Marlow Kelly's Blog, page 4

Happy Holidays, a #Sale and a #Giveaway

As we race towards the holiday season I thought it might be fun to do another sale, and take part in another exciting multi-author giveaway. 
With that in mind I enrolled in a holiday 99 Books @ 99 Cents fair. This three-day event is a fun way to find bargain books, win free ebooks and enter to win daily free prizes.
So if your wallet is feeling the pinch during the holidays, but you’re looking for some awesome new reads, you’ve come to the right place. As the name suggests, there are 99 books on sale December 12-15 for 99 cents each. Less than a buck for hours of amazing storytelling!
Plus, check in daily for a chance to win Amazon gift cards or play instant ebook giveaways for one of 12 books being awarded to lucky winners each day.
Look for Books from Your Favorite Authors!
Alathia Paris Morgan • Alexia Adams • Alicia Street • Allyson.R.Abbott • Angel Lawson • Angie Wilder • Ani Gonzalez • Aubrey Wynne • Bethany Strobel • Cara Marsi • Cate Tayler • Cornelia Amiri • Crisanne Marz • Crystal Dawn • Debbie White • Debby Conrad • Dena Garson • Denise Jaden • Donna Fasano • EG Manetti • Eli Lang • Emily Leigh • Gary Guinn • Gayle Parness • Honey Phillips • Jacqueline Diamond • Jennifer Faye • Jody A. Kessler  • Julie Brookman • K.A. Servian • Kat Drennan • Kate Rudolph • Katherine Gilbert • Katie O'Sullivan • Kris Pearson • L.E. Harrison • Laura A. Barnes • Lily Bly • Linda Nightingale • Lisa Chalmers  • LJ Swallow • Lucy Naylor Kubash • Margaret Daley • Maria K. Alexander • Marilyn Peake • Marlow Kelly • Mary Gillgannon • Mary Vine • Melissa Belle • Mila Young • N.D. Jones • Nicole Casey • P.J. MacLayne • PG Forte • PJ Fiala • R.M. Gauthier • Regan Walker • Rose Pearson • Selena Kitt • Simone Leigh • Soraya Naomi • Stacey Joy Netzel • Stephanie Queen • Sydney Jane Baily • Tamara Ferguson • Tanya Dawson • Tara Lain • Aileen Harkwood
​ If you don't want to take part in the giveaway you can still buy
Sun Storm for 99¢ Fire Storm is also on Sale for 99¢ from 13th December until 16th December.
​

​I wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and happy holiday season.

Adventures in Book Formatting or Useful Links for EBook and Print Formatting #selfpublishing

I’ve spent the last week formatting my books files for IngramSpark. This was a pain in the butt, and took a lot of time and patience, but I believe it was worth it in the end for the expanded distribution.
When I published my first book I paid someone to format the eBook for me. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I would want to update my books to include information on my latest release. 
I have to admit formatting is not my favorite thing to do, but like all other aspects of the publishing industry it is necessary.
I don’t believe you have to pay for expensive software to do the job, especially when it comes to eBook fomatting. All you need is Microsoft Word and the right attitude. 
Here are some of the websites and software I have used to format my work. All of them are free or can be used on a free trial.
Interior files for eBook
 
Free course in eBook formatting from Book Reality  
I can’t say enough good things about this course. This course teaches you to use styles in Word to format your work. You progress at your own speed, and can redo a lesson if you need clarification. Best of all, it’s free.
 
Draft2Digital
I’ve never used this service because after doing the Book Reality course I can format my work as I go, but they claim to format your book for you. You can also download copies of your book in mobi, epub, and pdf for your own use.
 
Amazon  - Kindle Create
My full-length novels are published exclusively on Amazon through their KDP Select program. You can download Kindle Create software free to format your eBook for KDP.
This program works really well with the formatting principles I learned in the Book Reality program. 
I use this because it’s Amazon. They know what they want and by using their software I can create a book that works well on their platform.
One thing to note; you have to make all your hyperlinks for your front and back matter live before you upload your book to Kindle Create. This software is not capable of creating a hyperlink.
Interior Files for Print
Personally, I find formatting for print much more demanding. There are a lot of variables that you just don’t have to consider when formatting for an eBook; such as page size, trim, margins, page numbers, headers, and gutters. Urgh!
 
