Monday, August 28, 2017

#blogtour #Christian #dystopian Interview with Brett Armstrong author of Day Moon @BArmstrongWV



Brett Armstrong, author of the award-winning novel, Destitutio Quod Remissio, started writing stories at age nine, penning a tale of revenge and ambition set in the last days of the Aztec Empire.  Twenty years later, he is still telling stories though admittedly his philosophy has deepened with his Christian faith and a master’s degree in creative writing.  His goal with every work is to be like a brush in the Master artist’s hand and his hope is the finished composition always reflects the design God had in mind.  He feels writing should be engaging, immersive, entertaining, and always purposeful.  Continually busy at work with one or more new novels to come, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and playing with his beautiful wife and son.
His latest book is Day Moon (Tomorrow’s Edge Book 1).

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK


What’s inside the mind of a Christian author?

It depends on the time of day. Life always interdicts, but I'm the type who fairly easily slips into daydreams and that usually leads to writing a story mentally, that I eventually try to get typed up. I don't really hold to any one genre in my writing. I try to seek out stories worth telling, whatever genre they fall in. When I say stories worth telling, I mean those that I feel like the Lord is leading me to, the kind that hold a kernel of insight that might benefit readers of the story as much as it would benefit me to uncover in the writing process. So at various times my mind is fixated on 4th Century AD Rome. Other times its in 2039 with the characters of my latest novel Day Moon. Then still other times it's roving into Renaissance era fantasy world of a work in progress I have. Then there are the handful of short story ideas or novel ideas that aren't fully formed yet that I pop in and out of at any given time.

What is so great about being an author?

First it's a tremendous honor to have people feel like your thoughts are worth reading and to trust you to guide them through an unknown landscape safely and to their good. I think the most rewarding part of being an author happens when someone reads the book and then tells you it really made an impact on him or her. A couple people who read my first book told me they wanted someone they each cared about to read the book, because they thought it would help those persons. That's really special and makes any struggle along the way worthwhile.

When do you hate it?

Whenever it comes time to do anything that looks like salesmanship. I'm not a very business-minded person and I don't like viewing books in terms of their bottom lines or how to boost sales and so on. It's not why I write and I try to think as little about it as possible while writing. I know that isn't the wisest way to do things if you want to get a book on the New York Times Bestseller's list, but I can't help it. I want the books to be more than a product or subject of a monetary transaction, so any time I feel like I'm starting to become a "Buy this!" advertisement I feel awful.

What is a regular writing day like for you?

A regular day consists of me going to work full time as the web designer and infectious disease data manager at the state health department. During breaks and lunch I try to do writing and writerly reading/activities. When I get off, I head home and run circles around the house playing with my little boy, who is growing up way too fast, while trying to cook dinner and help keep the house in some semblance of order.  After our little one is off to bed, my wife and I catch up on each other's days and usually watch part of a movie or something on Netflix to relax. When my wife goes to sleep, that's my pure writing time and I try to dive deep into it when I can. That usually consists of about two hours of solid writing, though on weekends I tend to do much better.

How do you handle negative reviews?

Rather poorly for about the first day or two after. I'm the type of person who wanted not just straight A's but A+'s on assignments I really cared about in school and take it very personally whenever someone doesn't like some aspect of a book I've written. Once I get past the initial shell-shock and self-deprecation and doubt, then I try to read the reviews again and glean from them something positive and something constructive to work on in the future. Then I just try not to read the reviews again, because it really just pokes at mostly healed wound at that point. Though even bad reviews are still something. Sometimes I get suspicious if I see all positive reviews for something and honestly, if you're saying something that is intended to make a deep impact on someone's life, you really can't help but have some people reject that irrespective of writing quality, which people have preferences and preconceived notions they bring along as well.

How do you handle positive reviews?

Probably equally poorly. I bounce up and down for a couple hours and re-read the review a few times. After I remember it's not about me in the first place, I get over myself and try to comb through the review for lessons to apply to writing in the future and sentiments that might be in common across other reviews, because those tell you something about what consistently comes through in your writing to those who are most likely to be an audience for the writing. Like negative reviews, I try not to re-read the review at that point, because it's a bit like staring at a bunch of ribbons or trophies. It's looking into the past and no one wins an event by obsessing over the past. Not to mention spiritually, you want to throw any laurel, however big or small, at Christ's feet, so it's really about pressing on and keeping things in perspective whether a review is good or bad.

