Set in the future, an apocalyptic event has wiped out ships on Earth. Authors were asked to write a short story including a mysterious ship, an appointment, and a rock or asteroid. This is Book 2 from the Giant Tales Apocalypse series. Each story is about 10-minutes long. Genres include thriller, fantasy, light science fiction, suspense, action, and adventure.
My Story: END GAME
My story ‘End Game’ is the first of eighteen 10-minutes stories in the book. I do hope you’ll check out the book and tell me what you think of my story!
Authors with the book include:
H.M. Schuldt, Nina Soden, Stephanie Baskerville, Timothy Paul, Lynette White, Randy Dutton, Joyce Shaughnessy, Randall Lemon, Gail Harkins, Andy McKell, Laura Stafford, Christian Freed, Shae Hamrick, Amos Parker, Andrea Luquesi Scott, JD Mitchell, JZ Murdock, and Robert Tozer
OK… there have been some set backs. Yes, the first book in my new series (still unnamed) was already with the beta-readers, however, I will not meet my goal of getting it to the professional editor by the end of November as I had hoped. BECAUSE – two of my three beta-readers have not yet had time to read! Yup, like I said, I knew my goal list was a little ambitious and that it was all dependent on the schedules of other people. However, I didn’t really think it would take this long for my beta-readers to start reading. Maybe I need to find new beta-readers (insert sad face here).
On September 12th I announced that I was starting a new adventure in my writing. I had begun writing a new story on September 3rd. My goal was to have the first draft completed by the end of the month (September). Well, that didn’t happen BUTI did complete the first draft by October 3rd which works for me.
My process has been slightly different for this book. I’m working on my document in the cloud! I feel like there should be a drum roll or something when I say that. Anyway, I have three beta-readers that always do my initial content/grammar edits and since I was working in the cloud I was able to share the document for editing purposes. I am so excited to announce that not only am I done with my first draft, but one of my editors has completed her read/review/edit/etc. and I have already…
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?
1 copy of Awaken (book 1 ~ the Blood Angel Series)
1 copy of Beginnings (book 2 ~ the Blood Angel Series)
1 Blood Angel Series travel mug (with covers of all three book covers)
1 Blood Angel Series small notebook (with covers of all three book covers)
1 Personalized postcard
DISCLAIMER: You do not have to provide a mailing address at this time. However, if you win you will be contacted, via the email address you provide, and a mailing address will be requested. If you fail to provide a mailing address you will be forfeited as the winner, and the next person drawn will receive the Blood Angel SWAG!
If you are as excited about this GIVEAWAY as I am then post a comment below and tell me and my readers why you want to win!
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.
On September 12th I announced that I was starting a new adventure in my writing. I had begun writing a new story on September 3rd. My goal was to have the first draft completed by the end of the month (September). Well, that didn’t happen BUTI did complete the first draft by October 3rd which works for me.
My process has been slightly different for this book. I’m working on my document in the cloud! I feel like there should be a drum roll or something when I say that. Anyway, I have three beta-readers that always do my initial content/grammar edits and since I was working in the cloud I was able to share the document for editing purposes. I am so excited to announce that not only am I done with my first draft, but one of my editors has completed her read/review/edit/etc. and I have already incorporated her changes and made some major rewrites based on her suggestions. One beta-reader down… two to go. The document has already been shared with them and I am hoping to have their edits by the end of this month (wishful thinking? maybe).
GOAL LIST:
* Come up with a title for the story (novel) * Get the final draft off to the editor by the end of November * Have the cover design complete by the end of November * Have first edit complete by December 15th * Have final edit complete by January 15th * Book release – END OF JANUARY
OK, my goal list might be a little ambitious, considering it is all dependent on the schedule of other people. I have no idea of my final two beta-readers will be able to finish the story by the end of this month or if my editor will be available during the month of December – holidays and all. But, if all else fails I can push everything two months and release at the end of March… worst case scenario (I hope).
In the meantime… I will be working on the next book! Oh, and trying to figure out the title, designing the cover, working my full-time job, and living the life of a mother, wife, etc. YES – I WEAR MANY HATS!
As many of you already know, I published the final installment of the Blood Angels Series at the end of August. But, what you don’t know is that I kicked off September by starting my new series “Title Unknown”.
I started typing the first page on Wednesday September 3rd and have, in only 10 short days, already completed the first 19 chapters. That might not be a lot for some authors, but for me that is huge. I only have a short time each day to write, about an hour, so getting through that much in such a short time is thrilling. I hope to have my first draft completed by the end of the month. After that… EDITS – REWRITES – EDITS – REWRITES – EDITS – REWRITES – etc. until the book is perfect.
I will post a blurb soon – So stay toned.
I can’t wait to share this new story with all of you. So, if you have enjoyed my other stories, are just looking for something new, or love to support indie-authors – please show your support by commenting below and sharing this news on your Facebook, twitter, Google+, and all other social media sites.
Where to “follow”, “like”, “subscribe”, and purchase the Blood Angel Series:
Nina Soden 