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Synopsis

Linc knows Wyn is the girl for him.

Wyn knows Linc is the boy for her.

But she’s promised to another.

Lincoln “Linc” Tatman had been at his new school for months and he thought he’d met all the girls it had to offer. Until one day, he spied Wyn sitting against a tree and realized this new place had been hiding the girl of his dreams. He goes out of his way to get to know her, even though he’s warned that it’s a hopeless case. But he’s determined to win her, even if she can only be his for a short time.

Arwyn “Wyn” Scott is the black sheep of her big gypsy family. When most of the girls her age are dropping out to start their own families, she begs her parents to stay. She doesn’t fit in with the gypsy teens and the regular teens are too afraid of her five older brothers to get close. Then Linc comes into her life, showing her a new life she never thought she could have. She can’t stop herself from falling head first for the boy.

Can Wyn leave behind her family and their traditions to follow her heart, or will she become a young gypsy wife?

Author Bio:

Michelle is a 28 year old native Ohioan. Go Buckeyes! Who now lives with her husband and son in West Virginia. When she isn’t spending time with her family you can find her with her nose stuck in a good book. She released her first book (Reviving Bloom) as an independent author in October 2012 and plans to release two new books (Promised & Enlightening Bloom) in 2013.

Author links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/MichelleTurnerAuthor

Blog: http://michelleturnerauthor.blogspot.com/

 EXCERPT

“Linc, there are things in my life that you can’t understand and this,” She waves her hand back and forth between the two of us, “will never be able to work out.”

“You can’t know that. You’re not even giving us a chance.” I cross my arms.

She throws up her arms, “You want to know how this will go if I give in?”

“Yeah, since apparently you’re a psychic, tell me how this will go, Wyn.”

“Say my family doesn’t find out, which is highly unlikely. And say if they do find out and they don’t hurt you. And Linc, those are two huge obstacles to overcome right off the bat. Well, say we overcome those, then what?” She runs her hands through her hair before she continues, “We’ll spend a few weeks, a few months it we’re lucky, together. But it won’t last after that, Linc. It’ll be over and we’ll be left with what? Nothing.”

“You’re wrong, Wyn. We’ll have the memories and I’d rather have those than nothing.” I want to reach out and grab her. I want to hold her in my arms but I know she has boundaries that I’m not use to and I can’t cross them. I’m afraid to even hold her hand, that it might cross some unseen line.

“I’m not sure I can handle the memories. Because if you give me everything I think you can and things turn out the way I know they will, I won’t be able to handle them. Knowing I had you and I had to let you go. I can’t do that, Linc.” There’s a quiver in her voice and I have to shove my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching out for her.

“You won’t have to let me go.”

“Yes, I will.”

“The only way I’m going anywhere is if you decide you don’t want me around.” I promise her.

“It won’t be me who pushes you away.”

“Well, I can promise I won’t push you away. I want to be with you, Wyn.”

“I’m promised, Linc.” As the words leave her lips, I watch the tears begin to escape her eyes.

“Explain please.” I have a feeling I know what it means but I need to hear it aloud.

“My Dad informed me last night that someone expressed interest in my hand. He’s going to accept the proposal.” She’s watching my face as she finishes, “I’m going to be married.”

Book Name: Touching Fire
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Series: Touch Saga, book 2
Publisher: Airicka Phoenix
Release date: June, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance.
Warnings: Strong language and mild sexual content
Formats: ebook & paperback
Other Novels:
Touching Smoke (Touch Series, book 1) ebook – http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Smoke-Touch-Series-ebook/dp/B008RB72NW

Touching Eternity (Touch Series Beginning) ebook – http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Eternity-Touch-Series-ebook/dp/B00AQQDVTU/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1
Games of Fire (ebook) – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFIR2HU

Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology (ebook) – http://www.amazon.com/Whispered-Beginnings-Fiction-Writers-Anthology/dp/1617521221
Midnight Surrender Anthology (ebook) – http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Surrender-Paranormal-Anthology-ebook/dp/B009M9EMT0/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Social Networks:
Twitter (@AirickaPhoenix) – https://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Airicka-Phoenix/252135634831614?ref=hl
Design Page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airickas-Mystical-Creations/462373910480084
GoodRead – http://www.goodreads.com/AirickaPhoenix
Pinsterest – http://pinterest.com/airickaphoenix
Author Site – http://airickaphoenix.com/Author

Touching Fire Synopsis

Fallon’s on the run again, but this time, she’s not alone and she has a direction — she’s going to meet the man whose blood runs through her veins, the only man who can finally tell her who… what she is and why Garrison wants her so badly. But the truth may be more than she can handle when she falls from one world into another, one that shouldn’t exist and learns truths about herself that she may wish she never knew.
Faced with a reality so beyond comprehension, Fallon must accept the destiny she’s given because Garrison will stop at nothing to insure the success of The Amalie Project, even if he must do the unthinkable and become just like Fallon.
Touch Vengeance. Touch Malice. Touch Fire.

