Kat Daemon's Blog, page 4
November 2, 2014
Why Indie is WRITE for me.
I used to have a 9-5 job. A great job, that I loved.
I was a teacher.
I still am, I think that profession will always be entwined into my core. But I left teaching to chase after my dreams, and guess what? I’m doing it.
For close to a decade I have seriously been putting pen to paper. I look back on the first drafts of my precious manuscript that I dumped on my amazing friends asking them to beta, and I cringe. Of course they were all polite. I didn’t fully grasp then that writing was rewriting. Yes, I had polished it, but I had not gutted it like a fish. It needed everything flayed out on the table to get to the heart of the story.
Writing should be like looking at a scene the way a filmmaker does with his camera. It’s getting reactions out of your characters in order to obtain some emotion from your readers.
And it is undoubtedly– Killing your darlings.
I couldn’t cut a few words back then far less entire scenes, or even characters. So as a result, the books weren’t ready.
I have learned so much in the three years that I have actively started pursuing this dream and following the path of traditional publishing. I learn more every day. But my recent lessons did not come from an agent, an editor or a large pub house. It came from a successful independent author who sat me down and said, “You need to decide if you want writing to be your career. If you do, Indie is your path.”
It was like I was hit over the head with a mallet. It made so much sense, and everything was crystal clear. I had been trying for so long to fit my books into this traditional little box, but they didn’t fit. I have heard repeatedly from agents how much they admire my work, that I actually do have talent… but they don’t know how to sell it.
They no longer have to.
When I removed the concept of writing for an agent, or writing for a particular publisher out of my line of vision, then I had what I loved back: The writing.
Recently, I was told something similar about my contemporary manuscripts by two separate agents. I’ll combine their pearls of wisdom for you. “Kat Daemon writes dark paranormal. Therefore, Kat can never write contemporary. Kat only wrote this new piece because she thinks it will sell.”
Wow! As a teacher, I found this to be borderline abusive. How dare any person say what we can and cannot write? Isn’t that our first amendment rights? To say I created a character because I thought it would sell, was absurd. The character I had created actually had experiences similar to my own as a teenager. So if I’m drawing on my own life, than how can I, Kat, not write it? Makes no sense.
It struck a nerve with me.
Work gets rejected. This business is subjective.
That’s part of the writing world. I get that. But to say, you can’t write that… No. That’s not going to fly with me.
I realized something truly amazing when I dwelled on what my friend had said about choosing Indie to have a career path. If I am an independent author, then I can publish as many books as I want. With the content I choose, and I would set my own schedule.
It means I would have to work twice as hard producing more books than the average signed author does in a year because my name is now my brand. It means marketing falls on me. It means cover artists and editors are all part of my budget. It means I have to condition myself to avoid social media and get this done!
Guess what? I love it.
In the past two months I have written one full length novel and two novellas, totaling approximately 145,000 words. In the past it took me a year to write 100,000 words. Like anything, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Practice makes perfect. I have a schedule for my books– it’s an exciting schedule, and I am looking forward to the next few months when more of my Paranormal, Horror and my New Adult Contemporary will be available to my readers.
Things are happening, and for the first time in a long time I’m happy when I sit down at my keyboard. The words are flowing! I’m writing without fear and without expectation. I am writing the sequels that readers, my readers, (squee!) are asking me for.
But there’s always going to be that person who wants to rain on your parade. There are a lot of people who want to trash indie authors. The things I have heard is quite terrible, but you know what, like anything in life you have to turn away from the haters. Shake ‘em off. People always fear that which they don’t understand.
I am in no way trashing the traditional publishing path. Every time a friend signs with an agent or lands their dream deal, I celebrate them. Hell, I still look forward to the day when I walk into a bookstore and see a stack of Kat Daemon books at the front of the store. (Notice I didn’t say in the store… I actually do have my books in my local Barnes and Noble in New York as well as a Connecticut book store. See? Indie authors can get there, too!)
All I am saying is this is the path I am choosing. It is my choice. A choice I am excited about. I am anxious to get more books out to my readers. Taming Darkness and Reborn was just the beginning. In the next few weeks keep your eyes peeled for Revenge, and Redemption. Books 2 & 3 of my Vampire series: The Blood Clan Chronicles. You can snag book one for only .99cents here:
AND!!! Now that my new laptop is here, Killing Darkness… my personal masterpiece will be in your hands SOON! I urge you to pick up a copy of Taming Darkness to catch up with Luce, Lilith, Maria and Michael before Killing is out.
To find out more about my indie adventures and where to get my books, be sure to check out my website http://www.katdaemon.com.
