Crystal Collier's Blog, page 6
October 5, 2016
Boiling Eggs, Birthdays, and Book Giveaways
How is boiling and egg like writing a story?
You get the water boiling, pop a few eggs in, and set a timer, right? Easy as that. But what if your timer wasn't reliable? What if time wasn't steady? What if your egg ended up in a metaphysical bubble?
The IWSG question this month is:
When do you know your story is ready?
This is easy to answer: YOU DON'T.
No matter how long you've worked, how many times you've rewritten a book, or how optimistic you feel about a story, there is never a solid "THIS IS PERFECT, THIS IS DONE" moment. (Ten years after a book is published, most authors cringe at their own work.)
However, there are a few ways to discern a story MIGHT be ready...enough.
1. Beta readers. A variety of them--and I'm not talking about Mom or your best friend. I'm talking about people who are in the industry and regularly tear apart their own work. Yes, you actually have to let people read your work, AND you have to listen to what they say. It doesn't mean everything is valid or even worth listening to, but you have to be able to take a step back and weigh it like it is.
2. If you aren't up against publishing deadlines, time is a great test. If you can step away from a project for 6 months, a year, two years, and you come back and are blown away by it, it might be ready.
3. Querying. (Terrifying, right?) If you query 30 agents who rep your genre with a sample and don't get a single nibble, it may be that your writing needs a little more work. (This test works with short stories too.)
4. Hire a professional editor. And I'm not talking a line editor. I'm talking a developmental editor. They will strike at the heart of the story and find any underlying elements that aren't working. (What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, eh?)
How do you know if that egg is boiled? You crack it open and slice it to the core. As painful as that sounds, it's only way to know an egg is done.
Speaking of being done... *deep breath* TIMELESS is out to advanced readers and reviews are starting to trickle in. (This is the most terrifying time for an author, btw--the real proof that the book was ready.)
AND today is my
To celebrate, I'm hosting myself for a truth or lie game today. (WHAT!?!) That's right. This will be one of the ONLY chances to win an eBook of TIMELESS. (No kidding.) Actually, I'm giving my entire series away to one lucky winner. (Provided they don't already have half the series. Then I'll have to supplement with another cool prize.)
Releases November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY.
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
Preorder Now
Here's my two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE MAIDEN OF TIME SERIES. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, October 11 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 12, 8 a.m. EDT when there will be another giveaway from our very own Roland Yeomans!TRUTH OR LIE
1. My first draft of Timeless was 42,000 words long. (150 pages.) Of those original 42,000, only about 10,000 survived to the final draft (85,000 words). (How's that for insight into the process?)
2. One of the main characters in my Maiden of Time series, Kiren, has been with me since 1994. That makes him his approximate physical age in the series (22).
3. I hate cheese.
This is the LAST CALL to sign up for the blog tour of TIMELESS. (Nov 1-21.)So sleuths, which is the lie? How do you decide when a story is done? What do you do to celebrate birthdays? (Leave me some cheese in the comments, eh?)
You get the water boiling, pop a few eggs in, and set a timer, right? Easy as that. But what if your timer wasn't reliable? What if time wasn't steady? What if your egg ended up in a metaphysical bubble?The IWSG question this month is:
When do you know your story is ready?
This is easy to answer: YOU DON'T.
No matter how long you've worked, how many times you've rewritten a book, or how optimistic you feel about a story, there is never a solid "THIS IS PERFECT, THIS IS DONE" moment. (Ten years after a book is published, most authors cringe at their own work.)
However, there are a few ways to discern a story MIGHT be ready...enough.
1. Beta readers. A variety of them--and I'm not talking about Mom or your best friend. I'm talking about people who are in the industry and regularly tear apart their own work. Yes, you actually have to let people read your work, AND you have to listen to what they say. It doesn't mean everything is valid or even worth listening to, but you have to be able to take a step back and weigh it like it is.
2. If you aren't up against publishing deadlines, time is a great test. If you can step away from a project for 6 months, a year, two years, and you come back and are blown away by it, it might be ready.
3. Querying. (Terrifying, right?) If you query 30 agents who rep your genre with a sample and don't get a single nibble, it may be that your writing needs a little more work. (This test works with short stories too.)
