D.E. Haggerty's Blog, page 31
October 27, 2017
Whet your appetite for a new #ParanormalRomance with an excerpt for Caressed by the Edge of Darkness from @amandajgreene1 #Giveaway
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 10/10/17
Hardened by centuries of torture, former blood slave, Gabriel Erhard, is driven by an insatiable need to destroy his enemies. Violence darkens his battered soul, leaving no place for mercy in his world. Gabriel’s only desire is vengeance—until he finds her.
Seized by vampires, bound as a slave, and placed on the auction block, Jordan Culver is instantly entranced by the dangerous male who claims her. Jordan’s new captor vows to set her free, but his haunted gaze burns with savage desire and his wicked kiss makes her crave his touch and…complete surrender.
While Gabriel battles his enemies, he will break every sacred law to achieve his ultimate goal—uniting the Outcast Society and creating a new vampire Clan. But the distracting human with mesmerizing violet eyes jeopardizes his plans. With very soft whisper she evokes his tormented memories, testing his sanity and challenging his every boundary. Can Jordan help him overcome the miseries of his past and find a future with her?
~ Pre-order your copy now! ~
~ Excerpt ~
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special prize for your bidding pleasure this evening,” X-Tina announced.
On que, the side door opened. Gabriel’s heart slammed to a stop.
Jordan dangled between two large guards. Each had a hand wrapped around her upper arm.
“We’ve saved the best for last,” the hostess said as they joined her on the block. She motioned to the man on Jordan’s right. He released his hold and came to stand beside X-Tina, who smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist. “Mr. Klein is our Lead Slave Handler. He is the one who discovered this little diamond. Thank you, Mr. Klein.”
“My pleasure, I assure you,” he replied, a twisted smile distorting his lips.
Feral desires tore through Gabriel’s chest — a dangerous, combustible combination of rage, hate, and possessiveness. He wanted to crash through the glass, tear out the hostess’s throat. Behead the guard. Rip Klein’s dead heart from his chest and shove it down his throat. Then he’d slaughter the audience with no regard to the shifter’s neutral territory.
Gabriel hadn’t noticed he’d shot to his feet or that he’d charged the window, but someone was holding him back. Snarling, he spun and struck out. His fist a fraction of a centimeter from connecting with Gannon’s face, he pulled his punch back.
“Easy, man,” Gannon growled, his eyes going black. His vampire rising to meet the threat. “We can’t blow our cover.”
Heavy breaths hissed past Gabriel’s fangs as reined in his demon. Fuck. Where was his famed control? He never lost his shit, but when it came to the tiny human… So close now. Focus. Rescue the mortal and end this crazy emotional shit.
Releasing him, Gannon asked, “You good?”
Gabriel nodded and reclaimed his seat. “Solid.”
Gannon picked the tablet off the floor and handed it back to Gabriel before sitting down and turning his wary gaze back to the auction floor.
Closing his eyes, Gabriel counted ten measured breaths. Keep it together. It would all be over soon and his life would return to normal.
His mind clear, his emotions calm, he opened his eyes.
Jordan swayed, but the remaining guard held her upright. Her brow pinched as the guard tilted her head toward the light, displaying the delicate, sensual features of her face. Perfectly arched eyebrows, a thin nose with a button tip, sharp cheekbones, and her chapped lips were so alluring and plump. Directly under the light, her dark hair shimmered with rays of red, gold and hues of deep purple. Its long length curled wantonly around her slender frame, a striking contrast to the white robe she wore, but for how much longer? She’d soon be stripped bare like the other. He could almost hear the deranged vampires lick their lips at the prospect.
“Number Fifteen is an exceptional beauty. Her hair, thick and soft as silk, is naturally colored.” X-Tina twirled a lock between her fingers. “Her skin is smooth and unmarred, with the exception of two tattoos.” The guard grabbed Jordan’s hands and turned them out for the mystery audience to view. “True” and “Honest” were scribe in flowing, black, cursive across the inside of her wrists.
The hostess cupped Jordan’s chin and gave her head a little shake. Jordan’s eyes fluttered open. She tried to pull away, but was too weak.
“As you can see, her are unique and flash with defiance.” X-Tina giggled. “For those of you interested in a spirited look no further. She is perfect.”
Gabriel growled knowing she meant, “For those of you looking for a slave to beat, torture, and rape into submission, she is the one.”
