R.E. Butler Shares Advice and Her Newest Book

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Vanessa
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Planning Ahead? By R.E. Butler

I’m the sort of person that packs for a trip a week in advance so that I can be sure I don’t leave anything important behind.  Could I survive a visit to my parents’ without the charger for my Kindle?  Probably, but I’d rather not find out.  I use the calendar on my phone to make sure I never miss appointments.  I leave fifteen minutes earlier than necessary so I’m not late anywhere.  You might think that I’m a fairly organized person, and you’d be right.  Except when it comes to writing.

The fine art of planning ahead as a writer:  being able to look at a character or storyline and envision it as its own book.

I used to randomly choose character names, give characters cool traits, or a prophesy about them without thought.   In my early days of writing, it never occurred to me that readers would want to know more, until a storyline came back to haunt me.

When I wrote the first two books in my Wiccan-Were-Bear series, I created a secondary character named Daeton, who was the sister of the two heroes.  Daeton was everything that my heroine Elizabeth was not:  shy, innocent, young.  In the second book, Daeton leaves her family so that she can be safe.  I set up the scenario as simply an issue to solve on the heroine’s part – she was having nightmares and the solution was keeping Daeton safe.  So it was much to my surprise when I started to get fan mail requesting a story about Daeton.  My first reaction was one of utter disbelief.  She was, after all, a secondary character and meant only to be the source of drama.  Little did I know that she would resonate with readers, who would want to know what happened to the sweet, young were-bear once the second book ended.  The problem?  I hadn’t thought that far ahead.  I had no clue what happened to her after the second book was over!

I called my beta-reader in disbelief.  She laughed her head off.  I had literally written myself into a corner with Daeton’s character and now I had a choice:  leave my readers hanging forever about Daeton’s future or write the darn story.  I wrote it, and it turned out to be one that I really enjoyed.  But more than tying up a loose end I hadn’t meant to leave in the first place, Daeton’s story taught me to be more careful of what I write.  Not only in cool-sounding prophesies and supernatural abilities, but also with names and physical descriptions.  Now I ask myself…if a character becomes popular, can I write their story?  Am I prepared to explain why a character has a fear of spiders or what a prophesy about a woman with white wings means?  And now, thanks to what I learned with Daeton, I can honestly say that I can.

 

REButlerPicAbout R.E. Butler 

A Midwesterner by birth, R.E. spent much of her childhood rewriting her favorite books to include herself as the main character. Later, she graduated on to writing her own books after “retiring” from her day job as a secretary to become a stay-at-home mom.  When not playing with her kids, wrestling her dogs out the door, or cooking dinner for her family, you’ll find her typing furiously and growling obscenities to the characters on the screen.
Her best-selling series The Wolf’s Mate, Wiccan-Were-Bear, The Necklace Chronicles, Hyena Heat, and Ashland Pride are available now.
My Blog | Tweet with me:  @rebutlerauthor | Facebook | My Amazon Page

The Wolf’s Mate Book Six:  Logan & JennaFinal The Wolf's Mate Book 6 copy

Babysitting a bunch of barely-legal wolves on a Saturday night? That was not how he’d pictured his life turning out.
Across the buffet from him, as he speared a thick wedge of pot roast, Ben said, “Look, there’ll be lots of human and wolf females there looking for a good time, but there will also be other males as well. It just makes sense to have someone who’ll be the voice of reason. Plus, you’re big as hell, man. With your tatts and everything, no one will mess with us, except maybe some tasty ladies.” Ben grinned broadly and Logan was struck by just how young Ben was and how old that made him feel.
“When is it again?” he grumbled, taking his meat-laden plate back to the table.
Ben plopped down across from him with an equally piled-high plate, and lifted his fork and knife. “Tomorrow. It’s in Somerset, so we need to be on the road by seven. There are four of us going, so we can’t fit in your pickup. Want to take my Jeep?”
Logan snorted but conceded there wasn’t really a choice, since his truck only held two comfortably; three if they squeezed onto the bench seat. “Fine. But I make the rules for the trip. No leaving anyone behind, no bringing anyone new home, and if any of your buddies annoy me I reserve the right to toss them out of the Jeep without stopping.”
Ben shook his head with a chuckle. “No problem. I’ll let Jason know. You won’t regret it, Logan.” His grin softened slightly, and he looked older than he was. “There’s a female out there for you somewhere. I know you’ll find her.”
Suddenly uncomfortable, Logan cleared his throat and turned his attention back to his plate. “Eat your food, kid. Dancing takes lots of energy.”

