Aurora Springer's Blog, page 69

2015 - A Writer's Journey - #Authors #ScienceFiction & #Romance

My journey in self-publishing began in the Spring of 2014. Today, after a year and a half as a published author, I am reflecting on my progress in 2015.
My major accomplishment was completing the Grand Master’s Trilogy. This series is the longest and most complex I have written so far.
The best description comes from a 5 star review: “Exciting and vivid sci fi/fantasy/adventure, grounded in real emotions and fully realized characters, Aurora Springer's GRAND MASTER'S PAWN (Book One of the Grand Master's Trilogy) is a wonderful read, even for those who might not usually read novels in this genre. (I'm one of those, and I truly enjoyed it!) Give yourself a treat and join courageous, psychically bonded lovers Violet and Athanor on their amazing adventures!“

Grand Master’s Pawn: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM  Only 99cGrand Master’s Game: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104OFJJ8Grand Master’s Mate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018EHAA7S
You can sample my style and the world of the Grand Masters in the FREE short story Gifts of Jangalore: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R0AIG36
Also, for Valentine’s Day, I published a short story set on Mars in the near future. Lonely Hearts on Mars: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T0TOZYO


Promotions and MarketingI run promotions regularly of FREE and 99c eBooks. A couple of promotions of my Free eBooks reached the top ranks in subcategories on Amazon.
Best to date:A Tale of Two Colonies:   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFY8A5Q Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134 Free in Kindle Store #1 in Kindle Store> Kindle eBooks> Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction> Colonization #1 in Kindle Store> Kindle eBooks> Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction> Space Exploration

Read my summary here - http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2015/10/can-free-promotions-help-indie-authors.html
Second Best: Grand Master’s Pawn: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM   Amazon Best Sellers Rank:#264 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store) #2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Science Fiction

Social Media and Events
TwitterAfter resolving to increase the number of followers on my twitter account @AuroraSpringer, I now have over 3000 followers, starting from about 100 last January. My tweets and RTs are partly automated thanks to valuable advice from Effrosyni Moschoudi at http://effrosyniwrites.com/2015/10/22/twitter-lists-and-roundteam-explained/
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-Springer/885945434752937 Thanks to several cooperative groups, my Facebook Author Page has acquired over 400 likes.
AffiliationsScience Fiction Romance Brigade: This year I continued to participate in the Science Fiction Romance Brigade, where I have made several friends and learned about the genre. We showcase our work every month in a Blog Hop.
eNovelAuthorsatWorkI was accepted as a member of the supportive eNovelAuthorsatWork group for Indie Authors and learned a variety of techniques for promoting my books. Members of this group help by tweeting and sharing each other’s book promotions. Much of their advice is presented in http://enovelauthorsatwork.com/
I participate regularly in two groups where writers exchange snippets of their work each weekend. Weekend Writing Warriors - www.wewriwa.com Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday - http://scififansat.blogspot.com/
Blog http://AuroraSpringer.blogspot.com/My blog lists my novels, connections and some free resources for Indie Authors. You can read samples of my writing at my blog. I host guest posts from other authors and some posts have achieved over 1000 hits in a week.
Media links:Blog: http://AuroraSpringer.blogspot.com/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Springer... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-Springer/885945434752937Twitter: http://twitter.com/AuroraSpringerGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101087717415198221200/posts
Year End Bargains - 99c for First in Series and two Novellas - See details in:
http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2015/12/year-end-bargains-99c-ebooks-adventures.html

Year End Bargains: 99c eBooks - Adventures in #Sciencefiction & #Romance

First in Series on Sale for 99c


Grand Master’s Pawn, Book 1 of the Grand Master’s Trilogy:   One young woman challenges the super psychics ruling the galaxy, and finds an impossible love. Young empath, Violet Hunter, achieves her dream of exploring planets by becoming the pawn of one of the twelve Grand Masters, despite her forbidden psychic talent. She believes her secret is safe because the Grand Masters never appear in public and communicate through avatars. When life-threatening cracks in the vast web of interplanetary portals disrupt civilization, Violet agrees to investigate the cause. At the same time, her trusted tutor, Mother Tingu, explains that her father’s death twenty years ago was no accident. Tingu suspects the perpetrator of both crimes comes from within the ranks of the Twelve, perhaps even Violet’s own obnoxious Grand Master. Violet must penetrate their curtain of secrecy to identify the culprit. Her challenges escalate when she meets the enigmatic man behind the griffin avatar. Armed with only her erratic powers and a mishmash of allies, she must challenge the most powerful beings in the galaxy. Reminiscent of the science fiction stories of Andre Norton, Violet’s perilous adventures are sweetened by romance and a sprinkle of laughter.
Buy Links http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM Amazon international: http://authl.it/B00TP1N5PM?dhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1063569610http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grand-masters-pawn-aurora-springer/1121605722  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/grand-master-s-pawnhttps://www.scribd.com/book/291760874/Grand-Master-s-Pawn-Grand-Master-s-Trilogy-1
Reviewers say:“Exciting and vivid sci fi/fantasy/adventure, grounded in real emotions and fully realized characters,”“Wonderful detailed multiple world building.”“I loved the heroine, she is fearless, smart and kind.” 



