I am so excited to share my newest novel The Hunted (SECTOR C #2) with everyone. Below is my scheduled book tour events. I hope to add more dates as we get closer to the release on October 31st.
I want to thank Lois Stern for this neat marketing idea and pass it along to all of you. Here is a way to help market yourself while helping your fellow authors. The basic idea is to respond to ten questions about a book or story you just published or are about to publish.
Would you like to be featured on my AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME?
If so, just follow the numbered directions toward the bottom of this screen.
After twenty years as an active educator, Lois W. Stern continued to pursue her love of writing, soon becoming co-editor of a popular Long Island web-zine. As she created and authored her column Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives, she solidified her special niche of investigative journalism and put those same talents to work while writing her first full length book, Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery. She followed up with her second book, Tick, Tock, Stop the Clock. – Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour to address many of the less invasive paths to beauty.Watch this candid interview with Lois on The Writers’ Dream Show to learn more about these books.
After completing her two books on aesthetics,Lois began writing what she calls ‘Inner Beauty’ stories – inspiring stories to touch the heart and soul. She initiated her Tales2Inspire™ “Authors Helping Authors” project/contest as a means of sharing inspirational messages written by authors from across the globe. One of her goals has been to help talented writers build solid author platforms while highlighting them in a variety of ways to further their paths to discovery.
Nina has always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing… she stresses that that is something you don’t want to hear! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Theatre Arts with a minor in Military Science from Eastern Michigan University before heading off to Los Angeles like so many other starry-eyed actors in pursuit of fame and fortune in tinsel-town. While there, she worked to pay the bills but her love was always acting. She was actually able to achieve some level of success, mostly in commercials and independent films, but she considers those experiences as some of the best in her life.
After some major life changes, the publication of her first book entitle PRIVATE WORDS UNSPOKEN, a compilation of poetry, and a major cross-country move she moved from poetry to short stories and then to novels. Since then, her literary interests have grown and she would like to think her storytelling abilities have improved. She has done everything from office administration, to business development, to being the Director of a private preschool. She has jumped out of a C130 aircraft, fired an M16 machine gun, and given birth – TWICE! But no matter where she is in life, she always returns to her art.
Though she’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, she now lives in the South where she is married with two wonderful children. Is she isn’t working on her latest story you can find her lounging with a good book, playing with her kids, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.
To learn more about Nina Soden and her books you can check out her blog, or follow her on one or all of the various internet/social media sites.
Add my name, Nina Soden, my bio, book images and headshot to your blog page and link them back to this page.
After completing steps 1 and 2, above, send me the following:
The URL of your completed blog page
Attachment images of a) you, the author b) and your book images
Your author bio
4. Send this blog to five or more other writers.
5. Each time you forward this message to someone, start with: “I want to thank . . .” sentence as seen above, substituting my name, Nina Soden, for the one currently appearing in that first sentence.
6. Ask them to substitute your name for mine as they send out notices to their circle.
7. Tell them to post this same content on their website or blog, adding their images, URL links, bio and their answers to the same interview questions.
8. Ask the writers you invite to substitute your name in the “I want to thank” sentence at the beginning of this posting and include a link to your blog, before completing the interview questions.
9. They, in turn, link to five other writers, and the cycle continues.
I will add the first ten authors who complete my AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME instructions above and e-mail me @ BloodAngelSeries@gmail.com with all the information listed in step 3 above – Please put “Author’s Hall Of Fame” in the subject line of your email.
I am very excited to have Shayla Eaton, author of The Curiouser Crusade: Your Strategy Guide for Defeating Writer’s Block and Conquering Your Novel in Six Months, as my guest today.
What is your name and where do you call home? Shayla Eaton. Yukon, Oklahoma, until September 1, where I’ll rename my home Pensacola Beach, Florida.
Do you have a pen name? I don’t.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?The Curiouser Crusade: Your Strategy Guide for Defeating Writer’s Block and Conquering Your Novel in Six Months.
A week ago Shayla sent me an advance reader copy of her book. I opened the eBook and dug right in. The book is a daily countdown with writing prompts and tips and of course the story of Curi and his sidekick, Sir. As they go along the map to defeat Writer’s Block, the reader, the hero, will unlock top secret stuff every 5 days. That could be a letter from the queen, a helpful PDF on dialogue, or a new location on the map.
I found the book to be a very easy, simple read. Although not all of the tips are going to apply to all writers it is a fun way to promote motivation and to make your daily word count goals. I did find myself, as I read, bookmarking many pages with helpful hints that I thought I would want to come back to later down the road.
Is the above book part of a series? It is not a series. It is an interactive ebook with a countdown, daily writing prompts, and tips.