What is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance that you’re an author?

Like most writers, it's most often one of two very different responses. The first being, "Oh! I'm so proud of you!" where the person seems to think you've done something utterly stupendous and special (which a writer has in a sense). The second is more akin to, "Yeah. So?" where the person then begins to list everyone they've ever known with the intention of writing a book, because it is such an achievable and common thing (which it is in a sense). Usually it's other writers who have an in-between reaction that balances the two extremes.

What do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do you force it or take a break?

It really depends on how sleepy I am. In all seriousness, if I'm just at an absolute road block and I don't feel the thrum of the story anymore then I take a break. I'd really have to have lost a grip on the story though for that to happen. If it is just a hard passage to write, I'll try to write around it or push through, because it's very easy once you pick up a new story that's interesting to let the one I was stymied by fall by the way side. More recently I've been trying to write several stories at the same time, so I don't leave any one fallow too long, but give myself some needed breaks to let fresh ideas work into the mix. And I do that to varying levels of success on a week-by-week basis.

Any writing quirks?

I'm awful about having a single notebook that has fragments of like five different stories scattered throughout it in a very haphazard way. I try handwrite from time to time to force myself to revise as I draft, but like I said I write more than one story at a time so a notebook quickly becomes a little hard to navigate. I'm trying to break myself of the habit by having a stack of notebooks to switch between, but even then, it gets messy.

What would you do if people around you didn’t take your writing seriously or see it as a hobby?

I'm very blessed in that I do have incredibly supportive people around me. Though to answer the question, since for so much of my life writing was a hobby (I've been writing stories since age nine) I would probably just keep at it. It's really hard for me to not talk about what I'm writing about, because for me writing a novel is a lot like reading it. When I get to a part that is exciting or unexpected, I want to tell someone! Currently my wife and mom catch all that excited chatter, but if they just quit I might have to reach out to readers who have expressed particular appreciation for my work and share with them. I think I would also work very hard to justify writing as something more than a hobby to my family by the writing I produce and letting the reception of the writing be evidence that it is meaningful.

Some authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to writing. Can you relate?

For me it's really been almost exclusively love. Of course there are things related to writing that I wish were different. For instance the amount of time I have to do. If I could add about five more hours to each day then I think I would be set.  I also, as mentioned before, do not really take to the business side of being a published author. Writing for me is an art form and a craft, but it is also an incredibly open art form that requires the participation of readers to really make it fully meaningful. The avenue by which readers join in on the artistic process, unfortunately, requires a lot of business-like activity.  I get through it, but if I could remove one aspect of writing, it would be to tone that part of publishing way down.

Do you think success as an author must be linked to money?

Not at all. A great many "classics" of Western literature were financial failures. Some of them were critical failures in their day. Some even the authors felt were a colossal disappointment. I think the only real metric for whether an author is successful or not is in the lives that are touched by the writing. If your writing affects people and makes them think and feel and then relate that to reality, then you've been quite successful. Of course everyone wants to have the financial boom and critical acclaim, but I try very hard to not fixate on that and I hope I never do however "successful" my writing becomes. Books are about writers and readers taking a journey together and so long as that happens, that is success for me.

What has writing taught you?

Patience and humility stand out to me. So often I want to have a manuscript done at a particular date and time. I want to be able send it to an agent or editor and then have it in print on my schedule, but it's not like that. You can't rush art and sometimes a story takes a long time to be properly represented by a manuscript. I have a fantasy series I've been working on for ten years now that is incredibly near and dear to me, but I've only just begun to get the manuscript for the first story into a form that I think it is truly ready to share.  And being humble enough to realize you aren't the only writer out there. The only voice or storyteller worth hearing has been good for me. With so many other writers out there that I'm suddenly aware of, I think I approach writing with the idea of how special it is for a reader to choose to pick up something I've worked on with much greater clarity. The idea that what I'm typing will be read by someone else, that they're giving their time and interest to something I've written is really incredible to consider.

