THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

Melissa wrote: "I have partnered with Readinista to run a contest for my book, The Good Luck Knot. Pop on over to her super fun blog to see what books she's reviewed and enter the contest. It's open to internation..."

A truly wonderful book!!! well worth reading!

Hey the group! I'm a new member and a YA author with a dystopian debut coming from Katherine Tegen/ Harper Collins in 2013: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...

This looks like a great group and I'm really excited to be a part of it!

I've just published a little compilation of weird and strange stories. If you like a rather odd British sense of humour, have a look at A Little Twist. It's only $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/A-Little-Twist-...

Suza wrote: "Hey, Rick! I know I've been absent for a while, but I check back in and read comments often. I have been crazy busy the last...well, two years! Glad to see the group's doing so well!

The witches..."

wonderful to hear from you again Suza!!! yes- James Mason going strong!! so many wonderful members!

Geoff (Scouse) wrote: "I thought this might be interesting to the group.

Last week I received an offer of publication for my book Ice King. The promised contract arrived yesterday.

In the meantime I cont..."

quite interesting ...and sad- please do keep us informed Geoff

Lee wrote: "Robert wrote: "I'm Robert Downs, and I just had my first mystery novel, Falling Immortality, published last August. My publisher and I are hoping it is the first in an ongoing series.

Book Descri..."

Thank you Lee. I appreciate it!

Geoff (Scouse) wrote: "Last week I received an offer of publication for my book Ice King. The promised contract arrived yesterday."

Seems like you could find an attorney that specializes in publishing and entertainment contracts. While you probably will have some out of pocket expenses, in the long run it would be cheaper to pay for billable hours rather than hang a 15% 'tax' on your sales. I expect the lawyer could negotiate for you as well. Might even be talked into waiting for payment until contract is signed and you receive an advance.

Just thinking out loud.

Today is the first day of my KDP select promo for The Platte River Waltz, introductory chapters.
Bang up results. More sales in the first 12 hours than in last two months. Jumped to #50 in historical fiction. I don't know where the promo is located but it must be out there. Great to watch sales change every few minutes rather than once a day.

Don't usually like to clog up the boards flogging my work around but I guess its acceptable in this forum

Ken wrote: "Today is the first day of my KDP select promo for The Platte River Waltz, introductory chapters.
Bang up results. More sales in the first 12 hours than in last two months. Jumpe..."

Congratulations, Ken! That's great news.

And, the beauty of this group is that members can flog their books all they want without being accused of "spamming" readers. Rick has provided a great supportive forum for authors, and it's much appreciated by everyone.

Cheryl wrote: "Rick has provided a great supportive forum for authors, and it's much appreciated by everyone. "

And somehow, in my elevated state, I neglected to thank Rick for the opportunity to flog.

Say, has anyone else done this promo thing on Amazon? I'd love to see where my book is promoted but looked on the KDP lending library and it wasn't there. WTH is the promo?

My fantasy novel "Wind and Fire" is now back on the market after a brief hiatus due to the closure of my publisher, Asylett Press, last October. The book sports a brand-new cover and has been re-edited.

Currently, it's available as an ebook on Amazon and Smashwords and will soon be published as a paperback.

Here are the links:

http://www.amazon.com/Wind-and-Fire-ebook/dp/B007AGBQAU

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133776

I was the editor for Mary Cote's new release-Ayne-not because of that but rather because of that-if you enjoyed say East of Eden or even Lake Wobegon Days it might be worth considering.

If some consider this a plug then so be it-truth is-what the hell's a damn fine book worth if it is not worth plugging right?

Hi Everyone,
I'm very happy with the publication of my novel "Splattered Blood." The reviews have been favorable and one reviewer on Amazon stated that this is the best debut mystery he's ever read.

http://www.amazon.com/Splattered-Bloo...

If you scroll halfway down the page, past the 9 book covers displayed, you will find a short audio recording of me discussing the mindset of one of the major characters of my international thriller, COVERT DREAMS. Enjoy.
Mike
http://release-notes.blogspot.com/

Michael wrote: "Hi Everyone,
I'm very happy with the publication of my novel "Splattered Blood." The reviews have been favorable and one reviewer on Amazon stated that this is the best debut mystery he's ever rea..."

CONGRATS on the book Michael!!!!!!!!

Geoff (Scouse) wrote: "I thought this might be interesting to the group.

Last week I received an offer of publication for my book Ice King. The promised contract arrived yesterday.

In the meantime I cont..."


Consider self-publishing via Smashwords or Create Space.

Agents and publishers aren't looking for books. They want writers who can feed them many books. Big publishers for instance, demand two- or three-book contracts.

Beware that contract doesn't demand you buy your own book in quantity.