“Number Fifteen is more than just a pretty face. She is also talented singer.”
The tablet in his hands lit up once more and the video X-Tina has promised began to play. Jordan sat on a stool, center stage of the bar where she frequently preformed. The music started and her glorious, haunting voice rang out. The song started slow, the tempo picking up until she was on her feet swaying to the beat. Enchanting. Gabriel’s heart clenched.
When the song ended, the screen returned to Jordan’s profile.
“Impressive,” X-Tina said clapping.
Klein stepped behind Jordan and untied the waist band of the robe. With a light tug the garment fell.
Gabriel’s eyes flashed demonic black. Gannon’s arm shot out across his king’s chest. They both knew Gabriel could easily shake free, but he remained in his seat. Grinding his teeth, his jaw locked, Gabriel bit back an outraged roar.
He gave his Second a tight nod. As much as he wanted to commit murder and ignite chaos, he would stay in his seat. Gannon leaned back.
Gabriel should be grateful Jordan wasn’t naked, but the white lingerie she wore left little to the imagination. Lace covered her luscious breasts. The baby doll design revealed the creamy flesh of her trim stomach, executed her round hips, and the lace panties…The handler’s goal was to tantalize the audience, tease the twisted blood suckers. The winner would have the privilege of stripping her, the prize of Jordan’s body for his or her eyes only.
Klein moved back to his post beside X-Tina, but his gaze remained on Jordan. Gabriel read the lust in the vampire’s eyes and the Slave Handler just moved up to number one on his hit list.
“Lovely,” the hostess sighed. “Number Fifteen is an owner’s dream and,” her lips turned in to a greedy smile, “she is untouched.” She paused for emphasis, allowing the meaning of her words to sink in. “Yes. She is a virginal beauty. A physical conducted by a medical professional will be provided, if the winner so choses.”
Gannon muttered a litany of curses then finally groaned, “We might as well gift wrap crates of weapons for Boras.”
Gabriel didn’t respond. Focused on Jordan, his mind sharp, analytical, he waited.
X-Tina’s smile brightened. “The bidding will open at $50,000.”
~ About the Author ~
Amanda J. Greene creates paranormal romance for ravenous readers. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys escaping the rewarding but hectic world of writing by spending time in the sun and sand with her military husband and their two dogs.
Contact Links
Amazon Author Page
Website
~ Giveaway! ~
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 25, 2017
10 novellas of mystery & assorted mayhem! Sleuthing Women II #mystery #giveaway
by Lois Winston, Allison Brennan, Laura Griffin, Maggie Toussaint, Jonnie Jacobs, Camille Minichino, Heather Haven, Vinnie Hansen, Mary Kennedy, Rita Lakin, and Judy Alter
Sleuthing Women II: 10 Mystery Novellas
Cozy Mysteries
Self Published
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Print Length: 675 pages
ASIN: B074TVL3HG
Sleuthing Women II: 10 Mystery Novellas is a collection of ten mysteries featuring murder and assorted mayhem by ten critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling authors. Each novella is a tie-in to an established multi-book series—a total of over 800 pages of reading pleasure for lovers of amateur sleuth, caper, cozy, and female P.I. mysteries.
Frosted, A Moreno & Hart Novella by Allison Brennan & Laura Griffin—Three years ago LAPD Detective Scarlet Moreno and rookie cop Krista Hart were nearly killed during a botched sting operation. Now, they’re best friends and partners in the Orange County private investigation firm of Moreno & Hart. But their routine assignments are anything but safe.
Crewel Intentions, An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Novella by Lois Winston—Craft editor Anastasia Pollack receives a desperate call for help from former fashion editor Erica Milano, now in Witness Protection. Erica is being stalked and is afraid to notify the authorities. She once saved Anastasia’s life. Will Anastasia be able to return the favor before the stalker strikes?
No Quarter, A Cleopatra Jones Novella by Maggie Toussaint—Amnesia, the doctor says when accountant Cleopatra Jones wakes in a distant hospital. Hours later most of her memory returns. Detective Jack Martinez visits Cleo’s nearby wealthy client, only she’s dead and broke. To Cleo’s horror, she’s a murder suspect. Will she totally recover her memory before the killer returns?
