Patti Roberts's Blog, page 7

November 19, 2015

Brand New Release in the Paradox Series

"If anyone had told me ten years ago, that I'd be fighting off giant blood-sucking bats and flesh-eating zombie monsters in the snow on Christmas morning, I would have laughed at them."

The Paradox Story continues... Earth 2020 – The power has been switched off, and everyday supplies are critically low. Overrun by bloodthirsty demons, earth is on the verge of total collapse.
Finding herself in a strange land, 900 years before she was born, Grace embarks on an epic journey in an ancient world to find her way back home…
In a race against the clock, is it already too late for Grace to save the city and the people she loves?


"Paradox is not a story in a place - it is the legend of a whole world."
Ella Medler, Paper Gold Publishing.

Paradox - Elemental by Patti Roberts http://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Element...

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Published on November 19, 2015 23:41 Tags: angels, dystopian, earth-2020, elemental, paradox, vampires, zombies

November 8, 2015

Author Interview - (Chris Mason) (Entrepreneur in a Box A Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet)

Book Description from ITunes.:Are you one of the millions having trouble making ends meet. If you are slowing nodding agreement on the inside then Entrepreneur in a Box: A Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet may just be what you’re looking for. If you have a skill or clutter that needs to find a new home than this book can help you. The book has websites where people can sell their:Cars and car parts
Graphic arts 
Homemade fabric
Inventions
Music
Produce
Unwanted clutter
Unwanted gift cards 
Writing
Plus much more
Entrepreneur in a Box a Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet even has a section on crowdfunding because sometimes people need a little help achieving their goals. So pick up a copy of Entrepreneur in a Box: A Guide to the Best Ways to Make Money on the Internet and put that skill or unwanted clutter to work for you today

What inspired you to start writing, and when?
 Due to the fact that all my children went to an online charter school, I had to find ways to save money and found many free resources through the internet. In fact I still think it is funny when I first asked my daughter’s teachers for resources that could help her when she first entered the world of online schooling, I only received 3 websites. I thought 3 websites from 6 teachers was a sad state of affairs, so Tutor in a Box was born. That was years ago now. My eldest daughter was in sixth grade then, now she is a sophomore in college.
My other books were born out of two things that happened at the same time. First, my family had to give up cable to save money but my kids still wanted to see the then popular That’s so Raven. Second, my mother came up with Mason Day to teach my kids that they did not need a lot of money to give someone a nice gift. Mason Day was when a person was assigned a family member and had to make them something, spending only 20 dollars. My thought was “Oh my God”. I had no artistic skills like my daughters’ and could not build things like my son, but I did have impressive research skills. So the “In the Box” series of books was born.

What is your preferred genre? I like classic science fiction and romance.
How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy? All the “In the Box” books are reference guides to the best free stuff in a particular area. The series currently includes:·                 Tutor in a Box - A guide to free educational resources.·                Book Store in a Box - A guide to free print and audio books.·                Arcade in a Box – A guide to free video games.·                Video store in a Box – A guide to free Television and Movies.·                Record Store – A guide to free music·                           Production Studio in a Box: The Guide to make DVD, CD Websites and other Media at Low or No Cost     App Store in a Box: A Guide to the Best Free Applications for Mobile Devices on the Internet·                     Entrepreneur in a Box:  A Guide to the best Free Websites to Make Money

Tell us a little about your book. Entrepreneur in a Box came about because no one will hire me and I was trying to find ways to make money because I am broke with the big B. so I put all the free ways to make money together in an eBook.
Do you have plans for a new book? Yes but not for a while my next book is going to be a survival guide for truckers kind of like the What to Expect When Your Expecting but for new truckers.
1    Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? Jennifer Crusie

Was there an Author who inspired your writing?My favorite authors are Jennifer Cruise, Janet Evanovich, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Philip José Farmer and Steve Berry and no they have not influenced my writing.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?
I set up an outline but make changes as needed.

