Lisa Marie Pottgen's Blog, page 24
October 17, 2013
BWR Tours Presents: #Fayborn Author J. Aleksandr Wootton on Digital Self Publishing Industry Shifts
Thoughts on Digital Self-Publishing (DSP): Industry Shifts. You Should Too.
As Jenny the Bloggess recently pointed out, there are no “rules” for successful digital self-publishing. Many industries have a proverbial mailroom, a place where you “do your time” while learning the ropes and making connections, providing ambitious/determined/persistent/tenacious individuals a path to the job they actually want. Most professional creative arts don’t have anything as concrete as an actual mailroom – typically, your career begins with some manner of audition, upon which the industry either accepts you or it doesn’t, and if it doesn’t you have to decide whether to try again – but there have always been ways for new artists to boost their chances of breaking in. Musicians can move to Nashville and play coffeeshops. Stage actors can garner credits by working their way up through community theaters and small companies. Artists can gain exposure through local galleries and art shows.
Writers’ “mailroom” used to be periodicals. Once upon a time, you could intern with a print publication or freelance with several, work your way up to having your own regular column (a paying gig!), build readership and reputation, then capitalize on that experience and position to make the leap to part-time or full-time book author.
That wasn’t the only route to writing success, of course, but it worked for centuries, from Charles Dickens to Neil Gaiman.
But with the recent decline of print periodicals, the path from “starving writer” to “successful author” has gotten a whole lot less clear. Free-to-read web-based publishing has gobbled up our trail of breadcrumbs.
(True, it also creates opportunity; but if something is broad it is assumed to be shallow, and often deservedly so. All-access web publishing means that everyone can be a blogger, anyone can start an online periodical, anybody can get thousands of hits per month. All you need is sensationalism, a clever URL and SEO tweaks, and some possibly-off-topic viral marketing. The fact that this opportunity exists undermines the credentials and credibility of legitimate web writers.)
It won’t always be this way. Right now, writers are operating during a brief window where technological changes are shaking up established industries. The big players are slow to change, but they also have a lot of capital and clout. Although its not optimal, they can afford to take their time adjusting. Here’s what I’m expecting:
Periodicals will make a digital resurgence, severely limiting access to free web-based content in favor of paid subscriptions managed through ereaders. New periodicals will have lower subscription and production costs, fewer employees, and decentralized (cloud-based) virtual offices. I’ve been anticipating this for a few years, and it’s only recently started to happen.
The decline of brick-and-mortar bookstore chains, far from heralding the end of physical bookstores – as champions of the ebook revolution like Smashwords founder Mark Coker continue to imply – will actually re-open market space for smaller, privately owned, mom-and-pop bookstores.Of course the big players like Borders have a hard time competing with online booksellers. Giant retailers are able to take over from local shops because their size allows them to conduct business more efficiently and less expensively, so they can undercut local shops’ prices and steal their customers. Online retailing takes efficiency to a whole new level: it’s far easier and more cost-effective to maintain a single virtual storefront than thousands of physical storefronts. It’s the difference between running a single store that a billion customers can access, and running a thousand stores that reach a thousand customers per store.
But people will always want real books, and physical bookstores are good for readers, authors, and publishers alike. They allow for “accidental discovery” and socializing with other, local, real readers, in ways that social media will never be able to provide. I think that as Walden, Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million stores gradually slip away, smaller, more interesting, more agile bookshops founded by smarter, more interesting booksellers will begin to pop up in neighborhoods and shopping centers.
These new bookstores will be organized around interest and connection. New bookshops will be organized around genres, book clubs, particular literary movements and writers’ groups, award-winning titles. Or they’ll be organized around activities other than reading, but that go very well with reading – the new bookshops will look like coffeeshops, tea emporiums, pubs, cafes, curiosity shops, board game parlors, used book exchanges, gardening shops, christmas shops. They’ll be the kind of place where you sit and stay awhile, or where your hobbyists’ group or book club meets on midweek evenings.
Meanwhile the new bookseller, or shop owner, will likely have a small enough inventory to manage that he or she will have read each book the shop stocks, so customers will be able to trust that any book they risk buying will be worth the read. Or maybe, after a few visits the girl behind the register will know what drink to get ready as soon as you push the door open, and when you talk about what’s going on this week you’ll each have a book to recommend to the other.
I, for one, am happy to see the corporate booksellers, always chasing efficiency, move online and out of our neighborhoods. Once they do, it won’t be long before I can walk down to the little shop on the corner, order a coffee, and be told which of the new titles that came in this week I ought to read next.
DSP will become the de facto vetting process for traditional publication. Here’s my reasoning:For years, the traditional-publishing acquisitions process has been fundamentally broken, just waiting for some new method to come along and replace it. Acquisition editors receive so much correspondence and have so many projects to wade through, they’re choking. There simply aren’t enough hours in a week to give pitches sufficient attention. Editors work ten hours a day at the office five and six days a week, then spend hours more each evening reading manuscripts. Inevitably, great books get rejected because their authors haven’t written a sufficiently compelling query – and lots and lots of crap books get published because an author wrote a great pitch, but has only written a mediocre story, and the publisher can’t afford (because of time constraints or cost-benefit analysis) to give the mediocre book the developmental attention it needs to become a good book.
How many times have you been in a bookstore and thought, “how on earth did this get published??” or “I’m not at all surprised to see that one in the Bargain Books section.” (And then followed it up with, “if this guy made it, how come I haven’t?” or “hey, if this got published, mine certainly has a shot”?)
This situation is pretty bad for traditional publishers, authors, and retailers alike. As Mark Coker explains in Smashwords’ Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success, print-book retailing is based on a consignment-style business model. Physical bookstores only have so much floor space, so they generally only stock new, unproven titles for a few weeks before sending unsold copies back to the publisher for a full refund. A good book only has a few weeks to capture reader attention (and investment); a bad book is just stealing precious visibility from a better title.
You would think that, given how difficult it is to break into traditional publishing, publishers would at least be able to guarantee the quality of their products. But they can’t. There are so many wannabe writers clamoring for attention, on top of all the usual demands of business, that it simply hasn’t been possible.
And that’s where DSP comes in.
Traditional publishers are already starting to wake up – already starting to comb the top-100 lists of DSP books for new authors to offer print deals to. If a DSP book is doing well, acquisitions editors already know that fronting the cash to market and print thousands of copies is a sound financial investment. Before DSP, they had to guess. And they were pretty good at guessing – good enough to be profitable, anyway – but it was still guessing. A successful DSP title removes the guesswork
All that’s a bit of digression, though. Say you do become successful as a DSP author. At that point, you may not be interested in traditional publishing (even if traditional publishers are interested in you).
Regardless, one reality that DSP hasn’t changed for writers is the need to dodge slush piles. In case you’re not familiar with the term: in traditional publishing, a slush pile is the name for the bottomless stack of sub-par query letters and manuscript proposals that whole sections of acquisition editors’ offices are buried under. You get tossed into a slush pile, man, you may as well have fallen into a black hole. There’s no coming back from that. (Not with that project + editor combination, anyway.)
In DSP, the slush piles aren’t gone – they’ve just moved. Tactics for avoiding them – also known as the best practices for marketing your book – have shifted as well.
As I said before, there aren’t rules for DSP. What worked for one author with a particular title or body of work at a certain time with a given venue isn’t necessarily going to work for you / your book, even if all the other conditions are essentially identical.