 

 

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Pat Lee Is Here For a Visit !

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Vanessa
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DestinysPresent---200x300Destiny’s Present

The sorceress Narena has done many things for Leisos – advised the king, helped heal a young girl and sent a prince forward in time to save his life. Now, to protect her people, she may have to sacrifice herself, her lover, her child. Maybe even all three. She hunts for the one who threatens the royal family and the throne of Leisos. And also seeks the daughter taken from her at birth. There’s only one problem. They might be one and the same. What she finds on her quest is love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, and a revelation that will change her life forever. Ardis is a warrior and former captain of the king’s army. His allegiance to the throne lives in his blood – as does the secret he carries. He will protect both at all costs. Even if it means killing Narena or someone she loves.

 Book trailer on YouTube

Buy links:  Amazon  | Barnes and Noble

All About Pat

Pat LeePat has had a love affair with the written word since childhood, many times immersing herself in the stories of Enid Blyton and Carolyn Keene. Her active imagination gave inspiration to short stories and her first play as a teen.

As an adult she has penned an award winning short story titled “The Battle” and “A Precious Glimpse in Time” published in an anthology. Her full-length play, “The Truth About Lies”, was staged at a theatrical festival competition in 2006.

Although still in pursuit of a place truly called home, Pat currently lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three cats, all of which claim rule over the house at one point or another.

When her nose isn’t pressed to the laptop monitor, you can find her at the public library. Besides dreaming up her next novel, Pat also enjoys traveling, baking, camping, wine, and of course reading – not necessarily in that order.

You can find her on Facebook, her website patriciaclee.com or send her an email at authorpatriciaclee@yahoo.com

 

Interview With Pat Lee

 

How did you decide to write in this genre? 
Hmmm, well, when I wrote my first book it was a contemporary fiction (which is still sitting under the bed LOL) I hadn’t planned on writing fantasy. I read mostly romantic suspense until a friend of mine got me hooked on Christine Feehan and I read her and Sherilynn Kenyon. Then someone came into my life who became my muse and this idea formed in my head about a far off place called Leisos and voila, I’m writing Fantasy.

Do you write with music or background noise or do you prefer silence? If you write with music or noise, what’s your preference?  
I need silence because I get so engrossed in the story I actually see the scenes in my head. In fact, I’ve gone so far as to sit in my car in the driveway to write when hubby was home because his walking around disturbed me!! However, I’ve gotten better. Now I just stuff earplugs in and I’m good to go LOL!

We’ve often heard people say, “youth is wasted on the young” and “if I could go back, oh, what I’d do.” What do you think? Would you go back and if you could, what age would you go back to?
 I love this question! Would I go back – no way. Not saying I had an unhappy or rough childhood but I like the person I’ve become. I’m strong, independent and it took me a long time to get here. Besides, I still do “young” stuff, like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane in 2011 (as my hubby commented) when my first book got published.

What’s your favorite summertime drink? Do you have a recipe to share?
Jack Sparrow. Got introduced to this from my husband’s second cousin. Take 1 ½ oz of coconut rum (Captain Morgan’s Parrot Bay is the best) ¾ oz of lime juice. Pour over ice and add ginger ale. Ohhh, cool and refreshing. Try it!

Do you have a “go-to” snack for writing? What is it?
Yup. Wine, preferably red. Hey, it’s a snack!! Makes me relax and lets the words flow!!

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Maer Wilson and Her Newest Release, Relics.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Vanessa
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Today we welcome Maer Wilson author of Relics which was published by Crescent Moon on May 1, 2013.

Press Release

Former actor and Southern Nevada resident Maer Wilson joins the ranks of published authors on May 1, 2013. Wilson’s first book, Relics, will be published by Crescent Moon Press. Relics is a Contemporary Fantasy that takes place in San Francisco and follows the exploits of husband and wife detectives, Thulu and La Fi. The couple’s clients are usually dead, which is fine with them since they work only with the supernatural. But their simple job to find lost relics for an ancient daemon turns into a grand adventure when the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, confirming that humans are definitely not alone. You can find more information about Wilson and Relics at http://maerwilson.com/ and http://crescentmoonpress.com/books/Relics.html.