What the Widow Knew, A Kali-O’Brien Novella by Jonnie Jacobs—Attorney Kali O’Brien takes on the case of a young woman accused of murdering her much older, very rich husband. As evidence mounts and other possible suspects are eliminated, Kali’s doubts about her client’s innocence grow. Meanwhile, Kali is also grappling with her feelings for longtime boyfriend Detective Bryce Keating.
The Magnesium Murder, A Periodic Table Mystery by Camille Minichino—While freelance embalmer Anastasia Brent prepares the body of a young bride-to-be, she learns the girl’s mother suspects foul play. Once again Anastasia is pressed into service as a sleuth, following a trail of clues in search of a murderer and justice.
Honeymoons Can Be Murder, A Lee Alvarez Novella by Heather Haven— When PI Lee Alvarez goes on her honeymoon with bridegroom, Gurn Hanson, they find a dead woman practically on their doorstep. Kauai breezes may be soft, but there are gale force winds of accusation against Gurn. Will Lee find the real killer before her new hubby gets sent to a Hawaiian hoosegow?
Smoked Meat, A Carol Sabala Novella by Vinnie Hansen—Baker and wannabe sleuth Carol Sabala visits her mother for a family Christmas get-together. It’s murder, in more ways than one.
A Deadly Fundraiser, A Talk Radio Novella by Mary Kennedy—When radio talk show host Dr. Maggie Walsh and her pals start digging up clues in a scavenger hunt at a glitzy fundraiser, the game suddenly turns deadly. Will Maggie and her team be able to crack the case and solve the crime?
The Color of Fear. A Kelly O’Connell Novella by Judy Alter—Kelly receives a written kidnap threat targeting her infant daughter, Gracie. Kelly’s assistant Keisha narrates as Kelly and her family plot their precautions, but as time passes and the threat still looms, fear takes a toll on the family…and on Keisha.
Papa’s Ghost, A Gladdy Gold Mystery Novella by Rita Lakin—Gladdy and her girls accept an assignment iat a famous resort in Key West, thinking it will combine business with pleasure. Once they arrive, Gladdy suspects something is strange. Not only is their client an unexpected shock, but so is the case of murder they are expected to solve. Can they succeed when a whole city is against them?
Some explicit language in a few of the stories.
~ Grab your copy! ~
~ About Lois Winston ~
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.
~ Stalk the author! ~
Website ~ Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers Blog ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter sign-up
~ Giveaway! ~
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 16 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 17 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 18 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 19 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
October 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – INTERVIEW
October 21 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
October 22 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
October 23 – Nadaness In Motion – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 24 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 25 – Readeropolis – INTERVIEW
October 26 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT
October 26 – Valerie’s Musings – INTERVIEW
October 27 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
October 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
October 29 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 29 –The Book’s the Thing – GUEST POST
October 30 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 31 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST
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October 24, 2017
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of Callie’s Kitchen! #CozyMystery Secrets and Pies from @Jenny_Kales
Secrets and Pies
by Jenny Kales
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Self Published
Release Date – October 19, 2017
Approximately 200 pages
Book will be up on Amazon and other retail sites soon.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of Callie’s Kitchen! Greek-American restaurateur Callie Costas faces down another killer in the small waterfront town of Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. Recipes included!
Summertime in Crystal Bay means tourist season for Calliope “Callie” Costas, owner of Callie’s Kitchen, a Greek-meets-Midwest from-scratch eatery. Business is booming but so is the stress. Callie can barely keep up with the demand for her famous summer fruit pies and savory Greek delicacies, plus she’s agreed to bake dozens of “pitas” for the annual Greek Fest.
When Callie is asked to deliver cast party treats for a Murder Mystery Night at the historic Harris House, it seems like a welcome break from her hot stove. That is, until she finds herself an unwilling player in yet another suspicious death. Worse yet, the victim is a family friend and graduate student working on a project involving Crystal Bay’s colorful past.
Before long, a motley crew of suspects makes things as juicy as the succulent berries strewn around Callie’s Kitchen. And that’s not all Callie’s got on her plate. Add family obligations, a deepening romance with a local detective and unexpected personnel problems to the mix. One thing’s for sure: Callie’s got the recipe for a long, hot summer!
SECRETS AND PIES is the third installment in the Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series.