Did you have an editor edit your books? No, Unfortunately.
Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcover? At this time I prefer eBooks as they or cheaper to produce and go well with the nature of my books.
Where do you prefer to buy your books? I prefer to buy my books at actual book stores when possible.
Are you a self- published (Indie) Author? Yes I am. I publish through Smashwords.
What books would you like to read again? My two favorite books are Door Into Summer and Agnes and the Hitman.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? Yes, To Kill a Mockingbird.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (eBook/paperback/hardcover)? I just finished Odds On by Michael Crichton and Indexing by Seanan Mcguire both via audiobook.
Who designed the cover of your book? All my covers for the In the Box books were designed by a man named Nat through Fiverr.com. He also does the formatting of my books to make them complaint for Smashwords.
Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? No
Do you have any advice for other writers starting out? This is a multipart answer.
A.        Write what you love and are passionate about, if you care about it others will because your passion will leap off the page.B.        Don’t write about what’s popular on Amazon. Stand out and be different.C.        Have your audience in mind as you write it helps keep you focused. D.        Match your subject matter to your deliver system. Not every book is good for every format. For example the “In the Box” series would not be good for the audio format due to its online nature.E.        Don’t be afraid to outsource parts of the writing process that are outside your skill set. For example I outsource my cover creation and formatting. This way I can just focus on the writing. This includes marketing as well.F.         Lastly as corny as it sounds believe in yourself. In the immortal words of Ed Wood “just write, if it is bad it will get better and if it is good it will become great just keep writing
Do you write under a pen name? No but should I become famous maybe then.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s? It depends on the weather. I live on an 18 wheeler that goes cross country. So sometimes I just write in my birthday suit if say it is 115 in Nevada but mostly its sweatpants and T shirts.
What are your pet peeves? People who don’t answer the question asked but answer with something out of the blue or having to put up with a lack of the common sense people should have been born with.

You are trapped on a tropical island - who would you like to be stranded with?
A question I always ask that is similar is if you could invite any six people who ever lived throughout history to a dinner party who you would invite. My answer: Leonardo De Vinci, Mark Twain, Jesus, Buddha, Ben Franklin PT Barnum.

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes? None of those but an endless supply of excellent cold coffee would be great.

Cats or dogs? DogsWhat is your favorite food and beverage? Coffee and Chicken Parmesan
How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing? It depends on how bumpy the roads are, the weather, if there is internet and if I am in the mood.
What are 3 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)? My wheelchair, a picture of my wife, my Access card.
Sleep in or get up early? Get up early
Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop for writing.
Your favorite gadget? My laptop
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? I prefer coffee shops but since I live on a big rig I write when and where I can.
Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad – I sometimes get mad when I get nailed by a reviewer for things I can’t control like how my book appeared on their device or if the review is negative or non-sense for a bad review I gave the reviewer. The good reviews are nice but for me they don’t increase sales and besides either way everyone is entitled to their opinion. Either way a review tells me people are reading what I write.
Do you have a bucket list? Yes but I will only tell you one thing on it. To get to the Monopoly championships held in Monte Carlo.
One of your favorite quotes – A classic is a book everyone praises but no one reads. Mark Twain.
List 3 of your favorite movies? Those would be What’s Up Doc, Now You See Me and Vanishing Act.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed? I liked Terminator Genisys.
Where can your readers stalk you? My readers may contact me via email found in my books.
Is your book in Print, eBook or both? As stated before all my books are available via eBook.
Do you give free eBooks away in exchange for honest reviews? No but Record Store in the Box is always free.
Book links: Video Store in a Box Book LinksITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/video-store-in-box-guide-to/id790348711?mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/video-store-in-a-box-chris-mason/1117953122?ean=2940045544009Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/video-store-in-a-box-a-guide-to-free-television-and-movies-on-the-internetSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391633
Arcade in a Box Book LinksITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/arcade-in-box-guide-to-free/id791834888?mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arcade-in-a-box-chris-mason/1120033861?ean=2940046070774Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/arcade-in-a-box-a-guide-to-free-video-games-on-the-internetSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391749

Book Store in   Box Book LinksITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/book-store-in-box-guide-to/id799322759?mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-store-in-a-box-chris-mason/1118585487?ean=2940045580786Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/book-store-in-a-box-a-guide-to-reading-and-listening-to-the-best-free-books-on-the-internetSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/398027
App in a Box Book LinksITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/app-store-in-box-guide-to/id1039080339?mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/app-store-in-a-box-chris-mason/1122643539?ean=2940152345506Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/app-store-in-a-box-a-guide-to-the-best-free-applications-for-mobile-devices-on-the-internetSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/576180
Production Studio a Box Book Link ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/production-studio-in-box-guide/id1053841251?mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/production-studio-in-a-box-chris-mason/1122861597?ean=2940152428766Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/production-studio-in-a-box-a-guide-to-free-production-tools-on-the-internetSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/587580
 Entrepreneur in a Box Book LinksITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/entrepreneur-in-box-guide/id1039085739?mt=11Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/entrepreneur-in-a-box-a-guide-to-the-best-ways-to-make-money-on-the-internet-chris-mason/1122643542?ean=2940152345537Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/entrepreneur-in-a-box-a-guide-to-the-best-ways-to-make-money-on-the-internetSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/576188

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Published on November 08, 2015 00:28

September 29, 2015

The Pelagius Game: Compelling New Fiction Series by R. J. Jerome


The Pelagius Game : Compelling New Fiction Series Fuses Secret Religion & Biblical Events with Bold New Fantasy World.
Written by R. J. Jerome, ‘The Pelagius Game’ marks a powerful new chapter in the world of fantasy fiction. The series’ first volume, ‘Valstain’, introduces readers to a magical realm between Heaven and Earth. Offering such a vivid literary adventure, the series is poised to resonate with readers around the world.

