Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Author Interview with Sim Stevenz


Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well, I'm nineteen. About the writing side of me I've been writing since I learned to read, which was about thirteen years ago. I wrote a lot of stories from the ages of six and nine, mostly fan fiction. I wrote my first novel at eleven and became a published, albeit self published, author at eighteen. I've written over twenty titles, not all published, still working on it. The other side of me, I guess, the side most people see, is my fun loving side. I love to travel, meet new people, take chances and just enjoy my family and friends.

What do you do when you are not writing?
Well, I eat, sleep, work a second job, travel, go out on the town, spend time with the people I care about, but I write a lot, so there isn't much time in the day for much else, except for weekends.

Do you have a day job as well?
Yes, I do.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
To be completely honest, I started writing as soon as I could read but I didn't finish my first novel until about thirteen. I wrote my first story at eleven but it wasn't a novel.

How did you choose the genre you write in?
I decided to be honest with myself and realized I really like writing Romance with a bit of Action, Suspense and Thriller quality to it.

Where do you get your ideas?
That's hard to say. I like to think it's all in my head. I have a very rich world in my mind where all my characters live, waiting to be brought alive by my words. I draw from personal experience as well. There are some nuances in life, some as simple as the way a person counts money that may make it into my stories.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Actually, no. There have been times when I bored myself with my own stories, but I've found that once I get into a story, I just write and write until it's over. I've never found myself stuck because I tend to plan out my endings ahead of time and work towards them. Once in while I'll surprise myself.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?
It depends. I've written a few stories with outlines, back stories, histories all prepared. Most of my stories however, are completely spontaneous. I let my pen, or my keyboard just guide me and see what I come up with.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
I am a proponent of the classics. Some of biggest literary inspirations are people like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Daphne Du Maurier, Georgette Heyer and even Mark Twain.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
It was very hard. I didn't know anyone willing to publish my books and it took some time to discover that self publishing was free and easy. One of the downsides of self publishing is you have to do everything yourself: publicity, editing, proofing, design. It didn't bother me so much, but I really wished and still do wish that I had someone very familiar with the industry to guide me through it.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?
There are many things I would change, but I think the biggest thing is if I had to do it all over again (publish my first novel again) I'd get an agent.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?
Well, I don't really have time to do much marketing, but wherever I go I tell people about my books. I hope to use word of mouth to spread the knowledge of my books around.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
Yes and no.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
I haven't decided what it's going to be but for now people can check out my latest release 'Creature Leader' on Amazon.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
I like to use a combination. I'd say that everything is based on real life experiences and I use pure imagination to shake things up a bit.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I always enjoy writing the last chapter. It's where I get to create a happy ending for everyone involved, or not. It's where I as the author get to demonstrate my complete power over the subjects of my writing world. It's a very satisfying feeling.

How did you come up with the title?
The 'hero' of the story is called 'Creature Leader' and it is he who becomes the Creature Leader that will save the world from destruction. I thought how about a short title and that's what I came up with.

What project are you working on now?
Right now I'm working on a story, title withheld, that is about the surprises and irony of life. It is a love story and I'm having fun with it. I don't guarantee that it's the next title, but who knows?

Will you have a new book coming out soon?
I won't publish a new book until early in 2014. I hope to use the rest of the year to gain some publicity and a footing as an author.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I would love to go back to my hero in Creature Leader, but I wouldn't do that to him. He's happy and I think I should leave him alone.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
I haven't received much criticism as an author other than from my editor and that I don't consider criticism, more like constructive instruction.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Keep at it. Don't give up. One day, whatever you dreamed for will come to. But, with a caveat, no one said hard work doesn't play into it as well.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Enjoy my work, that's all I ask.



Books by the Author

Creature Leader -


The Plague and the War took many things from Drayven Locke, but it did give him one thing: hatred for everyone and everything. A fateful night inspires questions, a search for answers, the title of Creature Leader and ultimate dominion over the planet Pax. But amidst all of this, his struggle to forgive darkens his heart. Clyne, a woman from his past haunts his presence. With her appearance comes more questions than answers. Sealen Solnen is just another victim of the Plague and the War but she becomes so much more when she meets Drayven and makes it her destiny to bring him back to life. His struggle to forgive and her struggle to be forgiven finds them both locked in a battle for his sanity....and his life.







When Darkness Falls - 3-in-1 - When darkness falls, one man rises up to fan the flames. He is the architect of revolution; his steely grey eyes focused on victory and the domination of his world. Time is running out; his enemies are legion. He faces possible betrayal by members of his own family and stands to lose the one woman he loves to another man. Drake Halifax must find a way to retrieve the Cities from Resistance control. He deposes the Arbiter of the Four Cities, but it isn't enough. It is only the beginning. He leads a Rebellion to free his people from oppressive tyranny. A way of life is being threatened. He vows there will be no dawn for evil. The sun must rise again.