But there are trends, principles, for how internet-based creative business works. I’m going to tell you what they are, explain why they operate the way they do, and make suggestions about how to harness those ideas on behalf of your own writing. Stay Tuned – that’s what’s up next.
Find more on this subject at http://smithyofthewrittenword.blogspot.com/search/label/Digital%20Self-Publishing%20%28DSP%29
MEET J ALEKSANDR WOOTON:
J. Aleksandr Wootton is the author of the Fayborn novel series and a miscellany of other writings, many of which are available on various sites around the web.
He is also professor of folklore at Lightfoot College. His research focuses mainly on post-war Faerie, and on accounts of meetings between humans and sojourning fay.
He enjoys cooking, gardening, and long conversations accompanied by a well-brewed pint.
Jack’s Website – http://www.jackwootton.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/mr_wootton
Gooreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6155159.J_Aleksandr_Wootton
Fayborn Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HerUnwelcomeInheritance
ABOUTHE FAYBORN BOOKS
HER UNWELCOME INHERITANCE (book1)
Jason M. Smith (July 30, 2012)
Petra Godfellow is ready – a little nervous, but ready – to grow up and leave home. She doesn’t know the family secret – about the man who loved her mother, who never could accept that it was over between them…
….who’s crazy enough to believe that he’s the king of Faerie.
As Petra begins her first semester at Lightfoot College, she’ll be forced to navigate her own doubts when people she respects reveal their beliefs in the absurd and impossible. She’ll be stalked by the supernatural, asked to bargain with unfriendly powers for the fate of another world.
And it’s not just her future that’s in danger – it’s her mother, her aunt, her best friend – and thousands of refugees from a centuries-old civil war in Faerie who are tired of staying in hiding… (ISBN#9781491291009 Print 9781301949687 eBook, 178pp, $9.99 print list, $3.74 eBook list)
PURCHASE AT
iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/her-unwelcome-inheritance/id685748885
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-unwelcome-inheritance-j-aleksandr-wootton/1112327956?ean=2940014931625
Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/her-unwelcome-inheritance/7bnedDR67kCzlvGYoQKPUg
or Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/343707?ref=BWRTours
THE EIGHTH SQUARE (book 2)
J Aleksandr Wootton (Sep. 25, 2013)
Dodging unwelcome encounters with the supernatural is making Petra Godfellow’s freshman year very difficult.
Emissaries from the imprisoned Faerie Queen are looking for her. Members of the Green Kingdom Militia watch her everywhere she goes. Worst of all, servants of James Oberon keep trying to kidnap her. All because they believe that Petra is a direct descendant of Robin the Puck, and therefore endowed with special powers that can help them.
Petra is pretty certain she doesn’t have any special powers. She didn’t know anything about Faerie, or the thousands of Fayborn refugees living in hiding here on earth, until this past summer. She’s still not sure she believes any of it; after all, her aunt, her godfather, and her roommate do seem a bit crazy.
Petra’s friends and family have tried hard to keep her safe so that she can have the ‘normal’ college experience she wants, but the Fayborn seeking her help are getting desperate… (ISBN#9781492860945 print 9781301752799 eBook, 153pp, $9.79 print list, $3.48 eBook list)
PURCHASE AT
iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-eighth-square/id721016222?mt=11
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-eighth-square-j-aleksandr-wootton/1116990977?ean=9781492860945
Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-eighth-square-1
or Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/361263?ref=BWRTours
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
BWR Tours Presents: #Fayborn Author J. Aleksandr Wootton on Digital Self Publishing Industry Shifts is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
October 4, 2013
FIRST Wildcard Tour: Dawnsinger (Tales of Faeraven 1) by Janalyn Voigt
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
Janalyn Voigt
and the book:
DawnSinger (Tales of Faeraven 1)
Harbourlight Books (June 29, 2012)
***Special thanks to Janalyn Voigt for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janalyn Voigt’s unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and fantasy creates worlds of beauty and danger for readers. Beginning with DawnSinger, her epic fantasy series, Tales of Faeraven, carries the reader into a land only imagined in dreams.
Janalyn is represented by Sarah Joy Freese of Wordserve Literary. She serves as a literary judge for several international contests and is an active book reviewer. Her memberships include ACFW and NCWA.
When she’s not writing, Janalyn loves to find worlds of adventure in the great outdoors.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The High Queen is dying… At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.
But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes. On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation he offers—into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.
Product Details:
List Price: $16.99
Paperback: 342 pages
Publisher: Harbourlight Books (June 29, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611162009
ISBN-13: 978-1611162004
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Part 1: Summons1The Whispan Tree
A crosswind caught Kai’s wingabeast as lightning flared too near. Shrilling, the winged horse tilted in flight, and Kai’s stomach lurched. A gust snatched the hood from his head and roared in his ears. He blinked to clear the stinging rain that drove into his eyes. Thunder boomed like a timpani, shaking the air. Flecht shuddered beneath him, and Kai placed a calming hand on his wingabeast’s straining neck. He did not like this long flight through the wild night any better than did Flecht.
An image rose, unbidden—Lof Raelein Maeven, Faeraven’s High Queen, upon her deathbed, her sea-green eyes surging with life. As a guardian of Faeraven and as a friend, he would die to appease the hope that had flared in those eyes.
Wind howled and lightning flashed close enough to blind. Kai wondered if his own death neared. He would not—could not—halt his journey, although it took him into the teeth of danger. Necessity drove him as he pushed onward, past endurance. If he survived the storm, he would deliver Maeven’s last summons.
ef
Shae put up her hood and left the shelter of the stronghold to follow the graystone path. A chill wind rippled through the folds of her cloak, and she shivered. Overhead, clouds unfurled in a pearling sky. She passed into green scented shadow, where notes of damp moss and ripe humus met her.
She shouldn’t have yielded to temptation and escaped into nature unescorted. In earlier days, she had roamed the grounds in freedom with no one caring. She couldn’t get used to the strictures placed on her now that she’d grown older. When would she learn to be more like Katera? She couldn’t remember her winsome twin ever causing their mother concern.
She would go back, but first she needed fresh air to ease the tightness in her chest.
Shae wandered beneath boughs laced with new growth and came at last to her favorite place at the garden’s heart. Although the voice of a stream beckoned in the near distance, she paused beneath a stand of gnarlwoods, their ancient branches stretched wide. These trees had witnessed the construction of Whellein Hold, and they would remain when the stronghold’s mortar crumbled and its stones fell away. She emerged from the copse into a meadow dotted with early flowers and bathed in morning light. The flutter of wings beat an accompaniment to the warbling of birds, and a wingen flitted through the lesser canopy to light in a nearby whispan tree. She stilled to avoid frightening the tiny bird, which dipped and bobbed its bright head to preen scarlet feathers. With its grooming complete, the wingen lisped into sweet-sad song.
Shae smiled. “Sing, small one.”
But a shriek ended the wingen’s song. Darkness extinguished its colors. Blood dripped from the foliage of the whispan tree, pure white only an instant ago. Terror gripped Shae by the throat, choking off her scream.
The giant raptor had descended from nowhere and now flailed ragged wings as it rose, screeching in victory, its black eyes trained on Shae.
Pulse thrumming in her ears, she crept backward. Back, back she moved, her gaze never leaving the leathery beast in the air.
This made no sense. How could a welke have ventured so far north?
Her heel caught the hem of her cloak, and she slammed into the ground.
Fear yanked her to her knees. Shock brought her to her feet.
The whispan tree stood pristine as new snow. No blood stained the smooth bark. No movement stirred the silken plumes. No sign lingered of wingen or welke.