4. Hire a professional editor. And I'm not talking a line editor. I'm talking a developmental editor. They will strike at the heart of the story and find any underlying elements that aren't working. (What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, eh?)
How do you know if that egg is boiled? You crack it open and slice it to the core. As painful as that sounds, it's only way to know an egg is done.
Speaking of being done... *deep breath* TIMELESS is out to advanced readers and reviews are starting to trickle in. (This is the most terrifying time for an author, btw--the real proof that the book was ready.)
AND today is my
To celebrate, I'm hosting myself for a truth or lie game today. (WHAT!?!) That's right. This will be one of the ONLY chances to win an eBook of TIMELESS. (No kidding.) Actually, I'm giving my entire series away to one lucky winner. (Provided they don't already have half the series. Then I'll have to supplement with another cool prize.)
Releases November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY.
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
Preorder Now
Here's my two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE MAIDEN OF TIME SERIES. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, October 11 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 12, 8 a.m. EDT when there will be another giveaway from our very own Roland Yeomans!TRUTH OR LIE
1. My first draft of Timeless was 42,000 words long. (150 pages.) Of those original 42,000, only about 10,000 survived to the final draft (85,000 words). (How's that for insight into the process?)
2. One of the main characters in my Maiden of Time series, Kiren, has been with me since 1994. That makes him his approximate physical age in the series (22).
3. I hate cheese.
This is the LAST CALL to sign up for the blog tour of TIMELESS. (Nov 1-21.)So sleuths, which is the lie? How do you decide when a story is done? What do you do to celebrate birthdays? (Leave me some cheese in the comments, eh?)
September 28, 2016
WINNERS: What it Takes to Become One
You love winning, right? I love winning. We all love winning.
But how can you ALWAYS be a winner?
You must have a winner's attitude. A true winner looks at the worst day in history and sees one blooming flower beneath the crush of awfulness. That's their focus. There's a win.
So whether you win a prize today or not, you're a winner in my book.
Speaking of winners... Let's begin.
First, I'd like to introduce a total winner. Some of you may have met Theresa Milstein on the blogosphere or through Facebook, but I've been blessed to associate closely with her for many years and read her phenomenal poetry while we've both grown as writers. This woman has SERIOUS skills. Beautiful turning of the word in prose that leaves you feeling smarter and inspired. And guess what?!
HER POETRY IS GETTING PUBLISHED!!! How epic is that?
Time and Circumstance
by Theresa Milstein
Publication date: March, 2017
“The trunk of this family is lost to history / Photo fragments remain as shadows”
With subtle wit, and poignant imagery, the unrelenting passage of time connects the vignettes in Theresa Milstein’s Time and Circumstance. This reflective collection of real and imagined poetry and prose, speculates on an erratic childhood, the uncertainty of adolescence, and the reality of parenthood, through flashbacks of love lost and found.
“This everyday, why again, sometimes / ignored tune has measured time in notes, / seconds, minutes, days, years, and so it goes. / It’s a measure of the man he will become.”
And now for the winner of the TIMELESS Cover Reveal Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Yay for the winners! But they're not the only ones. I could not believe the outpouring of love with my cover reveal. Seriously. Over 60 people shared my cover throughout the week. Thank you all! But I promised one winner an Amazon gift card. I wish I could give everyone a gift card for helping.
And so the winner is:
Meradeth Houston!
AND LEST YOU SHOULD THINK YOU'VE BEEN SHAFTED BY THE WINNER CIRCLE, YOU HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE TO WIN:
Want to win a PRINT copy of the book?ENTER NOW
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Timelessby Crystal CollierGiveaway ends October 11, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.Enter Giveaway
BTW, sign ups are still open for
(but not for long)
Participate HERE.
Three weeks ago, Elizabeth Seckman shared two lies and one truth with us. Anyone who guessed one of her lie correctly was entered to win an eBook of SWEPT AWAY.
The game:
1. My first week of college, I got the flu and threw up in the elevator. Fortunately, everyone on the elevator just thought I'd been drinking and didn't make a big deal of it.
2. When I was a little girl, my sisters tried to turn me into a beauty pageant queen, but I'd never walk on a stage.
3. The first time I took my driver's test, I backed into a police officer (barely bumped her...no harm done!) and failed the test.
