Deirdre Riordan Hall's Blog, page 19

Succotash! The Mirrored Giveaway

A book release wouldn't be complete without a giveaway! To celebrate all my readers, I'm offering a signed paperback copy of Mirrored and a Kindle copy of Surfaced, along with a few other book goodies. Wink, wink. 
I'd love to know your thoughts on Brighton and Alex. 
Have you ever wanted a guy to write a love song for you? Well, Bri, my girl, is unconventional...if you haven't already, read In the Desert to find out just how fast and furious she can be. 
If you could take a road trip anywhere, where would you go? 
What if someone gave you a plane ticket, where would you land? 
Have you outrun a tornado? Graffitied a derelict building? 
What kinds of debauchery have you gotten up to? 
Chaos seems to follow these two wherever they go, but can they settle down? 

You'll find out on Tuesday, August 19, 2014! I can't wait. 


Ooh, shiny and smashy!


Ooh, salty and splashy! 

PSSST! You may will find a little goodie from here in your swag bag! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

No succotash suffered in the composing of this post. 

Smash! Mirrored Cover Reveal!

The sassy, smashy, and smoochy follow-up to In the Desert is nearly ready to download onto your Kindles and order in paperback...the official release date is Tuesday, August 19, 2014. 
***Can I wait?

*
*
* csulaadmissions ***No, I can't.***But in the meantime, I have a little something to share with you. ***What could it be?***The cover for Mirrored, of course.***

Alex Stihl, notorious rocker, known for food fights, guitar wars, and riots, found love on the road with wild-child Brighton Holmes, eventually calming his alcohol-infused mayhem.
At the end of his band’s summer tour, he wants nothing more than to spend a few quiet weeks by the sea with his guitar and his girl.
When he discovers her reluctance to visit is because her mom faces a health crisis, his attention turns to his own mother who split when he was born, leaving him cracked with insecurity and anger. 
After Brighton relents and books a ticket to the UK, Alex gives her a tour of the London her late father knew, splintering her old grief. Their trip to see his grave brings relief, and a week spent in Alex’s hometown in Scotland, draws out mischief.
All the while, paparazzi harass them, culminating in a frenzied night when Alex says goodbye to his dying mother, an impromptu performance at a rock club, and band-member Finn revealing he’s taken up with Alex’s crazy ex-girlfriend, and then quits the band.
When Brighton discovers film, photos, and articles intended to grind up Alex’s reputation in the industry fame machine, chaos ensues on the damp streets of Glasgow. If he can tear himself from the madness, his biggest hit will include a sunset in the sand and a duet with his girl.
This follow-up novella for the contemporary romance, In the Desert, brings readers back to Brighton and Alex’s rock-and-roll world. Book Four in the Follow your Bliss Series, Mirrored can be read after In the Desert, or as a stand-alone, short story filled with love, music, betrayal, and forgiveness. 

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And as an added little goodie, check out the first three chapters of In the Desert on Wattpad for FREE! 
Add MIRRORED to your Goodreads To be Read List 
(Please and Thank you, of course!)  If you need a beach read, are looking for some romance, or just want to catch up on the series, check out the three previous books. But don't worry, you can read Mirrored on its own too. 


To the Sea

Surfaced

In the Desert

P.S. A smashed mirror, can sometimes bring good luck.

And then there were FOUR

It's just about time to send Mirrored into the world; the follow-up to the rock and roll romance, In the Desert, and Book Four in the Follow your Bliss series. 
I have to admit I am as excited this time as I was my the first, second, and third forays into the publishing world. 
Mirrored was a joy to write, a bit heart wrenching, and angering at times, but I've come to adore Alex and Brighton and delighted in discovering where their story led. 
There's music, (obvi,) travel, adventure, car chases, graffiti, smooching, and Alex's rainy day eyes that I just can't get enough of. 



Mirrored can be enjoyed without having read the previous books in the Follow your Bliss series, but if you want to deepen and enrich your experience into the surf-rock-mayhem filled world that happens when twenty-somethings get out their and live their lives, you're in for a treat with:

To the Sea

Surfaced

In the Desert
Come back in a few days for the COVER REVEAL!!!
Stay tuned for On the Mountain and Kindled, hitting cyber & wooden shelves in October & December.

Things & Stuff: an Interview, a Poll & a Giveaway

Here we are, it's already August, and I have some exciting things abrewin' in authorland. Of late, there have been a few fantastic releases, by some of my fave author friends. 
Check out this deluxe, mega huge, and super sassy giveaway featuring 61 participating authors and 10, yes 10, prize packs in each of three categories: young adult, new adult, and adult/erotica. Prizes include paperbacks, ebooks, Amazon gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and lots of sweet swag. Click on down below to enter.
Enter HERE!
I need your HELP! I want YOU to name one of my characters! In the next two books in the Follow your Bliss series (On the Mountain & Kindled) there's a handsome fella that desperately needs a name. He's a brawny, woodsy type with brown hair and a sweet, sweet smile. But he's hit a rough time in his life, and well, you'll have to read the book to find out exactly what's going on. All I'll say is he's experienced tragedy, has secrets, but is overall a good guy with a big helping heart. 
Can ya help an author out? Check out the poll to the right and cast your vote! 
Like this guy. Think, a young countrified Adam Levine, minus the tattoos.
I also  have an EPIC announcement to share, but it'll have to wait >>> hint, hint, hint >>> wink, wink, wink. In the meantime, Mirrored, the follow up to In the Desert launches in a couple weeks. Stay tuned for a teaser, cover reveal, and a giveaway! For now, I'll return to the writing cave (and by cave, I mean my sunny patio) and leave you with this interview from Smashwords.
What are you working on next?I have several books in the pipeline, actually the editorial calendar is quite full.

Look for the short story companion to In the Desert in August. It's called Mirrored. Then in October, On the Mountain, the third full-length book in the Follow your Bliss series will be released followed by the novella companion in December. 
Who are your favorite authors?My faves include the likes of Liz Gilbert and Maggie Stiefvater for sheer badassery, and then J.K.Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien for the richly woven worlds worlds they've created. Then of course there are my indie favorites: Steph Campbell, Cheyanne Young, Cassandra Giovanni, Faith Sullivan...I could go on and I should, they all deserve a shout out, but my Twitter feed will tell you everything you need to know about my love for all things book and author-ly.What inspires you to get out of bed each day?Oxygen.When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?I'd like to say that I'm solving the world's problems or greedily, er, I mean, altruistically inventing a time machine, so I could have more of it. But in actuality, when I don't have my writing cape on, I'm a parent, a wife, a householder, a yogi (student & teacher.) I surf, garden, and read, oh, that's a big one.How do you discover the ebooks you read?Often word of mouth and covers. I don't judge a book by its cover, but I do often select a novel if the cover is lovely, enticing, classy, or just draws me in. But I also have some great friends and we're in a reading group together; e text our thoughts as we go and they have introduced me to some great titles.Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?That would involve an archaeological dig. So no, I do not remember the very first book I wrote if we're talking ancient history, but as an adult, the first book I wrote, finished, edited, etc. is called The Spark. (My screen name is a little nod to my humble beginnings.) I love that story (and incidentally so does my dad,) but I don't think it'll ever be published. If you're wondering, it's YA fantasy involving mythology, ice hotels, lonely New England towns, and a hot protag.What is your writing process?My writing process involves an outline, big chunks of uninterrupted time, quiet, and imagination. I've written in depth about it on my blog. I also believe in approaching anything, be it a writing project, a mountain, a wave, a screaming toddler, with equanimity. Always.What is your e-reading device of choice?I have a Kindle. Uh, actually, it's not mine. I gank my daughter's Kindle when I read an ebook, although I am still a big fan of paper books and read those whenever I can.Describe your deskMy desk. I love my desk. My husband made it for me; it's simple and has a craftsman inspired design: one drawer, two shelves, a broad, smooth top. The wood came from our land, DH milled it, and then banged it together to my specifications. I only write at my desk.What's the story behind your latest book?The story behind my latest book was pulled, in equal parts, from my creative trove, from a real life road trip I had planned (but never took) and my belief in the importance of "following your bliss," even if, initially, we don't know what that is. Opening up, seeing where life takes us, sloughing off the false stories we tell ourselves (all the shoulds and expectations,) and the intention to bring joy into the world are the signposts to happiness. As Brighton's story unfolds, she does all these things, set against angst, confusion between want and need, and succumbing to the fear of loss at the expense of genuine connection. However, ultimately, she finds happiness both in the journey and the destination, but not without a few speed bumps along the way.
P.S. If we haven't connected yet, let's; I'd <3 to hear from you.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DeirdreRiordanHallTwitter: https://twitter.com/http://www.twitter.com/deirdresparkBlog: http://www.deirdreriordanhall.comSmashwords Interview: https://www.smashwords.com/interview/DeirdreSparkSmashwords profile page:https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DeirdreSpark

In Between Seasons Release!

Check this out my friends...
In Between Seasons IS HERE! Scroll down for an excerpt too! 
     
Show n'ot Tell Publishing Presents:NEW ADULT POST - APOCALYPTIC ROMANCE SERIESIn 2021 the world as we know it changed. The government collapsed, and the worst characteristics of human nature were shown as the world fell into ruins. Years after The Fall, the Tribes that were established are still at war. They still fight to keep what they pillaged, and most of all, they fight to keep their lies a secret. In a world filled with deception, nothing is as it seems. I was born into this world. Hunter Marks was molded into this world; a General— a person cold and harsh. A person meant to kill me. We were told to just believe. We were taught to never question. We’re supposed to be robots, and accept our roles in this altered society. Too bad Hunter and I don’t follow the rules. And we’re a hell of a lot stronger than they ever thought possible. They’ve been searching for the world’s deadliest weapon. It’s me. And I’m not following the leader any more.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC5LH...]

I would have given him everything. I would have melded every part of me into him. My breath caught in my throat. I already had. Love hadn’t existed in this world. Only hate, deceit and lies, but by letting him in I’d let all of that crumble. By letting me in he’d done the same, and now we were engaged in an even deadlier game than before. We weren’t enemies as we had been born to be. We weren’t friends as we had come to be. Then what were we? I let my hands run through my hair as I clasped my eyes shut even tighter. We were cursed.

Release Special Ebook- Just $1.99 for a limited time! Amazon – Barnes and Noble – KoboGoogle PlaySigned Paperback - Author Direct (limited quantities) 

Cassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England their dogs, Bubski and Kanga. Cassandra Giovanni is published by Show n’ot Tell Publishing based out of Connecticut, USA.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~GoodreadCover Design: Gio Design StudiosPhotography: Alex Kotlov via iStock

 

In the Desert - Moody Mood Board

Kinda-sorta maybe like Brighton. Maybe a bit more rock -n - roll. 
Source: http://www.comounaprincesa.com/  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/34755129...
The pin puns and plays on words don't get old. Really.
If you'd like a glimpse into some images that inspired, influenced, and influenced the characters, places, and themes in In the Desert, have a look at the "mood board" I created as I outlined, wrote, and drafted.
I've created boards on Pinterest for the Follow your Bliss novels, not because those images are exactly what I had in mind for x, y, z, nor are they intended to put an image in the reader's mind and erase whatever they had there shaped by words and description. I like making these boards because it helps evoke an atmosphere while I'm writing and puts me back into the frame of mind of the story. Authors don't write in a vacuum, I mean, I do have a "cave," but the phone still rings, the laundry timer still dings, and dang it if Brighton's guitar riff sounds like that cacophony.
So here you go. I hope you enjoy!
http://www.pinterest.com/deirdrespark...
Pinterest board & post for To the Sea.
Pinterest board & post for To the Sea.

In the Desert Playlist

Some of the tunes I listened to while writing In the Desert.


Franz Ferdinand // The FallenWho // Going MobilePink Floyd // FearlessJane's Addiction // StraysThe Distillers // Gallows is GodTom Petty // Learning to flyFiona Apple // Not about loveBen Cocks // Your FireflyJetta // Start a RiotEagles of Death Metal // Solid GoldLed Zeppelin // Misty Mountain HopLorde // Glory & GoreQueens of the Stone Age // I sat by the ocean

Road Trippin'

Even though I'm back home, I'm still feeling inspired by the wind in my hair and the stereo cranked after an epic road trip (though with slightly more direction and less drama than Brighton and Alex's adventure.) 
Happy Summer! 


In The Desert by deirdrespark on Polyvore
California Road Trip, an 8x8 photograph
etsy.com


In the Desert (Follow your Bliss #3) - Kindle edition by Deirdre...
amazon.com

Tiltawhirling>>>

Feeling like a freebird. 
Life, lately, feels like a Tilt-a-Whirl: exhilerating, topsy-turvy, unnerving, the glimpse of a vista from the heights, and the coasting ahhh as I dip and bob back up. Incredible really, as it should be. In the last few weeks I've traveled coast-to-coast, realized dreams, questioned some, and stood resolutely (and barefoot) on a mountain top, and in the sand as waves crashed around my ankles, the sun like crushed-crystal sparkling in the water. I've laughed and cried, gained and lost. It's been beautiful and tremendous and ground breaking. 

As the dust begins to settle, I see the path that has brought me to this moment, with more clarity than ever. Inhale. Exhale. In exactly one month, the novella, Mirrored, the follow-up to In the Desert (Book 2 in the Follow your Bliss series) hits bookshelves. I didn't have to give a kid with blistering acne and the only the hint of reflection behind dull eyes a couple tickets for this ride. I'm on it, willfully, buckled in, hands aloft. Whee! 

An aside, those were my favorite sunnies and they broke the other day. Boo hoo. 
With that in mind, I'm revving up for the Mirrored launch with 3 goodies:
1. I'm giving away a digital copy of In the Desert on Grown Up Fan Girl along with a guitar pick necklace and a couple other surprises. 


2. Surfaced, the short-story novella companion for To the Sea (Book 1 in the Follow your Bliss series) is FREE on Amazon all weekend. 
3. The second chapter of In the Desert is up on Wattpad for your reading pleasure. 

I'd love to hear from you, find out what you're liking about the Follow your Bliss series, what you want more of, or talking about books in general. What's on your summer reading list? What story do I have to happily lose an afternoon to while lounging on the beach? Do tell! 

Penned

When I started out on this writing journey, I just had a mechanical pencil (they stay sharp!) and a notebook. Over time, I click-clacked away, translating my stories into word docs on my laptop, and then ultimately into tightly formatted pdfs, epub files, etc. Don't ask me, I still don't know what those acronyms mean, but I do know that they help get my work into the hands of readers—connecting and weaving our narratives together being the purpose of this endeavor and all.
More recently I've also been introduced to some other mediums, like the app, Penned. It is not at all obscure in its meaning.
To borrow from the site:
tell your storyRead & Share Fiction, Truth and OpinionCompose 2000 word stories on your iPhoneCreate chapters to form a book or blogRead & follow other writersComment & shareDon't mind if I do!

Sonia Chopra (PR) contacted me recently and asked me try Penned out, and boy howdy, am I glad I did! Penned is the brainchild of CEO Brian Sanders, and it is a writer's dream, in that the interface is EASY-peasy, and the community is wonderful!


I added the first chapter of my recently released rock-n-romance In the Desert. Navigating the how-to was simple on my iPhone and discovering and bookmarking stories that I'd like to read is no trouble at all.

Writers and readers, I recommend you check out Penned!