C.A. King's Blog, page 5
January 25, 2018
Miracles Not Included
Award winning author C.A. King presents Miracles Not Included: a heartfelt romantic story about: life; love; loss; and learning to love again.
If only life came with instructions and a warning label ~ Miracles Not Included.
*********************
Chris was born to be a writer. Even the smallest of details couldn't pass without notice, often becoming part of a plot for her next novel. The one thing she never saw coming was her husband's sudden illness.
Jason loved his wife from the moment they met. Nothing could ever change that – nothing except the death sentence he'd been handed - a terminal cancer diagnosis.
His story was ending: Hers was starting a new chapter and more than one miracle was needed to turn the page.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0799GM3B6
If only life came with instructions and a warning label ~ Miracles Not Included.
*********************
Chris was born to be a writer. Even the smallest of details couldn't pass without notice, often becoming part of a plot for her next novel. The one thing she never saw coming was her husband's sudden illness.
Jason loved his wife from the moment they met. Nothing could ever change that – nothing except the death sentence he'd been handed - a terminal cancer diagnosis.
His story was ending: Hers was starting a new chapter and more than one miracle was needed to turn the page.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0799GM3B6
January 13, 2018
2018
It's a new year and I've set both my reading and writing goals - have you?
As a reader:
77 books is this years challenge. I've just completed my first read and review and I'm feeling confident I'll surpass my target.
As an Author:
2017 made me a multi-award winning author with a total of 6 awards.
The bucket list doesn't end there. Here's my goals for 2018:
Increasing all of my Social Media follows. If you'd like to help me attain this goal, please join me on any platforms.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ThePortalPro...
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/portalprophecy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.portal....
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-a-king
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/C.-A.-King/e/B...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Obviously, I'd like to sell more books. I've given myself an ambitious monthly level to attain. Watch for specials throughout the year.
New releases -expect to see a few continuations of ongoing series as well as new material.
Anthologies - I expect to be in at least one multi-author book sets.
Genres - I hope to step outside the box and write in two genres other than fantasy.
Thank you everyone for continuing to follow me on my literary journey. I hope 2018 is as epic as I imagine it to be!
Happy Reading.
As a reader:
77 books is this years challenge. I've just completed my first read and review and I'm feeling confident I'll surpass my target.
As an Author:
2017 made me a multi-award winning author with a total of 6 awards.
The bucket list doesn't end there. Here's my goals for 2018:
Increasing all of my Social Media follows. If you'd like to help me attain this goal, please join me on any platforms.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ThePortalPro...
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/portalprophecy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.portal....
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-a-king
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/C.-A.-King/e/B...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Obviously, I'd like to sell more books. I've given myself an ambitious monthly level to attain. Watch for specials throughout the year.
New releases -expect to see a few continuations of ongoing series as well as new material.
Anthologies - I expect to be in at least one multi-author book sets.
Genres - I hope to step outside the box and write in two genres other than fantasy.
Thank you everyone for continuing to follow me on my literary journey. I hope 2018 is as epic as I imagine it to be!
Happy Reading.
December 21, 2017
Books Go Social Readers' Choice Book of 2017
Flower Shields has been short listed in the Books Go Social Readers' Choice Book of 2017 http://bit.ly/2ACAb3tThank you everyone for putting up with me the last couple of weeks & everyone who voted as well.
I am really happy simply making a good showing in this fan choice award and each of your votes have been and are magnificent presents this holiday season.
Voting closes on the 22nd! Thanks again everyone!
October 11, 2017
Annual Book Launch
November 27th The Brantford Writer's Circle Authors are having their annual book launch.
Basically, you can meet the writers circle members and discuss books written by them in the last year. Authors will have books available to purchase.
Monday, Nov. 27th at 7:pm at the Carriage House at Thorpe Brother's located at 96 West St. just three blocks south of the train station and one block north of Grace Anglican Church.
Find out more https://www.facebook.com/groups/33731...
Basically, you can meet the writers circle members and discuss books written by them in the last year. Authors will have books available to purchase.
Monday, Nov. 27th at 7:pm at the Carriage House at Thorpe Brother's located at 96 West St. just three blocks south of the train station and one block north of Grace Anglican Church.
