Blog Tour Guest Post & Giveaway - The Betrayal by S.J. McMillan

The Betrayal

Author: S.J. McMillan
Series: City of the Gods, Book 2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Pages: 342 ebook

Word Count: 86,330

Cover Artist: Alexia Purdy

ISBN-13: 978-1495986406
ISBN-10: 1495986403

Book Description:

Centuries ago, Damian was betrayed by his best friend, his fiancé, and the Gods of his civilization. He vowed vengeance against them all. He studied and mastered the dark arts. All he needed after that was patience.

Damian’s ex, Vivian, now feels like her world is crashing down around her. His curse is threatening her brother Tristan’s life. The only way to save him is to trust a stranger who saved her from a fate worse than death.

Marcus had no idea saving Vivian’s life would put him in the middle of an ancient battle between good and evil. All he has to do is figure out which side he’s fighting for.

Guest Post: 10 Fantasy Places I Would Like To Visit

When contemplating a subject for and writing a guest blog I tend to shy away from advice about writing.

I’m not a NYT best seller…yet. Any advice I give would be common sense things to take into consideration. There are dozens of articles out there giving great advice. I like my posts to be more on the fun, get to know me, you just may like me side. I write urban fantasy, so my story takes place in the here and now. This time around I thought I would share the 10 Fantasy Places I Would Like to Visit. (In no specific order). 

Narnia – I would love to meet and talk with all the creatures residing there. Epitome of fantasy. 

Wonderland – I want to have tea with the Mad Hatter, talk with the Cheshire cat, & avoid the Red Queen if at all possible. 

Endor – Why? I love Ewoks! 

Asgard – As long Chris Hemsworth gives me the grand tour. 

Atlantis – It’s one of those places I’ve always heard so much about but still has so much mystery and intrigue left. 

Eternia – Back in the day I loved He-Man and She-ra. 

Oz – How cool would it be to hang out with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the munchkins, and the good witch? 

Bedrock – Because I want a pet dinosaur like Dino. Not to mention Wilma & Betty always looked awesome in their outfits. 

Barsoom – To be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Yep, gotta try it. 

The Labyrinth – I want to meet Hoggle, Ludo, Didymus and all the other awesome creatures in the maze. 

Honorable Mention: Camelot, Westoros, Middle Earth, & Camp Half-Blood. 

Which places did I miss? I know there are way more out there. Stop by my facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcmillansj and let me know what you think of my list and the fantasy place you want to visit. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and thanks for allowing me to share. 

The Betrayal Excerpt

Vivian sat on a large rock positioned slightly above the river and dangled her legs over the water. She began to meditate, staring into the clear river water. The meditation felt good for her mind and body after the past twenty-four hours’ stresses. Her eyelids grew heavy and she allowed herself a moment to drift to sleep. Her mind wandered from her present danger to Tristan and her hopes of saving him. She was dreaming of Sabine when she heard her voice from far away. Vivian searched for her in her dreams until it occurred to her that Sabine wasn’t speaking to her in her mind, but in reality. She opened her reluctant eyes to see Sabine standing over her. Vivian smiled, stood, and embraced her. Tears welled up as Sabine returned the hug. Vivian felt happier, as if a burden had been lifted from her. She wiped away a stray tear and stepped back to regard Sabine.

“I’m so happy you’re here. You wouldn’t believe what’s happened to me in the last twenty-four hours.” For the first time, Vivian took in Sabine’s expression. It was one of surprise and sadness. She gave Sabine a questioning look. “What’s the matter?”

“Vivian…this is not a good visit,” Sabine said. Vivian felt her heart drop into her stomach. Vivian naturally assumed she had failed and Tristan was dead. She took a moment to get a grip on her emotions before she responded to Sabine’s statement.

“What happened? I thought Tristan had enough time for me to gather more herbs to help him. This is my fault. I should have been back last night, but we were attacked by a renegade warlock, and then we had to find our way out of a cave. I almost drowned in this stupid river and now I’m freezing to death while Marcus tries to find the way back to my car. I’m so sorry…” Vivian trailed off. She couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down her face. Sabine stepped forward and placed a hand on Vivian’s shoulder.

“Tristan’s fine for now. I’m not here because of him. I’m here because of you. What happened? Who’s Marcus? What’s going on?” Sabine asked. Vivian rushed through the events that had taken place. Sabine shook her head.

