Thursday, May 31, 2012

Author of the Week- Stephanie Nelson

Biography:  I am a down to earth sort of girl who believes in Karma. You do good things and good things will be returned to you. I chose to look on the bright side rather than the dark. My love of books came later in life. When I was younger I read a few Goosebump and Fear Street books but they couldn't hold my attention for very long. It wasn't until I heard of sparkly vampires that my curiosity got the better of me. Once I was done with the saga i needed more. I rushed out to the bookstores in search of  more paranormal romance books. After devouring book after book, my own stories began to form in my mind. I never considered myself a writer. The only things I'd wrote were poems and that's a far cry from writing a novel. But I could picture the story in my head so I decided to give it a shot and type it out. It wasn't long before i was scraping it to start another one. I continued on like this for a few years before Gwen Sparks' story came to me. I was almost done with a story but ended up stopping so I could start Craved - Book 1 in the Gwen Sparks Series. Seven months later my book was completed. I didn't intend on publishing,I  was merely writing to write. But after being invited into a wonderful writers group, I found my courage and published Craved. It ended up reaching #1 on the Amazon's best seller's list and #6 on the Barnes & Noble best seller's list. Since then I have published Deceived, the second book in the Gwen Sparks series and have started on another series. If I can give any aspiring authors advice, it'd be never give up! It took me four years to find my story and it was worth the wait. I am blessed to have supportive fans and friends and a loving family who encourages me to follow my dreams. (Obtained from website)

Books by Stephanie: 



Find out more about Stephanie Here:



Cupid Painted Blind - A collection of six short paranormal romance stories......


Cupid Painted Blind is a collection of six short stories. 




Sweet Little Lies by Liz Schulte
- Author of Dark Corners and The Guardian Trilogy 
The day Femi caught her first bounty she knew this was it; she found her place in the Abyss. However, one mistake, one act of kindness, one beautifully whispered lie could cost her everything--even her life.


Autumn's Call by Lisa Rayns - Author of The Curse of the Egyptian Goddess
When Autumn realizes death is chasing her, she runs only to be stalled by an unresolved ghost. Is he there to help her? Or does he want retribution for his murder?


Tell a Soul by Olivia Hardin - Author of Witch Way Bends
He’s the dependable one. The strong and steadfast one. Still, there’s one woman who has always turned his firm resolve on end. Langston is surprised beyond belief to find Kristana again, and this time without a husband. Has fate finally given them the chance to be together? Kristana can’t escape her intense attraction for the strange giant Langston, but the murmuring voices in her head are threatening to drive her mad. Can she find a way to trade one torment for another and thereby find true love?


The Siren Sarina by C.G. Powell - Author of Spell Checked
Being a siren is not all that it is cracked up to be, especially when you play with the gods. Sarina, like all good sirens, has a penance for sex and not with just anyone. This time her prey is Ares the god of war and lover to Aphrodite. Not that Sarina minds stepping on the goddess of loves toes, but when Ares gifts her with the powers of a god, Zeus can’t help but to intervene.


Fool Moon by Cait Lavender - Author of Cowboy Moon
All Jack saw when he looked at Carlie was perfection until she ripped out a man's throat. Confused by the pull she had on his heart, he is left with the choice to chase after the love of his life or to be left howling at the Fool Moon.


When Opportunity Haunts by Stephanie Nelson -
Author of The Gwen Sparks Series
With an eternity as the Angel of Death before him, not much could get under Dorian Hade's skin--that was until he met Gwen Sparks. She shuts down all of his advances and insists they are just friends. Dorian takes matters into his own hands and tricks Gwen into a romantic weekend away from her ex-boyfriend at a haunted bed and breakfast.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

(Review) Energy- The Awakening by MJ Schutte

Title: Energy- The Awakening
Author: MJ Schutte
Pages: 334
Version: ebook

Description:

As teenagers, Brighton and Lilian live quiet, peaceful and uncomplicated lives in a remote mountain village called Four Mountains. They soon discover that their friendship has developed into something deeper, but before they can explore their feelings for each other, a dark secret about Lilian’s past rips their world apart. Brighton finds himself fighting for the girl he loves as well as his own life while simultaneously discovering an even bigger secret about himself.