As always… stay true to yourself, and your dreams. And anytime someone tells you that you can’t do something… show them that you can.
Love & bloody kisses!
~Kat
October 25, 2014
Surprise! It’s a vampire! Why I went Indie.
So as most of you know by now, I released a “secret book” on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.
Why was I so hush-hush about it when I am so chatty about my Darkness Saga? Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or something stronger) and we can have a fireside chat.
Let’s be real.
When I first began writing, my dream was to land the agent, get the big book deal and see my beautiful hard copy edition in every book store across America. (Hey international sales wasn’t such a bad dream, either.) I’m not going to lie to you, that still is my dream, but it’s been placed to the side. I think success is every writer’s dream. Writers want readers. That’s it. I want someone to swoon over Luce or Michael the way I’ve swooned over the literary heroes that grace my bookshelves.
So did I give up on that dream? NO WAY!
In my pursuit of the perfect agent, the perfect publishing deal, and the perfect way to become a household brand name, I lost sight of something really important– writing.
See, before I tried to sell my work, I had to write my work. There was a time when the happiest portion of my day was when I would come home from the day job, go through my nighttime routine and in the wee hours of solitude, type away and bring my imagination to life. I wrote for no one other than me. I wrote without an agenda, and it was the sweetest, purest writing time of my life.
Since I began querying three years ago, I lost sight of the magic of writing. I began studying “formulas” and “trends” and ignoring what I wanted to write because “paranormal was dead.” I began grasping at any way possible to make a career out of this path which I so desperately desired when rejection after rejection kept flooding my inbox.
Occasionally there were offers. One offer that against my better judgement I accepted. Well, you all know how that ended. If you don’t know, all I’m going to say is never go against your gut. When your subconscious is whispering to you, bring the brakes to a screeching halt and pay attention. I’ve learned my lesson from that, and despite how wonderful something may appear, I no longer try to force a square peg into a round hole. “Proceed with caution” is my new motto.
Which brings me to my reasons for going indie.
For YEARS, I fought against being an independent author. I was embarrassed by the title. Being an indie author means that your work couldn’t cut it in the real literary world, right? WRONG!
I have learned a pearl of wisdom, “The size of the book deal is not directly proportionate to the quality of the book.” I’ve read amazing traditionally published books. They sit on my nightstand like old friends. I’ve also read horrible ones. Books where I scratched my head because I actually found it insulting that a big publisher would think that this is what a reader wants.
The most profound writing advice I ever heard, came from Anne Rice, although I do not believe she was the original person to first utter the phrase. It’s simple: “Write the book you most want to read.”
If I’m writing a book I am passionate about, wouldn’t others be passionate as well? That’s how I created Lucifer. I wrote him without fear, not worrying what others would think. As a result, the words poured onto the page. Writing Luce is comfortable, like slipping into my favorite flannel shirt. It feels good to write him. You know what? Readers liked him too.
But wait a minute! How is that possible? That book is paranormal. The genre is overcrowded and nobody wants to read that stuff anymore. Hmm… tell that to the patient, devoted fans who are waiting for Killing Darkness to come out. I’ve already missed my promised initial release date. Sometimes going to the Supermarket can be hazardous to my health… Not that I’m complaining!
I’m not bitter. I’m actually blissfully happy.
I’ve recently come to grips with the fact that I DO NOT have to conform to what the industry says I need to write. Knowing this is liberating because it meant I could do something I always wanted to do since I was thirteen years old. Write a vampire book.
Vampires have been a deep rooted fascination with me since I was in elementary school. I think I got the obsession from my father who dressed up every year without fail as classic Dracula. While some kids learned how to look both ways before crossing the street, my dad instilled in me the importance of learning how to ward of a vampire. He prepped me on the importance of every young girl having a slayer box handy. Holy water, garlic and a cross of sterling silver. My dad was nothing if not original in his parenting techniques! Of course it was a silly game, but it planted a seed in my imagination. That seed burrowed down deep and blossomed within me. The thing was, I didn’t want to learn how to keep the vampires at bay. I wanted to invite them in.
When I first read Interview with the Vampire, I was in the eighth grade. I think I watched my VHS copy of Brad and Tom so many times I wore out the tape. That led to Lestat and Pandora… I had the Anne Rice bug.
There were many movies along the way. The Lost Boys, Bram Stokers Dracula, and of course The Twilight franchise. While I don’t consider Edward Cullen to be a real vamp, I do love that it reopened the door to vampires and paranormal in general. True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, and The Originals prove that the public still craves a little bloody necking.
Which brings me to Bryce, my sexy Scottish vampire who prowls the streets of Manhattan each night looking for a little snack to pass the time.