The truth: #2. They bought Elizabeth all the cute outfits and did weeks of "rehearsals". The day of the pageant, her sister's car broke down, so they walked miles to get to the local fair grounds where the pageant was held. She did fine in all the practice runs on stage. The day of the pageant, she could see people in the audience over the blinding stage lights. She took a step, maybe two, and froze. That was the end of her beauty queen career.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
THE CYNICAL SAILOR!
Congrats!
There will be full month of Truth or Lie games and giveaways coming in October. Are you ready for this awesomeness?
Have you ever won anything cool? What do you think makes a winner? Do you like poetry?
But how can you ALWAYS be a winner?You must have a winner's attitude. A true winner looks at the worst day in history and sees one blooming flower beneath the crush of awfulness. That's their focus. There's a win.
So whether you win a prize today or not, you're a winner in my book.
Speaking of winners... Let's begin.
First, I'd like to introduce a total winner. Some of you may have met Theresa Milstein on the blogosphere or through Facebook, but I've been blessed to associate closely with her for many years and read her phenomenal poetry while we've both grown as writers. This woman has SERIOUS skills. Beautiful turning of the word in prose that leaves you feeling smarter and inspired. And guess what?!
HER POETRY IS GETTING PUBLISHED!!! How epic is that?
Time and Circumstance
by Theresa Milstein
Publication date: March, 2017
“The trunk of this family is lost to history / Photo fragments remain as shadows”
With subtle wit, and poignant imagery, the unrelenting passage of time connects the vignettes in Theresa Milstein’s Time and Circumstance. This reflective collection of real and imagined poetry and prose, speculates on an erratic childhood, the uncertainty of adolescence, and the reality of parenthood, through flashbacks of love lost and found.
“This everyday, why again, sometimes / ignored tune has measured time in notes, / seconds, minutes, days, years, and so it goes. / It’s a measure of the man he will become.”
And now for the winner of the TIMELESS Cover Reveal Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Yay for the winners! But they're not the only ones. I could not believe the outpouring of love with my cover reveal. Seriously. Over 60 people shared my cover throughout the week. Thank you all! But I promised one winner an Amazon gift card. I wish I could give everyone a gift card for helping.
And so the winner is:
Meradeth Houston!
AND LEST YOU SHOULD THINK YOU'VE BEEN SHAFTED BY THE WINNER CIRCLE, YOU HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE TO WIN:
Want to win a PRINT copy of the book?ENTER NOW
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Timelessby Crystal CollierGiveaway ends October 11, 2016.See the giveaway details at Goodreads.Enter Giveaway
BTW, sign ups are still open for
(but not for long)
Participate HERE.
Three weeks ago, Elizabeth Seckman shared two lies and one truth with us. Anyone who guessed one of her lie correctly was entered to win an eBook of SWEPT AWAY.
The game:
1. My first week of college, I got the flu and threw up in the elevator. Fortunately, everyone on the elevator just thought I'd been drinking and didn't make a big deal of it.2. When I was a little girl, my sisters tried to turn me into a beauty pageant queen, but I'd never walk on a stage.
3. The first time I took my driver's test, I backed into a police officer (barely bumped her...no harm done!) and failed the test.
The truth: #2. They bought Elizabeth all the cute outfits and did weeks of "rehearsals". The day of the pageant, her sister's car broke down, so they walked miles to get to the local fair grounds where the pageant was held. She did fine in all the practice runs on stage. The day of the pageant, she could see people in the audience over the blinding stage lights. She took a step, maybe two, and froze. That was the end of her beauty queen career.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
THE CYNICAL SAILOR!
Congrats!
There will be full month of Truth or Lie games and giveaways coming in October. Are you ready for this awesomeness?
Have you ever won anything cool? What do you think makes a winner? Do you like poetry?
September 19, 2016
Opposition=Awesome Stories, or Babies Crushing Babies
Got you to look? GOOD. So this is the end of my new cover reveal. Sweet, right? (You're sitting there wondering what I'm talking about, or glad my posts will suddenly disappear from your feed.) I've got a mind blowing thought for you today, but first...
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Juenta Key, Marcy Hatch, Christine Rains, Bish Denham, and Lynda King.
And now it's funny time:
So I found this while looking up "funny time memes." It probably doesn't appeal to you as a time meme, and you may not even think it's funny--in which case you need to spend more time with babies.