For Immediate Release

Levittown, PA –For generations, fantasy has been a staple of the literary landscape. With fans crying out for new worlds to explore, Pennsylvania’s Russ Jerome is delighted to announce his new book with gusto.
‘The Pelagius Game’ uniquely fuses biblical mystery with all that is great about fantasy. ‘Valstain’ serves as the perfect introduction to the series as readers young and old are offered an opportunity to whisk off to a world unlike any they have ever read about before.
Synopsis:Through The Pelagius Game series, R.J. Jerome introduces the reader to Valstain, the magical realm between Heaven and Earth.Valstain follows the life of Timothy Anderson as he reveals his haunted past to Father Michael Olshefski, the new headmaster of The Pelagius Order. The Order’s seminary is the training ground of a secret religious society whose job is to find and prepare gifted warriors to fight evil.But someone on the inside has a different idea.Now, Tim must expose the true wicked desires of the Order’s leaders to the kidnapped priest. He needs this man’s trust and permission to enter the Holy ground so he may once more venture into Valstain and claim his revenge on those who betrayed him. However, Tim knows mere words will not convince the priest—only tasting the memories locked inside his magical blood will. It is said once a man has entered Valstain, and experienced the horror within, he is never the same again—that is exactly what the forces of evil are depending on. The Pelagius Game has begun, and the journey into Valstain is only the beginning.
Valstainis a must read for anyone interested in fantasy adventures with plenty of sword fights, vibrant characters, and intricate plot twists.

As the author explains, his book’s setting plays host to a diverse range of happenings and experiences.
“Valstain is unique because it blends Earthly mysteries like secret religious societies and biblical events with a fantasy world where one can be seen battling giant spiders or the undead with magical weapons and super natural abilities, like strength, speed, ability to manipulate the weather or fire,” says Jerome.
Continuing, “I spend most of my free time researching religion. I once attended a class in Catholicism where I saw two priests whispering. This spawned the idea for ‘The Pelagius Game’ and I spent the next four years constructing narratives for four books.”
With much of writing based on diligently-researched fact, it comes as no surprise that the series’ title carries much significance to the real world.
“I remembered stumbling across Pelagianism, a theological theory named after the British monk, Pelagius. Pelagius practiced first to demonstrate the power and quality of human nature and to show what it is capable of achieving. With this in mind, I constructed the idea of a competition between God and Satan. Want to know more? Buy the book!” Jerome adds.
With such a powerful initial offering and many more volumes to come, interested readers are urged to purchase their copies of the series’ first book as soon as possible.
‘The Pelagius Game: Book 1 Valstain’, published by eTreasures Publishing, is available now
Author Interview - (R.J. Jerome) ( The Pelagius Game)

R.J, how many books have you written? 
Two books so far in the Pelagius Game series, Valstain and Born Villain.
Tell us a little about The Pelagius Game series.
I compare the series to a chess match between God and Satan where the outcome determines the end of days. Valstain, which is the magical realm between Heaven and Earth, is the game board and the heroes and villains are the game pieces. So our hero, Timothy Anderson, believes he is the only game piece left alive on God’s team. To survive, he must find the sword of the spirit in order to kill his remaining enemies.  But the weapon is on Holy ground and he is a vampire. How is he going to succeed? 
Is fantasy your preferred genre?
Fantasy / Paranormal. I like going down the rabbit hole and seeing where it takes me.  
Do you have plans for a new book?
Yes. I am currently working on book 3 & 4. Thank God I don’t sleep much.
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Valstain is in both print and kindle version. Born Villain is in kindle format, but will be heading to print soon. Isn’t that right, Martha?
You are speaking of course about Martha Eskuchen, the founder of Etreasures Publishing?
Of course. By the way, it’s etreasurespublishing.com  (Small “e” folks.)
Do you enjoy working with a publishing house or would you rather go self-published?
I prefer the publishing house. They steer me in the right direction.  I have Kylee Howells as my marketing specialist. She cracks the whip and keeps me busy.  Kim Wollenburg points out my terrible spelling and brutal use of the English Language. Last but not least, Suzannah Safi of Suzie Design is my cover artist.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
I couldn’t be bothered about all that. If I want to know what an author is all about, I just look at their body of work. That answers any question I’d have.

