Skye Callahan's Blog, page 33
February 1, 2014
25 days until Bound and Unbroken…
I’m in the final stages of editing Bound and Unbroken (I think this is round 5 or something like that…), and I can’t wait to share it with the world. So far, the beta/editor feedback has been encouraging, so now I’m down to spreading the news.
Win a PaperbackYou can find Bound and Unbroken on Goodreads, where you can also enter to win a paperback copy via the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway!
I’m also doing my own little giveaway for members of my mailing list–on release day, I’ll randomly select one mailing list recipient to also receive a free paperback copy.
Reserve your signed paperback
I also decided to set up a place for anyone who is interested to reserve a signed paperback and anyone who orders their paperback before release day can get it for $10 plus shipping–on release day the price will increase to $12 plus shipping.
Blitz & Tour
I’d love to have you join the February 25 Book Blitz or the March 3-7 Book Tour–there will be ARCs provided to any interested participant. For the tour there will also be interviews, guest posts, and other opportunities for fun posts.
To anyone who has helped by spreading the word and sharing teasers, I really appreciate your time and I’m glad that you’re as excited for the release as me.
Thanks,
Skye Callahan
Click to view slideshow.
January 31, 2014
February Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
February Sponsors
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Feed Your Reader
Romance Through the Ages
Buried Under Romance
Author Inger Iversen
Jenna Does Books
Author Jennifer Laurens
Author Bonnie Blythe
Author Bella Street
The Reporter and the Girl
Author Brinda Berry
The Storybook Kingdom
More Than a Review
Bea’s Book Nook
Bookroom Reviews
The One With The Fairy Tales
MyLadyWeb: Women’s History and Women Authors
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl
I Heart YA Fiction
My Devotional Thoughts
Kindle and Me
Clever Me
Every Free Chance Book Reviews
Author Karey White
Author Aubrey Wynne
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
A Leisure Moment
Author Louise Caiola
Author Christie Anderson
Author Carol Malone
Immortal Ink Publishing
Author A. Wrighton
Author Heather McCoubrey
Attack of the Books!
Rumor Has It
Barb’s Wire – eBooks & More
Author Linda S. Prather
Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Laurie Here
Author Heather Gray
Author Kelly Martin
Author Brenda Maxfield
A Southern Lady’s Book Blog
Author Paige Ryan
Confessions of a Librarian in Training
My Nook, Books and More
Lori’s Reading Corner
Author Elizabeth Woodrum
Author Kristin Wallace
Author Jo Grafford
Writer Wonderland
Author Jaret Martens
Author Christi Corbett
Author Derek Rempfer
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway:
http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
Ends 2/28/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
January 30, 2014
Ruby Lake Series by Sherril Willis
Sherrill Willis is the author of the much loved Ruby Lake series. Ruby Lake is the first book which was published originally in 2011, but was re-released after being professionally edited in 2013.
The second novel in the series, A Wedding in Ruby Lake, was released on 8/16/12, and the third, Stay A While in Ruby Lake, was released on 12/12/13. Sherrill lives in northern Wisconsin with her two sons, and – in addition to writing which is her passion – enjoys reading, meeting friends for coffee and loves talking to her readers!!
ruby lake series blast
sherrill willis
ruby lake #1
Sydney Myers has been through several failed relationships in the past year, in addition to several other trauma’s, and is now giving up on finding her knight in dented armor. When her boss sends her to Ruby Lake, a small, rural town in northern Wisconsin, the last thing she was looking for was love at first sight, not to mention a place in the world where she finally fits. Add in her city-savvy best friend, a jealous ex-girlfriend, a famous father, and a coffee shop full of off-the wall characters, and it becomes more challenging for Sydney to manage than a spinning plate competition.
