Thursday, July 31, 2014

The Neumarian Chronicles Blog Tour and Giveway


Thanks for stopping by and meeting Ciara Knight!  
Check out her books and learn about what inspired the setting of the story!
At the end of the post, you'll not only find excerpts of the stories but a chance to register for a giveaway!  There will be 7 winners!

The Neumarian Chronicles Blog Tour
Title: Weighted
Series: The Neumarian Chronicles
Author: Ciara Knight
Publication:  August 18th, 2012
Pages:  42


Synopsis
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Title: Escapement
Series: The Neumarian Chronicles
Author: Ciara Knight
Publication: February 26th, 2013
Pages: 337

Synopsis
Ten years after the great war of 2185 the queen’s reign is threatened by uprisings and fear. In celebration of my sixteenth birthday it is my duty as princess to sacrifice a slave to be initiated into the ruling council, solidifying my mother’s empire. When my own erratic powers surface I’m captured and tried for treason. Slaves hate me, my mother wants me executed, and my only chance of survival rests in the hands of a young man, Ryder Arteres, whose sister I sentenced to death.


Title: Pendulum
Series:  The Neumarian Chronicles
Author: Ciara Knight
Publication:  December 2nd, 2013
Pages: 364


Synopsis
Haunting memories.
Terrifying dreams.
Crippling lies.

Trapped in a world of deception, my sanity rests with the love of Ryder Arteres and our renegade friends. Six months of scouring the ocean floor in a rebel ship fleeing our homeland, delivers us to a possible alliance with the opportunistic European Council. Our only hope is to utilize our forbidden gifts to free our people from slavery, proving our worth. But when a trusted ally turns traitor and a new breed of the queen’s weaponry is revealed, I’m forced to face the terror of my past to save our crumbling future.

Title: Balance
Series: The Neumarian Chronicles
Author: Ciara Knight
Publication:  April 28th, 2014
Pages: 266



Synopsis
Life on a war-ravaged Earth is a dying experience. Finally, after years of tyranny, the rebellion rises. Once I rescue my fiancĂ© Ryder Arteres, I, and the rebel general, will fight to free our people. In a war where alliances shift and friends betray one another, will the final battle prove the truth of the prophecy the queen has so feared—her death—or will I lose everyone I love?






Author Bio

Ciara Knight writes to 'Defy the Dark' with speculative fiction books. Her Amazon #1 bestselling series, The Neumarian Chronicles has received acclaimed reviews and awards. Escapement, book I, is a Rone award nominee and Pendulum, book II, scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InD’Tale Magazine, received a Night Owl Top Pick and is a Rone award finalist. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild, is a Night Owl’s Top Pick and won Book of the Month at Long and Short Reviews.
When not writing, she enjoys reading all types of fiction. Some great literary influences in her life include Edgar Allen Poe, Shakespeare, Francine Rivers and J K Rowling.
Her first love, besides her family, reading, and writing, is travel. She's backpacked through Europe, visited orphanages in China, and landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska.
Ciara is extremely sociable and can be found at Facebook @ciaraknightwrites, Twitter @ciaratknight, Goodreads, Pinterest, and her website ciaraknight.com.

Guest Post

What was the inspiration for the setting of the story?

I’m a Browncoat, need I say more?
Okay, for those of you who are not familiar with being a Browncoat, I’ll fill you in on Firefly and all it’s greatness. For those fellow Browncoats, start reading Escapement now. Trust me, you’ll love it. J
Firefly is a space western that Nathan Fillion starred in during it’s short run on Sci-fi, prior to it becoming the Sy-Fy channel. ;) Anyhoo, the setting of the Neumarian Chronicles is Firefly-esque, but there are a lot of different influences that helped create the world.
The one main event that molded the setting developed while watching the news. It was during a time when an entire race was being annihilated due to prejudice, and I knew I wanted to write something that honored those people.
The Neumarian Chronicles is set on Earth in 2185. This is during a time of rebuilding after a great war. A woman, who has become queen, enslaves a species called Neumarians in the name of humans. Out of fear, people allow horrific crimes to be committed against a population that once lived in secret, helping humans without recognition.
The other element that plays a large part in this world is alterations developed by humans. The queen wants to be as powerful as those she’s enslaved, while maintaining her youthful appearance. Also, during the war, many suffered loss of limbs and other body parts. Due to limited resources, many humans and Neumarians resemble cyborgs. Not to mention the weaponry and inventions the queen has created to maintain her position as queen.
Despite all the limited resources, futuristic inventions and genetic mutations, this story at it’s heart is about love, loss and freedom.
The motto of the story is to be bold, be brave, be free!