I have two novels out there, one with a publisher and one I self-pubbed via Smashwords. Now on Amazon.

Guess which novel is doing better? The self-pubbed one, because I value readers more than dollars and give away hundreds of samples and free copies. That way, one receives reviews and word-of-mouth.

Hope this helps.

Pierre

The Girl Who Tweaked Two Lions' Tails


Fourteen year old Angelina Freyer, lost and abandoned in the African wilds, has to find her own way home, tee-hee.

Boy, does this awesome story keep readers awake at night. Some incidents are true, based on what really happened. One hundred and nineteen Likes on Smashwords.

Sunday 26 February, Amazon are giving away free downloads.

I value readers more than dollars, because I receive word-of-mouth in return. Fair trade.

Have fun,


Pierre

Hey All! I just released my new novella, Rabid, for the Kindle today. So far, it's my longest work that I've made available (and hopefully my best)until I finish up a few of my other projects. This is also the first one I didn't design the cover myself. Let me know if you like it! I think it was worth the money!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C7SEF2

Hey, J.W. You're right. The cover absolutely is worth it! Very, very creepy and striking. Are you planning on releasing the book as a paperback as well in the near future? It looks very interesting, but I don't own a Kindle.

Thanks, Cheryl! I think it was worth the investment too. Yes to paperback, but not for a few months. I have another novella coming out in April, so I'm going to bundle both together as a single paperback - that'll make it weigh in at around 80,000 words, which I think will give people extra bang for their buck compared to publishing Rabid alone (only around 130 pages). I'm in the same boat - I have to read Kindle books using their app for the PC. My wife has the Kindle Fire, but it's difficult to wrestle away from her.

Cheryl wrote: "Hey, J.W. You're right. The cover absolutely is worth it! Very, very creepy and striking. Are you planning on releasing the book as a paperback as well in the near future? It looks very intere..."

J.W. wrote: "Thanks, Cheryl! I think it was worth the investment too. Yes to paperback, but not for a few months. I have another novella coming out in April, so I'm going to bundle both together as a single ..."

Great, I'll be looking for it in the next few months. I'm an old-fashioned gal in that I love the feel of a "real" book in my hands! :)

Much appreciated! I'm with you, having the "real" thing is still the best feeling!

Cheryl wrote: "J.W. wrote: "Thanks, Cheryl! I think it was worth the investment too. Yes to paperback, but not for a few months. I have another novella coming out in April, so I'm going to bundle both together..."

Hello JW, Yes, the cover was worth it. Congrats on releasing your work and I hope it does well for you.

Covers are so tricky. I'm about to publish the third book in my thriller series. This one is called The Seventh Pillar. I've dithered over the cover for a while and finally ended up doing one myself. In the future, there's a great designer I will work with. He's not cheap! He's also not currently available, so reather than wait a couple of months I will release now. I'll keep y'all posted...

And Rick, thanks again for setting up this great forum with all of its different threads.

Thanks, Alex! Covers are tricky, and I usually agonize over getting one that is just right. And you're right, commissioning someone to them usually isn't cheap (at least not on my limited budget). Luckily, for Rabid the artist was available, and her turnaround time was amazing. There have past instances where I've asked artists and they're backed up for a month or two, which is agonizing if you want to get something out sooner.

I'll be anxious to see the cover you designed for The Seventh Pillar! The Lance looked very intriguing!

Alex wrote: "Covers are so tricky. I'm about to publish the third book in my thriller series. This one is called The Seventh Pillar. I've dithered over the cover for a while and finally ended up doing one mysel..."

Today and tomorrow, is free for Amazon Prime members. Others best bring a buck.

In 1848, only seventeen years old, on the Oregon Trail and suddenly orphaned, Josh begins a journey through the unsettled frontier of a wild continent. Just making first acquaintance with manhood, he quickly finds his future linked to Elizabeth Hampton, a coquette from his old hometown. Together they resolve to venture into an uncertain and dangerous future. Accompanied by Jubilee, an escaped slave, Josh and Elizabeth join a wagon train of Missouri emigrants led by a voyageur scout and a town constable turned captain. The couple commences a lusty exploration of the lands they pass and of each other.

2012 PULP ARK AWARDS.

I am pleased and very grateful to be able to announce that I was a winner in the BEST NEW WRITER category. I share the award with Sean Taylor, as the vote ended up in a tie. If you've read any of Sean's work, you will understand why I am honored to be considered at the same level.

http://theblackcentipede.blogspot.com...

Congratulations, Chuck. Will check your blog.

Congratulations, Chuck!

Here is the trailer for THE LAST PROPHET for those of you who haven't seen it, and two 5-Star reviews from Midwest Book Review and Readers Favorite.