About the Author
Award-winning writer Jenny Kales is the author of The Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series. Though she’s worked as a writer and journalist for years, fiction writing is her first love and her marriage into a Greek-American Midwestern family inspired The Callie’s Kitchen mysteries, featuring Calliope Costas, food business owner and amateur sleuth. The setting of the story, “Crystal Bay,” is inspired by a favorite family vacation spot – Wisconsin’s beautiful Geneva Lakes. Kales is an avid reader, cook and baker and she’s addicted to mystery TV, especially anything on Masterpiece Mystery or BBC America. She lives just outside of Chicago with her husband, two daughters and one cute but demanding Yorkshire terrier.
Website www.jennykales.wordpress.com,
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jennykalesmysteryauthor/
Twitter https://twitter.com/Jenny_Kales,
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard,
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennykales_author/
Purchase Link – Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 19 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
October 19 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 19 – Blogger Nicole Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 20 – The Power of Words – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
October 20 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
October 20 – 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 21 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
October 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 21 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 22 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 23 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
October 23 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
October 23 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 24 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
October 24 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 24 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 25 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
October 25 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT
October 25 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
October 26 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
October 26 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW
October 26 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
October 27 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 27 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
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Getting Reviews ~ My Experience with Reading Alley #WriterWednesday #BookReviews #AmWriting
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As an indie writer, I sometimes feel I spend more time researching how to get book reviews and begging for reviews than I do actually writing the books for which I need the reviews! I came upon Reading Alley during one of my gazillion research sessions and decided to give it a try. Reading Alley is similar to many of other review sites: it provides a community of independent reviewers who can submit reviews.
The first thing a writer needs to analyze when deciding whether or not to use a new review website is whether the website violates the Amazon terms and conditions, because Amazon reviews is the end goal after all. At Reading Alley, the reviewers do not receive any monetary benefits, although there is a rewards program. There is also no obligation to post the review on Amazon or any other commercial outlet. This is the important point because Amazon clearly states the following:
Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review.
~ Amazon Community Guidelines (emphasis added)
Reading Alley looked like it will be okay legally wise, but what about the cost? Initially, it didn’t sound too bad – $25 for a three-month review session. That’s cheaper than NetGalley and other similar sites. But wait! Don’t stop there. You can also promote your book to gain more exposure (front page of the website, in their weekly email, or on their Facebook page). It’s an additional $25 for a minimum of 10,000 impressions. I jumped on that as I’ve had issues before with paying huge amounts to be on a review site and getting almost no feedback. In the end, I paid $50 for a three-month review session including promotion.
What was my experience? First, let’s talk about Reading Alley itself. Their customer communication was good. I received an email each time a reviewer requested my book, a review was posted, or there was any other kind of feedback. I could check my dashboard at any time as well.
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But what about the reviews, Dena? How did that go? A bit disappointing if I may say so myself. I had 10 reviewers request the book, 9 of whom downloaded and reviewed the book. I hear you thinking ‘that’s not bad’. That may be true, but only 4 of those reviews ended up on Amazon (one of which had already reviewed the book on Amazon). I know I can’t force reviewers to put their reviews on Amazon, but it’s disappointing nonetheless when it doesn’t happen.
In conclusion, I won’t be giving Reading Alley another try. Despite their good customer relations, the price is just not worth it for me. Guess I’ll keep searching for the magic formula for getting reviews.
October 23, 2017
A bromance, a romance, and a love triangle ~ Good Cop, new #romance from @LizKellyBooks
Romance
Heroes of Henderson, Book 1
Publisher: Kelly Girl Productions
FREE until the end of the Year!!!
What happens when best friends fall for the same girl?
A bromance, a romance, and a love triangle.
Local sports heroes Brooks Bennett and Vance Evans are used to being part of a winning team. Yet when it comes to romance their good cop, bad cop images have them handcuffed. They want a woman’s point of view to help unshackle their reputations, and they’ve picked out one pretty, pony-tailed firecracker to do it.
Lolly DuVal longs for a summer fling that can set off all her bells and whistles. So she agrees to tutor Henderson’s hunkiest heroes on what women really want. But now she finds herself caught between two cops and a hard place. And those bells and whistles? They are starting to sound a whole lot more like alarms.
~ Grab a copy ~
Amazon ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ GoogleBooks ~ Smashwords ~ IndieBound
The Newest Release in the Heroes of Henderson Romance Series
Release Day – October 24, 2017
Mr. Wright
Heroes of Henderson, Book 6
Publisher: Kelly Girl Productions
Release Date: October 24, 2017
After Dallas, Laidey Bartholomew finds Henderson to be a breath of fresh air. Out from under the expectations of her socialite family, she can be as invisible as she chooses. She’s perfectly happy flying under the radar, until a hot-tempered, masculine work of art roars into town on his Road King and zeroes in on her.