The Lady is Blue, Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden  Intrepid scientist solves mystery of scaly aliens. As the chief biologist in the remote human colony on Eden, Dr. Lucy Stannis leads a quiet life until an alien vessel makes first contact with the colonists. She is thrilled to meet the spaceship captain, the impressive Blue, Sa Kamizan Veedak, although the Atrapako are formidable with their tough, scaled bodies and sharp claws. Conflicts arise, threatening whole colony as well as Lucy’s tenuous friendship with Sa Kamizan. Lucy must employ all her skills to discover their secret and save the colony.
Buy Links  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1N951Q  Amazon international: http://authl.it/B00K1N951Q?dFREE on Kindle Unlimited
Reviewers say:“Really captivating and fun.”“This book grabbed me with sharp alien claws from the very first and would not let me go.” “I loved the twists and turns of the story.”
Two Novellas on Sale for 99c.

Captured by the Hawk, a Space Operetta: Spaceships crash across the galaxy in the comic misadventures of spy Grey Kat and pirate Black Hawk. Intrepid spy, Grey Kat, is escaping though Hassam Space Port with key codes stolen from the Emperor’s Revenge when she is trapped by the notorious pirate, Black Hawk. He persuades her to assist in his next piracy attempt, and they are thrust into a series of mishaps, dashing across the galaxy to avoid the Emperor’s ships. While dodging pursuit, Kat struggles to uncover the secret hidden behind Black Hawk’s mask before she suffers the tragic fate of his unfortunate wife.  If you enjoy science fiction with fast-paced action, mystery and romance, grab a copy of Captured by the Hawk.  
Buy Links  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYHSC52 Amazon international: http://authI.it/B00MYHSC52?d FREE on Kindle Unlimited
Reviewers say: “The perfect space quickie.” “Non-stop action from page one onward.”

Rosemary’s Quest, Young Adult Fantasy:  What would you do if an evil force threatened your home? A coming-of-age fantasy novella set in medieval times. Seventeen year old Rosemary Summers has no friends. The village children call her a witch, but she doesn’t know how to work magic. When the shadows of the Demon King Kafkad threaten her family’s farm, she sets out on a desperate quest for the White Wizard. Rosemary does not know if the mysterious wizard still lives or if he will help her. She must learn to harness her own magic to save her homeland from the Demon’s attack.

Buy Links  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9QJRQ0/http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rosemarys-quest-aurora-springer/1120859561https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1025462605https://www.scribd.com/book/273310692/Rosemary-s-Questhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/rosemary-s-quest-1  These 99c Discounts will Run from December 26 to January 7th

Find my Other Books at
http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Springer/e/B00K2C4NL8

 

Romantic #ScienceFiction snippet from Grand Master's Mate for #WeWriWa

I wish you a very happy holiday season. At the end of the post, you can check my special offers. Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
Today, I’m continuing the scene on the ocean planet from my new release Grand Master’s Mate. You can read last week’s snippet here –http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2015/12/sciencefiction-snippet-from-ocean.htmlI’ve skipped a few lines for another snippet without a fight. Violet and her Grand Master, Athanor, came to the Planet of AguaSalva in response to a plea for help when the planet’s oceans were invaded. Here, they are sailing on the giant shell, Callama.
Athanor focused on the line of teal at the distant horizon where the sky touched the sea. Every few minutes, he glanced into the translucent waters or at Violet’s face. Sensing the warmth of his gaze, Violet flushed. They did not need words to exchange their love. “We look like two sea lions,” he sent. Smirking out of his sight, she pretended to grumble, “I hoped for a few romantic words on our pleasant cruise, you walrus.”  “You know I can’t make sweet talk, nor do I have tusks.” He covered her hand on the shell with his long fingers. “I’d rather see you without the suit.” “Later, after we’ve dealt with the invaders,” she proposed. 