But this totally says "TIME" to me.
Let me explain.
In the Maiden of Time series, there can only be one to govern the flow of time--meaning if twins with the gift to manipulate time were born...well, you get the idea. What if this was the case in reality? There could only be one person of any particular skill or expertise? How sad a world would that be? How much amazing diversity would we lack? How many twists and alternatives would we lose?
Celebrate your uniqueness and know that no matter what you feel on the bad days, you are a valuable addition to the human race.
Oh, and let's count our blessings that ONLY in fiction can people alter the timeline.
*sneaks down to the basement for a quick ride in the time machine*
It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word in November via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
And remember to enter the giveaway to win
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
(THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AND ONE MORE THING!Want to win a PRINT copy of the book?ENTER NOW ON
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Timeless by Crystal Collier Giveaway ends October 11, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "There can be only one"?
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Juenta Key, Marcy Hatch, Christine Rains, Bish Denham, and Lynda King.
And now it's funny time:
So I found this while looking up "funny time memes." It probably doesn't appeal to you as a time meme, and you may not even think it's funny--in which case you need to spend more time with babies.
But this totally says "TIME" to me.
Let me explain.
In the Maiden of Time series, there can only be one to govern the flow of time--meaning if twins with the gift to manipulate time were born...well, you get the idea. What if this was the case in reality? There could only be one person of any particular skill or expertise? How sad a world would that be? How much amazing diversity would we lack? How many twists and alternatives would we lose?
Celebrate your uniqueness and know that no matter what you feel on the bad days, you are a valuable addition to the human race.
Oh, and let's count our blessings that ONLY in fiction can people alter the timeline.
*sneaks down to the basement for a quick ride in the time machine*
It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word in November via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
And remember to enter the giveaway to win
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
(THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AND ONE MORE THING!Want to win a PRINT copy of the book?ENTER NOW ON
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Timeless by Crystal Collier Giveaway ends October 11, 2016. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "There can be only one"?
September 17, 2016
How to Stop Time (Or Alter it)
You know you've wanted to stop time at some point. I have. How awesome would that be? So, for your wish fulfillment...
But first
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Sharon K. Mayhew, Ian Bott, Theresa Milstein, Diane Burton, and Michelle Wallace,
And now it's funny time:
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
AND ONE MORE THING!Want to win a PRINT copy of the book?ENTER NOW ON
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Timeless by Crystal Collier Giveaway ends October 11, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
What time period have you fantasized about living in?
But first
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Sharon K. Mayhew, Ian Bott, Theresa Milstein, Diane Burton, and Michelle Wallace,
And now it's funny time:
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
AND ONE MORE THING!Want to win a PRINT copy of the book?ENTER NOW ON
.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Timeless by Crystal Collier Giveaway ends October 11, 2016. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
What time period have you fantasized about living in?
September 16, 2016
Victorian Time is Funny
Have you ever wanted to go back in time and experience another era? Let me see if I can convince you otherwise...
But first
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Erica Beebe, Cherie Colyer, Julie Flanders, Elizabeth Seckman, Kelly Hashway, Vanessa Eccles, Mark Noce, and Lori MacLaughlin.
And now it's funny time:
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
What time period have you fantasized about living in?
But first
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Erica Beebe, Cherie Colyer, Julie Flanders, Elizabeth Seckman, Kelly Hashway, Vanessa Eccles, Mark Noce, and Lori MacLaughlin.
And now it's funny time:
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
It's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
What time period have you fantasized about living in?
September 14, 2016
Money is TIME...er...
Is money freedom or is freedom money? Now that you've got your not-so-deep thought for the day, the laughs and awesomeness continue!
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Misha Gerrick, Jacqui Murray, Krystal Jane, Beverly McClure, Denise Covey, J Lenni Dorner, Medeia Sharif, Deniz Bevan, M. Pax, Quanie Miller, and M.J. Fifield.
And now it's funny time:
And don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
Lastly, it's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
What's your favorite time machine in literature or the movies?
A HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping to share my new cover today: Misha Gerrick, Jacqui Murray, Krystal Jane, Beverly McClure, Denise Covey, J Lenni Dorner, Medeia Sharif, Deniz Bevan, M. Pax, Quanie Miller, and M.J. Fifield.