All of a sudden, Laidey’s not invisible anymore.
Xavier Wright hasn’t lived in Henderson for fourteen years. You’d think by now everyone would have forgotten about his juvenile antics. Knowing his sick ma doesn’t need any additional stress in her life, he’s determined to make amends for his bad-boy ways. Unfortunately, a certain little newcomer continually brings out the worst in him.
She’s way too prissy for him. He’s way too domineering for her.
Harry believes it’s a match made in heaven.
All the books in the Heroes of Henderson Series are complete romances. They do not need to be read in order, but it might be more fun that way as characters continue to show up in Henderson in big ways and small.
Amazon
barnesandnoble
Kobo
itunes
Heroes of Henderson Reading Order
Good Cop Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 1
Bad Cop Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 2
Taming MollyHeroes of Henderson ~ Book 2.5 (Novella)
Top Dog Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 3
Tempting ViviHeroes of Henderson ~ Book 3.5
Kissing Cooper Heroes of Henderson ~ A Christmas Edition
UnderDog Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 4
Mr. Wrong Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 5
Mr. Wright Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 6
~ About the Author ~
Growing up every summer in a place where dancing and romancing are literally part of its theme song, Liz Kelly can’t help but be a romantic at heart. And since her favorite author, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss wrote some of the world’s greatest romances, she’s just trying to give the world a little more of that. (Okay, maybe a little sexier that, but we are now in a new millennium after all.)
A graduate of Wake Forest University, where she met her handsome golf-addicted husband, (who is now sporting dark glasses everywhere he goes) Liz is a mother of two grown sons (also sporting dark glasses) and a miniature Labradoodle named Annabelle. They split their time between The Windy City of Chicago and the Fountain of Youth, a.k.a. Naples, FL where dancing and romancing continues on ad infinitum.
~ Stalk the author! ~
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Promo Link
Writers are no longer allowed to be big ‘ol scaredy-cats #MondayBlogs #AmWriting #BeingAWriter
I headed to Amsterdam yesterday for Dan Brown’s talk at the Paradiso. Well, as long as I was in the city anyway, I might as well go to Waterstone’s and spend those lovely book gift cards I’d received for my birthday. I’ve been waiting for Springsteen’s autobiography, the most aptly titled Born to Run, to appear in paperback. It took some digging (because I didn’t think to look in music instead of autobiographies *slaps head*), but I finally found a copy (and maybe a few other books as well).
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I started thumbing through my copy while munching on my lunch before Dan Brown’s presentation. I had already been musing about how remarkable it is to go to a presentation from a writer in a large venue with a sold-out crowd. (The Paradiso is a former church now used for concerts.) That’s not what we writers do. No, we hide in the shadows in our pajamas with unwashed hair while staring at a blank computer screen.
We are not performing artists like Springsteen. Springsteen writes in the foreword in response the question about how he achieved fame and fortune:
DNA, natural ability, study of craft, development of and devotion to an aesthetic philosophy, naked desire for … fame? … love? … admiration? … attention? … women? … sex? … and oh, yeah … a buck.
These are some of the elements that will come in handy should you come face-to-face with eighty thousand (or eighty) screaming rock ‘n’ rock fans …
~ Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run
Those words stopped me. Seriously, I got out my phone and took a picture of them. Not only can I never imagine standing in front of eighty-thousand fans, screaming or not, but I don’t have a naked desire for fame, love, attention, (wo)men, sex… Oh sure, I’d like to make a buck or two. And a little admiration wouldn’t go to waste either. But fame? Attention? Adoring men? Sex? I’m a writer, not a rock star.
With the exception of a few well-known writers whose novels have been adapted to the silver screen thus bringing their work to even larger audiences, writers are not performing artists. We don’t use our voices or bodies to convey our artistic message in front of an audience. But (you knew there was a but coming) in today’s digital era, we big ‘ol scaredy-cat writers are being forced to come out of our hidey-holes.
If you are self-published (or maybe if you aren’t), you are forced to create a writer platform if you want to sell books. In addition to having a website, you need to not only be on social media but be visible on several social media platforms. And you can’t just talk about your books. Oh no. Potential readers don’t want that. Nope. They want to learn about you. *Swallows large frog that suddenly appeared in her throat.* The days of writers hiding away in a small town in the New England region are, without a doubt, over.