“Wait, you’re here for me? Why?” Vivian asked, thoroughly confused. Sabine glanced behind her then back into Vivian’s eyes. Vivian suddenly understood why Sabine was with her and hesitantly looked behind her. Laying on the large rock above the river was Vivian’s body. Her face was pale and there was blood staining the rock under her head. Vivian’s knees gave out and she dropped to the ground next to her body.

“No…,”she whispered and shook her head in defiance. “This can’t be happening. I’m not dead.”

About the Author:

I live in southwest Missouri with my husband of 15 years and our three children. I work as an administrative assistant during the week. Now I get to add published author to my list of roles I play in life.

Being an author was not my first career choice. In my younger years I wanted to be a dancer, but dance lessons are expensive. I also wanted to be Dolly Parton from The Best Little Whore House in Texas. I could really belt out Itty Bitty Piss Ant Country Place, just ask my parents former neighbors.

After a slew of other interesting job choices, I just couldn’t shake the writing bug I picked up in high school. I started writing poetry and still write a poem whenever inspiration hits me. I also love to read, especially paranormal romances and urban fantasies. The love of reading is what spawned the desire to try my hand as writing a novel of my very own.

I love creating the characters and giving them their own personalities and voices. I have also come to enjoy writing fight scenes.  The hubster (the wonderful man that he is) will act them out with me so I know exactly how I need to show it to the audience. Call us crazy if you like, but it’s really fun to act out a scene using a broom handle as a spear and a foam baseball bat as an axe.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Goodreads ¦ Clan Kids (Blog) ¦ McStubs Musings (Blog)

***Giveaway***

2 signed print copies of City of the Gods: The Descendant (book 1)

2 signed print copies of City of the Gods: The Betrayal (book 2)

5 ebooks - winner’s choice of book 1 or 2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Week Promo - Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy

Today we're excited to bring you the release week promo and cover reveal of the middle grade novel, Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy.  K.L. Kincy is a pen name for author Karen Kincy, author of young adult and adult novels.   To make things exciting we have the cover artist, Kirbi Fagan, here to tell us about the creation of the cover of Deadly Delicious!  Deadly Delicious is out now!

Creating the Cover by Kirbi Fagan

Painting the cover for for the novel started with an email. When I heard the story was set in the 1950's, I knew it would be fun project for me. I'm always eager to paint strong young girls on an adventure. The magical twist of the story was icing on the cake --- pun intended!

Starting an illustration is the most exciting part for me, it is when I feel the most creative. When you have a great story like "Deadly Delicious," feeling inspired isn't hard, the ideas flow. Below is the first scribble of Josephine, drawn while reading the manuscript.

After a many sketches, I worked with Karen to find a sketch that was just right. Flash, the dog in the story, was my favorite character and I knew I had to find a place for him on the cover. 

Next, I grabbed my camera and started shooting the reference material for the painting. I photographed it all. Another illustrator even helped me out and photographed her dog at the angle I needed. Below are few shots of the zombie hands, frosting covered and all.

A screen shot of a drawing in progress, figuring out Josephine's "look."

On to the painting. I used both traditional and digital media to create the final artwork. Working digitally allows me to experiment with things I might not have the freedom to do with real paint. The traditional element allows me to create rich colors and real texture.

Now about that type... what a mess! I won't be making a career change to a cake decorator anytime soon...

At last... the cover!

For more information about myself and my work visit www.kirbiillustrations.com or tweet me @kirbifagan

 

About Deadly Delicious:

Twelve-year-old Josephine DeLune can’t take the heat this sweltering summer of 1955, and she was out of the kitchen long ago. An awful cook, she ruins recipes left and right, and she certainly can’t compete with her family’s reputation for extraordinary food. Her daddy’s parents ran one of the best restaurants in all of Paris, but Josephine lives in Paris, Missouri. On her mama’s side, she’s up against a long tradition of sinfully delicious soul food. Rumor has it, her Creole ancestors cooked up some voodoo to make tasty even tastier. Josephine knows the secret ingredient: she comes from a long line of conjure witches with spellbinding culinary skills. Disenchanted, Josephine works as a carhop at Carl and Earl’s Drive-In. Just plain old hamburgers, hot dogs, and curly fries, nothing magical about them. She’s got bigger fish to fry, though, when a grease fire erupts into a devilish creature who hisses her name with desire. Turns out he’s the Ravenous One, the granddaddy of all voodoo spirits, and he’s hungry for her soul. Josephine thinks he’s got the wrong girl—she’s no witch—but a gorgeous, dangerous night-skinned lady named Shaula sets her straight. Josephine is one of the most powerful witches alive, so overflowing with conjure that her out-of-control cooking simply catches fire. Josephine would love to laugh this off, but Shaula warns her that she must learn to master her magic before the Ravenous One devours her soul. Spurred into action, Josephine breaks out her grandma’s old conjure cookbook and starts cooking. Nothing grand, just the usual recipes for undying friendship and revenge. But soon Josephine can’t escape the consequences of her conjure. When the people of Paris start turning into zombies with a strange fondness for cake, Josephine looks pretty responsible for their undead reawakening…

Purchase at Amazon, available now for kindle and in paperback!

 

About the Author

K. L. Kincy (Kirkland, Washington) loves zombies, though she hopes to meet only the cake-eating kind. Deadly Delicious is her first book for children. She has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College.

K. L. Kincy also writes for teens and adults as Karen Kincy.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter

 

***Giveaway***

One paperback of Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy

Open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOTW - WEEK 47 {Wattpad}

A.B All For What Being Fat

Author: DiceFab

Genre: Teen Romance

Wattpad Book Blurb:

"Listen here I'm Fat I'm not saying I'm 200 pounds no, I'm 190 pounds but that's called fat at my school. I have been bullied for being 190 pounds no one loves or cares for me. I want to be wiped off this earth already why live if  No one cares for me."

Selene as in (Se-Len) she is picked on for her weight a girl that wants no trouble but yet it comes to her. One day it gets so bad that two girls almost beat her to death. But she will try to still stay to fight, will Selene ever find peace or someone at high school will help her find it?

Click here to read the book.

What I Saw

Author: VeryVeryMusical

Genre: Teen Fiction / Humour / Short Story

Wattpad Book Blurb:

As the title suggests, I will be narrating what I saw happening.                        

What I saw happening, was one of the most traumatic things I've ever seen.  

It may be weird, but what I saw is what I saw.

I doubt you can predict what I saw, till you actually see what I saw for yourself.                              

I sincerely hope you somewhat like it.

Click here to read the book.

Night in Gail

Author: JuveriaB

Genre: Horror / Mystery / Thriller

Wattpad Book Blurb:

Sometimes, to unravel a mystery, you have to look within yourself...

Detective Stones, from Homicide Squad at New York Police Department Detective Bureau, was assigned to a murder case that led her to a series of similar ones. Switching between her therapies and work was hard enough, unravelling herself was just a bitter add-on.

Will she ever get hold of the serial killer or she’ll just get hold of herself?

Click here to read the book.

Perception

Author: EvilGhost

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Wattpad Book Blurb:

It wasn't her demon, but soul, searching for freedom within.

It wasn't in her hands.

It was his lust that turned into love.

It was his promise that he broke.

And it was her turn to avenge the death that the broken promise brought.

Click here to read the book.

Wonderwall

Author: ilovebritishboys1

Genre: Teen Romance / Fan Fiction

Wattpad Book Blurb:

"Let go of me, you're hurting me"

"I'm sorry I didn't wanna hurt you" 

"Yes but you did"

"You wouldn't fucking listen to me! Now answer me why do you keep igno-"

"What the hell do you want from me?" 

"You!"....

Read the story of Zayn Malik and Alice Evans, two people very different from each other, that are determined to keep their love alive even at the darkest times. But is their love strong enough to overcome all the obstacles that show up?

Click here to read the book.

BOTW - List #47 {Wattpad}

BOTW WEEK 47:

Blog Tour Spotlight & Excerpt - Saving Raine (The Drone Wars: Book 1) by Frederick Lee Brooke

Saving Raine (The Drone Wars: Book 1)

Author: Frederick Lee Brooke

Genre: YA Dystopian / Thriller

Language: English

Format: Paperback & eBook

Book Description:

Matt, Raine went to California because her parents thought it was safe. It’s not. You’ve got to get her out as soon as possible. She could die, Matt.

When 19-year-old Matt Carney gets a cryptic message from his father telling him to go to California and save his girlfriend, Raine, he doesn't hesitate—he grabs his AK-47, revs up his blue pickup, and gets ready to make the 2,300-mile roadtrip.