I kind of feel like this is a basic how to book for authors. It is a way to hold yourself accountable, and it does make you want to reach your daily writing goals.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? My mom always supported my writing. Also, at the age of 16, I read Stephen King’s memoir, which had a huge part in convincing me to become a writing major. I have been professionally writing for five years. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager.
I have to interject here… Stephen King is one of my favorite authors and a huge influence on my writing style today.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? Jessica Allee designed it for me, including all of the characters in the book.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? I mostly listened to rainfor.me to allow for distraction-free writing.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? A friend of mine, Jen, read the Hero’s Journey to me, which sparked the idea for the title and subtitle.
Do you have a book trailer? No.
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? I love all books, but I’m a fan of the hardcover.
Are you a self-published/Indie author? I am a self-published author.
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I believed my audience would benefit the most if I self-published.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? Stephen King’s memoir—I’ve read that twice.
What is your opinion of novellas? I think they’re great! Short and sweet.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? Sure, who hasn’t?
What is your favorite film based on a book? The Great Gatsby
What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Dystopian
Well let me just say, my latest novel SECTOR C ~ The Chosen falls into the genre of dystopian… If you’re interested you can check it out here: Nina Soden on Amazon
What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? Brave New World and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape—I just wanted to read them.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? 11/22/63 and Do Over in paperback and hardback
Do Over is currently on my ‘To Read’ list as well.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Jon Acuff, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, and Ewan McGregor
What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Kill your babies. It means that there will be times when you write something amazing, but it doesn’t fit, so you have to kill it.
As a writer, I know that is one of the hardest things to do. I’ve written scenes that I LOVE and then had to delete because they just didn’t move the story forward. It’s painful but in the end it usually makes for a better story.
Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Cooking Italian food.
Did you know you only need to write 547 words a day for six months to get a 100,000-word novel?
The Curiouser Crusade is an interactive ebook with six months’ of writing prompts and tips to help you conquer your full-length novel. The hero—that’s you—is led to novel-writing victory by Curi, a squire who wants to become a knight. He can’t become a knight unless you write your novel and beat the villainous Writer’s Block.
When you complete your daily word count goal, checkmark the box. Five checkmarks in a row unlock top secret power-ups, helpful PDFs, and sage advice from a squirrel.
Are you ready to conquer your novel?
AUTHOR BIO
Shayla Eaton is a connoisseur of the writing and editing process, having edited over 200 books and countless articles, blogs, social media posts, and marketing campaigns. She now helps authors and organizations in her own business, Curiouser Editing. Of course, Shayla loves coffee and is an admirer of all things creative and bookish.
As you all know, I invite authors of all genres to visit my website and submit interviews. Today, I would like to welcome Christian author Jimi Akanbi to my blog today to share a little about his process and his books.
What is your name and where do you call home?
Jimi Akanbi, my home is Atlanta, Georgia.
Do you have a pen name?
No
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
Almost Lost Hope: From Struggles to Triumph, the naked truth about my life.
Is the above book part of a series?
No
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I write as I am inspired by God. I have been writing for 2 years.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
A professional designer from Croatia.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
Yes, gospel songs.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
I relied on God.
Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?
No
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
books and paperbacks
Are you a self-published/Indie author?
Self-published
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
Higher royalties, more control and own rights to my books.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Yes, “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer
What is your opinion of novellas?
As long as they are quality books, then they are great.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Yes
What is your favorite film based on a book?
Heaven is For Real
What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Christian Living
What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
Your Best Life Now, it was recommended.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
Become a Better You, Paperback
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Tyler Perry, Joel Osteen, Max Lucado and Bishop Jakes. They really inspire me.
What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
Believe in your work.
Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?
In “Taking Your Life to the Next Level”,Jimi offers unique insights that will help readers live a fulfilled life on a daily basis.In order to live the God-kind of life, you must possess divine wisdom and other Christian attitudes which will lead you to make wise decisions in life. This book will inspire and motivate you to live with more faith, divine love, discipline, peace, hope, and joy.Jimi reveals seven simple yet crucial principles that, when understood, will help you become all that God has formed youto be. The author uses down-to-earth analogies which help you to easily understand his messages and supports them with Biblical Scriptures. The text contains personal testimonies that will inspire and uplift you.In “Taking Your Life to the Next Level”, Jimi addresses topics such as depending on God and not on men, healthy eating, opening your spiritual eyes, the power of unconditional love, securing your God-given destiny, and the benefits of always thanking God for the good and bad times.As you practice Jimi’s easy-to-understand principles, you will be amazed at how colorful and stress-free your life will become.
In Understanding the Benefits of Mankind, Jimi Akanbi discusses seven crucial principles from God’s perspective: money, marriage, time, sex, power, materials and life.