Leave us with some words of wisdom.

I suppose when it comes to words of wisdom, I'll turn to a man much wiser than me: "Trust in the LORD and do not lean on your own understanding and He will make straight your paths." That's what King Solomon of Israel wrote as recorded in the book of Proverbs. Ultimately as a reader and a writer you have to have a purpose. Why am I reading and why am I writing respectively. 1924 Olympic gold medalist Eric Liddell is credited with saying, "God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure." It's like that for me and writing, and so long as I feel the Lord leading there, I'll happily follow that path. Everyone needs to resolve that question of where and what is my purpose?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW / SHAWN D. BRINK AUTHOR OF THE SPACE BETWEEN TRILOGY


Shawn was born in Clovis New Mexico, but grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska. He currently resides in Papillion, Nebraska. Besides writing, he enjoys playing the guitar, worshiping Jesus in church, and spending time with his wife and children.

Shawn has been writing fiction since he has been old enough to hold a pencil. His first stories were written back in the day when his parents and siblings were his entire fan-base.

Shawn is currently building a following with three novels and one novelette to his name. In addition, he has had numerous short stories published in various magazine and online publications.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK



About the Book:

Title: THE SPACE BETWEEN
Author: Shawn D. Brink
Publisher: Martin Sisters Publishing
Pages: 330
Genre: Christian/fantasy/apocalyptic thriller trilogy

BOOK BLURB: 
When Hunter and his wife Nora begin to have nightmarish visions of evil and death, they feel driven to find what truth lies behind them. But the truth that they find is terrifying.

The enemy they must face is powerful and unless defeated, will mean the end of the world as they know it.

Only by standing firm and relying on each other as well as on God, can they achieve victory.

But is victory even possible?

For Hunter and Nora, only time can reveal these answers.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books:

Title: THE DEVIL’S REVENGE
Author: Shawn D. Brink
Publisher: Martin Sisters Publishing
Pages: 378
Genre: Christian/fantasy/apocalyptic thriller trilogy

BOOK BLURB:
In this, the second book of the series, the devil attacks mankind in order to become their supreme ruler. He enlists a witch named Millie to be his earthly servant as well as a sacred number of seven demons who help him in waging his war.

Most humans are oblivious to the devil’s plan. It is up to a woman named Alice and Garrett, her pastor to protect the human race from becoming subject to the devil’s rule.

They cannot succeed without God’s help, but has God abandoned them? Only time can reveal these answers.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble



Title: HELL ON EARTH
Author: Shawn D. Brink
Publisher: Gabriel’s Horn Press
Pages: 252
Genre: Christian/fantasy/apocalyptic thriller trilogy

BOOK BLURB:
In this, the final book of the Space Between series, Satan deceives the nations. For those who accept him as their god, he provides. But not all bow before him. Those who refuse to submit to the Devil’s rule find themselves fighting against all the powers of Hell.

Thus begins the greatest struggle between good and evil that the world has ever known.

ORDER YOUR COPY:





What’s inside the mind of a Christian/fantasy/apocalyptic thriller author?

I have so many stories bopping around in my skull that I sometimes have trouble concentrating on anything else. I find that getting those stories out of my head and onto paper eases the pressure within. So I write them out for your entertainment and my sanity.

What is so great about being an author?

Nothing compares to doing what you are passionate about. It’s not work if you love it. I have been blessed with the ability to do what I love.

When do you hate it? I only hate it when it’s not what I am doing. Of course, then it’s not so much that I hate it, but more that I hate the fact I have to do anything else.

What is a regular writing day like for you?

Mon – Fri:
5:15am             Writing (J)
8:45am             go to my day job (L)
6:30pm             get home from work and see my family (J)
8:00pm             market my writing/write/blog/network/set up events/anything else related to writing (J)
9:30pm             spend more time with family (J)
10:30pm           Go to bed (dream about writing) (J)

Sat
Spend each available moment either with family, writing, or doing Saturday things like grocery shop, go on a family outing, and the like. (J)
Sun                 
Rest (minimal writing – more time with family and with God (J))

As you can see, most of my week is busy and spent happy.

