Tara Ellis's Blog: Making Progress, page 6
December 8, 2016
New Release! A Compelling Fantasy
My friend and author, Laura Matthias Bendoly, has a new release that you will want to check out!
LAERKA
Laerka Summary:Laerka is a Southern Gothic thriller featuring Stella, the sixteen year old daughter of an out -of-work Savannah fisherman and Laerka, a mysterious Danish girl who leaps off a container ship into the Savannah River. Stella appoints herself as Laerka's rescuer. Both Laerka and her sister Aleksandra have been kidnapped by a Russian trafficker and forced to work in the off-highway strip trade. Together with a band of teenage skater punks, Stella busts the gang of traffickers, but not before discovering that both he and Laerka have a secret supernatural skill -- she, to morph into the Rusalka mermaid and he into the Vodyanoy water dragon.
AMAZON LINK
Author biographyLaura Bendoly is a writer, photographer and teacher of writing in Columbus, Ohio. She is the author of the 2016 urban fantasy, Laerkaand the 2015 thriller, The Estate. When not researching a book, she photographs architecture, landscapes, animals and people. She also does yoga and cycling, she runs, kayaks and swims and loves long walks in the mountains. Recently moved from Atlanta, she had a long career in the museum field and worked at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, the Atlanta History Center, the High Museum of Art and the Indiana University Art Museum. She has lived in France, England and the Czech Republic, all of which have influenced her writing in one form or another. Laura currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two children.
Find out about appearances and correspond with Laura at one of her social media channels:http://laurambendoly.wordpress.com@LauraBendolyhttps://www.facebook.com/LauraMatthiasBendoly/
https://www.instagram.com/lauramatthiasbendoly/
LAERKA
Laerka Summary:Laerka is a Southern Gothic thriller featuring Stella, the sixteen year old daughter of an out -of-work Savannah fisherman and Laerka, a mysterious Danish girl who leaps off a container ship into the Savannah River. Stella appoints herself as Laerka's rescuer. Both Laerka and her sister Aleksandra have been kidnapped by a Russian trafficker and forced to work in the off-highway strip trade. Together with a band of teenage skater punks, Stella busts the gang of traffickers, but not before discovering that both he and Laerka have a secret supernatural skill -- she, to morph into the Rusalka mermaid and he into the Vodyanoy water dragon.
AMAZON LINK
Author biographyLaura Bendoly is a writer, photographer and teacher of writing in Columbus, Ohio. She is the author of the 2016 urban fantasy, Laerkaand the 2015 thriller, The Estate. When not researching a book, she photographs architecture, landscapes, animals and people. She also does yoga and cycling, she runs, kayaks and swims and loves long walks in the mountains. Recently moved from Atlanta, she had a long career in the museum field and worked at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, the Atlanta History Center, the High Museum of Art and the Indiana University Art Museum. She has lived in France, England and the Czech Republic, all of which have influenced her writing in one form or another. Laura currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two children.
Find out about appearances and correspond with Laura at one of her social media channels:http://laurambendoly.wordpress.com@LauraBendolyhttps://www.facebook.com/LauraMatthiasBendoly/
https://www.instagram.com/lauramatthiasbendoly/
Published on December 08, 2016 12:10
November 28, 2016
#Fantasy Ebook #Giveaway!
My friend, author Kandi Wyatt, is hosting a cover reveal for book five in her series, Dragon Courage, and is also giving away a complete set! Check out the new cover, read a bit about the series, and be sure to enter the drawing for the giveaway!
Is there really a right way to braid leather? Ruskya doesn’t know anymore. Is it worth fighting over? Twenty-one winters ago, he was ready to take on the turquoise dragon rider, but now he fears facing his oldest son.
Kyn, Ruskya’s youngling, wonders if he’s going crazy when an image begins haunting his dreams. Soon, he realizes it may be the key to helping not only Ruskya and his son Ardyn, but all younglings and their trainers as they adjust to growing up.
Will Kyn be able to help Ruskya, Ardyn, and the other young riders? Follow your favorite characters from the exciting Dragon Courage series as they empower the next generation and give dragons to their posterity.
Bio:
Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that's her own five or the hundreds of students she's been lucky to teach. When Kandi's not spinning words to create stories, she's using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.