To celebrate completion of the Trilogy, Grand Master’s Pawn is only 99c this month Grand Master’s Pawn: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM Grand Master’s Game: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104OFJJ8Grand Master’s Mate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018EHAA7S
As a holiday special, The Lady is Blue, book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is 99c. The Lady is Blue: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1N951Q 

And, my two Novellas, Captured by the Hawk and Rosemary’s Quest are 99c. Space Opera - Captured by the Hawk: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYHSC52Young Adult Fantasy - Rosemary’s Quest: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9QJRQ0/

As always, your comments are welcome. Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Teaser Tuesday #Superhero #Mystery and Romance

Here is the Introduction to my WIP.


“This is how we found her.” The city trooper gestured at the woman’s body sprawled on the grass behind the dumpster. “Nobody’s moved the body. We’ve taken all the photos. A purse was found eight feet from the body. No evidence anything was removed. Cash, credit cards, license, phone still inside.” Frowning at the expression of terror frozen on the dead woman’s face, Detective Parkins muttered, “Not a simple theft turned ugly.” “No, Sir.” “When was the body found?” Parkins asked. Consulting his notes out of habit rather than necessity, the policeman said, “A passerby called at 10:15am. Man toting a bag of trash to the dumpster. The dispatcher sent me here immediately and I called your office when I saw the wounds.”  His face glistening with perspiration, he offered an opinion, “Body’s stiff. She’s been dead several hours.” Looking straight ahead, the officer quoted from the forensic textbook. “Presumed cause of death is a severed carotid artery.” Detective Parkins nodded. “I’ll wait for the report from Pathology.” He crouched on one knee to examine the corpse. Her skin was flaccid and dry. Blood had gushed from her neck, leaving red streaks on her pink shirt. He did not bother to touch the body. The skin temperature would hold no clues in the sultry heat of the Atalanta summer. Parkins grimaced. The irregular gash across her throat was horribly familiar. Glancing at the officer, he noted the name on his badge. “Look at her neck, Officer Cagle. Seen anything like it before?” With a grunt to acknowledge the Detective’s request, Cagle leaned over the body and frowned. “It’s strange, now you mention it. I didn’t notice at first. The cut appears to have been made by a weapon with a serrated edge. I’ve never seen a knife with serrations like that.” He stared at the detective in alarm and whispered, “What is it?” “I’d love to know,” the detective assured him. Standing up, he made a fast decision. He warned, “Keep an eye on the streets. This case is the second death I’ve seen in three weeks with the same type of wound on the neck. He glowered at the startled officer. “We may be looking for a serial killer.”  “A serial killer,” the man repeated slowly. He shook his head and whispered, “With that weird slash, it may be time to call in the Secret Supers.”  “They’re an urban legend,” Parkins snapped. The officer tilted his head and asked, “How long have you been in the city, Sir?” “Six weeks on Monday,” Parkins replied, running his fingers through his thinning hair. His thoughts were elsewhere. He stepped aside and beckoned to the ambulance crew waiting with a stretcher. “Take her to the morgue. I’m ordering an autopsy.” Suppressing a shudder, Parkins guessed what the pathologists would find. A body drained of blood just like the first case. Maybe they did need the Secret Supers. Whoever, or whatever, they were.   

New Release in #ScienceFiction Romance - Dragon's Honor by Michaela Kendrick

Today, I welcome fellow author Michaela Kendrick to my blog. She has a new release in one of my favorite genres, Science Fiction Romance. Michaela tells us about her latest release, Dragon's Honor, and her life as a writer.


Tell us about your latest release, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?  Dragon’s Honor tells the story of a young woman who has escaped the control of a maniacal warlord on her home planet, only to realize (much too late) that she has married the man who is supplying the warlord with weapons – and she realizes also that she won’t be able to live with herself if she sits idly by and does nothing. The book is Science Fiction Romance, which was a genre I’ve loved reading for years and have been itching to try. SFR has everything I love in a book: spaceships, cool technology, really strong leads, and (of course) an amazing love story! What was wonderful about writing this story was that I adored both of the two leads, and I could really sympathize not only with how they fell for one another, but with how their sense of honor drove them apart at the beginning of the story.