Buy Links
Weighted:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Weighted-Neumarian-Chronicles-Steampunk-Book-ebook/dp/B008ZTD5BO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406091940&sr=8-2&keywords=ciara+knight
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weighted-ciara-knight/1112558164?ean=2940045713030
Escapement
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Escapement-Steampunk-Book-Neumarian-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00BC1H1I0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1406091940&sr=8-6&keywords=ciara+knight
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escapement-ciara-knight/1119370316?ean=2940045855693
Pendulum
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pendulum-Neumarian-Chronicles-Ciara-Knight-ebook/dp/B00H2NINZM/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=19CKSQAYQ9WT3RZCWAF8
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pendulum-ciara-knight/1117054016?ean=9781939081049
Balance
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Balance-Neumarian-Chronicles-Ciara-Knight-ebook/dp/B00K0R7SYY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1406222374&sr=8-4&keywords=ciara+knight
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/balance-ciara-knight/1119319333?ean=2940045846943


Author Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ciaraknightwrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ciaratknight
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5127753.Ciara_Knight

Excerpts

Escapement Excerpt
The door swung open and four guards entered before Dred stormed in. “Malvak orders ya all to the platform now.”
My stomach flopped. “No. It hasn’t been an hour.”
“Malvak’s orders changed.”
“You said they’d be spared,” Ryder argued.
“They be ordered to watch.”
Dred’s words stung like a laser through my heart. “No, please. You can’t. It’s too soon.”
Ryder still clutched one arm and wouldn’t let me go. “Semara, listen to me.”
“No, I won’t. This isn’t going to happen. I’ll tell Malvak who I am and order your release.”
“Not wise.” Dred shoved the key into Ryder’s cell door.
I had to do something, anything to stop this.
“We need you, Semara. You’re the only one left in this war-torn world who can protect Raeth. Please, I promised my folks before they were murdered I’d take care of her. Once I’m gone—”
“Don’t say that.” Tears stung my eyes and I wanted to pull him against me and disappear.
Ryder reached through the bars and held the back of my head so our foreheads touched. “Once I’m gone, you are her only family.”
“Enough, it’s time,” Dred ordered.
The guards rushed into the cell, bound Ryder’s wrists, and dragged him from the cell. One guard grabbed Raeth by the arm and did the same to me. Dred stood at the outside of my cell, door open, waiting for me to exit.
“I did all I could,” Dred said with a heavy, deep tone. He bound my wrists and stepped back. “Sorry, Malvak ordered—”
“You could do more. Trust me, you’ll regret this later. You’ll go to sleep each night with Ryder’s face haunting your dreams. I’m still tortured by making a wrong choice when I was only twelve.”
I shoved past him and went out to the center of town. Acid rose in my throat at the sight of the noose hanging from a wood beam. It had to be wood. If it had been metal, I could’ve melted it and bought some more time.
Maybe I could try Ryder’s plan and incapacitate Dred before he stopped me, then get his gun and take a few down. If we could find cover and some metal we’d have a chance.
I watched Dred out of the corner of my eye as we approached the platform.
“Don’t try it, pretty face. I’ve trained for years to be a faster draw with me powers. Ya don’t stand a chance. All you’ll accomplish is ya own death.”
I lifted my chin, determined to fight. “I can’t stand by and watch him die.”
“Ya don’t have a choice. None of us do,” Dred insisted.
“You do. Let me use my powers and the three of us escape. Otherwise, you’ll have innocent blood on your hands.” I pleaded.
Wind whipped through the village. Creaks echoed from the skywalks. Water swished through the steel waterways above. Cannons and barbed wire lined an exterior wall. It was a fortress.
Mother had been right to fear them. Even if I freed Ryder, how could we get out? I suspected the walls were electrified. Maybe I could short out the wires, but I’d need Raeth’s help to demolish the wall.
Even if we managed to break through the wall, then what? We’d have to get a ship and figure out where we were.
There had to be a way to save him. I had to be missing something.
A horn sounded and people came out of homes and buildings, flooding the street to watch Ryder’s execution. Didn’t they see they were no better than the council?
I wrung my hands and pulled at my rope bindings that rubbed my skin raw.
The smell of animals and desert sand carried on the wind.
A tall man appeared on one of the skywalks with a fluffy cape of animal fur lining his huge frame. I couldn’t make out his features, but he definitely had a tattoo running across his forehead. A reflection of sunlight off his face indicated some piercings.
“This here Neumarian is charged with bringing the council’s wrath to our land. Do we wish to sacrifice our way of life and be enslaved to the council?”
“No,” the crowd yelled back as if in a trance.
“Terminate the prisoner and send his body as a gift to the queen.”
“No!” I cried out and ran for the platform. “You’re wrong. We only wish to go in peace. The queen doesn’t know we’re here. We brought a gift!”
I ran up the steps, but a guard snagged my hair, knocking me down so hard the wood cracked against my shoulder. A pain shot down my arm. Ryder shouldered the man and raced to my side. “Semara, please, don’t do this.”
“I can’t watch you die,” I managed through sobs.
The guards tore us apart and placed Ryder on top of a box.
I fought with all my strength and drew heat from my core to my hands, but the mind splitting pain made me collapse. I lay on the floor of the platform forced to watch the noose being secured around his neck.
“Proceed with the execution.”
The guard kicked the box out from under Ryder and the rope snapped tight around his throat.