These seven principles given to man by God can become curses if misapplied. Jimi shows you how to align your ways with God by following these seven principles.
Life can be a battle, millions of people around the world struggle on a daily basis, but with the help of this book, people who are struggling can see the light at the end of the tunnel. By reading this book, people who have problems in their life will learn how to turn the negative problems into positive solutions.
In Almost Lost Hope, the author “Jimi” relays a collection of true-life accounts which makes him the person he is today.
Jimi also gives an account of his success as the fastest runner of all time in his high school and state. He writes about his unusual and intriguing dating and love life.
The story includes how he constantly skipped class lectures in high school and still graduated top of his class. Also, due to a medical condition in college, went from receiving “A’s” to getting “F’s”, yet ultimately becoming a great “A” student. He shares what he went through when he did not see his little son for almost four years.
Jimi discusses how he was so afraid of public speaking and reading, but one day overcame it through a Divine act. The author gives a report about the unorthodox way he was inspired to start writing on a professional level.
To visit Jimi’s Amazon Author page or to read about more of his books click here!
Recently I agreed to do a recorded interview for the blog of another Indie-Author, Jonas Lee, and he was kind enough to share the video he put together with me. I have included the questions and answers below the video, just in case I talk to fast or you miss something.
Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Nina Soden?
I love answering this question. I will give you two answers and you, the reader, can decide which you like best… but they are both me!
My typical “author bio” answer… I have always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing – you don’t want to hear that! I earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Military Science from EMU where I spent most of my time either on stage, rappelling down buildings, or working one of three jobs. After college I moved to Los Angeles, like so many other want-to-be actors, in pursuit of my dreams. I worked to by the bills… but my love was acting and I was actually somewhat successful, mostly in commercials and independent films and I had a great time doing it. I have done everything from secretarial work to business development to being the Director of a private preschool. I have fired a M16 machine gun, jumped out of a C130 aircraft, and given birth – TWICE! Though I’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, I now live in the South with my husband and two beautiful children. If I’m not working on my latest story, you can find me lounging with a good book, playing with my kids, or indulging in my unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.
Or the not so pretty reality… I am a mom (my favorite title in the whole wide world), a wife, a daughter, and a sister! Family is the most important thing in the world to me. I am also a struggling artist, paying the bills through a typical 9-5 job while squeezing my art (writing, acting, directing) into what little free time I do have.
What kinds of books do you write?
I write young adult (YA) supernatural fiction – Vampires, Shape shifters, and Witches, oh my!
You can click on the cover image below to be taken to the Amazon.com page for each of the books in the Blood Angel Series, or to be taken to my blog post for my soon to be released novel SECTOR C ~ The Chosen
Which one is your favorite and why?
That’s a hard question to answer. My first book, maybe, because it was my first. I think, as a new author, that my first book will always hold a special place in my heart because there can only ever be one first. Awaken was that book for me. It showed me that becoming a published author was no longer just a dream but a reality.
If you are asking based on story – Well, I love the action in Beginning and Revenge (books 2 and 3 of the Blood Angel Series). However, my latest book (SECTOR C – The Chosen: soon to be released) is probably my favorite story line so far.
If you saw yourself as a character in your novels, which one is most like you? Which one would you most like to be?
When I wrote my first three books I pulled characteristics, for some of my characters, from people I know. Alee (aka Aleerah), my lead, is probably the character I wish I was most like. She has a survivor’s strength – she doesn’t give up just because things are hard. That is something my parents both taught me growing up. That is a lesson I have tried to teach my children. So, in that aspect I think I am most like Alee.
Can you share anything about your next work in progress?
Of course. I am actually very excited about my next book. It is part of a new young adult (YA) supernatural series called SECTOR C.
Set in a futuristic dystopian where society is governed by a council of vampires and lycanthropes, selection students are sheltered and raised in a deceptively utopian world. Strict rules are imposed to control population growth, education, and even personal interactions with other members of the Sector, all in the name of safety.
When ‘A’ comes of age she, like all youth throughout Sector C, and her selection classmates aren’t sent out into the world to find jobs, make money and lead happy carefree lives. They are forced to endure the rigorous physical and mental testing of Selection Week before choosing their destiny or being forced into a fate far worse. Those that make it out alive are announced as sector residence, given a position within the society, and allotted all the privileges of their chosen “culture.” However, when your only choices are vampirism, lycanthropy, breeder, blood donor, or banishment to the Wastelands, what choice do you really have?
Suspenseful, intense, passionate, and awash in paranormal delights, Sector C captures the enchantment and mysteries of the supernatural world and the power of friendship.
