Wednesday, December 19, 2012
7th Day of Christmas Sale!
On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . $4.99 copies of The Gateway Chronicles! Woo Hoo! Today only, get my E-books on sale just in time for Christmas!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Author to Author Blog Hop, Day 10
We're featuring Angel Lawson today on Author to Author. She's the author of the Wraith series. I enjoyed reading her interview here and especially LOVE her answer to "the best thing about being a writer"! Funny, and very, very true!
And we have exciting news about the drawing! If we reach 2,000 entries, there will be a second prize package awarded! Enter the drawing at the bottom of the post...
Angel Lawson lives with her family in Atlanta and has a lifelong obsession with creating fiction from reality, either with paint or words. On a typical day you can find her writing, reading, plotting her escape from the zombie apocalypse and trying to get the glitter out from under her nails.
Facebook
Twitter
Website
1. Who's your favorite author, and why? Impossible to answer question.
And we have exciting news about the drawing! If we reach 2,000 entries, there will be a second prize package awarded! Enter the drawing at the bottom of the post...
Angel Lawson lives with her family in Atlanta and has a lifelong obsession with creating fiction from reality, either with paint or words. On a typical day you can find her writing, reading, plotting her escape from the zombie apocalypse and trying to get the glitter out from under her nails.
Website
Ten Questions
1. Who's your favorite author, and why? Impossible to answer question.
I've always been a fan of Stephen King and Barbara Kingsolver. I love Harry Potter and the world building and I'm currently rereading The Hunger Games for the third time and even though I know the outcome I'm still on the edge of my seat.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
Ruby, because we could talk about zombies and going to Comic Con.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
I try to think about what I know or what I want to learn about. This summer a trip to the beach my family has always visited (since my mother was a child) prompted a story I never realized was in my head. Right now I'm drawing on my past as a caseworker and some of the grittier details from that period of my life. But I also love researching new things. Airstream trailers, Parkour, palmistry.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Permission to get lost in your mind. I've always been a daydreamer. Now I have an excuse.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
I queried for about 6 months and got either form letter rejections, a couple of requests and very little feedback. During that time I started looking more and more into Self-publishing and it really seemed like the best fit for me and my personality.
6. What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?
6. What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?
Always write. Keep writing. And then write some more.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
I wish I'd done a bit better editing job on my first book. It had some mistakes that I've gone back and fixed. I hate reading reviews where it comments them. I was overwhelmed though and had read it so many times. At some point you have to trust those working with you. I think at this point I've set up a pretty good system to catch errors. I hope.
8. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Probably the assurance of a ghost free Christmas. Oh, and to make out with Connor.
9. Favorite Christmas music?
9. Favorite Christmas music?
Feed the World-BandAid. I loved Duran Duran. My best friend and I had a whole dance to the song with hand movements. Very Napoleon Dynamite.
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
Ugh. I have no idea. I remember getting Barbie Townhouse one year. Oh and a doll that you could put in the bathtub. My mom told me it was too expensive and I couldn't have one. Santa to the rescue!
Thank you, Angel!
You can find her books at CreateSpace, and Amazon.
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating author's blogs - so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
The Six by K. B. Hoyle
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
CLICK HERE to enter PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAYTuesday, December 11, 2012
Author to Author Blog Hop, Day 7
Today on Author to Author, we're featuring T. M. Franklin, author of the young adult MORE trilogy. T. M. is another fellow TWCS YA author and someone I enjoyed getting to know in Austin. I am really looking forward to reading her book . . . as soon as I finish my fifth manuscript!
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
Oh, that’s a tough one. It depends on my mood, and honestly, I’m a bit fickle. My favorites change based on what I’m reading at the moment, I think. I love authors that evoke some kind of emotional response – those that make me laugh out loud or cry or just think for hours or days after I finish reading.
I’d say my favorite comedic writer is Janet Evanovich. She’s got such a talent for writing outrageous humor that’s pee-your-pants funny. (No, I haven’t done that, but it’s been close!) For historical fiction, I’d have to go with Diana Gabaldon, who wrote the Outlander series. She blends fantasy with real historical events in such a compelling way. And the last thing I read that really made me cry was actually a fan fiction contest entry. The contest is anonymous, so I can’t say much about the story, but hit me up after the winners are announced on December 15th and I’ll be glad to share the wealth.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
Probably Tiernan. Caleb and Ava are pretty much open books, but Tiernan is a man of mystery. It would be fun to try and get inside that big shaved head of his.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Many places. Some are based on people I’ve known in real life. Others’ personalities simply develop from the part I want them to play in the plot. Generally, the characters I like get personality traits I like and admire, while villains get the opposite.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Telling stories and actually having people read them. We all like to say we write for ourselves, but the fact of the matter is, if there’s nobody to read the stories, what’s the point?