Pendulum Excerpt
Ryder tipped my chin up and pressed a kiss to my forehead. At feeling his suppressed desire and longing, I nuzzled his neck, seeking more, wanting to touch him, not through his uniform but his bare skin.
“Shh. You need sleep. Nightmares have been keeping you up. You’re exhausted. Wish I could be there to hold you through them, but we should arrive at the ENR base soon. It’s been too long.” His hand slipped to the nape of my neck. “Once we reach land, no one will keep us apart.”
Heat surged to my face and I leaned into his hands. “Nightmares? How did you…oh, your sister. Great. Guess Raeth can’t keep a secret.” I knew Raeth only told her brother out of concern, but I’d still chastise my best friend when I got back to my room.
“She just confirmed what I’d felt through our bond.” Ryder drew a circle around the tip of my nose with his. “What you been dreaming’ about?”
His closeness weakened my resolve to keep it from him. He’d think I was crazy.
“Tell me,” he urged, brushing his lips across mine in a feather-light touch.
My breath hitched and the memories of beatings and torture faded when his thumb glided down my cheek. “It doesn’t matter. Kiss me.”
His lips claimed mine with a too long-suppressed urgency. He needed and wanted me as much as I did him. If we didn’t make it to land soon, they’d have mutiny on their hands.
I inhaled his scent, absorbing it into my soul. Even after all this time beneath the sea, a hint of Earth remained and I savored the aroma. He’d always smell the same to me. A musky, earthy smell, with a hint of freedom. The aroma wrapped around my body like a shield of strength.
Steps thumped down the corridor and he broke the kiss. “Tell me. Before we have to go.”
I panted and shook my head. From the moment we’d met, he twisted me up inside until I’d share whatever he wanted to know. “Images mostly. My mother, my father. I never see his face, but I see hers.” I suppressed a shudder. “None of it makes sense. It’s almost like I feel physical pain, but I can’t see the memory.”
Ryder’s eyes narrowed. “What’s Gordon been doing to you during those sessions?
“Gordon? Nothing. He’s been helping me remember things. He says I’ve been reprogrammed. He’s trained in opening the mind back up and he thinks I could remember something that would help the rebellion.”
Ryder glanced down the hall. “Maybe so, but I don’t like you suffering. Mighty easy for him to push you into helping. But you need to know when to back off. You been training so much and been working with Captain Gordon, you haven’t gotten any rest.”
“Maybe that’s because I don’t want to.” I stared up at him. “I’m frightened, Ryder. Terrified my mother’s programmed me into being some kind of weapon.”
“I won’t let that happen.” He kissed me again then rested his forehead against mine. “We, just the two of us, need to find some time alone.”
I struggled to stay calm, to not let my frustration and jealousy out. I failed. “The last time I tried to take some time off, you were busy with Mart and her training. Can’t you train with someone else, like me? Why does it always have to be her?”
“Jealous?” The side of his lip quirked up into a teasing grin.
Yes! “No! No more than you are of Gordon.”
He straightened, his hand moving down from my neck to my lower back. “Let’s not do this. It’s late. I don’t want to argue.” Hugging me, he lifted me into the air until I was at eye level then he nuzzled my neck. “Rather do other things with you than fight.”
A giggle slipped from my lips.
“Love that sound.” Ryder nipped my earlobe.
“What sound?”
“You happy. Someday, we’ll go to that Resort Territory of yours,” Ryder slid his nose down the side of my neck, “where we can laugh all day.” His tongue traced the path his nose had just made. “Swim naked in that lake of yours.”
A guard stomped along the metal grate floor and halted a few meters away. “Hey, you two. Lights out in five. Don’t make me throw you in the brig.”
My head still spun from Ryder’s words. He gently lowered me to the ground. My knees shook, but I managed to remain upright.
Ryder scowled.
“Now,” the guard ordered, his face grim and determined.
Ryder growled low in his chest then kissed my cheek. “Until later,” he whispered.