Website: http://kandijwyatt.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/kandijwyattTwitter and Instagram: @kandijwyatt
Enter for your chance to win the complete set! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Is there really a right way to braid leather? Ruskya doesn’t know anymore. Is it worth fighting over? Twenty-one winters ago, he was ready to take on the turquoise dragon rider, but now he fears facing his oldest son.
Kyn, Ruskya’s youngling, wonders if he’s going crazy when an image begins haunting his dreams. Soon, he realizes it may be the key to helping not only Ruskya and his son Ardyn, but all younglings and their trainers as they adjust to growing up.
Will Kyn be able to help Ruskya, Ardyn, and the other young riders? Follow your favorite characters from the exciting Dragon Courage series as they empower the next generation and give dragons to their posterity.
Bio:
Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that's her own five or the hundreds of students she's been lucky to teach. When Kandi's not spinning words to create stories, she's using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.
Website: http://kandijwyatt.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/kandijwyattTwitter and Instagram: @kandijwyatt
Enter for your chance to win the complete set! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Published on November 28, 2016 12:17
November 18, 2016
SPECIAL OFFER! .99 Sale
New ReleaseOnly .99!!!
A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas Island
PURCHASE HERE
When Sam and Ally get a special Christmas invitation to Orcas Island, they have no idea that the small island has such big mysteries.
When their friend, Sandy, begs them to help her solve a troubling situation, they are drawn into a puzzle with layers of uncertainties. From secret meetings, to legendary ghosts, they explore the picturesque setting in an attempt to make sense of it all.
But in the middle of their plight, a storm of the century bears down on them. Not only do they end up battling the raging storm, but also a criminal plot. Stranded and alone, can the girls come together to overcome their most harrowing adventure yet?
Prefer a paperback? It makes the perfect Christmas gift!Buy your paperback here!
Better yet, pick up the whole series! :)
Contact me here for special pricing for SIGNED, personalized copies. Only $35 for all six books, and $5.00 shipping (in the States) Save over 25% off the list price!
A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas Island
PURCHASE HERE
When Sam and Ally get a special Christmas invitation to Orcas Island, they have no idea that the small island has such big mysteries.
When their friend, Sandy, begs them to help her solve a troubling situation, they are drawn into a puzzle with layers of uncertainties. From secret meetings, to legendary ghosts, they explore the picturesque setting in an attempt to make sense of it all.
But in the middle of their plight, a storm of the century bears down on them. Not only do they end up battling the raging storm, but also a criminal plot. Stranded and alone, can the girls come together to overcome their most harrowing adventure yet?
Prefer a paperback? It makes the perfect Christmas gift!Buy your paperback here!
Better yet, pick up the whole series! :)
Contact me here for special pricing for SIGNED, personalized copies. Only $35 for all six books, and $5.00 shipping (in the States) Save over 25% off the list price!
Published on November 18, 2016 10:17
November 5, 2016
A Distant Echo - A New Crime Series!
I have an announcement that I'm quite excited about!
I've started a new crime thriller series, under the pen name Tara Meyers. As an introduction to this series, I have just released a short story, A Distant Echo. It's about 10,000 words, so an hour to an hour-and-a-half read.
This is a different theme than what I've written so far, under Tara Ellis. It's in the adult crime genre, so a bit more gritty than my kids and teen books! While still on the PG13 side, the situations are intense and not suitable for younger readers.
Check it out, and then sign up for the newsletter for your chance to win an advance copy of the first full length novel, Echoes of Fear, coming out January, 2017.
A Distant EchoAMAZON LINK
Criminal profiler, Chris Echo, has worked hard to become one of the elite members of Seattle's police department. Nothing, not even her personal life, gets in the way of her pursuits to track down ruthless killers. With a serial murderer on the loose, Chris struggles to find the connections necessary to close in on a suspect. While taking risks to force the answers, she unexpectedly places herself in the path of her worst nightmare.
A Distant Echo is a short story of around 10,000 words and takes the average reader one to one-and-a-half hours to read. It is a lead-in to a new, thrilling crime series called The Chris Echo Mysteries.
I've started a new crime thriller series, under the pen name Tara Meyers. As an introduction to this series, I have just released a short story, A Distant Echo. It's about 10,000 words, so an hour to an hour-and-a-half read.
This is a different theme than what I've written so far, under Tara Ellis. It's in the adult crime genre, so a bit more gritty than my kids and teen books! While still on the PG13 side, the situations are intense and not suitable for younger readers.
Check it out, and then sign up for the newsletter for your chance to win an advance copy of the first full length novel, Echoes of Fear, coming out January, 2017.
A Distant EchoAMAZON LINK
Criminal profiler, Chris Echo, has worked hard to become one of the elite members of Seattle's police department. Nothing, not even her personal life, gets in the way of her pursuits to track down ruthless killers. With a serial murderer on the loose, Chris struggles to find the connections necessary to close in on a suspect. While taking risks to force the answers, she unexpectedly places herself in the path of her worst nightmare.
A Distant Echo is a short story of around 10,000 words and takes the average reader one to one-and-a-half hours to read. It is a lead-in to a new, thrilling crime series called The Chris Echo Mysteries.
Published on November 05, 2016 21:33
November 3, 2016
A #FREE Scifi For You From a Friend!
THE LODESTONE
by J. Philip Horne
is now available for free on InstaFreebie!
"The plot bolts off of page one like a racehorse out of the gate at Churchill Downs, and never really slows down""The world and magic tied together delightfully"
THE LODESTONE is the story of a boy caught between two worlds.
When twelve year old Jack Paris feels the small jaws of a creature that shouldn't exist clamp down on his leg, life as he knows it in Texas comes to a sudden end. An evil wizard from another world hunts him for unknown purposes and will stop at nothing to capture him. When Jack finally realizes why the wizard needs him, he learns that to live and love, you sometimes have to be willing to die.
You can check out the reviews on Amazon, then head over to InstaFreebie to get your free copy.
by J. Philip Horne
is now available for free on InstaFreebie!
"The plot bolts off of page one like a racehorse out of the gate at Churchill Downs, and never really slows down""The world and magic tied together delightfully"
THE LODESTONE is the story of a boy caught between two worlds.
When twelve year old Jack Paris feels the small jaws of a creature that shouldn't exist clamp down on his leg, life as he knows it in Texas comes to a sudden end. An evil wizard from another world hunts him for unknown purposes and will stop at nothing to capture him. When Jack finally realizes why the wizard needs him, he learns that to live and love, you sometimes have to be willing to die.
You can check out the reviews on Amazon, then head over to InstaFreebie to get your free copy.
Published on November 03, 2016 08:24
October 30, 2016
Grab your #FREE #horror story!
FREE
I had so much fun giving this book away last week, that I decided it would be fun to do it again for Halloween! While the series is classified as a science fiction, many readers also refer to it as a bit of a horror story. Think ... Invasion of the Body Snatchers. There's some definite creep factor, and you will probably want to read it with the lights on!!!!
Infected, the ShinersAn alien plague. A sixteen-year-old girl. A fight to save the world.
When a rare meteor shower unleashes a mind-altering infection, the people Alex loves begin to change. They're smarter, faster, emotionless, and they have a plan. One that doesn't include her.
Guided by cryptic clues left behind by her deceased father, Alex follows a trail of increasingly shocking discoveries. Earth's history isn't what she learned in school, and a new hive mind threatens to rewrite the future.
Alex is a fighter, but pursued by both friends and an unknown enemy, it will take everything she has to fulfill her destiny. Desperate to save her little brother, she flees to the mountains surrounding her home, where the only chance for humanity has lain hidden for thousands of years.
WINNER, Reader's Favorite Book Awards, 2015, Honorable Mention, YA scifi
FINALIST, Young Adult Finalist in the IAN Book Awards, 2015
AMAZON LINK
Read the whole series for FREE all the time with Kindle Unlimited!
Join my newsletter to get special offers
SIGN UP HERE FOR MY NEWSLETTER
I had so much fun giving this book away last week, that I decided it would be fun to do it again for Halloween! While the series is classified as a science fiction, many readers also refer to it as a bit of a horror story. Think ... Invasion of the Body Snatchers. There's some definite creep factor, and you will probably want to read it with the lights on!!!!
Infected, the ShinersAn alien plague. A sixteen-year-old girl. A fight to save the world.
When a rare meteor shower unleashes a mind-altering infection, the people Alex loves begin to change. They're smarter, faster, emotionless, and they have a plan. One that doesn't include her.
Guided by cryptic clues left behind by her deceased father, Alex follows a trail of increasingly shocking discoveries. Earth's history isn't what she learned in school, and a new hive mind threatens to rewrite the future.
Alex is a fighter, but pursued by both friends and an unknown enemy, it will take everything she has to fulfill her destiny. Desperate to save her little brother, she flees to the mountains surrounding her home, where the only chance for humanity has lain hidden for thousands of years.
WINNER, Reader's Favorite Book Awards, 2015, Honorable Mention, YA scifi
FINALIST, Young Adult Finalist in the IAN Book Awards, 2015
AMAZON LINK
Read the whole series for FREE all the time with Kindle Unlimited!
Join my newsletter to get special offers
SIGN UP HERE FOR MY NEWSLETTER
Published on October 30, 2016 00:38
October 27, 2016
RELEASE DAY!
A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas IslandBook #6The Samantha Wolf Mysteries
AMAZON LINK
When Sam and Ally get a special Christmas invitation to Orcas Island, they have no idea that the small island has such big mysteries.
When their friend, Sandy, begs them to help her solve a troubling situation, they are drawn into a puzzle with layers of uncertainties. From secret meetings, to legendary ghosts, they explore the picturesque setting in an attempt to make sense of it all.
But in the middle of their plight, a storm of the century bears down on them. Not only do they end up battling the raging storm, but also a criminal plot. Stranded and alone, can the girls come together to overcome their most harrowing adventure yet?
Be sure to read all of the adventures!
Book #1 The Mystery of Hollow InnBook #2 The Secret of Camp Whispering PinesBook #3 The Beach House MysteryBook #4 The Heiress of Covington RanchBook #5 The Haunting of Eagle Creek Middle SchoolBook #6 A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas Island
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
FB AUTHOR PAGE
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP!
Sign up to get special offers, and new release alerts!
AMAZON LINK
When Sam and Ally get a special Christmas invitation to Orcas Island, they have no idea that the small island has such big mysteries.
When their friend, Sandy, begs them to help her solve a troubling situation, they are drawn into a puzzle with layers of uncertainties. From secret meetings, to legendary ghosts, they explore the picturesque setting in an attempt to make sense of it all.
But in the middle of their plight, a storm of the century bears down on them. Not only do they end up battling the raging storm, but also a criminal plot. Stranded and alone, can the girls come together to overcome their most harrowing adventure yet?
Be sure to read all of the adventures!
Book #1 The Mystery of Hollow InnBook #2 The Secret of Camp Whispering PinesBook #3 The Beach House MysteryBook #4 The Heiress of Covington RanchBook #5 The Haunting of Eagle Creek Middle SchoolBook #6 A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas Island
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
FB AUTHOR PAGE
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP!
Sign up to get special offers, and new release alerts!
Published on October 27, 2016 11:41
October 26, 2016
Christian YA Fantasy on Sale for .99!
.99 SALE!MERCY'S PRINCEAmazon Link
Do you like epic medieval fantasy with dragons of all sizes and a sweet romance? Through October 28, the award-winning YA Christian fantasy Mercy’s Prince is only 99 cents. Although the first of a trilogy, this book can stand alone. Universal Amazon link: myBook.to/Mercys_Prince
Do you like epic medieval fantasy with dragons of all sizes and a sweet romance? Through October 28, the award-winning YA Christian fantasy Mercy’s Prince is only 99 cents. Although the first of a trilogy, this book can stand alone. Universal Amazon link: myBook.to/Mercys_Prince
Published on October 26, 2016 10:54
October 24, 2016
Got Zombies?
NEW RELEASE!From Author Alex McGilvery
AMAZON LINK
Zombies are cool in movies, but everyone knows they aren’t real. Pranthi meets a woman who tells her there are zombies in nature. Soon after Pranthi’s camera catches a man turning zombie. This isn’t the plague like the movies. Life goes on, more or less normally, until it doesn’t and nothing will ever be the same.
The Gods Above is the latest of Alex’s work to reboot classical monsters, in Sparkles and Blood he tackles witches, vampires and carnivorous frogs.
For the remainder of this year, anyone who purchases The Gods Above from his website will receive a free ebook of Tales of Light and Dark, which is a collection of somewhat twisted fantasy.
Alex McGilvery is an author who lives and writes in Flin Flon, MB along with his wife, two dogs, and nice scotch collection.
The Gods Above Website
FB Author website
Author Amazon Website
AMAZON LINK
Zombies are cool in movies, but everyone knows they aren’t real. Pranthi meets a woman who tells her there are zombies in nature. Soon after Pranthi’s camera catches a man turning zombie. This isn’t the plague like the movies. Life goes on, more or less normally, until it doesn’t and nothing will ever be the same.
The Gods Above is the latest of Alex’s work to reboot classical monsters, in Sparkles and Blood he tackles witches, vampires and carnivorous frogs.
For the remainder of this year, anyone who purchases The Gods Above from his website will receive a free ebook of Tales of Light and Dark, which is a collection of somewhat twisted fantasy.
Alex McGilvery is an author who lives and writes in Flin Flon, MB along with his wife, two dogs, and nice scotch collection.
The Gods Above Website
FB Author website
Author Amazon Website
Published on October 24, 2016 23:06
October 21, 2016
FLASH #Giveaway!! Award Winning #YA #Scifi - Today only!
TODAY ONLY!
FREE
AMAZON LINK
An alien plague. A sixteen-year-old girl. A fight to save the world.
When a rare meteor shower unleashes a mind-altering infection, the people Alex loves begin to change. They're smarter, faster, emotionless, and they have a plan. One that doesn't include her.
Guided by cryptic clues left behind by her deceased father, Alex follows a trail of increasingly shocking discoveries. Earth's history isn't what she learned in school, and a new hive mind threatens to rewrite the future.
Alex is a fighter, but pursued by both friends and an unknown enemy, it will take everything she has to fulfill her destiny. Desperate to save her little brother, she flees to the mountains surrounding her home, where the only chance for humanity has lain hidden for thousands of years.
AMAZON LINK
An alien plague. A sixteen-year-old girl. A fight to save the world.
When a rare meteor shower unleashes a mind-altering infection, the people Alex loves begin to change. They're smarter, faster, emotionless, and they have a plan. One that doesn't include her.
Guided by cryptic clues left behind by her deceased father, Alex follows a trail of increasingly shocking discoveries. Earth's history isn't what she learned in school, and a new hive mind threatens to rewrite the future.
Alex is a fighter, but pursued by both friends and an unknown enemy, it will take everything she has to fulfill her destiny. Desperate to save her little brother, she flees to the mountains surrounding her home, where the only chance for humanity has lain hidden for thousands of years.
Published on October 21, 2016 13:34
Making Progress
Just a little update!
As I shared in my last post, the adiobook for The Mystery of Hollow Inn is out! It's been about three weeks now and so far, I have gotten six very favorable reviews, so I've gaine Just a little update!
As I shared in my last post, the adiobook for The Mystery of Hollow Inn is out! It's been about three weeks now and so far, I have gotten six very favorable reviews, so I've gained a little confidence in my narrating and production skills. :)
This is especially good, since I have finished narrating Bloodline and am currently editing/mixing the audio. I still hope to have it out and available before the end of this month.
On another front, I have begun the second book in the Samantha Wolf Mysteries. The title (so far) is, The Secret of Camp Whispering Pine. I'm loving this fun story and I'm excited to have a panned release date for before the end of this year!
...more
As I shared in my last post, the adiobook for The Mystery of Hollow Inn is out! It's been about three weeks now and so far, I have gotten six very favorable reviews, so I've gaine Just a little update!
As I shared in my last post, the adiobook for The Mystery of Hollow Inn is out! It's been about three weeks now and so far, I have gotten six very favorable reviews, so I've gained a little confidence in my narrating and production skills. :)
This is especially good, since I have finished narrating Bloodline and am currently editing/mixing the audio. I still hope to have it out and available before the end of this month.
On another front, I have begun the second book in the Samantha Wolf Mysteries. The title (so far) is, The Secret of Camp Whispering Pine. I'm loving this fun story and I'm excited to have a panned release date for before the end of this year!
...more
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