Why did you write your book (or series)? I see a lot of books now with military main characters, and I realized that my experience as part of a military family could offer a good look into characters who struggle with the experience and memories of combat. I wanted to write a book that did not glamorize combat trauma, but that also showed the hope and joy and humor that these people have in their lives. Romance novels have a very positive outlook on the abilities of people to live with and overcome their demons, and also on the role that love of all types—friendship, family, and romantic love—plays in shaping who a person is. There are as many experiences of combat as there are people in the military, so every protagonist in this series will have a different take on their time as a Dragon, and will have different weaknesses to overcome if they want to find love!
What do you like to do when you're not writing? This is a tough question, because I only transitioned to writing full-time this year. Before that, I would write early in the morning before my day job, and then all evening and on weekends. Now I’m not quite sure what to do with my free time. I’ve been knitting a bit, and also reading a lot of books!
Do you have any pets at home? We do! Our puppy, Tank, is about 10 months old and is an adorable ball of energy. He’s the first dog I’ve had and I’m learning to read his body language just like he’s learning to read mine (he already knows my “you drop that right now” face!). We’re hoping to get another dog soon so he has someone to play with while we’re both working.
 How much of your personality is in your main character? There’s a little bit of my personality in every character I write—even the villains! I think the only way to write good villains is to show a side of them that is, in a sense, far too familiar to all of us. The villains in Dragon’s Honor are a cautionary tale of what happens when you let normal feelings of alienation run away from you, particularly when you are someone who is very intelligent or successful. Meanwhile, the heroes are people who share all of our fears and self-doubt (Cade wonders, for instance, how Aryn could ever love him given the things he’s done in his time as Dragon), and also are a little bit braver than we are. I aspire to be like my heroes!
How do you balance a life outside of writing with deadlines and writing muses? It’s difficult. Writing can be a pretty time consuming and combative experience of staring down your blank page until something happens. I’ve learned that if I want to make time for the other things that are important to me (my family and my hobbies) I can’t wait for inspiration. I love it, and it makes my writing quick and enjoyable, but it’s so unpredictable that I might never finish a book. It’s important to sit down and practice quieting your mind even when you don’t really feel like writing!
What themes and ideas do you often explore in your writing? I also write under pen name Moira Katson, and though many of my books seem quite different on the face of it (hard scifi vs YA Fantasy vs Romance!), they all have one decision point in common. In every story, the characters are dealt a pretty bad hand, and it’s their inner grit and determination as well as their love of their friends, family, and partners, that helps them stand up and do the right thing—even when it’s pretty difficult to tell what the right thing is. In Dragon’s Honor, for instance, we see Aryn struggle with the idea of whether or not it’s her duty to stay in a bad marriage, and try to influence her husband to become a better man. 
And now the Book, Dragon's Honor

Blurb:
The Warlord...

From high society banquets in the ice covered skyscrapers of New Arizona, to the most far-flung outposts at the edge of human-occupied space, everyone has heard of Ymir. The Alliance's reach is wide, and its soldiers are well trained, but there are always despots powerful enough to assert themselves, and Ymir has been one of the most notable failures of human history: a whole planet given over to a man known only as the Warlord.

The soldier…

Cade Williams was once a Dragon—the most elite fighting unit in known space. Precise, brutal, and unstoppable, they were a last resort in the lawless wastes of space colonization. But there was a price: in one horrific mission, Cade’s unit took down not only a slave trader, but an entire intergalactic carrier. Cade left and never looked back. Haunted by his past, he’s vowed never again to kill, never again to fight, and, filling jobs from dock worker to bartender, he’s managed to keep that vow. But Cade’s life is about to be turned upside down. Because when at last he runs out of options, his old friend Talon Rift appears out of nowhere. Talon, the man who ordered him to take down the carrier. Talon, who wants him to get back in the game. And when Cade won’t, Talon has a job opportunity he seems to know Cade can’t afford to pass up. Protect a woman. An innocent. Remarkably little chance of anything going wrong. And a man needs to eat.