The two young lovers simply want to live in peace but they are constantly hunted because of their special talents.

Brighton has to overcome great odds and even death itself if he is going to save himself and Lilian from the evil determined to destroy them.


Review: (Spoiler Alert)

Energy- The Awakening by MJ Schutte is an original story with the power to pull in the reader. Brighton and Lily, the main characters, have known each other their entire lives and fell in love. Both don't realize they love each other until they are separated and told that the other has died. Once reunited, they are faced with a line of events they have to deal with in order to survive and make the world they live in a better place.

While going through the events, Brighton realizes he has powers that make him the most powerful within his world. His powers to feel the presence of others and to manipulate the energies around him, which save him and Lily several times.

MJ Schutte creates a unique world that is full of chaos and Brighton has to fight for the lives of those around him. The plot flows well although at times it seems as if they are all really young and need the supervision of adults. I found myself laughing out loud and even crying in parts. I very much enjoyed reading this well written book. I give this book 4 **** stars.

Book Reviews....

Hello Authors,

Please add your name to the comments section if your book was accepted for review. Also add the date it was accepted. The list I had... well I hate saying it but was lost. Now I'm starting over again and having trouble remembering who was next in line.

Thank you very kindly
The Writing World


Author Interview featuring Daniel Dinnie

 Daniel Dinnie




1)      Please tell the readers a bit more about you.  
My name is Daniel Dinnie. I’m from Durban, South Africa, where it is rather sunny today. I’m 28 and have been writing for about a year.

2)     What types of books do you write?   
I write non-fiction, semi-autobiographical books primarily aimed at parents. I’ve chronicled my life to show parents what effect the decision they make has on their children.

3) Who's your main audience?     

Parents, soon to be parents, other people who grew up in dysfunction or were lonely, and to a lesser extent psychologists and other professionals who work with the mind, as a lot of what I write about is psychological dysfunction.

4) When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?     

My strong point is honesty. I say what needs to be said, not what is politically correct. My weak points is the computer… I learned to write on a computer, with its many aids. Therefore, my grasp of grammar and punctuation isn’t what some of the masters would call brilliant. Fortunately, my computer does keep me in line and I have two great editors, who are looking out for me.

5) What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?      

I don’t get much writers block. I carry around a little A6 book and write every thought that enters my head. That way I have an endless stream of idea’s. Whenever I’m stuck I just look at my ramblings and can flesh something out. I’d imagine in fiction writing people might get writers block. I’d guess it would be difficult to flesh out idea’s for the end of the book before you have finished the beginning and middle. Take a break, go for a walk, find some inspiration (it’s all around).

6)  How many books have you written?  
 I’m currently writing three books. They are my first. The first of the trilogy is coming out at the end of April or beginning of May.

7)   How many are published?   

Exactly the same answer as number 6.

8) Are you self published or traditionally published?     

I am self-published. I used to be a programmer, so doing all the computer work isn’t a problem for me. In addition, I have a diploma in marketing, so I can also do the marketing as well. The sad reality is that publishers don’t pay authors enough, and I want to make my books and the message that I write within, my career. The aim of my books is to help children have a better start to life that what I did. Therefore, it’s important that I can make a living from it. It’s something that I really want to do, so I’m going for it whole-heartedly. In addition, with print-on-demand and all the other printing aids today, it’s much easier for a writer to self-publish.

9) What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?     

Opening up my life. Writing semi-autobiographical non-fiction leaves you very exposed and vulnerable. It’s rather daunting.

10)What type of books do you enjoy reading?   

Mostly non-fiction about psychology, success, happiness, evolution of Man, and other interesting people. I just finished Thrive by Dan Buettner, On Writing by Stephen King, and Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown. All good books.

11)   Who's your favorite Author?
Don’t really know. Probably Stephen King. I’m currently reading The Shining. I don’t stick to one specific author. However, I will say that Stephen King is really easy to read. I breezed through On Writing. He forms sentences in such a way that you are able to just flow through the pages. Pow! (people who have read the book will get that reference) He’s a  great author.

