S.K. Falls's Blog, page 7

I Made a Pony…And I Liked It (Ponyfest 2013)

My friend Rebecca Enzor is a really talented author…and a My Little Pony aficionado. She writes MLP fan fiction (apart from some fantastic original novels) and this year, she invited me to join Ponyfest 2013. Besides being able to win an awesome MLP, I’ll also get some street cred with my kids for doing this, soooo…

I present to you, Vika Cannon–the pony!

 

Now I have to admit, at first I was like, A pony form of a person? What kind of voodoo is this? But then I tried it and it was great fun. I got to choose Vika pony’s expression (fierce and resolute), what colors represent her (brown and black for skin and hair, but blue to represent the sea–aka freedom), and other fun stuff like whether she got wings and a horn. Apparently I did that wrong because she can’t have both, but whatevs. I

So what do you think? Would you create a pony for yourself or a character, if you’re a writer? For more info or to enter, check out Ponyfest 2013! Oh, and if you just want to play around, here’s the pony creator I used.

Vlog Behind the Scenes: WORLD OF SHELL AND BONE

Did you know WORLD OF SHELL AND BONE started out as a very different story than it is today? Check it out!

DARKEST WORLDS Charity Anthology, Now Live!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Goodreads

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!

As of today, MOON has been taken off retailers’ websites. Before you despair, let me assure you that the story’s not gone! It’s merely been placed into a dystopian anthology, chock-full of stories from award-winning and bestselling authors with full-length novels out there in this amazing genre.

But that’s not even the best part. Want to know what is?

100% of proceeds from the sale of this anthology (which is already cheap at only $2.99) will go to a charity called Girls Write Now, which is aimed at reaching out to at-risk girls in schools who have that creative spark inside and aim to be writers. They’re paired with mentors. 100% of girls who are mentored in this program go on to graduate high school, which is huge for at-risk/underserved populations.

Have I convinced you to pick up a copy yet, even if you’ve already read MOON? I hope so. Check out DARKEST WORLDS today and enjoy the stories knowing you’re helping the next generation of up-and-coming writers!

Hope your Friday is off to a great start! As always, thank you so much for your support!

Love and Lies by Jennifer Duffey

I’m honored to have my good friend Jen here today, talking about her new release called LOVE AND LIES. Woot!

Here’s what it’s about:

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Arijana Karčić, Cover It! Designs

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Nineteen-year-old Carissa Stein has spent her life under the shadow of bodyguards and parents who never really cared about her, but leaving New York to attend art school near New Orleans is her way out.

She’s thrilled to be free and ready to explore love, drawing, and life without a constant watchdog. When Eric Byrne, new guy extraordinaire, shows up on the first day of classes everything starts to change. There’s something more than his stunning eyes and gorgeous body that pulls her in. Carissa would rather be single than deal with the complications of a relationship, especially with a determined guy like Eric. But he fights passed her walls and makes it hard to stay away. Carissa wants to be with Eric – but she wants her freedom too and Eric isn’t willing to let her go.

When Eric reciprocates and lets his own guard down Carissa finally learns the truth about why he chose to attend Beaux-Artiste University. She should have known better than to ignore her gut instinct. Turns out Eric’s got more of a connection to her than she realized. If Eric can’t convince her to give him another chance then his lies may just cause love to slip through their fingers.

For mature audiences 18+

And if that’s got your interest piqued, here’s an excerpt!

Two days later, I stood in front of my floor-length mirror and admired the white eyelet camisole and long skirt that Alec had ordered from one of my favorite shops. The flowing skirt was burnt orange, like fall leaves, but made of cotton, so it was lightweight enough to handle the Louisiana heat. I straightened my hair and pinned the sides up to keep them out of my face. Goosebumps rose on my arms when I thought about going out with Eric.

“You know, if you’d rather have our date in front of your mirror we can.” Eric’s smoldering gaze sent a shiver down my back.

I fisted my hands on my hips and turned to him. “I think that sounds like a fantastic idea.”

“What is your fascination with the mirror? I’ve never understood how you—or any girl—can spend so much time looking at themselves. I mean, don’t get me wrong. You look…” He gave me an appraising look before continuing, “You look amazing. But I’d be willing to bet you’ve spent at least forty-five minutes standing there.”