How do you handle negative reviews?

As a writer, you have to be like a good piece of chocolate. Maintain that soft center while developing a hard exterior shell. Take criticism as constructive if possible, but don’t let it destroy you.

How do you handle positive reviews?

Say a prayer of thanks. Then I usually do a happy dance. I also try to pay it forward if I can.

What is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance that you’re an author?

Initial response is surprise. Then, once they get to know me, they discover that I am a little screwy in the head and then they usually say that my profession makes sense. Often times, once somebody finds out what I do, a discussion about my books/publishers/editors, etc. starts up which is pretty cool. People in general are very intrigued to learn about the writing industry.

What do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do you force it or take a break?

I can’t say I have ever felt like not writing. I suppose once when I was sick with the flu, I didn’t feel like writing much. That day I took a break.

Any writing quirks?

I don’t know if obsession is considered quirky. I am obsessed with writing. It’s the one thing I don’t think I could ever get tired of doing.

What would you do if people around you didn’t take your writing seriously or see it as a hobby?

I am fortunate. My wife and children have always taken me seriously as a writer. However, even if they did act as if it was only a hobby, I would have to tune out that white noise and “keep on keepin on”. (quote by Joe Dirt)

Some authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to writing. Can you relate?

Writing itself is strictly a love affair. Sometimes the associated marketing of my books gets a little exhausting, but I do it nonetheless because marketing means increased sales and increased sales means more success in writing. Thus the circle is complete.

Do you think success as an author must be linked to money?

No. However the royalty checks are much appreciated.

What has writing taught you? Never give up on your dreams. Find a way to do what you love. Because the more you do it the better you will be. And the better you are at writing, then the more successful you will become.

Leave us with some words of wisdom.
-         In general – John 3:16.
-         Specific to writing – don’t ever stop doing what you love. DON’T EVER STOP!!!

Thursday, August 24, 2017

AUTHOR INTERVIEW / NIKKIE PRYCE AUTHOR OF DREAMERS, TAKE ACTION!



Nikkie Pryce is focused on inspiring and motivating people to put action behind their dreams.
Being in the media industry and working directly with the public, she has experience pushing people past their own created limitations.

She has earned the title of "self-love influencer" through her organization, The I AM Community.
The community is comprised of dreamers who encourage self-love and self-awareness, starting with “I AM” affirmations. 

What all started as a simple journey to finding her own self-love became a phenomenon of connections and solid relationships.

A highly-recommended motivational speaker, Nikkie speaks publicly at corporate conferences, non-profit organizations, women’s retreats, youth girl groups, schools, and church functions.
Her latest book is the self-help, Dreamers, Take Action!

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK



About the Book:

Title: DREAMERS, TAKE ACTION!
Author: Nikkie Pryce
Publisher: Opportune Publishing
Pages: 118
Genre: Self-help / Self-improvement / Self-motivation

I remember going through stages in my life where I had no money; I was broken in spirit and mind.

One day I realized in order to make more money and live the life I wanted, I had to start with myself.

I started reading tons of self-help books, prayed more and did affirmation exercises to lift my self-esteem. It was time to see growth.

If you are ready to challenge yourself and start seeing better results from your creative ideas, then this book is for you.

Dreamers, Take Action! is an actionable blueprint for creating the life you want.

This book is equipped with steps and daily challenges that I’ve taken to change a few needed things. 

I've joined new networks with successful people, I’m finishing projects that I’ve started, and I am walking through open doors of lucrative opportunities, all by following one simple step.

That step is taking action.

Follow me into this journey as I vulnerably explain the road I took to get to where I am.

Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to work diligently to finish what you’ve started.

I trust that you’re ready to take that leap of faith.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon



What’s inside the mind of a self-improvement author? 


That we are always finding ways to become our best selves. We are wanting to create ways to do more and serve more people while we are at it. There’s always the thought “how can I be my best self at all times?”


What is so great about being an author? 


The feeling of finishing. For me, finishing something that I poured my heart and soul into made me feel proud and accomplished. The sense of knowing that your work will be in the hands of people all across the world is unexplainable.