Excerpt
He was still waiting when I joined him again, composed. He stood with his back against the wall, his hands lost deep into the folds of his pockets. He was studying his shoes, his hair falling in thick fringes over his eyes. Those blue eyes rose, crystalline pools of electricity, and met mine, and my world stopped. My breath stopped. My heart would have stopped if it wasn’t drumming a tempo of pure elation at the sight of him. It ached, so desperate for the need to be closer. God, it was never close enough. I could crawl into him, burrow into his soul and it wouldn’t be enough.
I took a step closer, as unsteady as a new born calf. He caught my hand, reeled me to him without ever pushing away from the wall. I was pulled into the space between his feet, held there as he bent my arm and twisted it around my own waist. I was pressed into him, his thighs hard against mine. I felt his heartbeat through the fingertips he traced over the curve of my cheek.
“Stop touching me,” I gasped, cotton-mouthed, half-crazed by the possibility that he might take me seriously.
“Why?” His breath fanned over my dry and already parted lips.
I opened my eyes, surprised to find them closed. “Because I won’t want you to stop.”
The band of steel around my waist tightened until I was supported only by him, by his arm, his chest, his heat, his scent… God, I was home! My fingers curled into the soft material of his fresh, clean shirt. He must have changed, but it was yet another black t-shirt.
“I can’t.” His lips wrote each word against mine in the caress of butterfly wings.
My bones liquefied. I nearly fainted.
“Why?” The single word was a mere movement of my lips.
His free hand shackled my chin, guided my face up, held me prisoner to eyes much too animal to be human. “Because I don’t want to stop.”
If there was ever any possibility of remembering to breathe, it was gone. I was barely conscious, barely even sane as I sunk into blissful madness cured only by his lips… his touch.
“Touch me!” My desperate plea was met with a fierce growl.
His eyes, dark, feral, bore into mine. “Not here!”
I opened my mouth to protest, to beg, but his finger against my lips became a barricade, trapping the words on my tongue.
“Don’t!” he hissed. His finger drew back, traced the curve of my bottom lip. His eyes followed the slow caress the way a cat watches a canary. “I can’t promise I’m completely in control right now.”

Author Bio
Airicka Phoenix is the best-selling author of the Touch Series with short stories in Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and Midnight Surrender Anthology. When she’s not hammering away at the keyboard, she can be found banishing pirates or crawling through the attic looking for lost treasure with her kids. She loves baking, gardening and reading. She also likes to travel and take pictures of everything she comes across. When asked, Airicka describes herself as a sarcastic basket case that has an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, old movies and really bad jokes. She loves to laugh, make friends and write. If she could have one wish granted, it would be to spend one day as a fly-on-the-wall inside Stephen King’s mind. If she could have two wishes granted, she would ask for a castle dedicated entirely to her overwhelming collection of books.

For more about Airicka, also on how to win giveaways, read author interviews and reviews, visit her website at: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author

Blurb: TOUCHING ETERNITY
What would you choose?
She had everything but freedom.
He had nothing but his loyalty, his wits and his training.
She was a prisoner, a disease, not fit for the world, and she didn’t know why. But she did know she wasn’t allowed to die, she wasn’t allowed to live and she wasn’t sane.
He was a soldier, a protector, but his foundation will be tested when he must destroy the only light in his dark world.
Thrown together, prisoner and keeper, their rebellion will splinter through time, changing the course of history and the fate of the world. Their love will challenge their greatest enemy and immortalize them forever.
Loyalty. Freedom. Love.
What would you risk?
“Let me die.”
Pain darkened his eyes. “Never.”

Book Name: Touching Eternity (Touch Series Standalone, book 1.5)
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Publisher: Self-Published
Release date: December 25, 2012
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance Drama (18+)
Warnings: Angst, drama, torture, suicide, abuse (mental, emotional, physical, sexual, substance (unwilling)) all are implied, not graphic.
Formats: ebook, paperback
Other Novels:
~ Touching Smoke (Touch Series, book 1)
~ Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology
~ Midnight Surrender Anthology
Book Trailer: Touching Eternity Trailer
Social Networks:
~ Facebook
~ Facebook Author Page
~ Twitter (@AirickaPhoenix)
~ Goodreads
Author Site: Airicka Phoenix Website

Buying Locations: Links to come December 25, 2012

Author Bio:

Airicka Phoenix is the author of TOUCHING SMOKE (Touch Book #1), TOUCHING ETERNITY (Touch 1.5), TORRID, a short story as part of the Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and WANTING & INTENTIONS, two stories as part of the Midnight Surrender Anthology. When she’s not hammering away at the keyboard, she can be found banishing pirates or crawling through the attic looking for lost treasure with her kids. She loves baking, gardening and reading. She also likes to travel and take pictures of everything she comes across. When asked, Airicka describes herself as a sarcastic basket case that has an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, old movies and really bad jokes. She loves to laugh, make friends and write. If she could have one wish granted, it would be to spend one day as a fly-on-the-wall inside Stephen King’s mind. If she could have two wishes granted, she would ask for a castle dedicated entirely to her overwhelming collection of books.
Website: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/?cat=10
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix (@AirickaPhoenix)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/airicka.phoenix
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Airicka-Phoenix/252135634831614?ref=hl
Goodread: http://www.goodreads.com/AirickaPhoenix

Merry Christmas everyone!

Today I have author Laura Hunter on my blog for her book tour. I met Laura on facebook some time ago, she is an amazing and wonderful woman! Please enjoy this interview and be sure to check out her new release! It is available at Amazon ,
Barnes and Noble (paperback only at this point- if you want a nook copy please click on “request from publisher” and
Kobo

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 24 years old and I live on the central coast of NSW, Australia with my family. I enjoy writing, reading, acting, singing and directing. With my dramatic arts class I have written, directed, and starred in two original plays.

2. When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I first began writing when I was 15. I wrote a lot of song lyrics as a way to get my thoughts down on paper. I then switched to writing fan-fiction at the age of 19. I finished my first book about September this year.

3. How did you choose the genre you write in?

I have always loved reading the paranormal/ urban fantasy/ YA fantasy fiction genres, so its only natural I began writing this genre, it chose me lol

4. Where do you get your ideas?

I get my ideas from anything I experience and my friends and family, but mostly  my ideas come from dreams.

5. Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Yes, I am currently having a little bit of writer’s block at the moment, mostly due to not plotting properly so I need to go and do that for my next few books.

6. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

As a teenager I remember walking into my school library and searching through the YA books. I picked up Phillip Pullman’s The Subtle Knife and my love affair with YA fantasy fiction began. Cassandra Clare and Kathy Reichs also inspire me every day.

7. Can you tell us the challenges in getting your first book published?

The first real issue for me was money. As I am not particularly rich and a self published author, I found investing my own money into my first book quite taxing, so I hope it will be worth it in the end. Everything else has been a breeze.