If you could pick the main actor/actress to play your characters on film, do you know who you would pick?
I will answer this question in terms of my newest novel. When I wrote The Blood Angel Series books (Awaken, Beginnings, and Revenge) I had character profiles in mind – what they looked like, their characteristics, etc. but I hadn’t actually selected actors/actresses that I envisioned to play the characters. With SECTOR C – The Chosen I actually have written the manuscript with specific actors in mind to play many of the roles. Granted, authors don’t typically get to select the actors to play their parts… nor am I saying this book will ever be turned into a movie (Fingers crossed that it will). I am just throwing out there that these are the people I envision when I am typing…
SECTOR C – The Chosen (Wish List Cast of Characters):
Do you believe supernatural creatures exist in real life?
If we are talking about vampires, shape shifters, and witches—then no. I believe that there are cultures of people that call themselves “vampires” but, no I don’t believe they survive on blood alone. Other than that… no. I believe supernatural creatures are fiction, but a wonderful fiction they are. I grew up watching the movies and reading the books, and have loved all things supernatural for years.
If we are talking about ghosts – yes, I do believe there are spirits that exist around us.
What do you like to do in your spare time, when you have it?
Spend time with my family. Movies with the kids, board games, building lego’s with my son, and if we have lots of time… vacation!
Would you rather read the book or watch the movie?
BOTH! The writer in me says read and the actress in me says watch the movie. Honestly, I love to do both. If I read a book and love it – I will watch the movie. If I watch a movie and either love it or see that there was potential in the story I will read the book. Like many people, often time, I find that books are better than movies. That isn’t to say that movies aren’t great – it’s just that books allow for more detailed descriptions and they allow the reader to create a picture in their head. Movies require you to see things the way the director sees them. Therefore, when I see a movie that is either really good or just has the potential to be – I will read the book and find out what the author wanted me to see.
If you could meet one famous person alive still today, who would you choose and why?
There are so many, but if I have to pick just one… Stephen King. He is one of the first authors that really made me love reading. I have fallen in love with so many of his books and read them multiple times. The way he creates characters and plot twists is magical.
Lightning Round:
Coke or Pepsi – Coke
Zombie Apocalypse or Alien Invasion – Zombie Apocalypse
Scooby Doo or Scrappy Doo – Scooby Doo
Beach or Mountains – Beach
MP3 or Records – MP3
Video Games or Board Games – Board Games
Facebook or Twitter – Facebook
Twilight or Vampire Diaries – Twilight to read but Vampire Diaries to watch
Christmas or Halloween – Thanksgiving
Pop Tarts or Toaster Strudel – Strawberry Pop Tarts without frosting and not toasted
Please share your links to purchase and social links to contact you.
I am very excited to welcome Jonas Lee, Author of A Time to Reap, to my blog. I have to say I fell in love with this book from the moment I opened it. The story sucks you in and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Before I give away to much, let me introduce Jonas…
1. What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Jonas and I reside in the temperate climate of Rapid City, SD (South Dakota, not San Diego like most people think)
2. Do you have a pen name?
I go by Jonas Lee instead of my actual last name. I’m not trying to hide or fool anyone with it. Just my last name is more of a mumble when putting it all together and Lee is already my middle name. So there it is.
3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
A Time to Live is my most recent book, set to release February 12, 2015. Twenty or fewer words: A teenager who can time travel, teleport and has a knack for sarcasm goes up against terrorists with similar abilities. (<— This was super hard)
4. Is the above book part of a series?
It is, The Legend of Carter Gabel series. The above is the second novel, the first, A Time to Reap is already available.
5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I can’t really say that anyone inspired me other than myself. I just loved putting words to thoughts and entertaining people with stories. My mom was my very first fan though, so she encourage my writing to grow. I’ve been writing things since I was at least 9, but publishing only since July of 2014.
6. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
I tried to keep a steady imagery of time throughout the series, so with the help of my cover artist Amanda Simpson at Pixel Mischief Design, we played around with various concepts. The newest cover was cool to me because it shows more timepieces signifying the additional characters being brought into the mix.
7. Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
I usually listen to something melodic and dubstep. This is to keep my mind energized and also not have to focus on words or much more than the emotion the notes bring.
8. How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
I originally titled it The Time Traveler’s Grandchild (it started off as a fan fiction piece from The Time Traveler’s Wife). To stand apart from that, since the story in no way follows that wonderful book, I played with various time elements. I landed on a song by The Byrds called Turn, Turn, Turn and in it was a lot time references and I focused on the few that made the most sense for me and the story. Needless to say, I could make a lot of stories based off those lyrics alone.
9. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
For me, I love having an ebook and a hard cover close by. I love books and I think that covers are art, so I love displaying the good ones. Ebooks are just so easy to have a small library at my disposal though.