Was there an Author that inspired your writing?
Yeah. I’d go with R.A. Salvatore. His books, The Dark Elf Trilogy probably inspired me. I am a terrible dyslexic so I don’t read much. Add the fact that I’m left handed and Gemini, it’s amazing I even get out of bed.
What books would you like to read again?
I listen at least once a year to the Dark Elf Trilogy on audio. However, to read again, Many Years From Now, by Barry Miles.
Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?
I’d like to tell you I write pant less for the sake of comedy, but that’s not true. I have the basic ideas in my head for seven books, but I write on the fly. I can’t be trapped in a plot box. It doesn’t allow for freedom.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?
I think all writers, whether they realize it or not, are constantly writing. When I see something funny or interesting in my personal life, it immediately gets placed in the rolodex for later use. As for research, that is another story. I spend a couple of hours a week looking up ideas from Church documents and secret societies. I love dropping subtle hints to those in the know.
I know you have been asked this in other interviews, but can you finally clear the record on your involvement in secret societies?
The only answer I can give is... Follow the light.
What are your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad .
If you’ve enjoyed what I’ve written and I’ve entertained you, then great. If you didn’t enjoy the books and want to waste your time writing negative reviews about me, that’s great too. At the end of the day, I’m still blessed, because they keep me relevant by talking about me. However, no one even knows their name.
So the few bad reviews didn’t bother you at all?
Not at all. I had someone review my book on social media before it even came out. They gave it a negative review. How can review something that isn’t out yet?  People love misery. You can’t get caught up in that stuff.
Do you give free ebooks away in exchange for honest reviews?
I’m not even sure if I’m allowed to do that. Kylee?
How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?
Two a day during the week. Four to six on the weekends.
Do you have any advice for other writers starting out?
Listen to all the constructive criticism you receive. Learn from it, but don’t let it stifle you.
What are your pet peeves?
Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United. His eyebrow. You’re supposed to have two. Socks and sandal wearers. Empty bottles of Absinthe and AleSmith. (That’s the proper spelling)
You are trapped on a tropical island - who would you like to be stranded with?

That’s a tough one. It couldn’t be a musician or author. Stranded? Really? Not sure on this but maybe a young Andie Macdowell, She was a bit fit wasn’t she?

What are 3 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
A writing pad, sense of humor and my sobriety. (Just kidding about the first two)
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Desktop everyday of the week. I run three monitors and use them all when I’m writing.
Do you have a bucket list?
Yes. First, to reach a New York Time best seller list. I’ve reached best seller in other places, but I want the golden crown. Second, shave Marouane Fellaini’s eyebrow. I can die after that.
Where can your readers stalk you?
First I must say, some of my readers are the greatest people. They send me posters, secret society flyers, weird and crazy reviews and emails. I love them. They can usually find me at Vault Brewing in Yardley, PA. Isaac Newton’s in Newtown, PA. Roaming the streets of Boston or Salem, Massachusetts.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.  I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. 
Thank you for putting up with me, Patti. It was a pleasure.

BOOK LINKS:
AmazonThe Pelagius Game: ValstainThe Pelaguis Game: Book 1 Valstain (Volume 1) PaperbackBorn Villain: The Pelagius Game, Book 2
Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

Etreasures  

About the Author:

R.J. Jerome grew up in historic Bristol, Pennsylvania, where his love of art, music, and fantasy novels was born.After graduation, Russ left America for 6 months, and traveled to England. It was there that he saw the Gloucester Cathedral. The massive, gothic architecture fueled his interest in spirituality.Usually religious art or stories inspire Russell's work, but on occasion, you will find him fumbling through a page of one of R.A. Salvatore's epic fantasy novels.When not busy researching religions, you can find Russell drinking, rating, or talking about well-crafted beers and Absinthes.ISBN: 9781937809508https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18714289-valstain
Contact: Russ Jerome /  russjerome@comcast.net, or follow on Twitter @R_J_Jerome or http://rjjerome.com/



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Published on September 29, 2015 19:12

August 12, 2015

Angela Lockwood, author of the Language in the blood series and, Something Short


Book Description from Amazon:
Language in the blood book1
Until the outbreak of the First World War, young Cameron Blair would have liked nothing better than to stay in Edinburgh and marry his childhood sweetheart. As the call to arms goes out, Cameron and his pals sign up to fight for their country. They are soon delivered into the nightmare of war, and there Cameron more than meets his maker. 

The story follows Cameron as he comes to terms with his new ‘life’, from his first days as a hapless vampire in war-torn France to the glamorous modern day setting of the Côte d’Azur. Along the way, he develops a distinctive taste for the finer things in life: jewels, yachts, small dogs and champagne-infused human...

What inspired you to start writing, and when?
I started writing when I was unemployed. Unusually the weather was bad here, in the south of France, and I was climbing the walls. My husband suggested that like the Shelly’s and Byron we should write a ghost story. Mary Shelly produced Frankenstein and while not on a par with that, I think I’ve created a vampire that will amuse a number of you.

