Crystal Collier's Blog, page 25
November 14, 2013
The AWESOMENESS Continues...
Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? I'm an advocate of moderation in all things, except for the overwhelming awesomeness of this tour! Huge thanks again go out to all the wonderful people helping.
What is that? You haven't heard of MOONLESS?
MOONLESS is Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.
"MOONLESS is powerful, compelling, and packed with soul." --Bethany Kaczmarek, editor at A Little Red, Inc.
"I fell head over heels for the characters." --TC Mckee, BookFish Books
"Power-packed action, heart stopping mystery, unpredictable twists and turns..." --I Am a Reader Not a Writer
Buy MOONLESS HERE or add it on Goodreads.
Special Events:
Mystery Sentence Game: Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas. Happy hunting!
Truth or Lie Game: It's Writerly Wednesday on STERIODS! (Minus the Wednesdays...and the steroids.) You'll have 6 chances to guess the lie and win a copy of MOONLESS. Each post has different truths and lies, so here's a chance to really test your human lie detector skills. Winners will be announced here December 11th. Are you a human lie detector?
TODAY:
Cathrina Constantine shares Excerpt #4 in the Mystery Sentence Game.
D.L. Hammons unearths the story of how MOONLESS came to be.
A short "get to know you" and Excerpt #3 in the Mystery Sentence Game with Libby Heily.
The BLOG RING OF POWER with T.W. Fendley. How do you brand a book that doesn't fit beautifully in a shiny prefabricated genre package?
Are you playing the Mystery Sentence Game? What is one thing you could never get enough of?
Oh, and enter my giveaway, eh?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What is that? You haven't heard of MOONLESS?
MOONLESS is Jane Eyre meets Supernatural."MOONLESS is powerful, compelling, and packed with soul." --Bethany Kaczmarek, editor at A Little Red, Inc.
"I fell head over heels for the characters." --TC Mckee, BookFish Books
"Power-packed action, heart stopping mystery, unpredictable twists and turns..." --I Am a Reader Not a Writer
Buy MOONLESS HERE or add it on Goodreads.
Special Events:
Mystery Sentence Game: Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas. Happy hunting!
Truth or Lie Game: It's Writerly Wednesday on STERIODS! (Minus the Wednesdays...and the steroids.) You'll have 6 chances to guess the lie and win a copy of MOONLESS. Each post has different truths and lies, so here's a chance to really test your human lie detector skills. Winners will be announced here December 11th. Are you a human lie detector?
TODAY:
Cathrina Constantine shares Excerpt #4 in the Mystery Sentence Game.
D.L. Hammons unearths the story of how MOONLESS came to be.
A short "get to know you" and Excerpt #3 in the Mystery Sentence Game with Libby Heily.
The BLOG RING OF POWER with T.W. Fendley. How do you brand a book that doesn't fit beautifully in a shiny prefabricated genre package?
Are you playing the Mystery Sentence Game? What is one thing you could never get enough of?
Oh, and enter my giveaway, eh?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 13, 2013
MOONLESS: The Mystery Sentence Game...and Giveaway
It's Writerly Wednesday! Yay! (AND MY BOOK's RELEASE DAY!!!) --So the, um, giveaway is going to be a little different. (Just a skosh.)
Ahem.
And now, it's time to announce the winner of last week's game. Melanie Schulz shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing to win an eBook of the Bashan Agenda.
The options were:
1. Today (last Wednesday, Nov. 6th) is Melanie's birthday.
2. She's developed a field training game people can play to live out her books.
3. She is a vegetarian.
And the lie is:
#3. She actually very much enjoys meat.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Melissa Maygrove!
Congrats, Melissa!
To celebrate the release of MOONLESS, today we're mixing things up a bit with the...
Mystery Sentence Game:
Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. (Click on the EVENTS page to see the full listing of excerpts.) Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas.
Are you ready for an excerpt of MOONLESS?