And yet she had seen…what?
“Lof Yuel! Does this vision warn of danger?”
Wind stirred the leaves. Branches rubbed and creaked. A stone turned in the stream bed.
Another sound whispered at the edge of hearing.
Shae paused to listen. The sound resolved into a steady flapping, and her heart picked up its pace. She ran into the meadow and scanned the pale sky.
With a toss of its silver mane, a wingabeast spiraled toward her.
The rider sagged, and the spiral went amiss, but the wingabeast recovered with quick grace. With a ripple of muscles, its neck arched, and the feathered wings lifted. Shae rushed toward the rider before the creature’s diamond-shod hooves found purchase on the ground.
She reached for his arm as he slid from the saddle, but he shrugged off her help and steadied himself against the shifting beast.
She searched his face. “Kai?” Strain etched her brother’s features.
He turned and with one finger, traced forgotten moisture at the corner of her eye. “Shae?”
She shook her head to silence his question. “You’ve ridden through the night?”
He didn’t answer but pushed her away with gentle hands.
“What troubles you?”
His long silver-gray eyes glazed with tears. “Lof Raelein Maeven lies on her deathbed.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. What could she say to ease him when the news pierced her like a blade? Tears seeped down her cheeks, silent as the grave.
Kai touched her arm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken so. You formed a heart-bond when she visited Whellein Hold.”
“What other way is there to speak it?” The image of the wingen and welke returned to her. “Death is death.”
His head bent in acknowledgment, the movement slow.
She touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Kai. I know she means much to you.”
“Could but my hope and my prayers save her, she would live.” He spread his hands in a helpless gesture. “Such power is not mine.”
“Only Lof Yuel has the wisdom to command life and death. We must leave such things to him.”
He looked at her with a somber expression, but then tousled her tangled curls. “Truth from a babe!”
“One day, my brother, you may understand I am grown, or nearly so.” She raised her brows at him, but then sobered. “Does Lof Raelein Maeven…suffer?”
“Little. She does not ail. Life ebbs from her, it seems, by choice.”
Shae let out her breath. “I’m glad she feels no pain.”
He nodded; his expression strange. “You love her, as she does you.”
“How can such a thing come from one meeting?” She spoke again the puzzle that had long occupied her.
“Love has no logic. Come. I must tell Father this news.”
“Then you must wake him.” At his look, she added, “Last night’s revelry kept him late.”
“Revelry? Oh!” His eyes widened, and he gave a moan. “How could I forget the celebration of the founding of Whellein?”
She fell into step beside him as he led Flecht toward the stronghold. “Pay no mind. No one faulted you for not being here. You are given over to the Lof Raelein and must go or stay as she pleases.” Struck by a sudden thought, she grasped his arm. “Her death will release you from your promise. Will you not then serve her son when he is made Lof Shraen of Faeraven?”
Kai turned to her. “I may serve Elcon…if I do not undertake our older brother’s duties here at Whellein as Father wishes.”
She considered his words. “Is it not possible to do both? For in serving one, have you not served the other?”
“Such a thing can only be in the realm of dreams.”
“But not in wakefulness?”
He passed a hand across his eyes. “Such an ideal lies far from my reach. I can only hope Daeven will return from his adventures and relieve me from the choice.”
Their older brother had been gone for what seemed an eternity, and she missed him with each passing day. Of her many siblings, only Kai held a closer place in her heart.
She smoothed a stray lock of Kai’s hair. “You will know best when the time comes.”
He sketched a smile. “Such blessed faith I cannot deserve!”
She gave him an arch look. “Faith has no logic.”
His eyes widened, lightening from gray to silver. Laughter broke from him. “Such medicine I find in you!” He sobered. “Now tell me why I come upon you unkempt, unhappy, and alone outside Whellein Hold.”
She gave no excuse. “I woke with the dawn and made my way to the garden to listen to the heartbeat of creation.”
“In that you follow the habit of all Kindren. But you disregard wisdom to seek nature alone. I’ll warrant our mother has no knowledge of your whereabouts. I thought you old enough to leave such mischief behind. You must stop this carelessness, Shae. Even within Whellein in these times of peace, the lands outside our stronghold are not safe.”
She murmured an acknowledgment and broke contact with a gaze that had become too piercing. How could she explain the need that drew her from the constraints of life and into the freedom of nature, if only for a time?
“And the tears?”
She shrugged and looked past his ear. “I tripped on my cloak and fell.”
“But you have no cloak.”
Despite the morning chill, she’d been too preoccupied to notice its absence. She forced a smile that wavered. “I must have lost it when—when I heard you coming.”
“Where did you lose it? I’ll help you look.”
“In the garden. Kai, I welcome your company but regret keeping you from your rest.”
His hand cupped her chin and tilted her face. “What brings the tremor to your voice? Did something frighten you?”
“No.” She pulled away and ignored the puzzled glance he gave her. She still did not understand what she had seen. How could she explain the unexplainable?
“I’ll lead while you ride Flecht.” Kai guided her onto the wingabeast’s back. “Now, where did you lose your cloak?”
She looked down at him, her hands tangled in Flecht’s silken mane. She would have felt more secure if Kai had ridden with her, but he seemed happy to walk. Perhaps he meant to spare her contact with his sodden clothing. She guided him to the emerald cloak, puddled below the whispan tree. Kai gathered it, and she accepted the rough woolen garment with thanks.
Mottled light swept the garden, creating an illusion of movement. The air rippled, on the edge of hearing, with the bittersweet song of a wingen.
Shae sucked in a breath, and her gaze flew to the whispan tree, but its branches remained innocent and bare.
ef
Flecht quivered under Kai’s hand. Shae must have communicated to the beast the tension he read in her face. Why did she stare at the naked branches of the small, white tree? He drew his brows together but didn’t speak. Her eyes, so green they reminded him of deep shadows in an old forest, told him nothing. As she settled the cloak upon her shoulders, burnished tangles cascaded down her back. She looked beautiful and far too grown.
Something had upset Shae—that much seemed obvious. Equally obvious was her desire for privacy in the matter. Well, he didn’t question such things. He already held enough secrets to quell any desire for more.
After his long ride, Kai relished the chance to walk. But he should not linger further. He swung into the saddle behind Shae and reached around her for the reins. Flecht adjusted to the additional burden with trained ease. Shae relaxed against him, and Kai smiled to himself at the small gesture of trust. Would that it could always be so between them.
Kai led Flecht to the path, and the wingabeast’s hooves rang against stone in a steady cadence as the garden fell away behind them. The ancient fortress rose before them sullen and gray, while the fields and orchards beyond glowed with new light. The sharp scent of tilled soil and fresh herbs carried on the wind as they passed into the shadow of Whellein Hold.
They entered the ancient fortress through the gatehouse archway beneath the raised iron portcullis. Following the graystone path along the sward, they skirted the great hall, which rose to impressive heights.
As they neared the stables, voices, thuds, and the rustlings of crisp straw reached Kai. He dismounted and lifted his arms to Shae. Light as she was, he had to step backward when she leaned into him. He steadied them both, and then turned to instruct the groom. When Kai looked for her again, Shae was gone. A smile touched his mouth as he went through an archway in the inner curtain wall. He would keep his knowledge of Shae’s morning activities to himself.
His mother’s voice carried past her maid, Tahera, at her parlor door. “Let us start with soup of boar sausage and wild greenings dressed in sweetberry vinegar, then follow with smoked whitefish in savory sauce and—”
“I hope you have enough for one more.” Kai entered the snug room.