What is your preferred genre?
I don’t have a preferred genre. I do a lot of Indie book reviews and there is mostly something good or bad in any genre. I love original thought, but hate formulaic romance.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?
Next to the 2 language in the Blood books, for which Paradox book covers has done the covers, I’ve also cooperated with my friend Elspeth Morrison on the short story bundle; Something Short which is helping raise money for support in mind Scotland. Also recently I was involved with a bundle that is raising money for the charity Macmillans nurses called; You’re not alone. 

Tell us a little about your book.
The language in the Blood series is comedy about a Scottish vampire that ends up living the high life in the south of France. What inspired me was my current life in France, but also the life I left behind in Scotland. I’ve managed to weave in many things that I experienced there and here. I do miss my Scottish friends and this allowed me to write down some fond memories. (be it in a rather twisted way)

Do you have plans for a new book?
I’m currently working on a romantic novel: Conversations with Tom. It is inspired by my cat. It is about a man that has been left by his wife, shortly after they adopt a ginger haired kitten. It weaves in lots of humourous cat anecdotes as the man finds new love.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
If he was still alive, I’d love to meet Graham Greene. It is a rare talent that can write comedy and drama equally well.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?
Seat of my pants, nothing is planned.

Did you have an editor edit your books?
My good friend Penny Hunter has been such a help in editing my Language in the Blood books. I was a total novice when I started out, so her guidance has been invaluable.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Couldn’t live without my Kindle!

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?
Proud to be an Indie.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)? 
E-book of Resistance by promising YA Indie writer Kayla Howarth. Enjoyed the first in the series and the second is pretty good too.

Who designed the cover of your book?
I did a rather poor job myself with a photo of a toy dog and some ketchup. Then I had it redesigned by Paradox book covers who did an infinitely better job! 

Do you have any advice for other writers starting out? 
Start on your next book and prepare to work every waking hour. Make the book the best it can be. So many Indies do not use editors and it’s embarrassing to have a reviewer point out any mistakes. I was also pleasantly surprised that it’s not that expensive to have a professional book cover made for me. 

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Probably, I live in the south of France, so it’s not unusual for me to wander about in a nighty.

What are your pet peeves?
Ignorant racist people, the ones that start a sentence with, “I’m not a racist but……” 

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes?
Just one? No! Probably Wine, who says you can’t find inspiration at the bottom of a glass?

Cats or dogs?
Cats

What is your favorite food and beverage?
Like Cameron who likes his prey flavoured by champagne, I’m rather partial too to the bubbly beverage.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?
Not enough. I spend most of my time now on promoting my books and holding down a full time job. I’m a very lazy researcher that gets most her information of Wikipedia.

Sleep in or get up early?
Early riser. 

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I love writing on my balcony, can’t beat writing in some fresh salty air.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad 
It’s the thing that keeps me writing. I get such a buzz from getting a 5 star review. Bracing myself for a one star, there are a lot of trolls out there who revel in giving hard working writers a single star random review. 

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
Enjoying Orphan Black, not normally a sci-fi fan, but this is just good fun with an amazing actress, who plays several characters, but you wouldn’t know it as they seem just so different in character and speech.

Where can your readers stalk you? 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruftsloverAkaCameronBlair?ref=hl
And blog: http://languageintheblood.blogspot.fr/

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
E-book, but thinking of printing.

Do you give free ebooks away in exchange for honest reviews?
I’ve provided some books to book bloggers for reviews.

Book links:
All my books can be found on my author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Lockwood/e/B00MD5IN4A/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0





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Published on August 12, 2015 04:35

