L.G.A. McIntyre's Blog
April 8, 2020
Free eBook version of The Exile until April 20
Canadian Indie Author L.G.A. McIntyre announces FREE EBOOK until APRIL 20th - Please Share
To show support to readers who face unprecedented social isolation, anxiety and economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Canadian Indie Author L.G.A. McIntyre announces a gift of a free eBook download at the Smashwords Online Bookstore until April 20, 2020 of the epic fantasy adventure, The Exile - Lies of Lesser Gods Book One.
Click the link now:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
In answer to why the fantasy author is giving away her work, L.G.A. McIntyre replies:
“In these trying times, I feel the need to set an example of sharing and giving back. We all have a choice, don’t we? To either make the lives of those around us better or worse. I want to give a gift to those who are choosing better.”
Click the link now:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
The Exile – Lies of Lesser Gods Book One kicks off the exciting fantasy adventure that spans 5 books.
The anticipated fourth book in the series, The Prince, debuts in April 30th 2020.
The Lies of Lesser Gods is a stirring epic fantasy adventure about the misfortunes of a mysterious warrior, Gralyre, as he struggles to rediscover his shadowed past, and the powerful Rebel Sorceress, Catrian, who dares not trust him with the fate of mankind. Together they do battle to shatter the lies of the past, and to reclaim the realm of Lyre from the despotic rule of the usurper, Doaphin.
This is a character driven epic hero’s journey that will appeal to fans of any genre.
“Highly recommended." - Enas Reviews
“Few compare in scope and quality.” - Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
Click the link now:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
To show support to readers who face unprecedented social isolation, anxiety and economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Canadian Indie Author L.G.A. McIntyre announces a gift of a free eBook download at the Smashwords Online Bookstore until April 20, 2020 of the epic fantasy adventure, The Exile - Lies of Lesser Gods Book One.
Click the link now:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
In answer to why the fantasy author is giving away her work, L.G.A. McIntyre replies:
“In these trying times, I feel the need to set an example of sharing and giving back. We all have a choice, don’t we? To either make the lives of those around us better or worse. I want to give a gift to those who are choosing better.”
Click the link now:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
The Exile – Lies of Lesser Gods Book One kicks off the exciting fantasy adventure that spans 5 books.
The anticipated fourth book in the series, The Prince, debuts in April 30th 2020.
The Lies of Lesser Gods is a stirring epic fantasy adventure about the misfortunes of a mysterious warrior, Gralyre, as he struggles to rediscover his shadowed past, and the powerful Rebel Sorceress, Catrian, who dares not trust him with the fate of mankind. Together they do battle to shatter the lies of the past, and to reclaim the realm of Lyre from the despotic rule of the usurper, Doaphin.
This is a character driven epic hero’s journey that will appeal to fans of any genre.
“Highly recommended." - Enas Reviews
“Few compare in scope and quality.” - Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
Click the link now:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
March 4, 2018
Read an Ebook Week
If you haven't read The Lies of Lesser Gods yet, now's your chance to pick it up on sale!
The series is part of the Read an Ebook Week, March 4-10, 2018 at Smashwords. All ebook formats are supported.
click here:
Click Here
The series is part of the Read an Ebook Week, March 4-10, 2018 at Smashwords. All ebook formats are supported.
click here:
Click Here
February 17, 2017
Finding Your Voice
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." ~ Einstein
Finding your voice, as an author, can be the most difficult thing that you do. It requires your brutal honesty, fearlessness, and daring. Sounds dangerous, doesn't it?
Do not confuse technique with voice. Technique is the structure of a story or of a sentence. How you manipulate that technique, that is your voice, that is your style.
Right now you are remembering every criticism and C+ you ever got in high school or university english classes. Forget it. (This is the be fearless part) Voice isn't about being perfect, just perfectly you.
Can you judge a Monet against a De Vinci? Which one is better? Or can you say, "Wow. The Mona Lisa is awesome, and Water Lilies makes my heart turn over."
Different Styles. Different Voices. Both amazing. But both absolutely meaningless to you when placed against a simple drawing done by your child that you have hung on the fridge. True voice has context and meaning to you - not to the person down the street.
If you try to write in a way that is similar to how someone you admire writes, this is not your voice. You are Monet, trying to paint the Mona Lisa.
So how do you find your voice as an author?
1) listen to your inner monologue as you write. If you find yourself constantly stopping to search for the next sentence, chances are you are not listening to your instincts. You are lying to yourself. If your instinct is to use the word ain't instead of isn't, then use it.
2) Record the conversations that you have with a friend (with their permission) so that you can pinpoint the rhythm of your speech patterns, the words you use, the idioms and slang. This is your voice.