When do you hate it? 


I’m not sure I’ve gotten that feeling yet. I am hoping I never do.


What is a regular writing day like for you? 


Quiet, focused and sitting in front of my computer.


How do you handle negative reviews? 


I acknowledge them and keep moving forward. My work isn’t for everyone and I understand that.


How do you handle positive reviews? 


I acknowledge and thank my supporters. It’s a blessing when someone supports you when they don’t have too.


What is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance that you’re an author? 


They are so amazed and excited. They immediately invest in the book. That’s what it’s about. Showing genuine support!


What do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do you force it or take a break? 


Take a complete break. I am like a robot at times. If I don’t take mental breaks I will become uninspired.


Any writing quirks? 


I eat banana peppers when I write. It’s super weird but I guess the tanginess keeps me alert and focused, lol.


What would you do if people around you didn’t take your writing seriously or see it as a hobby? 


My writing isn’t for everyone. As long as I take it seriously, eventually they will do the same.


Some authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to writing. Can you relate? 


Not so much. I love writing. It’s therapeutic for me.  


Do you think success as an author must be linked to money? 


No, way. It’s about the amount of people you can reach through your writing. When you focus on impact, the money will come.


What has writing taught you? 


Discipline and that I will never waste any more of my time. Writing this book transitioned me into a better person. The process made me different. It taught me to trust the process no matter how long it takes.


Leave us with some words of wisdom.


If you have a book in you, let it out. The world needs to hear from you. The world needs to be impacted by you. It’s time.

To purchase your copy of Dreamers, Take Action! The blueprint to go from dreamer to doer please visit NikkiePryce.com or Amazon.


Monday, August 21, 2017

Author Interview: Bella Andre author of The Sullivans Boxed Set @bellaandre



Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans”, “The Maverick Billionaires”, “The Morrisons”, and the NYT bestselling “Four Weddings and a Fiasco” sweet romance series written as Lucy Kevin.

Having sold more than 6 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 32 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King), and Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.
Sign up for Bella’s newsletter at http://www.BellaAndre.com/Newsletter.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK


About the Book:

Title: The Sullivans Boxed Set Books 1-3
Author: Bella Andre
Publisher: Oak Press, LLC
Pages: 662
Genre: Contemporary Romance

BOOK BLURB:  
               
More than 6 million readers have already fallen in love with the Sullivans! Now get ready to meet your new favorite family in Bella Andre's New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romances with the first three books in the #1 hit series.

"Not since Nora Roberts has anyone been able to write a big family romance series with every book as good as the last! Bella Andre never disappoints!" Revolving Bookcase Reviews

THE LOOK OF LOVE

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she's convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women, and whenever he's home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is--until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has he never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes she has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, he is willing to move mountains to love--and protect--her, but will she let him?

FROM THIS MOMENT ON 

For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he's planned for himself turns out to be nothing but a lie, Marcus needs one reckless night to shake free from it all.

Nicola Harding is known throughout the world by only one name - Nico - for her catchy, sensual pop songs. Only, what no one knows about the twenty-five year old singer is that her sex-kitten image is totally false. After a terrible betrayal by a man who loved fame far more than he ever loved her, she vows not to let anyone else get close enough to find out who she really is...or hurt her again. Especially not the gorgeous stranger she meets at a nightclub, even though the hunger - and the sinful promises - in his dark eyes make her want to spill all her secrets.

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again.

ORDER THE SULLIVANS BOXED SET:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life!  Now that your book has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process.  Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning?  When did you come up with the idea to write your book?

I began as a songwriter and musician — I wrote songs and played shows from when I was a little girl up until my late twenties. And then, one day I got an idea for a book and pulled out a notebook to start writing it down. Three months later, I had written my first book (which is now published as Sparks Fly under my pen name Lucy Kevin). I first got the idea for the Sullivan series in 2009. I absolutely love what I do, and haven’t looked back since! <3 p="">

Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?

First, remember you aren’t alone! It’s really important to have a good team behind you. I have an amazing team of editors, proofers and digital file producers. I work with great bloggers and marketing professionals and I also have the love and support of my family. Everyone thinks “indie publishing” means being independent, but it’s not the case at all. While you get to be in charge of your own career and your own vision, you also work with lots of great people to put your book out there!