*rubbing hands excitedly*
Image courtesy of Tim Sheerman-Chase “Is someone there?” she breathed, little more than a whisper. Wheezing gurgles met her ears. She spun. Nothing.What kind of creature made noise like that? Had she imagined it as well?She swallowed. The swift thump of her heart echoed into her ears. “Hello?”A snicker rippled in a circle about her. She twisted to follow it, catching snatches of something—something moving, fast.A growl. She dashed headlong the way she’d come. Movement erupted behind her. Her skirts caught on the underbrush. They snagged and tore, twigs scratching her legs. She ran harder, one arm before her face to fend off the branches. They raked across her sleeve. She gasped as they cut into her flesh. Alexia’s feet thudded the ground in rhythm, echoed by another distant set—faster ones.Chest heaving, she sucked in air, but could not draw enough. Invisible fingers squeezed at her airways. Her lungs pulsed like she was being dragged under a great watery swell. The whoosh of leaves turned her head as an upright silhouette crashed through her periphery. Blackness blinked at the corners of her vision. Her muscles burned.She would faint before she could outrun her pursuer! She gulped in air. Perspiration chilled her skin. The rasp of her own breathing filled her ears. “Help!” she screeched. Father would find her. He’d track her. “Father! Anyone!” But she’d gone miles. Even if he’d begun looking, she’d wandered too far.A bough slapped her across the face. White light flashed. She blinked it away, uncertain whether her legs were still under her. She couldn’t outrun this thing. No one would hear her, but she screamed anyway. “Help me!”It was an empty plea. Weight pummeled into her back. She flew forward as the ground rushed up.
Is your heart pounding? It doesn't matter how many times I read this bit, I still get tense. *shiver*
And now for the rest of today's tour...
Join S.A. Larsen at the Writers Ally as she interviews both Alexia and Kiren IN THE SAME ROOM. Oooh!
Kai Strand's Three Times a Charm. What do cucumbers, cheese and dreams have in common?
Why does Alexia dread looking in the mirror? Catherine Stine explores the reasons.
Go behind the scenes of the auditioning process at Livia Peterson's place.
THE BLOG RING OF POWER with Terri Bruce: What do Critique Partners add to the writing process?
Go check the awesomeness out! Yes, I'm serious. GO!
Did I get your heart pumping? What do you think is going to happen next? Have you ever been in a scary forest after dark?
Oh, and enter for the win, eh? (That's right, this is your chances for a free book AND prizes this week.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ahem.
And now, it's time to announce the winner of last week's game. Melanie Schulz shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing to win an eBook of the Bashan Agenda.
The options were:
1. Today (last Wednesday, Nov. 6th) is Melanie's birthday.
2. She's developed a field training game people can play to live out her books.
3. She is a vegetarian.
And the lie is:
#3. She actually very much enjoys meat.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Melissa Maygrove!
Congrats, Melissa!
To celebrate the release of MOONLESS, today we're mixing things up a bit with the...
Mystery Sentence Game:
Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. (Click on the EVENTS page to see the full listing of excerpts.) Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas. Are you ready for an excerpt of MOONLESS?
*rubbing hands excitedly*
Image courtesy of Tim Sheerman-Chase “Is someone there?” she breathed, little more than a whisper. Wheezing gurgles met her ears. She spun. Nothing.What kind of creature made noise like that? Had she imagined it as well?She swallowed. The swift thump of her heart echoed into her ears. “Hello?”A snicker rippled in a circle about her. She twisted to follow it, catching snatches of something—something moving, fast.A growl. She dashed headlong the way she’d come. Movement erupted behind her. Her skirts caught on the underbrush. They snagged and tore, twigs scratching her legs. She ran harder, one arm before her face to fend off the branches. They raked across her sleeve. She gasped as they cut into her flesh. Alexia’s feet thudded the ground in rhythm, echoed by another distant set—faster ones.Chest heaving, she sucked in air, but could not draw enough. Invisible fingers squeezed at her airways. Her lungs pulsed like she was being dragged under a great watery swell. The whoosh of leaves turned her head as an upright silhouette crashed through her periphery. Blackness blinked at the corners of her vision. Her muscles burned.She would faint before she could outrun her pursuer! She gulped in air. Perspiration chilled her skin. The rasp of her own breathing filled her ears. “Help!” she screeched. Father would find her. He’d track her. “Father! Anyone!” But she’d gone miles. Even if he’d begun looking, she’d wandered too far.A bough slapped her across the face. White light flashed. She blinked it away, uncertain whether her legs were still under her. She couldn’t outrun this thing. No one would hear her, but she screamed anyway. “Help me!”It was an empty plea. Weight pummeled into her back. She flew forward as the ground rushed up.
