I have released PURSUIT (book 4 ~ the Blood Angel Series)
Meet Phoebe Wenham…
Growing up in the most powerful coven of witches Atlanta, Michigan has ever known, gave Phoebe all the resources she needed to develop her craft. However, it wasn’t until the tragic slaughter at the annual Founders’ Celebration, when she lost her mother, her sister, and both of her grandmothers, that Phoebe really started to find her calling, her purpose. Her cousin Aleerah was the only surviving dhampir in history and her sister Petra had been a gifted, naturally talented, tracker. Magic didn’t come as easily for phoebe, but desperation leads to desperate measures, and Phoebe was bound and determined to carry on where her sister left off. Starting with the ancient ritual of the taking of blood Phoebe not only developed her tracking abilities she pushed herself physically, mentally, and magically until she became the High Council’s leading tracker.
OK, so I got this idea from another authors blog and thought – WHAT A GREAT IDEA!
I’ve decided to start a little geography project with my kids and I could really use your help. Using a world map, my kids and I, are going to attempt to map out where my readers are. This will include blog followers as well as all you amazing people who have purchased a copy of one or more of my books. So, that means I need to know where you are!
How are we going to do this?
WITH YOUR HELP
As well as a bit of color coding (one color for blog readers, one color for book readers, and one color for those of you that do both)! Or maybe for the book readers I’ll have one color for each book… yeah, I don’t have it all figured out yet – its still a plan in progress.
In the comments section below this blog, please tell me if you follow my blog and/or have read one of my books or added it to your “to read” list. Then let me know where you live (City/State/Country – Or however much you are comfortable giving).
Want to have even more fun? If you are a book reader please post a photo of yourself holding a copy of my book (paperback or eBook) so the cover is showing in the photo! You can post it in the comments below, on twittertagging me @Nina_Soden, or on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/BloodAngelSeries(Facebook search: Nina Soden – Author)
I’d like to know just where my readers are and how far my reach has gone. This is my attempt to find out from all of you, while my numbers are still small. I appreciate your help on this project as do my lovely children!
So, as an author, one of your greatest tools is your media kit.
At least that is what I have been told. A media kit is a marketing tool used to sell not only your book(s) but yourself – as an author. Remember – You are not gearing your media kit to readers, your media kit is designed to attract potential agents, publishers, book retailers and interviewers (bloggers, radio, magazine, newspaper, etc.). I have read many – MANY – articles about what an author should include in a media kit. Everything from author head-shots with bios to full-length copies of your printed books. I have weeded through all the information I have found and have settled on the following list of items I plan to include in my media kit.
….Drum Roll Please….
Nope… wait a second. I’d like an opinion first. I had thought about doing two media kids. Why? I’m not really sure. Actually, I am but I’m not sure if my reasoning is sound. I was thinking that because I have written more than one book – and of those books there are two different series – I should have two media kits. In order to sell myself properly, I thought that maybe there was a need to have a media kit specifically designed for each of my book series (the Blood Angel Series and the SECTOR C Series). I have decided to move forward with just one media kit for now, but if you are an author, with media kit experience, please chime in and tell me if you think the right move is one comprehensive media kit or two series media kits.
OK – Now I’m Read
….Drum Roll Please…
Below I list what I plan to include in my media kit… No, it is not complete yet, but it is on my ‘TO DO LIST’! Lets call it a goal for the coming months. (preferably by the end of 2nd Quarter 2015)
Nina Soden, Author Media Kit
Author Information Sheet – with photo, bio, contact information, and social media site information
Blood Angel Series – Information Sheets/Press Release Information
Awaken (book 1) One Sheet and Treatment
Beginnings (book 2) One Sheet and Treatment
Revenge (book 3) One Sheet and Treatment
SECTOR C Series – Information Sheets
The Chosen (book 1) One Sheet and Treatment
The Hunted (book 2) One Sheet and Treatment (to be included after the book is completed and in the editing phase)
Copies of Reviews of each book (not sure how many to include just yet or how long this should be)
Bookmarks and Postcards with my book covers
Q&A about myself and both of my series (this can be used for bloggers to assist in writing articles or for those wishing to conduct interviews)
Color copies of each of the book covers
Target Market Information (who my readers are!)
So, what do you put in your author media kit? I’d love to know, please share in the comments section below.
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 ~ THE CHOSEN captures the enchantment and mysteries of the supernatural world and the power of friendship.
OK, this post is short – but very VERY important, and I do hope that you re-post it and share it with all of your friends.
One of the most important things for an indie-author is friends and followers – READERS. With that in mind I’m reaching out to you, my amazing blog followers, and asking that you follow me here and everywhere (see links below) and that you share this post. Tell your friends, bribe your families, and blackmail your enemies into following me too!
This is where I talk about my books, upcoming projects, host author interviews, and sometimes just go really REALLY off topic and ramble about random stuff.
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.
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 ~ THE CHOSEN captures the enchantment and mysteries of the supernatural world and the power of friendship.
This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This third (final?) installment of the Blood Angel series is once again looking at the transformation of Alee (Aleerah), the only living dhampir. It continues after her transition back into high school, learning the ropes of a vampire, the nature of being a witch, the betrayal of the Underground and the love dichotomy she finds herself in.
The Critical Points:
Writing:
Nina’s writing has progressively improved throughout the series and by this point, she has started to master the craft. Weaving in the imagery and emotions of her characters. There were some misspellings here and there, giving the teeny ding on the writing alone.
Story:
This story starts off on the fast track and very rarely slows…
1 copy of Awaken (book 1 ~ the Blood Angel Series) – 1st edition
1 copy of Beginnings (book 2 ~ the Blood Angel Series) – 1st edition
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)
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!
OK, for the last few years I have been writing this blog under the appropriate tagline of:
Follow my journey as I write, edit, and publish my first Young Adult series
Although that was great (because I was in fact writing, editing, and publishing my first YA series) it no longer applies. My first series (The Blood Angel Series) has been published (Check it out here) and now I am working on a whole new series. So, I am in need of a new tagline – something that speaks to me, my writing style, and my books.
Nina Soden 