 

Relics 200x300

Relics

Most of Thulu and La Fi’s clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.

The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.

Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.

When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi’s search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that’s what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.

When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they’re nothing like your mother’s fairy tales.

Praise for Relics

“‘Relics’ is a powerful read which will challenge long-held perceptions of good vs. evil and Light vs. Dark well after the book is finished.” Diane M. Haynes, author of Rift Healer, YA finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

“In Relics, author Maer Wilson takes everything you think you know about the creatures of the fantasy world and twists it around to create a unique and engaging story.”  Constance Philips, author of Resurrecting Harry and Fairyproof.

“The perfect paranormal detective, Wilson’s unique and suspenseful tale pulls you in and doesn’t let go.”  Jean Murray, author of Soul Awakened and Soul Reborn.

Read  to buy the book? Here are the links to get your own copy. 

Relics at Goodreads | Relics at Amazon | Relics at Barnes & Noble |

Relics - The Book Trailer link on YouTube

Relics will be available in the very near future on Kindle and Nook!  And Maer has a Super Secret Surprise Giveaway for one winner.  It’s something very special and only a limited number are even available. For details on the Giveaway, go to her website! http://maerwilson.com/

   

All About Maer Wilson

Maer AuthorAfter a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she’s a writer. She’s always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she’s not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. She also co-hosts the literary podcast, “MythBehaving” and writes for two gaming fansites. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her two dogs, a chihuahua and a poodle. Relics is her first novel and will be released by Crescent Moon Press on May 1, 2013. You can visit her website at maerwilson.com.

Find Maer on the web using the links below!

Maer’s Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

I also had to pleasure of interviewing Mare to get to know her better, take a look as she shares with us her favorite summer drink recipe and more!

We’ve often heard people say, “youth is wasted on the young” and “if I could go back, oh, what I’d do.” What do you think? Would you go back and if you could, what age would you go back to?
What an interesting question. Being an olderish person, I’m not sure I’d want to go back at all. Everything that has happened in my life – good and bad – has brought me to the place and person I am today and I like where I am. You know that old quote, “That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” I believe that. Also, I loved my younger years and thoroughly enjoyed them and don’t feel I wasted them at all. Now, if I just could get rejuvenation? Oh yeah, that I’d totally do!

Cats or Dogs- what’s your preference? And do you have any pets now?
Dogs! J I have two canine children, Tréa and Chloe. Tréa is a 13 year old long-haired chihuahua. At only 4.5 pounds, she’s a former therapy dog and has more than 250 hours of volunteer time in. She’s the mascot for our local Earth Day Festival and still makes appearances at that. However, she no longer does her therapy visits. Chloe imy 5 year old miniature poodle. But she is a very big mini, almost standard size. She’s way too smart for her own good and I love watching her figure out things.

What’s your favorite summertime drink? Do you have a recipe to share?
Ah, that’s an easy one! Mint juleps because they are so refreshing in the hot desert. And because they remind me of my childhood. I found this recipe on the internet, but don’t recall where.

Mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons mint syrup (I make my own)
2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon

Prep:
Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-ounce glass (if you have a silver julep cup that’s even better, but not necessary) until it forms a paste.
Fill the glass half full with crushed ice. Add prepared mint syrup, water, and bourbon.
A fresh sprig of mint makes a great garnish.

When you’re writing, do you envision the scenes in your head like a movie or is your process more linear?
Most of the time I see the scenes in my head like a movie and describe what happens. Even the retakes tend to play out that way. I see everything quite clearly in my head. I also try to get inside the characters’ heads and feel where they are coming from.

Do the characters from your books speak to you as though they’re helping you write their story or are they unaware their story is being written?
They speak! And sometimes they don’t stop. J Especially if I need to take a break to do other things, they can get quiet persistent. They know where we’re going, but I’m not always sure where that is. And I do reserve the right to make changes. But mostly I just let them tell me their stories.

Thanks again for letting me stop by!

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My Road To Self Publication Post #12

Posted on April 30, 2013 by jkradmin
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So what did I do last week? Hmm. Well, the Name That Book Contest ended on the 26th and then went into sudden death overtime because the titles with the most votes were my original suggestions which really weren’t very good. As of this posting I have not tallied the final round of voting, but I’ll have it done by tomorrow and I’ll announce the winning title and the winning titler by evening.