But cross-country travel in 2021 isn't easy—or, sometimes, even possible. The U.S. has become a near-military state: 17,000 checkpoints severely restrict interstate movement, Predator drones target innocent civilians without cause, and explosions rock cities daily. Matt and his stepbrother, Benjy, face deadly attacks from a corrupt government, ruthless local law enforcement, and bloodthirsty terrorist groups as they embark on their trek. They're about to find out that their trip is much more than a private journey, and their success could change the face of the country—forever.

Can Matt and Benjy outrun the drone missiles raining down on their heads? Can they avoid assassination by government officials hell-bent on taking over what little is left of the country? Can they outsmart the deadly schemes set in motion against them?

Break the rules.

Save the girl.

He only gets one chance before she's gone forever.

Buy Links:

Amazon ¦ B&N ¦ Smashwords

Excerpt from Saving Raine (The Drone Wars: Book 1)

Thirty minutes later, armed with two boxes of posters and ten plates of bacon snacks balanced in a Safeway shopping cart, they went to the Radio Shack at the south end of the mall. They wheeled the cart into the store.

The sideburns of the man who greeted them tapered into lines that travelled along his jawline and met at his chin. The thin line of his beard accentuated his wiry frame. He had a sharp nose, close-cropped hair, and three silver hoops in one ear.

“You the manager?” Mel said. He had a poster in one hand and a plate of bacon-wrapped olives in the other. “You’re a patriot, right? You want to know if your customers are patriotic? We made these ‘No Bacon, No Service’ displays for your entrance. Kinda like a patriotic challenge. Try a tasty snack and prove your patriotism.”

The manager fingered the line of his beard. “Who’s behind this?”

“Hog Farmers of America,” Mel said, making up something fast. “Give your customers a tasty snack. Boost your business. We gift you the display, and this here supply of bacon treats, cooked right in the mall at Eddie’s Restaurant.”

“Eddie’s? I go there for lunch.”

“All you have to do is set up the display and offer one to every customer. You’re supporting Eddie’s and the Hog Farmers of America.”

The manager read the display. 

“Sure, we’ll try it,” he said. “Everybody loves bacon. If it’s popular, I’ll bring the bacon from home tomorrow.”

“That’s the ticket,” Mel said.

The manager ate one himself, then offered them to three other salesmen who had been watching. “Mmm, those are going to go fast,” he said. He stood the poster next to the cash register.

Next door was a bridal shop, fluffy white wedding dresses filling the window. Mel saw only women in the store. Mothers, daughters, and saleswomen.

“I’ll understand if you wanna wait outside, bro.”

Phil pointed to the next shop after the bridal store, a pet shop with rabbit cages and cat towers. “Me and Lil’ Lena gonna go hobnob with the hamsters.”

Mel took a plate of tiny sandwiches with cream cheese and bacon and one of the red, white, and blue displays, and went in the bridal shop while Phil rolled away with the cart. A little bell rang as Mel went in. A tall, thin woman with long black hair approached, swinging her hips like a TV model.

“Can I help you?”

“I got munchies for your customers,” Mel said. “Choosin’ a weddin’ dress takes a while, and they prob’ly get hungry while they’re lookin’ around.”

“What’ve you got there?”

“Bacon treats cooked fresh at Eddie’s Restaurant. See, we’re from the Hog Farmers of America, and we got these here displays for your fine store.”

He set down the display on the counter next to the cash register where she could read it properly. Prove Your Patriotism, Eat Bacon! The American flag had strips of bacon floating in the air around it.

“It’s very direct,” she said. Mel saw the woman blushing.

“Customers love it,” he said. “We’re providing the treats today, and we’ll leave the display here. You make the bacon starting tomorrow.”

A brown-skinned saleswoman came behind the counter, followed by a mother-daughter pair. The daughter had on a wedding dress. A little quadcopter zipped around snapping pictures.

“What’s all this?” the brown-skinned woman said once the customers headed to the back of the store again.

“This gentleman is with Hog Farmers of America,” the first saleswoman said. “He gave us this display, and these bacon treats.”

“Prove your patriotism?” the brown-skinned woman said. “I’m as patriotic as anyone else, but I don’t eat bacon.”

“Because?” Mel said.