10. Are you a self-published/Indie author?
Indie through and through so far. Always opened to finding a Literary Agent though 😉
11. If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
Being an Indie is liberating and a very educational experience. I have more freedom with my work and know that I can rely on myself to get what I need to done. The down side is that I’m in a sea of other author (some great, some not so) and we’re all trying to find our way onto that lifeboat that will help us shine nationally.
12. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
I have read a couple of books more than once. Lord of the Flies was my first one, but The Thief of Always was truly fun to go through again. I also want to dive into the Left Behind series again once I find my way into a plethora of free time.
13. What is your opinion of novellas?
I think novellas have their place. All writing has a place from the epic to the poem. Novellas help me think I’ve read a lot more than normal, so it’s kind of a motivational boost.
14. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
I have and I can’t say I was thrilled or really disappointed. Mainly, someone did their job well enough to make me buy it.
15. What is your favorite film based on a book?
The Green Mile is one of those books (more of a short story turned novella really) that I think turned out wonderfully on the screen.
16. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Currently, I love the paranormal. Supernatural is never far behind that. I should probably read more YA Sci-Fi, but hey, I think of that stuff all the time. Daddy needs a break.
17. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
Take Me Tomorrow by Shannon A Thompson is one. She’s an author I’ve followed since I started blogging and it seemed like an interesting read. The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg looks interesting with the magic elements he is working. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson was recommended to me and after reading the blurb, thought it belonged in my collection.
18. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I’m reading three books right now
a) Revenge by yours truly, Nina Soden. I have it in .pdf ARC format and I look forward to buying physical copies one day and having her sign them for me. b) Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake on my Kindle c) The Former Hero by Jeffrey Allen Mays in paperback
19. If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Morgan Freeman because he has the coolest voice ever and talking with him would be fun in itself.
Stephen King – he’s a legend in the biz and I think we could get some pretty interesting thoughts firing off together
Heath Ledger – a great actor who was taken out in his prime, a cool guy from what I’ve read and I think he’d round out the party
Bruce Lee – Another monumental figure in this world that I think was gone too soon. His thinking, teachings and philosophy was very pure and I’d have to have him give a nunchuk demonstration
20. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
Don’t stop writing and reading. Simple. True. Every page read or wrote gets me further and I can only think it would help others finding their own voice too.
21. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?
I love going on walks, hiking. I enjoy art and plays. I help coach teenage girls softball and all the crazy things those girls think up.
Jonas Lee is an author making his way from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Living in the ever-changing climate with his wife and daughter, he likes to keep his mind occupied with stories that entertain and provoke thought. A child of the 80’s, his imagination has always been rampant as thoughts of time travel, other dimensions, religion and the fight of good versus evil has always been prevalent in his stories.
A Time to Reap:
Pemberton Academy is not just a school, it’s a gathering place for the children of the future that are afflicted with Temporal Displacement and Telepathy; in short, time travelers and mind readers who have been diagnosed with this “disease.” The Academy is not all as it seems after an explosion nearly takes one of its classmates, but not before Carter Gabel rescues her by using an unknown symptom related to his described illness. An unsanctioned group called the Program begins taking notice as the two classmates exhibit stronger abilities when they are together. Carter’s sense of reality begins to unwind as he learns more about his estranged father’s involvement with it all.
Carter will have to overcome the past of his father leaving, the present of an unknown adversary hunting him down and a future that seems to change with each decision he makes. He will have to learn who to trust out of the people in his life if he wants to conquer the looming notion that the government may be hunting him down because of his developing abilities.
A Time to Live:
Carter Gabel had to overcome a lot in the last year, and time travel as a side effect of his “genetic disease” was only the beginning. He’s lost his mother, reunited with his estranged father, crippled a city and destroyed his school. If he thought he could fade into the sunset, Carter has another thing coming.
A terrorist group known as Pirates has infiltrated his hometown to overthrow the Program designed to monitor those with potentially harmful abilities. Carter is a teenager, but he’s forced back into the mix as his grandson, David, has been put into a coma. He will have to try and stay out of sight as much as possible and work with new Eventuals along the way in order to stop the Pirates from turning Lincoln Square into a ghost town.
I’d like to welcome Marguerite “Markie” Madden to my blog today. She is the author of ‘My Butterfly Cancer,’ a shockingly harsh memoir of her battle with leukemia.
What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Marguerite Madden, though I’m known as Markie to family and friends. I currently live in a small farm town (population 326) of Fisk, Missouri, in the southeastern most tip of the state.
Do you have a pen name?