When disaster strikes close to home, Sydney is left with the unbearable choice of her family, or the life she has always dreamed of. Come with Sydney on her journey and laugh, cry and rediscover why some choices are not really choices at all, they are simply fate.
purchase links
excerpt
“Really? What were you doing about twenty minutes ago? And don’t tell me you were thinking, I know what your ‘thinking’ face is. Besides, we’re leaving Saturday, and we are staying at the hotel until then so it’s not like I am going to get a chance at him anyway. I was just commenting on how cute he is.” Illana folded her arms over her chest and stuck her chin out at Sydney. “At least I’m honest about it, unlike some people.”
“What do you want me to say?” Sydney threw her arms up in frustration. “Yes, I think Zeke is hot, like burn-me-at-the-stake kind of hot. The man brought me a perfect cup of coffee while I was sleeping. Who does that? I almost spilled my coffee this afternoon when Betty told me he called her to find out how I like my coffee. So, yeah, I want him. How could I not? I mean, the only thing that would make him sexier is a gold-hoop earring! My heart does jumping jacks whenever he walks into the room,” At Illana’s wide-eyed look, Sydney said, “and he’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, but don’t stop now, especially if you’re going to do jumping jacks,” Zeke said, leaning against the door jam and wearing a very satisfied grin.
a wedding in ruby lake #2
A Wedding in Ruby Lake finds Sydney Myers and Zeke Greyson planning the perfect wedding, only to receive several unexpected, but not unwanted, houseguests. Illana Garet, Sydney’s city-savvy best friend, decides to come rather unexpectedly as does Zeke’s friend Tyler Shepard. They both arrive just in time to be embroiled into a new threat which proves to be far more dangerous than anyone at first had believed. The attraction between Alex, Zeke’s brother, and Illana deepens and Illana finds it hard to keep her well-maintained defenses in place. Annie “Attila the bun” Greyson is also back, but with a few surprises of her own.
From the meddling ladies at the local coffee shop, the Stay a While, to the machinations of a psychopath, A Wedding in Ruby Lake is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and a few new characters to get to know. Join the Ruby Lake gang as they find out, mostly the hard way, that sometimes walls need to be torn down in order for a better foundation to be built.
purchase links
excerpt
Illana walked quickly into her room and grabbed her black clutch purse, opening it to drop her cell phone in it. She checked her hair, red tipped today, and makeup one last time in the mirror above the dresser and then walked out the door, pulling it shut quietly so as not to wake the other houseguest. Turning around, she ran smack into his chest.
“Ow, hi, I didn’t hear you get up. Did we wake you?” she asked, her face turning pink as she looked at Tyler.
“No, I’ve been up for hours actually,” Tyler said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. “Just so you know, my heart has already been spoken for. But if it wasn’t, you’d be very fun to chase…and catch.”
Illana felt a pang of disappointment, and a wave of relief. “Ha, like you’d catch me to begin with. I never date men who are prettier than me.”
stay a while in ruby lake #3
After a shooting incident—which left Sydney Greyson and her new sister-in-law, Annie Greyson, injured—the residents of Ruby Lake now face more difficulties than ever before. Sydney is left trying to navigate a new marriage and the upcoming arrival of her twins, while dealing with the fear that shadows her every waking moment. Annie is coming to terms with a life drastically different than the one she had hoped for, and makes some painful decisions regarding who will be in her life and who she must let go. Illana Garet will have to make some tough choices, and will gain and lose much during the process. Meanwhile, the women at the local coffee shop, the Stay a While, will do everything in their power to keep everyone’s spirits up, amid much laughter and love.
None of the members of the close-knit group in Ruby Lake will be left unscathed in the upcoming events that will shape them all. Come with them to celebrate the joys and grieve the losses that touch us all. Join them to find out why so many choose to Stay a While in Ruby Lake.
purchase links
excerpt
“Stop yelling, I’m awake, for goodness sake,” Diana said, pulling her fancy new earbuds out of her ears.