A gold-edged mirror above the ornate mantle reflected his mother, Aleanor of Whellein’s surprise and delight. She rose and pressed her slight frame into his swift embrace.
Kai held her at arm’s length to gaze upon her. How long had it been since he’d seen her calm gray eyes and basked in her smile? He marked, with sadness, the progress of time across her face. Furrows marred a brow once smooth, and lines fanned from the corners of eyes that sparkled. His mother wore a simple woolen tunic of blue, girt with an embroidered sash. Her silver hair coiled in braids about her head.
She smiled. “We have stores aplenty for a Son of Whellein. But how come you by morn and not by eve?”
“I did not stop the night. I couldn’t contain my excitement at nearing home.” His gaze drifted past her to the muscular Cook garbed in a brown tunic, who smiled at their exchange.
Mother met Kai’s look. “I think we shall continue later, Maeric,” she said without seam. “I won’t detain you from your duties longer. Tahera, please bring cider, cheese and bread.”
The door to the raelein’s parlor closed with a click behind Maeric and Tahera, and they were alone.
Kai went to the fire, grateful for its comfort as he steeled himself for what he would say.
“You must sit.” His mother gestured in invitation as she resumed her seat on the bench. “Now tell me what has brought you on such a difficult journey.”
“I’ve come for Shae.”
Mother let out her breath in a long sigh. “And so I am to lose another child.”
“Lof Raelein Maeven sends for her while on her deathbed.”
Her hand flew to her throat. “The time has come, then.”
“It nears, yes.” He ignored a frisson of uneasiness. Of course, he spoke of more than Maeven’s death. “It’s long past time Shae learns her true identity as Raena Shaenalyn of Rivenn. On her dying bed, Lof Raelein Maeven yearns for her daughter.”
His mother squared her shoulders as if recovering from a blow. “I thought I had prepared myself for this, and yet…” Her voice faded to a whisper.
“You’ve raised her well.”
She looked down at the hands clasped in her lap. “I wish I’d done more to treat her as one of my own.”
Kai knelt at her feet. “You did your best. Ever since I brought her to you as a babe in arms, you’ve kept her hidden from those who would destroy her.”
Aeleanor raised eyes shiny with tears. “She’ll return to danger at Torindan.”
“You have my promise to protect her.” Each word fell from his lips by its own weight.
“When do you leave?”
He spoke with reluctance. “At first light.”
She arose and took the place at the fire he had vacated, putting her arms about herself as if cold. “I will not say goodbye to her. It is better so.”
Kai stood. For Shae’s sake, he wished his mother would look beyond her own needs. But he cut short the reply that rose to his lips. How could he censure her when he did not know her pain? He hesitated, and then lowered his voice. “Have you word of Daevin?”
Mother lifted her head, and he read in her face what he should have already known. He need not have worried his question would quicken his mother’s pain. She carried her missing son in her heart as surely as she had once carried him within her womb.
She shook her head and turned toward the fire. “None.”
The word echoed through his mind. Kai shouldered its weight, but wished again for the freedom to search for his brother.
He crossed to one of the tall windows overlooking the inner ward with its herb garden. New growth burgeoned in all its beds, ready to erupt with life. His hands clenched into fists. He wanted to rejoice in such things. He wanted to comfort his mother. He closed his eyes, shut in by his own dark thoughts.
A touch on his arm, feather light, called him back. He turned and read the plea in his mother’s face. “The Lof Raelein’s death will free you to return to Whellein, as your father wishes.”
He met her gray gaze and told her what she already knew. “My duty at Torindan calls for my pledge of service to Elcon when his mother dies.”
“Surely Elcon would not rob the House of Whellein so.” She clasped her hands together so hard the knuckles showed white.
“Mother, let us leave this conversation.” He put his hands over hers to still them. “You know I must decide my own course, for good or ill.”
Tahera returned, bearing on a tray a tankard of steaming cider, a selection of cheeses, and a fragrant loaf. Kai cleansed his hands in the laver the servant provided and fell upon the repast.
His mother sat silent while he ate. She would not try again to win his promise, but he knew she ceded the battle only.
To purchase this entire novel please visit http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/dawnsi...
For questions or more information, contact us at titleadmin@pelicanbookgroup.com.
Harbourlight Books
The Beacon in Christian Fiction™
May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG
DawnSinger
COPYRIGHT 2012 by Janalyn Voigt
The author is represented by and this book is published in association with the literary agency of WordServe Literary Group, Ltd., www.wordserveliterary.com.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.
Contact Information: titleadmin@pelicanbookgroup.com
Cover Art by Nicola Martinez
Harbourlight Books
a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC
PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410
Harbourlight Books sail and mast logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC
Publishing History
First Harbourlight Edition, 2012
Print Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-200-4
Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-199-1
Published in the United States of America
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
FIRST Wildcard Tour: Dawnsinger (Tales of Faeraven 1) by Janalyn Voigt is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
September 27, 2013
Blog Tour: Rise of Xosha Guest post, Character Bio and Book Spotlight!
Without further hesitation, the author’s thoughts:
I have often been asked “Why Xosha” and now that the story is finally ready to be told, I figured it’s time to answer that question..
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. The first thing I ever wrote was a poem called “Valentine Bee” which was about one of my favorite small toys. I was either four or five when I wrote it and remember every word to it nearly thirty years later. Around that time I also wrote a Pagan Children’s Prayer because I was so scared to sleep in my room so I would say my little handwritten prayer and hoped the gods heard it.
The first time I saw Xosha I was six years old. It was the backdrop for the most vivid and real dreams I have ever had. I had never read about anything that looked like Xosha before, and since I was not allowed to watch anything except pbs growing up, I most certainly never saw anything like it before. I remember waking up with a huge smile on my face and grabbing my dream journal and writing down every minute detail I could remember of that place I wished I lived in.
Xosha refused to leave me. As I got older, Xosha became a frequent theme in my dreams. I found that there, I could go anywhere I wanted with no problem. My first “flying” dream happened when I was seven. Until then, the only exploring of this wondrous dream world was what would later be named Caprae. When I was eight, I met Macayla who would later become detrimental part to Xosha’s history. She was who taught me to fly. As we flew over this amazing landscape, she gave me the names of all the places we saw. When I woke up I added those in my dream journal too.
Macayla became my teacher when I slept, every night for years I was taught more and more about Xosha. In the summer of 1988, Macayla told me to write the story. I knew this was a hard task, I was only seven and while my reading skills were top notch, my writing was a whole other ballgame. She wouldn’t take “no” or “I can’t” for an answer.
In the summer, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house. I told my grandmother about the dream and she immediately sent my grandfather out to buy me a notebook. In her eyes, this was the perfect way to practice my writing. Thus the Rise of Xosha was born.
By the time I was twelve, the entire series was handwritten, though when I looked it over, it seemed something was missing, and that’s when the rewrites began to happen. I was missing something and I had no idea what it was.
Over the course of the next twenty years I wrote and rewrote the story. I moved around a lot once my late teen years hit and the manuscript got lost more than once. Though the story stayed in my head refusing to leave. Finally settling where I am now, I took out what I had left of the original, the forty page work that was to be the prologue for the start of the series. With the help of memories and dreams, I extended that on msword and made it a short history lesson in the story.
Even at thirty two, I still dream of Xosha and still talk to Macayla and the others I have met over the years there. When I wake now, it’s with a heavy heart since obviously I can never really see Xosha, it will forever be a place in my dreams that pulls at my heart strings.
