THE THRILL OF IT ALL BLOGFEST

To celebrate reaching the end a long, tiring journey to be published - and embarking on the next long, tiring journey of marketing and writing more, Heather and Tara are inviting participants go share their personal or character thrills.

Anything from  Love to Sci Fi ...

The Thrill of it All blogfest!

On June 24th, share a big thrill with Heather and Tara and everyone else, and be part of  The Thrill of it All blogfest contest! Heather and Tara will judge the biggest thrills and give out some thrilling prizes. Entries may be real or fiction. All they ask is that you keep them to a paragraph or so.


Listed below are the prizes up for grabs!
1) A copy of M'S CORNER, ebook
2) An ARC copy of POP TRAVEL
3) A $20 Amazon GC
4) A banner or caricature by moi (or substitute if the winner has another need)


My entry for Heather and Tara's Thrill of it All Blogfest is a short passage from my current WIP, Forces of Mist, which is a science fiction romance, set in Sydney, Australia. This story is set in the future, planet Earth has been ravaged by an alien attack which few humans survived. The MC, Sarah was a young teenager when she survived the initial onslaught. Now a young adult, she has been trained to scout the terrain, investigating the alien forces, reporting their movement to her superiors.

The Forces of Mist

Sarah drove up the steep goat track of a road heading towards her hidden base. Distracted by her thoughts, she was taken by surprise when the near bald tyres of her rusted truck slipped on the loose gravel. Gasping for air, she screamed with fright as the tyres spun, finding no traction.

 She frantically tried to bring her vehicle under control, desperately struggling with the steering wheel, the tyres continued to spin. Dust, rocks and smoke from the burning tyres filled the air, almost choking her. Her heart pounded against her chest, racing with the rush of adrenalin. She broke into a sweat while pressing her foot flat to the floor, trying to will the vehicle forward. 

The back end started sliding and she braced herself for the inevitable, but was shocked with disbelief when the vehicle suddenly jerked itself upwards and hovered above the ground, becoming suspended in mid-air above the ravine. The tell-tale signs of her enemy began enveloping her truck. The curling tendrils of mist enveloped the cabin making their way around the metal frame, cushioning it as she sat inside. There was only one thing possible which could cause this outcome and Sarah took a lung full of air, before trying to locate the Mist Warrior.

TEASER TUESDAY

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by

http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along!

Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE ANY SPOILERS!
Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!

You don't want to ruin the book for others!

Soul Avenged 

(Sons of Wrath, #1)

By Keri Lake

Blurb:

Passion is blind in vengeance and love …

Ayden’s suburban home was invaded by a pack of Lycans.

The brutal attack is the only memory she carries of her former life.

Now, one motive burns in her soul:

KILL THEM ALL.

The Sons of Wrath—a brood of vengeance-dealing warrior demons—band with Ayden to hunt the Lycans on Detroit’s most deadly feeding grounds.

Kane Walker should’ve been her easiest kill.

Unfortunately, the newly bitten Lycan has something she wants—clues that may finally lay her past to rest. To reach them, she must be willing to submit to the sensual pleasures awakened by his touch.

Time is running out.

In seven days, Kane will become what Ayden despises most. She can halt his transformation but the antidote requires the ultimate sacrifice. As the beast takes hold, Kane becomes more of a threat.

Ayden must choose between her lust for revenge, or surrender to her enemy and discover a horrible truth.


Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

MY TEASER:

Ayden, appeared, carrying a white towel, which she threw at his chest. Cold water sloshed from it and prickled his skin. “Clean yourself up before I puke at the sight of you.” Kane wiped away the blood and vomit still clinging to his chest and arms. Despite the icy coldness of the water, it felt good to wash the crap off. Ayden stared his way from the chaise beside the bed, her lip curled and disgust in the twist of her features.

Keri Lake (2013-01-04T00:00:00+00:00). SOUL AVENGED (Kindle Locations 900-903). Kindle Edition.

MIDSUMMER'S EVE GIVEAWAY HOP

Kathy @ I am a Reader not a Writer 

is hosting her annual Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop! 