When Darkness Falls: Book 1 - Follow Drake Halifax, a man disgusted with the depravity he sees in the cities. He embarks on a mission, recruiting his father, a distinguished member of the bar, and a young woman who finds the grass is greener on the other side. His mission ends with the death of the Arbiter, but the war has only begun...

When Darkness Falls: Book 2 - The fight continues. Drake Halifax is now fighting to keep an
ambitious woman's attempts to bring his campaign to a halt at bay. Unbeknownst to Drake, his mother's death will help him to begin the true battle and face the demons that are on his side.

When Darkness Falls: Book 3 - Drake Halifax's struggle to bring the cities under his control comes with many sacrifices. Buildings are burned, people are killed, raids are staged and all the while, the fires burn hotter. As Drake strives to restore freedom to a crumbling world, a young woman's heart becomes his desire. Will loyalty prevail or will revenge reap despair?

The Extralife Chronicles - The Humans want Extris for their own. The Extralife want to keep Extris for their own. An unlikely alliance forms first between Maveth Dojanne and Avith Runer, long time enemies. Then, Maveth allies with Murl Graven, the one Extralife that is the enemy of them all. She will be Queen of Earth...

Sunday, May 26, 2013

As You Wish Tours












As You Wish Tours


Owner:  Julia Hendrix
Co-Owners:  Len Phelps & Tina Donnelly


Website:  As You Wish Tours







Services Available for Authors


  • Cover Reveals
  • Release Event
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  • Trilogy Promo Event
  • Author Spotlight 
  • Book Trailer 
  • Single Book Promo
  • Tour Kick Off 
  • Single Book Tour
  • Trilogy Book Tour
  • Series Book Tour 



Each service option can include:





~ 1 - 3 - 5 Day Event Options ~


~ 7 - 14 - 28 Day Tour Options ~


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    1. Author Spotlight


    a) Promotes the Author


    b) Guest/Specialty Posts via Author


    c) Includes: Cover, Synopsis, Blurb,


    Author Photo, Bio, Author Links & Book Links





    2. Book Trailer


    a) Promotes Book w/Trailer


    b) Includes; Synopsis and/or Blurb,


    Author Bio, Author Links & Book Links





    3. Cover Reveals


    a) Promotes New Book w/Cover


    B) Includes: Cover, Synopsis and/or Blurb,


    Author Photo, Bio, Author Links





    4. Release Event


    a) Promotes Newly Released Book


    b) Includes: Cover, Synopsis and/or Blurb,


    3-5 Excerpts, Author Photo, Bio, Author Links


    & Book Links





    5. Series/Trilogy Promo


    a) Promotes Series/Trilogy


    b) Includes: Cover, Synopsis, Blurb,


    3-5 Excerpts, Author Photo, Bio, Author Links


    & Book Links





    6. Single Book Promo


    a) Promotes Book


    b) Includes: Cover, Synopsis, Blurb, 3-5 Excerpts,


    Author Photo, Bio, Author Links & Book Links





    7. Tour Kick Off


    a) Promotes Tour w/Schedule


    b) Includes: Banner, Schedule, Cover,


    Synopsis and/or Blurb, Author Links & Book Links





    8. Single Book Tour


    a) Promotes Book


    b) Includes: Spotlights, Excerpts, Guest Posts,


    Specialty Posts, Author Interviews & Character Interviews


    c) Optional: Tour Wide Giveaway


    Hosted Giveaway via Rafflecopter





    9. Trilogy Book Tour


    a) Promotes Trilogy


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    a) Promotes Series 4-6 Books (14-28 Days) 7+ Books (28 Day)


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    Tuesday, May 21, 2013

    Release Event for “Kilingiri” by Janna Gray





    Book Title:  Kilingiri
    Author:  Janna Gray
    Release Date:  May 21st 2013
    Genre:  Romance, Women’s Fiction, Romantic Saga, Saga
    Publisher:  GMTA Publishing, LLC
    Presented by:  As You Wish Tours

    ONE LINER

    With exotic locations richly painted, Kilingiri, a saga of love and loss with its many painful twists and turns, proceeds like beads threaded on silk until the circle is completed.



    BLURB

    1968, Srinagar, Kashmir and Nina is devastated by the death of her new-born baby girl.
    Sister Angela and Father Michael at the mission hospital step in to nurse Nina back to health
    but when the friendship between Nina and Father Michael turns to love, Michael makes a
    decision which will resonate through the years.

    It is 1981 and in Kinsale, Ireland, Nina, devoted to her son Joshua, lives a loveless existence,
    but a chance encounter changes everything. Michael is back in her life, he leaves the
    priesthood and happiness is within their grasp.