Formatting Templates
To help with all these variables I found these handy-dandy templates on a Createspace forum.
I suggest you check them out. I have found them to be invaluable.  
 
IngramSpark
IngramSpark are a little fussier about formatting and cover art. In fact, my cover artist won’t work with them.
If you decide to publish your books with IngramSpark, all your documents have to be saved as PDF/X-1a:2001. This means you can’t use Word’s save as function to create your PDF. You actually have to convert the file. To do this I used Adobe. My computer didn’t come with any Adobe software so I downloaded Adobe DC on a 7-day free trial. Then I googled the instructions for converting the file, which worked well.
​ 
As I said before, my cover artist only makes paperback cover art for KDP / Createspace and I can see why. The cover art I have been successfully using for the last eighteen months was rejected. It seems that the letters on the spine were too close to the edge.
There was a fix.
IngramSpark will send you a template to use with InDesign, which is another Adobe program. Once again, you can download a 7-day free trial for InDesign, and then google the instructions.
I had to play around with the image to make it work. I didn’t use InDesign for this. That was way too complicated. I just uploaded my work to Canva, and then downloaded the altered image. If you want to save yourself some time and effort you can transfer your paperback file from KDP Paperback to IngramSpark. Here are the instructions.
You can transfer your files from KDP Paperback to IngramSpark. Here are the instructions they sent me:
- Make sure your IngramSpark account is fully setup first.
- If transferring a title from an existing IngramSpark or LSI account, please copy in original publisher or let us know publisher name so we can get their approval for the transfer.
- If you are transferring from Create Space the title has to first be in expanded distribution so it arrives in our system. If in expanded distribution, please remove it. If not, please add it. We will communicate on our end with CS to transfer the title. We also recommend that you reach out to CS yourself to expedite the process. You must notify us BEFORE we move title over if you need to update price or return status. We only send pricing to retailers once a month.
- Complete attached transfer form. The form is to be completed by the person taking over ownership of the title. Current publisher does NOT complete the form. If you already have submitted a form to us, do not send another one. Just notify us that you have one on file.
- Reply back to this same email with your ISBN/s you would like to transfer and the completed form. Do NOT write the ISBN/s on your transfer form.
How to complete form: (Please read this to make sure your form is completed correctly. This will help avoid delays. )
- Enter your COMPANY NAME in top line and in bottom client field. Do not enter your name in the fields (unless your name is name of your publishing company)
- Enter your FULL address in the second line. This includes your zip code.
- Physically sign the form at the bottom of the signature field (or use Adobe's digital e-sign option).
- Enter your IngramSpark account number.
- Enter the current date
Next steps:
- Your form will be reviewed and approved by our support and finance teams.
- Once approved and once we receive confirmation from the current publisher/Create Space then we will transfer title to your account.
- You will be notified when the title is listed on your account via email.
If you follow these steps it will eliminate delays so you can start ordering and managing your book. 
Please allow up to 30 days for confirmation and transferal. 
 
I take no responsibility for the transfer instructions. I just copied and pasted them from an email IngramSpark sent me, but if they're helpful to you...great I hope these links have been useful. If you have questions about any of the programs or courses mentioned in this post just comment below and I will get back to you. 

A Love That's Forever #Giveaway #Bookfair #HistoricalRomance

As some of you may know, I occasionally write historical romance. So for all of you who love a dashing duke, a brave Scot, and a clever maiden I decided to take part in A Love That’s Forever Giveaway
Join thirty authors of historical and time travel romance as they celebrate these genres. Will you take home a Kindle or a pack of your favorite ebooks from Amazon? Enter now! You might be one of 7 lucky winners!
 