Find out more https://www.facebook.com/groups/33731...
September 16, 2017
Hide A Book Day
The Book Fairies are stirring. September 18th is Hide A Book Day. I'll be out helping them! If you want to follow along I'll be posting pictures throughout the day with book locations! Mark yourself as going to get all the updates.
If you are an author helping out the fairies this year, feel free to join and post your own pictures!
We are about to have a gigantic literary treasure hunt!
https://www.facebook.com/events/11692...
If you are an author helping out the fairies this year, feel free to join and post your own pictures!
We are about to have a gigantic literary treasure hunt!
https://www.facebook.com/events/11692...
Nominated!
For years now, I've dragged you: my family; my friends; my readers; and my peers, along on my writing adventure. You've supported me in every which way - through all of the ups and the downs. I can't thank you enough for putting up with me.
Today is special! I've been nominated for TWO Reader's Choice Awards - one in the The Hamilton Spectator and the second in the Brant News. I'm up against some tough competition and fabulous authors. If you have a minute, please cast your vote.
Thank you again for all your support!
Hamilton Spectator
https://readerschoice.thespec.com/201...
Brant News
https://brantnews.communityvotes.com/...
Today is special! I've been nominated for TWO Reader's Choice Awards - one in the The Hamilton Spectator and the second in the Brant News. I'm up against some tough competition and fabulous authors. If you have a minute, please cast your vote.
Thank you again for all your support!
Hamilton Spectator
https://readerschoice.thespec.com/201...
Brant News
https://brantnews.communityvotes.com/...
September 15, 2017
Brant News Reader's Choice Awards
C.A. King, Author of The Portal Prophecies is honoured to be nominated in the Brant News for best local author! Voting is now open. Please take a minute from your day to have your say.
Thank you everyone for your continued support. It is readers who make writing worthwhile!
https://brantnews.communityvotes.com/...
C.A. King
Thank you everyone for your continued support. It is readers who make writing worthwhile!
https://brantnews.communityvotes.com/...
C.A. King
August 22, 2017
Author Interview - Greg Alldredge
We are visiting with Greg Alldredge today on the road to discovering 30 new authors! I asked Greg to tell us a bit about himself and here's what he said:
I guess I said it best on my author page, I’ve had several careers over the past 50+ years. Currently I am a theatre teacher and a writer, this is probably where I will continue to work until I die. Growing up, I was bitten by the travel bug. Since my parents were not independently wealthy, I joined the Navy to see the world. I spent twenty years in the Navy I met and married my wife we adopted our son and we travelled extensively, I also acted professionally from time to time. Once I retired from the Navy I went into the medical manufacturing industry that was great it put my son through college. I came to Texas to retire, I failed at retirement. I began teaching because several people said I would be good at it. After five years teaching in Texas, we decided to travel overseas and teach. While in China I found an outstanding opportunity to write. I had tried and failed to write books in the past, either by location or maturity this time I was able to complete what I started.
We'll be discussing Alldredge's book, “Lights in the Night”.
Plagued by nightmares, Trevor's drawn to Texas by unknown forces. What are those lights? Join Trevor and the quirky town residents as he searches for answers and tries to fill the void in his heart.
Let's take a look inside the book with the first three paragraphs:
Everyone in town called ‘Old Sits’ the crazy old hermit. One of those men that by choice decided to live a life of solitude in the open desert.
Yet, this particular night, he was on a mission. Like a forward observer, equipped with surveillance equipment more suitable to the NSA or catching cheating spouses. Dressed in a ghillie suit, camouflage netting covering his entrenched position. Armed with a high-power camera, hyperbolic microphone and a four-inch tripod mounted telescope all targeted at the distance southern mountain range under observation.
Any rational observer would recognize someone who was spying on someone or something. He chose to position himself here, in this very location watching the same chunk of real-estate for the last four months. Every night from before moonrise to first light, eating cold spam sandwiches and drinking vodka, waiting for anything to happen.
That brings us to the best part of any interview - the questions and answers!