Illana sat down, one hand on her chest. “You usually hear the door open, your face was so peaceful, I thought…”
Diana put a hand on Illana’s knee. “I know what you thought, and it is coming. I hope you don’t do that when I do go. When I go home, there won’t be any more pain. You must be brave, my girl, you must. There are so many things I want to say, do, see with you. I want to dance, I want to sing more songs, but we are running out of time. I want to say I love you a thousand more times, so much so it will soak into your skin and stain it. So you will have it forever.”
dreamcast
contact the author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrillWillis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SherrillWillis
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sherrillwillis/
Email: sherrillwillis@yahoo.com
January 29, 2014
Jan 29th Updates #ROW80
Aside from the -30 windchills here, there’s nothing much new going on (except for the writing things which I’ll get to later). Mostly the day job rules my week, and no one wants to hear that. I’m currently working on a Tax Addendum (even though I don’t understand a word of it), and I spent half of the morning on Twitter talking to Adobe customer service to get Adobe Creative Suite (CS3!!!) reactivated on my computer. Exciting times! I’m actually writing this blog post in between working on a project in Photo Shop since I have plenty of time between steps as the program freezes and takes a few minutes to respond to every change I make.
ROW 80
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) Editing, rewriting, editing …
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide (0% complete)
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken (75% complete)
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken (65% complete)
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor (pending….)
Accomplishments so far this week:
Last night I finished strengthening the middle section of Bound and Unbroken (aka rewriting 3 chapters). Some bits of the old chapters survived, but after an editor informed me that the Club scene in those chapters was the weakest part of the novel, I struggled to turn it around. All along, I’ve known generally what needed to happen in these chapters, but the first attempts at it were just awkward, and I couldn’t quite find the right mix And then I got a great new idea that got me exactly where I wanted to be, but took a quite different route (and in my opinion, it’s much more fun!). Oh, and best part, I’m in love with my story again–makes it seem less tedious.
Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
Accomplishments this week:
Well, I still haven’t visited everyone for Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors, but I did hit my #ROW80 blogs
I’ve been more attentive with replying to comments.
I’m a longtime user of BufferApps for scheduling social media posts, having tried others and not being that impressed. However, I recently opened another HootSuite account, and they’ve improved a lot since my last use. I’ll probably still use Buffer to share pics (since I like how their picture posts work), but I think HootSuite will help a great deal in decreasing my time spent on social media. I have it set up so that I can see my Facebook News Feed, Profile Page, Twitter Feed, and Street Team feed in one tab, then a tab for scheduled posts for each account, and a tab for private messages. Plus there are apps to monitor MailChimp and other services. I’m a happy camper right now, but I’ll let you know how it fares after I live with it for a week or two. The big drawback for me is nothing that I’ve found will manage my Google+ profile, even though some will manage pages now. There’s also an option to use HootSuite for WordPress, but I didn’t try that one since I only get 5 freebies.
Less than 4 weeks until release!!
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
January 28, 2014
Cover Reveal: Breathe Again by Rachel Brookes
For Savannah Rae, the thought of living in her picture-perfect world was almost too much to comprehend. With her dream job, a family she could finally call her own, and the beginnings of the best chapter of her life, she still couldn’t shake the unnerving feeling that it was all too good to be true.
The thought of a life without Savannah was incomprehensible to Tate Connors. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would find his girl in the form of a sassy, stubborn, beautiful Australian. Finally he had the girl and life he so desperately wanted, but he still couldn’t ignore the fear that it would crash around him.
When Tate’s past becomes his present and Savannah’s present becomes her past, the possibility of a future together collides head-on with reality.
In her darkest days, the words Just Breathe provided a peaceful comfort to Savannah from the heavens above. Now as she and Tate go down the path of new beginnings, brutal endings, and the constant craving of a happily ever after, they are anxious to learn how to Breathe Again.
Rachel Brookes is from a coastal town on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. Writing angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and delicious men to season is what she loves to do. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sometimes forgets to sleep and sometimes can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment but that’s because she is in a long term relationship with her laptop. When she does step away from her laptop she can be found taking too many photos, making scrumptious cocktails, laughing at Adam Sandler movies and spending her time with her amazing family. Having released Just Breathe and Breathless in 2013, Rachel is looking forward to a busy 2014 with the upcoming release of Breathe Again, the final book in The Breathe Series and many other books planned she can’t wait to continue this crazy ride.