12)   What's your all time favorite book?
Um… As above I’m not really a favorites kind of person. There are so many good books out there—Sperm Wars by Robin Baker, Virus of the Mind by Richard Brodie, Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich (finished it in two days, awesome book), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (my favorite Harry Potter book).

13)  How long does it take you to write a book?
 I’ve been writing the trilogy I’m currently working on since October 2011. So that’s seven or eight months to get the first one out. The second book is already seventy per cent done, and the third one is maybe forty per cent done. I don’t think you can put a definite number of this though. It takes as long as it takes… I’ve heard of some people who took 21 years to finish their book (which is currently being published).

14)   Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?
Well my books are non-fiction, so my characters are real people, mostly me. Therefore, I’m going to have to say “me” J

15)   What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?
Writing a book is hard! It takes so much out of you. Before I wrote a book, I’d see all the books on the shelves and didn’t appreciate how much work goes into them, and how much soul goes into the good ones. It’s really a shame that publishers take most of the money from book sales, and the poor artists starve

16)  What does your family think of your writing? 

When I started out, they weren’t too keen on the idea. I got the impression that they though it was a pipe-dream. They are coming around though, and are anxious to read. I have kept my work fairly close to my chest though. Only my editors have seen it, and one or two other people have seen select bits and pieces.

17)   What does your writing schedule look like?
8:00, write, gym, write, write, break, write, write, break, write, write, write, 21:00 Self-publishing takes a lot of work!

18)   Do you manage to write every day?
Yes most days. Sometimes I take a break from it though. I need to. Sometimes my brain is overflowing and needs to get away from the computer and thinking. I guess it’s like any muscle in your body, it needs a break too! I do also write for ten minutes each morning. I just write whatever nonsense comes out of my mind. It’s a recommendation from a book (can’t remember the name) on being more creative.

19)  What's the latest news you'd like to share?
 I just did the cover shoot on the weekend. That was awesome! I’ve included one picture (which won’t be on the book). Alternatively, see my website for pictures in the next few days. In addition, my book is coming out soon, YAY J Very happy to just about be at the end. Much relief. See my website for all the details.

20)  Do you have any advice for new writers? 

Yes. Always carry around a book to write in, and a pen (don’t forget the pen). Anytime an idea comes into your head, write it down. Then categorise and store them somewhere. When you feel writers block coming on, check your stash of ideas. O and also, if you want to write, just start! In addition, join a writers club or something similar. Find other people who write. It’s great moral support.

Links

Sunday, May 27, 2012

(Review) Haunted Moon by Kymberlee Burks-Miller

Title: Haunted Moon ( A Moon Coven Series Novella #0.5)
Author: Kymberlee Burks-Miller
Pages: 36
Version: ebook

Description: Before Lilyann stepped into her destiny to lead the coven, there was another powerful Moon witch...her grandmother. A teenage witch in Galway, Ireland, Leeny Moon was prepared to take her rightful place in the circle along side of her kin. Until, she witnessed firsthand the forthcoming nightmares she would be expected to face.

The fight between good versus evil begins here...

Blessed Be~

An ebook exclusive novella of Kymberlee Burks-Millers Moon Coven Series



Review: Haunted Moon by Kymberlee Burks-Miller is a novella that doesn't waste time pulling in the reader. From the very first page, I was hooked. I needed to find out more. Kymberlee created a world where witches and vampires are at war. Lilyann is pulled right into the middle of it. This short novella gives a peek into the life of Lilyann as her destiny claims her.

I give this 5 ***** Stars. It feels more like a tease and with it, the reader is left wanting to find out more. I know I will be reading the Moon Coven Series. 