3) Write your characters as they would be if they used your voice. A Medieval Knight wouldn't use street slang, unless that is how the world in which he lives works.
You have heard the old saw, "Write what you know". It isn't referring so much to life experience as to your true voice. It is what you are comfortable with, and it is what you have spent a lifetime honing to perfection. You. Just You. That is your voice.
Good Luck and Happy Writing!
L.G.A. McIntyre
The Exile - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 1
The Rebel - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 2
The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 3
Finding your voice, as an author, can be the most difficult thing that you do. It requires your brutal honesty, fearlessness, and daring. Sounds dangerous, doesn't it?
Do not confuse technique with voice. Technique is the structure of a story or of a sentence. How you manipulate that technique, that is your voice, that is your style.
Right now you are remembering every criticism and C+ you ever got in high school or university english classes. Forget it. (This is the be fearless part) Voice isn't about being perfect, just perfectly you.
Can you judge a Monet against a De Vinci? Which one is better? Or can you say, "Wow. The Mona Lisa is awesome, and Water Lilies makes my heart turn over."
Different Styles. Different Voices. Both amazing. But both absolutely meaningless to you when placed against a simple drawing done by your child that you have hung on the fridge. True voice has context and meaning to you - not to the person down the street.
If you try to write in a way that is similar to how someone you admire writes, this is not your voice. You are Monet, trying to paint the Mona Lisa.
So how do you find your voice as an author?
1) listen to your inner monologue as you write. If you find yourself constantly stopping to search for the next sentence, chances are you are not listening to your instincts. You are lying to yourself. If your instinct is to use the word ain't instead of isn't, then use it.
2) Record the conversations that you have with a friend (with their permission) so that you can pinpoint the rhythm of your speech patterns, the words you use, the idioms and slang. This is your voice.
3) Write your characters as they would be if they used your voice. A Medieval Knight wouldn't use street slang, unless that is how the world in which he lives works.
You have heard the old saw, "Write what you know". It isn't referring so much to life experience as to your true voice. It is what you are comfortable with, and it is what you have spent a lifetime honing to perfection. You. Just You. That is your voice.
Good Luck and Happy Writing!
L.G.A. McIntyre
The Exile - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 1
The Rebel - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 2
The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 3
February 15, 2017
Giveaway has ended!
Thanks to everyone who entered the Giveaway! It has now ended and 5 lucky winners will be receiving their signed copy of The Sorcerer in the next few days.
Please visit the Official Lies of Lesser Gods site for chapter previews, to connect with other fans, and more information about the Lies of Lesser Gods epic fantasy adventure series.
Cheers,
LMc
Please visit the Official Lies of Lesser Gods site for chapter previews, to connect with other fans, and more information about the Lies of Lesser Gods epic fantasy adventure series.
Cheers,
LMc
February 1, 2017
Book Marketing
Book Marketing is the toughest part of being an Independent Author, and the number one reason why a new author will give up and never write another book.
It is incredibly frustrating to do everything that the experts tell you, and still see sluggish or no sales after your friends and family have supportively bought a copy.
Stop me if this sounds familiar:
Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc, Giveaways and contests, Author pages on Goodreads, Amazon etc, Use graphics with your posts. Post often, follow back.
You are doing everything right. You are following the formula...just like every other author out there.
The problem is that the book sale marketplace is so super-saturated with other authors all shouting "Buy me! Buy me!" that there is no possible way that a social media marketplace with the attention span of about 15 seconds is going to hear you.
So what can you do differently to cut through the noise to reach your audience?
Do what you do best. Get creative.
Here are some tips that have worked for me.
1) Identify your audience Not just the people who will read your book, but the people who will tell others to read your book - the trendsetters.
2) Get to know your bloggers There are oodles of bloggers out there who specialize in all sorts of different genres. Get to know the ones that cater to your audience, because they could be the trendsetters you're looking for.
3) Pay-per-click - run a targeted ad that will appear in front of your identified audience anytime they are online. It isn't as expensive as it sounds, as you can set your budget as low or high as you are comfortable with. I ran one of these on Facebook for $30 and netted followers, likes, shares, and sales in the triple digits.
4) Face-to-Face - Yeah, remember when we all used to talk to each other? Tell everyone about your book. It's awesome. Share your passion. I've sold books to the person sitting next to me on the bus, at parties, on the plane... Be proud of your accomplishment!
5) Independent Book Stores - Approach your Independent book stores. Ask if you can do a book signing. Send out a press release to the local media. Get on the community event calendars. Make it a big deal. Are you a fantasy or Sci-fi author? Are you going to Comic Cons and fairs?
This is a very tough business to make it in. It goes way beyond the creation of a book. If you want to be a success you have to wear all the hats worn by teams of people in the big publishing companies. It is doable but you need to work smarter not harder.