5-STAR REVIEW FROM MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
"No one wants to be a player in the end of the world. "The Last Prophet" tells the story of John March as he discovers his duty as one of the prophets of the book of Revelations, and that he must be the one to stand against the Anti-Christ. Through it all, he must stand for faith in a time where people will have none. "The Last Prophet" is a riveting religious thriller, highly recommended."


5-STAR REVIEW FROM READERS FAVORITE
"The Last Prophet by Jeff W. Horton is a fictional novel based on the prophecy of Revelation. Dreams, visions, and prophesies always have to be treated with some measure of skepticism and scrutiny. How does one know when a dream is just that, a dream, and when it is a revelation from God? This is the basis of this novel.

Before Jonathan Elijah March was born on a cold January morning in North Carolina, his parents had a vision. An apparition appeared in their living room and told them they would have a son, and God had great plans for him. As John grew older, he started having dreams that looked into the future. They may come true the next day, a week later or years later, but eventually they did come true. So how should he go about telling his family that God had chosen him for something special? How does he tell them he will be one of the two witnesses in the end time? When he is finally convinced, as a teenager, that this is real, he embraces his calling. Returning back to the God and church that he gave up after the death of his father, he realizes that it will eventually lead to his own death, but it is something he will do willingly. In the midst of turmoil he will proclaim God’s message.

While this novel is fictional, it is based on the prophecy of Revelations. This book reminded me a bit of the Left Behind Series. I was quickly caught up in the tale. The author skillfully demonstrates where people place their faith and trust: power of glory, sex and money. The plot is well developed and interesting. The characters are believable. I very much enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to others."


Link to THE LAST PROPHET on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Prophe...

Excellent group guys. I am the author of "Without A Testimony." I look forward to connecting with you all about this very heart felt project. I am providing the FB Fan page and the associated website. Danka!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Withou...

http://jerodkillick.com

Tegan Murin has his hands full these days. Feral attacks are increasing, targeting humans, and now he is ordered to find and destroy a deadly artifact known as Oman’s Seal, deal with his estranged step-father and find a missing archaeologist. He’s a bit irritable. Add into the mix a recurring dream of one sexy seductress leading him to his death… well, you get one very pissed off were-panther.
Kyra Navarone is more than what she seems. Escaping from the Ferals who captured her, she ends up running into a brooding, irritating man who makes her blood run hot just with one look. Her life depends on the betrayal of this compelling man, but how can she live with herself afterward?
More than their lives hang in the balance. In order to survive they must learn to trust one another before the world they know and the one hidden beneath the waves are destroyed forever.

The second Book in the series Passion's Flight is out on February 29th.

My second book, CassaFire, came out today, and I'm on a blog tour and hosting a big giveaway at my blog: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Available today!
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Hi Folks, I've finally released The Seventh Pillar, third in the PROJECT Series featuring Nick and Selena. In this one they must track down a fanatical terrorist who has visions of the Islamic messiah commanding him to begin the End of Days. Unfortunately, he has the means to do it. Lots of trouble for them...here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...

Take a look, tag and like if you are so inclined. You can even purchase it!

Super books continue to be written by our Talented and Terrific James Mason Member Writers!!!

Rick wrote: "Super books continue to be written by our Talented and Terrific James Mason Member Writers!!!"

I've got to read his White Jade first!

My second prose-etry anthology has just been released-what can I tell you my publisher believes in poetry and that there is a place for it-there is a four book give away here-prose-etry is simply a form for poetry invented by yours truly on a writer's forum to allow folks to write poetry with an unshackled muse-

I understand the formalities of the art also understand that it is important-just felt like allowing some of us uneducated would be poetic wrecks to have a go at the art form. Poetry does not sell-neverthless an art that possibly is worth having a look at whether mine or for that matter anyone who has a go.

Hi Lee, When you read White Jade, please let me know what you think...I look forward to any comments you might have. The sample includes several chapters online, so if you prefer a paper book but are curious, you can get a good idea there. The link is:
http://www.amazon.com/White-Jade-eboo...
Best
Alex

Pierre wrote: "Geoff (Scouse) wrote: "I thought this might be interesting to the group.

Last week I received an offer of publication for my book Ice King. The promised contract arrived yesterday.
..."

Hi Pierre,
Sorry for the late reply but computer has been ‘hospitalised’ for several days – am back on line again.

To explain a little background – I did self publish as a paperback and then later as an e-book via Amazon & Smashwords.
It was the e-book version that was picked up by the publisher. Currently I have a specialist for literary contracts checking the offer. Not heard back from her yet.
The search for an agent was educational to say the least.