8. How do you market your work? What avenues have you found work best for your genre?

As a self published indie author I feel marketing is the biggest challenge for us, but I have found social media is the biggest help in creating a platform and reaching my target audience- Facebook, twitter and blogs (I have read several eBooks on the topic and they said this was the best way) Also I am addicted to goodreads! I recommend that every author get a Goodreads account as you can add the books you want to read to shelves and keep up to date with upcoming releases and have people rate and review your work.

9. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The Chronicles of Fire and Ice is a New Adult urban fantasy set in Melbourne, Australia. It deals with the fact the human race is becoming over taken and out- bred by angels. It features Scarlett, a 21-year-old half Nephilim girl who finds out she is also half archangel and she has a frightening new ability to go along with it. She enrolls at an Academy for angels where she meets the handsome, yet mysterious Dyston Blackbell, the youngest son of the owners of the Academy, whom she discovers has been sending her weird dreams for years. Some of the story also deals with the backstory of Dyston’s dashing yet egotistic older brother, Lakyn.

10. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Some things in my book are from real life experiences, like some of Scarlett’s dreams, they actually happened to me. Some of my characters are based on my friends, certain qualities. Most of the fantasy parts are all from my imagination.

11. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

One of my favorite scenes that I loved writing was when Scarlett first met Dyston. I also loved writing Lakyn’s backstory. He is one of my favorite characters to write as he has two sides.

12. How did you come up with the title?

I came up with the title, The Chronicles of Fire and Ice a few ways. I wanted something catchy and unique (aspiring authors, I recommend googling possible titles to see if there are any similar already out there, or doing a goodreads search) and also I played around with the elements of my story and tried to fit them into the title. Some might say fire relates to Scarlett, and ice to Lakyn, yes they do, but the meanings run deeper than that.

13. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Probably the toughest and most offending compliment given to me was criticizing my marketing plan, saying social media isn’t good enough. They are not authors so I didn’t really listen. As for the best compliment… I get more beautiful messages and compliments about my book every day and it almost brings me to tears, it means a lot to me.

14. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Yes, believe in yourself and believe in your work. If you think negative thoughts then that will be reflected in your work and it will suffer.

FUN QUESTIONS

1)    If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?

I love superheroes! I think I would like to the ability to heal. And no cape for me.

2)   Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?

Chocolate all the way. I am a self- confessed chocoholic!

3)   The light side or the dark side?

I love all things dark but I live on the light side

4)   Do you have deep dark secret? How about a shallow grey one?

Hmm had to think about this one… I have a crush on someone I shouldn’t.

5)   What sort of coffee would you order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?

My poison is a soy latte. And sometimes if I’m feeling like a sugar hit, I order a soy hazelnut latte.

6)   Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?

No because you can taste the difference. But I have given someone full cream milk when they have asked for skim.

7)   Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)

Bananas!

8)   If you could live off of chocolate would you? What kind?

Totally! Chocoholic here! Dairy milk or the dark and nutty kind would suffice.

9)   What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?

I have always wanted a pet Panda.

10)If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?

Hmm, The House of Night school, or Narnia (before and after the white witch’s rein)

11) What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)

Loud, obnoxious people, and smokers.

12) Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

All the time. And I’ve had to leave it until I could find a bathroom to fix it lol

13) Do you prefer fuzzy or tub socks?

Fuzzy but then my shoes don’t fit lol

14) Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

No point because it’s a known fact that bed bugs love made beds.

15) Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?

Once a week, I have the worst frizz prone hair

16) Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

I don’t drive but I hate slow drivers and tail gaters

17) Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?

Cockroaches, spiders and flies. I have a phobia of bees and wasps.

Stalk me the following ways:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865

Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/llhunter_angels

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter

Author Bio:

I am an Australian author who began writing when I was fifteen or sixteen, originally song lyrics, but then moved onto fanfiction when I was nineteen. Having published over 20 stories online. One of which was nominated for an award. I have also written, directed and starred in two original plays entitled, “No Frills Airlines: Flight 123,” and the sequel, “No frills Airlines: Come Fly with Us.” The latter of which was a musical.

STONE COLD

In the competitive world of advertising, Charles Dean is at the top of his game; a ruthless boss driven by results. When a scandal threatens his prestigious advertising company, Dean is determined to find the person trying to ruin him and handle it his way.

Someone else has other ideas and their own reasons for bringing him down.

Then the murders of two senior corporate executives stun the Oxfordshire community and the dirty secret Dean has kept hidden for years is about to be exposed.

Set in the beautiful English Cotswolds, STONE COLD is a brand new psychological thriller, available now for Kindle. Also available in paperback.

Buy now on Amazon

Jenny Hilborne
Author of mysteries and thrillers 

INTIMACY ISSUES (THE SAMANTHA SERIES) by Claudia Whitsitt

Please welcome Claudia Whitsitt, author of The Samantha Series. Book 2 in the suspenseful series was released April 8^th. Claudia and I met at Printers Row in Chicago almost three years ago. She has a knack for page turner mysteries and is a talented writer and friend! Claudia will be chatting about her recent release and The Samantha Series.

Claudia, if you had to describe your book in twenty-five words or less, what would you say?

Heartache, mystery, suspense, and love collide in INTIMACY ISSUES, Book 2, The Samantha Series.

I know that the heroine of your series, Samantha Stitsill, travels to Japan in this book. Did you travel to Japan to research?

As luck would have it, I traveled to Japan with my husband and daughter before I wrote INTIMACY ISSUES. During the time I visited Asia, I had no idea I would one day set a novel there, but I’m grateful that I captured prolific photos during my stay. Also, my husband’s many trips to Japan for business afforded me a personal research assistant. I believe I could have written the story without having visited, but I certainly made it easier for me to step into Samantha’s shoes having that prior knowledge.

If I remember correctly, it was the theft of your husband’s identity that spurred the writing of the series.

That’s right. Don’s passport was stolen twenty years ago. Not long after that, we received a threatening letter from Botswana, followed by disturbing late night phone calls. Ten years later, a strange woman showed up at my school. She thought I was married to her husband! The entire series of events was preposterous, yet I it provided me with such good material, I had to write the book. Thus, The Samantha Series was born.