Good Luck,
L.G.A. McIntyre
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book Three
by L.G.A. McIntyre
Giveaway ends February 14, 2017.
Enter Giveaway
It is incredibly frustrating to do everything that the experts tell you, and still see sluggish or no sales after your friends and family have supportively bought a copy.
Stop me if this sounds familiar:
Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc, Giveaways and contests, Author pages on Goodreads, Amazon etc, Use graphics with your posts. Post often, follow back.
You are doing everything right. You are following the formula...just like every other author out there.
The problem is that the book sale marketplace is so super-saturated with other authors all shouting "Buy me! Buy me!" that there is no possible way that a social media marketplace with the attention span of about 15 seconds is going to hear you.
So what can you do differently to cut through the noise to reach your audience?
Do what you do best. Get creative.
Here are some tips that have worked for me.
1) Identify your audience Not just the people who will read your book, but the people who will tell others to read your book - the trendsetters.
2) Get to know your bloggers There are oodles of bloggers out there who specialize in all sorts of different genres. Get to know the ones that cater to your audience, because they could be the trendsetters you're looking for.
3) Pay-per-click - run a targeted ad that will appear in front of your identified audience anytime they are online. It isn't as expensive as it sounds, as you can set your budget as low or high as you are comfortable with. I ran one of these on Facebook for $30 and netted followers, likes, shares, and sales in the triple digits.
4) Face-to-Face - Yeah, remember when we all used to talk to each other? Tell everyone about your book. It's awesome. Share your passion. I've sold books to the person sitting next to me on the bus, at parties, on the plane... Be proud of your accomplishment!
5) Independent Book Stores - Approach your Independent book stores. Ask if you can do a book signing. Send out a press release to the local media. Get on the community event calendars. Make it a big deal. Are you a fantasy or Sci-fi author? Are you going to Comic Cons and fairs?
This is a very tough business to make it in. It goes way beyond the creation of a book. If you want to be a success you have to wear all the hats worn by teams of people in the big publishing companies. It is doable but you need to work smarter not harder.
Good Luck,
L.G.A. McIntyre
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book Three
by L.G.A. McIntyre
Giveaway ends February 14, 2017.
Enter Giveaway
January 25, 2017
How do you come up with ideas for a book?
How do you come up with ideas for a book?
I have been writing for many years, and inspiration comes from such unlikely places. Many fans have asked where I came up with the ideas for Lies of Lesser Gods.
I was reading yet another stale rehash of the Legend of King Arthur, couched as "fantasy" when it occurred to me - no one ever addressed what would happen if the "Once and Future King" ever actually showed up in modern day. And that is where the premiss of this book began, after which it took on a life of its own, driven forward by the individuals within the tale, their loves and hates and tribulations.
I especially love the strong and charismatic women within the Lies of Lesser Gods. They are not just there to make the men look more heroic. If one of my characters was Guinevere, she would have kicked Arthur and Lancelot to the curb and taken up with Sir Perceval.
Lies of Lesser Gods refers to the lies of people who purport to have power over others, and what becomes of everyone as layer upon layer of those lies are stripped away.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I loved writing it.
~LMc
I have been writing for many years, and inspiration comes from such unlikely places. Many fans have asked where I came up with the ideas for Lies of Lesser Gods.
I was reading yet another stale rehash of the Legend of King Arthur, couched as "fantasy" when it occurred to me - no one ever addressed what would happen if the "Once and Future King" ever actually showed up in modern day. And that is where the premiss of this book began, after which it took on a life of its own, driven forward by the individuals within the tale, their loves and hates and tribulations.
I especially love the strong and charismatic women within the Lies of Lesser Gods. They are not just there to make the men look more heroic. If one of my characters was Guinevere, she would have kicked Arthur and Lancelot to the curb and taken up with Sir Perceval.
Lies of Lesser Gods refers to the lies of people who purport to have power over others, and what becomes of everyone as layer upon layer of those lies are stripped away.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I loved writing it.
~LMc
January 18, 2017
Free Book and Goodreads Giveaway
Wait a second! Free book and a Goodreads Giveaway?
Enter to win 1 of 5 signed copies of The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 3 in our Spring Goodreads promotion.
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
But that's not all! I want you to get excited about the Lies of Lesser Gods series.
Get a free e-book and have an adventure this week! Until the end of March 2017 read The Exile - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 1 for free using this Smashwords code.
NZ42D
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Share this code with all of your friends!
After you read The Exile, please visit my page and leave a comment about the series. I love to hear what my fans have to say! Creativity cannot happen in a vacuum!
Cheers!
L.G.A. McIntyre
Enter to win 1 of 5 signed copies of The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 3 in our Spring Goodreads promotion.