Website/Blog: http://rachelbrookes.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RachelBrookes_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrachelbrookes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/rachelbrookes
Just Breathe (Breathe #1) by Rachel Brookes
Amazon: http://amzn.to/19izDs4
iBook: http://bit.ly/HLtmgo
B&N: http://bit.ly/HLtr3S
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1dn1xWj
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1bn98kK
Breathless (Breathe #1.5) by Rachel Brookes
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1elQz3T
iBook: http://bit.ly/19VWNtp
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1gg82jl
January 27, 2014
January 25, 2014
To stalk or not to stalk #ROW80 & #SnippetSunday
Happy Sunday everyone, first up a snippet from Bound and Unbroken, for Snippet Sunday and WeWriWa. If you’d like to skip the snippet and find my ROW 80 update, just scroll down a bit. And, if you’ve missed any of my previous snippets, you can find them by clicking the Weekly Snippets in the top menu.
–
“So you are stalking me?” Lena said, watching him out of the corner of her eye as she tucked her book into her bag and slid it back next to her leg.
“No, that would imply that I’m going to follow you home tonight, or that I’ve been creeping outside your house. I heard a rumor that you might be here, so I thought I’d take my chances.”
With his smug face, she wondered if there was any situation he wasn’t confident in, but he hadn’t exactly explained how he knew she’d be here, after all, she wasn’t aware of anyone who kept track of her whereabouts. “A rumor–who the hell is keeping track of me?”
Eric raised his eyebrows, “You’ve got quite a mouth for an elementary school teacher.”
“I teach third grade, I’m not in it. Now answer my question.”
Check out the other participants at Snippet Sunday or WeWriWa.
–
ROW 80
It’s snowing again!! We have snow! It’s been about 12 degrees here the last few days, but with no snow. That’s depressing if you ask me, so I’m quite happy with 24 degrees if I have 8 inches of snow.
I got some cool supplies to make Bound and Unbroken swag this week, and I started experimenting with some ideas for a CafePress store. Time that would probably be better spent writing, but sometimes I need a different means for my creative outlet, and it’s fun to be crafty and experiment with my designs on T-shirts & notepads.
Projects
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) I’m about to start on another round of betas, since I’ve made a few big changes.
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide (0% complete)
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken (50% complete)
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken (60% complete)
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor (pending….)
Accomplishments this week:
Bound and Unbroken–I’ve rewritten a few scenes, which doesn’t really add to the wordcount since I’m deleting almost as much as I’m adding.
I have swag & book related merchandise!
Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
Accomplishments this week:
I started a group on Google+ for writers and readers who want to talk about the kinkier side of books–Collars & Cuffs Book Club. I’m part of a few such groups on Facebook but they’re always cracking down on anything that includes BDSM, and well everything else really. I don’t feel like anything on Facebook is reliable anymore, so I’d like to have a good place on another forum to talk about interests.
I’ve juiced a couple of times, but I’ve been wanting orange juice more than veggie juice lately.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
January 23, 2014
The Unorganized Life of Skye #ROW80
I started to type all this up last night, after realizing halfway through work that it was Wednesday, but since I ended up with a miserable headache, I left it half done and went to bed…
I need someone whose sole purpose is to track me down and tell me what I’m supposed to be doing the next day. I’ve charged my planner with this task, but it fails to track me down each evening. Maybe some kind of little helper faerie is needed.
On second thought, no, probably not. It would be more trouble than its worth.
So, onward we go! It’s Wednesday, which I only realized halfway through work today. I blame the fact that Monday was a holiday so I didn’t have to work. I love long weekends, but my sense of time is already broken so mucked up schedules don’t help.
News this week! Yesterday, my cover was revealed!
ROW 80
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1 round of beta critiques implemented
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide (0% complete)
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken (50% complete)
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken (45% complete)
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor (pending….)