Balance Excerpt

“There is more to the prophecy.” Fallon stated.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“You realize the claim of the Triune is real.”

I snickered, “Yes, I can’t deny that anymore.”
“That leaked from our council during the war, but we were able to keep the rest of the intel to ourselves. You see, one of the members of the Neumarian Council could estimate future events based on current trends. It’s sort of a statistical prophecy in a way. Of course, it’s deeper than that. The one who had the gift also channeled more than just facts, emotions, psychology, the art of body language and behavior. All the information was churned up and a prophecy was spit out.”
“What is the rest?” I asked.
“Penton must be the protector of the Triune…” He nodded to Harrison and a click sounded in my head. Fallon leaned close and whispered. “…the one who will risk his life and die to save the Triune.”
I cupped my hands over my mouth to stop the gasp from reaching Raeth’s ears.
My pulse thrashed at my neck. I slowly lowered my hands to my side. “You think he’s going to die out there, don’t you?”
Fallon clasped my hands in his.
“Yes.”



Giveaway!
There will be 7 winners!
Prize List:
1-$25.00 giftcard
1-Signed print copy of Escapement
1-Signed print copy of Pendulum
1-Signed print copy of Balance
1-ecopy of Escapement
1-ecopy of Pendulum
1-ecopy of Balance

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

My First Attempt at Flash Fiction

Wish Away 
by: DS McKnight

Breathing a sigh of relief, I lock the door and turn off the open sign.  It's been a long day and my feet are aching. I dread the walk to my apartment. It's times like these, I wish I had a car. Who am I kidding? At times like this, I wish I had a different life. Waiting tables and eating cheapo mac and cheese (that's right, because I can't afford the good stuff) isn't how I had envisioned my life. 


There was a time when I had dreams, dreams of life in the big city, designing clothes, attending parties. A party of five at table four is the closest I'm going to come to excitement. Shelbyville is the definition of boring. We roll up the sidewalks at sundown.

After I finished mopping the diner, I grab my purse and jacket. "I'm out," I yell to Jack, the short order cook. 

"Alright," he answers. "See you tomorrow." 

Of course you will, I think to myself. 

The crisp night air smells wonderful. It's a definite improvement from the stale, deep fried odor that permeates the diner. As I walk the short distance to my apartment, I let my mind wander. I imagine going out to eat and not worrying about the price of dinner. I wonder what it would be like to have my nails professionally manicured. I try to remember the last time I bought clothes that weren't from a bargain outlet. Lost in my thoughts, I fail to pay attention to the footsteps that are following me until it's too late. 

Hands grab me from behind. I try to scream but my assailant has muffled my mouth. I hear him laugh as he drags me down an alley. He whispers in my ear, "It's a shame to wish your life away." 

My blood runs cold. 

He continues, "But don't worry, you won't have to go to the diner again…" 

I struggle, trying to twist away. 

"We're going to have a little party and you're not only the guest of honor—you're the main course." 

His teeth scrap over my neck. I feel his fangs sink into my tender flesh. The pain is excruciating… and then, it's over and I'm no more.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Parasites - Book Review

Marjorie DeLuca's The Parasites (The Iduna Project Book 2) grabbed hold of my imagination and didn't let go. While I enjoyed reading The Forever Ones (Book 1), DeLuca's storytelling shines in Parasites. The plot is tighter and the characters are better developed.  I loved the growth shown by Paige, the main character. And I had some serious character love going for Crime Lord Antoine.  But my favorite part of this book was the action - there was a lot of it - and it gets really intense.  This is where DeLuca shined.  I enjoy an action-packed movie that has me on the edge of my seat and while reading The Parasites, I could see the scenes - the explosions, the carnage - and I loved it!

