to cut the line with or assembled and therefore, is neither complete nor ready. Who knew?!

2. Crappy casting does not fish yield. I guess that’s because there were far too many steps! Flip back this silver thing, then stick your finger up something and press this button. (shrug) If I’d just had a gun, it would have worked out *way* better.

3. I am an expert line tangler. I mean I managed tangles in my line of which world class fishermen can only dream. In the end, I had a big tangly ball of line that completely covered my reely thingie.

Some might call this a problem. I call it ensuring continued stability of the hold my reely-ma-bob had on the rod.

4. Peanut is a Class A seaweed catcher. I mean he caught balls of the stuff almost as impressive as my line ball.

We were both very excited as I think we both secretly longed for a hot steaming dinner of Seaweed soup at the end of the day.

5. My rod made a *way* better rapier than a fishing pole. I easily defeated Peanut in our subsequent sword fight.

Okay, fights.

(Don’t look at me like that. It’s call re-purposing. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle my friend.)

6. Peanut’s rod makes a better sand pencil than mine. Mine was just too floppy to make curvy letters and provide any real structural definition.

7. My rod however, because of it’s floppiness (which had originally been a flaw in a sand pencil), made a really cool whooshing sound when flopped back and forth quickly and a really trippy mind scrambling device when one’s eyes tried to follow the tip while engaged thus.

8. Peanut’s rod also made a really nifty walking sticky – of perfect size and strength. Mine on the other hand, due to it’s half-accursed and half-blessed floppiness, was a poor support - even in Gandelf-ish usage.

9. While poking with the rod is good, actual slashing can lead to injury.

Yes, number 9 happened to me. After I poked Peanut a few times with my rod, he gets all over excited and decided to pretend to slash my legs with his. Unfortunately, during all of our adventures (which apparently exceeded the proper, intended use for a fishing rod), the little metal part that made up the round line guide had come loose. As he slid it across my calf, it sliced my calf and my finger while I was trying to move it away.

I bled out pretty good though the actual incisions were pretty small. He got down good into the meat after all.

My finger, I put in my mouth because of well the antiseptic and coagulative properties of saliva, but my calf was another matter entirely. I did not think it appropriate for me to sit down in the sand, lift my leg up and suck on my calf in the middle of a crowded beach.

I instead decide to wade into the water and walk in it until I reach the lifeguard shack and its bandages (as the salt water would help to stem the flow of blood).

As I’m walking, my son starts getting all paranoid about sharks scenting the blood. But being the good mother and stand up kind of gal that I happen to be, I assured him that while I might be the shark’s initial attraction, there were many, many people a lot farther from shore that the shark would surely get to before me - thus giving me time to run out of the knee deep water to safety.

Peanut was satisfied with this reasoning.

After about an hour of driving home the guilt Peanut should be feeling over my life threatening injuries, we concluded our fishing odyssey. I vowed then that next time, I would leave the fishing to more bored and technically proficient persons and stick to my thawed, fully cooked and served fish.

The end.

I know. I know. I’m awesome.

Lye-berries! UPDATED 2/8/19

Guess who is wiggling her way into a public library near you?

No. Me!

That’s right! Libraries are now carrying Grea Alexander titles in Ebook and/or Print form (as of February 8, 2019 over 330)!

Now, all of you who are too (insert adjective of your choice) to buy my books yourself, can check them out and read them for free (to you anyway).

For a current-ish listing of libraries go here: http://greaalexander.seamonkeyink.com...

Other libraries (not listed) also carry my titles; however, due to limitations in reporting by library platforms, we can not always pull up exact information.

Also note: Different libraries carry different titles. While we can see who has purchased the titles, we have no control of when or how they choose to make them available.

Unsure if your library carries Grea Alexander titles? Check. Simply do a search of your library's online or on-site catalog for "Grea Alexander".

Want your library to carry Grea Alexander books? Complete your library's Suggest a Title or Request a Purchase form. Most libraries have them online. Simply go to their website to complete the request or ask your local librarian.

Alternatively, most libraries using ebook platforms have a Recommend function. Simply search for "Grea Alexander" and click "Recommend" under the title you would like your library to carry.

Enjoy!

Self-publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

I've self-published to date primary due to the following considerations:

JANET JACKSON ISN’T THE ONLY PERSON WHO WANTS CONTROL

I prefer to have 100% creative control over what I write. Traditional publication requires a lot of compromise in order to suit the tastes of a myriad of people involved at the pre-publication/publication level (all of whom will have their own individual tastes, preferences and/or vision of what your work should be) as well as what those people perceive (or understand based on market research) to be what the market wants/needs at that time.