This morning I received a great review from a chap in New York – he posted on Amazon US & UK but not Goodreads

cheers

Geoff

Hi, everyone. I'm offering my latest fantasy novel Pool of Souls FREE of charge for 10 days on Smashwords. Just enter the following coupon number, SL93Y. The coupon expires on March 10, 2012, so get it while you can!

www.smashwords.com/books/view/110325

I would be most appreciative if you, the fabulous readers of Goodreads, would give my book a try and post a review on Goodreads and Smashwords. Thanks so much.

The electronic version of The Limping Dog, my new standalone mystery, is now available from the publisher at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/stor...
Print version available soon.

The electronic version of The Limping Dog, my new standalone mystery, is now available from the publisher at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/stor...
Print version available soon.

This piece is written from the heart. It rings true. My newest baby, DEADLY EYES, a murder mystery set on the island of St. Croix, in the Caribbean, is ready to be born, and I was asked to write about my feelings in this online newspaper. I think you will all feel as I do.
Mike
http://www.theindietimes.com/2012/03/...

ANOTHER FREE STORY!
THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF VIONNA VALIS AND MARY JANE KELLY

Here's a short story featuring two characters who will make their public debut later this year in my second Black Centipede novel from Pro Se Press, "Blood of the Centipede." Enjoy!

http://theblackcentipede.blogspot.com...

I’m ecstatic to announce that London’s Gay’s the Word, Britain’s premiere LGBT bookshop, has added Perking the Pansies, Jack and Liam move to Turkey to their illustrious shelves. If you’re in the area, pop in, browse and thumb (and buy the book, of course). To celebrate this latest achievement and whet your appetite, I’ve released the first five chapters. It doesn’t end there. On the very same day I found out about Gay’s the Word, I was also told that the Bookshop – Darlinghurst, Australia’s pre-eminent LGBT bookstore, is also offering the book for sale, just in time for Mardis Gras. The discerning readers of Sydney will have the opportunity to meet:

“…the oddballs, VOMITs, vetpats, emigreys, semigreys, debauched waiters and middle England miseries.”

For more information, news, reviews, chapters and promos, please check my website http://www.jackscott.info

The re-edited version of my first fantasy novel Wind and Fire, complete with a brand new cover, is now available as a paperback on CreateSpace and will soon appear on Amazon as well.

https://www.createspace.com/3726152

Now I feel like a real author. Yes,I've been selling books for Kindle for almost a year now and it's been really exciting, but now I'm doing print-on-demand through CreateSpace (Amazon.com, not .co.uk), too - when I finally held a real, paper copy of Death in a Scarlet Gown in my sticky paws, it was a bigger thrill than any electronic book! Why is this?! It felt like the moment I'd been waiting for since I started writing at primary school. How does anyone else feel who's been through this?

Lexie wrote: "Now I feel like a real author. Yes,I've been selling books for Kindle for almost a year now and it's been really exciting, but now I'm doing print-on-demand through CreateSpace (Amazon.com, not .co..."

I know exactly how you feel, Lexie. Yesterday, I received the proof copy of my book "Wind and Fire" from CreateSpace and it looks fantastic--even better than the first version I published back in 2009! I was so thrilled with how it turned out. It's funny how an honest-to-goodness real "live" book can make us authors feel, isn't it? :)

I have another book out. It's called Legacy: Phoenix and the Dark Star. It's only available in eBook. The kindle is now available and the other eBook formats will follow in a few days.

Legacy: Phoenix and the Dark Star is a continuation of the story from Legacy: The Mark of Merlin.

Book Synopsis:

In Savannah, Georgia, on Halloween night, the benevolent sorceress Ellen Anderson learns from Andie Cornell (a fifteen-year-old medium) that she had drawn the attention of a sinister wizard from New Orleans who practices an elite type of magic—a type of magic that Ellen has never heard of before.

As Ellen puts a plan into motion to defend herself, she meets several individuals who will stand with her when she faces the sinister wizard.

Among Ellen’s new allies is the eighteen-year-old Seminole shaman and vampire hunter Winona (Winnie) Rivers.

Winona and her crew (Riley and Brad) had been sent to Savannah, Georgia to capture and execute two vampires. The two vampires don’t feed on humans though; however, Winona has never met a vampire that didn't.

When Winona’s group, Ellen’s group and the two vampires come face to face with one another, Ellen demands irrefutable proof that the two vampires are in fact feeding on humans before she will allow Winona’s group to execute them.

As a compromise, Winona agrees to let Ellen’s group cast the ‘Memory Talebearer’ spell—a spell that transfers memories from an individual to anyone within range of the spell—on the vampires, and so the two vampires were taken to a secluded location in order to do so. Once there, Winona shares her story about how she had become a vampire hunter.

Gerald wrote: "I have another book out. It's called Legacy: Phoenix and the Dark Star. It's only available in eBook. The kindle is now available and the other eBook formats will follow in a few da..."

VERY facinating plot, Gerald!! best wishes always!