This year as she is pressed for time, she has decided to make it  a “spontaneous” giveaway hop, which means it has been put together on the run! 

So from 21st to 30th June, be part of the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop and join in on the fun. 

I must now pull on my uggies, light the fire and get another jumper, as I am in the middle of winter, here and believe it or not it is cold, this week here in Oz!

For the hop I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card, just fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

EXPRESS YOURSELF

HOSTS:

Dani @ Entertaining Interests

&

Jackie @ Bouquet of Books

This week- "What are some questions you get asked time and time again?"

• How do I come up with the ideas for my stories?
• When do I find the time to write?
• Are you busy?
• Can you spare a moment?
• What's for dinner?

BLOG TOUR - HEAVEN'S CORE BY ERIKA LINDSEN - CHARACTER POST BY HANNIBAL

 Today, it is my pleasure to welcome Hannibal, a member of the Core, from Erika Lindsen's novel, Heaven's Core!

Thanks for giving up some of your precious time Hannibal to share a few of your valuable tips on swordsmanship.

I would just like to say, that I love the cover of the novel, it appeals to the side of me who enjoys anime, and I wish Erika success with her release!

Carolyn

 

Hannibal’s Tips and tricks for sword fighting

 

My name is Hannibal and I am a member of the Core, a special ops team that deals with Rebels, both human and alien, in order to retain peace. 

 

If you’ve been lucky enough to read my journey in Heaven’s Core, you’ll know that sword fighting is one of my skills. Well, to tell the truth, it could very well be my only skill. School wasn’t for me and a regular day job didn’t seem to fit. Anyway, I enjoy giving three tips and tricks to make yourself a better swordsman.

 

1)      Know your weapon. What do I mean by that? Always know that you’re handling. Is it heavy? Light? Is the weight balanced or off side? What is it made of? What can it do? What can’t it do? It’s best to know these things, especially before a fight. Knowing your weapon, whether it be sword or gun, could save your life. Get to know it. I named my sword Petra Secare. I call it Petra for short. It is an extension of me, of my arm. I obey it and take care of it with all that I have. I can predict it’s movements in all weather and temperatures done to the slightest millimeter. Why should you care? Because it could save your life.

 

2)      Always be on guard. An enemy can come in all directions. Most of the time in my past, enemies are cowards and enjoy sneaking up from behind. You have ears. Use them.

 

3)      Always guard your vital organs. I’m right handed so Petra is on my right side. I hold her hilt at the base of my rib cage a few inches from my body. The metal guards my face. It gives me enough maneuverability to cover my stomach, chest, and head. I can deflect any attack just by using this stance. Some may say this or that. To me, keeping back to simple and center has kept me alive in hundreds of battles.

 

Well, those are me three top tips for sword fighting. Hopefully the world I come from won’t become yours. But I can’t complain. I’ve found the love of a beautiful woman.

 

Please take the time to comment. Ms. Lindsen tells me that a winner drawn from the blog tour will win a print copy of my story and I’d love to show you a bit of action. Those with weak stomachs beware.

HEAVEN'S CORE

 

Erika Lindsen
Author of paranormal romance TYRAN'S THIRST and sci-fi romance HEAVEN'S CORE
www.erikabooks.webs.com 

Barnes & Noble 

Amazon

Smashwords

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

 

 

When lives are decided by the end of the blade, what happens when it’s forever sheathed?

Ten years ago, aliens made contact with Earth, offering technology and cures for diseases in exchange for water. The world watched as peace was made, seventy billion miles brought together.

But not all felt this union was a good thing. On both alien and human sides, Rebels opposed the treaty and some would do anything to break up this intergalactic bond. Earth had an answer to those who threatened it: the Core, a group of mercenaries that dealt with Rebels by any means necessary.

As a cyborg and member of the Core for three years, Hannibal is good at what he does. But the bodies he’s piled up are starting to weigh heavily on his shoulders and he knows what the Core does isn’t justice, but murder.

Hannibal escapes the Core headquarters in search of his own peace. While on the run, he’s injured but is taken in by a Tez. Problem is, she is beautiful, vivacious, and a Rebel, his sworn enemy. Hannibal’s training has taught him to kill her on sight. He finds his duties get much harder with each passing day. But if he doesn’t do the job, there’s a long list of colleagues that will.