Amazon Purchase Link


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Hearken ( Daughters Of the Sea #4 ) 
Now Available!
7/22/14

Haven't read the first 3 in the series?! Get caught up while they are on sale!

★SALE!! Only $.99 cents each!★ 
Daughters of the Sea Series! 


When the evil you fear is born from within, who will save us…from ourselves?

Sometimes our souls hear what our minds and hearts refuse to accept. It will whisper its continuous cadence until we're strong enough to glimpse the truth. But when the soul's whispers morph into screams, we're forced to gaze into the mirrors of time and see ourselves for who we really are.

 Grappling with her newfound leadership position, Stasia begins to experience a recurring nightmare of murder, as well as curious reveries about a violet-eyed girl who can control the moon. When tragedy grips the Tydes and several important relics are stolen from the Sons of Daimon, Stasia’s Council leaves for the forgotten island of Atlantis. Unfortunately Atlantis harbors its own secrets, and they are all calling to Stasia. As her nightmares become worse and she begins to lose control of her mind, those around her must find a way to reach her…and fast.

 Olivia Campbell is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it. But destiny never asked Olivia what she wanted. Being Chosen to be a Paladin at birth had not been something she wanted, and she definitely hadn’t wanted her charge to be Anastasia. Unfortunately their irritatingly persistent Atlantean guide, Sebastian, seems to know all about her and the secrets she’s been hiding. As she fights to protect Stasia from an unknown force, Olivia’s own courage and loyalty will be tested in ways she never imagined. Will she be able to tell Stasia the truth before it’s too late for them both.    

Purchase your copy of Hearken today!

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/BN-KristenDay


About Kristen Day
 
  I am a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. I love all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. I've been told I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I prefer to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something I can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).  When I'm not writing I'm making jewelry, painting, drinking sweet tea, watching the discovery channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with my amazing husband.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Cooking Up Creativity

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” ~Henri Matisse

If creativity was a plant, then inspiration 
would be its flower.  Just like with a plant, our creativity must be cared for - watered, fertilized, pruned and sometimes, repotted.  As writers, we do this in a variety of ways.  Some of us look to nature - we may go for a walk, watch a sunset, or listen to the rain.  Others may focus on something artistic - like painting, scrapbooking, or music.

But what if our tried and true methods don't work and we are stuck with writer's block? Do we shake our fists in frustration? Or do we wait for our muse to take pity on us?  

We might try to incorporate our writing into our daily lives.  Think about the setting of the story.  Where does it take place?  What stands out about the location?  Think about the smells, the tastes...  Could preparing your main character's favorite meal put you in the right frame of mind? What are you waiting for?  Break out those pots and pans!

Now, this isn't my character's favorite dish - but it's one of mine. 
 Hope you enjoy!

Mexican Chicken Casserole

1 - 10 oz pkg of Vigo yellow rice (Cook as directed)
1 onion, chopped
1 stick butter or margarine
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can of Rotel
1/2 lb Velvetta cheese
1 chicken, boiled and deboned


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Boil and debone chicken, pull into small pieces and lay in the bottom of 9x13 pan. Cover with the cooked rice.  Melt butter in pan and add other ingredients.  Heat until cheese melts, stirring frequently. Pour over rice. (Make sure the sauce seeps through the rice to reach the chicken.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.




 


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

My Favorite Writers Resource

In the beginning was an idea - an idea that would eventually become a story. After plucking away on my keyboard, pouring my heart and soul into what I was sure was going to be literary gold, the truth bit me on the butt - and none too gently, I might add.   My emotional masterpiece wasn't a masterpiece at all.  Why? Because my readers didn't connect to the emotion of the scene.   Sure, they knew what the emotions were - because I did a good job telling them.  But by saying how my characters felt, I did a disservice to my readers, my characters and my story.

Readers connect with characters they can relate to - characters that "do" things - like hunching their shoulders when they are tired or picking at their clothes when they are nervous.  And this was the part of my problem.  I was really good at saying the character felt blah, blah, blah.  But that made for a mediocre reading experience.  By showing how the character felt - using body movements, etc - the scene was transformed.