#SixSunday- Sophie (WIP) #4







It was wet, cold, and dark. From the dust, dirt, and cracked cement floor, one could see it was a basement. A small square window allowed a small amount of light in. Thick plastic covered it so no one outside looking in could see a thing.  A pole stood in the middle of the room and the walls were finished with concrete that has broken over time. There was one light bulb above the mattress, although there wasn't a string to turn it on.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Author Spotlight featuring Jessica Redmerski

Jessica Redmerski


Books
DIRTY EDEN
THE MAYFAIR MOON - Book #1 in the Darkwoods Trilogy


Book Review (Coming Soon)

Links

Interview

1. Please tell the readers a bit more about you. 
 I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1975 and started writing in 1976. Ok, not so much, but it feels like it!  I’ve been writing since I was thirteen, the first time I dove into an actual novel. I can never see me doing anything else. Also, I have three great kids and a Maltese.

2. What types of books do you write?  
I’ve published a YA Paranormal Romance titled THE MAYFAIR MOON and a Contemporary Fantasy novel titled DIRTY EDEN, but I’m also working on a MG Fantasy and a Post-Apocalyptic Science-Fiction novel.

3. Who's your main audience?  
Right now it seems to be YA readers.

4. When it comes to writing- what are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?  
I love to write dialogue. It feels and flows more natural to me. I feel I struggle a little more with description, but it’s because I’m impatient and sometimes it feels like description is slowing me down. But I pace myself! If I didn’t, the entire novel would be a giant conversation.

5. What do you think of this term- Writer's Block? How do you overcome it?
 As a term, Writer’s Block is a disease, in my opinion. And I’ve said in a few interviews before, the way I overcome it is by not getting stuck in it in the first place. I’m all about prevention as it’s easier to prevent a disease by taking the necessary precautions beforehand, than it is it cure it. The way I prevent it (usually – sometimes it still gets me!) is by never ending my writing day at the end of a scene or sentence. I end the day in the middle of a scene or sentence. It keeps my mind fresh and constantly churning, thinking about what I still need to write to finish out where I left off.

6. How many books have you written?
 Four

7. How many are published?  
Two – THE MAYFAIR MOON and DIRTY EDEN

8. Are you self-published or traditionally published? 
 I am a proud self-published author, but that’s not to say I would not still like to be picked up by a traditional publisher someday.

9. What's the hardest part of the writing process for you?  
The beginning! The first couple of chapters are so daunting because all I can think about is how much I still have left to write. Like I mentioned, I’m totally impatient. After about the third chapter, I get more relaxed.

10. What type of books do you enjoy reading?  
The same stuff that I write – YA Paranormal, Contemporary Fantasy, Urban Fantasy. But I really have a soft spot for anything dark, unique, weird and witty.

11. Who's your favorite Author?  
I have three: Neil Gaiman, Anne Rice and J.K. Rowling

12. What's your all-time favorite book?  
That’s tough! It would probably have to be…OK, I can’t choose one. ALL of the HARRY POTTER books, NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman and THE VAMPIRE ARMAND by Anne Rice

13. How long does it take you to write a book?  
Typically, 6-7 months to write it and a few months of extensive editing
 
14. Out of all of your characters, which is your favorite? Why?  
My favorite would have to be from my first finished novel, which hasn’t been published. Her name is Josephine and she’s my favorite because her story and those in it hold a dear place in my heart.
 
15. What is one of the most surprising things you've learned as a writer?  
That these days there’s A LOT more to being a writer than writing. Social-networking, blogging, etc.
 
16. What does your family think of your writing? 
 They are very proud and hope to see me succeed.
 
17. What does your writing schedule look like? 
 I’m currently writing Book Two in the Darkwoods Trilogy titled KINDRED.
 
18. Do you manage to write every day?
 I try to make it a point to write every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sentence, two paragraphs or twelve pages. It’s the only restriction I put on myself and it seems to work.
 
19. What's the latest news you'd like to share?
 KINDRED will be sexier, the love will be deeper, the tragedies will be more unbearable and the ending will be intense!
 