TEASER TUESDAY

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by

http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along!

Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE ANY SPOILERS!
Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!

You don't want to ruin the book for others!

Frailties of the Bond (NEO Chronicles, Characters Revealed #1)

by Angela Brown
BLURB:
In Frailties of the Bond, it only takes one bite to change a life…

After a hiking trip gone wrong, sixteen-year-old Luca should have been dead. Since then, he’s drifted from one school day to the next, annoyed by the looks of suspicion. When a vampire attack claimed his mother and forced his first shift into animal form, Luca set out for Texas, vengeance bound, only to discover so much more when Aimee crossed his path.

Flesh-born of vampire parents sixteen years ago, Aimee shouldn’t exist. Magic, though, made dreams come true for an undead couple desperate for a child all their own. But this magic came with a price, a cost Aimee discovered after one forbidden bite.

Frailties of the Bond is the first in a series of Characters Revealed novellas/short stories for...

NEO – Network of Extraordinaires and Otherworldlies:

Those who answer the call from NEO play their part in maintaining balance in our ever-changing times. With power-hungry malcontents, jealous gods, and even those with misguided good intentions, the fate of our world has oft been held in the hands of unsung heroes such as those that are members of NEO.

But before NEO, these heroes and heroines had lives, loves, issues and interests that didn’t involve saving mankind.

MY TEASER: 

Luca shot forward so fast he didn’t realize he was on the vampire until his teeth sank into the vamp’s arm. His mom tumbled free, lame on the floor. The vampire leaped to his feet. Luca clamped his jaw tighter. The crack of breaking bone drowned beneath the vampire’s scream.

Angela Brown (2013-03-04 00:00:00-07:00). Frailties of the Bond (Kindle Locations 272-273). Angela Brown. Kindle Edition.

WRITERS FOR WRITERS

Stephen Tremp  Christine Rains

M.Pax and (myself), C. M. Brown

Writers helping other writers to succeed.
Twitter hashtag: #W4WS
Find us on Facebook

 An initiative to promote writers and their books (that’s you)!

Our Mission:

• Help writers bring awareness of their book(s) to tens of thousands of new people

• Help writers reach Amazon Top 100 in at least one category (i.e., suspense, free, etc.)

• Increase sales of their book(s) after the promo is over

• Drive new traffic to their blog and increase following

• Create verbal and viral buzz.

W4W's is held the third Monday each month!

To sign up, join the Linky List HERE! 

This month our selected author is:

Marta Szemi. 

Visit Marta and pick up a free copy of her first book

 

And, tweet her posted tweets, make sure you re-tweet any tweets that come your way.

Visit #W4Ws to view other posted tweets!

JUST SAYING HI!

HELLO EVERYONE,

Well I have been busy over the last couple of months and have not had the time to frequently visit my blogger friends as much as I would like, and I am taking this space to apologize! I hope, now that my life has settled down a bit to be able to spend more time visiting the sites I haven't been able to get to for a while.

So, this weekend I have spent the time updating my reviews and dropping by bloggers who have visited me during the week. I have also posted the reviews I featured during the A-Z Challenge to the sites I promised, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and Goodreads.

Even updating my Shelfari reviews too!

So any authors books I reviewed during the challenge will be able to find my reviews on all the above sites.

Better late than never!

Tomorrow, 17th June is scheduled for the next Writer's for Writer's Meme. This month we are featuring Marta Szemi.

I hope you will join Christine Rains, M. Pax, Stephen Tremp and myself to help Marta to rise into the top selling charts!

You can do this by visiting Marta, who will post a number of Tweets, she would like sent, then tweet and re-tweet the tweets! Simple!

 or/and

Visit the W4W's Facebook page and leave a comment and a LIKE on Marta's post!

If you have not signed up to join the ever growing list to be part of W4W's, and you would like to participate, 

you can do so HERE!

Next month, we will be back with three authors 

to support and promote!

Cheers!