More daring publication houses may accept works that are outside of that spectrum but that they feel may be the next big thing or that fit a particular audience they already hold or want to acquire. While this may seem like a plus at first, authors like me who genre jump may not do well with them in the long-run.

In either scenario, the end product may, in some cases, be very different from what YOUR artistic vision of what you’d like to put out is. (Which is why creative people sometimes re-release or include separate “unabridged” “director’s cuts” “uncut” versions once they get a foothold in their industry. They want THEIR vision expressed in its fullness).

While I would LOVE to never have to do anything but write for the rest of my life and to have an entire machine of people to take the burden of doing the things I don’t enjoy doing (such as marketing, social media, etc.) off my shoulders, I had a decision to make about how much I was willing to compromise my work in order to achieve financial/mainstream success.

Up to this point, that has apparently been very little. (wink)

Writing is something that is pure for me. It’s something that I love to do with all of my heart and soul and that I do for no other reason than I love to do it. Getting paid for my creativity is bonus for me. Even if I make little to nothing doing it, I will still continue to do it. When you love something that much, it’s EXTREMELY difficult to turn it over to other people.

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind molding your work as others see fit or can hold your tongue until you get a foothold into the industry, Traditional Publishing might be a better fit for you. While some publishers only accept solicited manuscripts, others hold contests or open submission periods. Others still will accept unsolicited work if it’s submitted by a literary agent they work with/respect (though securing a literary agent can be a long, grueling process in and of itself).

FREEDOM…GEORGE MICHAEL WON’T LET YOU DOWN

Being someone who writes what I feel compelled to write when I feel like writing it, I don’t necessarily include themes, characters or subject matter that is designed with an eye towards maximum profitability and mass consumption. (Yes, there are writers out there who do just that). I also tackle a wide range of topics and a wide range of genres/themes. (Ok, so I largely IGNORE genre labels/expectations in order to tell the story I have it in me to tell).

That being said, with Traditional Publishing, there are again those types of constraints/expectations. Whenever a writer as massive as Stephen King feels they have to write under a different name (Richard Bachman) in order to be able to push boundaries and see how much of their success is due to name recognition, that kind of tells you something.

NICKELS AND DIMES AREN’T JUST FOR SLOT MACHINES

Another thing for me is the principle of it. While Traditional Publishing comes with advantages, there are a lot of financial drawbacks.

While TP houses may sometimes offer generous advances and that aforementioned machine of a team, most authors are lucky if they get to retain 10% of the profit from the sales of their works – if it’s published and distributed at all. That’s right. You do 90% of the work for 10% of the profit.

Yes, TP houses invest time, energy and money in creating what they perceive as being the most profitable version of your work, however, as the major force behind the work existing at all, I think that’s a pretty crappy deal.

And that’s IF they actually publish your work. Sometimes TP houses will decide a work is not “ready” and sit on it until either you produce something they feel is more marketable or you become a success (whether with or without their help). Some contracts are multiple book, require a period of exclusivity (wherein whether or not they actually release your work you can not work with anyone else – even on a different work), the relinquishing of various copy/licensing rights (merchandising, film rights, etc.), lack of transferability (for instance, they own that ISBN or cover, etc.) and/or first look obligations (you must give them 1st chance to publish anything else you create for xyz period of time).

Now can these obstacles be overcome with a good literary agent, contract lawyer and author savvy? Of course they can! However, particularly with new authors, TP houses can be especially rigid and unyielding in these requirements…unless you have on your own demonstrated financial viability…. such as already having successfully self-publishing the work yourself.

Personally, I prefer a 100% guarantee that my work will get pushed out into the world (shivering, naked and cold) than a definite maybe….even if not much of anyone reads it. (wink)

For me, it’s kind of like planting your flag on the moon. Sure, aside from a few snap shots and a few intrepid explorers, no one will ever see it again…EVER. Still, YOU know its there (or assume the next people on the moon didn’t tear it down).

Using platforms such as Smashwords, Draft2Digital, KDP, etc. (depending on where/how it’s distributed) self-published authors retain between 60-70% of the profits on ebook sales (as with many indie-capable digital media platforms). It’s another reason why even some established authors, musicians, etc have dumped their traditional publishers, music companies, etc. and switched to self-publishing.

I will say; however, that profit on print books, unless you make your prices astronomical, are shhh…oot with the current free publication, cut of the sales model. If you’re someone who wants to focus on the print book market, you can; however ,overcome that obstacle by buying your books at Author cost (which can be as little as $3-7 per book depending on how big it is) and either consigning or direct selling them yourself.

