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Showing posts from June, 2013

Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods

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A new series from the author of one of my favorite series of all time, Vampire Academy. I was psyched and could hardly wait to start reading it. But then... I've come to expect a certain level of writing from Richelle Mead, one that sucks me in immediately, endears to the characters, and immerses me in her world. That didn't happen as much as I would have liked with this new world of hers. Without having read the synopsis I wouldn't have guessed there was anything mythological in this book at all until after about a hundred pages in, and even then, it's lightly brushed over for a long time. It's one thing to build mystery, but another entirely to keep the readers utterly in the dark to the point where they start to lose interest. Which is unfortunately what happened for me with this book. This was too slow moving for me as well, too much like a thriller instead of a dystopian fantasy.  So why three stars? Because Richelle's writing was compelling enou...

WritersRoad Recap 6/24: Humor In Fiction

Here is an abbreviated recap of last Monday's live Writer's Road chat on the topic of Humor in Fiction: TS Tate (Tee) @teetate You have to let the narrative voice do much of the heavy lifting #writersroad TS Tate (Tee) Western Spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun.Orbiting this at a distance of roughly ninety-eight million #writersroad TS Tate (Tee) million miles is an utterly insignificant little blue-green planet whose ape-descended life forms are so amazingly #writersroad TS Tate (Tee) primitive that they still think digital watches are a pretty neat idea.” #writersroad TS Tate (Tee) @teetate In five measly lines, Adams does such a masterful job of establishing the irrelevance of humanity, #writersroad J B Mills @jbeemills I took a webinar about this from Robin Mellom, author of Ditched. It was great! #writersroad Charmaine Clancy @charmaineclancy @teetate My MG novels contain humour 'cause kids like that. And dogs, dogs ar...

Free Book & Cover Reveal from Kristie Cook

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Today is the full cover reveal of Kristie Cook's next installment in the Soul Savers Series . But first – Kristie, Tristan (the major HOTTIE!!!! From the Soul Savers Series ) and Tristan's advocate Lisa need your help! Right this very minute Tristan is participating in his first match in the NA Crush Tourney ! Please go vote for him! Then go threaten everyone you know to vote for him … or ask nicely. Whatever works. If  WHEN Tristan wins, Kristie will share "A never-before-seen scene written from Tristan's point-of-view that I promise you will love. And if he wins the whole tourney? You'll get to read about their wedding night from Tristan's POV.". Okay, now on to the gorgeous cover and title for Soul Savers Book 5: Isn't it amazing? I can't wait for this book! It comes out later this summer and don't forget to follow Kristie for up-to-date news. Now don't forget to go vote for Tristan ! Want to know why you should? ...

Cover Teaser For Kristie Cook's Upcoming Novel

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I'm thrilled to share with you a teaser of the cover for the fifth book in the Soul Saver Series By: Kristie Cook that I LOVE! Take a look and see what you think, and keep an eye out for the FULL cover reveal coming this Tuesday! Title:  TBA on Tuesday! Author: Kristie Cook Publisher:  Ang'dora Productions, LLC (Coming SUMMER 2013) Find Kristie and her books on: Goodreads Synopsis to follow! Haven't read the series? How about a FREE eBook copy of Promise ? It's FREE on ALL platforms! Yes it is! Here's links where you can get YOUR FREE COPY TODAY! Order the FREE eBook Online here: Amazon , Barnes and Noble , iBooks , Kobo , Smashwords In the UK: Amazon , iBooks Okay, Lisa at A Life Bound By Books is still looking for HELP with the  #NACrushTourney for none other than Tristan Knight himself! She's created a Street Team called #KnightRiders and would LOVE to have YOU help Tristan make his way to VICTORY!! The first round is ...