“My religion forbids it.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that,” the first woman said.

“How can a religion forbid something so good to eat?” Mel said, charming her with his smile.

“It’s offensive,” the brown-skinned woman said. “Thank you, but we’re not interested.”

“My religion says no fornication,” Mel said. “That don’t prevent people from doing it.”

“Please take your things and leave,” the brown-skinned woman said.

“Or stealing. Happens every day. You better keep your eye on her,” he said to the first woman. The two women frowned as he left, hands on their hips.

About the Author

Frederick Lee Brooke launched the Annie Ogden Mystery Series in 2011 with Doing Max Vinyl and following with Zombie Candy in 2012, a book that is neither about zombies nor sweets. The third mystery in the series, Collateral Damage, appeared in 2013.

Saving Raine, the first book in Fred’s entirely new series, The Drone Wars, appeared in December, 2013.

A resident of Switzerland, Fred has worked as a teacher, language school manager and school owner. He has three boys and two cats and recently had to learn how to operate both washing machine and dryer. He makes frequent trips back to his native Chicago.

When not writing or doing the washing, Fred can be found walking along the banks of the Rhine River, sitting in a local cafe, or visiting all the local pubs in search of his lost umbrella.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Goodreads

***Giveaway***

Kindle Fire HD 7'' or Kindle PaperWhite (winner's choice).

$75 Amazon Gift Card.

3 Saving Raine autographed paperback copies.

3 Saving Raine ebooks (winners' choice of format).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast - The Soul of the Sun by Genevieve Crownson

 Welcome Genevieve Crownson, author of the YA paranormal The Soul of the Sun!

Title: The Soul of the Sun

Genre: Paranormal/Young Adult
Author: Genevieve Crownson
Publisher: Genevieve Crownson
Pages: 348
Format: Paperback l Kindle

Book Summary: 

“The hands of time turn on the face of the sun. Only you can move them. If the Watcher controls the hands of the clock he can go anywhere, past or future-- and destroy our planet.” 

Since the days of ancient Greece, the Argos dynasty has kept a secret, a mystery passed down through their descendants from generation to generation, in the hopes that the forces of good can stop the evil destruction of planet Earth. 

Margaret Ingall is harboring that secret. Time is running out for the descendants of the Argos. They know a great healer and time traveler will be born of their blood. But the only person that knows whom they will call “the soul of the sun” is Margaret’s sister, Abigail. Before she can reveal the healer’s identity, disaster strikes… 

Evil stalks them, watching and waiting to find out which member of her family has the ultimate power. Is it Margaret’s own child? Or her beloved granddaughter? Or even herself? Their only clue is a powerful protective amulet that will lead them all in a cat-and-mouse game to discover secrets as ancient as time. 

If the Watcher discovers the truth before they do, all will be lost. 

Fate, time and love weave together in their struggle to fulfill their destiny. Will Margaret’s fears sabotage her family’s protection? Can the healer accept her gifts in time? And once the soul of the sun is finally revealed, will it be too late? 

Her power is incredible. The sacrifices required of her are immense. 

Will it be enough to stop the Watcher? 

The Soul of the Sun Excerpt

The rain fell in sheets around me, it was gloomy and depressing, but I didn’t feel a drop. I was completely encased in light; I was a moving, breathing, flaming yellow orb that no one could penetrate. I watched in amazement as my broken leg instantly healed and the torn pajama fabric cinched itself back together. My jaw pain ceased. I closed my hands over the amulet, now humming with intensity. In a split second, I was vibrating with the same power. The wind picked up and the sky loomed black. The moon lay dark behind an inky sky and somehow strange chanting words flowed out of me. Lava hot and fraught with meaning, they rose to a fever pitch. Every word was a part of me, part of my being. Words from another time, Tanga’s time, slipped from my lips as though it were my native tongue. It was the inscription on the amulet, of that much I was sure.

I stretched my glowing hands out to Thomas.

“I call on you Lady Isis. Protect Me. For I am the one, the Soul of the Sun. I plead with you and your son Horus to give refuge. Patroness of Nature and Magic bring all my power and your power together to glorify what is right and true in this world. Honor your name and those we safeguard from harm. Let time be taken from no man. Amen.”

He was laughing at me.

“You stupid little twit, did you honestly think that would work? You think that I can’t take what’s mine?”