I’d say the best thing is when someone reads and gets what you’re trying to say. I recently got a review for MORE that said, “That is exactly what this book is: a fun read. This is the 'sit down on a cool fall day, cuddle under a blanket, and get lost in another world that might actually be our world' kinda book." – So You Think You Can Write.
This is exactly what I was trying to write – not a Pulitzer Prize winner or some great piece of literary art (not that I even could!) – just something fun to read. So this comment thrilled me!
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
My publisher approached me after learning from one of their authors (Thank you, Sydney Logan!) that I was working on a manuscript they might be interested in. They asked for a synopsis and the first three chapters of MORE, and then the full manuscript. They offered me a contract for the trilogy and that was that.
6. What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?
It’s not really writing advice per se, but more about dealing with negative reviews. It can be paralyzing when you’re trying to write and see a negative comment or review of your story. You get to second guessing every little thing and it can be very distracting, not to mention disheartening.
I read a blog post recently by Rachel Thompson, an author and social media expert. One of the things she said about negative reviews is so simple but so true – not everybody likes everything. It’s all subjective, to a certain extent.
Go check out the Amazon reviews for some of your favorite books. Even Divergent and The Hunger Games – huge commercial successes with broad fan bases – have one-star reviews. Now, this is not to say that negative reviews should be ignored, because the fact is, sometimes they’re right. I’ve had negative comments about my book that I’ve had to admit were spot on, and I hope they will help me grow as a writer and make the next book better. But I think the trick is to keep it all in perspective. Take what is constructive, and let the rest go.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
Oh, there have been many. The biggest one recently was using the word “cellular” in MORE when I meant “molecular.” My son was gracious enough to point it out. He’s also been recruited to pre-read the next book so I don’t make a similar mistake again.
8. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Oh, Ava’s had a busy time of it – running for her life and learning there’s another Race living in secret among humans and all – so I think she’d just like to have a quiet Christmas at home with her family and maybe Caleb. Some time with nobody trying to kill or capture her, and no conspiracies she’s in the midst of. I have a feeling she might get that, too. Guess we’ll see in Book 2. J
9. Favorite Christmas music?
I love my Michael Bublé Christmas album from last year. Don’t judge me. It’s catchy.
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
Probably my laptop. I don’t know what I’d do without it!
Thank you, T. M.!
You can find T.M. Franklin's MORE at Amazon, Barnes & Noble TWCS Publishing House, iBooks and Kobo
T.M. Franklin started out her career writing non-fiction in a television newsroom. Graduating with a B.A. in Communications specializing in broadcast journalism and production, she worked for nine years as a major market television news producer, and garnered two regional Emmy Awards, before she resigned to be a full-time mom and part-time freelance writer. Her first published novel, MORE is now available. Book 2 in the MORETrilogy, The Guardians, will be released in 2013.
Ten Questions
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
Oh, that’s a tough one. It depends on my mood, and honestly, I’m a bit fickle. My favorites change based on what I’m reading at the moment, I think. I love authors that evoke some kind of emotional response – those that make me laugh out loud or cry or just think for hours or days after I finish reading.
I’d say my favorite comedic writer is Janet Evanovich. She’s got such a talent for writing outrageous humor that’s pee-your-pants funny. (No, I haven’t done that, but it’s been close!) For historical fiction, I’d have to go with Diana Gabaldon, who wrote the Outlander series. She blends fantasy with real historical events in such a compelling way. And the last thing I read that really made me cry was actually a fan fiction contest entry. The contest is anonymous, so I can’t say much about the story, but hit me up after the winners are announced on December 15th and I’ll be glad to share the wealth.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
Probably Tiernan. Caleb and Ava are pretty much open books, but Tiernan is a man of mystery. It would be fun to try and get inside that big shaved head of his.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Many places. Some are based on people I’ve known in real life. Others’ personalities simply develop from the part I want them to play in the plot. Generally, the characters I like get personality traits I like and admire, while villains get the opposite.
Telling stories and actually having people read them. We all like to say we write for ourselves, but the fact of the matter is, if there’s nobody to read the stories, what’s the point?