August 10, 2015

The Metronome (The Counterpoint Trilogy Book 1) by D.R. Bell

The Metronome  (The Counterpoint Trilogy Book 1) 
As Pavel Rostin is trying to solve the mystery of his father’s death, he turns up some inexplicable clues. The investigation draws him deeper and deeper into his family’s past – and his country’s future. From starving 1941 Leningrad to free-wheeling Moscow of the mid-1990s to bubbly 2006 Wall Street, Pavel uncovers a web of money, murder, revenge and evidence of a plot involving the world’s superpowers. The choices of right and wrong don’t look as clear cut as in newspaper headlines. But is he just a pawn in someone else’s game?
Review
“As Book One of a trilogy, The Metronome‘s subtitle warns that this will be no light fling and that events will likely be expanded by further books in the series. That said, expect a novel of international intrigue that stands well on its own while providing a prequel to The Great Game.That the ‘old country’ (Russia) permeates much of The Metronome is evident from its first paragraph, which sets an atmosphere of intrigue: “I hate when phone rings in the middle of the night. It must have come from the old country, where a knock in the dark often meant that a black car is waiting downstairs and someone will disappear.”Pavel’s father was a detective, so Pavel is used to family secrets, even though he’s now far from his Russian homeland.  But the death of his father brings him back to Russia; there to uncover a mystery that will follow him, in turn, back to the U.S.The Metronome‘s theme of memories that spring up is just one facet of Pavel’s experience that brings readers along for what turns out to be a wild ride of international intrigue, family secrets, and mystery. Don’t expect a simple or easily-defined novel, here: The Metronome is a link between Russia and the West, between long-hidden family secrets and a son’s new life in his new country, and between a detective’s investigation into a murder and its ties to the past and to the future. The book’s twists and turns are multifaceted and delicately woven and will delight readers who eschew the usual shallow leisure read for something richer and steeped in other cultures. In this, The Metronome shines, analyzing Pavel’s life and the final decision that will set him free, once and for all.”D. Donovan, Senior Book Reviewer, Midwest Book ReviewReaders’ Comments“What makes great history? I’d list criteria such as 1) important event(s), 2) careful research, and 3) compelling writing. What makes a great story? I’d suggest A) fascinating, page-turning plot, B) well-developed, interesting characters, with one or more that is at least somewhat likable, C) strong setting, and D) compelling writing. The Metronome (The Counterpoint Trilogy Book 1) scores close to 5 stars on each of these criteria.”  By William C. Meade“This is a great book, well written, far above the average books, not so much i terms of the prose itself, but the depth of knowledge and analysis of world affairs.”  By Martin Kaynan“The Metronome is a prequel to D.R.Bell’s earlier novel The Great Game. Set in 2006, it foreshadows the events that take place a dozen years later. As in the sequel, the political and personal realms are deeply interconnected. Elements of a long term political intrigue and clandestine financial warfare get exposed through the eyes of the book’s primary protagonist Pavel Rostin, a physicist with no ties to politics. The novel explores the differences between the West and the East, the impact and perception of the U.S. policies in Russia and how these factors impact their actions towards us. Parallels to totalitarian Russia highlight the perils of allowing the government, especially its security apparatus, too much power – one of the most dangerous fallacies that democratic people can fall into – recall Ben Franklin’s “They who can give up essential Liberty, to obtain a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety”.”  By Spiros Rally
From the AuthorThis was an unplanned book. After publishing The Great Game, I was going to return to my “normal” life. Then questions about a sequel started coming in. The last words in The Great Game are “This is not the end.” I meant it philosophically, meaning that the struggle between good and evil will continue. But I was being too cute by half and the readers called me on it.Somewhere in the process of working on a sequel I have taken a turn into the past. Events in The Great Game are based on the 2019 financial crisis which in turn is rooted in financial warfare between the US on one side and China and Russia on the other side. I wanted to go back in time and show the beginning of that warfare, show that the seeds have been planted and carefully cultivated well before 2019.And something else started happening. Some of the events “predicted” in The Great Game began to materialize much sooner than I expected, particularly rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia and growing rapprochement of China and Russia.  Exactly a century after events in Eastern Europe sparked the first World War, another conflict of superpowers is brewing in the same region. Yet again the world is getting caught in a cycle of demonizing each other and ratcheting conflicts by financial, economic and military means. Perhaps before we go further, we should step back and try to look at the world through the eyes of others. Not because we’ll necessarily agree with them, but because the world is complex and to better understand it we should grasp that other points of view exist and that our actions are not always perceived in Moscow and Beijing the same way they are portrayed in Washington, D.C.These were the intended underlying currents in The Metronome. Because The Metronome and The Great Game are separated by 16 years, by design there are only a few common characters between the two books. One is Colonel Nemzhov who is already planning the eventual financial attack against the U.S. The other is Suzy Yamamoto, whose work will prove to be of paramount importance in The Great Game. The characters of The Metronome are made up but the backdrop of the events is real and factual. The main protagonist Pavel Rostin is a regular, very flawed man who faces difficult circumstances. I knew that the ending will upset some of the readers but I felt it was the only honest way to conclude the novel. What mattered in the trilogy was not his immediate fate or his flaws, but the moral choices he made at the end and their impact on others, such as Jeff Kron and Suzy Yamamoto. Because “even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
BiographyI am an accidental writer. In "real life" I have graduate degrees in business and engineering and spent many years writing boring technical, business, and legal papers. In late 2012 a friend's death prompted me to ask what would be the one thing I regret not doing. I've always been an avid reader but have not had the courage to write. And I made a New Year resolution to write a book. That's how "The Great Game" was born. I try to write about serious topics but wrap them into an action-filled story. While all my books are entirely fictional, each of them carries a Commentary how the fiction is rooted in facts and realities of current events. If you want to learn more, please visit my website www.drbellbooks.com.
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1The Metronome (The Counterpoint …
D. R. Bell (143)
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Published on August 10, 2015 20:31

July 29, 2015

Language in the blood: Book 1 by Angela Lockwood



Until the outbreak of the First World War, young Cameron Blair would have liked nothing better than to stay in Edinburgh and marry his childhood sweetheart. As the call to arms goes out, Cameron and his pals sign up to fight for their country. They are soon delivered into the nightmare of war, and there Cameron more than meets his maker.