As he spoke, I chanted the same words, repeating them over and over. I saw fear cross his face just for a moment when he realized I was using the amulet’s power. A brilliant beam of light continued to radiate from my core. It was strange, the light now shone gold instead of blue. It must have changed when it sealed together. I continued to watch and to my astonishment, he became transparent and, with a puff of smoke, evaporated into the heavens. I could hear his heart-rending screams echoing through the ocean’s storm. Drained completely of energy, I crumpled, exhausted, onto the sand.

About the author

Genevieve Crownson graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelors of Science degree. A love of writing led her to pen her debut novel, The Soul of the Sun. This is book one in her highly anticipated trilogy, The Argos Dynasty. She currently lives in beautiful Charleston, SC with her family and beloved four-legged friends.

Author Links:
Website ¦ Twitter ¦ Facebook ¦ Goodreads

Book Blitz Organised By:

Bookvie: I, Frankenstein - out January 24, 2014

  

Who's in it:

Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto

What's it all about (book blurb from Goodreads):

Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein when she was only eighteen. At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but; upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature's hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.

Frankenstein, an instant bestseller and an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres, not only tells a terrifying story, but also raises profound, disturbing questions about the very nature of life and the place of humankind within the cosmos: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do we have to each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of organ donation genetic engineering, and bio-terrorism, these questions are more relevant than ever. 

I, Frankenstein Official Trailer

Movie Stills:

Blog Tour Guest Post & Giveaway - Fireflies & Hope from the Ocean by P.S. Bartlett

About the author P.S. Bartlett

I was born on Valentine’s Day a long, long time ago in South Baltimore, Maryland, less than a mile from Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. I’m the youngest of eleven children. 

I’m a very simple person. I love my life and am always striving to make it better for myself and my family. I write, I draw and I work full-time. I also paint beautiful watercolors with my three year old granddaughter. 

I’ve been married for nearly 19 years and together we have two sons and a daughter. I’d call myself a football fan but I mostly only watch my home team, the World Champion Baltimore Ravens. I love super heroes and Superman has been my favorite since I was a little girl. June 2013 the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” arrives in theaters and it cannot get here soon enough for me. I love cats and I have a Maine Coon named Columbus.

Author Links:
Blog ¦ Twitter ¦ Facebook ¦ GMTA ¦ Goodreads

Guest Post: 10 Things I Wish I Knew About Being an Author

1. Unless you’re already famous for something else; rock star, movie actor, professional athlete—you most likely will not sell a million copies of your book—your first book let’s say. For Joe Shmo and P.S. Bartlett and many other authors, being successful takes a good deal of time, good marketing and a great support base. If you’re hoping to get rich quick by being a writer, you may want to get that record deal or Lakers contract first.

2. You have to have either a very good memory or be incredibly organized. Between scheduling writing time, writing your blog, tweeting, running contests, Facebook pages, email addresses, writing your book and not to mention holding down a full time job, keeping house, cooking, cleaning and keeping your significant other from leaving you due to you forgetting not only their birthday but their name, you may have time to pee and walk the cat—I mean dog.

3. It can be a very lonely career. Writers need a lot of solitary time to write. I’ll admit, I’ve been writing and someone will come into the room and most often they will ask that all too important question, “Are you writing?” but occasionally the matter is important to them. Forgive them because they don’t realize you’re right in the middle of taking down an army of giant trolls and when you read back over what you wrote later, try not to get upset with them when your troll has forgotten to do their homework and needs an excuse note for their teacher or they’ve set the kitchen on fire. 

4. People want your swag. If you’re not an author and you’re reading this, no, they do not want your lovely new curtains, they want goodies that show off your books. There is a bit of an investment involved but it’s oh so worth when your fans want something special to go with their books. Bookmarks, buttons, charms and t-shirts make great swag but always remember your fans love your books and they are going to want some swag so you better have it ready.

5. Getting published is as easy as 1, 2, 3 (and other fairy tales). There are literally millions of books on Amazon alone—go look if you don’t believe me. Looks pretty simple doesn’t it? (I’ll be right back I’m rolling on the floor laughing). Even if you become frustrated with the process of querying agents and publishers and decide to self-publish your book, there are plenty of really nice and friendly people waiting in line to take your money and help you do just that—choose wisely. Do background checks if you have to but please be careful.