I’d say the best thing is when someone reads and gets what you’re trying to say. I recently got a review for MORE that said, “That is exactly what this book is: a fun read. This is the 'sit down on a cool fall day, cuddle under a blanket, and get lost in another world that might actually be our world' kinda book." – So You Think You Can Write.
This is exactly what I was trying to write – not a Pulitzer Prize winner or some great piece of literary art (not that I even could!) – just something fun to read. So this comment thrilled me!
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
My publisher approached me after learning from one of their authors (Thank you, Sydney Logan!) that I was working on a manuscript they might be interested in. They asked for a synopsis and the first three chapters of MORE, and then the full manuscript. They offered me a contract for the trilogy and that was that.
It’s not really writing advice per se, but more about dealing with negative reviews. It can be paralyzing when you’re trying to write and see a negative comment or review of your story. You get to second guessing every little thing and it can be very distracting, not to mention disheartening.
I read a blog post recently by Rachel Thompson, an author and social media expert. One of the things she said about negative reviews is so simple but so true – not everybody likes everything. It’s all subjective, to a certain extent.
Go check out the Amazon reviews for some of your favorite books. Even Divergent and The Hunger Games – huge commercial successes with broad fan bases – have one-star reviews. Now, this is not to say that negative reviews should be ignored, because the fact is, sometimes they’re right. I’ve had negative comments about my book that I’ve had to admit were spot on, and I hope they will help me grow as a writer and make the next book better. But I think the trick is to keep it all in perspective. Take what is constructive, and let the rest go.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
8. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Oh, Ava’s had a busy time of it – running for her life and learning there’s another Race living in secret among humans and all – so I think she’d just like to have a quiet Christmas at home with her family and maybe Caleb. Some time with nobody trying to kill or capture her, and no conspiracies she’s in the midst of. I have a feeling she might get that, too. Guess we’ll see in Book 2. J
9. Favorite Christmas music?
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
Probably my laptop. I don’t know what I’d do without it!
Thank you, T. M.!
You can find T.M. Franklin's MORE at Amazon, Barnes & Noble TWCS Publishing House, iBooks and Kobo
Monday, December 10, 2012
Author to Author Blog Hop, Day 6
Lissa Bryan is a fellow TWCS author, yay! I also met her while in Austin, TX for the book festival. Enjoy her interview!
Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete's foot.... though only in her head.
Real life isn't so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
Asking an avid reader to name one favorite author is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child. There are so many authors I love, and they all taught me something about writing. But the one that sticks out for me is Emily Brontë.Wuthering Heights is an amazing novel. Every word—even the names— she selected to convey the proper mood for the scenes, and Brontë made every line a poem. I’m not that skilled and I probably never will be, but I try to follow her example in choosing words that enhance the mood I want to convey.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
I would pick Seth Fortner fromGhostwriter. He was a man both haunted and haunting, terribly damaged by his experiences in WWI, but as Sara says in the novel, he had a sweet poet’s soul.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
They seem to grow organically. A story begins in my mind with the simple question, “What if…?” As the story develops, so do the characters who tell it. They start as faint outlines, but as I get to know them, they seem to become people with a mind of their own, who sometimes steer the story in a different direction than I intended. And most of the time, they’re right.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Sharing with others these characters who have lived in my mind for so many years. There’s no greater reward than seeing people love the characters I’ve created.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
They found me, actually. I was writing fanfiction, having made the startling discovery that other people re-write books and movies, too and there are massive online communities dedicated to it. One of my stories became popular and that brought me to the publisher’s attention. They contacted me and asked if I’d ever considered writing a novel.
I’d never thought being published was a possibility. I thought that only happened by sending out hundreds of manuscripts and facing the inevitable rejection. I’m not bold enough or thick-skinned enough for that, and I was content with just letting my stories out “into the wild.” And then that email came and everything changed for me.
6. What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?
I used to correspond with a published author and she gave me the best advice I’ve been given. She told me that every scene, every line, every word must drive the plot forward, or reveal something important about the characters. If it can be cut without affecting the story line, you should delete it.
This is difficult, to say the least. Writers tend to be in love with their own words, which is great because that passion shines through to the reader. But we have to look at our own work with a critical eye. However beautifully written, a scene that doesn’t drive the plot forward is dead weight.
In Ghostwriter, I had a long scene about the anarchist bombings of 1919. I really liked it, but it didn’t survive the first round of edits. I tried to make excuses for it, saying it added historical detail necessary for the reader to understand the time period. I finally faced up to the fact that it didn’t really advance the plot; in fact, it slowed it down. I could convey the necessary information in just a couple of lines.