It was so much FUN to create this character. My vampires are creatures of the night. Humans are food. The sun will kill them, their transformation is not instant and they DO NOT SPARKLE. What I wanted to draw upon was the seductive side of them. Vampires are sexual creatures. They lure in their prey and even the act of death can be somewhat erotic.
I wanted to explore their pain, the reality of no longer having a reflection and feeling invisible to a world that no longer celebrates their life.
So, while you’re waiting for Killing to come out, maybe you’d like to give Reborn a try. It’s 110 pages and only .99cents. It is the first book in The Blood Clan Chronicles. Book two will be available by Thanksgiving and book three by Christmas. Had I gone traditional, I NEVER could deliver these books to you guys so quickly. Being Indie means I can give my readers stories faster, without giving up on the quality of my production.
Just goes to show you how wonderful words can be when you stop trying to be what society dictates, and start embracing who you are and what you always wanted to do.
Love and Bloody kisses!XO
~Kat
Reborn: Highlander Vampire Romance (The Blood Clan Chronicles Book 1)
October 23, 2014
Cloven Blog Stop!

CLOVEN The sequel to ADORNED by Georgeann Swiger is available NOW!
You know how I love angels… well this book has my favorite angel… the one that put pride before the fall, and well… we all know how well that worked out for him.
Keep reading to find giveaways, an excerpt and an exclusive guest post on Angelology by Georgeann!
Cloven (The Trinity of Souls #2) by Georgeann Swiger

Blurb:
What would you do if the only things standing between you and the angel you love were another angel and the fiery pits of Hell?
When Anya and Micah declare their love for each other, the battle for the souls of the star-crossed angels stretches across the heavens. With Heaven forbidding their love, Micah vows to protect Anya by sentencing himself to Hell.
But Anya won’t let him go without a fight. She goes into Hell after him, only to discover an angel from Micah’s past is willing to do anything to keep Micah in Hell.
With love and lies blinding Micah, Anya fights to get him to face his demons and return to Heaven, even if it means hearts will be broken.
The battle for the angels begins where it left off. Between Heaven and Hell is forbidden love.
—
Information about the book:
Author: Georgeann Swiger
Title: Cloven
Series: The Trinity of Souls (#2)
Category: NA
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: CreateSpace (Self-Published)
Format: Ebook
Published: 21st October 2014
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23164435-cloven
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NSC1VPK
Barnes & Noble Link:
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About the Author:
Georgeann Swiger earned her degree in journalism from West Virginia University, and then spent five years as an anchor/reporter at WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WV. After having children, she left television news to be a stay at home mom. During that time, she discovered creative writing was more fun than writing about real life tragedy. Imagining interesting character and having them come to life on the page is now her passion. When she’s not writing, she works as a substitute teacher. She lives in Reedsville, West Virginia with her husband, two kids, a beagle dog and a temperamental cat who tries to rule the house.
Website. Twitter. Facebook. Pinterest.
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Tour Schedule

Tuesday 21st Oct
Biblio Belle’s Book Blog
Wednesday 22nd Oct
From the Shadows
Thursday 23rd Oct
Prosy Rosie
Kat Daemon
Friday 24th Oct
Off The Page
Dragon Blog
Saturday 25th Oct
BeingPerry
Sunday 26th Oct
That’s What She Said
Monday 27th Oct
Ramblings on Readings
Tuesday 28th Oct
Kick Start Your Heart Romance
Gina Henning
Wednesday 29th Oct
Jessica Dragon Cheramie
A Daydreamer’s Thoughts
Thursday 30th Oct
Breathless Ink
Friday 31st Oct
Ana Blaze
Big Book Little Book
Saturday 1st Nov
Ya Yeah Yeah
Sunday 2nd Nov
ScriptLand
Bookish Treasures
Monday 3rd Nov
Chick Lit Vs Fantasy
Tuesday 4th Nov
Pen and Muse
The Flutterby Room
Wednesday 5th Nov
Dragon Blog
—
Link to tour schedule:
http://fayerogers.co.uk/tour-schedule-cloven-by-georgeann-swiger/
—
Giveaway
There’s a tour-wide giveaway during the tour too.
Participants can win:
Digital Copy of Adorned
Digital Copy of Cloven
$10 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
Excerpt
“What are you two doing?” The deep voice coming from the hallway sends a happy
tremor through my body. I jump to my feet to run to Micah, but I’m stopped by the
piercing pain of glass going through my foot. I look down to see blood trickling on the
floor. When I sit on the couch to pull out the shard, Kieran and Emory hover around me.
