Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Random ramblings of an absentee blogger.



So, this is what I got to stare at this weekend. Our lovely cable company decided to crap out on me and they took their sweet time getting it back up. This coupled with a bout of sickness around the house has caused me to be somewhat absent from blogging. So now I figured I would put out a bunch of random thoughts and such.


So this is what I have been staring at in my internet/cable free life.



Ah video games, always there to steal the hours of my life provide me with  much needed entertainment. 

Also, I got pictures in of some of the jewelry sent out from the giveaway. Layla's Trinkets(<---link) got them all out in a great time. 

(woot Franklin)


In other news, the amazing Janie Junebug did an extremely fun interview with me over on her blog, you can check it out here. She will also be giving her review of the book tomorrow so please go check that out. I can't wait to hear what she thought.

Also this week I got one of the most anticipated reviews of my book. Anastasia got to read it. I am always amazed by her insight and the things she picks up at her age. She actually read it in two days and gave me some amazing notes.



Anyway, that is a few snapshots from my life, how has everyone been? As always have fun and keep writing.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Kinetic is here!!!!!




It is finally here, S. K. Anthony's debut novel, KINETIC.
Having already read the book I can say, it is amazing. 
Being strong is one thing. Being an unlimited source of power is quite another. 

Genetically altered by the Organization, Annie Fox takes down criminals CIA-style with her luminary strength. With nothing to mend but her broken heart, she is relentlessly pursued by her boss Derek Lake. Just when Annie is about to give him a chance, her ex-husband unexpectedly comes out of hiding. 

A wanted man, Nick Logan is a cold-hearted murderer who is considered enemy number one, and orders are clear: kill on contact. He is more powerful than ever and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. His plan? Get his hands on Annie and use her Kinetic energy to destroy them all. When Annie finds herself with an opportunity to end him, she pauses, horrified by the scars covering the face she once loved. A split second that will cost her everything…


Here are some places you can get it. You won't be dissapointed.
(For 99c on Kindle!!! -limited time- 9/20 - 9/27)
DON"T FORGET TO ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS!

Also be sure to go say hi on her blog at the link above or, HERE! She is being blitzed today.


Also here is an awesome giveaway get to clicking.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Taking the world by storm!


The amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh is releasing the final book in his Cassa series. I was lucky enough to be part of his blog tour. We got to ask a question of this ninja master and here is mine.

If you could have one ship from your books which would it be and why?

The powerful, two-seater Cosbolt. Then I could fly with my wife and share the moment. With my finger on the ejection button in case I wanted some privacy. (Just kidding!)

(some roses may be in your future sir, lol)


Here is some info on the book.

CassaStorm
By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse

"Cavanaugh makes world building on the galactic scale look easy. The stakes affect the entire known universe and yet Cavanaugh makes it intensely personal for our hero. The final installment of this series will break your heart and put it back together."
- Charity Bradford, science fantasy author of The Magic Wakes

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” 
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

“…the racial conflicts propelled much of the plot in this story, driving home a message that's relevant to our own world and giving the book an interesting texture.” 
- C. Lee. McKenzie, author of Alligators Overhead

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Also here is where you can grab a copy



Go add it to your GoodReads




Lastly, here is the trailer for the book.





Sunday, September 15, 2013

Kinetic : Rebel with an interview.

So the official tour starts tomorrow, but being the rebel blogger that I am, I had to get in one day early. S.K. Anthony was nice enough to answer a few questions for me about her writing process and her upcoming book, Kinetic. Be sure to keep up to date on her blog, there is a giveaway and everything. Now on to the interview. 

B - When writing how deep into your world do you go? Do you put it all onto the page or is there a lot you leave out that is just yours?


S - There is a lot that I leave out. The world as I see it has a lot of details but many of those details are just mine… and to share them, it seems wrong.


B - I know that you plan to follow several characters throughout the series any bad boy MC to look forward to?


S - Most definitely! Them bad boys have hearts too…


B - Yes, I suppose they do. When describing your characters, do you pull from pictures or your mind most?


S - My mind. Definitely my mind. I have found pictures of Hollywood versions but there aren’t many that fit the glove perfectly, still its fun searching for “look-a-likes.”