I’m scheduled to participate in a Chat on Two Lips Reviews from 8p-10p tomorrow evening. I’ll announce the winners there and on Twitter and Facebook and everywhere else I can possibly shout the title. Come by and chat with me, if you have a few minutes. I’ve only ever done one other chat and it was a great experience. Also, during my chat I’ll talk about the club Eva Prim is launching over on her site. That club will launch on May 1st, too.

This last week has been so busy. From the contest to preparing for the exciting launch of Eva’s new page to working with my web mistress, the very talented and amazingly patient Carrie Coren on changes for both websites and setting up newsletter links. Find Carrie here. I can’t recommend her enough. She’s created all the graphics I’ve used for contests, both websites, my Twitter and Facebook pages. She’s wonderful.

Okay, enough about my fantastic graphic designing web mistress.

Last week I went to the NECRWA conference, which I recommend to anyone. It’s a nice conference with lots of great workshops and a book signing. Friday evening I reconnected with so many of my writer pals from NEC and CTRWA. Jaime Schmidt, Stephanie McQueen, Ashlyn Chase,  Laura Moore to name a few. I witnessed Terri Brisbin set off the hotel fire alarms with her speech during Friday night’s dinner. Well, she may not have been the culprit, but the firemen did show up! :) Then I was able to make it through 1/2 of Marie Force’s presentation on Navigating the Wild West of Self-Publishing: An Update. I’d been up since 5:30 and it had been an incredibly busy week so I had to go get some sleep or risk sliding from my chair onto the floor in front of everyone.

On Saturday during breakfast the First Kiss Contest winners and Bean Pot Award winners were announced. Then it was off to workshops. I attended Barbara Wallace’s workshop on 3D Characters, 3D Conflict: Deepening the Character-Driven Novel. I learned to speak English with Miranda Neville and had the pleasure of moderating Devon Ellington’s workshop on Setting as Character. All this before lunch.

At lunch Caroline Linden gave a wonderful speech about luck and her experiences with both good and not so good luck and how a health scare puts everything into perspective. In the afternoon I attended Liz Maverick’s workshop on Discoverability Tools: How to Get More Sales from Your Author Newsletter and Website where I learned a number of tremendously valuable tips and now of course, I have several more questions for Carrie. After Liz’s presentation I attended Ella Drake’s workshop  on Digital Formatting and Other Tech for Authors and I quickly realized that my idea of having someone else format my work for me was more than likely my best idea in a while.

At the Literacy Book Signing I had the pleasure of sitting beside Francis Stockton and learning about her experiences in publishing. It was great to hear how happy she is with Ellora’s Cave and how her writing is going.

Toward the end of the signing I experienced the best part of the entire weekend. Dawn and Megan arrived (with a man in tow to carry all their books, and he was loaded up!). Dawn and Megan met on the internet. Megan and I have met on the internet, too, though I didn’t know it right away. Megan is one of the reviewers from Riverina Romantics.  I have done a number of blog hops with her. Dawn had heard about the book signing and told Megan, who thankfully said she’d drive up and they’d come together. Dawn wasn’t going to come alone because she was a little bit nervous. Little did she know how utterly delighted every author in the signing was to have an opportunity to chat with her and hear about the books she likes to read.

I ended up giving Megan a bunch of goodies to add to her Sunday Swag Giveaways. We chatted about reviews and my next book coming out.

The internet is an amazing thing. You can develop relationships with people from all over the world. Just a few weeks back I was carrying on a conversation with a lovely lady in Ireland via Twitter DMs. My cover artist is in Spain. I’ve met readers in several other countries. It’s wonderful.

But nothing in the world beats meeting someone face to face and sharing a laugh and the common bond of romance novels.

So my tip this week is to use your social networks, which ever ones you like best to “meet” new people and foster relationships. You just never know when the giant world of the internet will suddenly shrink to fit in one ballroom.

And always remember, now that you’re “out there” as an author people will recognize you. So keep your happy face on for the public and your I’m-going-to-scream-bloody-murder-if-blah-blah-blah for private with your family and your writer friends. Best foot forward.

So, what did you do last week?

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Carrie Lynn Barker Is Here For a Visit

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Vanessa
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Today I had to pleasure of interviewing Carrie Lynn Barker, author of Revelations, Genesis, Exodus and Connection.