And now it's funny time:
And don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
Lastly, it's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
What's your favorite time machine in literature or the movies?
September 13, 2016
Time is Hilarious
Have you ever laughed about time? Well this WHOLE week I'm attempting to make you do just that.
But first, a HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping me share my cover today: Michelle Athy, Christy Hintz, Tania Walsh, Kathy McKendry, Heather Holden, Sheena-kay Graham, and LD Masterson.
And now it's funny time:
And don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
Lastly, it's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
Would you rather have a delorian or a tardis?
But first, a HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping me share my cover today: Michelle Athy, Christy Hintz, Tania Walsh, Kathy McKendry, Heather Holden, Sheena-kay Graham, and LD Masterson.
And now it's funny time:
And don't forget to enter to win a copy of
Release Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Get an email notification of the book's release on November 1 by shooting me your email address HERE.
Lastly, it's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
Help spread the word at release time via social media or with a fun guest post from moi, a character quiz, medieval funnies and more. Sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
Would you rather have a delorian or a tardis?
September 12, 2016
TIMELESS Cover Reveal (With a Giveaway)
Are you ready for this gorgeousness? It's been so SO hard not spilling the beans early, but the day is FINALLY here, and I couldn't be more stoked.First of all, a HUGE shout and thank you to all the wonderful people helping me share my cover today: L.G. Keltner, Sandra Cox, Jennifer Lane, DL Hammons, Patricia Lynne, Lidy Wilks, Shannon Lawrence, Kai Strand, Cathrnia Constantine, Annalisa Crawford, Nicki Elson, Jessica Haight, A. A. Chamberlynn, Sherry Ellis, Nick Wilford, Kristin Smith, Kristine Hall, Sheena-kay Graham, Murees Dupé, and Lynne Fickling.
And here it comes!
Are you ready?
Are you sure?
[image error]
HERE
IT
IS!!!
Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)Author: Crystal CollierGenre: YA Paranormal HistoricalRelease Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
AWESOME, right?!?
So two quick things. You know how I love giving away things? You can enter to win a eARC of TIMELESS RIGHT NOW. Yay!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
OR
You can get a notification of the book's actual release on November 1 via email (and get the first chapter FREE shortly), by shooting me your email address HERE.
Lastly, it's BLOG TOUR TIME!!!
If you're willing to help spread the word at release time, sign up today ! There will be cheese in abundance, and prizes. You know it!
What do you think of the cover? What makes an awesome cover to you?
September 7, 2016
The Secret to Success (IWSG edition)
Priorities. How do you make sure you get the most important things done in a day?The IWSG question this month got me thinking--and not just about writing. The question is:
How do you find the time to write in your busy day?
I read this excellent article that wasn't even about the same subject. The primary idea behind the article was how we become products of our environment. The way it struck me, I started thinking about my surroundings. What things am I exposed to just because they're happening, and which elements do I try to control? Am I giving things passive permission to my brain--like a TV show, a radio song, or a debate because someone else is engaging in them around me? (Or because I didn't bother to silence those distractions?)
We all take the path of least resistance, but that doesn't mean we have to take whatever is put in front of us. We can create our own "path of least resistance" to our ultimate goals. It will take some work to shape the path, but once it's there, it's there.
So for me, writing in the day isn't a question of FINDING TIME, it's a question of MAKING TIME. And with 4 kids (1 a toddler and two full time home schooling students), I MAKE TIME. (Is it any wonder I write about time manipulation? LOL.)
What is hindering your productive time?
BTW, next week is my COVER REVEAL for TIMELESS (3rd book in my Maiden of Time series). Are you as excited as I am? (You know it's going to be epic.)
Two weeks ago, Mark Noce shared two truths and one lie with us. Anyone who guessed the lie correctly was entered to win a PRINT copy of BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
The game:
1. I once ate a package of plastic C4, thinking it was chocolate (it was nighttime people).
2. I take a car, two trains, and walk a mile-and-a-half in order to get to work each day.
3. I may actually be related to the second-most-prolific man in history (King Niall of Ireland).
The lie: #1. As fun a story as that would be, it's a total fib.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Quanie Miller!
Congrats, Quanie!
And now, how about ANOTHER truly great book up for grabs? (And yes, I read and reviewed this one. It is excellent.)
He came looking for a ghost. Instead, he found a girl.