Are there particular scenes that you have difficulty writing?

I struggle writing sex scenes. (Catholic school upbringing and being an elementary school teacher makes me tap the brakes!) I want to be sure to create the correct balance between enticing the reader and tugging on their heartstrings. For me, sex is about far more than the act; it’s about the emotion that both characters bring to the scene. I’ve always believed that the first brush of shoulders or the mere joining of hands can be incredibly provocative, even more so than a blow by blow description of the actual encounter.

What is your favorite part of writing a series?

Writing is one of the greatest joys of my life! I love stepping into Samantha’s shoes and living her life. She and I share much in common. Like me, she’s a schoolteacher and mother. But while we are similar in those regards, Samantha is spunkier and sassier than I’d ever dream of being. It’s thrilling for me to be so rooted in her life of adventure. I feel privileged that she allows me to accompany her on her life’s journey.

Samantha’s a real woman with real problems.  She’s tough, and faces adversity at every juncture of her life with grace and aplomb. It’s for this reason that I think Sam resonates with so many readers.

What’s your favorite reader response to The Samantha Series?

“And I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a book more. The author, without being presumptuous, spins a good tale that had me guessing the entire book. And I usually get bored with trying to solve the mystery, for I usually have it before the middle of the book. Some authors throw a kink into the mix late in the book and think that it adds to the mystery, but I find it deplorable. Ms. Whitsitt, much like the old “Nero Wolf” mysteries, puts it right up front, and she defies you, successfully, to solve the mystery. I find her writing style, her melding of characters, and plot twists, realistic and both terrifying and heartwarming. Not many authors for which I await the next offering, but I’m awaiting the next in this series with great anticipation.”

The reader had no way of knowing that this was what I had hoped to achieve, so this proved an extremely validating review.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I have a quiet study in my home, but I can write anywhere, anytime. If there’s sunlight streaming through the window, I’m that much happier.

Thanks for visiting, Claudia! I love your books and hope to see you soon.

Same here, Jen. I miss your smiles and your warm hugs!

About the author:

Claudia is a special education teacher and mother of five living in Michigan with her husband, Don. Her husband’s identity theft led her to the keyboard to write her first novel, IDENTITY ISSUES. As well as The Samantha Series, Claudia has written a coming of age mystery, The Wrong Guy, loosely based on The Michigan Murders of the late 1960s.

GIVEAWAY:

Two digital sets of Claudia Whitsitt’s thriller series, including Identity Issues and Intimacy Issues.

Enter now!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OGE0MTk3ZjZhNjczYTcwMjMzNjNjOTVjODE5OTkyOjA=/

BUY links:

IDENTITY ISSUES:

Amazon US- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAB2YU6

Amazon Canada- http://www.amazon.ca/Identity-Issues-Samantha-ebook/dp/B00AGLOJVY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366466963&sr=1-1&keywords=identity+issues+by+claudia+whitsitt

Amazon UK- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Identity-Issues-Samantha-ebook/dp/B00AGLOJVY/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1366466453&sr=8-1&keywords=identity+issues+by+claudia+whitsitt

Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/identity-issues-claudia-whitsitt/1113865482?ean=2940016720784&itm=1&usri=identity+issues+by+claudia+whitsitt

INTIMACY ISSUES:

Amazon US – http://www.amazon.com/Intimacy-Issues-Samantha-ebook/dp/B00CAB2YU6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366467136&sr=1-1&keywords=intimacy+issues+by+claudia+whitsitt

Amazon Canada- http://www.amazon.ca/Intimacy-Issues-Samantha-ebook/dp/B00CAB2YU6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366467209&sr=1-1&keywords=intimacy+issues+by+claudia+whitsitt

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intimacy-Issues-Samantha-Series-ebook/dp/B00CAB2YU6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366467266&sr=8-1&keywords=intimacy+issues+by+claudia+whitsitt

Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/intimacy-issues-claudia-whitsitt/1115125575?ean=2940016693064

Jenny Hilborne

Today I have the most super awesome Jenny Hilborne on my blog.

Here is an interesting story about Jenny. I met her on twitter a few years ago. I don’t think I’d been on twitter very long. I was very new to publishing world and that came with it. At the time I didn’t even have anything published. She was one of the first authors who followed me back. She also talked to me. I’m not sure if Jenny ever knew how much that meant to me. How excited I got over some friendly tweets. I mean… I called my mom to tell her about this amazing mystery author who actually talked to me.

Needless to say, Jenny is not only an amazing author, but an amazing person too. If you haven’t checked out her books yet, I highly recommend you do!

On to the crazy fun questions!

If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?
Villain or hero, I would fly, especially if I lived in California, so I could beat traffic. I would wear a rocking cape, but I draw the line at tights.

Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?
Strawberry if it’s ice-cream. Anything else – chocolate.

The light side or the dark side?
I’d like to say light, but I’m always drawn to the dark.

Do you have deep dark secret? How about a shallow grey one?
Nope. I’m not that intriguing.

What sort of coffee would you order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?
I’d order Early Grey tea.

Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?
No, but I brewed a pot of decaf at work in the regular coffee pot, just to see what would happen. That stunt got me banned from making the office coffee.

Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)
I LOVE brussels – they are my favorite vegetable. I refuse to eat olives, avocado and salmon to name a few. Dislike them all.

What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Are you opposed to those brands with tiny marshmallows in them?
I’m not a cereal lover or a breakfast lover. In fact, I wish I could take 1 nutrition pill a day and be done with it.

If you could live off of chocolate would you? What kind?
No. I tried it for 2 days as a kid (not my choice) and it’s not as fun as you’d think.

What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?
One that do the vacuuming, washing up and laundry.

If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?
Certainly not one of my own creation. I’m happy to stay planted in this one.

Have you ever done anything really crazy? Do you regret it?
No, but I’m about to. I’d rather regret the things I do than the things I don’t.

What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)
Ooh, this is tempting to name the individual who immediately springs to mind. I dislike arrogance and self-absorbed people. Those are the ugliest traits in a hum

Today I have author Jessie Andersen stopping by! Jessies’ book At What Cost came out yesterday!