Stephen King calls it “killing your darlings.” And that’s what it feels like, sometimes, but it’s necessary.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
“Show, don’t tell.” It’s something that I’m working hard to learn. With every book, I find a new area where I need to improve. Harsh reviews may sting, but there’s often valuable insights into where your work can be improved.
8. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Justin Thatcher is the lead character in my latest novel, The End of All Things, a romance set in a post-apocalyptic world. He’s very practical, so he’d probably ask for a gun or canned foods.
9. Favorite Christmas music?
Carol of the Bells is my favorite Christmas song and my favorite version of it is Christmas in Sarajevo by the Trans-Siberian orchestra. Every time I hear it, It gives me chills.
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
Gift cards for book stores. It’s like giving me the universe in one small package. It gives me travel to another time and place, new “friends” I’ll meet in the pages of a novel, new ideas or new perspectives, and maybe —just maybe— what I read will spark that question “What if…?” and my imagination will catch fire with a new idea for a story of my own.
You can find Lissa's books at TWCS, Amazon and iTunes.
Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete's foot.... though only in her head.Real life isn't so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.
Blog
Ten Questions
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
Asking an avid reader to name one favorite author is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child. There are so many authors I love, and they all taught me something about writing. But the one that sticks out for me is Emily Brontë.Wuthering Heights is an amazing novel. Every word—even the names— she selected to convey the proper mood for the scenes, and Brontë made every line a poem. I’m not that skilled and I probably never will be, but I try to follow her example in choosing words that enhance the mood I want to convey.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
They seem to grow organically. A story begins in my mind with the simple question, “What if…?” As the story develops, so do the characters who tell it. They start as faint outlines, but as I get to know them, they seem to become people with a mind of their own, who sometimes steer the story in a different direction than I intended. And most of the time, they’re right.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Sharing with others these characters who have lived in my mind for so many years. There’s no greater reward than seeing people love the characters I’ve created.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
They found me, actually. I was writing fanfiction, having made the startling discovery that other people re-write books and movies, too and there are massive online communities dedicated to it. One of my stories became popular and that brought me to the publisher’s attention. They contacted me and asked if I’d ever considered writing a novel.
I’d never thought being published was a possibility. I thought that only happened by sending out hundreds of manuscripts and facing the inevitable rejection. I’m not bold enough or thick-skinned enough for that, and I was content with just letting my stories out “into the wild.” And then that email came and everything changed for me.
6. What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?
I used to correspond with a published author and she gave me the best advice I’ve been given. She told me that every scene, every line, every word must drive the plot forward, or reveal something important about the characters. If it can be cut without affecting the story line, you should delete it.
This is difficult, to say the least. Writers tend to be in love with their own words, which is great because that passion shines through to the reader. But we have to look at our own work with a critical eye. However beautifully written, a scene that doesn’t drive the plot forward is dead weight.
In Ghostwriter, I had a long scene about the anarchist bombings of 1919. I really liked it, but it didn’t survive the first round of edits. I tried to make excuses for it, saying it added historical detail necessary for the reader to understand the time period. I finally faced up to the fact that it didn’t really advance the plot; in fact, it slowed it down. I could convey the necessary information in just a couple of lines.
Stephen King calls it “killing your darlings.” And that’s what it feels like, sometimes, but it’s necessary.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
“Show, don’t tell.” It’s something that I’m working hard to learn. With every book, I find a new area where I need to improve. Harsh reviews may sting, but there’s often valuable insights into where your work can be improved.
8. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Justin Thatcher is the lead character in my latest novel, The End of All Things, a romance set in a post-apocalyptic world. He’s very practical, so he’d probably ask for a gun or canned foods.
9. Favorite Christmas music?
Carol of the Bells is my favorite Christmas song and my favorite version of it is Christmas in Sarajevo by the Trans-Siberian orchestra. Every time I hear it, It gives me chills.
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
Gift cards for book stores. It’s like giving me the universe in one small package. It gives me travel to another time and place, new “friends” I’ll meet in the pages of a novel, new ideas or new perspectives, and maybe —just maybe— what I read will spark that question “What if…?” and my imagination will catch fire with a new idea for a story of my own.
You can find Lissa's books at TWCS, Amazon and iTunes.
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating author's blogs - so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
The Six by K. B. Hoyle
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
CLICK HERE to enter PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAYSunday, December 9, 2012
Author to Author Blog Hop, Day 5
Featured today is Andrea Goodson, and she is the one who actually came up with the idea for Author to Author. I don't know her personally, but she's been a great help to all of the authors involved in this blog hop. I hope you enjoy reading about her and learning about her books!