B - Since Annie was your MC I assume you know a great deal about her.  So, what is Annie's favorite food?


S - Pizza! Or anything cheesy. She loves cheese.


B - Annie and I agree on this. If you could be a Luminary what would your power be?


S - I love Annie’s strength and the Kinetic thing that she has going on but I might go for healing since it would allow me to help anyone who is injured or sick. Though, I’m not a fan of blood… so I’m a little bit screwed.


B - So maybe some blindfolded healing going on there. If you could date one of your characters who would you pick?


S - Man, I want to say his name but then it would be a spoiler! Annie’s guy: I want him.


B - What was the hardest part about writing Kinetic?


S - Revisions. It just drives me insane! Sometimes I love it but mostly that is what shoots my stress levels right up.


B - Are there any other books outside of the Luminaries flittering around in your mind?


S - Yes, quite a few ;)


B - Good to know. Can you leave us with a favorite line from your book?


S - Of course I can. Now, do I want to? Hmm…. Oh, all right…

-We all have cracks and missing pieces, but I do love you.




Thank you so much for answering my questions, it was a delight. 

Kinetic will be out September 20th. I have read it and highly recommend it anyone who loves a good action book with twist and romance.


Biography

S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn't busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders...she is convinced they are out to get her!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

It's here...no, really here.





















So this time dealing with CreateSpace I had a bit of a cover issue. It happened at the same time my cover artist went out of town for a month. So what is an author to do? Well in my case, roll up your sleeves and get it fixed. So after some trial and error and few back and forth emails I got it fixed.

Today I opened my door to find the box sitting there waiting for me. With glee I ripped open the package and there it was, ASHES. It is my second book, but still I feel like someone needs to wake me up. There is something magical about having an idea, working it into so many words and then having a physical thing appear on your doorstep.

Well now it is fully here, and both book types are available on Amazon. I feel like I can truly breathe now. I will probably stop staring at it and carrying it around with me at some point—but not quite yet.

This month has been pretty awesome so far, and in a few days I get to share some awesome people's work, be sure to come back Sunday for the first of those. Then Wednesday for the next. I can't wait.

Anyway, have you had the chance to hold your book in your hands? As always have fun and keep writing.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Interview.



So today I have a cool interview over at We Do Write. Go check it out and give some love. Also, I wanted to share a video that Dorothy Dreyer made in inspiration of all those WIPs out there, I thoroughly enjoyed it. You can check out the blog here, or watch bellow.





Anyway, hope you like the interview, what's going on with you guys? As always have fun and keep writing.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

The Next big thing.


This was a doodle I did at my desk about 10 months ago. It, for some reason, got me thinking and a story started developing from it.

A few weeks ago S.K. Anthony was nice enough to tag me in a blog hop called, The Next Big Thing. At the time I was busy releasing Ashes and then the giveaway. So I figured now that time has become a little more free with itself, I would post it. I thought about posting on the next Light Bringer book, but I think, since I am currently writing this story, it may be a good time to share it.

So as per the rules I must now answer ten questions about my WIP. Here we go.

1. What is the working title of your book?   - As of now it is called, The Andious Seed.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?   - Well as stated above, I like to doodle when I am at my desk, just random things, for w/e reason this one stuck with me. From there I just started free writing and found it very enjoyable to just pull from my head.

3. What Genre does your book fall under?  - YA for sure, but maybe UF, maybe just modern fantasy. Genres are tricky.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie version?  -  I am always reticent to post these. Because one, they are never how I see them in my head and two, I always like the reader to form their own versions of the characters.

5. What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?  -  Oh yay, lol. Um...hmm. Adrian is a troubled student who crosses paths with a stranger who tasks him with the job of protecting the last of the world's magic.

6. Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?  -  Undecided. I have enjoyed SP, but I may go traditional this time. I will know better as I get closer to finishing.

7. How long did it take you to finish the first draft of your manuscript?  -  I'll let you know when I get it finished, lol. I would have been done with it by now, but I decided to write Ashes first.

8. What other books would you compare this book with in your genre?  -  Hmm, hard one. Maybe, Harry Potter meets The Vampire's Apprentice.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?  -  At risk of sounding narcissistic, I guess me. It is a collection of things floating at random in my head.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?  -  So far I have just had a bunch of fun writing it. I got to be more "out there" with the concepts and playing with the magic system this time has been a joy. It has heart warming characters, humor and action. I think it will find a place in people's hearts.