What inspired you to become a writer?
Life in general. I read Black Beauty when I was really little and loved the world it created. I think, from then on, I wanted to step back from reality a bit and create my own places and characters. I love to live just a little time every day outside of the real world.

 How did you decide to write in this genre?
I sort of think that the genre chose me. I’m not a huge sci-fi buff, but I enjoy it. I want to write more based in the real world however some element of the paranormal always comes into play. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to keep some sort of sci-fi out of my writing. I’ve really come to enjoy the challenge of making paranormal characters seem like everyday people. I want the reader to believe that the people I create could be anyone: their neighbors, their friends, even members of their own families.

After a particularly stressful day whether it’s spent feverishly typing away at your latest book or hard at work on some other project how do you unwind?
I unwind with a glass of wine and a good movie. Sometimes though, writing is relaxing enough in itself so a particularly stressful day might end with some productiveness in a novel or short story.

How would you describe a perfect evening?
Quiet and rainy with a good book in hand and a glass of red wine. I like to be curled up on the couch under a blanket with my pug snuggled up on one side, my terrier on the other and the sound of my husband typing on his computer for background noise.

Who are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Dark Currents, by Jacqueline Carey. I’m a huge fan of her!

Some writers have certain practices for warming up or getting their head in the game. Are there certain things you do to “get in the writing mode?” And if so, what are they?
I’m always writing, even when I’m nowhere near my computer, so there is always something in my head that needs to be let out. I only write when I want to write so I never experience any writer’s block of anything like that. Writing is my passion and all I want to do with my life. I don’t care about money or fame; I just want to release the other people living in my head so they can have a life of their own and not take over mine!

 

Want to learn more about Carrie Lynn Barker? Check out her bio below!

DSCN2495Carrie Lynn Barker 

Carrie Lynn Barker is an avid writer who has been writing all her life. She is the author of five novels with a sixth slated for release early in 2013.  Her second novel was nominated in the paranormal category at EPICon 2012.  She lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, filmmaker Brandon Barker.  They have two dogs, lots of books and a shared love for movies and writing.

Film buffs can visit www.discountrocket.com for snippets of films she has worked on.

| Facebook | Twitter |

Want to buy any of Carrie Lynn Barker books? Here are the links to buy them below!

revelations-carrie-lynn-barker-paperback-cover-art  genesis-carrie-lynn-barker-paperback-cover-art exodus-carrie-lynn-barker-paperback-cover-art Connection_200x300_dpi72

Revelations               Genesis               Exodus               Connection

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Post #11 on My Road to Self Publication

Posted on April 23, 2013 by jkradmin
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So last week I didn’t post. I took the day off to relax and get some other stuff done- like booking my trip to Nationals and another short weekend trip for a wedding. And then there were the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

I was busy all day on Tuesday, but in the back of my mind the constant buzz of sadness for what happened at the marathon stayed. My heart breaks for everyone who was there, the three young people killed, all the people who were injured and everyone else who was impacted by the day’s events. It’s terrifying to think these things can happen here in America, a country founded on religious freedom.

Today’s post is short. In the past week I’ve continued to work toward my goal of self publication, staying on task with my marketing plan, designing pages to go live on both my site and Eva Prim’s, getting interview questions out for my September and October blog guests and beginning work on Eva’s blog.

But for the past week I’ve watched like every other American as the events in Boston unfolded. And today I wonder how much the government will learn from these studying the lives of these two men. I’m hopeful they’ll learn enough to thwart other efforts to hurt and kill more people.

Above all else I’m grateful for what I have. My husband and family, my home, and job. My life. My country. The many freedoms I have, especially the freedom of religion. In my life I run at 100 miles an hour. This week I was reminded to appreciate life and all that I have. I hope you do the same.

God bless you all.

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The Magic Touch Blog Hop

Posted on April 20, 2013 by jkradmin
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 You’ve got The Magic Touch. 

The first thing that came to mind when I heard about this blog hop was The Platters song, (You’ve got) The Magic Touch. Hear it here on YouTube.

It’s funny that I didn’t think magic as in abracadabra. Instead, I thought, what does it mean to have that magic touch? I suppose that’s not a surprise for a romance writer. To me The Magic Touch is about lovers knowing what to do to make each other feel better and more importantly when to do that certain something.