Is your heart pounding? It doesn't matter how many times I read this bit, I still get tense. *shiver*
And now for the rest of today's tour...
Join S.A. Larsen at the Writers Ally as she interviews both Alexia and Kiren IN THE SAME ROOM. Oooh!
Kai Strand's Three Times a Charm. What do cucumbers, cheese and dreams have in common?
Why does Alexia dread looking in the mirror? Catherine Stine explores the reasons.
Go behind the scenes of the auditioning process at Livia Peterson's place.
THE BLOG RING OF POWER with Terri Bruce: What do Critique Partners add to the writing process?
Go check the awesomeness out! Yes, I'm serious. GO!
Did I get your heart pumping? What do you think is going to happen next? Have you ever been in a scary forest after dark?
Oh, and enter for the win, eh? (That's right, this is your chances for a free book AND prizes this week.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 12, 2013
The Moonless Book Tour Day TOO
Intentional typos are awesome, don't you think? But you're not here for those. You're here for...
FUN!!!
So let me introduce you to the party.
Special Events:
Mystery Sentence Game: Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas. Happy hunting!
Truth or Lie Game: It's Writerly Wednesday on STERIODS! (Minus the Wednesdays...and the steroids.) You'll have 6 chances to guess the lie and win a copy of MOONLESS. Each post has different truths and lies, so here's a chance to really test your human lie detector skills. Winners will be announced here December 11th. Are you a human lie detector?
On to the main Event!!!
Alexia’s nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless.MOONLESS is Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.
"MOONLESS is powerful, compelling, and packed with soul." --Bethany Kaczmarek, editor at A Little Red, Inc.
"I fell head over heels for the characters." --TC Mckee, BookFish Books
"Power-packed action, heart stopping mystery, unpredictable twists and turns..." --I Am a Reader Not a Writer
Buy MOONLESS HERE or add it on Goodreads.
TODAY
Kerri Cuevas risks her life by interviewing Bellezza.
What are the Soulless? Come find out with Beverly Fox.
Do you love cheese? Join us cheese lovers at Tammy Theriault's place for the CHEESIEST INTERVIEW EVER!!!
Be one of ten winners by playing the Mystery Sentence Game. Excerpt #1 is at Heather McCorkle's place.
THE BLOG RING OF POWER with Vicki Lemp Wevil. Crystal, Crystal, known as the pistol, how does your writing grow? Learn the recipe here.
The awesomeness continues tomorrow!
But seriously, what are your feelings on intentional typos/misspellings?
Oh, and enter my giveaway, eh?a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 11, 2013
The Moonless Book Tour is HERE!!!
Yeah, it's like that.
Or at least, it is for me. I've had such an outpouring of help and love from my amazing blogging community that I'm seriously shedding tears of joy. You bloggies ROCK!!!
So here's the deal. This tour is EPIC. And I mean E-P-I-C. We're talking 60 stops in 18 days, massive giveaway throughout, and gross amounts of cheese.
Let's party, eh?
Special Event:
Mystery Sentence Game: Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas. Happy hunting!
Truth or Lie Game: It's Writerly Wednesday on STERIODS! (Minus the Wednesdays...and the steroids.) You'll have 6 chances to guess the lie and win a copy of MOONLESS. Each post has different truths and lies, so here's a chance to really test your human lie detector skills. Winners will be announced here December 11th. Are you a human lie detector?
On to the main Event!!!
Alexia’s nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless. MOONLESS is Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.
"MOONLESS is powerful, compelling, and packed with soul." --Bethany Kaczmarek, editor at A Little Red, Inc.