Plus, stop by and shop our awesome sale on Medieval, Regency, Victorian, Western, and time travel romances. We even have a bonus giveaway for a stunning porcelain teapot!
 
https://bookwrapt.com/love-thats-forever-book-fair/
​ If you would like to enter the Giveaway without going to the book fair. Here's the rafflecoptera Rafflecopter giveaway ​(Sponsored by the 30 authors listed below)
 
Alexa Aston • Amanda Roberts • Angelique Armae • Annie Boone • Aubrey Wynne • Cheri Champagne • Cherie Mitchell • Christine Sterling • Dawn Marie Hamilton • Deborah M. Hathaway • Emilee Harris • Ginny Sterling • Heidi Kimball • Jennae Vale • Joanna Barker • Johanna Evelyn • Jen Geigle Johnson • Joyce Alec • K A Servian • Karen Michelle Nutt • Kari Trumbo • Kate Cambridge • Kristy Tate • Laura A. Barnes • Marie Higgins • Marlow Kelly • Natalie Dean • Rose Pearson • Sally Britton • Victoria Saccenti • Aileen Harkwood
 

Low Fat Brownie Recipe #weightloss #weightlossjourney

​On 19th August I joined Weight Watchers. To date I have lost 3.5 lbs. Its not a staggering amount, but I’m a firm believer in the saying “start as you mean to go on.”
Which in this case means any fool can loose weight if they don’t eat carbs and sugar, but can you keep the weight off long term, or will you fall back into your old eating habits and undo all your hard work.
For me personally, enjoying food is part of enjoying life. With that in mind, I’ve been experimenting with some low fat recipes.
One of my family’s favorites is low fat brownies. They aren’t as moist as a brownie made with butter, but one serving is only 7 points. Low Fat Brownies
 
Ingredients
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons 50% fat margarine
⅔ cup granulated sugar
½ cup cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
½ teaspoon baking powder
½cup all-purpose flour
 
DirectionsHeat oven to 350ºF. Line 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. (If you don’t have parchment paper spray with nonstick cooking spray.)Using a medium saucepan, over a low heat, melt margarine. Remove from heat. Add sugar and stir until blended. Then add cocoa and mix thoroughly.Stir in eggs and vanilla until smooth.Mix in baking powder and flour.Spread batter into square pan.Bake for 25 minutes until edges pull away from sides of pan.Makes 8 servings
 
Notes:
If you want to make these even lower in fat you can use 2 egg whites instead of whole eggs.
Feel free to add ¼ cup of walnuts. I’m not a fan of nuts in brownies that’s why I left them out. [image error] low_fat_brownies_recipe.pdfFile Size: 61 kbFile Type: pdfDownload File

99 Books for 99¢ #ebooks #sale #giveaway

99@99 BOOK FAIR
NEW GIVEAWAYS DAILY
September 6-12 
https://bookwrapt.com/99-99-book-fair/

I thought September would be a good time to do another sale. Then I learned about this awesome promotion where you can purchase a ton of books for 99¢ each and win some awesome prizes. So I've included Sun Storm in this promotion.
 
All you have to do is visit our special 99 Books @ 99 Cents Book Fair. Almost 100 books ON SALE in all genres, romance, sci-fi and fantasy, paranormal romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, mysteries, thrillers, and more. All books less than a buck!
Plus, check in daily for a chance to win Amazon gift cards or play instant ebook giveaways for one of 12 books being awarded to lucky winners each day.
99@99 BOOK FAIR
NEW GIVEAWAYS DAILY
September 6-12
 

Today I joined Weight Watchers #weightloss

Picture courtesy of Pixabay ​Today I joined Weight Watchers. I want to loose 5-10 pounds. I probably should try for more but I like to be realistic when I set goals, and I just want to loose the weight I gained when I switched to soy milk.
Umm, I never told you about that, did I? 
Well to make a long story short I was diagnosed with bone loss in October 2017, and have lost significant bone mass in my spine. 
I was told to up my calcium intake to 1200 mg per day. I went through the variables. I could eat a lot of cheese and bowlfuls of broccoli or I could just drink two cups of skim milk every day and take a calcium supplement. My doctor told me there is a limit on how much calcium you can take in a supplement. If you exceed 600 mg then the health consequences are dire…or so she said.
So I started drinking my two cups of milk a day. I was determined to strengthen my bones so my future doesn’t include breaking my back climbing out of bed.
You would think that would be the end of it, but unfortunately it wasn’t. I started to experience severe migraines, every day. It was obvious milk was the culprit. To be honest, even as a child I didn’t like milk. It hurt my stomach and made me feel ill. 
So I switched to almond milk. Unfortunately, I have Salicylate intolerance and an aspirin allergy. Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in foods, and they are chemically related to aspirin. Almonds are loaded with salicylates. I was covered in huge hives from head to toe. 
Finally, I moved on to soy milk. It was my last choice because it’s so high in fat, but it did the trick. I’m now hive free, getting the nutrients I need… and ten pounds heavier. 
When you think about it, how you look isn’t as important as being healthy. 
But I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m cheap when it comes to buying clothes. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t go hunting through mounds of used, dirty clothes, or anything like that, but I refuse to buy new ski pants, or motorcycle pants. Those things are expensive.
So I joined Weight Watchers. I like that I don’t need to buy special foods and that I can still have a little treat every day.
Anyway, we’ll see how it goes.
Picture courtesy of Pixabay. I wish I looked like this model