Tucker Boone is a war-hardened Marine on a ghost hunt. Fresh out of the corps, Tucker learns he has a missing half-sister, Maddy. The only clue to her whereabouts is a cryptic note…I’ve gone Mad, Mags. Tucker agrees to search for her and heads to Ocracoke, North Carolina where a ghost named Mad Mags is said to haunt the ancient graveyards dotting the island.
The note doesn’t bring him any closer to finding Maddy, but it does offer him a diversion to the doldrums of civilian life—his new island neighbor, Josie McCoy. Tucker is drawn to her quiet spirit. There’s something special about Josie…a connection he can’t quite explain.
By summer’s end, he’s mixed up in deception, murder, and the love of a lifetime. Logic tells him to head home and forget the truths he found on the island. But can he walk away? Josie offers him more than love; she offers him hope. When the clues pile up and it looks like she can never be the girl for him, he has to make a choice—play it safe and break her heart, or risk everything for a chance at being swept away.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Elizabeth Seckman is a wife, a football mom, and a believer in dreams. She is a multi-published author and the best-seller on her street. There may not be any other writers on her street, but that doesn’t matter. She still outsells them all. She doesn't have a favorite cheese, but loves them all equally, even with jam. And she would eat cheese anywhere, be it land, sea, or cheesy air. Hold the questions, but never the cheese. That you pile on as high as you please!
Elizabeth gave me two lies and one truth to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out either lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of SWEPT AWAY. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, September 13 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 14, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. My first week of college, I got the flu and threw up in the elevator. Fortunately, everyone on the elevator just thought I'd been drinking and didn't make a big deal of it.
2. When I was a little girl, my sisters tried to turn me into a beauty pageant queen, but I'd never walk on a stage.
3. The first time I took my driver's test, I backed into a police officer (barely bumped her...no harm done!) and failed the test.
Oh, and it's not too late to sign up for the cover reveal of TIMELESS. (But almost.)So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love romance stories? What is your great distraction?
August 24, 2016
8 Reasons Women Kick Trash
Do you occasionally disappear from reality? Yeah, that was me the last couple weeks. I handed in a manuscript to an editor, critiqued 2 books, survived 2 weeks without my helpful kids around, and last minute got an acceptance letter for a specialized school for my very DIFFICULT child. Needless to say, it's been a very full 3 weeks, but I missed everyone. A ton!
So, I welcome you back with a few chuckles:
1. Men think they're tough, and we allow them to delude themselves.Because we're awesome like that. ;)
2. Have you seen how many things women take on...and accomplish...simultaneously?
3. Cognitive processes. Women's brains don't function in a straight line. Thus the possibilities are infinite rather than linear. =)
Source4. We really do hold all the power.
5. Truth, men: Isn't an angry woman more terrifying than an angry man?Be honest here.
Source6. We can be adorable WHILE being terrifying.
7. No matter how you try to spin it, women have a ridiculously high pain tolerance.That goes for more than just physical pain. See, it's a darn good thing we're so nice about it.Most the time.
8. Because a woman can get through PMS and not do this.
SourceAs fun as all that is, women have the most influence in the world. They're the shapers of reality. Builders of the future. Think about that next time you're tempted to put one down, eh?
(Men, if it makes you feel better, I'll type up a post for you soon. And it will be awesome epic. With CHEESE.)
Three weeks ago, Carol Riggs shared two truths and one lie with us. The winners were entered to win an eBook of BOTTLED.
The game:
1. Carol loves to swim; it’s one of her favorite things to do in the summer.
2. Carol has been married three times; her current husband is her third.
3. Carol has never gone skiing before, downhill or cross-country.
The lie: #1. Carol couldn’t care less if she didn’t swim in a pool or other body of water for the rest of her life. Occasionally she does go swimming, but she doesn’t like to put her face in the water, and she gets a bit nervous when her feet can’t touch the bottom!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Sandra Almazan!
Congrats, Sandra!
And now, a book I'm SO stoked about (because I read an early draft and it's well worth getting excited over!):
Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales’ last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King.