"I fell head over heels for the characters." --TC Mckee, BookFish Books
"Power-packed action, heart stopping mystery, unpredictable twists and turns..." --I Am a Reader Not a Writer
Buy MOONLESS HERE or add it on Goodreads.
TODAY
Just in time for dinner, join Lynda R. Young to learn about the powers of procrastination with The Top Ten Ways NOT to Make Dinner.
Join Jennifer Bielman for Excerpt #1 in the Mystery Sentence Game, and our first giveaway. That's right. One lucky winner will take home a book FROM THIS BLOG.
Read a review of Moonless by the fabulous poet, Fida Islaih.
THE BLOG RING OF POWER with Sandra Ulbrich Almazan. What do Elephants, kittens and bunnies have to do with a writing career?
Melanie Schulz, author of the Newstead Project shares her feelings (ahem, review) about Moonless.
Learn where my title came from and other cool tidbits with Connie Keller.
What are the top ten reasons you'd like to be a millionaire? Come read mine and share yours on Angela Brown's blog.
Now tell me, is that not some intense awesomeness? (And there will be second servings tomorrow!)
What are you still doing here? Go. Go! GIT!
A quick SHOUT for my buddy Jessica Bell. Her wonderful book, Bitter Like Orange Peel is also on tour today. (Warning, this book deals with adult content and the cover may not be appropriate for all audiences.) Oh, and enter for a chance to win, eh?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 8, 2013
Offending Four Geek Groups, at once
I'm sure you've all seen this, but it totally cracks me up--so here, see it again.
Happy funny Friday! --And do you fit into any of these geek groups?
Happy funny Friday! --And do you fit into any of these geek groups?
November 6, 2013
My First IWSG and a Writerly Wednesday
Are you ready to win a book? It's time for Writerly Wednesday!
A quick thank you... I got BLITZED yesterday, and I'm left feeling oh so loved. Thank you everyone. Don't know what the Blitz is? DL Hammons explains it HERE.
AND my first Insecure Writers Support Group post. I've been hanging out with the IWSGers since the conception of the group, but haven't jumped in because of what we'll call an insecurity. Since living in NYC (where you fight uphill to accomplish even the simplest tasks) I never take on a project unless I'm 100% certain I can complete it. It's the same reason I've never hosted a bloghop, or why I've had a couple completed books sitting in my digital storehouse for over ten years.
BUT, with the publication of MOONLESS next week, it's time to take the proverbial plunge. All of them. So IWSGers, here I am! Here's hoping I don't fall off the map, but if I do, I know you've got my back, just as I've got yours.
Okay, who's ready for the winner of last week's game? Sherry Auger shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for 7 chances to win, one paper signed copy, one eBook, and 5 books marks of her amazing new release, Willow Brook.
The options were:
1. Every book Sherry reads, she reads on her kindle.
2. She wrote Willow Brook in 30 days and took 3 years to edit it.
3. She researched a topic for a year before starting her WIP adult novel.
And the lie is:
#1. Most of you nailed it! Sherry still likes the feel of paper.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winners are:
...DRUM ROLL...
Paper Copy: Kelly Steel
eBook: Sherry Ellis
Book Marks:
Christine Rains
Aldrea Alien
Dana
Keith (also known as Optimistic Existentialist)
Suzanne Furness
Congrats, winners!
And now for this week's special feature in three power packed sentences...
Joel is searching for Rachel.
Newstead is searching for Joel.
Bashan wants them both.
The Bashan Agenda is book two in the series and was released November 1st. You can pick up both books HERE.
Shall we meet the author?
Melanie says: I'm not really a writer, storyteller maybe, but not a writer. I'm a wife, a mom, a psychiatric nurse. So then why did I write this trilogy? I don't know. Some stories, like this one, just write themselves.
You can find her pretty much anywhere eating a nice ripe Camembert with warm caramel and pecans on top--along with a glass of ice wine.
Connect with Melanie on her website or blog.
She gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one eBook of The Bashan Agenda. Eek! How cool is that? You have until Tuesday, November 12th at 1 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 13th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Today is Melanie's birthday.
2. She's developed a field training game people can play to live out her books.
3. She is a vegetarian.
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie?