Happy Canada Day From The Canadian Rockies #CanadaDay #banff2018

​My husband and I have just returned from a two-day trip to Radium Hot Springs.
We took the David Thompson highway to Saskatchewan River crossing. From there we turned onto the icefields parkway. We journeyed through the Banff and Kootenay national Parks finally arriving in Radium Hot Springs. 
Radium is a small village surrounded by forests, mountains and the Columbia River valley. So it’s no surprise there are animals who consider Radium Hot Springs Home. We were fortunate enough to see grizzly bears, deer, and big horn sheep. I hope you enjoy my photos from one of Canada’s iconic places. Whoever you are and wherever you're from I wish you a Happy Canada Day ​

BEACH READS 99 CENT BOOK FAIR

All Books Less than a Buck!
ENTER DAILY GIVEAWAYS
For Your Chance to Win
https://bookwrapt.com/beach-reads-book-fair/ Whether you’re lucky enough to be heading off for a fabulous vacay, or stuck at your desk only dreaming of beachy bliss, make a date with a fantastic read this summer. There are over 50 ebooks on sale for 99 cents. Mysteries, thrillers, romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, science fiction, whatever your genre, we have a book you’ll love!
Plus, every 24 hours, we’re putting up a new giveaway. Check in daily for a chance to win an Amazon gift card, ebook prize pack, or other great prizes for booklovers.

(Sponsored by the 38 fabulous authors listed below)
Allyson R Abbott • Ashlee Price • Caitlyn Lynch • Cara Marsi • Carly Morgan • Cate Tayler • Colleen Helme • Debbie White • Donna K. Weaver • Donna R. Mercer • Elizabeth Rose • Emma St. Clair • J.L. Hendricks • Jacquie Biggar • JC Andrijeski • Joanne Dannon • Jody A Kessler • Judith Lucci • Karen Cino • Karen Michelle Nutt • Leslie E Heath • Linda Nightingale • Lisa Swallow • Marlow Kelly • Megyn Ward • Melissa McClone • Monique Singleton • Nicki Elson • Nya Rawlyns • Roxanne Snopek • Sam Cheever • S.L. Sterling • Suzanne Jenkins • Tamara Ferguson • Tracee Lydia Garner • Victoria Pinder • Aileen Harkwood
Take me to the book fair

Fire Storm on #Sale for 99¢ #RomanticSuspense

Buy Fire Storm for 99¢ with Amazon.com 


She must separate her desire for him from her job, especially when her investigation reveals corruption, lies and a second murder.
Police officer, Dana Hayden knows two things:
            
            1. The bullets holes in Ben North’s chest didn’t kill him.
            2. She’s attracted to the alleged murderer.
 
Police officer Dana Hayden has moved to Hopefalls, Montana to put her mistakes behind her and make a better life for her teenage son, but the past won’t stay buried when sexy-as-hell Tim Morgan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
 