And the trophy wife…

There are two problems: first, that Cade hates Aryn the moment he lays eyes on her; second, that he wants her like he’s never wanted anyone before in his life. Or make that three problems: Aryn’s fiancé is a weapons trafficker with a well-deserved reputation for being ruthless, and Aryn is about to get caught up in one of his schemes - one that will bring her back to the place she only just escaped...the mines of Ymir.
Where to buy:Dragon’s Honor will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited: smile.amazon.com/dp/B017F8X7HC/
Excerpt:
“Cade Williams?”The words came through the haze of smoke and drunkenness like a hallucination. Cade knew that voice. He was never, ever going to be able to forget that voice, and it had to be a hallucination because there was no way in hell the owner of that voice had chased him across three systems only to walk into a dive bar on the lower streets of New Arizona. So he went back to his drink.He picked up the glass and stared at it. It was a scotch he’d been nursing for about three hours now, and not just because “scotch” seemed to be a loose term for colored grain alcohol. When he finished his drink, he had nowhere to go. And in the ever-drifting snow of New Arizona—he’d never figured out if the name was born of ignorance or irony—he needed to stay indoors as long as possible. The cold was fierce, and whatever acid was in the water on this planet, it would burn his skin raw in less than a night.And if he didn’t get ten thousand credits to Osiris within a week, he was a dead man. But one thing at a time. Cade shook his head and let the moment slide away from him, a tiny drift into memory and nothing more.“Williams,” the voice said again.That was definitely not a hallucination. Cade’s eyes traveled along the arm that had come down on one side of him. Callused fingertips, last joint of the right index finger missing, the hint of a tattoo poking out from under a blue cuff. The arm underneath the suit jacket was well muscled, leading to broad shoulders and a clean-shaven jaw, and with a sinking feeling of dread, Cade looked up at one of his worst nightmares.“Lieutenant Rift.”“Actually, it’s Major now.” Talon’s face was expressionless, as it almost always was. He watched as Cade’s eyes traveled over the understated suit, across the planes of the handsome face. At last, sensing the question Cade would never ask, he flipped over the hand on his resting arm. There, glimmering in the faint light, were blood-red cufflinks.A Dragon always wore red.Talon absorbed Cade’s bitter smile in silence.“You look surprisingly well.” Cade looked down into his scotch and considered drinking the rest in one gulp. The pours in this bar were generous, and with the alcohol being of dubious provenance, a gulp might well kill him. Right now, that wasn’t seeming so bad. It was all coming back to him—without warning, as it always did. He’d known the moment he heard the voice that this was going to be a bad night, even worse than he’d thought—and he’d already thought it would be pretty bad. There was screaming at the corner of his mind, the flashing of the lights in the bar taking on a reddish hue, the emergency exit sign too clear a reminder.He closed his eyes, clenching his jaw until he thought his teeth would give way. He had to keep breathing, or the memories would take him, and the world would devolve into the chaotic mess he so feared, every face reminding him of the pods, the children pounding on the glass—He was going to be sick. His stomach heaved.“Should I go?”“No.” Cade’s answer surprised even him. He opened his eyes and looked down into his drink again. He could force the world back into its neat shapes if he tried hard enough. In the vacuum of space, in the long silences of a courier’s job, he’d learned to face his fear and press it away.He could face this, too.“Okay.” Talon sat, pulled reflexively at both cuffs, and looked over at the bartender. “What won’t kill me here?”“Don’t try the scotch.”“Noted.”

If you are interested in receiving a free copy of Dragon's Honor in exchange for an honest review, please contact Michaela at mkendrickauthor@gmail.com!
Bio:
Raised on the Dragon Riders of Pern, Star Wars, Star Trek, and a whole bunch of historical romances, Michaela grew up adoring the adventure of Science Fiction and the passion of a good love story. Filled with double crossing, grand romantic gestures, sarcasm, and plenty of heat, Michaela's books are just the sort of thing she wants to read herself!
Where to find me:
Right now, I’m only on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkendrickaut... list: http://eepurl.com/bIDsBnAnd people can feel free to email me at mkendrickauthor@gmail.com
 
 

#ScienceFiction snippet from Ocean Planet of Grand Master's Mate for #WeWriWa

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
Today, I’m continuing the ocean scene today from my new release Grand Master’s Mate. This scene started last week and you can read it here - http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/20...
Touching her fingers to the corrugated outer shell, Violet sent, “Callama, we have names; I’m Violet and the bigger four limbs is Griffin. Three limbs is called Threeleaf Amarylla.”   “Vil, Val, Violet speaks to Callama,” the shell animal hummed its reply. “Excellent,” Athanor said, hearing the words through his psychic link with Violet, “we have a second translator.” Raising her delicate hands in surprise, Ravaleen cried, “What do you mean? We cannot speak directly with the Callama.” “Powered pawn speaks to animals,” Amarylla chimed. “A splendid talent,” Ravaleen sang. Radiating pride, Athanor growled, “Just so. My pawn is special.”