A quick thank you... I got BLITZED yesterday, and I'm left feeling oh so loved. Thank you everyone. Don't know what the Blitz is? DL Hammons explains it HERE.
AND my first Insecure Writers Support Group post. I've been hanging out with the IWSGers since the conception of the group, but haven't jumped in because of what we'll call an insecurity. Since living in NYC (where you fight uphill to accomplish even the simplest tasks) I never take on a project unless I'm 100% certain I can complete it. It's the same reason I've never hosted a bloghop, or why I've had a couple completed books sitting in my digital storehouse for over ten years.
BUT, with the publication of MOONLESS next week, it's time to take the proverbial plunge. All of them. So IWSGers, here I am! Here's hoping I don't fall off the map, but if I do, I know you've got my back, just as I've got yours.
Okay, who's ready for the winner of last week's game? Sherry Auger shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for 7 chances to win, one paper signed copy, one eBook, and 5 books marks of her amazing new release, Willow Brook.
The options were:
1. Every book Sherry reads, she reads on her kindle.
2. She wrote Willow Brook in 30 days and took 3 years to edit it.
3. She researched a topic for a year before starting her WIP adult novel.
And the lie is:
#1. Most of you nailed it! Sherry still likes the feel of paper.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winners are:
...DRUM ROLL...
Paper Copy: Kelly Steel
eBook: Sherry Ellis
Book Marks:
Christine Rains
Aldrea Alien
Dana
Keith (also known as Optimistic Existentialist)
Suzanne Furness
Congrats, winners!
And now for this week's special feature in three power packed sentences...
Joel is searching for Rachel.
Newstead is searching for Joel.
Bashan wants them both.
The Bashan Agenda is book two in the series and was released November 1st. You can pick up both books HERE.
Shall we meet the author?
Melanie says: I'm not really a writer, storyteller maybe, but not a writer. I'm a wife, a mom, a psychiatric nurse. So then why did I write this trilogy? I don't know. Some stories, like this one, just write themselves. You can find her pretty much anywhere eating a nice ripe Camembert with warm caramel and pecans on top--along with a glass of ice wine.
Connect with Melanie on her website or blog.
She gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one eBook of The Bashan Agenda. Eek! How cool is that? You have until Tuesday, November 12th at 1 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 13th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Today is Melanie's birthday.
2. She's developed a field training game people can play to live out her books.
3. She is a vegetarian.
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie?
My First ISWG and Write
Are you ready to win a book? It's time for Writerly Wednesday!
AND my first Insecure Writers Group post. I've been hanging out with the ISWGers since the conception of the group, but haven't jumped in because of what we'll call an insecurity. Since living in NYC (where you fight uphill to accomplish even the simplest tasks) I never take on a project unless I'm 100% certain I can complete it. It's the same reason I've never hosted a bloghop, or why I've had a couple completed books sitting in my digital storehouse for over ten years.
BUT, with the publication of MOONLESS next week, it's time to take the proverbial plunge. All of them. So IWSGers, here I am! Here's hoping I don't fall off the map, but if I do, I know you've got my back, just as I've got yours.
Okay, who's ready for the winner of last week's game? Sherry Auger shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for 7 chances to win, one paper signed copy, one eBook, and 5 books marks of her amazing new release, Willow Brook.
The options were:
1. Every book Sherry reads, she reads on her kindle.
2. She wrote Willow Brook in 30 days and took 3 years to edit it.
3. She researched a topic for a year before starting her WIP adult novel.
And the lie is:
#1. Most of you nailed it! Sherry still likes the feel of paper.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winners are:
...DRUM ROLL...
Paper Copy: Kelly Steel
eBook: Sherry Ellis
Book Marks:
Christine Rains
Aldrea Alien
Dana
Keith (also known as Optimistic Existentialist)
Suzanne Furness
Congrats, winners!
And now for this week's special feature in three power packed sentences...
Joel is searching for Rachel.
Newstead is searching for Joel.
Bashan wants them both.
The Bashan Agenda is book two in the series and was released November 1st. You can pick up both books HERE.