#WritersRoad ReCap: High Concept

Here is an abbreviated recap of Monday's Writer's Road chat on high concept (highlights only). Heather McCorkle Think of high concept as something that would be a blockbuster if it were a movie. #WritersRoad @HeatherMcCorkle : When you write a novel you shouldn't try a high concept. Either it is, or it isn't. Let the story decide Krissi Dallas  High concept is a story that when pitched immediately creates an image or interest for the reader based on concept alone. #writersroad Tina Moss   High concept always feels like something described after the fact i.e. after it becomes a bestseller. #writersroad Heather McCorkle Think of high concept this way: Something with a deeper meaning, a richer story, possibly a lesson or visceral reaction. #WritersRoad TS Tate (Tee)   From #TheShark "High concept means you can explain the book without actually ever talking about the content." #writersroad Heather McCorkle  to  @teetate Yes! Like a Twitter pitc...

Movie Review: After Earth

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There is  lot an author can learn from movies and in the spirit of all that reviewing can do for an artist, I thought I'd throw a movie review out there once in a while, especially when one resonates with me. As someone who cares deeply about the environment and what we're doing to the planet, this movie touched me. Every now and then a movie comes along that is so powerful it touches me on a deep level, making me want to share it. Sometimes it's a movie that doesn't even hit the radar for others, sometimes it's a blockbuster. This one is an M. Night Shyamalon movie (director of Signs, The Sixth Sense, The Happening), which surprised me considered that Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith star in it. A lot of people say you either love M. Night or you hate him, but I disagree. While I've loved most of his movies, there are a few that haven't resonated with me. But I digress. After Earth takes place in the distant future after humans have been forced to le...

Cover Reveal: Angela Brown's, ATONE

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Today I'm excited to be participating in the cover reveal for Angela Brown's new novella in her NEO Chronicles, ATONE. It was my distinct pleasure to design this cover with Angela so it's special to me in more ways than one! Angela is a stunning writer and her characters will pull you right into the story. Here is the cover and a bit about the fabulous book: What harm can come from a kiss? Caine Fordham knows the danger all too well. As the Kill Circuit’s top lady-killer, business is good. Yet Caine knows the life of an assassin isn’t meant to last forever, just as love is impossible for him. Who could love a man with poison lacing his veins and a kiss that kills? When Caine decides to take one last job, deal out one last kiss, he discovers there’s more to life than death, and more to love than pain. Available at: Amazon / B&N

Watermark from Krissi Dallas Is Coming!

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Watermark, the fourth installment of the YA fantasy Phantom Island series by Krissi Dallas is finally releasing this fall! I love this series and Krissi is one of my favorite authors! If you haven’t jumped on board this island adventure full of magic, mystery, and romance, now is your chance. Enter to win an autographed Phantom Island trilogy pack, an autographed copy of Watermark when it releases, a tribal t-shirt, or an autographed copy of The Collector by debut author Victoria Scott! The giveaway will be open for entries until Friday, June 14. See information below. And now for Watermark… the dramatic conclusion to the first half of the Phantom Island series… Here is a bit about it: Relationships on the White Island are volatile and Whitnee, Morgan, and Caleb aren’t sure who they can trust—even each other. Politicians are lying, history is being rewritten, and motives are questionable. Whitnee sets out with Gabriel and a band of rebel spies to take back the enemy's ...

Win a Kindle Touch from author Leigh T. Moore

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Today I'm excited to be celebrating the release of Dragonfly by my friend, and fabulous author, Leigh T. Moore! Advanced praise is already coming in on it. "Dragonfly swept me off my feet! Once I started reading this book it kinda sucked me into the story and I had a hard time putting it down." --Stephanie, My Thoughts... reviews Five Stars! "Angst, longing, jealousy, mystery, secrets, love triangles, sexy scenes! Could you even ask for more? Well you can because it is also very well-written and fast-paced. Great book to dive into poolside, but I will warn you may get so swept up in it you may end up with some sun burn. So I STRONGLY suggest you invest in some sunscreen as well as a copy of Dragonfly." --Nichole, Goodreads reviewer "I truly enjoyed this one! I thought the characters were intriguing, the mystery and story were interesting and definitely have ME WANTING MORE!!!!!!!" --Mandy, The Romance Bookie “Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in ...