But this fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen herself becomes the target of assassinations and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan her world threatens to tear itself apart. Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Mark Noce writes historical fiction with a passion, and eagerly reads everything from fantasy to literature. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he’s an avid traveler and backpacker, particularly in Europe and North America. He earned his BA and MA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he also met his beautiful wife. By day, he works as a Technical Writer, having spent much of his career at places like Google and Facebook. In addition to writing novels, he also writes short fiction online. When not reading or writing, he’s probably listening to U2, sailing his dad’s boat, or gardening with his family.
His debut novel, Between Two Fires, is being published by Thomas Dunne Books (an imprint of St. Martin's Press and Macmillan). It is the first in a series of historical fiction novels set in medieval Wales.
Mark gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a PRINT copy of BETWEEN TWO FIRES. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, September 6 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 7, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I once ate a package of plastic C4, thinking it was chocolate (it was nighttime people).
2. I take a car, two trains, and walk a mile-and-a-half in order to get to work each day.
3. I may actually be related to the second-most-prolific man in history (King Niall of Ireland).
Oh, and it's not too late to sign up for the cover reveal of TIMELESS.So sleuths, which is the lie? Who is your favorite TV/movie heroine? Are you a fan of historical fiction?
So, I welcome you back with a few chuckles:
1. Men think they're tough, and we allow them to delude themselves.Because we're awesome like that. ;)
2. Have you seen how many things women take on...and accomplish...simultaneously?
3. Cognitive processes. Women's brains don't function in a straight line. Thus the possibilities are infinite rather than linear. =)
Source4. We really do hold all the power.
5. Truth, men: Isn't an angry woman more terrifying than an angry man?Be honest here.
Source6. We can be adorable WHILE being terrifying.
7. No matter how you try to spin it, women have a ridiculously high pain tolerance.That goes for more than just physical pain. See, it's a darn good thing we're so nice about it.Most the time.
8. Because a woman can get through PMS and not do this.
SourceAs fun as all that is, women have the most influence in the world. They're the shapers of reality. Builders of the future. Think about that next time you're tempted to put one down, eh?(Men, if it makes you feel better, I'll type up a post for you soon. And it will be awesome epic. With CHEESE.)
Three weeks ago, Carol Riggs shared two truths and one lie with us. The winners were entered to win an eBook of BOTTLED.
The game:
1. Carol loves to swim; it’s one of her favorite things to do in the summer.
2. Carol has been married three times; her current husband is her third.
3. Carol has never gone skiing before, downhill or cross-country.
The lie: #1. Carol couldn’t care less if she didn’t swim in a pool or other body of water for the rest of her life. Occasionally she does go swimming, but she doesn’t like to put her face in the water, and she gets a bit nervous when her feet can’t touch the bottom!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Sandra Almazan!
Congrats, Sandra!
And now, a book I'm SO stoked about (because I read an early draft and it's well worth getting excited over!):
Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales’ last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King.But this fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen herself becomes the target of assassinations and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan her world threatens to tear itself apart. Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.
Get Your Copy HERE.
Ready to meet the author?
Mark Noce writes historical fiction with a passion, and eagerly reads everything from fantasy to literature. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he’s an avid traveler and backpacker, particularly in Europe and North America. He earned his BA and MA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he also met his beautiful wife. By day, he works as a Technical Writer, having spent much of his career at places like Google and Facebook. In addition to writing novels, he also writes short fiction online. When not reading or writing, he’s probably listening to U2, sailing his dad’s boat, or gardening with his family.His debut novel, Between Two Fires, is being published by Thomas Dunne Books (an imprint of St. Martin's Press and Macmillan). It is the first in a series of historical fiction novels set in medieval Wales.
Mark gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a PRINT copy of BETWEEN TWO FIRES. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, September 6 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 7, 8 a.m. EDT.TRUTH OR LIE
1. I once ate a package of plastic C4, thinking it was chocolate (it was nighttime people).
2. I take a car, two trains, and walk a mile-and-a-half in order to get to work each day.
3. I may actually be related to the second-most-prolific man in history (King Niall of Ireland).
Oh, and it's not too late to sign up for the cover reveal of TIMELESS.So sleuths, which is the lie? Who is your favorite TV/movie heroine? Are you a fan of historical fiction?
![[image error]](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQOFnLKv7nw/V87r8aZiSFI/AAAAAAAAF-U/qawxvd0TrH0Irjpoqhy8BlCD1PxL54CewCLcB/s1600/anticipation%2B2.gif){kind=link}