Where do you get your ideas?

I pray. A lot. J Seriously. I’m not joking. I finish one book and say, “Okay, God. If you want me to write anything else, you need to give me a new book.” And so far, he has. J

Do you ever experience writer’s block? Do you work with an outline, or just write?

A little, mostly when I’ve taken a few days off from writing. It’s hard to get back in to the habit.

I use a flexible outline.  I draw up those good old triangular plot diagrams that your English teachers used to torture you with. You know the rising action, climax, falling action, resolution ones. I try to plot out my story that way, but in the end I always end up with more than what’s on my outline.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

HA! How much time do you have? First, I wrote about three chapters and got stuck. (Those chapters have since been chopped, along with seven others.) So, I wrote another book—entirely unrelated. (It will never be seen or published.) Then I finished At What Cost and started sending it to agents. I had some favorable inquiries, but nothing materialized. After over a year of that, I was told by one agent to rework it a bit. So, I did the ‘ol, chop chop, cutting ten chapters and reworking the rest of the book. Then I sent it out again, another year later, I finally landed my agent. I went through a LOT of queries and a TON of rejection. Someday I’ll reveal how many agents I queried, but let’s just say for now it’s an embarrassing amount. Then, of course there are the rejections from publishing houses. It’s a good thing I have thick skin.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Most of the experiences of Maggie are someone’s personal experiences. I did several interviews to prepare for this story. I’ll be honest, I’m unqualified to write a story like this. I’ve never had an abortion. But the story was so heavy on my heart that I had to write it. In order to make it real, I had to interview women who had been there. I spoke with several post abortive women, both women who had regrets and those who didn’t. I’ve had a few people tell me that Maggie’s phone conversation with the receptionist seems unrealistic, but that was drawn directly from one of my interviews.  So Maggie’s story is the story of several women put together.

How did you come up with the title?

I didn’t.  I’m great with chapter titles, but I couldn’t think of a title to save my life. It had a bunch of different names, none of which worked until one of my former students, Rachael, gave me “At What Cost.” The funny thing is, she doesn’t remember this. J

What project are you working on now? Will you have a new book coming out soon?

I’m working on the second book in The Unviables series. It has yet to be named. It’s a dystopian and it’s been SOOOOO much fun to write. The first book in the series is currently with my agent, so hopefully, I’ll have good news soon.

Why did you feel you had to tell this story?

-HA! This makes me laugh because I feel totally unqualified to tell this story. Here’s the shortened version of my journey: I was teaching middle school and reading what the kids were reading. It was during that time I felt that I could write a story like the ones I was reading, but I didn’t have a topic. I started praying about it and told God to give me a topic. He said abortion.

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing author Natascha Scrivener. Please enjoy and check out her work!

1)   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a novelist, poet (and occasional blogger) with a penchant for baking and spending time in my vegetable patch.

2)   What do you do when you are not writing? Do you have a day job as well?

I’m also a full-time Mummy, but as for paid work, I don’t do anything but write. I made the decision to give up work and focus on writing when I fell pregnant with my first child last year.

3) How did you choose the genre you write in?

I’ve written in quite a few genres now; literary, sci-fi, fantasy and magic-realism. I tend to prefer literary fiction but it’s fun to experiment and try writing something new, I think it keeps things new and interesting, and the research that goes into each one is fun too!

4)   Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

As a child I adored Enid Blyton’s books, and The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, they were my Mother’s books when she was little, an American family who were based here gave them to her when she was a little girl. She used to read the whole series to me every winter. I can’t wait to do that with my little girl and boy when they’re older!

As for books I’ve read as an adult, definitely all of the books by Peter Hedges, as well as Chocolat and The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris.

5)Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

I can! Here is the blurb: THE FUTURE.
On the night of the power collapse that left Old Town in darkness, Reason Goodwin’s father returned from a day’s work at GAME-corp. with their latest creation, the Dream Theatre– a games machine to eclipse all others – a games machine that would bring dreams to life.

But the power surge severs the link between the dream state and reality, and Reason’s father returns to reality changed. He mutters of a world captured by GAME-corp. called Albia, and of game players from Earth unknowingly crossing between the two worlds via The Wire, their avatars playing out their fantasies and destroying Albia.

Now people are dying as Albia fights back, and it is Reason’s mission to save her father, Albia, and the very future of Earth itself.

6)What project are you working on now? Will you have a new book coming out soon?

I have just finished and published a short story called The Yellow Umbrella which is available for download (CLICK HERE)

 Here is a little extract to hopefully make you want to pop over to Smashwords and download the whole thing! (It’s FREE!)

They arrived on the eve of the carnival, weaving their way amongst the crowds of flushed faces and hovering for the briefest of moments to cast a curious eye across the cacophony of sugar coated confectionary. The littlest one, a girl of about eight who clutched a rabbits paw against her chest, stopped once to glance at the small hand-penned notice I’d pinned to the trunk of the copper birch that stood proud in the centre of the small town despite its sun torched leaves.

‘For Sale’, it read.

‘One pair of shoes, heel trodden, curled up and wrinkled like owners face.
Condition of shoes put down to weight of expectation and over use.
Any price accepted, and can deliver. However near, however far away.’…

7)Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Never call yourself an ‘aspiring writer’!

FUN QUESTIONS!

1)    If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?

I think I would get in a muddle with a cape, so no. But my super power would definitely be to be able to fly… for every birthday when I was little I wished to be able to fly.

2)    Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?

Vanilla

3)    Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?

No…but that is the sort of thing I would do…

4) What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)

“Depressed” people. Dear God they annoy me!

5) What do you think about scarves? Do you wear them or prefer a turtleneck?

I do like a nice scarf… I’m a bit of a hippy so there are often one too many scarves attached to me.

I have the extreme please of hosting author Blaize Nolynne on my blog today. Please enjoy this interview and keep your eye out for her new release coming soon!

1) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I graduated in 2009 from the Children’s Institute of Literature and put out my first book the following December under a penname. I then went on decided to study to write adult fiction.

I am from Maine and was born and raised there. I love animals. I have two dogs and a bunny.

2) When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I began writing in 2009 after I graduated from the Children’s Institute of Literature in 2009 that following December I put out my first picture book. From there I put out my first adult genre fiction the following year.

3) How did you choose the genre you write in?

I love fiction! I decided on a topic that interests me and begins to write.

4) Where do you get your ideas?

I got it from the fact my father was a firefighter.

5) Do you ever experience writer’s block? Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I have never experienced writer’s block. I don’t use outlines either. I just write as I go.

6) Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Yes, Ray Bradbury! I loved his writing. I also loved the fact that it took him awhile before he made it, this is something I could relate to.

7) Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

It is called ‘District One Stand By: On the Bleeding Edge of Change’ which is the second one in the series.

Catisha Spadoni gets a phone call in which she wasn’t expecting. It spirals from there knowing someone deliberately did this to her former crew. She decided to take the case, in the mist of it all her personal life began falling apart.

“Oh my God!” I screamed as they showed the firehouse that I lived in. That was my  former crew that was injured and also among the missing. Those were my  brothers and sisters in that barn.

8) Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

FUN QUESTIONS!

My wonderful friend and fellow author, Thomas Amo, has a new release! Please check it out!

Hannah Richards isn’t your typical 16 year-old at Wichita Falls High. Fashions, trends, cosmetics and style are unimportant to her. An avid reader, guitar player, classic movie and television buff, Hannah marches to the beat of her own drum. Visible only to her Father the town Sheriff, and her two best friends. Hannah lives a simple, un-pampered life as an “Eastie.”

After coming to the aide of Taylor Monroe, a popular member of the ultra snobby “Stilettos” at school, Hannah’s life beings spiraling out of control. As she starts spending more time with Taylor, her best friends abandon her, after a series of misunderstandings, causing Hannah to re-invent herself.

Hannah quickly gets caught up in a life much different than the one she knows, where status, glamour, makeup, appearance and acceptance become her masters.

Can Hannah survive the lies, deceit, jealousy and rage that are now waiting for her behind every corner? Will she succumb to the pressures of popularity? Or will she be crushed under the heels of the “Stilettos”?

~High school is hard enough just being yourself, let alone trying to be someone you’re not~

 Connect with Thomas Amo online.

 Amazon Page

Facebook  

Goodreads

Twitter 

Blog

Welcome to our stop on  The Lady Astronomer Blog Tour ! If you haven’t checked out Katy O’Dowd’s new release then you certainly should!

Lucretia’s life as an astronomer is quickly turned on its head by her eldest brother when he is commanded by the king to build the grandest telescope in the land. Her nights spent on rooftops gazing at the stars are replaced by adventure as the family move to be nearer the king. In a race to build the Forty-foot telescope on time, misfortunes take their toll. The lady astronomer finds court life to be more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Can she find the strength inside to overcome the obstacles threatening her destiny? Only the
stars will tell.

* * *
Special Note:
We are proud to publish our first novel from an author who lives outside of  North America. Katy hails from Ireland. When reading this novel, please keep in mind that English is not spelled the same everywhere! Because she is from Ireland and her characters also dwell in Europe, we maintained her uses and spellings.

Get your copy today for only 2.99 at Amazon.com or Amazon.uk  

Enter to win free ebooks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spread the steampunk love!

I have the great pleasure of having author Airicka Phoenix on my blog today for her Touching Eternity Blog Tour. We met on facebook through a blogger and read her first book, Touching Smoke, in less than a day. Be sure to check them out!

1)   What do you do when you are not writing? Do you have a day job as well?

I’m almost always writing, but yes, I also work.

2)   Where do you get your ideas?

My brain is a universe of … things! Random, sometimes strange, things. And My imagination is just off the charts, usually coming up with the weirdest stuff that sometimes turn into stories.

3)   Do you ever experience writer’s block? Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I have an outline I work with. But I’ve never experienced writers block.

4)   Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The next book in The Touch Series after Touching Eternity is Touching Fire. We go back to Fallon and Isaiah and meet Ashton, Fallon’s father for the first time. We also learn the truth behind Fallon’s unique abilities.

5)   Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I don’t use personal things in my stories. Whether they be people or experiences, just because I like to keep the two worlds as far apart as possible.

6)   How did you come up with the title?

The Touch Series is the story of needing something you can never touch. It is the cycle of a flame. Fallon & Amalie both want love, but for them, love is like Smoke, Fire, Embers & Ash , untouchable, uncontrollable.  For Amalie, her love will become Eternal.

7)   What project are you working on now? Will you have a new book coming out soon?

I have several short stories coming out, but I will also be releasing The Hunter Series in the spring. So you will meet Clara and Darius and their adventures into the world of monsters, demons and forbidden kisses.

8)   Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I love meeting you guys! I don’t mean just in person, I mean just online. You guys make my whole day chatting you guys up!

FUN QUESTIONS!

1)    The light side or the dark side?

The dark side. They have cookies. I ALWAYS follow the cookies.

2)    Do you have deep dark secret? How about a shallow grey one?

If I tell you, then I have to write you in my next book and kill you.

3)    Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?

NO! But I’m so going to now!

4)    Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)

I will not eat anything red. The color doesn’t bother me, but when it’s in food… ugh! *shudder* lol

5)    If you could live off of chocolate would you? What kind?

I would sign up in a heartbeat!! Any kind! (No dark or bitter ones though)

6)    What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?

A tiger! I always envied Jasmine from Aladdin.

7)    If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?

Harry Potter’s world!

8)    What do you think about scarves? Do you wear them or prefer a turtleneck?

I am such a scarf nut! I’m like the cat lady… but with scarves!

9)    Do you like making up strange new words? (ie awesomesauce, techtarded) Please share if so!

I do! But I don’t think they would be appropriate to repeat… *clears throat*

10) When you rip out a page from a spiral notebook, do you leave the strip with the tabby pieces in? Or do you have to remove them?