I don’t use a pen name other than adding “Markie” to my name.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
All three came out at pretty much the same time, but My Butterfly Cancer is the most recent. It’s the shockingly harsh and soul-baring memoir of my battle with leukemia and the “butterfly effect” in my life.
Is the above book part of a series?
It’s not a series, though I’m also making it available as an audiobook.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I remember in grade school, maybe 4th grade. The teacher would come around and draw a squiggle on one page of a notebook. The assignment was to finish the squiggle into a drawing and write a story about it.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
I designed the covers of all my books myself. For My Butterfly Cancer, I knew I wanted a butterfly, symbol of transformation as well as holding special meaning to a dear friend of mine. I wanted a purple one in honor of my friend, but couldn’t find one. So I decided on the monarch sitting on the purple flowers instead.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
I usually have the TV on when I write, instead of music. It just fades into the background for me.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
My title is a combination of the butterfly, universal symbol of transformation, and the “butterfly effect” theory, in that one small action on one side of the world can cause a catastrophic event elsewhere on the globe (i.e. the butterfly flaps its wings in Japan and causes a hurricane in Florida)
Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
I have a range of all of them! I listened to audiobooks when I spent time in the car as part of my job.
Are you a self-published/Indie author?
I am definitely an Indie!
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
I attempted for years to get Once Upon a Western Way published. I submitted to publishers myself, often not even getting a rejection letter in the mail. And I used part of one income tax return to hire and agent for a year, again with no success. When I got my first “smart” phone and downloaded the Nook, I started getting some of the free books. I noted a lot of them were from this place called Smashwords, so one day when I was looking for something to do, I looked them up.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
I’m pretty sure all of my books have been read multiple times!
What is your opinion of novellas?
I’m not sure I’ve ever read one. But a story doesn’t have to be long to be good.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Nope! I always read the blurb on the back/flap before buying.
What is your favorite film based on a book?
The Man From Snowy River. Not really based on a book, but it was a poem. Otherwise, I can’t decide 🙂
What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Crime with paranormal, like Kay Hooper’s Special Crimes Unit series.
What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
Anything by Kay Hooper, or J. D. Robb. I like the crime/paranormal/futuristic themes.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
At the moment, I don’t have much time to read, but I’m involved in reading Yesteryear: A Novel of Reincarnation by Samyann on kindle. She bought and reviewed one of mine, and in exchange I did the same.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
King Tut (or any Egyptian pharaoh because I love Egyptian history/mythology), Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, because I love the story and we share a birthday, and I’m not sure I can think of any more!
What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
By far, don’t give up! As I found, even if there isn’t a way to publish or reach your dreams now, you never know what the future will hold.
Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?
Marguerite was born August 19, 1975 in Midland, TX. She has written most of her life. She is the author of Once Upon a Western Way, a young adult science fiction/fantasy novel, Keeping a Backyard Horse, a self-help guide to caring for horses even on a budget, and My Butterfly Cancer, an autobiography that details her fight against leukemia and how cancer made her a published author. She currently lives with her family in a small southeastern Missouri town, has three dogs and a horse. She is working on a crime romance called Triple Heist, due out summer of 2015, and Fang and Claw, book One in the Undead Unit Series, due out December 2015.
MY BUTTERFLY CANCER:
Cancer. It’s one of the things we most dread to hear about ourselves or a family member. Many people will think it’s the end of the line for them. Mrs. Madden tells the story of her recent battle with leukemia (AML specifically), and the struggles that she and her family experienced during this tragic time. Mrs. Madden will donate 20% of her proceeds from the sale of this book to cancer charities, her way of giving back to patients in desperate need. Find out how her battle with cancer led her to become an independently-published author, bringing her a sense of fulfillment she thought had been lost forever.
KEEPING A BACKYARD HORSE:
Hay is for horses! Everyone knows that, but do you know how much hay they need? Or how much water? Did you know your horse can talk to you with his ears? Or that he can sleep standing up?
Follow along with Athena the horse as she explains the basics of keeping a horse in your backyard. She’ll teach you the basic necessities of caring for your equine friend, from what kind of fencing you can use, to tips and tricks for keeping water thawed in winter weather, and even fun stuff you can do with your horse. Keeping a backyard horse can be fairly simple, and even if you have a tight budget, it can be done!
ONCE UPON A WESTERN WAY:
In a world where computers rule over everyday life, two lonely children find an old diary. It is an ancient relic left behind in the ruins of the Western Empire, a civilization long extinct. Young Susan finds herself moved far away from her childhood home, and betrothed to the prince of a neighboring kingdom. She vows to hate her new husband, but when a destructive force destroys her home and family when they are young adults, he is the only one she can turn to. Joseph fell madly in love with her the moment their eyes first met. But her prickly attitude told him that he would have to work hard to win her over. And when circumstances threw them together, he would give up the blood of his loins to keep her safe. Together, are they strong enough to defeat the most unlikely of foes, and free their people from slavery forever? Or will they simply vanish in the hourglass of time, two small grains of sand lost forever in history?