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
The simple answer would be science fiction. I’ve never been great at being simple. There’s some mystery, there’s some suspense, and there’s some humour. I think the readers will determine if it science fiction or not.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
No. There is some drug use but it’s mostly a family-friendly book.
Question: What is your favourite Quote?
“The bad is what makes us enjoy the good. If you are so worried about how bad things are for you, how can you ever accept when something good comes along. You keep worrying about everything you don’t have, you will die old and alone. Start appreciating the good in your life.”
Question: What advice do you have for new writers?
Get off your butt and write. Even if your writing sucks the only way to get better is through practice.
Question: Where do you write?
The funny answer is China, but it really depends on where I am. I normally either sit at the kitchen table or my desk in my little office. Since I do live part of the year in China and part of the year in Texas I really will write where I can.
Question: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
In a sense, all my characters are real. When I’m typing them, or speaking for them, I can hear their distinct voices in my head as I’m writing. I’m not sure if this is because I’m slightly insane or I’ve just seen so many movies and worked in so much theatre that now I tend to create characterizations as I’m writing.
Question: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
The same advice I gave above. “Get off your butt and write.” I can be the largest procrastinator on the face of the earth. There are so many things vying for our attention, it makes it incredibly hard to focus and write.
Question: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
I prefer novels. I think it gives me a larger opportunity to get my point across to. I will be writing a short story in a few days, I’m curious if I will be able to keep it under ten thousand words.
Question: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
The closest thing I would call Easter eggs are references for people over the age of thirty or maybe even forty. I grew up in the 70s and 80s I’m sure there are some jokes that will be missed from a younger generation.
Question: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
I have so many favourite foods it’s hard to pick one however, there is a Chinese pastry called baozi 包子which I love and is in my current work in progress.
Question: Do you have a writing Motto?
Get off your butt and write.
Question: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
I would have to say the fifth century BC, in ancient Greece. I would want to see the beginnings of Western theatre. There are so many questions I have about how it all started. Out of a hundred years of plays performed at the city of Dionysus we only have thirty-seven. Even if I couldn’t understand a thing they were saying it would be thrilling to see how the plays were performed and how everything interacted with the beginning of democracy.
If you would like to check out Greg further follow the links!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ND2SMF
https://www.facebook.com/G.Alldredge/
https://www.greg-alldredge.com/
Happy Reading!
I guess I said it best on my author page, I’ve had several careers over the past 50+ years. Currently I am a theatre teacher and a writer, this is probably where I will continue to work until I die. Growing up, I was bitten by the travel bug. Since my parents were not independently wealthy, I joined the Navy to see the world. I spent twenty years in the Navy I met and married my wife we adopted our son and we travelled extensively, I also acted professionally from time to time. Once I retired from the Navy I went into the medical manufacturing industry that was great it put my son through college. I came to Texas to retire, I failed at retirement. I began teaching because several people said I would be good at it. After five years teaching in Texas, we decided to travel overseas and teach. While in China I found an outstanding opportunity to write. I had tried and failed to write books in the past, either by location or maturity this time I was able to complete what I started.
We'll be discussing Alldredge's book, “Lights in the Night”.
Plagued by nightmares, Trevor's drawn to Texas by unknown forces. What are those lights? Join Trevor and the quirky town residents as he searches for answers and tries to fill the void in his heart.
Let's take a look inside the book with the first three paragraphs:
Everyone in town called ‘Old Sits’ the crazy old hermit. One of those men that by choice decided to live a life of solitude in the open desert.
Yet, this particular night, he was on a mission. Like a forward observer, equipped with surveillance equipment more suitable to the NSA or catching cheating spouses. Dressed in a ghillie suit, camouflage netting covering his entrenched position. Armed with a high-power camera, hyperbolic microphone and a four-inch tripod mounted telescope all targeted at the distance southern mountain range under observation.
Any rational observer would recognize someone who was spying on someone or something. He chose to position himself here, in this very location watching the same chunk of real-estate for the last four months. Every night from before moonrise to first light, eating cold spam sandwiches and drinking vodka, waiting for anything to happen.
That brings us to the best part of any interview - the questions and answers!