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
But that's not all! I want you to get excited about the Lies of Lesser Gods series.
Get a free e-book and have an adventure this week! Until the end of March 2017 read The Exile - Lies of Lesser Gods Book 1 for free using this Smashwords code.
NZ42D
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Share this code with all of your friends!
After you read The Exile, please visit my page and leave a comment about the series. I love to hear what my fans have to say! Creativity cannot happen in a vacuum!
Cheers!
L.G.A. McIntyre
January 4, 2017
Celebrate the Launch of The Sorcerer
Hi Everyone,
Join me as I celebrate the launch of The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book Three
Enter to win 1 of 5 signed first editions in our Goodreads giveaway.
click here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Good Luck and Good Reading!
Join me as I celebrate the launch of The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book Three
Enter to win 1 of 5 signed first editions in our Goodreads giveaway.
click here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Good Luck and Good Reading!
December 20, 2016
Mechanics of Success
I am so pumped up this week! The Sorcerer - Lies of Lesser Gods Book Three is now live, and is doing so well! The feedback from fans has been really gratifying. I'm officially launching the new book this Friday at a local independent bookstore.
Here's a free chapter preview: http://lgamcintyre.com/free-chapter-p...
But after all this, it got me wondering at the mechanics of success. What is success, truly?
After much soul searching, this is what I came up with.
Success comes not at the hands of fame, nor fortune, nor other bouquets and accolades - i.e. from the outside - rather success is the result of personal achievement which cannot be measured against someone else's ideal.
I remember how it felt to get my first copy of my first book. I swear, I wandered around my house cradling it like a newborn with a wide grin on my face. And it was that moment, right then, that I felt success. I hadn't sold a single copy, but it didn't matter. I had reached a personal goal.
Everything that has come after, the sales and the great response from fans, has been wonderful. In a more "traditional" sense this is success but it's a transient thing at best, and completely dependent on others. Maybe "good fortune" would be a better term?
You don't have to be an author, artist, musician, or whatever to achieve success.
Maybe you're a student and you're about to graduate.
Success.
Maybe you've just landed a new job.
Success.
The point is - you define what success means to you. It cannot be measured against what someone else did, or can do. It is only measured against yourself, and what you want to accomplish in your life.
What is that? Well, I think everyone has a dream of something they want to do...someday. And when you think of doing it you feel excitement, fear, anxiety. The more you want it, the worse you feel. LOL. I think that's why it is so hard to get done.
So this holiday season my wish for you is to celebrate your achievements. Because you did it. You reached and surpassed a personal goal. And you are a success.
XOXOX L.G.A. McIntyre
Here's a free chapter preview: http://lgamcintyre.com/free-chapter-p...
But after all this, it got me wondering at the mechanics of success. What is success, truly?
After much soul searching, this is what I came up with.
Success comes not at the hands of fame, nor fortune, nor other bouquets and accolades - i.e. from the outside - rather success is the result of personal achievement which cannot be measured against someone else's ideal.
I remember how it felt to get my first copy of my first book. I swear, I wandered around my house cradling it like a newborn with a wide grin on my face. And it was that moment, right then, that I felt success. I hadn't sold a single copy, but it didn't matter. I had reached a personal goal.
Everything that has come after, the sales and the great response from fans, has been wonderful. In a more "traditional" sense this is success but it's a transient thing at best, and completely dependent on others. Maybe "good fortune" would be a better term?
You don't have to be an author, artist, musician, or whatever to achieve success.
Maybe you're a student and you're about to graduate.
Success.
Maybe you've just landed a new job.
Success.
The point is - you define what success means to you. It cannot be measured against what someone else did, or can do. It is only measured against yourself, and what you want to accomplish in your life.
What is that? Well, I think everyone has a dream of something they want to do...someday. And when you think of doing it you feel excitement, fear, anxiety. The more you want it, the worse you feel. LOL. I think that's why it is so hard to get done.
So this holiday season my wish for you is to celebrate your achievements. Because you did it. You reached and surpassed a personal goal. And you are a success.
XOXOX L.G.A. McIntyre
April 5, 2016
The Rebel - Goodreads Giveaway
Special thanks to everyone who entered the Goodreads giveaway celebrating the launch of The Rebel: Lies of Lesser Gods Book 2.
I am floored by the response and am sorry that I only had 5 novels to give away!
Don't forget that you can read the first chapters for free at my website: Click Here
Coming soon: The Sorcerer: Lies of Lesser Gods Book 3
I am floored by the response and am sorry that I only had 5 novels to give away!
Don't forget that you can read the first chapters for free at my website: Click Here
Coming soon: The Sorcerer: Lies of Lesser Gods Book 3