“Why are you in my room?” Micah asks, angrily.
Kieran and Emory move to the side to give Micah a direct line to me. I look up and his gaze grabs mine. We stare at one another, caught in a wordless hello. Small expressions run over his face, telling me he’s relieved, happy, confused.
“Leave us,” he says quietly without looking away from me.
Kieran and Emory hurry out of the room, shutting the door behind them. Micah closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath, bows his head and mutters something under his breath. When he looks up, he stares at me in disbelief. He doesn’t seem to notice the glass crunching under his feet as he steps toward me. His lips quiver, trying to form words that won’t come.
The fire crackles and pops behind him. Micah’s eyes glisten while he studies my shaking hand, reaching for him. My hand finds his, linking our fingers together. The strong beat of his pulse thumps in his trembling fingers. I step cautiously to the floor, avoiding the glass. When I’m eye level with him, his pupils flicker. As soon as I open my mouth to tell him how much I missed him, he pulls me to his body and covers my mouth with his. Every pent up emotion is released the second he kisses me. I don’t know where this Micah came from. His mouth claims mine without reservation or fear of repercussions. I fall into his embrace, enjoying every bit of the intensity of the kiss that tells me he missed me as much as I missed him. The tension in his body falls away as his hands travel through my hair and down my back, over my hips and up my sides like he’s making sure I’m real. I’m real, Micah, I want to say but I don’t want to stop kissing him. The taste of his lips brings to life the forbidden feelings I’m done hiding. I can’t get enough of him.
Angelology
With any mythical creature comes a set of rules that govern that particular being. When it comes to angels, I did a lot of research that amounted to a lot of conflicting information about angels. Consequently, when I wrote the Trinity of Souls Series, I mashed up what I learned and developed my own angelology. Here are the Top Five Things you should know about the angels in my books.
Fallen angels and demons are not the same thing. In fact, fallen angels don’t like to be called “fallen angels”. They still believe themselves to be just angels. The term “fallen angel” is offensive to them as is the term Hell. They prefer to say they live in Lucifer’s Kingdom. Also, humans and angels are two entirely different entities. You don’t just die and become an angel. Angels are their own “species”.
In Heaven, angels are ranked in a hierarchy that determines power, status and closeness to God. Within this hierarchy exists ten types of angels. The Trinity of Souls Series focuses on five of these. The Cherubim are mystical, powerful angels seated closest to God. The Pashcar are angels who relieve emotional and physical pain. The Dominions are the government within Heaven. The Powers are soldiers that protect the Kingdom of Heaven. Guardians are the lowest ranking angels. They watch over mankind.
Heaven and Hell exist as separate and distinct kingdoms joined by portals. The border on Heaven’s side is cold, foggy and dangerous with portals hidden beneath the mist, while the portals on Hell’s side are hidden and hard to find, making it hard to escape Lucifer’s Kingdom.
The idea of angels having feathery wings and haloes doesn’t make it into my stories. Angels are beings of light. A halo of light can form around their bodies and a fiery flicker of light at their backs can appear in the shape of wings. However, these instances are rare. Within the Kingdom and on Earth, angels look like man.
Heaven is a place where your most beautiful dreams can come true. However, there are rules in place. Breaking those rules brings consequences. Hell is a nightmarish place where it’s either too hot to breathe or too cold to move. Water is a precious commodity. Your fears become reality. It’s hard to know who and what to trust.
October 1, 2014
Cover Reveal & Blog Blitz: The Dark Carnival
Alright y’all… I’m not gonna lie, I am SUPER EXCITED about this cover reveal…
Last August back in 2013 a group of AMAZING writers got together to show off our dark side. The result? The Dark Carnival.. and I was LUCKY enough to be apart of it.
The best part? The stories have been compiled into an anthology and it will be available SOON! In the mean time check out this incredible cover and the juicy teasers I have for you!
Cover Reveal
The Dark Carnival
A Pen & Muse Anthology


October approaches. Autumn leaves are nearly falling. The Dark Carnival is calling, calling. Will you answer its call? Will you heed the beckon?
The doors are opening.
Will you leave with your life?
Blurb: In this anthology, several authors and illustrators explore the dark and hidden dangers that lie within a carnival that has come to town. But it is no ordinary carnival. It’s The Dark Carnival.
And when The Dark Carnival comes to town, there’s no promise that anyone can leave…alive.