I welcome you into my little sanctuary. I hope despite all the troubles and turmoil you found there that you will see what I have seen for the last twenty five years almost every night in my dreams. I hope you fall in love with Xosha just like I did…
- S. Cu’Anam Policar (June 22, 2013)
Book Info:
Book Title: The Rise of Xosha
Series: Legend of Xosha 0.5
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Author: S. Cu’Anam Policar
Publisher: Satalyte Publishing – http://satalyte.com.au/
Cover Art: J.E.Haldeman
Release Date: September 06, 2013
Tour Organizers – Wolf Paw Blog Tours – http://authorservices.cusebookgiveaways.us/
Book Links:
Amazon (Kindle) : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F2IJ3DK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00F2IJ3DK&link_code=as3&tag=cusebgiaw-20
Amazon (Print):
B&N:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/355679
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18052139-the-rise-of-xosha?ac=1
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Oceanus:
Oceanus is the leader of the dragons that claim Xosha as their home. He is older than many think and tries to do the best he can to lead the dragons that follow him. Being a blue dragon, Oceanus can control and manipulate water at will.
Pyre :
Pyre is Oceanus’ younger brother, born to the second clutch their parents had. While age wise, he is considered an adult, his actions deem him an adolescent in Oceanus’ eyes. Pyre can be brave, and is always stubborn. Being a red dragon, Pyre can control and manipulate fire at will.
Jade:
The youngest sibling to Oceanus and Pyre, born to the last clutch their parents had before the humans arrived. Being vulnerable, young, and feeling alone since she is the youngest in the horde, she was an easy target for Fury and her minions. As a green dragon, Jade can control and manipulate air at will.
Rose:
Chosen by the gods, Rose can communicate with them when they need to relay a message. Her odd coloring deemed her an outcast to the horde. Showing no visible abilities, she was deemed weak and useless. Oceanus and Jade are her only friends. Being a white dragon, Rose can heal any wound, and if could in enough time, she can restore the soul to the dead.
Reaper Rose:
Alpha of the Rose pack, the main wolf pack in the Solstyce Woods. Reaper had a rough life and earned his place as alpha. While seen as heartless and uncaring by the dragons due to some of his actions, it is evident that every move he makes is in the best interest of his pack. Reaper is a black wolf that stands six feet tall from foot to ear tips on all four legs.
Asami:
A hellhound found in the belly of Shai’Pyre. She and her pack of five were deemed traitors by Fury though it is unclear why. Granted sanctuary by Reaper when found in a cage in the belly of Shai’Pyre, she makes it her mission now to show her new alpha that not all hellhounds are evil. Asami is a red hound with red gargoyle wings. She stands roughly five feet tall from foot to ear tips, Six feet if you measure to the tips of her wings.
Fury Nye’Cross:
Fury holds the title of the Queen of Shai’Pyre, though in reality she is nothing more than her brother’s champion. A vicious Shai Demon, Fury’s flesh is tan tinged with a reddish hue, and deadly horns that protrude from her forehead. Her favorite method of torture is her tail whose spaded end is deadly accurate. Fury is five foot two with gold eyes.
Elrur Silverspell:
King of Silverspell, Elrur is a Silver Elf. He stands approximately five foot nine, his skin is a periwinkle color with the traditional elvish long pointed ears. His hair white and his eyes are a pale blue. Elrur is a master at getting what he wants. Ally to no one really, he will use anyone to gain what he desires.
Devlyn Darkthorn:
Once a Silver Elf, he was the first of Elrur’s “experiments” to create an intelligent, obedient killing machine. Now deemed a Silver Fang , Devlyn’s skin has a sickly palor to it, his hair is a dull black, his eyes grey, and to remain on his feet, he must drink blood.
Caterina Darkthorn:
Caterina is Devlyn’s mate. The second of Elrur’s twisted Silver Fangs. While obedient to her king, Caterina has blonde hair that falls mid back and eyes a deep sapphire.
Author Info:
Author Bio:
S.Cu’Anam Policar was born in Brooklyn, NY, but now lives in Washington State. The Mother of three she makes time to write, usually late at night.
An avid reader, she not only writes but helps promote other authors with blog tours and reviews of their books.
She is Pagan but respects all religions and believes everyone should celebrate their similarities and not care about their differences.
When she has the time, she enjoys playing video games, horseback riding, singing, and writing things other than her Legend of Xosha Series.
She absolutely loves to make new friends so don’t be afraid to come by and hi on facebook!
Author Links:
Personal Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/sheryl.policar.9
Author Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/SCuAnam-Policar/171390749683139
Twitter – https://twitter.com/CuAnam
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/cuanam/boards/
Author Blog – http://storycorner.cusebookgiveaways.us/
Good Reads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7126980.S_Cu_Anam_Policar
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Cuanam
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/S.CuAnam-Policar/e/B00ED66FYC
S. Cu’Anam’s Books:
ANTHOLOGIES
Other Voices: An Urban Fantasy Anthology -
Good Reads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18216788-other-voices
BLURB –
Spanning through time, the authors of Other Voices take the reader on a journey of the strange and unusual from the gas lamp lighted streets of Victorian London to the neon of modern day Las Vegas.
‘A Touch of Chaos’ (S.Cu’Anam Policar): A young boy recruited by a mysterious duo, Paradigm and Razor, has one night to prove his worth on the Strip in Las Vegas. Failure is not an option.
‘Sugar Girl Blues’ (Aubrey Diamant): In Pope Joan’s brothel, a young Lord pays the price for his obsession.
‘Third Floor’ (Andrea L. Staum): After taking three months to build up her courage, young Hestia Diedrich is about to discover what is on the third floor of main library of the Institute for the Understanding of the Metaphysical.
‘The Curious Case of the Digging Man’/'Séance at St. Bart’s’ (Mel Skubich & Stevie Conradi): In ‘The Curious Case of the Digging Man’ it is 1891; Alistair Gordon and medical student Jerome Garibaldi share apartments and adventure. The unexplained death of a resurrectionist sends the duo out into the grimy streets of Victorian London in search of answers. ‘Séance at St. Bart’s’ Alistair Gordon meets the shadowy Mr. Sinclair whom he asks to assist him in this most unusual case.
‘The Forgotten’ (Shannon Noelle Long): A enigmatic man sitting on a park bench and a young woman named Nelly cross paths at Millennium Park.
‘Electric: Bolshy’/'Electric: The Last to Die’ (Christopher J. Crisp): In ‘Bolshy’ Choreographer Erich Werth calls on the help Night Boys, Francis Tenn and Christy Lawless Shaughn to find his missing possibly suicidal protégé. ‘The Last to Die’ finds Erich joining Night Boys as they track the protégé to the only club in the US where you can commit suicide by vampire.
‘Flying’ (Diamant): In the summer of love a group of rich flower children are gathered together by a famous pop group, The Fab Lads, who has discovered a magic spell which could change transportation as the world knows it. They only need, love, energy and a willing guinea pig.
‘The Life of Jenessa’ (Elizabeth Figueroa): Jenessa is your average young woman; great job, nice apartment. Secretly, she lives an extraordinary life by night. The fine balance between her average and extraordinary lives is tipped one day when her aunt pays her an unexpected visit.
Miraculous: Tales of the Unknown –
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/343589
Good Reads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18278328-miraculous
BLURB –
Hear the amazing and miraculous tales from some of your favorite Indie Authors! From faeries to werewolves to ghostly encounters and so much more, take a moment to glimpse a more supernatural way of thinking!