20. Do you have any advice for new writers?  
Other than the things I’ve already mentioned, I guess it would have to be that if you love to write and tell stories, don’t ever let anyone or anything stop you from doing it. Not the market, not the ‘subjective’ aspect, not the naysayers or the critics. And no matter what, always write for you, first and foremost. Everyone else you’re writing for are those who love your work. Never lose sleep over those who do not.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Author of the Week featuring Olivia Hardin ( @OliviaH_Writer )






Author of the Week
Olivia Hardin 



 Biography

Olivia Hardin always realized how strange she was to have complete movie-like character dreams as a child.  Eventually she began putting those vivid dreams to paper and was rarely without her spiral notebooks full of those mental ramblings.  Her forgotten vision of becoming an author was realized when she connected with a group of amazingly talented and fabulous writers who gave her lots of direction and encouragement.  With a little extra push from family and friends, she hunkered down to get lost in the words.  She’s also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and is sometimes accused of being artistic, though she’s generally too much of a perfectionist to appreciate her own work.  A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband and their puppy Bonnie. 


Books by Olivia Hardin

Witch Way Bends
Bitten Shame


Current News about Olivia

Today is the release day of Olivia's Bitten Shame. Here is a bit about the book:
When Jill Prescott is finally reunited with her best friend, she’s amazed to discover Devan is the famed faery-witch.  Their adventure will take them on a journey into the faery realm to find Devan’s roots, but Jill is haunted by her memories of the sexy vampire known as “Doc” and her shame for her past makes it nearly impossible for her to claim her future.


Bitten Shame (Book 2 of the Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy) is finally here!  You can get your copy at any of these locations:



And you can also join in with the release party on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/415515011813325/


So head on over and Congratulate Olivia on her newest Release!!!!! 

Thursday, May 24, 2012

New Release: Blood Betrayed by Gabrielle Bisset


 NEW RELEASE!!!!

Another amazing book by Gabrielle Bisset. Come along on a journey you will never forget....

Blood Betrayed

 Blurb:  I am everything forbidden.  I am vampire.

Haunted by betrayal, Saint hides in the human world, giving his heart to no one and finding the only solace from his past in the arms of human women. Now as the Archons begin their takeover of the vampire world, this Son of Navarus has been marked for death. 

Summoned to defeat the Archons by the world that shunned him, Saint must face his past and Solenne, the woman he loved and lost a century ago, for only in accepting her will his body and soul finally find salvation.


Excerpt: 
"Solenne, can you find a woman who doesn't smell like she's been deep fried in animal fat tonight?"
Closing the door to the refrigerator, Solenne turned to see Saint standing at the kitchen's center island. Shirtless. Again.
"Saint, do you own any shirts or do you need me to pick some up for you?"
Smirking, he raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Have we become a prude?"
Pushing past him, she sat down at the table and popped a grape into her mouth. "Don't you concern yourself with me, but dial back the Cro-Magnon act, can you?"
Leaning against the counter, Saint propped himself up on his elbows and rolled his eyes. "And the girl from last night?"
Solenne secretly enjoyed the thought of him repelled by Marie for any reason. Maybe he didn't drink from her. That would explain why he was being such an ass. Maybe he didn't sleep with her either.
"Marie seemed perfectly fine to me," she said casually as she picked grapes off the vine. "Maybe you just weren't her type. Maybe she has more refined tastes in men."
"Yeah, that sounds right. A woman who smells like a French fry has refined tastes. Just find me a woman who smells like a woman should."
You'll be lucky if I bring you one at all.
Saint strolled past her after issuing his order as if he were the king of the castle. God, he was infuriating!  If she'd ever met a man who could push her buttons more than Saint, she couldn't remember him. Wouldn't have wanted to remember him, at any rate.
It still amazed her how different he and his brother were. Teagan was smooth and so much fun to be around. And Saint? Always the darker, more sullen brother, he'd transformed into a shell of the man she'd met a hundred years ago, more detached and alone than anything else now.
But behind his gruff exterior—behind the defensiveness—that vulnerable soul she'd known then must still exist. At least she hoped it did.
It did no good to think about that now, though. She had a job to do, and at the moment that meant finding a human female to provide him with what he needed.
Even if it felt like she was betraying everything she held dear in her heart the whole time she was doing it.


PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE:


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