Edited by: Jolene Haley, Kristen Jett, and Jessi Shakarian
Contributors include: Kat Daemon, Kristen Strassel, Julie Hutchings, C. Elizabeth Vescio, Mark Matthews, Brian W. Taylor, Kim Culpepper, Eli Constant, Mari Wells, J. Elizabeth Hill, Nicole R. Taylor, Ashly Nagrant, Kristin Hanson, Calyn Morgan, Tawney Bland, Roselle Kaes, Ken Mooney, Emily McKeon, Bobby Salomons, Ezekiel Conrad, Sheila Hall, Michelle Davis, Lucas Hargis, Vanessa Henderson, Ryan Bartlett, Debra Kristi, Jessi Esparza, T.A. Brock, Ruth Shedwick, Brian LeTendre, Amy Trueblood, Gregory Carrico, Jamie Corrigan, Kate Michael, Tyle Anne Snell, Alicia Audrey, Meghan Schuler, Jamie Adams, Wulf Francu Godgluck, J.C. Michael, Suzy G., Kristin Rivers, and Claire C. Riley. *Final lineup subject to change
*************
Add it to Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20495362-the-dark-carnival
Want to show The Dark Carnival even more Goodreads love?
Add it to your shelves – horror, anthologies, and thriller are good places to start.
Did you say you have more love? Pin the shiny new cover to Pinterest, send out some tweets, and scribe it into Facebook. You never know – show The Dark Carnival enough love, and it might just let you leave.
Cover Design by the fabulous C. Elizabeth Vescio. Learn more about her and her incredible design skills here.
About Pen & Muse Press
Need writing tips? Want to learn how to market yourself as an author? Pen & Muse Press was started to give you just the tips you need. No matter how long you’ve been writing – or haven’t been, embrace your craft.
Blog | Author Services | Twitter | Facebook
Book Blitz

The air has grown crisp – October is here. With October comes autumn leaves, apple cider, and the siren call of The Dark Carnival.
Will you answer its call? Will you heed the beckon?
The doors are opening.
Will you leave with your life?
Blurb: In this anthology, several authors and illustrators explore the dark and hidden dangers that lie within a carnival that has come to town. But it is no ordinary carnival. It’s The Dark Carnival.
And when The Dark Carnival comes to town, there’s no promise that anyone can leave…alive.
Edited by: Jolene Haley, Kristen Jett, and Jessi Shakarian
Contributors include: Kat Daemon, Kristen Strassel, Julie Hutchings, C. Elizabeth Vescio, Mark Matthews, Brian W. Taylor, Kim Culpepper, Eli Constant, Mari Wells, J. Elizabeth Hill, Nicole R. Taylor, Ashly Nagrant, Kristin Hanson, Calyn Morgan, Tawney Bland, Roselle Kaes, Ken Mooney, Emily McKeon, Bobby Salomons, Ezekiel Conrad, Sheila Hall, Michelle Davis, Lucas Hargis, Vanessa Henderson, Ryan Bartlett, Debra Kristi, Jessi Esparza, T.A. Brock, Ruth Shedwick, Brian LeTendre, Amy Trueblood, Gregory Carrico, Jamie Corrigan, Kate Michael, Tyle Anne Snell, Alicia Audrey, Meghan Schuler, Jamie Adams, Wulf Francu Godgluck, J.C. Michael, Suzy G., Kristin Rivers, and Claire C. Riley. *Final lineup subject to change
*************
Add it to Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20495362-the-dark-carnival
Want to show The Dark Carnival even more Goodreads love?
Add it to your shelves – horror, anthologies, and thriller are good places to start.
Did you say you have more love? Pin the shiny new cover to Pinterest, send out some tweets, and scribe it into Facebook. You never know – show The Dark Carnival enough love, and it might just let you leave.
About Pen & Muse Press
Need writing tips? Want to learn how to market yourself as an author? Pen & Muse Press was started to give you just the tips you need. No matter how long you’ve been writing – or haven’t been, embrace your craft.
Blog | Author Services | Twitter | Facebook
Teaser




Excerpt
And the Tunnel of Love loomed ahead of us.
I didn’t think they even made those things anymore. I hadn’t seen one at one of these fairs—well, my whole life. It was something you’d only see in a fifties movie, or some old black and white photo. And like anything classy, none of the loudmouth teenagers that frequented the fair were anywhere near it. The shadows around the Tunnel of Love were empty.
I wrapped my arms around her and headed towards the dark entryway.
The tunnel seemed even more like it was dropped out of another time as we got closer to it. Two giant cutout swans with chipping white paint formed a heart with their great necks, creating a doorway into the darkness where love was supposed to flourish. If not for the dark that invited one like me in, I would have seen the marred paint and carved in hearts with random initials on the pristine white of their feathers to be a bad sign, of something lost and something ruined.