    But when past and present collide, their whole world is turned upside down.

    Only by facing the consequences of what has gone before, can Nina and Michael embrace
    the future.

    Janna Gray guides us masterfully through this poignant story of love, loss, betrayal and
    hope.




    EXCERPT




    Thongkla Prison squatted like a malevolent toad in a swamp of stinking mud, the walls crumbling like cream-crackers where inclement weather and pollution had eroded its fabric, staining the formerly pale grey stone with leprous patches of grime and mildew.  The stench of sewage and unwashed bodies filled nostrils and lacquered throats with a stinking, oily film.

    After being accused of possessing marijuana in a quantity that indicated trafficking, Nina had been incarcerated in this hell-hole for the past three months. Greg had arranged for James Pembroke, one of Bangkok's finest legal brains, to take her case. Having been raised in Thailand he spoke the language fluently, thus avoiding the need for an interpreter which was a vital asset in a country where all legal transactions were carried out in Thai.

    The prognosis for was not promising.

    ‘Your fiancĂ©e is in a devil of a mess, Dr. McKinley. I'm sure you realise that trafficking is a criminal offence in Thailand. Our country has a very real problem with drug smuggling across the borders with Burma and Laos and officials here are determined to stamp out this illegal and highly dangerous activity. I don't need to remind you that if found guilty, Miss Maitland will be executed or serve a life sentence?’
     

    AUTHOR BIO
    Janna Gray grew up in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and was educated at boarding schools in
    Kodaikanal, South India and Derbyshire, England. She trained to be a teacher in London
    where she met and married her husband Simon. His job took them to Singapore, Hong Kong
    and Thailand where she raised two sons, worked at British and International schools and
    wrote articles for newspapers and magazines.

    Currently living in the UAE, Janna was the Senior Mistress (a title which caused much
    merriment among her colleagues!) and Head of Pastoral Care at Repton School before
    trading her marking pens and report cards for the world of writing novels. She enjoys
    travelling and sailing and had a love-hate relationship with exercise until she discovered
    the joy of Zumba where the trainers turn a blind eye to her inability to remember dance
    sequences. She sings in the shower and with choirs, has an allergy to golf and recently
    discovered the allure of oils and acrylics – a delightfully messy way to express her inner
    artist.

    AUTHOR LINKS
    Facebook Profile
    Goodreads
    Amazon US
    Amazon UK
    Website
    Twitter
    Facebook Email
    Blog

    BOOK LINKS
    Amazon US
    Amazon UK
    B&N
    Coming Soon...
    Goodreads
    Smashwords
    Coming Soon...



     

    Monday, May 20, 2013

    (Reveal) Silenced 2: The Overtaking Cover (revamped)

    Title: Silenced: The Overtaking (Silenced Series)
    New and Improved Cover
     
     

    Cover created by RaeBeth McGee-Buda
    Model: Nikki Peterson

    Book Description


     In life when one thing goes wrong, it can feel like everything goes wrong. Secrets come to the surface while friendships twist out of control, romantic relationships end, and even a dear loved one can die!

    In Silenced: The Overtaking Amber’s life turns to chaos when she finds out Sarah, her childhood friend dies suddenly, her stepfather reveals another devastating family secret, and her boyfriend begins pushing her away.

    After all the truth comes out, Amber turns to her darkness for comfort when her worst fear becomes reality. Her secret with cutting is discovered when she loses control and ends up in the hospital. Amber’s long journey to recovery begins with a battle. While she’s fighting her way to freedom, she discovers the one love she’s been missing her entire life.

    Will Amber overtake her darkness of cutting or will the darkness overtake her?
     




    Author: RaeBeth McGee-Buda
     
    Estimated Release Date: Late Summer

    Sunday, May 19, 2013

    Sliding Beneath the Surface Promotional Event May 15-19



    Book Title: Sliding Beneath the Surface (Book
    1)
    The St. Augustine Trilogy
    Author: Doug Dillon
    Release
    Date:
    August 24, 2011
    Print Length: 166 Pages
    Genre:</ b> YA Paranormal
    Presented by: As You Wish Tours




    Hello St. Augustine Fans! Let’s not forget the YA Paranormal Fans!

    For
    two days, the Kindle version for Sliding Beneath the Surface will be available FOR FREE
    on Amazon.com—a special promotion.
    Those days will be May 18th & 19th. Spread the word
    and tell everyone you
    know about this wonderful opportunity.


    BRIEF SYNOPSIS


    In old St. Augustine, Florida, fifteen-year-old Jeff Golden’s recurring dream of being stabbed
    in the chest and bleeding all over his bed is driving him crazy. It’s causing him to lose sleep
    and giving him severe headaches. When his psychically gifted friend Carla and an ornery
    Native American shaman named Lobo try to help, Jeff is inundated with terrifying paranormal
    experiences.