While I do create print books (primarily for giveaway purposes, libraries and nostalgia (as I personally rather read printed books)) they represent a teeny, tiny portion of my sales.

Still, unless you have the homegrown audience/tons of sales, TP authors will, in many cases, still come out on top of the game. This is mainly because of the reach of TP houses, their connections and their much larger financial resources. And because, at the end of the day, 10% of $1,000 is more than 70% of $100.

CREDIT DECLINED

It’s an uphill battle really – getting visibility and credibility as an Indie author.

Though things have gotten better for indies over the years, as it has gotten easier and easier for independents to get their work out there, the market is being flooded with not only serious writers but damn near everyone who has ever wanted to write a book in their lives. The number of books being released every year is staggering.

Due to the lack of any real oversight of this free market (much of its charm for the likes of me, mind you), there are a lot of people who game the system for the purposes of generating profit. They pump the market with subpar and, let’s face it, just gawd awful work. I’ve heard about everything from re-releasing what is essentially the same work over and over again under different covers with different titles to click to back books (which used to plague KDP select) to paraphrasing/ “reimagining” other’s works that were previously published. This has in turn given indies, including hard-working and truly talented indies, a bad rap in many circles.

There are also many outlets that work with Traditional Publishers that an indie would have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars with to even get considered by, others that won’t consider you at all no matter what you do and others that have such a high bar for consideration that many indies can’t overcome it.

As far as the industry at large (and many libraries, readers and bloggers) is concerned, being published by a TP house lends that work and that author an instant level of credibility and visibility. Their work is taken more seriously (even though I have read TP books that have far more errors than mine and others that just aren’t very interesting) and sells, in part, thanks to the branding that comes innately with their association with that TP house.

NO MR. ROBOTO

There are some aspects of self-publishing I really don’t like to do and therefore do very little of such as a little thing called marketing (AKA the MAJOR thing you absolutely need to do to sell books).

As an indie, you’re responsible for everything from your editing, cover design, blurb, author accounts, social media, customer service, accounting, marketing etc. etc. etc. It can be a bit daunting and overwhelming – especially if you’re someone like me who prefers just to write.

I’m likely the laziest marketer in the history of Independent Authors. For example, I published Amarna I in 2012 and did absolutely NOTHING with it for something like 2 years. When I say nothing, I mean LITERALLY nothing. It was more of a learning how to do it, doing it then planting my flag on my laptop, saying yeah me, then going on with the rest of my life thing. (Which if I’m super honest, is kind a thing with me.)

To date I have a Goodreads page I rarely visit, a Twitter that was largely automated (I created my own tweets but scheduled them to be released automatically rather than live tweeting) and that I rarely add anything to, a Library Thing page I check on like twice a year and my website that I don’t think about unless I have something to add.

Hell, even when I do giveaways, a posting here or a handful of scheduled tweets/live tweets there is generally as deep as I get with it…if I do anything at all. Sometimes I simply set it and forget it.

Do I have periods of a day or two where I hit the marketing/review trail hard? Yes, I do. However, they are few and far between.

Because of my “what not to do” philosophy on marketing, I always joke that my brand is growing more in spite of me than because of me. (laugh)

COST

When you self-publish, you foot the bill for EVERYTHING. While platforms such as Smashwords, Draft2Digital, KDP, etc. allow you to self-publish for FREE (taking only production/delivery costs at the time a sale is made), if you want a professional editor, professional cover design, to release press kits, give away physical ARCs (Advance Reader Copies), run a serious marketing campaign etc., those things aren’t free.

Depending upon how big a reach you’re after, it can be extremely expensive – and with no guarantee that you’ll EVER recoup those expenditures.

That’s one of the benefits of Traditional Publishing, if your book is a total flop, you’re not on the line (financially anyway).

Are there free avenues available to accomplish the tasks above? Absolutely! Just do it yourself! However, these free avenues are extremely time intensive.

As a human being, I’m decidedly impatient. I’d personally rather spend my time writing, traveling, exploring the world around me or in nature.

Are their lower cost paid options? Absolutely! For instance, the current Seamonkey Ink logo was redesigned by a graphic artist in Pakistan via Fiverr for $5.

However, these services can range from largely ineffective to moderately effective for the most part, with a few (with a very high bar of entry) being stand outs. It’s a lot of trial and error, pick and choosing to see which ones you like/which ones work the best in achieving your objectives (all of which takes time).

IN CONCLUSION

For me, at this time, self-publishing works best. I would not; however, rule out the Traditional Publishing route at some time in the future – even just once for practical comparison’s sake.