6. Depending on which genre you write in, you must do your research. Nero didn’t smoke cigars—neither did pirates. I’ll bet you didn’t know that did you? Okay well even if you claim you did, do you have to be 100% historically accurate? Well yes, you should. Of course you can use your imagination to create new scenarios, for instance Abraham Lincoln as a vampire hunter but if old Abe whips out his iPod or says, “Hey, pass the Grey Poupon,” I’m sorry but your more experienced reader is gonna close the book on you.

7. I didn’t know authors were zombies. I’ve learned to accomplish more things while half asleep than some people do wide awake—I think. Well I try. Okay I thought I did those things!

8. Social networking is very important but don’t beg. If you’re a new author, currently writing your first novel or even thinking about it, you better have a Facebook, a Twitter, a Google+ and a blog at the very least or you are already way behind. The irony of all of this is under point number 3. I compare this lifestyle to living like a gopher. In the hole, out of the hole. In the hole, out of the hole. We hide and write and in the next breath, we stick our head out, make a bunch of really cool new friends, say hello to our fans and then run back in our holes. Please, just don’t bombard people with “Over here! Look at me! PLEASE look at me! WILL YOU FREAKING LOOK OVER HERE!!!” Build relationships. Support your fellow writers and above all, don’t steal their golf balls.

9. Not everyone likes you and once you’re published, they may like you even less. As we strive to write that perfect, wonderful book that of course everyone wants to read and it miraculously gets published and we’re deliriously happy and sharing our happiness with anyone who will listen on every social media site and at every cocktail party or barbeque we attend, there is someone or someones lurking and guess what—they don’t like you, never did and they’ll be mean to you. They’ll give you anonymous bad reviews or say not so nice things about your book—since it is of course the source of your happiness. The answer to this is very simple. Write them into your next novel and kill them. Done.

10. People will like you and they’ll love your book. The most incredible feeling you get when your book is published and you start receiving feedback from complete strangers as to how good or even great it is will blow you away. Besides the birth of my children and grandchildren, giving birth to my first novel and holding it in my hands for the first time was nothing short of euphoria. Within its pages or gigabytes lies your blood, sweat and tears. It’s an asexual reproduction of your deepest thoughts and your wildest dreams, and you don’t need an epidural or puff puff blow to bring it into the world — however, a little shot of tequila or in my case RumChata to welcome its arrival never hurt anybody.

Fireflies
Release Day: April 3th, 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction / Paranormal / Historical Irish Fiction

Book Description:
However peculiar Ennis Whelan has been for the first six years of his life, not until the day he found the bird, did the degree of his strangeness become so tangible.

Dr. Owen Whelan and his wife Sarah, both Irish immigrants, have been living the American dream, as well as raising seven bright and expressive children. Their youngest Ennis, however, has since birth, been a bit of a mystery.

Ennis was always small, meek and frightfully odd but there is so much more to him than anyone could have imagined. His sister Teagan grows increasingly suspicious of his behavior but their mother dismisses her claims, until the day he starts healing people.

When Ennis ultimately reveals the gift of sight, he questions his father about visions of his past, including his voyage to America in 1844. Owen prayed he’d never have to share those tragic memories but he will share them, when he realizes he has no choice. Ennis’ life may depend on it.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ Amazon UK ¦ Amazon CA

Amazon IN ¦ Amazon JP ¦ Amazon AU

Hope from the Ocean

Release Day: May 30th, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction / Paranormal / Historical Irish Fiction

Book Description:
When Owen Whelan revealed his secret, he was set free from a haunting past and an uncertain future for his son, Ennis. However, in order to know the true depths of his heart, first we must follow him all the way back to a dirt road on a chilly and bitter spring dawn in Ireland. Behind the locked doors of his memories and hidden beneath shame, hunger and eventually escape, we learn the true meaning of the proverb, “There’s hope from the ocean but none from the grave.” Owen’s journey will teach him that sometimes you have to cross that ocean not only to survive but to finally find love, life and become the man worthy of your own admiration and respect.

There are turning points in life you cannot come back from but if you’re brave enough, you can begin again.

***Giveaway***

10 Kindle or ePub copies of Fireflies and Hope from the Ocean up for grabs.

Ends April 23 (midnight GMT).

International giveaway.

Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 13 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. The winner will be posted on this page after the winner responds. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.

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