A huff rushed out from between my lips. “Thirty minutes, not forty-five.” I averted my gaze from his face. “It’s an old habit.” I straightened my shirt and messed with my hair, settling flyaway strands. “By the way, how did you get in?”

Eric flicked his hand over his shoulder. “Your roomie let me in. Are you ready to go?”

“Yep.” I tucked my hand into the crook of his elbow and pulled him into the living room. On the way to the door I grabbed my purse off the key hook and waved to my roommate.

It wasn’t until we were in the car and driving that Eric gave a hint as to where we were headed. “So…umm, I made reservations.”

“Where?”

“Have you had oysters before?”

“No, and I don’t have the desire to try them. My parents love them. When we had a party for new clients of my dad’s, Mom made sure oysters began the meal. The sight of them makes me gag.”

Eric took one hand off the steering wheel then wrapped his fingers around the hair at the nape of his neck and pulled. After a deep breath he regained his calm and put his hands back on the wheel—precisely at ten and two.

“You’re nervous. What’s going on?”

“I’m not nervous.”

“Bullshit. You’re fidgeting and haven’t said more than a five-word sentence since we got in the car. What gives?”

Eric sighed. “You.”

“Sweet little ‘ol me? Now why would I make you nervous?” My voice rose as I attempted a Southern Belle accent.

I haven’t read this one yet, but something about it reminds me a lot of that Katie Holmes movie, FIRST DAUGHTER. So, what do you think? Want to give it a try? If so, it’s on sale now for only $3.99! Click here to buy it on Amazon. And let me know what you think!

arbitrate by Megan Thomason–Cover Reveal!

The sequel to the bestselling daynight is coming, you guys! I’m so flipping excited because not only is Megan a good friend, she’s also constructed one of the creepiest, most symbolic dystopian worlds ever. And check out this drool-worthy cover!

Add to your Goodreads shelf!

Want to know more about this one? Read on…

Remember The Second Chance Institute (SCI). Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. They’ve stepped up their game on Earth and on Thera—infiltrating political parties, preying on the downtrodden, and planning offensive maneuvers. And they’re handing out more “second chances” than ever before. The SCI’s abuse of their charter leads to Arbiter oversight and bitter consequences.

Remember Kira Donovan. Broken, burdened, and evading those who wish her harm, Kira enlists the Arbiters’ help when forced to return to the clutches of the SCI and her angry, estranged love.


Remember Blake Sundry. Exiled, determined, and packing an agenda, Blake seeks assistance on Earth and Thera to use his newfound knowledge to bring down the SCI.


Remember Ethan Darcton. Overworked, emotional, and holding a grudge, Ethan hunts down his stolen property, but finds himself in awkward territory, stuck between the Arbiters and the SCI.


Full of action, competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, arbitrate is Megan Thomason’s third installment in the award-winning daynight series after daynight and clean slate complex (a daynight story).


Praise for daynight:

2012 Book of the Year Award Finalist-Young Adult Fiction, ForeWord Reviews

“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” —Kirkus Reviews

“Gripping young adult dystopian novel; compelling conflicts; high stakes; powerful narrative; surprises keep coming; strong writing; page-turner; engaging characters; Readers will be hungry for the sequels.”—BlueInk Review (starred review)

“Thomason’s description of Thera’s totalitarianism will make fans of Brave New World shiver… SCI, her fantasy corporation, has disturbing parallels to actual companies and regimes that claim to do good while harming people… The author deftly appeals to both romance-loving teens as well as those intrigued by young adults fighting the establishment.”—ForeWord Clarion Review, 4 stars


Buy daynight on Amazon 



About Megan Thomason

Bestselling, award-winning author Megan Thomason lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn’t typing away on her laptop, she’s reading books on her phone–over 600 in the last year–or attending to the needs of her family. Megan’s fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac.

Find Megan on:
Facebook
Twitter
 

Land of Masks and Moonlight

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

About






T

hree weeks on a ship to China as a stowaway. Backbreaking labor in paddy fields. A one-room shack for a house.

Vika Cannon will endure anything if it means giving her unborn child and her sister Ceres a chance to grow up. The Great Land may be fraught with dangers of its own, but it’s still safer than the grim Asylums and stinging acid rains of their poisoned home. The brutal conditions seem a small price to pay…especially with Shale Underwood to come home to.

But when a local cell of New Amanian Radicals is captured, Vika knows it’s only a matter of time before her true identity is revealed. In order to survive, she must immerse herself in an underground society where masked strangers revel in the spoils of illicit power.