Shall we meet the author?
Melanie says: I'm not really a writer, storyteller maybe, but not a writer. I'm a wife, a mom, a psychiatric nurse. So then why did I write this trilogy? I don't know. Some stories, like this one, just write themselves.
You can find her pretty much anywhere eating a nice ripe Camembert with warm caramel and pecans on top--along with a glass of ice wine.
Connect with Melanie on her website or blog.
She gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one eBook of The Bashan Agenda. Eek! How cool is that? You have until Tuesday, November 12th at 1 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 13th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Today is Melanie's birthday.
2. She's developed a field training game people can play to live out her books.
3. She is a vegetarian.
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie?
AND my first Insecure Writers Group post. I've been hanging out with the ISWGers since the conception of the group, but haven't jumped in because of what we'll call an insecurity. Since living in NYC (where you fight uphill to accomplish even the simplest tasks) I never take on a project unless I'm 100% certain I can complete it. It's the same reason I've never hosted a bloghop, or why I've had a couple completed books sitting in my digital storehouse for over ten years.
BUT, with the publication of MOONLESS next week, it's time to take the proverbial plunge. All of them. So IWSGers, here I am! Here's hoping I don't fall off the map, but if I do, I know you've got my back, just as I've got yours.
Okay, who's ready for the winner of last week's game? Sherry Auger shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for 7 chances to win, one paper signed copy, one eBook, and 5 books marks of her amazing new release, Willow Brook.
The options were:
1. Every book Sherry reads, she reads on her kindle.
2. She wrote Willow Brook in 30 days and took 3 years to edit it.
3. She researched a topic for a year before starting her WIP adult novel.
And the lie is:
#1. Most of you nailed it! Sherry still likes the feel of paper.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winners are:
...DRUM ROLL...
Paper Copy: Kelly Steel
eBook: Sherry Ellis
Book Marks:
Christine Rains
Aldrea Alien
Dana
Keith (also known as Optimistic Existentialist)
Suzanne Furness
Congrats, winners!
And now for this week's special feature in three power packed sentences...
Joel is searching for Rachel.
Newstead is searching for Joel.
Bashan wants them both.
The Bashan Agenda is book two in the series and was released November 1st. You can pick up both books HERE.
Shall we meet the author?
Melanie says: I'm not really a writer, storyteller maybe, but not a writer. I'm a wife, a mom, a psychiatric nurse. So then why did I write this trilogy? I don't know. Some stories, like this one, just write themselves. You can find her pretty much anywhere eating a nice ripe Camembert with warm caramel and pecans on top--along with a glass of ice wine.
Connect with Melanie on her website or blog.
She gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one eBook of The Bashan Agenda. Eek! How cool is that? You have until Tuesday, November 12th at 1 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 13th.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Today is Melanie's birthday.
2. She's developed a field training game people can play to live out her books.
3. She is a vegetarian.
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie?
November 4, 2013
I Hope...
Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you eat breakfast? Why do you go to work?
One word:
Faith
Image courtesy of ladyrlawynAnd I'm not talking about a religion. I'm talking about belief, but belief that is so powerful it motivates us to act. In Serenity (one of the best movies of all time), Shepherd Book urges Mal to believe in something, to believe so fully he's ready to put everything on the line, to commit to a course of action based on his conviction.
You get up in the morning because you have confidence the sun will rise and start a new day. You eat breakfast with the belief your body will receive the nourishment it needs. You go to work with the trust you will receive payment for the hours of labor invested.
You have faith. Faith is action based on a belief. It doesn't necessarily have to be a strong belief. In fact, it may be a weak one that strengthens as you act--such as a child first putting a pencil to paper. He has seen others create pictures this same way, but does he believe he can actually create one? Kids naturally possess unlimited optimism. They press forward with hope. That hope guides them to action. That action builds confidence, and in time, certainty.
Faith comes with time and practice.
I feel like the child picking up a pencil when it comes to publishing. I've seen what I'm supposed to do. I've studied other's actions, but my hand doesn't appear as steady as my exemplars. I have hope, but what I'm working on now is faith--acting without knowing for sure things will work out.