Andrea Goodson was born in 1982 and had a love of and fascination with writing since she was very young. Always imagining ways in which the world could be different, she began to write short stories when she was very young. It wasn't until many years later that she put pen to paper and began to work on what has become her first novel,Riverbend, part one in a trilogy. Upon completion of that work she found that writing was something she felt meant to do and would never be able to give up. Using her own experiences with hardship and tragedy, Andrea uses her writing to reach others in an effort to show the world that we need not be victims of circumstance. Her main characters endure many conflicts yet find the courage and strength to better themselves. Andrea spends long days walking in the forests of Northwest Pennsylvania dreaming up her next novels.
Website
Goodreads
Ten Questions
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
This is almost impossible for me to answer. There are so many authors whose work I adore. From Romantic Suspense to Young Adult to Fantasy to Chrsitian Fiction, there are countless whose books have changed my outlook on life. If I had to choose an absolute favorite it would be the author who first inspired my soul to dream of life in another time and place. Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables was the first book that I lost myself in as a child. Without her work, I may have never aspired to be an author.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
My characters personalities are a blend of traits from many people I have encountered throughout my life. A favorable character might get the traits that I most appreciated from a handful of people I have known, while the villians get the worst!
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Daydreaming, imagining, and thinking up stories. Coming up with plots and characters functions as a great stress reliever from the everyday havoc of the real world.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
This is actually a long story. I will keep it short and sweet for you. I sent countless query letters out with little to no response. I almost gave up after weeks and weeks of frustration. My child, who has been battling Dyslexia, was having great difficulty with some homework one night. She had been crying and was ashamed and embarassed that she was having such a hard time completing her work. My exact words to her were, "You can accomplish anything you set your mind to as long as you have the motivation. Don't ever give up. Nothing is impossible. You are smart and you have ambition.You can do this!" She looked back at me and said, "Then why don't you just publish your book yourself?" I was speechless and instantly realized that to be an effective parent and successful in my own attempts, I needed to practice what I preached. After a few days of research and reading, I made the decision to self publish. I am very happy with my decision. It gives me control over my book's marketing and promotion while keeping me very involved with my readers. Also, it has impacted my daughter in an amazing way. She suddenly developed a love for reading that was not there before and has started an idea journal of thoughts for her own stories!
"Love it or leave it." Writing is fun for me and there is nothing I would rather do. Someone told me once that if it begins to feel like too much of a job that I shouldn't do it. I now see why. Although I absolutely love writing, editing and marketing are an entirely different story. I don't necessarily dislike them, but they are not exactly loads of fun. So, you must love writing enough to make the rest of the work involved worth it. For me the benefits always outweigh the downfalls.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
I published my first novel before attempting to build any kind of website, platform, or fan base. I didn't even have a Twitter at the time. A novel isn't going to get read very much if nobody knows that it was even published! I spent a great deal of time doing what I can only describe as "back up" posting.
At this point in the story (Riverbend is book one in a trilogy), all Lena would want is a one way ticket to Georgia!
9. Favorite Christmas music?
Anything instrumental, piano, or Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
My laptop. It was the first tool I used to begin research for my first book.
Thank you, Andrea!
You can view, sample, and purchase Riverbend on Kindle, paperback Amazon, and all eBook formats on Smashwords. The second book, Rapid Water is due for release on Dec. 15, 2012
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating author's blogs - so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
The Six by K. B. Hoyle
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
CLICK HERE to enter PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAYSaturday, December 8, 2012
December News!
Hey Y'all! (As I live outside of Birmingham, AL, I am allowed to use "y'all" even though I am a professional writer, FYI.) December is going by so quickly, I feel like we are going to be at Christmas before we know it. Here are a few of the exciting things going on with me/my publishing house this month...
My day for the 12 Days of Christmas sale at TWCS is December 19th, but there are lots of other titles in a variety of genres to check out! Click HERE to visit TWCS and view the schedule.
Also this month, TWCS is proud to announce an official Young Adult division on Facebook! Now you can keep up with JUST YA book news from yours truly and the other YA authors at The Writer's Coffee Shop. Visit our Facebook page HERE and click "like"!
And don't forget, with Christmas almost upon us, that The Gateway Chronicles make great Christmas presents for readers of all ages. Here's what a recent new reader said in an e-mail to me this month after reading my books for the first time:
My day for the 12 Days of Christmas sale at TWCS is December 19th, but there are lots of other titles in a variety of genres to check out! Click HERE to visit TWCS and view the schedule.