I should have looked deeper.
Love Consumes Us by Julie Hutchings
Cover Reveal: Cloven!
Knock-knock!
Who’s there?
Lucifer…
C’mon in baby…
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a twisted lil love affair with the devil. I adore seeing all variations of him since he is a universal figure that transcends cultures. Well, he has even managed to infiltrate Georgeanne Swiger’s The Trinity of Souls Series!
As you can tell, I am SO EXCITED for this book to come out. Since we can’t have it today, we can at least celebrate the BEAUTIFUL cover and take a peek at the blurb!
Cloven (The Trinity of Souls #2) by Georgeann Swiger

Blurb:
What would you do if the only things standing between you and the angel you love were another angel and the fiery pits of Hell?
When Anya and Micah declare their love for each other, the battle for the souls of the star-crossed angels stretches across the heavens. With Heaven forbidding their love, Micah vows to protect Anya by sentencing himself to Hell.
But Anya won’t let him go without a fight. She goes into Hell after him, only to discover an angel from Micah’s past is willing to do anything to keep Micah in Hell.
With love and lies blinding Micah, Anya fights to get him to face his demons and return to Heaven, even if it means hearts will be broken.
The battle for the angels begins where it left off. Between Heaven and Hell is forbidden love.
Information about the book:
Author: Georgeann Swiger
Title: Cloven
Series: The Trinity of Souls (#2)
Category: NA
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: CreateSpace (Self-Published)
Format: Ebook
Published: 21st October 2014
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23164435-cloven
Pre-Order Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NSC1VPK
Information about Adorned (The Trinity of Souls #1):

For a limited time only Adorned will be free, please include something similar to this in your blog post;
Adorned is free for a limited time.
Be sure to get your copy today!
Amazon Free Link: http://www.amazon.com/Adorned-Trinity-Souls-Georgeann-Swiger-ebook/dp/B00JG8QZ1U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411468084&sr=1-1&keywords=adorned+georgeann+swiger
Barnes & Noble Free Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adorned-georgeann-swiger/1119125704?ean=2940149544202&itm=1&usri=2940149544202
About the Author:
Georgeann Swiger earned her degree in journalism from West Virginia University, and then spent five years as an anchor/reporter at WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WV. After having children, she left television news to be a stay at home mom. During that time, she discovered creative writing was more fun than writing about real life tragedy. Imagining interesting character and having them come to life on the page is now her passion. When she’s not writing, she works as a substitute teacher. She lives in Reedsville, West Virginia with her husband, two kids, a beagle dog and a temperamental cat who tries to rule the house.
Website. Twitter. Facebook. Pinterest.
September 25, 2014
Cover Reveal: Dangerous Love
DANGEROUS LOVE
by Kara Leigh Miller and Jody Holford
Anaiah Press is proud to present the cover of a romantic suspence novel by Kara Leigh Miller and Jody Holford
Dangerous Love!
Release date: March 3, 2015
About the book:
He’s fighting to forget his past while she struggles to remember hers…
Doctor Josh Parker lives with guilt about his wife’s death every day.
He believes himself incapable of ever loving again, but when a
mysterious woman arrives in the Emergency Room, brutally beaten and
left for dead, he starts to feel something he hasn’t felt in far too long:
hope.
Alessandra Matthews has no memory of the events that led to her being
hospitalized. Worse, she has no idea who hurt her or why. Although she’s
uncertain of who she is, she is fully aware of one thing — she’s falling
for her doctor.
Sometimes, what you don’t know can kill you…
As Josh and Alessa work to solve the mystery surrounding her past, she
soon realizes just how much danger she’s really in, but Josh refuses to
let her face the darkness of her memories alone. With each of them
struggling to put their pasts behind them, theirs is a DANGEROUS LOVE.
And here’s what we’ve all been waiting for – the cover!
…
…
…
Add Dangerous Love on Goodreads!
About the Authors:
Kara Leigh Miller
Kara lives in Upstate New York with her husband, three kids, three dogs, and three cats. When she’s not busy writing romance novels that leave readers swooning, she’s spending time with her family or attending one of her many writers groups. An active member of The Romance Writers of America and the CNY Writers Haven, Kara is also Managing Editor for Anaiah Press’ Surge and Romance Imprints. She absolutely loves to hear from her fans and fellow authors, so feel free to drop her a line anytime!
Website Twitter Goodreads Facebook
Jody Holford
Jody lives in British Columbia with her husband and two daughters. She is a fan of Nora Roberts, Jill Shalvis, Rachel Gibson, and Rainbow Rowell. In reading and writing, she likes characters who are flawed, but driven toward the pursuit of love and happiness. In November 2013, she published A Not So Lonely Christmas with Foreward Literary. In December 2014, she published Forever Christmas through Kindle Direct.