It’s being so in tuned to your spouse or significant other’s needs that you can predict what he or she will need based on a specific situation. It’s little things like coming out to help carry in the groceries or washing the dishes after dinner. It’s putting in that load of laundry or buying a jar of imported honey because you know your honey loves honey.

It’s the way he laughs at your jokes even when they aren’t that funny. And he laughs so hard his eyes tear up. It’s having a husband who cares so much for you he’s constantly trying to ensure your Mugger Readiness Skills by sneaking up on you in parking lots to be sure you’re always aware of your surroundings. (On the flip side of that it’s seeing him coming and deciding not to pretend you don’t know him and act like an hysterical crazy woman so that he’ll get arrested and spend a night in jail.) Yes, it’s those little things that bring a magic touch to a relationship. At least that’s my perspective.

What about you? What do you and your lover, spouse or partner do to demonstrate The Magic Touch? Please remember, this is not an erotic blog so let’s keep it clean here! :)

Comment to enter to win an e-copy of Perpetual Light. Watch the trailer here.

This Hop is hosted by author Kallysten and book blog Riverina Romantics. In

addition to individual prizes provided on each blog, we are offering
assorted swag to the first 100 participants who simply tell us they want
some! See all details and sign up here.


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Marissa Carmel and an excerpt from Gravitational Pull

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Vanessa
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Marissa Carmel is here for a visit to give us a peak into her newly released book, Gravitational Pull, which came out April 4, 2013. Gravitational Pull is the second book in the Vis Vires Trilogy, so if you haven’t bought yourself a copy yet, then this is what you’re missing out on! 

Gravitational Pull

gravitational pull

Touch me, and bring me to life…

How do you move on when you don’t even know where you were going in the first place?

The Spirit Stalker is dead and I have finally started to erect my life. But I quickly discover, that just because the structure is built doesn’t mean the foundation is sturdy. As much as I try to manage my abilities, I can’t completely control them. The physical impossibility of the relationship I have with Justice has reached a boiling point; our fundamental problem, my inability to control myself from absorbing his power, and his fear of touching me because of it.

As if that wasn’t deal-breaker enough, a new threat looms on my horizon – Darklings.

They are grim reapers of the immortal world who surface every five-hundred-years to feed off the souls of magical beings who are weak, aimless, lost; those who have given up and want to move on.

They also hunt power. Which means, they’re hunting me.

Abandoned by the one person I need the most, I find myself in Melenia’s realm.  There, I’m courted by Siberian, a dangerous pixie who covets me, hunted by Death personified; all the while hiding my powers and my ancient bloodline. The pixie prince is alluring, and I feel so broken and vulnerable. I know giving in to him means giving myself over to him. But right now, I don’t care. All I want is to feel anything other than the loss and rejection Justice left me with.

Anything other than pain.

So what do I do when I’m scared to be touched, even though I know it’s the only way to bring my soul back to life?

 

Excerpt 

As we dance, glitter falls all around us. Enchanting the dream-like atmosphere, but I can’t escape the music’s haunting melody, and the reality that reminds me of the truth, that I’m not undamaged. I just desperately try to pretend.

“I could dance like this with you forever,” Siberian whispers as he pulls me tighter.

There it is again, that word, forever. I despise it, mainly because, to me, it pertains more to a prison sentence than anything else.

“I’d get old after a while,” I say with my cheek pressed hopelessly against him.

“I know that would never be true.” He slides his hands up my body to my face and stares down at me with glossy silver eyes. “I would like nothing more than for you to stay here with me Liv. I can give you everything you could ever want, all your heart’s desires.”

I stare back at him silently. As tender, and as terrifying, as that proclamation is, my heart only desires one thing, and right now, he is standing across the courtyard, shooting me a demonic stare.

This is wrong, this is so so wrong, parading myself like this in front of Justice. But I just can’t pull myself away. Siberian’s searing gaze has me, and I want so much to just get lost in the moment, to feel his touch. I put my hands over his and brace for his lips, allowing him to have me, if only for a second. Then suddenly I jump: I’ve just been energy checked right in the gut.

 

About The Marissa Carmel

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Marissa Carmel has been writing since a young age and although it has always been for personal enjoyment, she finally decided breakout and share her imagination with the world. She hopes that her universe is as fun and intriguing to her readers as it is to her. Marissa Carmel is originally from NJ but moved to Maryland several years ago, she enjoys reading, writing, and catching up on her ever growing DVR library. She is currently working on the sequel to iFeel, Gravitational Pull and the third and final installment of the Vis Vires trilogy, Constellation.