YES! Drives me nuts, because none of my friends do so I’ll sit there and rip them out. They think I’ve lost my mind. Little do they know, I never had it! Lol.

AirickaPhoenix — author of TOUCHING SMOKE, TORRID, INTENTIONS& WANTING! Find all on Amazon.  

Airicka Phoenix Website 

 Twitter // Facebook // GoodReads

So I know I was supposed to pick only 10, but the ‘fun’ questions were so funny, I had to pick them! Lol. I hope that’s okay. Thank you so much for having me! I had a blast visiting you and your lovely readers! I hope we can talk again soon! <3

The Story of IDENTITY ISSUES

          Hi! My name is Claudia Whitsitt! I’d like to tell you about my latest mystery, Identity Issues. Thanks for reading!

It wasn’t until the threatening letter arrived (from Botswana) that I became a bit concerned about the theft of my husband’s passport some years previous. The letter, clearly meant for someone else, was disturbing. But in all his business travels, Don had never been to Botswana, nor did he have associates there. We blew it off. Then came the late night wrong numbers (also from Botswana) demanding my husband’s contact information. My interest peaked, but there weren’t enough dots to connect. The caller sought a man by the same name, a man not my husband. I never succeeded in convincing the persistent caller of his mistake and merely tolerated in his bi-annual calls. They became nothing more than an irritating interruption of my much-needed sleep.

After the calls faded, a parent who shared my surname visited me at Parent-Teacher conferences. Who’s named Whitsitt? C’mon, really! She claimed her husband shared the same first and middle name as my husband, along with a matching birth date and countless other similarities. This identity theft had come back to haunt us. FOR REAL. Right in our own backyard. That short twenty minute conference with the other Mrs. Whitsitt, who wound up making startling accusations, marked the conception of Identity Issues.

That disquieting meeting would have been enough to spark my writing of the book, but more puzzle pieces fell into my lap. Too many questions with too few answers and a simple schoolteacher from Michigan re-invents herself as an author of suspense.

I’ve always loved writing and even attempted to write an entire book when at the age of ten. But I found myself compelled to write this story in a way I’d never experienced before. It wouldn’t leave me alone. So, in September of 2006, I fired up my laptop and put fingers to the keyboard. To my surprise, the book poured out of me. Since the initial parts of the story were true, it seemed easy to recount the details. And I LOVED WRITING! In the process, I researched. Both the true elements of the story, to verify the facts, and the fiction portion, to add credibility. I wonder how many readers will be able to tell when the true story drifts into fiction. Can you?

Identity Issues is available exclusively at Amazon.com. Click here!

I’m so pleased to have author J.M. Kelley on my blog today! Enjoy the following in depth interview and check out her work too!!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Let’s see. I’m a thirty-something Pennsylvania native who packed up her bags last year and moved to South Carolina. Now I fight to stave off the southern accent that threatens to invade my speech patterns, and try not to indulge in too much sweet tea and barbeque. I write, I work, I pretend I’m not a Facebook addict. I’m terminally single, and I suspect, according to my latest obsession, that I will end up with a pet hedgehog any day now.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you have a day job as well?

I’m a blue-collar broad. Sling boxes, fail at customer service, that kind of thing. But, it keeps a roof over my head. Sort of. Creatively, in my spare time, I like anything artistic. Sketching, painting, photography. And of course, I love to read.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I’ve always enjoyed the character study. Getting into the hero or heroine’s head. And I find that romance is a fantastic platform for that. What better way to figure out what motivates a character? Love and happiness is a heck of a goal to work toward, and it’s always interesting to discover what someone would sacrifice, or what lengths they will go to, in order to get to their happily ever after.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Oddly enough, Stephen King seems to be my biggest influence. Yes, horror and romance don’t exactly mesh well, but I always found that King was fantastic with characterization. I loved the natural dialogue, and have always worked hard to achieve the kind of conversational writing that draws a reader into the world I’ve built.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

Try getting a romance with a male lead published. I dare you. Nobody wants to give it a shot. There’s quite the prejudice about a male focus in a love story, yet readers always tell me they enjoyed the originality of that approach. I was at a writing conference recently, and an agent on a panel was expounding on why nobody will ever read a romance with a male lead, and I had to really bite my tongue. Give the readers some credit! They’re much more open-minded than industry insiders think.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

I doubt it. I made rookie mistakes, sure. But it was a learning experience, and I didn’t have to compromise my story to accomplish publication. No complaints from me. Anything learned will be put to use in the future, not in terms of looking back in regret.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

Drew In Blue i

If you haven’t read any of Sean Hayden’s work, this is a great place to start. I just love this short story, Sean’s first dip into some romance with his vampires. If you like steampunk, check out his short Lady Dorn. Happy reading!

This is a short story! 0.99 on Amazon.

A smoky bar, a few too many drinks, it had all the makings of a perfect night. It looked even brighter when he walked in. “Tall, dark, and delicious,” she thought. Too bad Veronica didn’t realize he was having the same thoughts about her. She looked very delicious…to the predator. A shot with a chaser quickly turns into just a chase. Running for her life was not how she thought the night would end. Veronica had always had a thing for games. She could only pray she would win this one.

“Hot, sexy and twisted. Just like the author.” – Jen Wylie, Author of Sweet Light

“Sexy, sassy and served up with a twist, Sean Hayden’s ‘The Games We Play’ will leave you hot, bothered and lusting for one more bite.” – Katy O’Dowd, Author of The Lady Astronomer

“Dark and dangerous, suspenseful and sexy, this short story is a well-written, engaging tale of greed, lust and love.” – Jenny Hilborne, Author of Madness and Murder

For those sci fi lovers out there, check out this new release by the wonderful Chris Gerrib. It’s getting a lot of talk, even being featured over on The Big Idea. At 2.99 you can’t go wrong. If you prefer print, it’s even available that way! Clicky clicky and happy reading!

“I liked this book so much, I did the cover art.” –Ron Miller.