Tim just wants to be left alone to care for his sick father, and establish his career in organic feed sales. He doesn’t want to be tailed by a pretty cop with suspicious eyes.
​
When Local hermit, Ben North, is killed Dana must separate her desire for Tim from her job, especially when her investigation reveals corruption, lies and another murder.
Excerpt:
Dana continued typing, hoping to complete her report soon so she could go back on patrol and escape Booley.  
She had just finished when Logan slammed through the door and ran around the reception desk. 
She stood and met her son at the counter. “What happened? Why aren’t you in school?”
“Mom, we were charged by a bear. Tim sprayed it so we could get away.” A slim, dark-haired man followed Logan into the station. She was five feet eleven inches, and the man was at least a head taller than her. She estimated him to be at least six-foot-six.
He moved in the fluid, muscular way of an athlete and had the hard-eyed look of a fighter. His build was deceptive. He seemed thin, but that was just because he was so tall. The well-toned pectoral muscles of his shoulders along with his biceps told her he worked out regularly and was fit and strong. She’d wrestled a lot of drunks in her time on the force and knew how to size a man up. In her estimation, it would take three or four policemen to take him down. 
“Thanks for saving…” She couldn’t finish her sentence. Staring into his hazel – green eyes was like being punched in the gut. He was handsome in a rugged way. The weathered skin around his mouth and eyes was etched with deep lines. His hair had grayed at the temples, making him appear distinguished. Everything about him seemed masculine. It was as if he oozed testosterone. 
Booley emerged from his office and approached the stranger. “Officer Hayden, I’d like you to meet Tim Morgan.” 
The air whooshed out of her lungs. This was the man who’d killed Aunt Alice. How could he be so devastatingly handsome, so attractive? The man who was responsible for shattering her family should be an ogre, someone who looked as ugly on the outside as he was on the inside. 
Morgan blinked. His face was slightly red as if he had a mild case of sunburn, and the whites of his eyes were pink. His hands were fisted at his sides, but otherwise he showed no reaction to Booley’s introduction. 
“I’m here to inform you there’s a grizzly with cubs in the area of Wind Valley and Molly’s Mountain.” Morgan stood to attention and stared straight ahead while he made his announcement. The contained way he held himself was unnerving. His physical power was obvious, but she sensed he was a man of determination and control, which was unexpected, considering his past.
“Is that right?” Booley said as he moved to stand next to Morgan.
Morgan didn’t acknowledge Booley and didn’t react. He didn’t even blink.
“Timothy Morgan, I’m arresting you for the murder of Ben North.” Booley grabbed Tim’s hand and wrenched it behind his back.
Morgan spun around so he was facing the chief, his hands no longer in the chief’s grasp. “Ben’s dead?”
 
Read the first two chapters

Read Chapter One of Fire Storm - The Gathering Storm Series - Book 2 #newrelease #RomanticSuspense

Can Policewoman, Dana Hayden, suppress her attraction for suspected murderer, Tim Morgan, and uncover a killer



Available ​on Amazon
Read FREE with
KindleUnlimitedLocal hermit, Ben North, is found murdered in his cabin at the top of Molly’s Mountain. Shot when he was already dead, the only clue is a white powder found on his face by responding officer, Dana Hayden.

Dana has just moved back to her hometown, Hopefalls, Montana, a place she fled at thirteen when a prank played by Tim Morgan resulted in the death of her aunt. 
But nothing can prepare her for the bone-deep physical attraction she feels every time he’s near. 

Ex-US Army Ranger Tim Morgan wants nothing more than to be left alone to care for his sick father, but he cannot escape the false allegations that have haunted him since he was fifteen. Now, after being accused of killing Ben, he realizes there is no place for him in Hopefalls, and there’s no chance of a future with the woman who haunts his dreams, Dana Hayden. 

As Dana investigates, she realizes nothing is as it seems. Can she sort through the lies from the past, and suppress her growing attraction for Tim, to find the truth? 