And second, remember that in the end, it’s all about the book. How much you love writing what you’re writing matters. Plus, you’ve got to do the work every day by getting the words down.

Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?

I’ve so enjoyed self-publishing and I’ve been lucky to have the most wonderful fans with me every step of the way. There are so many things that go into success, but I think my focus and determination to write the books I love writing and that my fans want to read – along with having the best readers in the world – have been the biggest pros of self-publishing for me.

Q: Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?

The biggest surprise has been how much my books have been embraced by readers all over the world. It’s such a thrill to have such wonderful, enthusiastic readers in so many countries! I love all the different covers, which are all so beautiful. And I love getting fan mail in other languages. I’m always so touched that people take the time to write to me to let me know that my books have touched their hearts or made them smile.

Q: What other books are you working on and when will they be published?

I’m busy writing the next installments of the Sullivans, Married in Malibu, the Morrisons and the Maverick Billionaires series. The next Sullivan, You Do Something To Me, just went on pre-order. It will be available October 11!

Q: What’s one fact about your book that would surprise people?

I can write anywhere, anytime. And I usually listen to the same song over and over while writing each book.

Q: Finally, what message are you trying to get across with your book?

I’ve always been such a big romance reader. When I was a teenager I would read until two in the morning with the lights under the covers. Romance has always been my genre, and now I love offering my own stories for readers to enjoy. I truly believe that true love conquers all!

Q: Thank you again for this interview!  Do you have any final words?

Each and every day, I am so thankful to my readers all over the world who have welcomed my Sullivans, Morrisons, and Mavericks onto their eReaders and into their hearts. Hearing how much my stories have come to mean to them is what keeps me going each and every day. I love writing, but I love even more how much of a difference I’ve been able to make through my stories! Thank you for having me today! 

Monday, August 14, 2017

BOOK FEATURE / BITE THY NEIGHBOR BY ESMAE BROWDER




Title: BITE THY NEIGHBOR
Author: Esmae Browder
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Pages: 300
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance



Some neighbors suck...literally.

Quirky Maisy Harker spends her time daydreaming about her sexy husband, Jensen Helsing. Though their marriage is one of convenience, Maisy wishes the sparks of heat she feels around him were reciprocated. Sexually starved, she also lusts after her mysterious neighbor, Adam. True, his incisors do look a bit sharp, and he never seems to drink or eat anything—but hey, maybe that’s how he keeps that yummy, drool-worthy physique!

Yet Maisy knows something’s not quite right, and it isn’t long before she learns Adam is a centuries-old vampire embroiled in a gypsy curse placed on the women of her family. All her female ancestors have been drawn to the vampire and bound by his desires, experiencing a terrible side effect of the curse and resulting in death.

It's up to Maisy to find a way to break the curse once and for all before she, too, falls under his spell.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon




You’re the one I’ve been waiting for,” Adam whispered. “And I’ve waited a long time.”
I was unable to fight being aroused by this sexy man with the fierce, dark eyes. His lips were a pale red, and as I looked at them, my mind instantly pictured us in a heated lip lock, our tongues ravishing each other. All my senses jumped to high alert.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I whispered back, unable to keep the shake out of my voice. “You don’t know me. And…and I’m a married woman.”
“Married?” he scoffed and grabbed my hand, kissing it lightly. “That doesn’t matter when it comes to destiny.”
Damn. His lips on my skin set my heart skipping. I started to feel a little tingle between my legs.
“Destiny?” I asked, shifting slightly.
“Don’t play dumb with me, my sweet Maisy.” Adam smiled and then stood in front of me so quickly I didn’t see the actual movement. “You can’t deny the passion you feel for me,” he said, going to his knees. “I’ve been in your dreams. I know your desires.”
He put a hand on my bare leg, sliding it up to my thigh as light as a feather.
“That’s not possible.” I shivered, wondering if he would slip that hand higher and discover how vulnerable I was without panties. “You’re teasing me.”
“Am I?”