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
The simple answer would be science fiction. I’ve never been great at being simple. There’s some mystery, there’s some suspense, and there’s some humour. I think the readers will determine if it science fiction or not.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
No. There is some drug use but it’s mostly a family-friendly book.
Question: What is your favourite Quote?
“The bad is what makes us enjoy the good. If you are so worried about how bad things are for you, how can you ever accept when something good comes along. You keep worrying about everything you don’t have, you will die old and alone. Start appreciating the good in your life.”
Question: What advice do you have for new writers?
Get off your butt and write. Even if your writing sucks the only way to get better is through practice.
Question: Where do you write?
The funny answer is China, but it really depends on where I am. I normally either sit at the kitchen table or my desk in my little office. Since I do live part of the year in China and part of the year in Texas I really will write where I can.
Question: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
In a sense, all my characters are real. When I’m typing them, or speaking for them, I can hear their distinct voices in my head as I’m writing. I’m not sure if this is because I’m slightly insane or I’ve just seen so many movies and worked in so much theatre that now I tend to create characterizations as I’m writing.
Question: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
The same advice I gave above. “Get off your butt and write.” I can be the largest procrastinator on the face of the earth. There are so many things vying for our attention, it makes it incredibly hard to focus and write.
Question: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
I prefer novels. I think it gives me a larger opportunity to get my point across to. I will be writing a short story in a few days, I’m curious if I will be able to keep it under ten thousand words.
Question: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
The closest thing I would call Easter eggs are references for people over the age of thirty or maybe even forty. I grew up in the 70s and 80s I’m sure there are some jokes that will be missed from a younger generation.
Question: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
I have so many favourite foods it’s hard to pick one however, there is a Chinese pastry called baozi 包子which I love and is in my current work in progress.
Question: Do you have a writing Motto?
Get off your butt and write.
Question: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
I would have to say the fifth century BC, in ancient Greece. I would want to see the beginnings of Western theatre. There are so many questions I have about how it all started. Out of a hundred years of plays performed at the city of Dionysus we only have thirty-seven. Even if I couldn’t understand a thing they were saying it would be thrilling to see how the plays were performed and how everything interacted with the beginning of democracy.
If you would like to check out Greg further follow the links!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ND2SMF
https://www.facebook.com/G.Alldredge/
https://www.greg-alldredge.com/
Happy Reading!
August 8, 2017
Book review - A Doctor to Dragons
A Doctor to Dragons written by Scott G. Huggins is one of my favourite reads of the year.
A vet for mythical creatures; a hunchback assistant; a Dark Lord; trolls, a basilisk; a vampire and a sick dragon makes for some intense situations fantasy fans of any age can enjoy.
The surgical operation to remove a knight in armour lodged in the dragon's intestines might make some a bit squirmish, but humour evens it out!
I highly recommend this book. 5 stars & wish I could give more!
A vet for mythical creatures; a hunchback assistant; a Dark Lord; trolls, a basilisk; a vampire and a sick dragon makes for some intense situations fantasy fans of any age can enjoy.
The surgical operation to remove a knight in armour lodged in the dragon's intestines might make some a bit squirmish, but humour evens it out!
I highly recommend this book. 5 stars & wish I could give more!
Author Interview - Ed Charlton
We are here today with Ed Charlton discussing ABLE: Episode One of The Able Series
This is the first episode of the sci-fi series published on Kindle only.
Jim Able works in outer space. Although he has returned to duty after a disastrous encounter on a previous assignment, he is determined to enjoy his work. His boss may be on his case, but he still manages to drink a little too much, to eat dubious food, and to smell the alien flora.
In the first episode, Jim is sent to Turcanis Major V to solve a mystery but with strict instructions not to start a war. Will he find the alien calling himself “Edward of Turcania”?
Will he discover who has qualified for the First Contact fee? Will he accidentally foment a revolution?
With the help of a local female scientist, Madhar Nect, Jim investigates the religious minority of TMV’s main moon. He calls on all his patience, determination, and improvisation to finally secure an interview with a Regdenir. And then the trouble starts...
Additional bonus materials available at edcharlton.com.
The story continues in SOPHA.