To celebrate completion of the Trilogy, Grand Master’s Pawn is only 99c this month Grand Master’s Pawn: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM  Grand Master’s Game: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104OFJJ8 Grand Master’s Mate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018EHAA7S
If you want to read what happened on the Moon Illoris, you can read a longer excerpt here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2015/11/srf-brigade-showcase-grand-masters-mate.html

As always, your comments are welcome. Would you like to read more about the marine life on AguaSalva, or have another combat scene? All my novels and short stories are available at

http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Springer/e/B00K2C4NL8

 Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Meet Author Pauline Baird Jones and All I Got For Christmas #ScienceFiction #Romance with co-author Genie Davis

Today I have an interview with multi-genre author, Pauline Baird Jones, and highlight her holiday release with author Genie Davis. Christmas is coming and so is All I Got For Christmas. Inside you’ll get the evocative and haunting, ”Riding for Christmas,” and the offbeat and heartwarming, "Up on the Housetop.”
Riding For Christmas: A mesmerizing tale of interstellar time travel and romance!Jane MacKenzie, visiting her grandfather’s abandoned ranch, discovers something in the snow. When she opens the ribbon-wrapped box, it mysteriously returns Sam Harrington, who “disappeared” in an 1885 blizzard. There’s nothing alien in this enduring tale of holiday homecomings and the hope of love that lasts a lifetime.
Up on the House Top: Will her Christmas be ho, ho, ho? Or oh no, no, no?Gini knew Christmas in Wyoming would be challenging as she headed over the frozen crick and through the woods to the family cabin. The lights are going out in her mom’s attic, the guy who broke her heart is on the porch…and there are aliens on the roof.According to her mom, it’s going to be the best Christmas ever.
Do something for you (or someone you love) and make "All I Got for Christmas" what you GET for Christmas!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/All-Got-Christmas-Genie-Davis-ebook/dp/B017TBSFFO/Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1057680155Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-i-got-for-christmas-pauline-baird-jones/1122933249?ean=2940152693300GP: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Genie_Davis_All_I_Got_For_Christmas?id=eiHlCgAAQBAJ&hl=enKobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/all-i-got-for-christmas-1ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-alligotforchristmas-1924164-343.html
Learn more about Pauline, her stories and her life.
Tell us about your latest release, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?  All I Got For Christmas most definitely crosses genres, as it is two holiday stories AND science fiction romance (which is kind of mixing up genres, too). The aliens in both stories are not the love interest, however. We’ll call them the complications our heroes and heroines face on the path to true love. One of the fun things for both us was writing separate stories, but…they are connected by location (Wyoming), holiday theme (Christmas), and they each get a gift from an alien that changes their lives.
Why did you write your book (or series)? My friend Genie and I were having lunch and got to wondering why we hadn’t done a project together. We looked at each other and said, “Okay, what project?” I think we choose Christmas because it seemed a long time away (this was March). It was definitely an interesting experience writing about chilly Wyoming in August and I will admit to wondering what the neighbors thought of hearing Christmas songs playing inside my house.

What do you find are the best and worst parts of being an indie author? What I love the most about being an indie author is the control I have over my books. I also love that I have market research and access to important information that helps me manage my business.
What I find the hardest, is that it is all up to me. It’s a lot of work, like a garden that never goes fallow. You’d think that once you push “publish” that you can just leave it and move on to the next book, but nope. Those little “plants” need water and fertilizer and attention. Lots of attention.
What interesting aspect of your life would surprise your readers? I think readers might be surprised by how dull I am. My characters and stories are all about adventures and peril and I am a total and complete hermit. I love staying home and reading and writing adventures, but I really don’t like having them. Give me a chair, a book, some chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper and I’m happy. And WiFi. I love my WiFi. But if there was a zombie apocalypse? I’d be brain fodder for the zombies.
Are your stories driven by plot or character?  My stories are both, actually. I might start with a plot idea or a character who has a story to tell, but they are tangled together, I couldn’t separate them to save my life. I love working on both. My characters are so real to me, I miss them when I type, “The End,” and, well, I kind of like making life hard for them. Of course, then I have to get them out of trouble. But it’s all good. And I make sure they get their happy ending.
How do you balance a life outside of writing with deadlines and writing muses? There are times when it’s just what I do, and other times when Life Happens and I think I’m going to implode. Or explode. Maybe both. I have to step back and remind myself that balance is the key to keeping the Muse, me, and the hubs happy. If I crash and burn, then so do the books and the business and my family suffer, too. It helps when I stop and remember why I wanted to be a writer. That in the end, it’s about the story, the characters, the thrill of seeing it all come together into something called a “Book.” And when a reader likes what I wrote? Yeah, totally worth it.
What do you enjoy most about life?  Right now what I’m enjoying the most is a) being a grandma. I waited a long time to be one and I love it. I have three grand kids and they are a delight. And b) I am loving “going home.” I was born and raised in Wyoming and we’re in the process of transitioning into retirement. Not quite there yet, but I’ve spend some time in Wyoming this fall and winter. I even love the freezing temperatures! I know, crazy.