Website Twitter Goodreads Facebook
September 22, 2014
**It’s a girl!** The Killing Darkness Cover Reveal!
It is the BIG day!
After months of exchanging emails, photos, and ideas with the FIERCELY talented S.P.McConnell, my cover is ready and about to be revealed to the world! EEK!
Before I unveil all the brilliance let me go back in time to when I first created the concept for Killing Darkness, it was in 2007.
Yes… 2007!
I have been living with Lucifer whining in my head for years. But the other voice, that of his offspring was quieter, yet covered in complexity. It became a need to listen to this voice and find out more about her…demons.
Thus, Brielle was born. Of course, like all my characters I know what she looks like, but to see her… only S.P. McConnell could have done that for me.
Yes, yes.. I will show you the cover in a minute, but first I’d like to share the blurb with you:
Powerful, beautiful, and covered in scars…
Brielle, born of a mortal-immortal union between a human mother and the devil Himself, is prophesied to be the one capable of turning the tide in the brewing apocalypse.
As Brielle’s thirtieth birthday draws near, she strikes a deal with the devil and sets out on a journey of self discovery. In an attempt to comprehend what it means to be fully human, Brielle finds herself at the door of her therapist, Adam. Blurring relationship lines and questioning everything, she quickly learns that humanity, vulnerability, and love are things she isn’t prepared to handle. Distancing herself, she finds shelter in her father’s arms once more.
Two worlds are about to collide…
When the archangel Michael suddenly takes a deep interest in Brielle, Lucifer begins to understand that his greatest opponent is curious about more than just her choice. Michael’s fall will be Lucifer’s rise and only Brielle holds the key to making it happen.
With a human, an angel, and a demon all tearing at her heart, Brielle realizes it’s time to decide if her loyalties lie with Michael in Heaven or her father in Hell.
So without further ado…
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I would love for you
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Brielle
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Is it not breathtaking? I have spent many moments over the past few weeks just staring at it.(If you click on the image it should pop up bigger!)
It is beyond beautiful, and MORE than I could have hoped for.
Writers, I urge you to consider working with a professional illustrator when it’s time to create your covers. This is custom and truly one of a kind. After years of writing and rewriting a book so close to my heart, it was pertinant to me that the outside matched the inside. The emotion, and turmoil that Brielle goes through in the rest of this series has been captured here by the artist.
To find out more about S.P. McConnell and his work visit his website at http://www.spmcconnell.com
Be careful, you could easily fall down the rabbit hole and get lost looking at all his designs! S.P. McConnell is represented by Terrie Wolf of the AKA Literary agency.
Killing Darkness will be available this fall! In the meantime, you can add it to your TBR list here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23008817-killing-darkness
June 30, 2014
Interview with the Devil: Taming Darkness on Talk Radio
The fabulous, fantastic, and FUN Lydia Aswolf interviewed me this past Saturday on her radio talk show Lydia’s Literary Lowdown. It was a phenomenal experience! We talked Taming Darkness, Killing Darkness, character development, cover art and how I discovered Lucifer. Check it out if you can!
May 30, 2014
Life after RT14
The Romantic Times convention has come and gone. It’s hard to believe that I have been home for almost two weeks. It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life! I discovered that I am actually braver than I thought. I spent a week embracing challenges that I never knew I could do, and accomplishing them– with flying colors! For the first time in my life, I traveled alone, and I have to say there is great freedom in stepping onto a plane and leaving your responsibilities behind for six days to seek out your dreams.
There were amazing moments– pitching to desirable agents and pub houses, ( and yes, I got requests! Huzzah!) chatting with authors who have graced my bookshelves for years, my first book signing, immersing myself in the culture of New Orleans and even tasting alligator! (Tastes like snake ;) I’d eat it again.) I also discovered that I have an accent. Who knew? Water: wa-ter, wat-er??
But what made this trip so over the top special were the people. Women who I have spoken to over the past year, who have gone through the ups and downs of a pub press closing with me– we all met in the heart of New Orleans.
So, I’d like to take a moment to talk about these women, because they have left an imprint forever on my heart.
Georgeann Swiger
Georgeann was the first of my friends that I met down in NOLA. I was nervous on my way down to the lobby, but as soon as she saw me, she greeted me with such genuine joy, all my nerves melted away. Georgeann is a living ray of sunshine. She is the epitome of southern charm, grace, and beauty. But beware she has a spitfire side that is adorably entertaining. I already miss touring the city with her. It was nice to sit and have a serious conversation about the rules of our angel lore. I’m sure the table next to us thought we were nuts.