I may never achieve the fame of Bruce Springsteen (or Dan Brown for that matter), but I’ve slowly but surely climbed out my writer hidey-hole and become more socially visible. With reluctance, I admit that the more visible I am with my writer platform, the more books I sell. If I figure out how to reach the Dan Brown fame-level, I’ll let you know (probably in a book you have to buy).
What if reading were a crime but a book could save you? The Book Knights #YAFantasy @jgmckenney
YA Fantasy
Date Published: July 5, 2017
When her parents are condemned to death by Morgan Fay for the crime of reading, Arti Penderhagen becomes a fugitive. Hunted by Mordred, the sadistic police captain who recites poetry to enhance his physical strength, Arti escapes to the Isle of Avalon, a sanctuary for outlaws. There she meets an old librarian named Merl who tells her about the Grail Tome, an ancient book in Morgan Fay’s possession that can alter the course of history. Can Arti steal the book in time to save her family?
~ Grab a copy! ~
~ Excerpt ~
The fire crept across the floor, devouring paper and carpet, gaining momentum as it spread. A thick, black smoke filled the room, rolling over itself like a storm cloud, ravenous flames growling hungrily as they climbed. A moment later, there was another sound: a deep, drum-like thudding, barely audible above the burning tempest. A lower section of the shelf separated from the wall, and a row of hard covers slapped the floor. More books cascaded to the carpet, and a groping hand emerged.
The girl coughed violently, retching as she labored to breath amid the thickening blanket of smoke. She squeezed out from behind the book case, reaching back to pull a duffel bag from the cavity, pushing aside the dish, cup, and utensils her father had cast into the void in the rush to hide her. The bag held provisions, preparations made for a day they prayed would never come.
Making sure her vidlink was in her pocket, she lifted the hood of her sweatshirt and with eyes clenched shut, crawled across the floor, dragging the duffel bag. Scalding heat seared her throat as she gasped for air, her face and hands feeling like they were on fire. Gulping a mouthful of acrid smoke, an intense wave of nausea washed over the girl, and she fell against the wall of books. She was helpless now, certain she was going to die.
As the firestorm raged, her mind floated away from the horror. She was a young child again, sitting on her father’s lap, following his finger as it traced words on the page. She giggled and squirmed with excitement as the story unfolded, peeking ahead, eager to find out how the tale would end. Her mother leaned toward her from the adjacent chair, her smiling face awash in the light of the reading lamp. This is our secret, Arti. You can’t tell anyone. She could hear herself answer, I promise.
When the story was done, she reached across with her tiny hand and closed the book’s cover. She smiled up at her parents expectantly, waiting to say the ritual words together. And they lived happily ever after.
From somewhere in the cloud of her delirium, Arti Penderhagen heard the books on the shelves call to her, drawing her back to the present. Words echoed from their pages, guiding her hand along their bindings, showing her the way out.
~ About the Author ~
J.G. (John) McKenney is a writer and teacher. His first novel, EON’S DOOR, received the 2012 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, and was also a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award.
~ Stalk the author! ~
Website
Goodreads
October 21, 2017
Happy Release Day to @JennArntson, author of Scavenger Girl #YAFantasy
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Title: Scavenger Girl, Season of Atchem
Series: Scavenger Girl Series, first in series
Author: Jennifer Arntson
Genre: YA/NA Fantasy
Published: 10/21/17
~ Blurb ~
Stripped of their birthright and shunned by the people of Ashlund, Una and her family are forced to live on the fringe of society as Scavengers. There is no question that her family’s bond is strong, but the law of the Authority is stronger…and soon it will come to collect her. After all, the family is on borrowed time already.
When a night of torment and truth reveals well kept secrets, Una takes new freedoms – free from the Authority, her family, and possibly her fate. Pulled between the life she’s always known and a world where status and rituals are everything, Una struggles to understand a culture that has rejected all she holds dear. As Atchem comes to an end and she learns who she really is, will Una find the courage to do what it takes to ensure her family’s survival, or will she find the faith to follow her heart?
Grab a copy!
Free today!
~ About the Author ~
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Jennifer Arntson has a long history of crafting tales that people find unbelievable, but often true. As an observer of human and social development through the ages, a curiosity of faith, and dedication to the underprivileged of the developing world, Jennifer finds her creative outlet in stories and fables. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children, and a mini-farm of otherwise useless animals where the family eagerly caters to their every need.