Carolyn

EXPRESS YOURSELF

HOSTED BY 

Dani@Entertaining Interests

&

Jackie@Bouquet of Books

 What were the last two movies you saw?

Ruby Sparks

A novelist struggling with writer's block finds romance in a most unusual way: by creating a female character he thinks will love him, then willing her into existence.

Staring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Annette Bening
&

The Expendables 2
 

Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Randy Couture

INDELIBLES - INDIE LIFE

What is Indie Life?
How: Sign up on the Linky at the bottom of this page
When: Post on the second Wednesday of the month (starting 1/9/2013)
What: Write anything indie related: something that will inspire or help a fellow indie; something that celebrates a release or a milestone; something that talks about the ups and downs, joys and heartaches of Being Indie.
Grab: The banner above to include in your posts!

This month I thought I would give some advice on how Indie writers can improve their sales, simply by facing some cold hard truths.

(I have to be honest and admit that I am also looking at these things at present, to improve my published works and to help me to grow as a writer).

One of the hardest things to accomplish as an Indie writer is the process of publicizing your published work!

The most important fact to remember is it is vary rare for a book to sell itself. Unfortunately, as with most things today, this is one of the hardest things to acheive! Just publishing your work at one or more of the various platforms, (amazon, smashwords, barnes and  noble, itunes, etc), is not enough. You may be lucky, but most likely your work will not sell itself. 

Smashwords, recently sent an email to its authors, explaining that most published works will sit without a sale after the initial release date and that if you happen to be in this group you should take a good hard look at your published work. Only a small percentage of ebooks become best sellers, there is second group which sell quite well and a third group which sell consistently, but unfortunately the cold hard truth is that there is a large group of published works which sit at the end of these, not making a sale for years!

(Lucky for me, my work sits among the third group, which happens to be a good starting point for improvement.)

After publishing, reflect upon your reviews, listen to what your readers tell you, make changes!

Is the cover of your novel working? Does it stand out and grab your readers attention? Do you need to re-edit your work? Is there something in your storyline that your readers are finding difficult to understand? Is your title an attention grabber?

If you received 3.5 stars in your reviews, you are most likely in the third group I listed above, if so think about how you could change your work to bring the reviews to rate higher.

The beauty of publishing as an Indie writer, is that you are in control and by publishing in an e-book format, changes can be made at anytime and your work can be re-published, over and over again. 

From experience, I would suggest to new writers considering publishing as an Indie to first publish their work as an e-book, hold off with the printing into paperback or hardcover until you have tried and tested the market and make any necessary changes.
 (Something I have learned from experience).

You will surely benefit from testing your product first!  

After publishing and you are satisfied, your work is still not done. It is important to be involved in your writing community, make contacts and colleagues, to help you with the process of publicity. Share and support one another, look out for opportunities which present themselves and become involved. 
 

TEASER TUESDAY

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by

http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along!

Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE ANY SPOILERS!
Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!

You don't want to ruin the book for others!

1301: The Marquis

 (The 13th Floor series #1)

by Christine Rains

  

Blurb:

Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

My Teaser:

Marc kept his distance from the crowd and watched as the EMTs carried out the bodies. They moved like ants in a line, focused and with purpose. Though sheets covered the corpses, the stench still crept out above the throng of living people. Some bodies bulged oddly in places and others weren’t bumpy enough.
Christine Rains. The Marquis (Kindle Locations 258-260)

HEROES & VILLAINS BLOGFEST & EXPRESS YOURSELF

BOTH HOSTED BY 

JACKIE@ Bouquet of Books

&

DANI@ Entertaining Interests

I thought I would join both together, so firstly 

thanks ladies for hosting!

A short list of my heroes:

Dr. Who (I am so sad that Matt Smith is leaving, he is such a great doctor!)

 


                        Superman 

 






Batman

                       

  Iron Man

 My list of villains: 

     Lord Voldemort

                                                                                                                    Darth Vader

       

SPIKE                          

AND 

LEX LUTHOR

And, for foods that I love to eat everyday:

• eggs
• tomatoes
• olives
• avocados
• yoghurt
• chocolate
• chicken (Barb-e-que)
• rice
• pasta