Esmae Browder is an ex-catholic school girl who loves romance and vodka tonics. When not reading a spicy novel, she enjoys creating them by combining elements of well-known tales and updating them for our modern world. She is the author of the Naughty Shakespeare series, as well as, the paranormal romance Bite Thy Neighbor—a sexy Dracula meets Wisteria Lane style novel.

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Thursday, August 10, 2017

BOOK FEATURE: NIGHT IN JERUSALEM BY GAELLE LEHRER KENNEDY






Title: NIGHT IN JERUSALEM
Author: Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy
Publisher: PKZ Inc.
Pages: 246
Genre: Historical Romance

A bewitching love story that is also an extraordinary portrait of Jerusalem, its faith, spirituality, identity, and kaleidoscope of clashing beliefs, Night in Jerusalem is a novel of mystery, beauty, historical insight, and sexual passion.
David Bennett is invited to Jerusalem in 1967 by his cousin who, to the alarm of his aristocratic British family, has embraced Judaism. He introduces David to his mentor, Reb Eli, a revered sage in the orthodox community. Despite his resistance to religious teaching, David becomes enthralled by the rabbi’s wisdom and compassionate presence. When David discloses a sexual problem, Reb Eli unwittingly sets off a chain of events that transforms his life and the life of the mysterious prostitute, Tamar, who, in a reprise of an ancient biblical story, leads both men to an astonishing realization. As passions rise, the Six Day War erupts, reshaping the lives of everyone caught up in it.

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David lay awake thinking about Anat. He was intimidated by her sexuality, but also fascinated by her free spirit and daunting intelligence. He had never met anyone like her. He wondered if Jonathan and the others knew she preferred women lovers, and why she had confided in him. He became anxious, thinking perhaps she sensed he had sexual issues and was someone she could easily manipulate. 
Earlier, out on the roof, he had asked her why she preferred women. She had answered simply, “For the same reasons you do,” then adding, “I find women more interesting intellectually, as well as sexually.” 
Her directness was equal parts frightening and exciting. He wanted to know her better. Perhaps, with her, he could get over his sexual problem. The truth was, he desired her as much as he found her intimidating.



Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy worked as an actress and writer in film and television in the United States and Israel. Night in Jerusalem is her debut novel, which she has adapted to film. She lives in Ojai California with her husband and daughter.

She writes, “I lived in Israel in the 1960s, a naive twenty-year-old, hoping to find myself and my place in the world. The possibility of war was remote to me. I imagined the tensions in the region would somehow be resolved peacefully. Then, the Six Day War erupted and I experienced it firsthand in Jerusalem.

I have drawn Night in Jerusalem from my experiences during that time. The historical events portrayed in the novel are accurate. The characters are based on people I knew in the city. Like me, they were struggling to make sense of their lives, responding to inherited challenges they could not escape that shaped their destiny in ways they and the entire Middle East could not have imagined.

I have always been intrigued by the miraculous. How and where the soul’s journey leads and how it reveals its destiny. How two people who are destined, even under the threat of war and extinction, can find one another.

Israel’s Six Day War is not a fiction; neither was the miracle of its victory. What better time to discover love through intrigue, passion, and the miraculous.

Writing this story was in part reliving my history in Israel, in part a mystical adventure. I am grateful that so many who have read Night In Jerusalem have experienced this as well.”

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Thursday, August 3, 2017

Lockdown Book Blast!




Title: LOCKDOWN
Author: Samie Sands
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Pages: 232
Genre: Horror/Scifi

Leah Watton’s practical joke has spiralled way out of control—all to impress a crush…

With a prank online video, Leah hopes to catch the attention of Jake Colton, a cute, blond-haired, blue-eyed co-worker she’s had a crush on for months. But instead of sending it to Jake, she manages to forward the clip to her boss—who buys every gory second.

When mass panic ensues, Leah learns the video is more than a staged act…

The government is calling the virus AM13. As the outbreak spreads, citizens are forced to stay indoors while they assess the gravity of the illness. Most people are quarantined in their homes, but Leah, Jake, and Leah’s best friend Michelle are some of the unlucky few who are stuck at work when the Lockdown occurs.