Authors Include: Krystal George, Amber Streed, Cheryl Casey, Amanda Alberson, Kate Marie Robbins, Lisa Marie Pottgen, DL Kelly, Heather Kirchhoff and S Cu’Anam Policar.
No Sleeves and Short Dresses: A Summer Anthology
(ALL Proceeds go to BLISS an organization to help get premature and sick infants the medical attention they need)
Good Reads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18395855-no-sleeves-and-short-dresses?ac=1
BLURB –
This is an anthology of short stories and poetry based around a summer theme. There is a mixture of dark fiction, romance and supernatural features.
This holiday read is all for charity. All royalties will go to Bliss for premature and sick babies.
Synopsis:
A tale of epic proportions.
The Rise of Xosha tells the tale of Xosha’s beginnings.
Where Anjyls are mortal pawns,
Dragons rule the skies,
Wolves and elves roam the forests,
and demons lurk below the surface.
Oceanus, the leader of the last hord of dragons in the realms must find his people a new home.
Going only on the word of the odd colored white dragon, Rose, he leads the horde far from their home, over waters that seem to have no end.
Pyre, Oceanus’ younger, rebellious brother must come to terms with the fact that Oceanus will never see him as anything more than a welp too young to be of any use.
Jade the youngest of the three has her own thoughts and inner demons to contend with.
Then there’s Rose, The dragon with an amazing gift no one will acknowledge. The outcast of her people simply because she’s the only one of her color.
Will these four ever come to terms with why they had to leave their home?
And what strange new beings will they encounter in their new territory?
Find out when you read The Rise of Xosha; The story that started the legend.
One to lead…One to see…One to protect…One to Deceive.
The Rise of Xosha; The story that started the legend.
“not all allies are friends, not all friends are true, and some enemies will in turn be your greatest allies.”
***ADVISORY***
This book contains mild to moderate violence, the concept of death, insinuated sexual contact… Not Recommended for Readers under the age of 16.
Blurb:
The last horde of dragons. Forced from their home by the human loving Anjyls now seek a new home.
Danger surrounds them on all sides.
Love, Friendship, Deception, all things they must learn to accept in their life.
Will they survive long enough to build the kingdom the prophecies foretold?
Or will they fall prey to the lies they discover within their own ranks?
One to lead…One to see…One to protect…One to Deceive.
The Rise of Xosha; The story that started the legend.
“not all allies are friends, not all friends are true, and some enemies will in turn be your greatest allies.”
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
Blog Tour: Rise of Xosha Guest post, Character Bio and Book Spotlight! is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
September 25, 2013
ARC Review: Hereafter by Kate Brian
Title: Hereafter
Author: Kate Brian
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Page Count: 320
Where I got it: Publisher via Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 17.99
Format I read it in: eARC
Challenges: 2013 ARC Reading Challenge, Netgalley Knockout Challenge
Description/Blurb:
Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She’s also made friends with a local clique-including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan.
But Rory’s world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn’t what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory’s every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she’s ever known ends.
My Thoughts: ★★★★★
So, I was a total dork and finished Shadowlands and had to immediately read Hereafter. Shadowlands left us on a major cliffhanger, where Rory finds out the truth about Juniper Landing and where she was now residing. The revelation was a plot twist that few of us saw coming, left us hanging and gasping for breath, and Kate Brian did this in the last sentence of the book!
My expectations for Hereafter ended up being very different from what I got. Steven Nell was no longer a threat now. So I thought, okay, this is going to be typical middle book, grasping at straws to hold the plot together. So not the case. Just because the immediate danger from Shadowlands is resolved, that does not mean that this is all fluffy clouds and pretty flowers. There is conflict. Oh, is there conflict! And once again, we get met with a startling revelation that will leave the reader gasping for breath and wondering how they could have missed seeing THAT coming.
The romance side of things heats up a bit in this installment, and I think that is just the icing on the cake for this novel, because it adds to the mystery and the intrigue. The alternating viewpoints in this book are just enough to give you little hints, and the inner monologue of what turns out to be this books “bad guy” will leave you shaking your head as you try to figure out who exactly it is.
This is definitely one of the must read books of 2013
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
ARC Review: Hereafter by Kate Brian is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
September 18, 2013
BWRTours Presents: A Review of The 228 Legacy by Jennifer J. Chow
Title: The 228 Legacy
Author: Jennifer J. Chow
Publisher: Martin Sisters Publishing
Publication Date: July 25, 2013
Page Count: 322
Where I got it: Author/Netgalley
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 16.95
Format I read it in: eARC
Challenges: 2013 ARC Reading Challenge, Netgalley Knockout Challenge
Description/Blurb:
Three generations in an all-female Taiwanese family living near Los Angeles in 1980 are each guarding personal secrets. Grandmother Silk finds out that she has breast cancer, as daughter Lisa loses her job, while pre-teen granddaughter Abbey struggles with a school bully. When Silk’s mysterious past comes out—revealing a shocking historical event that left her widowed—the truth forces the family to reconnect emotionally and battle their problems together.
A novel of cultural identity and long-standing secrets, The 228 Legacy weaves together multigenerational viewpoints, showing how heritage and history can influence individual behavior and family bonds.
My Thoughts:
I had a little trouble getting started with this one, because it was out of my usual comfort zone. This was definitely not a young adult novel, and it was not fantasy, but it seemed like an interesting premise, so I wanted to give it a whirl.
I enjoyed learning about the cultural differences and some of the differences in the family dynamic. I think if I had to pick, I most related to Abbey with trying to fit in and find her place, and feeling like nothing fit. I was that kid growing up.
Reading through this book not only brought into perspective for me the differences between different cultures, but also some of the universal truths that transcend any kind of cultural line. Families are complicated. Trying to meet the needs of several generations in one household can completely change how one would normally do things.
I overall enjoyed reading this novel and learning all that I was able to learn from it. If you enjoy historical fiction or women’s lit, then you may enjoy this book.
About the Author:
Jennifer J. Chow, an Asian-American writer, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a Master’s in Social Welfare from UCLA. Her geriatric work experience has informed her stories. She lives near Los Angeles, California.
Her fiction has appeared in Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, IdeaGems Magazine, and Mouse Tales Press. Her Taiwanese-American novel, The 228 Legacy, made it to the second round of the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest and was published by Martin Sisters Publishing in August 2013.
Find Jennifer:
Website – http://jenniferjchow.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JenJChow
Twitter – https://twitter.com/JenJChow
Buy the Book:
$16.95 Paperback, $6.99 eBook
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-228-legacy-jennifer-j-chow/1116242786?ean=9781625530394
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour, and also through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so.
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
BWRTours Presents: A Review of The 228 Legacy by Jennifer J. Chow is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
September 9, 2013
Blog Tour Guest Post And Spotlight: Handling Negative Criticism by David R. Bennett, Author of Cry of the Wolf
Title: Cry of the Wolf
Series: Destiny Phoenix #2
Author: David R. Bennett
Publisher: Freaky Fiction Writing (http://freakyfictionwriting.wordpress.com/)
Release: August 30, 2013
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18097257-cry-of-the-wolf
About the Book:
Destiny, Brandon, Chris, Michelle, and Sandra enter the town of Jasper Springs, Louisiana on their way to meet some important people out in Atlanta. They are here to stop and get some rest and refuel before continuing on.
But when the full moon rises, the howling begins.
People, then, come up missing as a bloody trail is left throughout town.
This town is used to the unusual, but this werewolf is extraordinarily bloodthirsty even for this town.