There are some really good sources to help us as we journey along our writing path.  One of those sources is a favorite website called Writers Helping Writers. Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman are the masterminds behind this site and if you haven't visited - then click on the above link.  You'll love it.

Their book, The Emotion Thesaurus has become one of my favorite tools.  When I get stumped on how to effectively show a certain character's expression, I turn to this book. The thesaurus offers ideas such as physical signals, internal sensations and mental responses.  It not only saves time but helps alleviate frustration.    

What resource have you found that has helped you with your writing?  

Tuesday, July 8, 2014


Blackout is the first novel in the Darkness Trilogy by Madeleine Henry. 

Amazon Book Description:

One wall divides life from darkness. After the worldwide Blackout, America built a concrete wall--the Frontier--across the middle of the nation to isolate its precious electricity in the top half. Everyone below the Frontier was forsaken, and now only a few survive in the grim region known as the Dark Zone.

Sixteen year old Phoenix Troublefield endures the dark with his girlfriend, Star Windsong. When America announces that it will trade electricity for immigrants, Phoenix and Star sacrifice themselves for the power that might save her younger brother. On the other side of the Frontier, they find America is not what they expected, and instead they are thrown into a shocking and deeply personal contest that threatens to destroy their love. When the chance comes to escape back into the Dark Zone, it may already be too late.


What I thought:

The author is gifted with a wonderful writing style.  Blackout moves along at a quick pace while maintaining an intense mood.  The story is told through the eyes of Pheonix.  He is tough and loyal and I just loved him.  There are other characters to love as well (and some you may love to hate).  

I was drawn into the story and was disappointed when I reached the end and realized the 2nd book hasn't been released.  If you enjoy reading dystopian novels, I highly recommend you check this one out.

To purchase, click here.










Sunday, July 6, 2014

New Release - The Reasons Why

Sometimes, no matter how inconvenient, a character appears and refuses to leave. That was the case with Britney Brown and Michael Stevens.  They showed up and insisted on sharing their story.  I tried to give them the brush them off - but it did no good. They became a distraction I could no longer ignore.  I was hesitant when I realized their story wasn't going to be popular with some people.  But that's life - it's not simple.  In fact, it can be confusing and painful.   The Reasons Why is their story.
reasonswhy_500x750
Choosing the cover:
I visited several sites but when I found Linda Kage, I looked no further. There was something about this picture that tugged at my heart.  It seemed to capture Britney and Michael's relationship.
E-Book Formatting:
I tried to format the e-book myself.  It might have been easier if I would have used something other than Word.   After several attempts - and not being satisfied with the preview, I choose to pay someone to format it for me.  If you haven't checked out Fiverr, give them a look.  I found an ebook formatter that had a 5 star rating.   Not only was the process easy, it was inexpensive.
The Reasons Why is a New Adult Contemporary Romance.  At approximately 25,500 words, it's perfect for a poolside read and is available for Kindle Download.
Description:
When Claudia Brown and Marcus Stevens married, they never imagined their love would turn their children's lives upside down but that is exactly what happened. For Britney and Michael, navigating the terrain of their new family is like walking through a mine field of emotions as they try to ignore their growing attraction. One false move and everything could blow up.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Bad Review or Bad Reviewer?

What has happened to civility?  It seems to be running in short supply.  Politicians have become experts at delivering stinging comments to their colleagues all in view of the ever present cameras. Bullying is commonplace - and its not limited to children and teens. It seems as though, in a day of media excess, offensive behavior has become acceptable.

This behavior is carrying over to book reviews.

I am on a mailing list for e-BookSoda and BookBub.  I receive emails promoting books everyday. Before purchasing/downloading a book, I typically read the reviews. I'm always struck by the range of opinions. I guess there is truth in the saying - One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Recently, I read a one star review - I understood that the reviewer didn't care for the story.  I was floored however, when she ended her assessment with the comment that the book might be an excellent read for someone who liked this particular genre.  Really?  So why only one star?

Another reviewer (different book) was nothing short of catty.  Curiosity got the best of me - so I looked up her other reviews - she must have had the absolute worst luck when choosing reading material.  I mean, honestly, what's the chance of finding 19 books out of 30 that are so horrible they only deserve one star?

I'm not saying that reviewers should lie.  Obviously, not everyone will connect with a story. I'm suggesting that as readers, we should consider how much weight we want to give any particular review.