Accomplishments so far this week:
More corrections and I came up with an idea to fix a weak chapter
Still haven’t written it, but it’s simmeringNon-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
Accomplishments this week:
I have had juice for the last few days!! At least once a day–still need to get back to 2 times a day, but we have progress.
Regular online activities–my attempts at this should become a little better since the cover reveal is over.
Less than 5 weeks until release!!
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
January 21, 2014
Bound & Unbroken Cover Reveal, Upcoming Events & Giveaway
Bound and Unbroken
by Skye Callahan
BDSM Romance
Release: February 25, 2014
Lena is about to discover pleasure in the things she can’t control.
To get even with her roommate for dragging her to a sports bar on a Friday night, Lena begins flirting with the handsome stranger who sits at the bar next to her. Their anonymous conversation leads to a shared cab ride, but Lena’s conscience puts a damper on the evening—leaving the near-fling to become a memory. Until she finds him roaming the halls of the school where she teaches.
Can she submit to his desires?
Eric’s only reason for returning to his hometown is to care for his recently orphaned nephew. He knew the return would involve dredging up his past with family and friends, but he didn’t expect a lone girl to capture his interest and offer an escape within his new life.
Will his binds be enough to keep her?
Note: This book contains explicit sexual content (including BDSM themes), graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: M/f anal play, bondage, spanking, exhibitionism.
Add it on Goodreads or sign up for my newsletter for release updates.
Join the cover reveal day fun on Facebook at the Bound and Unbroken Cover Reveal Event! January 21, 7-9 EST.
Last chance to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway now to win one of 50 gifts sponsored by more than 20 authors.
Bloggers interested in hosting the Release Day Blitz or Blog Tour can sign up at Sinful Thought Author Promotions by following the respective links.
Bound and Unbroken is the first novel in the Out of Bounds Series. You can find official merchandise for the series on CafePress.com.
January 18, 2014
Stalkers & Nerves! #ROW80 & #SnippetSunday
Happy Sunday everyone, first up a snippet from Bound and Unbroken, for Snippet Sunday and WeWriWa. If you’d like to skip the snippet and find my ROW 80 update, just scroll down a bit. And, if you’ve missed any of my previous snippets, you can find them by clicking the Weekly Snippets in the top menu.
–
So much for having plenty of room to stretch out, she thought as Eric climbed past her and took the next seat. She hated sharing armrests under normal circumstances—sharing an armrest meant they’d inevitably touch. Just the thought of it made her insides squirm with anticipation.
“Of course I’m not stalking you,” he explained, “I always hang out at Beethoven concerts—it’s a great place to pick up women.”
Lena looked around the room, and then raised an eyebrow and whispered. “You have some kind of grandma fetish I don’t know about?”
His eyes squinted slightly at the word fetish, and Lena tried to let it go, asking herself why on earth she’d ask that question anyway.
“What are you really doing here?” Lena lowered her voice as the room continued to fill and people began sitting in nearby seats.
“I came to see you.”
Check out snippets from other participants at Snippet Sunday or WeWriWa.
–
ROW 80
I’m not sure I have much to talk about this week. The last few days have been a blur, and I’m looking forward to the long weekend. The only highlight I can think of is that my husband is learning to play a Japanese flute and it’s quite entertaining. I’m still nervous about getting everything together, which makes my attention span non-existent.
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1st draft complete & with Betas
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide (0% complete)
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken (50% complete)
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken (45% complete)
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor (pending….)
Accomplishments this week:
Bound and Unbroken–more corrections, more scenes that needed added totaling about another 2000k
Preparations for the cover reveal coming up this Tuesday
Since my KDP select contract ended, I uploaded Fractured Legacy to Smashwords!
Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs.
Accomplishments this week:
Well, I have been getting in a few regular blog visits each week, not quite each day.
Getting into a better habit of recording my to do lists in my planner each week–hoping this helps keep me focused. I know I cover things here on the blog, but I find that handwriting what I need to do helps cement my plans a bit more.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