What are your current projects and plans for the future? I’m sort of in a state of rest (as much as any Author/Publisher could be!) because I produced a record (for me) five projects this year. I completed two books in two series (The Big Uneasy - Dead Spaces- and An Uneasy Future - Sucker Punch), and then did two side projects, both for joint bundles. One was my first venture into paranormal (though it still has a lot of science fiction in there called Specters in the Storm. You an find it in Edge of Never, but only for one more month!), and then my first Christmas project (All I Got For Christmas). I thought I was done, but also hammered out a short story for the upcoming Romantic Times Convention in Las Vegas next April. This was for another joint project. It’s not got a name yet.
But I am kind of amazed. And also feeling a little word drained. Plan to do some reading to refill the word well, and then start focusing on the next books in both series. I am also hoping to add something new to my Project Enterprise series in 2016.
Author Bios Genie Davis is a multi-published novelist, journalist, and produced screen and television writer living near the beach in Los Angeles. You can see her work in the arts on her own www.diversionsLA.comPauline Baird Jones never liked reality, so she writes books. Seventeen of them, actually. She likes to wander among the genres, rampaging like Godzilla, because she does love peril mixed in her romance.

Links to Social Media. Website: http://www.paulinebjones.comBlog: http://www.paulinebjones.com/BlogWP/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorPaulineBairdJonesTwitter: https://twitter.com/paulinebjonesGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/247227.Pauline_Baird_JonesPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perilouspauline/

NEW RELEASE: #Paranormal #Romance THE STORM by Effrosyni Moschoudi

NEW RELEASE: THE STORM(Book 3 in The Lady of the Pier trilogy)
BRIGHTON 1940Laura is relieved to hear about Christian’s narrow escape from Dunkirk, despite his serious injury. Things at home are as harrowing as ever, but she holds on to a glimmer of hope. When he discovers an old secret, Christian returns to Brighton. Will the old sweethearts find happiness at last or will Charles never allow it?
BRIGHTON 1988Sofia does her best to get over Danny, but The Lady won't leave her in peace. The spirit guides her to meet more people who knew Laura, and now begins to haunt Danny as well. What will happen when he wears Christian’s scarf? And who is the third person being haunted, and why?


Genre: Historical paranormal romance Tags: WWII, strong female protagonist, female friendship, drama, ghost
VISIT AMAZON NOW:US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018O5OTHW UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B018O5OTHW

What is The Lady of the Pier trilogy about?
The Lady of the Pier trilogy tells the stories of Sofia and Laura - two girls from two different worlds who have a mysterious connection. In book 1, although similar in some ways, the two stories are seemingly unrelated. In book 2, they begin to merge and in the concluding volume, The Storm, they become one story. The author recommends that you start reading from book 1. 


Poetry from The Lady of the Pier is a collection of ten romantic poems from The Lady of the Pier trilogy. This mini companion book to the series includes the bonus short story of sweet romance, “An Old Promise”:


Joanna boards a flight from JFK to visit the Greek island of Sifnos again after twenty years. All this time, despite the distance and her life’s circumstances, she’s been holding on to precious memories from an old summer love. Now, she’s determined to meet again the man she once left behind, hoping for a chance to prove she never forgot their old promise…


The book contains no spoilers, and readers who are not familiar with the series may equally enjoy it.


This book is currently FREE on
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018UML0NK/ but may be 99c at other Amazon sites.
It is also FREE on other e-stores including:
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/poetry-from-the-lady-of-the-pieriTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1064068977Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1123057439 


WHAT OTHER READERS SAID ABOUT THE TRILOGY:

"The Ebb is a thought-provoking historical romance with a paranormal element that kept me in rapt attention through every page.”
~Monica Barrie, romance author of Alana


"An inner glow, an inherent purity emanates from the pages to create a sense of completeness, like a dream you don’t want to wake up from."
~MM Jaye, author of the Aegean Lovers series


"Captivating until the end! Totally recommended! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series because I'm officially hooked on both stories!"
~ Sofi Kara, Goodreads reviewer
About the author 


Effrosyni Moschoudi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. As a child, she often sat alone in her granny’s garden scribbling rhymes about flowers, butterflies and ants. Through adolescence, she wrote dark poetry that suited her melancholic, romantic nature. She’s passionate about books and movies and simply couldn’t live without them, particularly the ones starring Robert Pattinson, who is the constant inspiration behind her vulnerable romantic heroes. She lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with her British husband Andy and a naughty cat called Felix. Effrosyni is a proud member of the writer’s group, eNovel Authors at Work.