The story follows Cameron as he comes to terms with his new ‘life’, from his first days as a hapless vampire in war-torn France to the glamorous modern day setting of the Côte d’Azur. Along the way, he develops a distinctive taste for the finer things in life: jewels, yachts, small dogs and champagne-infused human... 


About the author
Angela Lockwood-van der Klauw was born in the Netherlands. She learned her trade as a jeweller and gemmologist at the Vakschool Schoonhoven before moving to Edinburgh as an apprentice jeweller. There she met and later married her husband Adam. Angela ran her own jeweller’s shop in Edinburgh for ten years before she and her husband moved to the south of France in 2011. Like Cameron, Angela prefers the climate there, but often thinks about the town she left behind and its people.

Cameron’s story was born in the spring of 2013, a very wet spring during which Angela found herself climbing the walls, frustrated that she couldn’t go out and have her usual long walks along the seafront. Seeing his wife’s frustration, Adam suggested ‘Why don’t you write a book?’

Angela thought about it for a few days, then switched on her laptop and started writing. This is her first book.

follow language in the blood on:
http://www.cruftslover.adzl.com
https://www.facebook.com/CruftsloverAkaCameronBlair

Buy on Amazon HERE


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Published on July 29, 2015 03:07

July 28, 2015

New Release by Helen Johnston - Eternal Hunger book 1


From the author of the seductive Innocence Series. 



Tatiana is a published author who lives her life through the sexy characters she brings to life within the pages of her books. Her twenty-fifth birthday arrives and it’s time for her life to take on an exciting edge. It’s always been filled with friends and laughter but she desperately wants to fall in love, the kind that will make her heart beat faster and awaken her sexual desires. 

If only she knew what was just around the corner… 

Lexington, Lexi to his friends, is an Elder vampire who demands respect. And when Mr downright-gorgeous suddenly appears, sweeping Tatty off her feet and into her wildest dreams, she is catapulted into a world she never knew existed. 

Can the two worlds be bridged and will she finally learn about her family's past, her legacy and what she has to endure just to stay with her beloved Lexi? 



Amazon US http://bit.ly/EternalHungerbk1HJamazonUSAmazon UK http://bit.ly/EternalHungerbk1HJamazonUKAmazon CA http://bit.ly/EternalHungerb1HJamazonCA
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/EternalHungerbk1HJamazonAU

Author Bio:Helen Johnston grew up in her home county of Hampshire, England. Her childhood dreams filled with the desire to become a dancer. An only child she was never alone, her years spent entertained with her vivid imagination.  Her life consisting of home life and a few jobs in the retail industry her vivid imagination refused to stay quiet and combined with her love of erotica and all things vampire she decided to try her hand at writing and has never looked back.







Now only 99c each - Reduce from $2.99 for a limited time. HERE
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Published on July 28, 2015 23:36

July 21, 2015

The Girls of October by Josh Hancock



 "The Blair Witch Project of books...a superb novel." -David Royce, horrorcabin.com