Destiny and her friends check it out.
What trouble are they headed for?
Will someone be turned?
Or worse yet, killed?
*************************************************************
How would you handle negative criticism
Negative criticism is bound to happen at least once to every writer. Sometime multiple people get on a bandwagon and just trash the novel you have written. For example, Dan Brown, JK Rowling, and Stephanie Meyer, three extremely popular authors have had so much negative criticism it is funny. Dan Brown was criticized for his view point, in the book The DaVinci Code, that Jesus Christ himself is a human who had a wife that was pregnant at the time of his death. Another author, one of my favorites, was criticized to the point of her Harry Potter novels being banned from some public libraries due to the Left Wing Christians out there. And Stephanie Meyer’s books usually either have good reviews or harsh critics. Never anything in between with these writers. They just don’t care what the critics think on what the public thinks. All three of the authors have had books atop the Bestseller’s list and some still hang out in the top 100.
As for me, I look at these three authors and say hmm. That’s how I should look at it too. My first novel had one of the supposed tour hosts just shred the book completely. Bashed it. Calling it amateurish. Maybe it is not his type of book. I understand that. I don’t let it bother me at all. Because most of the reviews for my first book The Crimson Clan which I have received had been overwhelmingly awesome.
So as for negative criticism, I read it and see if there is something that maybe I missed. But for the most part I just ignore it and move on.
*****************************************************
About The Author
David R Bennett is an author from Spring, Texas in the United States of America.
David R Bennett is a pen name that comes the reordering of his initials real initials. He, also, thinks the name has a ring to it.
Not only is he an author, he, also, is an illustrator. His real name is what is credited with the cover art to his novels.
He attended RockyMountainCollege if Art + Design in Denver, Colorado where he earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Advertising Graphic Design. The graphic design techniques he learned in college he uses to design his covers.
He, also, reads a lot of sci-fi / fantasy / paranormal books. Some of his favorite monsters are vampires, mummies, zombies, goblins, ghouls, werewolves, etc. He has plans to write a long string of novels in the Destiny Phoenix series and a series about an alien coming to Earth in the Alien Survivor series. Both of these series are planned as Young Adult novels.
His favorite horror flick is Resident Evil because it is scary to think that biological warfare could one day result in human extinction by undead creatures. And his favorite series of films is Star Wars and is excited about the next film coming out in 2015.
Blog: http://davidrbennett.wordpress.com
Twitter: @drb2031
Facebook: http://facebook.com/davidr.bennett.96
Author Page: http://facebook.com/AuthorDavidRBennett
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/bennettdavidr
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17624569-david-r-bennett
Smashwords Profile Page: http://smashwords.com/profile/view/drbennett
Destiny Phoenix Saga blog: http://destinyphoenixsaga.wordpress.com
Destiny Phoenix Saga on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DestinyPhoenixSaga
Destiny Phoenix Saga on Twitter: @dhp2031
The Crimson Clan on CreateSpace.com: https://www.createspace.com/4209099
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
Blog Tour Guest Post And Spotlight: Handling Negative Criticism by David R. Bennett, Author of Cry of the Wolf is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
Blog Tour: Character Bios for Cry of the Wolf by David Bennett
Character Bios.
Destiny Phoenix
Destiny is a 16 year old PIA agent. On her 16th birthday, a day normally relegated to getting your driver’s license. That did not happen. She lost her parents. Found out she had a twin sister, her best friend; and a brother, whom she’s never seen, that she remembers. Furthermore, she married her boyfriend, Chris Carpenter. During that same day she learned that she is an angelic slayer born human with ties to the memories of her maternal ancestors.
Her favorite color is pink and she loves to write in her journal. Also, she just wants to live a normal life, which she knows will not happen. She is having visions of possible futures of herself and Chris. The one constant in all of her visions is two twin girls, one raven headed, one blonde.
Brandon Phoenix
Brandon is a 25 year old PIA agent. He has been working for the PIA for about 7 years now. He was brought into the PIA by his parents, Gregory and Aerial Phoenix (also, the parents of Destiny and Sandra) who worked with Walter and Lillian Carpenter as well as Felicia and Hank Prince, who moved to Atlanta, GA only 2 years ago.
He is / was the tech guy for his parents, the Carpenters, and the Princes. All that remains of those teams are their children and those that went into hiding. Brandon still has his contacts within the PIA. He is the leader of this team of ragtag familial PIA agents.
Sandra Carpenter
Sandra is a 16 year old PIA agent. On her 16th birthday, a she shares with her best friend, and twin sister, she was chased while shopping at Highland Lakes Mall.. She lost her mom and her birthparents after an ambush at the Carpenter home. Found out she had a twin sister, her best friend; and a brother, whom she’s never met. Furthermore, she found out that she is betrothed to Oliver Prince, Chris’ twin brother at birth who lives in Atlanta, GA. Her favorite color is purple and she loves to write music in her journal. Also, she just wants to live a normal life, which she knows will not happen.
Chris Carpenter
Chris is an 18 year old PIA agent. On his sister and his girlfriend’s 16th birthday (they’re actually fraternal twins of Aerial and Gregory Phoenix), all hell breaks loose. He looses his mother and his potential parents-in-law. However, he discovers he has an electrostatic ability as they prepare to meet his father at a local Denny’s. He does marry his girlfriend, Destiny Phoenix, in a moment of exhaustion on holy ground at Autumn First Methodist Church.
He becomes the second-in-command of the team as Brandon relies on him a lot along with his strength. Chris is a former captain of the Highland Lakes High School Varsity Football Squad where he played Quarterback. He likes hard rock music.
Michelle Carpenter
Michelle is a 9 year old PIA agent with a genius level IQ. She was a sophomore in High School along side her sister, Sandra, before this all fell apart. She lost her mother during an ambush by Wraiths at her home in HighlandLakes. She is more unique than her siblings. She was born with latent psychic abilities which activated once she became 5 years old.
Michelle has been trained by her parents in the use of her unique abilities of telepathy, telekinesis, creating shields, and some others that have yet to appear.
Remy Boudrot
Remy Boudrot is a PIA agent in Louisiana. He was investigating rumors of a particular bloodthirsty beast. When he sent off the message to his contact in Autumn, Texas, he was killed and replaced by a shapeshifting demon.
Devon Harrison
Devon is the head of a pack of werewolves in Jasper Springs, Louisiana. He is a full-blooded werewolf just like other members of his family as well. Furthermore, Devon is, also, married to Kelly Monroe, another full-blooded werewolf. Also, he runs the General Store his father started shortly after his birth. Devon and his wife have two young children that are fraternal twins.
Kelly Harrison
Kelly is the second-in-command of a pack of werewolves in Jasper Springs, Louisiana. She is a full-blooded werewolf just like other members of her family as well. Furthermore, Kelly is, also, married to Devon, another full-blooded werewolf. Also, she helps Devon run the General Store his father started shortly after his birth. Kelly and her husband have two young children that are fraternal twins.
Lord Szin
Szin is the Lord of Darkness. Furthermore, he is the one causing all the problems for Destiny, her family, and her friends. He is the one who created the Crimson Clan, the dark militaristic Vampire Clan among other clans who are causing problems. Szin, as he calls himself right now, even twisted Devon and Kelly’s friend when he was depressed about being an outsider.