Also this month, TWCS is proud to announce an official Young Adult division on Facebook! Now you can keep up with JUST YA book news from yours truly and the other YA authors at The Writer's Coffee Shop. Visit our Facebook page HERE and click "like"!
And don't forget, with Christmas almost upon us, that The Gateway Chronicles make great Christmas presents for readers of all ages. Here's what a recent new reader said in an e-mail to me this month after reading my books for the first time:
I started your books last week and finished "The Enchanted" today. I consider myself a very avid reader, as I read constantly, and I must inform you that your books are my new favorite series of all time. I loved them more than Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Narnia, and even the Hunger Games.
Just click on any of the covers in the sidebar to be redirected to the TWCS bookstore to purchase copies. Feel free to contact me directly at kbhoyle@yahoo.com with any questions!
Author to Author Blog Hop, Day 4
Meet N. K. Smith! N. K. Smith is another YA author with my publishing house, TWCS. I have not had the privilege of reading her books yet, but I met her in Austin this fall, and I'm looking forward to learning more about her and what she writes.
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
I hate to be a party pooper, but I can’t answer this. There are too many fine novelists out there to pick just one. I wish I could narrow down to even just one genre I like over the other, but I cannot. In high school, I couldn’t get enough of Steinbeck and Shakespeare, but I’m not sure I’d call them my favorites right now. The world of literature is incredibly diverse and populated by people who have such beautiful stories to tell that it would be a disservice to name just one as my favorite.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
I would talk to Henry from Ghosts of Our Pasts because he’s my favorite. We’d have tea and probably some veggies and hummus after doing a bit of yoga. We’d talk about various topics, but mostly about philosophy, deep breathing, and the power of thought.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
The characters usually just appear in my mind. Sometimes it’s just a glimpse of them, other times it’s the full character, complete with nervous tics and backstories. I think it’s my subconscious taking tiny bits and pieces of those around me, mushing them together, and pushing out a brand new person who has a story to tell.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer is being able to get the characters’ stories out. They pester me until I sit down and let them have a voice. It’s freeing and entertaining to get to know them Equally as awesome is connecting with people all over the world who love reading and meeting new characters.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
I was lucky. They found me.
6. What's the best piece of writing advice you've been given?
Just keep swimming. It wasn’t exactly writing-specific, but I think it applies. No matter how much I might want to give up on a scene or a character, I just keep writing. Eventually I break through the block, remove the barrier, or finish the manuscript.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
There are a lot of things I’d do differently, but I wouldn’t call them mistakes. I’d call them learning opportunities.
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
The lead male character I’m writing at the moment would want two tickets to Anfield to watch Liverpool Football Club play.
2. Favorite Christmas music?
The kind I don’t hear. Okay, fine, my favorite is O, Holy Night!, but I like Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer as well because my kids love it, and I like to change the words so they’re the hero of the story.
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
The best gift I’ve ever received didn’t happen at the holidays. I won’t say it’s my children, because it’s cliché and goes without saying. The best gift I’ve ever received was when I worked for a beachside bed and breakfast and my husband and I were broke. The normally abrasive chef asked me what was wrong. I told him. He reached into his pocket, pulled out all the money he had on him, and handed it to me. He said that he’d been where I was, and he and his wife made a promise to each other that when they could, they’d help someone else out when they needed it. Now, it wasn’t a huge sum of money. It was $15, but the meaning behind it affected me deeply. It was the gift that kept on giving long after the money was spent. It’s still giving something special to me each time I remember there are good people out there who want nothing in return for their assistance. It’s helped shape my worldview and helped me see to the core of people.
Based in the American Midwest, N.K. Smith is a Technical Writer for a Fortune 100 company. The author of the Old Wounds Series, she is a mother of two who finds the time to write very early in the morning when the rest of the world is still fast asleep.
An avid lover of history, art, music, books, and people, she is interested in telling stories that speak to the human condition.
An avid lover of history, art, music, books, and people, she is interested in telling stories that speak to the human condition.
Fun Fact about N.K. Smith: I love connecting with people who love to read, so come visit me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NKSmithAuthor ), on Twitter (@NKSmithWrites), on GoodReads (www.goodreads.com/author/show/5358547.N_K_Smith), and my blog (nksmithauthor.blogspot.com)
Buy N.K.Smith books here: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/authors/detail/10
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating author's blogs - so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
The Six by K. B. Hoyle
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
CLICK HERE to enter PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY
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