Well there we go. That was actually fun. So now I have to tag people.

First is, Regarding Sileraxe. He has a lot of cool things going on.
Second is, PK Hrezo
Third is, Bird's Nest.
Last I figured I'd return the favor, S.K. Anthony, since I know she is currently working on the followup to Kinetic.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed finding out about my book. As always have fun and keep reading.



Friday, September 6, 2013

My Writing Partner.


This, my friends, is Sadie. She is one of my most important writing partners. She, like me, is a mutt. I'm not entirely sure what breed she is mixed with(besides Lab), but I have fun speculating. She was a rescue and she is quite the character. With her strange habits and long limbs she is often referred to as the alien dog by my family. 

Still I couldn't get my writing done without her. She has a very specific and important job. See, Sadie, has decided where ever I write her spot is right next to my feet. If I stop typing for a second she comes to attention and must be pet while I think of what to write next.

Funny enough this helps. I read somewhere a while back that people with pets live longer and one of those reasons is petting them actually relieves your stress. Now I am sure for her it is just a way to get loved on, but for me it is a few seconds to relax and just have a clear thinking moment.

I've always loved animals, but this one has a special place in my heart.

Anyway, do you guys have a special writing partner? I will leave you with one of Sadie's wise looks, she is the all knowing dog. As always have fun and keep writing.


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

IWSG



Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns or offer advice to those in need. Here is a link to sign up. LINK. This is also the 2 year anniversary of IWSG, so it's an extra special day for the group. 

It was a slight struggle coming up with what to write for this months IWSG. Not because I am without insecurity or advice. More so, it was hard because I feel in a state of flux. Two books down, tons learned, now what?

I have many ideas floating around my head, and all of them are begging my attention. I am also back to the struggle of, do I query or do I continue down this road of self publishing I have come to enjoy? 

I was feeling slightly overwhelmed. I wanted to write, but kept stopping as I wasn't sure of my direction. I was growing frustrated, when I found that one of my favorite authors posted a new set of lectures. Brandon Sanderson teaches a class on writing and last year I found a site on YouTube that records these.

One is a seven part series, one a six part series. So, I decided I wasn't going to write or read last night, but instead I sat and watched them all back to back.

It was actually quite refreshing and when I got up today I was just in the mood to write. 

Sometimes just hearing those that are where you want to be, giving a bit of advice, can steady everything out for you. I think that is why IWSG is such an important blog hop/group. It really is a place were we can all come together to offer that much needed advice and support. 

Here is to another 2 years. Also I will post the first two vids in the series if anyone wants to go and watch them. They are long-ish, but worth it.

First video: 1/6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hGItqfM34

First video: 1/7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWHWMvkfx7s

Anyway, hope you enjoy the vids if you have time to watch them. As always have fun and keep writing.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

And the winners are....



Finally I get to announce the winners of the Ashes giveaway. First I want to say, it was a real joy using Rafflecopter. Not only did it make entries easy, it also randomly picks the winners and emails them, so really, it did most of the work. 

Hopefully everyone got their email saying they won. The prizes will be awarded in the manner in which your names were picked. Anyone who won a piece of jewelry, if you will send me an address or P.O. box you'd like it sent to, to my email, I will get those out to you. To Michael your gift card will come to your email.

And the winners are, as seen on the Widget in the side bar:

1. Janie Junebug - Molly's set

2. S.K. Anthony - Fire Necklace

3. Amy Bowens - Wind Necklace

4. Sheena-kay Graham - Water Necklace

5. Tonja Drecker - Earth Necklace

6. Michael Di Gesu - Amazon gift card

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!!

It was fun for me to see the interest in these and to those that helped me get the word out about Ashes thank you so much.

Also a special thanks to Layla's Trinkets for making the jewelry and offering the discount in her store. Make sure to go check her out, the link is on the store's name. She has some really cool stuff in there.

Well there it is. The Ashes Giveaway is finally over. I am sure I will be doing another one in the coming months so be on the lookout. 

Anyway, how has everything been going for you guys? As always, have fun and keep writing.