~ Stalk the Author ~
Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter
October 19, 2017
@NancyColeSilve1 talks about her writing journey & her new #cozymystery Room For Doubt #giveaway
I’m excited to welcome Nancy Cole Silverman to my blog today. She’s written a post about becoming a writer. Grab a cup of coffee and read about Nancy’s journey.
~ Guest Post ~
It wasn’t until I got bucked out of my previous life as the publisher of The Equestrian News, a newspaper I founded in Southern California, after retiring from radio, that I really got serious about writing. For most writers I think there’s an easier path, mine included several seriously broken bones, a bruised ego and instructions from my surgeon not to ride again.
Oh, sure, I’d always thought of myself as a writer. I’d earned my living working at radio stations, writing news and commercial copy, but books? That was only cocktail conversation. Like everyone in L.A. I was going to write a book. One day.
The trouble with idle chatter is that at some point, somebody is going to ask when you are actually going to sit down and put something on paper?
That time came while I was rehabilitating myself – licking my wounds – and trying to imagine how I could sneak out the house, back to the barn and do what I really wanted to do. Ride. But pain, incision braces that looked like something out Young Frankenstein, and physical therapy, hours and hours of physical therapy, kept me home, much of it flat on my back.
What wasn’t flat on my back was my imagination. I’m not sure if it was being knocked on the head, or that I just couldn’t do anything else, but I couldn’t stop the stories from coming.
For me, writing started out as therapy. It took me out of my pain, and while I still miss the horses, I’ve gone from riding to writing and love it.
My first books were just that, my first books. It takes time to develop writing skills. Even though I’d written as a journalist, writing a novel is altogether a different skill set. None of it comes easy. Like Malcolm Gladwell said in his book Tipping Point, it takes ten thousand hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field. And with writing it may take more. But, I can see, after writing more than five books and numerous short stories before I even attempted to write The Carol Childs Mysteries how much more comfortable I am with the process.
I was thrilled when the fourth of the Carol Childs books, Room for Doubt was released in July. As I look at the four books on my desk, I often wonder if getting bucked off my horse and out of my equestrian lifestyle might have been a good thing. I know, without the accident, I never would have sat down to write. I would have been too busy hanging out at the barn.
Carol Childs has been one my favorite characters to write about. She’s a middle-aged woman working in a newsroom for a news director that is half her age, who refers to her as the World’s Oldest Cub Reporter. I’ve met a few of those along the way and I can say many of the stories are not too removed from those I actually saw or lived first hand. Add to that, my new tagline – Where Brains Beats Brawn & a Mic is More Powerful than a Forty-five – and I think you’ll have a pretty good idea that these books are action-packed and full of surprises.
I hope you enjoy the series as much I have writing them.
Room For Doubt (A Carol Childs Mystery)
by Nancy Cole Silverman
Room For Doubt (A Carol Childs Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – California
Henery Press (July 18, 2017)
Paperback: 278 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1635112351
Kindle ASIN: B06ZXY2K1X
When radio reporter Carol Childs is called to a crime scene in the Hollywood Hills at five thirty in the morning, she’s convinced it must be a publicity stunt to promote a new movie. That is, until she sees the body hanging from the center of the Hollywood sign. The police are quick to rule it a suicide, but something doesn’t add up for Carol. Particularly after a mysterious caller named Mustang Sally confesses to the murder on the air and threatens to kill again.
With the help of an incorrigible PI, her best friend, and a kooky psychic, Carol is drawn into the world of contract killers and women scorned. As she races to find the real killer, she finds herself faced with a decision that will challenge everything she thought she knew.
About The Author
Nancy Cole Silverman credits her twenty-five years in radio for helping her to develop an ear for storytelling. In 2001, Silverman retired from news and copywriting to write fiction full time. In 2014, Silverman signed with Henery Press for her new mystery series, The Carol Childs’ Mysteries. The first of the series, Shadow of Doubt
, debuted in December 2014 and the second, Beyond a Doubt
, was July 2015. The third, Without A Doubt
, was released May 24, 2016. Room for Doubt
was released on July 18, 2017 For more information visit www.nancycolesilverman.com
Author Links
Facebook – GoodReads – Twitter
Purchase Links
Amazon B&N kobo
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Click on book cover for more inform or to order from Amazon.