The Girls of October tells the story of a young woman who develops a strange fascination with John Carpenter’s Halloween, believing that somewhere within the 1978 horror classic lays the truth behind an arcane force that has terrorized her since her childhood.As an escape from a world that has not always been kind, film student Beverly Dreger takes comfort in spooky urban legends, horror movies, and monster magazines. But when a string of bizarre murders draws her closer to the folkloric entity known as “the bogeyman,” Beverly must unravel the mystery of her past and confront an ancient evil.An epistolary novel, The Girls of October collects fictional primary sources—newspaper articles, film criticism, screenplays, short stories, interviews, police reports, and more—to tell a chilling story of psychosis, family secrets, and murder.
What inspired you to start writing, and when?
I don’t know—I just know that I was always writing fiction, probably as early as the third or fourth grade! I used to cut out pictures from monster magazines and comics, tape them inside a notebook, and then create fictional stories around the pictures. My parents, though mildly concerned about my interest in darker material, always encouraged my writing, and their bookshelves were filled with works like The Exorcist, Pet Sematary, and countless mystery and thriller novels. Throughout high school and college, I continued to write and began to develop an interest in combining different aspects of the arts (poetry, fiction, film, photography) into a single work that tells a cohesive story. My interest in multimedia led to the writing of my novel.
What is your preferred genre?
My preferred genre is literary horror, especially anything that unites different types of media to tell a story.
How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?
The Girls of October is my first novel, but my previous book, Cabin 28: The Keddie Murders, told the true story of an unsolved quadruple homicide that took place in Northern California in 1981.
Tell us a little about your book.
The book is called The Girls of October, released by Burning Bulb Publishing this past April. The novel was born from my love of the horror films I grew up with, including Halloween, Friday the 13th, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. But I didn’t want to write a slasher, “blood and guts” book. Though there are many gruesome scenes and plenty of chills, The Girls of October is an academic work masquerading as a horror novel. It features essays, research papers, short stories, news articles, letters, 911 calls, police reports, psychiatric interviews, and an entire dissertation on John Carpenter’s Halloween—all to tell the fictional story of a film student who believes a supernatural entity has been stalking her since she was a child. It combines my love of academia with my love of horror to tell a story that hopefully readers will enjoy!
Do you have plans for a new book?
My next novel is called The Devil and My Daughter, and it’s a collection of essays, articles, interviews, press kits, scripts, and oral histories that work collectively to tell the story of a group of young filmmakers trying to make a demonic possession movie.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?

I always plot, but I allow myself the freedom to deviate from that outline when necessary.

Did you have an editor edit your books?
As an English teacher for over 18 years, I feel comfortable with my own editing skills, but it’s always important to have fresh eyes tackle your work. For The Girls of October, I worked exhaustively on editing and proofreading the book before finding a publisher for it. Then the publisher and I worked together to perfect any remaining issues.
Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?
No, though I am drawn to the small presses. Cabin 28: The Keddie Murders was published by Adelmore Books, and I believe it was their first non-fiction, “true crime” publication. The Girls of October found a supportive home with Burning Bulb Press, who has an impressive roster of authors, including Gary Vincent, John Russo, and David Fairhead.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
Lately I’ve discovered an interest in cryptozoology, so I’m currently reading paperback versions of Lyle Blackburn’s The Beast of Boggy Creek and Linda Godfrey’s American Monsters.
Who designed the cover of your book?
The cover was designed by my publisher, Burning Bulb Press.
Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? 
Absolutely. When I discovered Mar Danielewski’s House of Leaves, it was purely by accident. I happened to be wandering through the bookstore and the colorful spine caught my eye. When browsing books online, I think the cover is even more important and should really grab the reader’s attention in some way.
Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - 
Reviews are always a good thing, whether they are positive or negative. I think all a writer can ask for is an honest review. So if you love the book, tell the audience why you loved it; and if you didn’t like it, be clear as to what put you off.
List 3 of your favorite movies?
Well, The Girls of October makes it pretty clear that John Carpenter’s Halloween is in my top three. I also adore William Friedkin’s The Exorcist and David Fincher’s Zodiac.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
As a horror writer, I’m delighted by the recent uprising of horror/thriller television, including The Walking Dead, Hannibal, True Detective, and The Bates Motel.
Where can your readers stalk you?
My books can be found on Amazon and Goodreads, and readers can explore the world of The Girls of October at thegirlsofoctober.tumblr.com.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
The Girls of October is in print softcover, at around 290 pages or so. There is also an e-book version available, but because of the epistolary nature of the novel, I think the print version is much more user-friendly.
Book links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MnOS9L

Book website:
thegirlsofoctober.tumblr.com
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25319388-the-girls-of-october


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Published on July 21, 2015 23:30

July 18, 2015

July 16, 2015

Stormy Summer - Romance novel by Suzy Turner

AMAZON LINK: HERE

GOODREADS LINK:    HERE
SYNOPSIS:  When Summer Miller is rudely awoken from the best hot 'n' heavy dream she has had in a long time, her day gets progressively worse... until she prangs the car belonging to one of the office's hottest blokes. 
One thing leads to another and she soon finds herself dating a man who isn't quite what he seems. When her imagination goes overboard and she thinks he might actually be a 'she', Summer ends up running away to Portugal – straight into the arms of a handsome American stranger...
AUTHOR BIO: Born in England and raised in Portugal, Suzy lives with her childhood sweetheart Michael, two neurotic dogs and several cats – one who thinks she's a princess.
Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy worked as a trainee journalist for a local English newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she took the job of assistant editor for the region's largest English language publisher before becoming editor of a monthly lifestyle magazine. Early in 2010 however, Suzy became a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul, Daisy Madigan's Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo, Forever Fredless, And Then There Was You as well as Stormy Summer.
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Published on July 16, 2015 01:24