I believe they will. (Hard enough I'm going forward like a steam train.) I have confidence the reviews coming in will be good. I believe there are readers who will identify with my messages. I trust this will be the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.
That's why my book is releasing next week. That's why there will be an amazing blog tour. That's why I keep writing.
What is it you're trying to build faith in right now?
One word:
Faith
Image courtesy of ladyrlawynAnd I'm not talking about a religion. I'm talking about belief, but belief that is so powerful it motivates us to act. In Serenity (one of the best movies of all time), Shepherd Book urges Mal to believe in something, to believe so fully he's ready to put everything on the line, to commit to a course of action based on his conviction.You get up in the morning because you have confidence the sun will rise and start a new day. You eat breakfast with the belief your body will receive the nourishment it needs. You go to work with the trust you will receive payment for the hours of labor invested.
You have faith. Faith is action based on a belief. It doesn't necessarily have to be a strong belief. In fact, it may be a weak one that strengthens as you act--such as a child first putting a pencil to paper. He has seen others create pictures this same way, but does he believe he can actually create one? Kids naturally possess unlimited optimism. They press forward with hope. That hope guides them to action. That action builds confidence, and in time, certainty.
Faith comes with time and practice.
I feel like the child picking up a pencil when it comes to publishing. I've seen what I'm supposed to do. I've studied other's actions, but my hand doesn't appear as steady as my exemplars. I have hope, but what I'm working on now is faith--acting without knowing for sure things will work out.
I believe they will. (Hard enough I'm going forward like a steam train.) I have confidence the reviews coming in will be good. I believe there are readers who will identify with my messages. I trust this will be the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.
That's why my book is releasing next week. That's why there will be an amazing blog tour. That's why I keep writing.
What is it you're trying to build faith in right now?
November 1, 2013
Funny Friday:
I LOVE Indiana Jones. The only thing that could make him more awesome would be adding a little Jackie Chan action. --Or maybe a little Zen...as in Kanze Zenjiro.
And since I'm such a huge fan of action, today I have the privilege of revealing Jay Noel's BRAND SPANKIN NEW COVER. Lucky me! Are you ready for this awesomeness?
DRUM ROLL!
The Mechanica Wars
: Savage Machines Are Afoot...At the age of twenty, Kanze Zenjiro's bloody footprints mark the bodies of those who stood in his way to protect the throne of Nihon. Now, the tyrannical Iberian Empire is bent on destroying his kingdom, and they send their steam-powered giants and iron spiders against him.
Zen embarks on a quest that takes him on the most dangerous journey of his life. To succeed, Zen must live up to his nickname, the Dragonfly Warrior, and kill all his enemies with only a sword and a pair of six-guns. He is called upon to somehow survive a test of faith and loyalty in a world so cruel and merciless, it borders on madness.
Dragonfly Warrior is a steampunk adventure like no other. It's a dynamic mix of Asian and European mythology, the Wild West, martial arts, traditional fantasy, and high powered steam action that will keep you turning the pages.
Dragonfly Warrior is the first book of The Mechanica Wars, and will debut on January 6, 2014.
Meet Jay Noel and read more: Website | Facebook | Twitter
October 30, 2013
Guess the Lie, Win a Book
It's Writerly Wednesday! Yay!
And now, it's time to announce the winner of last week's game. Last week Carrie Butler shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for a copy of her new release, Courage.
The options were:
1. Over 50 exotic animals (lions, tigers, bears etc.) were once set loose on Carrie's hometown.
2. Her level 80 thief on Guild Wars 2 was named after a Firefly character.
3. To win a bet, she once hugged a stranger for thirty-seven minutes.
And the lie is:
#3. She says hugging for her=epic fail. Want to read about the crazy crazy loosed on her hometown? Check it out HERE. And I, for one, am SUPER intrigued by anything related to Firefly. (BEST TV SERIES OF ALL TIME.) Ahem, so check it out...
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Rachel Schieffelbein!!
Congrats, Rachel!
And now for this week's special feature...