Most Memorable Moment: Beignets at Cafe Du Monde when the city was just waking up
Ana Blaze
Ana is the person that surprised me the most– in a GREAT way! She’s “totes adorbs” and I had to fight the urge not to hug her left and right. She is someone who I have grown to admire over the past year, taking in her knowledge of the pub world and making her my personal literary guru, to which she found quite bizarre. (She’s so modest!) We had great walks around the French Quarters and stalked some celebs together, ending a busy day at the carousel bar at the Hotel Monteleone. Her love of Spike and all things Buffy made her beyond awesome and I look forward to reading her vamp book in the future!
Most Memorable Moment: Asking Ana to be my wing-woman, so I could fangirl all over Christopher Rice.
Barbara Garren
Barb is as cool and hip as she appears on twitter. The way she displayed confidence in promoting her indie book, Phasms, was inspiring. She set me at ease and gave me the support I needed to swallow my fears and promote my own book and pitch my story to the agents and editors that I flew down to see. Her husband is a delight and watching them together you get a glimpse at a rare treat: what soul mates actually look like.
Most Memorable Moment: When Barbara hugged me and Georgeann for the first time and said, “You are real!”
Kara Leigh Miller
Now Kara and I have grown very close over the past year. She was my FANTASTIC editor for Taming Darkness and made it sparkle and shine before I hit the publish button. She has been more than an editor, but a friend and mentor this past year. Even with our countless amount of emails, tweets, and phone calls, I was not prepared for how much FUN she would be in person. Her giggles are infectious and she knows how to have a good time. She also has determination and eagerness to dive into this business that is so inspiring, I don’t know where I would be without her. She is the one who convinced me to come to RT, and I am so happy I followed her advice.
Most Memorable Moment: Telling the police officer that she lived at the Marriot. “Barefoot on Bourbon!”
Rachell Nicole
Rachell was new to our “disenchanted” group, but I am so happy that she was part of our wild ride. This girl has spunk, balls (I mean that in the BEST way), and knows her way around this business. She reminds me of Tinkerbell on Red Bull, taking matters into her own hands and getting stuff done! She was so informative and helpful. While listening to her own personal writing journey, I realized that I was learning a lot. There is also a warm, nurturing side to Rachell that I am so thankful for– if it wasn’t for her watching out for me, I probably never would have eaten while in NOLA. The fact that she occasionally called me “Kitty Kat” was beyond cool, as that was my nickname as a child.
Most Memorable Moment: Hitting the confessional after having hurricanes on Bourbon Street.
So as you can see, with these women around me for a week, it was difficult to say goodbye and return to NYC. I miss them so much and look forward to the day when we will all be together again. It’s an exciting time, and I am so happy to call these girls friends. The future is bright– who knows what magic is in store for us?
April 25, 2014
Elected By: Rori Shay
Today on the blog we have ELECTED by the fabulous RORI SHAY!
Author Bio:
Rori Shay is an author living in the Washington, DC area with her husband, daughters, black lab, and cat – just not quite in the same exciting circumstances as ELECTED’s main character, Aloy. She enjoys running, gardening, reading, doing yoga, and volunteering with the Dwelling Place non-profit. Rori is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Social Media:
ELECTED by Rori Shay
Silence in the Library Publishing
YA Sci-fi
April 22, 2014
Blurb:
It’s the year 2185, and in two weeks, Aloy will turn eighteen and take her father’s place as president of the country. But to do so, she must masquerade as a boy to avoid violating the Eco-Accords, four treaties designed to bring the world back from the brink of environmental extinction. Aloy hopes to govern like her father, but she is inheriting a different country. The long concealed Technology Faction is stepping out of the shadows, and as turmoil grows within her country, cryptic threats also arrive from beyond the borders.
As she struggles to lead, Aloy maintains her cover by marrying a woman, meanwhile battling feelings for the boy who knows her secret – the boy who is somehow connected to her country’s recent upheaval. When assassination attempts add to the turmoil, Aloy doesn’t know whom to trust. She understood leadership required sacrifice. She just didn’t realize the sacrifice might be her life.
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
~Kindle
~Items seen in ELECTED such as a marriage binding (temporary tattoo)
~Hemlock soap
~Necklace as seen in ELECTED
~Signed paperback copy of ELECTED
~Optional FaceTime or Skype session with the author for 1/2 an hour (can be used one-on-one or at the winner’s book club, etc.)
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/603a179/”; rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway
