Mary Frame's Blog, page 3

New Adult Scavenger Hunt: Featuring Kate Thomas and The Equilibrium Series!!!

Holy ball sacks, I’m SOOOO excited to participate in the New Adult Scavenger Hunt! So excited, in addition to entering to win the whole hunt and a ginormous stack of books, you can also enter to win some swag, and dare I say it…GIFT CARDS at the end of this blog post! (look for the teeny tiny rafflecopter link) So keep reading!!! (Because it’s long, sorry, if you have ADD you might have a heart attack, but it will be worth it)

MORE ON THE HUNT: This bi-annual event was inspired as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for the prize–one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the New Adult Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are TWO contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of TEAM RED–but there is also a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books.

***THE SCAVENGER HUNT***

Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my lucky book number. Collect the lucky book numbers of all the authors on Team Red, and then add them up.

Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by April 26th, at noon Eastern Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

***AND HERE IS THE AMAZEBALLS AUTHOR I AM HOSTING!! SERIOUSLY, SHE IS SO CUTE AND SO SWEET, I WANT TO PUT HER IN A TEA CUP AND DRINK HER!***

Kate Thomas, is the author of the upcoming Equilibrium Series, a five-book supernatural new adult series, with plans for a few more series in 2015.

She is a CPA by trade, a church planter and entrepreneur at heart; however, writing and reading are passions she just can’t help but indulge in. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn’t seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.

She writes under the following pen names: L.A. Starkey – Young Adult & Middle Grade Paranormal

Sign up for her newsletter!

Go see her website!

FInd her on Goodreads!

Find her on Amazon!

Check out her Facebook!

Follow her on Twitter!







****The Core, Book One**** (LOVING this cover!!)

There’s something strange about David, something that goes beyond the way he makes Ellie feel. He’s wealthy, poised, and a complete enigma. With nothing to lose but her heart, Ellie goes in search of the truth—a search that leads her down an eye-opening path that reveals secrets about the world she thought she knew.

The world’s order is held in careful balance, the essence of good and evil tilting the scale. When the fabric of reality is stripped away, Ellie is forced to make a decision to follow the path David’s constructed before her or simply walk away. The Core is missing and someone must step up and stand between the light and darkness, holding each back and maintaining equilibrium.

SEE ON AMAZON!
SEE ON GOODREADS! 








***EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: CHAPTER ONE OF THE LIGHT: BOOK TWO!!! OMGERSH HELLLLLOOOO HOTTIE!!!***


Synopsis:

With the truth of Ellie’s place among the Balance Keepers finally coming to light,　training now begins. She must learn to harness the powers that are growing within her, some spiraling out of control. Confusion and frustration become her constant companions, as her search for answers does　nothing but push her further from the man she’s come to love.

David　is The Light, the speaker of truth, the whisperer of good in the world.　His desire for more than he can have with his new apprentice　tears at the fabric of his own stability, bit by bit. He knows what the future holds —　and just how damning it will be for Ellie if she’s not prepared to handle it —　but he’s forbidden to help.

As tragedy becomes reality, will she reach for The Light, or run　into the soothing arms of The Darkness?

Chapter 1

“Wait, let me get this straight,” Jacob turned in his seat, the hot air in the car blowing his far-too-long brown hair about. “What you’re basically saying is free-will is bust. That it’s a joke. That it doesn’t exist.”

Ellie sighed, her head dropping back to hit the headrest behind her. “That’s not at all what I said. You asked what’s been up with me for the last few weeks and I’m trying to explain without sounding like I’ve lost my mind.”

“That happened years ago.” The sound of his laughter caused her lip to turn up, the strong poke of his finger digging into her right side. She jolted and yelped, sitting up and swatting at him.

Snow billowed before them, the wind slapping against the small car as they sat in the dark. It would be hell to get out of the neighborhood if they sat there much longer, letting the icy attack of winter in New York lock the car into place for a while. Ellie pulled her long chestnut locks off her neck and worked them into a bun as her eyes scanned the darkness for a moment.

“You know this is getting to be a little ridiculous,” Jacob spoke, leaning forward to turn the heater down a bit.

“What is?”

“Us sitting in the dark together spying on someone.” He chuckled. “I’m seriously going to start charging you for this side-kick business. I barely make enough to get into the club on Friday nights. You’re about to turn from my sister to my sugar momma.”

She snorted and looked over at him. “Do you know what sugar mommas are for?”

“Yeah, money and sugar for your hot tea.”

“You do not drink hot tea.” Ellie balked, her attention completely on her brother as her legs shifted under the steering wheel.

“I do too. Why?” He turned toward her, his shoulders stiffening as he tilted his head slightly and glared. “What is wrong with drinking hot tea.”

The wind slammed into the car and Ellie yelped, her attention pulled from her brother for a moment. They shouldn’t have been following the dark figure that disappeared inside the overly gaudy house before them. Christmas lights danced with the efforts of the elements, the promise of a white Christmas being over delivered.

“Hey… over here, scaredy-cat.” Jacob poked her again.

She swatted at him. “Stop that. It’s freaking creepy out here. I hate stuff like this.”

“You wanted to be here.” He laughed and leaned forward toward the front window, narrowing his eyes.

“What? You see something?” Ellie moved up to look with him.

“Looked like a little old lady bringing us a tray of hot tea.” He laughed loudly and sat back. “What gives? You got a hang up with warmed beverages?”

“No. It’s just odd for men to drink hot tea. It’s a old ladies drink.” She barked, her heart beating far too fast for comfort.

“That is the dumbest thing you’ve said in months. You should get dummy points for that.” He reached over and tugged her hair, a smile on his lips. She pushed his hand away again as she leaned against the steering wheel and watched the large ornate house carefully.

“Tell me again how my freewill isn’t zapped completely if God create members of an elite crime-fighting group to keep and restore balance for all mankind.” Jacob’s voice moved from normal to something akin to a movie announcer.

Ellie rolled her eyes and shook her head. Her brother would forever be ten. It was something she’d gotten used to years ago. The door to the house opened and a tall dark figure stepped out on the porch, his body hidden by the black trench-coat he wore. It fit him well and she couldn’t help but appreciate it with an extended stare.

“We aren’t crime-fighters. It’s about keeping balance so that life continues forward until the time when God allows it to tilt one way or the other and then it will all end.” She spoke softly, her attention far from the warm confines of the car.

“And that’s not God interfering with us, how?” He huffed. “This being that I hypothetically believe in God or freewill.”

“He doesn’t need you to believe in him for him to exist.” She looked toward her brother. “He’s not Freddy Kruger, Jacob.”

“Well you did it.” He shook his head and leaned back in the seat, rubbing his hands over his face.

“Did what?” Ellie turned her attention back toward him, his dramatic antics almost entertaining to watch.

“You topped the dumbest remark you’ve said in weeks. God not being Freddy definitely just took the cherry on the stupid Sunday.” He laughed as she unbuckled and moved to attack him, her hands slapping at him playfully as he laughed and screamed like a small child. She couldn’t help but laugh too, her motions rocking the car slightly.

The rapping of knuckles on her window pulled her from the moment and laced her heart with icy cold fear. A handsome face peered into the window, the snow whirling around the man as if he beckoned it perform for him.

“Crap,” Ellie muttered and moved to turn the car on and roll the window down.

“Just gun it. He can’t see in here. Let’s go.” Jacob tapped the steering wheel and pointed toward the dark road in front of them.

The man tapped on the window again, his words coming through the thick glass as if the window was down and he was in the car with them. “I see you Ellie. Roll down the window.”

“Awwww hell. You should’ve just gone. We’re going to die now. Where is the balance in that?” Jacob yelled dramatically and Ellie slapped him in the chest, took a deep breath and rolled the window down. She looked up as he leaned down close to her, his face just before hers, eyes filled with mystery.

“I’m almost flattered that you’re following me.” He smiled as his dark eyes moved across her face. She covered her arms over her chest, the weight of his stare leaving her exposed and nervous.

“We didn’t expect you in town for a few more weeks, so I wanted to know what you were up to.” She shrugged as if it were nothing, but the blood rushing around her veins at break-neck speed told a very different story.

“Well, next time ask. I’d hate to be the cause of you getting harmed from the winter storm that’s headed this way.” He leaned a little to his left. “Jacob… nice to finally meet you.”

Ellie turned toward Jacob and shrugged. Her brother leaned forward and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you too. Ellie’s told me so much about you.”

The man laughed and looked back at Ellie. “Oh I doubt that, but change is in the air. It’s always a fearful moment when you realize you enjoy the dark of night far more than the stinging light of day.”

Jacob released his hand as Ellie sat back, her eyes still on the stranger at the window. “The dark scares me.”

He smiled and reached in to touch a lock of her hair. “I think I can help with that.”

“Yeah, I didn’t catch your name.” Jacob leaned across her again, looking up into the darkness.

“I’m sorry. Victor Romales. I’m one of Ellie’s new business partners.”

Sounds amazing, right?? Love it!! 

Don’t forget to enter the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a ton of books by me, Kate Thomas, and MANY more!

To enter the scavenger hunt, you need to know that my lucky book number is 18.

Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on Team RED and you’ll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

And to win some MORE awesome prizes, including FIVE $10 Amazon gift cards, and this super awesome wall plaque that totally fits the Imperfect Series (I have one on my wall!) Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***CONTINUE THE HUNT***

To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author, Zoraida Cordova!

Good luck!!!

7 dumb things we do that make our lives harder

I have a confession to make. I’m one of those “full of sunshine people”. Yep, it’s true. That statement was actually offered to me one time when I was working (my day job is in civil service). One of our regulars who suffers from many emotional and personality disorders snapped at me, “You’re just one of those ‘full of sunshine people’, aren’t you?!”

My response was “Yes. I am.” With a smile, of course.

It’s not the only time I’ve been accused of being overly happy and positive. It’s a disease, really. One of my co-workers said to me once, “You’re always so happy! Do you drive your husband crazy?”

My response was. “Yes. Of course.” With a smile (naturally).

So what’s my secret? Why am I so damn happy? It’s not always easy. Sure, part of my natural make-up and personality leans towards the optimistic, but sometimes you can make yourself happy, or happier. How? See my list below. These are the things you need to STOP doing (if you do it), or things that can be worked on.

Some of my writer friends and I recently talked about our “works in progress” or WIPs; the current book that we’re writing. We came to the unanimous decision that our first drafts suck. They’re terrible. Awful, horrible, not even good enough to be used as toilet paper. But that’s why they’re “in progress”. We know they will get better with a little time and elbow grease. They may not EVER be perfect, but we can get them close enough.

We, as people, aren’t so different. We’re all “works in progress”. We can all get better with a little work and time.

The concepts below are simple in theory if not in execution. If you’re a naturally pessimistic or negative person, you might have to work at it harder, but I’m convinced anyone can do it (because I always think positive!).

Here is my list of things I see people doing that contribute to sucking away their happiness and preventing the “progress” part of our stories.

1. Dwelling on things we have no control over

I put this first because it’s probably the most difficult, for me anyway. This is because (sorry to tell you this but) 95% of things in our lives are out of our control. There’s really only ONE major thing you DO have control over. Yourself. You control yourself, your actions and your reactions. That last one is the most important. You control how you react to situations, no one else can claim that. When you find yourself in a bad situation, stop. Think. What can you change about the situation? What can you control that will make your life better? If it’s a terrible “something” that’s happening, allow yourself to feel and cry and rage if you need to, but then focus on what you can control and work on what you can, let go of what you can’t.

2. Letting other people control us

This is a tough one, too. And we all do it. You let the guy who cut you off on the freeway make you angry. You let that negative co-worker or mean customer make you upset. If you think about it for a minute, it doesn’t make sense. It’s not logical. You’re handing control of your emotions over to a stranger, or someone who should have little say in your life. I have a test for situations like this. I consider how long this person is going to affect me. Am I going to worry about the guy that flipped me off during a road rage incident tomorrow? Next week, will it matter? Hell, will it even be an issue anymore five minutes from now? No? Sweet, let it go.

3. Not learning from our mistakes

We all screw up. We all do stupid things, and make mistakes and feel ashamed. That’s okay. It’s great, actually! The true test of a person is not the mistakes they make, but how they learn from them. Have you screwed up real bad? Awesome. Own it. Feel bad. Then make it right. What can you do to change your habits or make sure you don’t make that mistake again? Do it. Someone who makes the same mistakes over and over and never learns from them will never grow.

4. Not finding our blind spot

We all have a blind spot. A blind spot is something about ourselves that’s true and probably not a great thing, but we can’t see it. Maybe our fragile egos can’t take it and so we inure ourselves to this one, great truth. I’m always looking for my blind spot (probably blind SPOTS, more like). Whenever someone offers me criticism that hurts, after I let myself feel bad for a bit, I stop and ask myself–is it true? Self-awareness is so important. If you can find your blind spot, you can be aware of it and work on it.

5. Comparing our journey to others

I did this ALL THE TIME, especially when it came to my writing journey. I have gotten better, but this is one I still struggle with. Stop comparing yourself, your life, where you are at with others. It will never end. Even when you reach the same level of success as whomever, you will still want more. It’s an unfortunate aspect of the human condition. The grass will always be greener. You will always want what you can’t have and what others have and you don’t. We’re like toddlers fighting over the same color crayon. When you discover that you’re judging yourself against the accomplishments of someone else, stop. Compare yourself to the person who YOU were yesterday. Their journey is not your journey. Maybe around your corner is something even better, but you’ll never see it if you’re busy watching someone else.

6. Choosing hate over happy 

Don’t bother hating people. Don’t bother seeking revenge. You won’t bring them down, you will only bring yourself down. ‘Nuff said.

7. Letting the bad juju suck us down

When you find yourself getting stuck in a pattern of negativity, break yourself out of the cycle. Focus on something you love. Find your joy. Take care of yourself. Take a break. Go for a walk. Eat healthy (but don’t completely give up foods you love, everything in moderation). Be open-minded.  Most of all, don’t be too hard on yourself. Love yourself, and spread that love around. Forgive people who’ve done you wrong. We’re all human, we all have blind spots, we make mistakes, we let others control us, and sometimes we choose hate over happy.

It’s okay.

We’re a work in progress.

Is the secret to getting more done to have LESS time?

Good morning world!

I am frequently asked how I manage to write novels while juggling a full-time, fairly busy career, kids, a husband and of course, other family and friends.

The funny thing is, I think I get more done BECAUSE I have a ton of other obligations. How is this possible? (you ask while slowly backing away from your computer screen because dear god Mary’s lost her mind)

Over the last six years of writing nearly every day, I’ve discovered that the more time I have, the more likely I am to waste it. Whereas, if I know I only have 20 minutes of dedicated writing time in any given day, I am extremely productive during that 20 minutes.

Case in point, I have taken days off of work here and there with the intention of getting a ton of writing done. After all, if I typically write 800-1000 words in the one hour I have each morning to dedicate to writing time, with an entire day, I could write 8000 words, right? WRONG. I usually end up binge watching Netflix or cleaning up my house, telling myself I will get to the writing later.

Of course, there’s other tricks to getting writing done, such as prioritizing. What’s more important? Watching the new episode of Outlander, or finishing a scene? I can record Outlander and use it as a reward when I reach my goal for the day.

Another trick: Knowing how and when you work best. I’m useless by the end of the day, so I dedicate my mornings to writing. I’ve also discovered that if I bring my laptop to work and write on my breaks, I get a ton of wordage in (this is because there’s no WiFi and I lock myself in a little room with nothing to look at but my computer, I’m so mean to myself!).

One of the great things about writing is that you can work on it anywhere while you’re doing anything even if you don’t have your computer or writing device with you. I’m always thinking about what I’m going to write next, or how to best shape a particular character. Most of the time while I’m driving (much to the chagrin of other people on the road, I’m sure).

The biggest trick for me though is this: No Excuses. Do not blame your lack of writing (or whatever your hobby or interest is), on other people. You decide when and if you want to do something and you make it happen. You are the master of your destiny and with a little dedication and effort, anything is possible.

If anyone out there has any other tips or tricks for getting things done when the prospect is overwhelming, please share!

Moving on up....to well, just a different website...

I finally did it! I have a domain :)

I will no longer be blogging at this website, but I still love it--so much history and general insanity--so I will keep it up for posterity.

Come on over and find me at: http://authormaryframe.com/

I am still working on getting it all purty and set up, but that's where I'll be posting from here on out.

Love you all!

Mary

Hello World!

Website in progress while I figure out what the heck I am doing :)

Stuff! Happenings! Mayhem! Onions!

Hey everyone!

It's been a busy year.

Yesterday, book two in the Imperfect Series--Imperfectly Criminal--was unleashed upon the world! Mayhem and madness ensued....well, not really. In actuality, a few people bought it AND it made it to #17 under Mystery>Women Sleuths in Amazon Canada! That's right. See: 

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #708 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)#17 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery >  Women Sleuths #41 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery >  Women Sleuths



Love you Canadians!
So, releasing book one was nerve-wracking, but number two was worse (not that number two!). 
I am sooo nervous that people who enjoyed the first one, won't enjoy the second one quite as much. They are very different stories, very different characters. But I'm working on convincing myself of what I already know: I can't control how people react to my books, I can only write the best story that I can, and focus on moving forward. 
Speaking of moving forward, I've been killing myself trying to figure out what to do next. I might take a little mini-break to decompress from all the writing/editing fervor that's been happening in my (very limited) free time this year, and then I think I'm going to write a novella for this series and it will be Sam's story (Lucy's brother). 
Anyway, hope all you out there in the blog-o-sphere are having a wonderful hump day!
Thanks for reading! 
Oh and here's some links for Imperfectly Criminal :)
Amazon Kindle Link
Amazon Paperback Link 
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Kobo

Book Sale! Get it while it's hot!

Good morning and Happy Halloween blog readers!

I have a few fun things to share with you guys today.

First, I got my edits back on Imperfectly Criminal and I am diligently working on getting it up and running and available for pre-order as soon as I can.

Second, Imperfect Chemistry is now available for only 99 cents!


You can download at Amazon

Or Barnes and Noble

Or Kobo

Or Smashwords

And probably a bunch of other places that Smashwords distributes, too. Hopefully the prices have updated everywhere! Some places might take longer to update than others.

Third, my beautiful friend and fellow Goat Posse member Darke Conteur has an excerpt from Imperfect Chemistry up at her blog! Go check it out by clicking here.

What is the Goat Posse, you ask? Well, we're a group of amazingly talented and really attractive writers who somehow found each other amongst the interwebs and became very good friends.

I think that's it for today!

Have a spooktacular Halloween everyone!

*GIVEAWAY* signed copies of Imperfectly Criminal!

Hello beautiful people!

In order to celebrate the release of Imperfectly Criminal next month, I am giving away signed copies!

The giveaway is through Goodreads (linky loo right here....click me, ohhh yeah you know you wanna...)

And I will also put a gadget doo-hickey immediately to your right.

Many will enter, only three will win, and those three will live in either the US, Canada or the UK.

Ends November 30th!

Good night, and good luck.

Mary

Cover Reveal -- Imperfectly Criminal!!!

I am SO excited to share this cover with you!

For this book, I hired Sarah over at Sprinkles on Top Studios. You NEED to check out her work, all over her covers are amazing and I want all of them for myself! Plus, she is scary fast. She pulled this whole thing together in a matter of DAYS. If I could meet her in person, I would probably try to make out with her. It's a good thing she lives across the country.

This was a new experience for me, because we (Sarah and I) hand picked models and she did a whole custom cover shoot. She sent me all of her favorite shots, then we picked the cover shot based on those. I even got to keep a few of the photos to make teasers with! (which I have no idea how to do! But I will figure it out!!!)

I love these models, btw (even though every time I think of models, I immediately think of Zoolander) and let me tell you, they are more than just really, really, really good looking.

The cover models are Catie Chapman and Chase Riner--they are so sweet--we are now Facebook friends and they both insisted on reading Imperfect Chemistry and professed to enjoy it (I still never believe anyone when they say they liked it, though. I have problems).

So here it is!




Isn't it pretty? Don't you just love it so much you want to eat it and then regurgitate it and then eat it again? 




I'm still banking on November 11th for the release date for Imperfectly Criminal to be available to purchase.

It's pending review right now with some of my most trusted beta readers ("most trusted" is code for "I'm pretty sure they won't hate me even after reading my drivel"), and then I will need to edit based on feedback and click the publish button!

I will also be running a special promotional price for the month of release (November) for both Imperfect Chemistry and Imperfectly Criminal, so stay tuned!

Book Review!! Chad's Chase by S. Ann Cole

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

Chad's Chase is definitely not your typical romance. If you want something light and sweet, run the other way. If you want something intense, brutal, and action-packed that pulls you in and won't let you go, this is the book for you.

Jhay Byrd is not your typical heroine. She's a trained assassin with a seriously effed up past.

Chadrick Niiveux is also an assassin, one who ruined Jhay's life, and now she's out to get him for revenge, and to obtain her own freedom.

Their romance is extreme and severe, and at times their feelings for each other swing from crazy passionate to crazy hatred. I really loved the whole thing, read it in one sitting. If you're looking for a hot, steamy thrill ride, and you're willing to suspend disbelief--you need to read this book.

About the book:



He wants to claim her, possess her, rename her. 

But she has a different agenda... 


JHAY BYRD 

Chadrick needs to die. 
I’m ruined. My life is ruined. Because of him. 
Soulless, heartless, unremorseful, he took everything from me. 
Everything. 
Now, I’m after his soul. 
And no, I will not allow his good looks, suave style, or panty-incinerating body to distract or dissuade me. 
Nor will I allow his deadly dark eyes to scare me. 
Unlike everyone else, I’m not afraid of him. 
The. Chase. Is. On. 

CHADRICK NIIVEUX 

Jhay needs saving. 
I’ve ruined her life. She’s lost, roaming the darkness all on her own, because of me. 
Bitter, impulsive, seething with revenge, she thinks she hates me. Thinks she wants me dead. 
I know I should kill her. Kill or be killed, right? 
Except, I can’t. 
I’m shot down. Infatuated. 
I’ve always been. 
And while she’s after my life, I’m after her heart. 
The. Chase. Is. On 


Available now!! Buy on Amazon

Add on Goodreads!

Buy at Barnes and Noble!