If you are already sold here’s where you can find the book and more information about today’s author:
https://www.amazon.com/ABLE-Episode-A...
http://scribbulations.com/download-ce...
http://scribbulations.com/able-series/
https://twitter.com/scribbulations
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Science Fiction, with the addition of my British sense of humo(u)r.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
No. No blood or gore, nothing sexually explicit. There is danger, tension, and talk of violence.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
October: Collingswood Book Fair, Collingswood NJ. November: Hockessin Book and Art Fair, Hockessin DE
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
The fourth Jim Able episode is coming out soon – called A’nir.
I’m writing the sequel to The Problem of Uncle Teddy’s Memoir.
https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Uncle-...
Question: How does your cover tie into your story?
Directly. It shows Jim Able’s rented spaceship landing. It’s the first contact moment.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Clifford D. Simak “City”
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
The hobbit, Sam Gamgee. I like gardening.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
I’ve always been writing. But being an author is something that has only recently been in reach.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Will he ever find what he wants to be when he grows up?
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Finish it. You don’t got nothing ‘til it’s done.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Signing a contract with a “publisher” who didn’t fulfil their side of the deal, you know – the actual publishing bit.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
I have to choose two – one fan, one potential fan.
An extended family member got hold of a copy of The Problem with Uncle Teddy’s Memoir at a party. She missed most of the fun because she couldn’t put it down.
The potential fan was a guy at Philadelphia Comic Con. I had an endless string of people walking past saying they didn’t read books anymore. He stopped and said, “Oh, yeah! I read a ton of sci-fi!” That’s my audience, right there.
Thanks for reading ~ until next time, enjoy the journey.
This is the first episode of the sci-fi series published on Kindle only.
Jim Able works in outer space. Although he has returned to duty after a disastrous encounter on a previous assignment, he is determined to enjoy his work. His boss may be on his case, but he still manages to drink a little too much, to eat dubious food, and to smell the alien flora.
In the first episode, Jim is sent to Turcanis Major V to solve a mystery but with strict instructions not to start a war. Will he find the alien calling himself “Edward of Turcania”?
Will he discover who has qualified for the First Contact fee? Will he accidentally foment a revolution?
With the help of a local female scientist, Madhar Nect, Jim investigates the religious minority of TMV’s main moon. He calls on all his patience, determination, and improvisation to finally secure an interview with a Regdenir. And then the trouble starts...
Additional bonus materials available at edcharlton.com.
The story continues in SOPHA.
If you are already sold here’s where you can find the book and more information about today’s author:
https://www.amazon.com/ABLE-Episode-A...
http://scribbulations.com/download-ce...
http://scribbulations.com/able-series/
https://twitter.com/scribbulations
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Science Fiction, with the addition of my British sense of humo(u)r.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
No. No blood or gore, nothing sexually explicit. There is danger, tension, and talk of violence.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
October: Collingswood Book Fair, Collingswood NJ. November: Hockessin Book and Art Fair, Hockessin DE
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
The fourth Jim Able episode is coming out soon – called A’nir.
I’m writing the sequel to The Problem of Uncle Teddy’s Memoir.
https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Uncle-...
Question: How does your cover tie into your story?
Directly. It shows Jim Able’s rented spaceship landing. It’s the first contact moment.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Clifford D. Simak “City”
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
The hobbit, Sam Gamgee. I like gardening.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
I’ve always been writing. But being an author is something that has only recently been in reach.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Will he ever find what he wants to be when he grows up?
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Finish it. You don’t got nothing ‘til it’s done.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Signing a contract with a “publisher” who didn’t fulfil their side of the deal, you know – the actual publishing bit.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
I have to choose two – one fan, one potential fan.
An extended family member got hold of a copy of The Problem with Uncle Teddy’s Memoir at a party. She missed most of the fun because she couldn’t put it down.
The potential fan was a guy at Philadelphia Comic Con. I had an endless string of people walking past saying they didn’t read books anymore. He stopped and said, “Oh, yeah! I read a ton of sci-fi!” That’s my audience, right there.
Thanks for reading ~ until next time, enjoy the journey.