As an Indie-Author I believe that helping other authors is very important. Today, I am sharing a blog from mylittlebookblog.com titled ‘A little help for Jonas Lee.’ Jonas Less is the very talented Indie-Author of ‘A Time To Reap.’ I discovered this book on Goodreads and fell in love with the story and the characters right from page one. Now, I am patiently waiting for book 2 to come out. However, because funding is tight for us Indie-Authors, Jonas Less has decided to put together a crowd-funding page to help fund the project. Please take a few minutes to learn about the book, the author, and his crowd-funding efforts and see if it might be something you’d be interested in supporting.
Hi readers, a slightly different post today but it comes from a serious starting point. Jonas Lee is a dear blogging and writing friend of mine and I’m currently reading and reviewing his book ‘A Time To Reap,’ so it came as a little bit of a surprise to see that Jonas had already written the sequel however money is tight and getting the book finished and published is a bit difficult so Jonas has set up a crowdfunding page to get the ball rolling! I wanted to help out as much as possible so I devised a little Q+A to let you see what the books are about and show you the page if you would like to help out a lovely and very talented author!
1) So give us a brief overview of the books?
A Time to Reap is the beginning story of Carter Gabel, a teenager…
I would like to welcome Janice Spina (J.E. Spina), novelist and children’s author, to my blog today.
She is the author of the recently released novel Hunting Mariah!
What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Janice Spina and home is beautiful, live free or die, New Hampshire, USA.
Do you have a pen name?
For my children’s books I write under Janice Spina but for my novels I write under J.E. Spina.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you could sum it up in 20 words or less, what would that be?
My first novel, Hunting Mariah, I recently published. Here is a quick synopsis: An insane killer, obsessed with blood and death, seeks revenge with those he perceives wronged him.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I have always loved writing and started at the age of nine writing poetry in the form of cards for my mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day. Because of all the praise my mother gave me I became encouraged to write some more.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
My husband designed the cover and came up with the final cover after three different versions. I put the three versions of the cover on my blog and asked readers to vote for the one they thought was the best. The final cover is the result of that poll.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I always have a title for a book before I begin to tell the story. The story comes later as I sit down to type. It seems to flow from my fingertips and the characters just take over.
Do you prefer books, e-books, paperbacks, hard covers or audio books?
I used to love paperbacks but over four years ago I bought a 1st Edition Nook and I never looked back. I purchase books for both my Nook and my Kindle app and enjoy reading on both. I love the ease of keeping all my books in one place making it easier to carry them when I travel on vacation or just to the doctor’s office. I have to admit though I sometimes miss the feel and smell of a new book in my hands! Ha!
Are you a self-published/indie author?
Yes, I am an indie author.
If you’re a self-published/indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
It was out of sheer frustration due to all the rejection letters I received. It was time-consuming and exhausting to send them out and then just wait for some word. Some of them were encouraging and requested that I resubmit at a future date. Which I did but never received another word. I realized that these publishers were probably inundated with manuscripts and didn’t have time to answer or even read them all. That is when I decided to pursue my dream on my own. I have never been sorry for one day that I did. One of my books won a Silver Medal from Mom’s Choice Awards this year.
Now all my children’s books and my first novel are available online. It is very exciting to be an author. I wanted to get my work out there for all to read and I finally did. I felt I wasted a few years not doing it sooner.
What is your favorite film based on a book?
There are so many books that have been made into movies. But I think I would choose an old one, How to Kill a Mockingbird. Now that I say that I need to watch it again. It was a powerful movie with an accomplished actor, Gregory Peck.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I just started reading Secret Thoughts: A Medical Thriller, by H.S. Clark. It is interesting and gripping. I especially like medical mysteries/thrillers due to my medical background as a medical secretary and assistant.
I sometimes have two books going at the same time. I am also reading in between children’s books for many other indie authors for reviews. Also, I am a copy editor so I read and edit clients’ books too. I don’t know how I find time to do it but I work it all in. I may skip a lunch or two doing it though but my wonderful husband cooks dinner for me. I am blessed to have him or I would forget to eat!
Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading and writing?
I love to crochet and have done all kinds of afghans, baby clothes and amigurumis (animals) for my grandchildren.
I also enjoy singing and was a member of a Sweet Adeline’s chorus for several months. It was a cappella chorus (without music). Singing makes me feel happy and relieves tension and stress. Now I only do it as I wash dishes or in the shower or if I get a chance to go to a place that has karaoke. Ha!