    Reaching out of Florida’s distant past, something increasingly entangles Jeff in tentacles of
    danger that threaten his sanity and eventually his life. But the harder he tries to understand, the deeper he gets. When comprehension finally dawns though, time has almost run out. Lobo does his best to prepare Jeff for what he must face in order to survive but it may be too little and too late.

    It’s at this point that both Jeff and Carla find themselves swept headlong into an alternative
    reality from which they may never return. If they don’t quickly and fully adapt to this situation, all hope is lost. From Lobo they know how it might be possible to change what is happening but the question is, can they? Repeatedly, Lobo has told both teens, “You create your own reality whether in this world or in another.” If acted upon properly, that advice just might save their lives and end suffering on an even wider scale.




    </ div>
     BLURB</ div>


    A new resident of America's oldest and most haunted city, St. Augustine, Florida, fifteen-year-
    old Jeff Golden suddenly finds himself up to his eyeballs in frightening paranormal experiences. At the end of his rope in trying to figure out what is happening to him, Jeff decides to rely on his friend Carla Rodriguez, and Lobo, an old Native American shaman, for help.

    Despite this guidance, things get even worse. Jeff's spine tingling encounters increase in
    number and intensity at an alarming rate, scaring him even more. Eventually, he makes the
    startling discovery that unresolved circumstances involving a bloody event directly out of
    Florida's distant past threatens his sanity and possibly his life.

    Finally, overwhelmed by forces he cannot understand or control, Jeff's world shifts from
    frightening to downright terrifying. In desperation, and on Lobo's advice, he leaps headlong into the unknown in order to save himself. What Jeff discovers though is that he has entered a level of reality he is completely unprepared to handle while unwittingly dragging Carla with him.


    Like all the books in THE ST. AUGUSTINE TRILOGY, the premise for Sliding
    Beneath the Surface
    is simply this: You create your own reality.

    </ div>
    EXCERPT



    “So tell me about this dream,“ Lobo said to me in his rumbling voice as he sat back down in his
    chair.



    “Dream?“ Neither Carla nor I had mentioned my dream yet. If anybody else had brought me
    there besides Carla, I would have sworn that person had already talked to Lobo about my
    problem.



    “Am I not speaking clearly enough for you?“ The man replied with this sour look on his face.



    “Yes, your dream.“



    “Uh … OK. My dream. Well, for the past three nights I‘ve been waking up with a horrible pain in
    my chest like something has stuck me hard while I‘m sleeping. When I sit up and look down, my
    bed is glowing and there‘s something long and pointy coming up out of the mattress trying to get
    me. Blood is everywhere, all over my chest, my stomach, my sheets and on the pointy thing. It's
    all so real, like it‘s actually happening. Then when I jump out of bed and turn the ceiling light on,
    it all goes away, but my chest still hurts. I still feel like I‘ve just been stabbed. I‘m telling you, it
    scares the crap out of me.“ I hadn‘t planned on saying that last part. It just popped out.



    Lobo grunted and looked all around me in his weird way, his unblinking gaze all fiery.



    Everybody blinks, right? Not him. I‘m telling you, it felt really odd to be talking to somebody who
    keeps his eyes constantly open. Shifting his attention away from me, he put his water bottle
    down on the coffee table, got up and went to the display case I had touched earlier, the one
    with all the weapons. As I watched him, for the first time I noticed the circular display case over
    the fireplace held a huge collection of arrowheads, spearheads and stone knives. I wondered if
    they were Seminole. “Come over here,“ he said, his words a rumbling command. I could feel my
    stomach twist the way it does when adults try to boss me around, but I resisted the temptation
    to say something back.



    When I got to the case, he asked, “That something sharp coming out of your mattress look like
    any of the objects in here?“ He squinted as if he somehow wanted to see the answer within me
    as much as hear it. I guess by then I was a little paranoid about the possibility of him being able
    to get inside my head. After what I had experienced while standing there before, I wasn‘t sure
    I wanted to look, but I did. As I searched, my headache intensified, making me wince, but even
    so, my eyes stayed glued to this one item.




    About the Author

    A former award winning educator, Doug writes about things paranormal and historical. His
    interest in the paranormal comes from personal experiences as detailed in the nonfiction adult
    book he and wife wrote titled, An Explosion of Being: An American Family's Journey into the
    Psychic. Out of those events and extensive historical research, he then created Sliding
    Beneath the Surface for young adults, Book I of the St. Augustine Trilogy
    . Doug set his
    trilogy in the oldest and most haunted city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida. Books II
    and III of the trilogy are on the way.





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