For free excerpts and book trailers, visit http://effrosyniwrites.com/books/


Connect with Effrosyni
http://www.effrosyniwrites.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/effrosyni
http://www.twitter.com/frostiemoss
https://www.facebook.com/authoreffrosyni
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7362780.Effrosyni_Moschoudi
 

#ScienceFiction - Seashell snippet from Grand Master's Mate for #WeWriWa

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I want to show you a different scene today from my new release Grand Master’s Mate. If you want to read what happened on the Moon Illoris, you can read a longer excerpt here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2015/11/srf-brigade-showcase-grand-masters-mate.htmlThe new scene is on the ocean planet of AguaSalva, where humans live on islands and most lifeforms inhabit the seas. Ravaleen is a human Grand Master and Bollerol has five flexible limbs.
A delicate sail of pale yellow swung into view, flying above an almond colored boat with brown stripes. When it drew closer, Violet saw the boat resembled a giant cockle shell. The thin central membrane of the sail protruded from the fleshy base of the marine mollusk. The huge half shells were taller than a man and the sail towered three times higher. The shell boat steered into the pavilion and halted near Violet. The sail membrane folded down and the shell halves rocked in the gentle waves. “Board the Callama,” Ravaleen said, “Bollerol will accompany you as a translator.”  Thoughts wafted into Violet’s mind. “Wish, wash, ride on me; three limbs, four limbs twice, and Bollerol five limbs.” The slow rhythms of Callama’s voice merged into the background swell of the sea. No wonder the translator did not recognize the shell animal’s speech.

To celebrate completion of the Trilogy, Grand Master’s Pawn is only 99c this month Grand Master’s Pawn: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM Grand Master’s Game: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104OFJJ8Grand Master’s Mate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018EHAA7S

As always, your comments are welcome. Would you like to read more about the marine life on AguaSalva, or have another combat scene?Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Snippet from new #SciFi eBook Grand Master's Mate for SFFSat

Welcome to another Saturday of Science Fiction & Fantasy and read snippets exchanged by several writers. http://scififansat.blogspot.com/ Since Book 3 of the Grand Master’s Trilogy released this week, I’ll give you a scene from Grand Master’s Mate. Violet and Athanor are investigating an attack on the ocean Planet of AguaSalva, which is ruled (somewhat ineptly) by Grand Master Ravaleen.
A delicate sail of pale yellow swung into view, flying above an almond colored boat with brown stripes. When it drew closer, Violet saw the boat resembled a giant cockle shell. The thin central membrane of the sail protruded from the fleshy base of the marine mollusk. The huge half shells were taller than a man and the sail towered three times higher. The shell boat steered into the pavilion and halted near Violet. The sail membrane folded down and the shell halves rocked in the gentle waves. “Board the Callama,” Ravaleen said, “Bollerol will accompany you as a translator.”  Thoughts wafted into Violet’s mind. “Wish, wash, ride on me. Three limbs, four limbs twice, and Bollerol five limbs.” The slow rhythms of Callama’s voice merged into the background swell of the sea; no wonder the translator did not recognize the shell animal’s speech. Touching her fingers to the corrugated outer shell, Violet sent, “Callama, we have names, I’m Violet and the bigger four limbs is Griffin. Three limbs is called Threeleaf Amarylla.”   “Vil, Val, Violet speaks to Callama,” the shell animal hummed its reply. “Excellent,” Athanor said, hearing the words through his link with Violet, “We have a second translator.” Raising her delicate hands in surprise, Ravaleen cried, “What do you mean? We cannot speak directly with the Callama.”

Grand Master’s Pawn: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP1N5PM International: http://authl.it/B00TP1N5PM ?d
Grand Master’s Game: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104OFJJ8 International: http://authI.it/B0104OFJJ8?d
Grand Master’s Mate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018EHAA7S International: http://authI.it/B018EHAA7S?d

This trilogy has adventures on diverse planets with over a dozen alien species. Experience the ice planet of Erebus, the ocean planet of AguaSalva (in snippet), the fiery hot planet of Sythos and idyllic pastoral planet of Avalon. 
You are welcome to request an ARC of one of these books by PM. 
Please return to http://scififansat.blogspot.com/ and read the other snippets. Your comments are welcome as always.