Lieutenant Peter Grant of the Volunteer Space Rescue Service is taken hostage by pirates, who are holding him for ransom. The Rescue Service can’t afford to pay a ransom and is not equipped for an armed rescue. Fellow Rescueman, Jack Williams, unwilling to violate Rescue tradition and leave a person behind, decides to improvise a rescue . . .

Pirates of Mars: Amazon|Barnes & Noble|Powell’s

Music inspires us to feel emotions. You’ve felt it. Music to dance by, to love by, to cry by.

But just what is inspiration? As a writer you work to improve your craft through techniques, writing exercises, or attending workshops. This is the technical aspect all writers need to do.

But where does that dreamy quality come from then? That flash of idea that pushes our fingers to fly over the keyboard? For me its music that pushes me to new emotions that envelop my characters. Some writers listen to music while writing. Some write in total silence. I listen to music before I write.  In A Human Element I gave my characters and scenes theme songs that inspired me to write the book. And when I drew near the end of the book I listened to their theme songs more and wrote slower, for I didn’t want the characters to leave me. I wanted them to stay. And here are their songs.

Laura’s Song:

In A Human Element, Laura Armstrong has an early foundation of love and a free-spiritness about her that carries her through life, even as tragedy follows her. Hope keeps her going and the memory of love. Her song “Incredible Machine (Interlude)” by Sugarland calls to me of Laura’s gentle strength. For, like the song, Laura has ‘a heart that beats. An incredible machine made of blood and love and hope and lust and steam’.

Laura looked back up at him. She remembered all the people she had lost in her young twenty-six years. She didn’t want to lose Ben too, but she feared getting too close. She could lose him too. Then something swelled inside her. She barely recognized it. It was hope that maybe love could win out over evil and Ben would be the one to help her stop it. She hoped.

And then she could only think of one word to say to him.

“Stay.”

Ben’s Song:
Ben is a loner who exiles himself from life after suffering at the hands of cruel and pitiful characters. He is Laura’s opposite twin of darkness to her hope and yet he is cut from the same song, “Incredible Machine” by Sugarland. Only Ben’s song is the primitive version of the song, full tilt.  For he too is ‘an incredible machine made of blood and love and hope and lust and steam’. A raging machine.

Ben fell into a deep sleep but couldn’t escape the night. In his nightmares the Samoans laughed as they whipped him. His foster father joined them, snapping the whip on his back and cursing him for letting him die. Murderer! Then he fell off a cliff. The wind rocked his body but didn’t push him back to safety.

He screamed as he fell into the darkness. He tried to grab onto something but it was a black, empty abyss. Then a bright green light appeared above him. It grew larger and larger. He shielded his eyes as he fell, terrified. The green light rushed faster and faster towards him. It came for him. It would crush him just like it crushed his parents.

And he knew he was headed straight to hell.

Laura and Ben’s Songs:

Ben finds himself drawn in by Laura. “Come a Little Closer” by Dirks Bentley reveals their tenderness together that exists outside the dark that follows them.

He wanted to love this woman. He wondered what he was to do with this new feeling. Could he feel love for a woman finally at thirty-six years old? It felt foreign and terrifying yet it pulled him in like an addiction.

“I’m not going to let you go. Not yet, anyways,” he told Laura, as she slept. “But you just mi

Greetings and salutations, denizens of the planet known as “Earth”. It is I, your future world ruler once again holding hostage the blog of  the beautiful earth woman, Jen Wylie, to suit my own needs and further my evil plot of world domination! (Insert Bwahaha here).

So what is it you require, glorious ruler?

Nothing yet, my fiery minions. Hold tight. The day of reconciliation is coming. For now I would just like to share with you something that has been on my mind for some time. I do consider myself the root of all that is evil and fun in this world. When another source of evil makes itself known to me, I must do one of two things. I must either destroy it, or bitch about it in a sarcastic way, poking fun at it until all my little minions talk bad about it behind its back.

(Insert secondary Bwahaha laugh track here)

The evil we shall be talking about today is THE SCAM!

Yes. I said it. The scam. I’m not talking schemes, machinations, blackmail, extortion, or cons here people. I’m talking about the nitty gritty in your face SCAM.

I do hope the rest of the world reads this, and not just other authors. I hate to break it to the rest of the world, but just because you’re an author, doesn’t mean you are set for life, sit on your ass, eat bon bons, smoke pipes, attend parties, and have movie deals. Every author I know is just one person of the hardest working group of people you can imagine. Nothing about being an author is easy. The only perk is we get to do what we love and that is write. Well, guess what scammers of america, WRITING A BOOK IS THE EASY PART!

With that said, the sucky part of the job comes into play. Editing, revising, dealing with editors, finding publishers, marketing, yada, some more yada, and yada after that. From the time you type the last word of your manuscript to the time you get it published and get to hold it in your hands can be anywhere from months to years. That is a considerable investment in JUST ONE BOOK.

Well guess what else! It doesn’t end there. From that point on the real uphill battle begins. Getting people to read your book. This is the part where the scammers, just like hungry vultures circling above the dying coyote in the desert, come into play. Most of them have come to realize that most authors would do anything, short of selling their soul (don’t look at me, I didn’t have one to sell or I would have) to get the word out about their book. AND FOR GODS SAKE PEOPLE, DON’T THINK I’M IMPLYING EVERYBODY OUT THERE IS A SCAMMER TRYING TO SEPARATE YOU FROM YOUR MONEY! There are a lot of legitimate sites out there who do promote authors. Some charge, some charge for some services, some offer free promotions, etc. I hate to let you in on a little secret. A LOT of these sites are other authors, supplementing their income. That’s more of a symbiosis, than a parasitic relationship. No, the rat bastards I’m talking about lure you in with the promise of fame and exposure. They call, they email, they do all sorts of things to show you how excited they are to have the opportunity to gain exposure for your work.

“Damn it,” you think. ” I know this is a scam, but what if…”

So you sit through their shpiel. You realize your instincts were dead on balls accurate and just wasted a good portion of your life you can never get back. Then you stop and wonder