Want to find Marissa on the web? Check out the links below!

 

GoodReads | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Author’s Page | Web/Blog | Pinterest

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Mageela Troche and Her Upcoming Book Release

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Vanessa
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Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Mageela Troche author of The Marriage Alliance, coming out April 16! Pre-order your copy today. This post will provide you with all the information you need to pre-order your own copy, but first get to know Mageela Troche a little better by taking a look at my interview with her!
   
What inspired you to become a writer?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. I had a thousand stories that raced through my head. But I never showed my writings to anyone. Back then, I did bleed on the page.

Tell us a bit about your formative years. Where’d you grow up? Did you have siblings, two parents in your home, pets?
I’m an Air Force Brat, my family traveled a great deal. Home was wherever my family was. I do have an older brother. He taught me everything I know and teased me as older brothers do.

Cats or Dogs- what’s your preference? And do you have any pets now?
I’m a dog person. My whole life we had dogs. A chocolate toy poodle named Chocolite. He would run when he saw me and bite me because I use to dress him in my doll clothes and force him to stay in my doll carriage. Then I had a Rottweiler named Trouble. He was a lazy one who loved children. I miss him every day. Now, I have a lovebird who tries to escape from his cage.

Do you follow sports? Which ones? What are your favorite teams?
I love sports. Thanks to my older brother and the fact on the military bases, there were many sports to become involved in. This year, the NCAA Final Four caused a dilemma in the family. I went to Syracuse and my niece went to Michigan. In the end, both our teams lost. As for football, it’s all about the Dallas Cowboys. Hockey, it’s the New York Rangers. Baseball isn’t my thing.

Do the characters from your books speak to you as though they’re helping you write their story or are they unaware their story is being written?
I have to say that I’m a method writing. I become my characters. So, yeah, they help me write the story. With my novel, The Marriage Alliance, Lady Ailsa Cameron came to me and she just told me everything. And my Hero, Laird Duncan MacLean, he popped into my head ready to prove his lady wrong. Funny, if I wasn’t a written someone would get me to the doctor’s quick. That’s the great part of writing and reading, you get to live thousands of lives.

Links: Mageela Troche’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

   

The Marriage Alliance

TheMarriageAlliance_LRGHer hand in marriage could secure peace.

Lady Ailsa Cameron has slept through a few masses. She isn’t the most patient of souls. However, the gentle lass never did anything wicked enough for her father, Laird Cameron to demand she wed Black Duncan, the Laird of Clan MacLean.

The leader of the Spartans of the North, Duncan MacLean inspires many gruesome tales in the majestic highlands and beyond. Duncan accepts Laird Cameron’s offer of his daughter’s hand in marriage to war against their shared enemy, Clan MacKinnon. Wed to the ravishing woman, he aches to possess her even as he vows never to lower his defenses, again.

Can past enemies become lovers?

As love blooms between them, a betrayal incites a war, endangering his clan, and jeopardizing Ailsa and Duncan’s lives and their chance to love ever after.

Release date:  Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Pre-order links not available. With be available on:
Secret Cravings Store  | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance Ebooks | Bookstrand

   

Author Bio:

Me photoAn Air Force brat, Mageela Troche landed in New York City and wanted to leave the same day she arrived. Yet, with her stubbornness, she learned to like the place and the libraries were the main reason. Once she learned to read and write, she decided to be an author and an actress. Once in college, she changed her life plan in the pursuit of money. After all, college loans must be repaid.

With life’s twists and turns, she returned to writing and focused on the romance genre. She joined RWA (Romance Writers of America) in 2004 and soon discovered RWA-NYC. At her first meeting, Keynotes Editor volunteered her to write an article and she knew she found her group. She placed second in Best Love Scene contest and in 2012, RWA-NYC annual award ceremony, the Publisher of the Year, Secret Cravings Publisher, held a contest. First place winner would have their novel published.

Mageela placed second. Nevertheless, the publisher wanted her book, The Marriage Alliance. She signed the dotted line a couple of weeks later.

In her free time, she loves watching her lovebird get up to his crazy antics, good books, and hearing from readers. You can find her at http://MageelaTroche.com.