A mistake now could result in her unmasking—and the obliteration of everything Vika holds dear. As the net around her cinches tighter, she begins to understand that nothing in life is free.

What will Vika trade for her family’s safety?

COMING DECEMBER 2013!

Le cover and le blurb of LAND OF MASKS AND MOONLIGHT!

Heyyyy everyone! I have some great news! My fabulous, fabulous cover artist (Letitia at RBA Designs) sent me the final version of the LAND OF MASKS AND MOONLIGHT cover. So now you get to see it in all its gorgeous perfection. AND I have the blurb to whet your appetite!

Are you ready?

Reeeally ready?

Okay, okay, here you go…

Click to add it on Goodreads! {Release date: December 3, 2013}

And here’s what Vika’s up to in this one:

Three weeks on a ship to China as a stowaway. Backbreaking labor in paddy fields. A one-room shack for a house.

Vika Cannon will endure anything if it means giving her unborn child and her sister Ceres a chance to grow up. The Great Land may be fraught with dangers of its own, but it’s still safer than the grim Asylums and stinging acid rains of their poisoned home. The brutal conditions seem a small price to pay…especially with Shale Underwood to come home to.

But when a local cell of New Amanian Radicals is captured, Vika knows it’s only a matter of time before her true identity is revealed. In order to survive, she must immerse herself in an underground society where masked strangers revel in the spoils of illicit power.

A mistake now could result in her unmasking—and the obliteration of everything Vika holds dear. As the net around her cinches tighter, she begins to understand that nothing in life is free.

What will Vika trade for her family’s safety?

Hope that sounds good to you! I’m editing it now (first round), and then it’s off to my beta readers and editors. I’ll emerge from my writing cave sometime this year–just in time for the holidays, I think.

Sandhya

Dystopian Anthology Cover Reveal!

I have some exciting news. Five other fabulous dystopian authors and I have combined our magical storytelling powers (ha!) to bring you guys a darkly dystopian collection of tales called DARKEST WORLDS. Each of these stories is set in the universe the author has built in her novels. And one of the best parts? 100% of proceeds from sales of this anthology go to a charity. Specifically, they go to Girls Write Now, a literacy program aimed at helping budding female writers. This charity has even received attention from the White House. They do great work!

MOON will be included in DARKEST WORLDS, and starting September 13th, the novella won’t be offered anywhere except through it. I hope you’ll check out these other stories in September–you might just find another author (or several) whose work really resonates with you, and you’ll be helping out a great cause in the process! I’ll be sure to post links once it’s live. For now, you can add it on Goodreads.

Edited to add: The cover cred goes to Ms. Zoe Cannon, author and designer extraordinaire! She does her own covers, too. Isn’t she just so talented??

Thanks for reading, as always!

Sandhya

Episode 8, DISCOVERY, is out!

Amazon | Goodreads

A whole week ahead of schedule! Remember when I said episode 8 would be delayed, and that it wouldn’t be out till the 19th of August? Well, it turns out I lied. I was able to work on it after all, and heeeere it is! I hope you guys like it. You’ll get to find out exactly what the dealio is with James…

It’s live on Amazon, and B&N and the others should be getting it up soon. Enjoy, and as always, thank you for following the serial!

FEVERED SOULS Omnibus Is Out!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Can I just say how very super-excited I am?? I’ve had soooo much fun writing this serial. It’s fast-paced and fun, and just pure hedonistic pleasure (read: hot guys, supernatural beings, lots of twists and turns, and a beautiful setting).

It’s the first season’s omnibus, which means you get all five episodes for $2.99.  And if you really like it and want to know what happens next, season 2 has already begun. Squee! Today also kicks off the blog tour. If you’d like to follow along, check out the participating blogs here.

On that note, the next episode of season 2 won’t be as delayed as I thought! I’ve already written it; now it’s just a question of finding time to edit it while on vacation.

I’m in D.C. until the end of the week, and WOW. It’s sooo gorgeous here! I feel like we could spend all our time looking at stuff and still never be done. Charleston feels so small town compared to this place–I have this irresistible urge to stand in the middle of the street and shout, “Hey, Y’ALL!” just to see other people’s reactions. I promise I won’t, though…not till our last day here, at least.

Talk to you guys soon!

Sandhya