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 18 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
October 19 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
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October 22 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
October 23 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
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October 24 – Nadaness In Motion – CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
October 25 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
October 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
October 27 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT
October 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SERIES SPOTLIGHT
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October 30 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
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October 18, 2017
Her most daring case yet! Read an excerpt of Dead Cold by @JChaseNovelist
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Title: DEAD COLD
Author: Jennifer Chase
Publisher: JEC Press
Pages: 326
Genre: Crime Thriller
~ BOOK BLURB ~
What happens when one California community has a disturbing spike in homicides? It catapults cops into a deadly game of murder. Frozen human body parts hideously displayed at the crime scenes offers a horrifying interpretation that only a sadistic serial killer could design—and execute.
On the hunt for a complex serial killer, vigilante detective Emily Stone must face her most daring case yet. Stone’s proven top-notch profiling skills and forensic expertise may not be enough this time.
Young and ambitious, Detective Danny Starr, catches the homicide cases and discovers that it will test everything he knows about police work and the criminal mind. Can he handle these escalating cases or will the police department have to call in reinforcements—the FBI.
Emily Stone’s covert team pushes with extreme urgency to unravel the grisly clues, while keeping their identities hidden from the police. With one last-ditch effort, Stone dangles someone she loves as bait to draw out the killer. She then forces the killer out of their comfort zone with her partner Rick Lopez, and with help from a longtime friend Jordan Smith. A revelation of the serial killer’s identity leaves the team with volatile emotions that could destroy them.
The killer continues to taunt and expertly manipulate the police, as well as Stone’s team, and as they run out of time—they leave behind everyone and everything—in Dead Cold.
ORDER YOUR COPY:
Amazon
~ Excerpt ~
ESCAPE WAS IMPOSSIBLE. TEARS STREAMED down her face as she sat in the darkness and waited for the man to return. There was no other choice—but to wait.
She hadn’t eaten anything in three days and had only a limited amount of water—her strength continued to fade with every hour. With her wrists and ankles secured with duct tape, her skin stung with pain every time she struggled to move. At least the man had peeled the tape from her eyes and mouth so that she could see something besides pitch-blackness.
Even if she could escape, the only way to safety was jumping into the frigid water, but she could not swim and would drown before ever reaching the shore.
The only thing thirteen-year-old Kayla Swanson thought about was home. Fond memories flashed through her mind of her parents, her little brother, and her dog Charlie. She was never going to see them again. Their smiling faces were forever etched in Kayla’s mind, and she constantly held them close to her heart.
The boat rocked, and seemed to sway more violently as the tide flooded in and out of the harbor. Kayla could hear a consistent clanking noise above her as the boat rolled back and forth. The sound had a hypnotic quality, and kept her mind on something else besides when the man would return and what he would do next.
Her lips were dry and cracked as she bordered on dehydration. Even her tears dried on her cheeks, leaving her skin stiff and drawn. Her body began to shake, not only from fear, but also because of the extreme exhaustion and the constant dampness all around her.
The boat rocked more, but this time it shifted from the opposite sides. Kayla heard soft footsteps above, which she knew wasn’t her captor’s heavy walk. She strained her eyes in the darkness and thought she saw a thin shadow stealthily move along the upper deck.
Was it a ghost?
Kayla remembered a television series where a team of people hunted ghosts and they had said that ghosts could occupy any type of space, house, property, and even a boat.
She blinked her eyes several times and hoped that she could catch a glimpse of the ghost again. With every ounce of declining strength, Kayla scooted her body closer to the narrow stairs leading to the upper deck.
Painfully craning her neck, she strained to see something up in the darkness.
The dark shadowed areas played tricks on her eyes—it was there, then it wasn’t.
She waited for several minutes.
Nothing appeared.
The only sounds she heard were the usual boat noises she had grown accustomed to hearing. Whatever she thought she heard was gone now. It was most likely her imagination trying to give her some hope and a few moments break from her dire circumstances.
As she relaxed her shoulders and leaned back against the wall, the reality of her world pressing down hard. Tears streamed down her face. She tasted the saltiness that settled around her mouth. Her last moments were approaching, and there was nothing she could do.
~ About the Author ~
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Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning crime fiction author and consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent sociopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists.
Her latest book is the crime thriller, Dead Cold.
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