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Post #10 On My Road to Self Publication

Posted on April 9, 2013 by jkradmin
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Last week i had the wonderful Ms. Melissa Foster on my blog to discuss marketing tips and mistakes. See her post here. Melissa explained the number one mistake writers make is they market to other writers. I couldn’t agree more with Melissa. It’s one of the things I noticed right away when I began my writing career. It’s also a trap I fell into almost immediately.

We’re all on loops together- many RWA and then other yahoo loops. We learn fabulous things from each other and share our highs and lows. We build each other up and answer questions, trouble shoot plot ideas, blog challenges and how to answer the occasional really weird fan letter. We’re comfortable in our loops and groups.

But, I don’t think any of us could possibly afford to buy every book that came out and we all know we each already have TBR piles that could make the average reader faint. Mine is now housed in the biggest Rubbermaid container I could find because it outgrew the bookshelf and was taking up floor space.

So what do we do? We all know inherently most of us don’t want to get out there in front of a crowd and market ourselves. We’re nervous and awkward, sort of like we were in eighth grade giving a book report to the class while you were absolutely certain all the smart kids stared at you because you didn’t really understand the deep meaning of the story, all the cool kids stared at you because they would never be caught dead in the outfit you were wearing, and the teacher stared at you just waiting for the moment she could ask you a question you already knew you didn’t have the foggiest idea how to answer. Yes, that’s what it feels like to promote yourself. I understand. There are days I’d rather crawl under the desk with the dog.

But I don’t. Not usually. Instead, I take to the web and find the things that are comfortable. I have lists and lists and more lists. At some point I’m certain something will get checked off. I just know it will!

However, I committed last year to not marketing solely to my writer friends and colleagues. That was my first step– which of course meant I didn’t really talk to anyone about my book because I felt like an idiot and who really wants to hear from me anyway?

I’m quiet on the loops unless I have something to ask or add. Most recently I asked two loops how everyone had developed their email lists. (The email list is sort of like a unicorn to me. I don’t have one. I want one. But I didn’t really know how to get one or if really they existed.) I asked if people used the emails from the commenters on their blogs or from rafflecopter giveaways because doing so seemed like spamming to me and really not very nice.

I have to say I’ve been floating on cloud 9 for a few days because my question launched a conversation that lasted several days. Apparently, there’s a lot to be said about the email list and how you get one. In a nutshell don’t use your commenters emails or rafflecopter participant emails. It is spam.

Don’t just add every email you have to your list and expect people not to be aggravated by your foolishness. Don’t expect them to stay on your email list. Don’t expect them not to tweet, FB, or blog about you in a not very pleasant way. People do not want to be sent “stuff” they didn’t ask for.

Let’s face it. We all hate that. Why would a reader like it? Why would you start out aggravating the people you hope will want to have a connection with you? Don’t do it.

The best way to develop your email/address list is to invite people onto it. It takes time and effort. There are a number of sites where readers can participate in contests but to do so they have to join the email list of the guest author. This idea seems hit or miss. People join for the contest and then unsubscribe.

It seems like the truly best way to develop this list is to get the invitation out there, front and center. Clearly, tweeting about it, FB, GR, etc. But get the link to subscribe onto your website– right on the website so it’s one of the first things readers see. And make joining worthwhile. Make it fun. What are readers going to get?

Give them advance info on your upcoming books. Snippets. Contest info. (All of this sounds wonderful. God help me I hope when I do it, it actually works!) Give readers a connection to you, not just a “Hey. Go buy my book.” Because we all know that ain’t working! There’s nothing more annoying than buy my book pitch.

I just opened my Mailchimp account. Free. (Perfect.) My web designer is helping to get that onto my landing page. She’s also working on my super-secret-brilliant idea for my Eva Prim Series. I’ll tell you all about that soon as I can.

However as you may or may not know I’m running a Name That Book Contest. Why, you ask? Because I’m publishing a book later this year and I have no idea what to call it! So help me! And who will know bette than people who are not encumbered by all the nitty-gritty- details and plush it helps me connect with readers! See, a great idea. (Stupendous-  if I get a title out of it!)

Pop over to the Name That Book Contest page by using the badge below! But wait- what are you doing to develop your email list? I need to know if you have any ideas to share. I’m sharing. You should share too!

 

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