Taking long walks with my husband and traveling to some of the places on our bucket lists is something I also enjoy doing.
Where can your readers follow you?
I have a blog where I post book reviews, author interviews, and guest posts, news about my books and publishing adventures and travels. I have been fortunate to have followers who are very supportive and have received numerous blogging awards from them.
An insane killer, obsessed with blood and death, seeks revenge with those he perceives wronged him. He is now on the loose. His next victim may be Mariah. During his rampages he writes macabre poems for each of his victims.
Mariah has lost her memory. Will she remember what has transpired in her past? Can Mariah escape the deadly killer’s grasp? Will she finally be safe? Who will apprehend the killer?
J E. Spina will be offering a giveaway on Goodreads as soon as the Kindle version is available. Please go to her blog for more updates on upcoming links http://jemsbooks.wordpress.com. and website http://jemsbooks.com
J.E. Spina’s novel has been a long time in coming. She started it over twenty years ago but put it on the back burner until this year when she decided it was time to get it ready for publication. J.E. Spina is an author of five children’s books, one of which received the Silver Medal from Mom’s Choice Awards. She writes her children’s books under Janice Spina.
J.E. Spina has written three other novels – a spiritual/mystery, historical/drama, and a YA fantasy which she hopes to edit and publish over the next two years. In between she will continue to publish more children’s books under Janice Spina. Besides being an author Janice is also a copy editor, blogger, avid reader, book reviewer and supporter of fellow authors.
It has been a pleasure to have you on my blog, Janice. Thank you so much for sharing your book with us and for letting us take a glimpse into your life as an author.
Happy Monday Everyone! I would like to welcome Essence Mason, author of Life Journeys to my blog this morning.
What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Essence Mason and I reside in New York City.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
My most recent book, Life Journeys, is a poetry collection that draws memories of one’s growing up into adulthood, and of the realization of life’s common happenings.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I’ve been revealing my emotions through songwriting for almost twenty years, but my love for creating stories in other formats began in college when I took my first course in Creative Writing. I was able to experience all sorts of writing forms and techniques, and they stuck with me.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
I wanted a cover that was colorful and that consisted of objects, or a concept that told a story many could relate to. I actually put it together myself. I also designed the covers for my other three books, Issues Of My Identity, Love In Another Country, and Heart-Led.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
I enjoy peace and quiet when I am writing. It’s better for my concentration and the thoughts just seem to flow better that way.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
In the beginning, I planned to focus on one aspect of life and growing. The next thing I knew, I was discussing relationships and even college life. Every section is a journey people should be able to relate to in some form or another. I didn’t feel like I was only discussing my life journeys, but others’ as well.
Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
I prefer e-books and those in print format. They are much easier for me to follow and I can always go back and re-read or snapshot my favorite sections without any hassle.
Are you a self-published/Indie author?
I am a self-published author.
If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
There is so much accessibility for people in almost any field these days. The steps to self-publish were pretty simple and I had all of these ideas that were coming to me, that I was dying to get out to the world. I didn’t have to wait.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
I have never read a book more than once because there are just so many ideas to explore. I would like to one day, just to see what it’s like.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Books, no. Movies, yes. It takes a lot to catch my interest when it comes to books. A good synopsis will pull me right in.
What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
I love Romance but I am starting to get into Non-Fiction books a little more.
What books have made it on to your wish list recently? And why?
My interest is actually everywhere, recently. There are no specific books on my wish list but I am exploring memoirs, self-help books, health, business, everything!
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I am currently reading a book that was actually written by my college professor, Joshua Daniel Cochran. It’s titled The Most Important Memoir Ever Written Ever and it’s in e-book format.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Michael Jackson, Liam Neeson, Tank and Oprah. A lot of times we get caught up in ourselves trying to make it, doing whatever it is that we do. We forget about others for a second. Michael Jackson did a lot in his lifetime, in addition to his music so that balance is important to me. Liam Neeson is just intense in his acting. I want to learn how to make people feel deeply through my delivery as a writer. Oprah has done so much in her career. I feel as though she has found her purpose and she continues to grow her empire as time goes on. I want what I am gifted with to allow me something in life that is limitless. Tank is a singer/songwriter I’ve listened to for a very long time. The emotion in his music is unbelievable and that, itself is inspirational for me as a writer. I haven’t yet gotten there. To have him just singing in the background of the conversation would be an amazing lesson for me.
What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
Things may seem like they aren’t moving but everything you’re doing right now will pay off.
Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?
I enjoy baking, participating in activities that one doesn’t do everyday, and I hula hoop every now and again because it makes me feel good.
Nina Soden 