That’s where she first encounters one of the infected…

Aside from a contaminated woman devouring one of her co-workers, Leah has another problem. Does she do as she’s ordered and stay at work? Or should she disobey government orders and break free to reunite with her family?

She can’t go it alone—after all, Leah has none of the skills needed to survive—but with Michelle and Jake by her side, not even a contagious virus and a sea of the dead can keep her from…

Breaking out of the Lockdown…

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He’s disgusting. I’ve never seen one this close before, heading towards me with such vigour. I’ve always done my best to avert my eyes from the infected, but now time seems to freeze as I can’t drag my gaze away. What I thought was him shuffling, was actually him dragging his broken, bloodied leg behind him. This wound is so deep I can see bone poking through. I can’t help but retch.
The bite on his shoulder is absolutely huge and rancid—all blackened from the infection. His arm is hanging down by his side, completely useless. He’ll never be able to move that again, no matter what happens. His face is also in a terrible state. His skin is a deep grey, much murkier than the others I’ve seen. He must have been infected for a very long time. The bags under his eyes droop incredibly low, causing his face to look deformed. The blood running down his skin, staining all his clothes, looks really old. Scratch marks cover his torso; he looks as if he’s been brutally beaten in some awful fight. I would never have thought someone could survive these injuries, they’re just so severe. People have died over much less, and yet here he is, still moving towards us, baring his teeth, ready and waiting to eat.
Jake pulls me hard and I stumble backwards, tripping over a box. I hit the ground hard and suddenly find myself unable to move, as if I’m physically paralysed by fear. It’s almost as if I’m having an out of body experience, looking down at myself, screaming run. Something is pulling me upwards, but my body is too sluggish to comply. It just won’t do what I want it to, I’m too panicked. Now I understand how Tim was feeling when he was attacked and unable to scale the fence. Limp and useless. I know an assault is imminent, but I can’t do anything to stop it. I’m utterly screwed, and I’m just sitting here, waiting for it to happen.
I’m shaking, sobs rising up in my chest. I’m going to die if I don’t get up now, so why can’t I? All I need to do is make my way over to the door, but it feels a million miles away. I don’t even know where Jake is. I can hear him hissing at me, encouraging me to move, but I can’t see him anywhere. He might have even made it outside already. If so, he should probably run before he has to witness my death.
Thud. The loud noise shocks me into looking up. Thud. There it is again. This time it’s following by a sloshing sound, like a wet mop hitting the ground. I need to locate the source of the noise. I need to know what’s happening, how long I have left. Can I escape? Can I really survive this? My heart leaps into my dry, panicked mouth and my slick palms slide across the ground.
It’s Jake, I can finally see him. He’s absolutely covered in blood. His axe is discarded on the ground next to him. He’s offering me a hand. I reach up tentatively to grab it, still trying to piece together the scene around me.
“He’s…?”I can’t finish my sentence. I can’t vocalise all the hundreds of questions that are swirling around in my mind.
“Yes, Leah, he’s gone. ”Jake blows out some air, as if all the stress is seeping out of his body.
Relief floods my chest, pushing away some of the numb sensation. I’ve never had a near death experience before, so I’m not sure how you’re supposed to feel. We sit silent for a while, just the sounds of our heavy breathing to keep us company. The shop owner doesn’t move again, so I can feel myself starting to relax in his presence. I wonder what happened to him, how he managed to get into that state, when he got bitten—all of these questions that we’ll never get the answer to now that he’s gone forever.


Samie Sands is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card & an autographed copy of her book!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Card and an autographed copy of her book.
  • This giveaway ends midnight August 31.
  • Winner will be contacted via email on September 1.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!



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About the Author

Samie Sands is the author of the AM13 Outbreak series – Lockdown, Forgotten, and Extinct. She’s also had a number of short stories published in very successful short story anthologies.

To find out more about her and her work, check out her website at http://samiesands.com or visit her on Twitter and Facebook.

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com

❤Inside the Pages: ST. JAMES INFIRMARY by Steven Meloan #bookspotlight #insidethepages

  Title: St. James Infirmary Title: St. James Infirmary   Author: Steven Meloan Publisher: Roadside Press Pages: 80 Genre:...