********************
Title: Cry of the Wolf
Series: Destiny Phoenix #2
Author: David R. Bennett
Publisher: Freaky Fiction Writing (http://freakyfictionwriting.wordpress.com/)
Release: August 30, 2013
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18097257-cry-of-the-wolf
About the Book:
Destiny, Brandon, Chris, Michelle, and Sandra enter the town of Jasper Springs, Louisiana on their way to meet some important people out in Atlanta. They are here to stop and get some rest and refuel before continuing on.
But when the full moon rises, the howling begins.
People, then, come up missing as a bloody trail is left throughout town.
This town is used to the unusual, but this werewolf is extraordinarily bloodthirsty even for this town.
Destiny and her friends check it out.
What trouble are they headed for?
Will someone be turned?
Or worse yet, killed?
About The AuthorDavid R Bennett is an author from Spring, Texas in the United States of America.
David R Bennett is a pen name that comes the reordering of his initials real initials. He, also, thinks the name has a ring to it.
Not only is he an author, he, also, is an illustrator. His real name is what is credited with the cover art to his novels.
He attended RockyMountainCollege if Art + Design in Denver, Colorado where he earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Advertising Graphic Design. The graphic design techniques he learned in college he uses to design his covers.
He, also, reads a lot of sci-fi / fantasy / paranormal books. Some of his favorite monsters are vampires, mummies, zombies, goblins, ghouls, werewolves, etc. He has plans to write a long string of novels in the Destiny Phoenix series and a series about an alien coming to Earth in the Alien Survivor series. Both of these series are planned as Young Adult novels.
His favorite horror flick is Resident Evil because it is scary to think that biological warfare could one day result in human extinction by undead creatures. And his favorite series of films is Star Wars and is excited about the next film coming out in 2015.
Blog: http://davidrbennett.wordpress.com
Twitter: @drb2031
Facebook: http://facebook.com/davidr.bennett.96
Author Page: http://facebook.com/AuthorDavidRBennett
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/bennettdavidr
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17624569-david-r-bennett
Smashwords Profile Page: http://smashwords.com/profile/view/drbennett
Destiny Phoenix Saga blog: http://destinyphoenixsaga.wordpress.com
Destiny Phoenix Saga on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DestinyPhoenixSaga
Destiny Phoenix Saga on Twitter: @dhp2031
The Crimson Clan on CreateSpace.com: https://www.createspace.com/4209099
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
Blog Tour: Character Bios for Cry of the Wolf by David Bennett is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
September 8, 2013
Rabid Reader Recap (11) 9/1/2013 through 9/8/2013
This post is in something of a similar style to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, as well as Showcase Sunday hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea; and Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.
For the happenings this week, it has been fairly quiet. Had the school open house that my kids decided to tell me about oh, about 30 mins before I had to be at their school. I was thrilled at the nature of the last minute scramble, but I did make it there and all was well. No major issues were reported, only some minor things that can be easily overcome so I was fairly pleased.
I have been feeling a little blah this week, and the blog kind of reflects that with the lower number of stuff happening around here, but there were a few posts I was happy with. I had a couple of reviews go up this week that I was not thrilled with the book, but it could be a lot worse.
So, the posts. Here is what we had.
ARC Review: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake
Review: Shadowlands by Kate Brian
ARC Review: Knees by Vanita Oelschlager
August Challenge Statuses!
Review: Blood Awakening: The Blood Burden Series by Wenona Hulsey
ARC August Wrapup
So, overall kind of quiet. But it was still productive in some ways. I did hit a bit of a reading slump so I started rereading some old favorites, but even they could not grab me. Mostly through one for an upcoming BWR blog tour though, so that should be awesome.
Coming up this week:
Stay Tuned!
Regarding the books, I was really well behaved this week!
I received no print books, and I acquired no freebies on Nook or Kindle.
For the Netgalley:
You see that? Only 2!!! And both were titles I was invited or preapproved for.
So, I still kept it to where more came off the list then got added back, which is progress for me.
Did you guys add more to your list than you took off or did you keep a fair balance this week? How are you doing on challenges? Let me know.
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
Rabid Reader Recap (11) 9/1/2013 through 9/8/2013 is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
ARC Review: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake
Title: Antigoddess
Author: Kendare Blake
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Page Count: 336
Where I got it: From Publisher for review
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 17.99
Format I read it in: Print ARC
Challenges: 2013 ARC Reading Challenge
Description/Blurb:
The Goddess War begins in Antigoddess, the first installment of the new series by acclaimed author ofAnna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake.
Old Gods never die…
Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.
Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.
These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.
Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.
Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.
The Goddess War is about to begin.
My Thoughts: ★★★★
I have absolutely no idea why, but I am extremely drawn to books that have a basis in mythology lately. This is the third such series I have started lately, and I am loving every blessed minute of it!
Well, mostly. I had a little trouble getting started with this one, felt that the beginning was a little hard to get into, but it did pick up quickly and around every turn of the page, I was met with something I could not see coming. To me, that is the mark of an excellent writer. Young adult fiction has gotten a bit predictable and sometimes that can be irritating.
But that was not the case with Antigoddess and I look forward to seeing what more is in store for Cassandra and Henry and Andie. Because, as it said, this is not over!
This was the first novel I have picked up by this author, but it will not be the last. I read an ARC copy, and usually with ARCs the editing is a nightmare but I found only one minor editing error and for an ARC that is amazing.
I love the setup of the small town in up state New York because I am a New York native, so seeing my home state in books just makes me smile.
The story laid out in the pages of this novel is familiar and yet unique at the same time. If you love mythology, this is a must read. If you are a fan of Amanda Hocking’s Watersong series or Meg Cabot’s Abandon trilogy, then you will definitely want to check this out.
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. Clicking here will take you to the authors website.
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
ARC Review: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
September 6, 2013
Review: Shadowlands by Kate Brian
Title: Shadowlands
Author: Kate Brian
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Page Count: 338
Where I got it: Borrowed from a friend.
Where you can get it: Amazon
How much: List Price 17.99
Format I read it in: Kindle ebook
Description/Blurb:
Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived … and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now she must enter the witness protection program. At first it seems like her family’s new home may be just the fresh start they need. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of Rory’s new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again? New York Times best-selling author Kate Brian is back with a haunting new YA series packed with dark twists and turns.
Shadowlands by Kate Brian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had received Hereafter for review though Netgalley, so I borrowed Shadowlands from a friend. As I was reading through the book, I was a ball of mixed emotions. I was horrified about this man, Steven Nell. How could they do that? Throw that kind of drama into this book when I was going to get completely emotionally raw? Totally not fair.
But the beginning felt a little slow to me. I really did not know what to expect.
Okay, let me start over. First of all, I love the name Rory for a character. You get so tired of all the names of characters being so common and seeing them over and over again. And there was a Tristan too, so as I am reading I am having major Gilmore Girls flashbacks just by watching the names. Don’t worry, this is a good thing.
Something about Darcy always bothered me. She just seemed snobby, stuck up, difficult. Overall, a typical teenage cheerleader.
Then there are the boys on the island. Totally full of themselves, like they are God’s gift to.. Well, you know. But oh the twist.
The plot twist in this one came as a complete surprise to me. You almost expected a twist, definitely, but I didn’t expect it to come right at the very end. The plot twist is RIGHT at the FRICKING END OF THE BOOK!!! I was like, WTH????
And I totally didn’t see it coming. I am so eager to see what comes next that I had to scramble my thoughts down now, so I can go start to read it this evening!
**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I borrowed this book from a friend. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking here will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads.
© 2013, lisapottgen. All rights reserved.
Review: Shadowlands by Kate Brian is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader
