E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 37

PAST versus PRESENT

Should I rewrite the Twelve Systems Chronicles in past tense?

As my readers know, I write in present tense. I like the immediacy it gives to the action. It is also a relatively recent development in fiction where past tense is the traditional mode of story-telling. While I have had a few potential readers shelve The Twelve Systems Chronicles after reading the sample due to an aversion to present tense, it has not troubled me. It is unrealistic to expect every potential reader to like my stories.

On the other hand, like all indie author - and a growing number of traditionally published authors - I struggle for visibility. With a limited marketing budget, one of the best sources for getting f my novels discovered are credible 3rd party reviewers. While In'DTale ezine has accepted and favorably reviewed both Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2 and Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3, I've discovered that many other potential review sites dismiss present tense narrative out of hand.

So the conundrum. Do I switch to past tense including the effort to revise and issue second editions of The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2, and Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3? Or do I concentrate on finishing the series?

And - most importantly - what will readers who have enjoyed the novels in present tense think?

If you have read and enjoyed The Cartel and would like to venture an opinion - the first two chapters of The Cartel are available in pdf format on my blog.

Take a look, a pdf can be downloaded from my website http://www.buniac.com/honorendures.ph... or reviewed on wattpad https://www.wattpad.com/364100903-the....

If you do take a look, please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Indie Romance Spotlight: Espionage

Reposted from Some Like it Hot Indie Spotlight.

Espionage is a subgenre of the Romantic Suspense subgenre. Spies and daring do, often with the fate of the nation or the world at stake. This week's spotlight is on J.T. Geissingerand her Wicked Games series. Volume 2, Wicked Sexy was a group BOM read in 2016 and not only has a to-die-for alpha hero, the heroine is a kick-a hacker with mad Krav Maga skills. The villain is super evil and the action and steam are non-stop.

A badass ex-Special Ops officer and a smartass hacker fight a dangerous enemy…and a blistering attraction to each other.

*Bad things. Dear God, were any two sexier words ever spoken?*

Connor Hughes is an ex-special ops officer, CEO of Metrix Security, and bonafide badass. His private security firm is renowned for its effectiveness. He’s renowned for his lethal precision and iron self-control. But when the former Marine meets a gorgeous young hacker with a mouth as smart as her brain, his control unravels in ways he never could have predicted.

Tabitha West is a genius MIT dropout with a bad attitude, an obsession with Hello Kitty and piercings in unmentionable places. Tabby amuses herself by outwitting the most secure technology systems on the planet. Known in hacker circles as Polaroid due to her photographic memory, she’s as secretive as she is accustomed to working alone. So when Connor decides she’s the only one who can help him catch a cyber criminal intent on taking down one of his clients, she tells him exactly where he can stick it.

But when the cyber criminal turns out to be the Hannibal Lecter of computer crime—and a dark presence from Tabby’s past—Tabby and Connor are drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. They quickly find themselves fighting not only their common enemy, but also an explosive desire that threatens to consume them. When the stakes are this high and the game this deadly, will falling in love be the most dangerous move of all?

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Sexy-Ga...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/wick...?
Nook:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wicke...
ibooks:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/wick...

Author's website: http://www.jtgeissinger.com/

Nail-biting time: Round 2

The first round review was relatively painless - minor tweaks to pacing and some clarifications. Revised manuscript is back with Razor Sharp Editing and the red pen. The next major hurdle is the cover and I better get cracking on the concept if Jim O'Connor Photography is going to have time work his magic.

So far, FORTUNA remains on track for a March 2017 release. In the meantime, here's another glimpse into volume 4.

http://www.buniac.com/honorendures.php

Indie Spotlight: 2016 Round-up

My six weeks as contributor to the Indie Spotlight thread in Some Like it Hot group somehow turned into five months. I shouldn't be surprised - there are a lot of great indie writers out there. To make into my feature, the rules are simple. I need to have read and liked at least one book by the author. Yes, I give preference to Some Like it Hot group members, but it's not a requirement.

Looking back, here are a handful of 2016 favorites.

***KINKY FUN***


Blog post:https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...


Blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...




***FANTASY & PARNOMAL***


Blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...


Blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...




***BAD BOYS***


Blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...


Blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...





***SCIFI ROMANCE***

Although not part of my weekly line-up, I can't end the year without a plug for my 2016 release:

Awarded the 'Crowned Heart' by In'Dtale magazine - the romance review magazine for indie authors.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...




In 2017 the Indie Spotlight will be bi-weekly instead of weekly. Until then... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Stellar Glitter

This week we have seen two 'stars' go dark. Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds have passed into the eternal. Daughter and mother, actresses, story-tellers. It was their living and they played the parts they could get. When given the chance, they defied female stereo-types and brought warriors to life. Debbie with the Unsinkable Molly Brown and Carrie with the archetypical warrior Princess Leia.

We began as cosmic dust.
We are formed from stellar glitter.
The stellar is within and without. We are one.
We are ephemeral and eternal.
We end as we began and begin again.
Cosmic dust.

On their journey into the eternal, both mother and daughter are welcome in the feasting halls of the Five Warriors.



May their continuing journey be joyous, and may they find all they hoped in the eternal.

Indie Spotlight on Romance: Subgenre Mashup

* Reposted from Some Like it Hot group Indie Spotlight.

Indie authors aren't compelled to conform to the needs of a larger publisher's marketing engine. As a result, they can wantonly blend a variety of subgenres as the creative muse inspires them.

Indie author Candace Blevins blends the hugely popular MC (motorcycle club) subgenre with the equally popular PNR-shifter subgenre in her Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club series where the super hot club members are also werewolves. The series crosses over into her Chattanooga Supernaturals series where the PNR-verse expands to include shifters of all types (dragons, swans, bunnies) as well as fae, demons, and witches.

Featuring, strong, sexy and supportive alpha-male heroes and resilient, self-determining heroines, each novel can be read as a stand alone. Throw in passionate romance, suspense, and steamy hot - occasionally kinky - sex and the reader is in for a ride as wild as any motorcycle can offer.

Duke’s friend’s little sister had been off limits when they were growing up, but Gen is all woman now, with the sexiest curves ever. However, bringing her into his life now, as the new Rolling Thunder chapter establishes itself as a powerhouse in Chattanooga, would put her in danger.

Gen has no idea she already knows one of the bikers until she arrives to show them some downtown properties they’re looking to buy.

They live in different worlds, and despite being a successful businesswoman, Gen has led a sheltered life. She wears couture, while Duke wears Levi jeans and his MC colors on a black leather vest. Not to mention, he's a werewolf and she's a blissfully unaware human. Can two people, so different, possibly work?

Purchase Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Duke-Rolling-T...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/duke-...
Kobo:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/duke-6

*Also available at Apple and All Romance eBooks.

Indie Spotlight: Mafia Romance

* Reposted from Some Like it Hot Group Indie Spotlight thread

Mafia romances are an interesting twist on the 'bad boy' sub-genere. Usually the 'hero' is adult rather than a boy and desirable 'alpha-male' has a dangerous side that is used to protect the heroine rather than threaten her. It is fantasy, after all.

Roxie Rivera who also authors sci-fi romance as Lolita Lopezwrites nicely paced stories that are a quick, pleasant read with a page turning combination of suspense, steam, and character development. Her 'Russian Protector' series features dangerous types who have reformed but retain ties to the underworld.

Each of the novels in this series is a stand alone romance with a different couple.

Desperate to find her sister, Erin goes to the only man in Houston who can help her--Ivan Markovic. The intimidating, tattooed Russian operates one of the most elite mixed-martial arts training centers in the world but it’s his shadowy past and reputed connections with Houston’s underworld that interest her most.

To find her sister, she’ll need the help of her big, scary Russian protector—but asking for help from a man like Ivan carries a steep price, one that might just include her heart.

This book is a freebie!

Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ivan-Her-Russi...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ivan-...
Kobo:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ivan

Can also be found at ARe and iTunes.

Nail-biting Time

Today, the manuscript for Fortuna: The Apprentice, Volume 4 went to Razor Sharp editing for final development edits. It's always an intense moment. I'm thrilled I have the story completed. I'm terrified that editor will come back with so much red that I'll need to start over. It happens.

So, I'll be biting my nails for the next two weeks, waiting for the edit. I want Razor Sharp to be ruthless - it will make for a better book. I want Razor Sharp to love it because, well, I do. Hence, the nail biting.

In the meantime, a not-yet-editor-approved excerpt to celebrate the milestone.

*Chapter 1 begins the day after Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3 ends*

Leaning back in the scarlet leather desk chair, Lucius gazes out at the capital of the Third System. Crevasse City straddles the origin of the Great Crevasse, the largest Vistrite mine in the Twelve Systems. Once the foundation of Fourth Warrior’s kingdom, they form the center of Lucius’ modern empire. It has only been a sevenday since Sebastian Mehta was banished from the Cartel, taking his ill-temper and ceaseless intrigues with him. Lucius can look forward to attending the Bright Star Summit without needing to worry that in his absence, Sebastian will create new problems.

At the sound of eighth bell chimes, the scarlet door recesses and Lilian steps lightly into the chamber, the lithe grace of her slender form highlighted by the stark black suit of a Blooded Dagger apprentice. Pulled tightly to her head and constrained in a warrior’s queue, Lilian’s dark red hair appears nearly as black as the suit. The severe hairstyle reveals her fine bone structure, creamy complexion, and most importantly to Lucius, gray eyes unclouded by weariness or anxiety.

Their late night passion has not left her weary. If anything, she appears better for it. The evidence of Lilian’s remarkable resiliency is pleasing, but Lucius does not trust it. Lilian endured terrible abuse at the hands of Sebastian Mehta and his protégé Martin. For all her apparent wellbeing, Lucius remains concerned that the violent assaults of the past two-years have pushed her to the verge of collapse. If she were another, Lucius would give her several sevendays respite to fully recover. It will not serve. The terms of trial by ordeal forbid it and her involvement in both Bright Star and Mercium make such measures impractical. As it is, all Lucius fully intends to keep her assignment load in check through the Bright Star Summit on Fortuna nearly two months hence. The stellar voyage and the summit will allow Lucius to provide her with increased respite without it becoming visible. For the moment, all he can do is watch her and continue with commerce as usual.

“What have you for me?” Lucius smiles the routine command as Lilian comes to attention on the far side of his expansive ebony desk.

“The most recent Bright Star financials,” Lilian replies, pulling forth her slate. With a quick glance at her notes, Lilian launches into her prepared status recitation. There is nothing new in the routine report, but that is not the purpose. It is an exercise in commerce discipline. It also offers Lucius the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sight of Lilian’s long legs, revealed by the skirt hemmed four inches above her knee as he requires.

“Well done,” Lucius acknowledges as Lilian completes her recitation. “You need not attend me this midday.”

“Yes, milord.” Lilian’s dutiful response holds a flattering hint of regret.

Lucius regrets it as well. As much as he enjoys bending Lilian over his desk, he has a much less pleasant task this midday. Normally, a public caning would not be worth his time. In this instance, he has no choice. “I will be absent from the Cartel.”

At his words, Lilian’s face closes into shuttered, stoic lines. The slender fingers flutter along the scarlet conservator seal. Demon shit! Lilian is well aware of what takes Lucius from the Cartel this day. The reminder can be naught but distressing for her.
Pushing back his chair, Lucius beckons his apprentice. “Come here.”

Obediently, Lilian rounds the desk and steps between his spread thighs. Setting his hands on her waist, Lucius can feel her tension. Watching her face for the least sign of emotion, Lucius rubs his thumbs lightly – and he hopes reassuringly – across her taut midriff. “He cannot hurt you again. After this day, Martin Argon will be banished from the Third System.”

“Yes milord,” Lilian agrees, her spine relaxing slightly. “I will be glad when it is done, and he is gone.”

“I as well,” Lucius admits. Martin’s Cartel caning and banishment were but the start of his penalties for his assault on Lilian. Under the governing protocols, an assault on Lucius’ conservator is treated as assault on Lucius. The civil authorities have extracted additional fines on Lucius behalf and sentenced Martin to a public caning. Lucius does not ask again if Lilian wishes to witness the event, aware of her profound aversion to corporal punishment due to Gariten’s abuse of her mother. She witnessed Martin’s Cartel caning because it could not be avoided. Simply knowing about today’s execution may well be causing the return of evil memories.

When Lilian entered the Cartel, Sebastian Mehta was monsignor of Grey Spear Cartouche and a Cartel governor. For over a decade Sebastian had thwarted Lucius’ ambitions and attempted to undermine his authority. One of Sebastian’s cruelest intrigues saw Lilian viciously scourged. Within a season, it was followed by Martin’s assault in the Archives. As it is, Lilian is safe, and Martin is to be caned for his crimes. Sebastian has been swept from the Cartel as ‘disordered in his wits,’ a victory Lucius achieved with significant aid from his rapidly paling apprentice. “Will it be well with you this day?”

“Yes milord,” Lilian insists tightly. “I beg milord’s pardon. I did not mean to …”

With a helpless gesture, Lilian trails off, unable to find words for the emotions she is repressing.

Knowing there is naught else he can say to relieve Lilian’s distress, Lucius settles for pulling her into his lap for a prolonged kiss.

Indie Spotlight: PNR Romance

* Reposted from Some Like it Hot Group Indie Spotlight thread

PNR or paranormal novels feature main characters with special powers. Paranormal romance commonly spins the ability to do magic into the ability to have a extraordinary metaphysical and physical connect when in love.

Indie Author Hazel Hunter's Warlock Protector series follows this convention with compelling characters and passionate couples in her 'Warlock Protector' series.

Meet the warlocks of the Magus Corps, sworn to protect Wiccans at all costs. As they find and track fledgling witches, the ancient forces of good and evil vie for control. Steamy romance meets paranormal suspense when passion takes its magical course.

Each of the novels in this series is a stand alone romance with a different couple.

His mission is to find her. Her talent is to stay hidden. Hide and seek has never felt so good.

Timid but tough Sophia Chambers has finally found the perfect job for her strange ability. As a private detective’s assistant, she trails and photographs people with ease, because she can make herself unseen. But when she stumbles into the arms of Dominic Berrett, she finds she no longer wants to hide.

Though Dominic’s stunning looks could easily make him a model, he’s the farthest thing from it. As a warlock and captain in the Magus Corps, he’s been deployed to bring Sophia into a witchcraft fold that she doesn’t even know exists. Despite his five-hundred years as an immortal, he discovers something unexpectedly captivating in the beautiful but shy young woman.

But when her deadly past catches up to her and an ancient enemy of witchcraft emerges, their newfound passion strains to the breaking point. Though Dominic would do anything to keep her safe, he can’t protect someone he can’t see. Little does he know that her disappearance isn’t her own doing.

This book is a freebie!

Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UUQ718I/...
Nook:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/domin...
Apple:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/domi...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/domi...

ARe Cyber Monday!

November 28th Only!

ARe is offering 50% rebate on selected titles for cyber Monday including mine. You can find them in the OmniLit section.



https://www.omnilit.com/product-theca...




https://www.omnilit.com/product-brigh...



https://www.omnilit.com/product-thetw...



https://www.omnilit.com/product-trang...