When school let out for the summer of her last year in middle school, fourteen year old Janet Marley had no idea that her life was about to change forever. She was ready to run away. Her mother died when she was seven and she had raised herself because her father, Judge Jonathan Marley, was still grieving. As she set out that night, strange things were happening in the sleepy town of Willow Brook, Maine. It was undergoing a transformation; buildings were fading, the landscape was different, and she was feeling a tug towards the woods. Janet is catapulted into the seventeenth century and comes face to face with the ghost of one of her ancestors who was hung at the age of six, accused of being a witch during the Salem witch trials. Janet learns that if she doesn't remain in the past, she will not have a future.
You can pick up a copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Willow Brook is Sherry Auger’s debut novel. She has had short stories, fiction and non-fiction, published online and in children’s magazines. Using her degrees in Biology and Chemistry she co-authored science workbooks for children who are home-schooled. She is a member of SCBWI, Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, Maine Writers and Publishers, and several online writers’ groups. Sherry lives in a small town in Maine with her husband, Richard. Her mother, and a spoiled Maine Coon cat came to live with them a few years ago. She has two grown children with children of their own.
You can find her munching string cheese pretty much anywhere...minus the bathroom.
Sherry gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one paper copy or one eBook of Willow Brook. Eek! How cool is that? She's also offering 5 bookmarks to people who guess right, so get your guesses in now! That's right: 7 prizes and 7 chances to win! You have until Tuesday, November 5th at 1 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 6th and to view the winners.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Every book Sherry reads, she reads on her kindle.
2. She wrote Willow Brook in 30 days and took 3 years to edit it.
3. She researched a topic for a year before starting her WIP adult novel.
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie?
And now, it's time to announce the winner of last week's game. Last week Carrie Butler shared two truths and one lie about herself and those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for a copy of her new release, Courage.
The options were:
1. Over 50 exotic animals (lions, tigers, bears etc.) were once set loose on Carrie's hometown.
2. Her level 80 thief on Guild Wars 2 was named after a Firefly character.
3. To win a bet, she once hugged a stranger for thirty-seven minutes.
And the lie is:
#3. She says hugging for her=epic fail. Want to read about the crazy crazy loosed on her hometown? Check it out HERE. And I, for one, am SUPER intrigued by anything related to Firefly. (BEST TV SERIES OF ALL TIME.) Ahem, so check it out... Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Rachel Schieffelbein!!
Congrats, Rachel!
And now for this week's special feature...
When school let out for the summer of her last year in middle school, fourteen year old Janet Marley had no idea that her life was about to change forever. She was ready to run away. Her mother died when she was seven and she had raised herself because her father, Judge Jonathan Marley, was still grieving. As she set out that night, strange things were happening in the sleepy town of Willow Brook, Maine. It was undergoing a transformation; buildings were fading, the landscape was different, and she was feeling a tug towards the woods. Janet is catapulted into the seventeenth century and comes face to face with the ghost of one of her ancestors who was hung at the age of six, accused of being a witch during the Salem witch trials. Janet learns that if she doesn't remain in the past, she will not have a future.You can pick up a copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Willow Brook is Sherry Auger’s debut novel. She has had short stories, fiction and non-fiction, published online and in children’s magazines. Using her degrees in Biology and Chemistry she co-authored science workbooks for children who are home-schooled. She is a member of SCBWI, Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, Maine Writers and Publishers, and several online writers’ groups. Sherry lives in a small town in Maine with her husband, Richard. Her mother, and a spoiled Maine Coon cat came to live with them a few years ago. She has two grown children with children of their own.You can find her munching string cheese pretty much anywhere...minus the bathroom.
Sherry gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will go into my magic hat for a chance to win one paper copy or one eBook of Willow Brook. Eek! How cool is that? She's also offering 5 bookmarks to people who guess right, so get your guesses in now! That's right: 7 prizes and 7 chances to win! You have until Tuesday, November 5th at 1 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 6th and to view the winners.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Every book Sherry reads, she reads on her kindle.
2. She wrote Willow Brook in 30 days and took 3 years to edit it.
3. She researched a topic for a year before starting her WIP adult novel.
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie?