Chapter One
Ben North clutched a hand to his chest in an effort to control his racing heart. The woman sat at his kitchen table, displaying her magnificent, naked breasts. He hadn’t seen a bosom that superb since he’d served in Vietnam. 
Her knee-length skirt had ridden up to her thighs, exposing her shapely legs. He should send her on her way, but the chance to spend time with a beautiful woman would be gone soon enough. He was two weeks away from his seventieth birthday and had more days behind him than ahead of him. 
Besides, it would be rude to tell her to leave. To get to his cabin on Molly’s Mountain, she’d had to drive past protesters and negotiate a steep, narrow trail that, at times, teetered on the side of a cliff. 
“Don’t you want me?” the woman at the table purred.
He wasn’t sure if he could pleasure her. It had been years since his last sexual adventure. He cleared his throat. “Of course, I do, but are you sure? What about your husband?”
She stuck her bottom lip out in a pout. “He’s having an affair.” 
“And I’m your revenge?” He had no time for her weasel of a husband, and there was poetry in the idea of him being used as an instrument for retribution. 
Her gaze slanted to the floor as she swallowed and then licked her dry lips. “You’re not the only one, but yes, you’re payback.” 
There was something in her manner that was off. She could be lying, or maybe she felt guilty over her adultery. Yes, that was it. She wouldn’t lie about having other boyfriends, but still, it was a surprise. “You have other lovers?” 
She nodded and met his gaze, seeming direct and honest.
He’d always thought of her as uptight and unyielding. Maybe she showed the world the strict and conservative side of her nature, but in the privacy of the bedroom, she was a wild woman. He liked that idea. 
She smiled, straightened her back, thrusting her chest forward, and then curled her index finger, beckoning him closer. “I want you to lick my breasts and suck on my nipples.”
His cock sprang to life, which was comforting. Maybe he would be able to satisfy her. He stepped closer and knelt on the floor in front of her, ignoring the pain in his arthritic knees.
As he leaned in, she held up a hand to stop him. “Before you start, I need to get something out of my purse.” She plucked her bag off the floor and placed it in her lap. She was probably looking for a rubber. That was the way of it these days. You couldn’t have sex without protection, even if there was no chance of pregnancy. 
She pulled out her compact mirror and lipstick and then placed her bag back on the ground.
He smiled. She wanted to make sure she looked good. Maybe she would primp her hair or touch up her makeup. He leant closer. He loved watching a woman put on lipstick. It was a feminine and intimate gesture. One he didn’t realize he’d missed until this moment.
She pursed her lips as she opened the compact, held it level with his face, and blew.
He coughed when a fine, white powder flew into his nose and eyes. He tried to wipe it away, but it just smeared. 
She blew again. 
A chemical taste coated his tongue. He spat as he pulled away, trying to rid his mouth of the dry, bitter substance. Then the world tilted and swayed. The floor seemed to buckle under him. He cried out and grabbed the table, trying not to fall over.
A pretty she-devil with the largest breasts he had ever seen moved toward him.  Horns grew out of her fair hair. “Where’s the gold?”
He held his arms wide in an effort to prevent the walls from crushing him. “Why are the walls moving?”
“They’re not moving. You’re hallucinating. It’s a side effect of the drug I blew into your face. I know you found a can of gold coins because I heard you telling Jack. Where is it?”
Jack? Jack Morgan was his oldest friend. Jack would chase the devil away the same way he’d chased away Ben’s other demons. He tried to move to the door. He needed to get out of the house, to feel solid ground beneath his feet. But the floor slanted into an abyss. He gripped the table, scared he’d slip into the dark, inky blackness. “Help me!” he screamed at the devil-woman. 
She smiled. Her evil eyes shone with blue fire. “I’ll help you if you tell me about the gold.”
He’d been tricked. The devil knew Ben’s weakness and had disguised himself as a beautiful woman. 
“You’d better get out of here before she kills you,” the chair said. 
The world righted itself, and he started for the door, ignoring the fact that chairs couldn’t talk. The furniture levitated, drifting around the room. His mouth was dry, so dry he thought his tongue would crack. Blood pounded in his ears. He took another step but didn’t have the energy to continue. He tried to inhale, but his lungs wouldn’t expand. And now the damned furniture was spinning. 
“Just tell me where the gold is!” the she-devil shouted. 
“It’s on Morgan land,” he yelled. He didn’t want to tell but was compelled to reveal everything. The devil controlled his mind. 
“Where?” she insisted. 
He opened his mouth to speak, but a crushing pain in his chest made him double over. He fell to his knees. Tim—he was supposed to meet him tomorrow and tell him about the gold. Now it was too late. He was a thief. He’d stolen from the Morgans, and the devil had come to claim him.
“Where is it?” The she-devil was on the ground next to him. “I need to know,” she yelled, grabbing him by the collar.
Her words stabbed at him, coalescing into a dark, sharp knife that pierced his heart. The spasm extended through his chest and down his left arm. His world exploded into a white light of pain, and then nothing.