Cover Reveal for Amalia Dillin's Fate Forgotten

Today I'm excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for Amalia Dillin's Fate Forgotten. FATE FORGOTTEN is the second book in the Fate of the Gods trilogy, and World Weaver Press put together fantastic cover art for the novel! But before we get to the art, a little bit more about FATE FORGOTTEN:

Since the gods returned Adam's memory six hundred years ago, Thor has been a scourge on his lives. But when Adam learns that Thor has been haunting his steps out of love for Eve, he is determined to banish the thunder god once and for all. Adam is no fool: Eve still loves the man she knew as Thorgrim, and if she ever learned he still lived, that he still loved her, Adam would lose any chance of winning Eve to his side, never mind liberating the world. But after everything Thor has done to protect Eve, everything he's sacrificed, the thunder god won't go without a fight. Not as long as Eve might love him again.

Which means that Adam has to find a new ally. The enemy of his enemy, complete with burning sword and righteous resentment of the gods. But in order to attract the Archangel Michael's attention, he needs Eve -- an unmarried Eve, willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

It shouldn't be too difficult to find her in the future. Not now that he knows how to look.

And now for the stunning cover! I love the drama, the threat of lightning in the distance representing Thor, fantastic!

FATE FORGOTTEN will pick up where FORGED BY FATE left off with Thor, Eve, and Adam! In the meantime, don't forget to add it on Goodreads, and if you haven't started this great new series, you can learn more about the series and the individual titles over at World Weaver Press, or at www.amaliadillin.com.

Cover Reveal For Leigh Moore's Watercolor

In Dragonfly, they were friends who shared a growing attraction... In Undertow, her heart was broken and he was waiting to pick up the pieces... In Watercolor, Anna & Julian say Yes. But the past and its secrets are creeping closer...

Book #3 in the Dragonfly series: Watercolor, coming Oct. 3!

Add it on Goodreads today!

Watercolor by Leigh Talbert Moore Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life. Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake. Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all.  Until Jack returns. Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret. And Jack. But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide from him. Exclusive excerpt: “I just want you to touch me.”  I took his hand and put it at my waist, under my shirt. I pressed my mouth to his and chills followed as his fingers slid lightly over my skin. I was drowning again and I reached over to find the edge of his jeans. I pulled up the soft fabric and lightly touched his bare stomach.  Suddenly he was gone. My lips were still in a pucker, and he was down at the water away from me. I watched as he stripped off his t-shirt and slipped out of his jeans before diving into the dark Gulf waters.  I fell forward, laying my head on my forearm in the sand. “I’m going to kill your parents,” I sighed.

* * *

Readers are swooning for Dragonfly (#1):

On Amazon

"I was so thrilled with the way Leigh T. Moore wrote this! I actually threw up my hands and said YES!" --Asheley Tart, Into the Hall of Books "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 "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. ...I STRONGLY suggest you invest in some sunscreen as well as a copy of Dragonfly." --Nichole, Book Addicts Not So Anonymous

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Raving about Undertow (#2):

On Amazon

"An incredibly powerful sequel to Dragonfly. I found myself riveted to the last page by the depth of feeling, loss, tragedy, and love in this gorgeously woven story. This is a definite must-read." --Jolene Perry, author of Out of Play "Undertow pulled me under and left me gasping for air and wanting so much more. I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters, and now I’ll never be able to get a shirtless Bill Kyser out of my head."  --Magan Vernon, bestselling author of The Only Exception "My heart shattered into a million tiny pieces, rebuilt itself and then melted over and over again with each flip of the page." --Roxy Kade Reviews

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Pick up your copy today and get swept away~

Cover Reveal for Emily Ward's Momentum

Need a good read? You're in luck! Today I'm helping a friend with a fabulous cover reveal (nope, I didn't design this one), Momentum by Emily Ann Ward. Here is a bit about the book first:

What’s a cruel ex-boyfriend compared with a government organization out for your powers?

Aaron and Anna have fallen in love, despite an ex that threatened to tear them apart. When they start zapping evil cheerleaders with their powers over electricity, they’re forced to break off their relationship to avoid attention from the Agency. A part of the Department of Defense that studies Pairs like Aaron and Anna, the Agency is searching for the source of the Pairs’ powers and doesn’t care who gets in the way.

Anna tries to blend in at the camp where she and Aaron start working for the summer, but it’s not easy when touching your not-boyfriend invites lightning storms. Only weeks pass before a dark secret and an attack from the Agency tear apart their temporary place of refuge. If the camp isn’t safe, where is?

Sign up for Emily’s newsletter to be alerted when Momentum releases August 27th

And now for the cover:

Add it to your Goodreads shelves

Read the first book, Connection on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (or jump in with Momentum, it’s totally possible to start with book two!)

Emily around the web: Facebook, Twitter, Website/Blog

Emily Ann Ward is the author of Finding Fiona, Le Garde series, and The Protectors series. One of her first stories featured a young girl whose doll came to life. The rest is history. When it comes to fiction, she writes mainly young adult, contemporary, and fantasy. She also writes nonfiction, ranging from stories of her travels to thoughts on the Bible. Aside from writing, she loves traveling and she’s a content editor with Entranced Publishing. Currently, she lives in Oregon with her husband Chris and their cats. Visit her website at http://emilyannward.com

Writer's Road Chat Recap: Blending Genres

Heather McCorkle  Welcome all! Tonight on the #WritersRoad we're chatting about Blending Genres. Should you do, how to do it, and how to pitch it.

Tina Moss  Oh genre blending! Perfect topic. Have a MS on sub now that's been called...well, a bit of everything. :) #writersroad

J B Mills  I have a sci fi that reads like a paranormal. So I'm calling it fantasy. Probably wrong, but I have to call it something. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @jbeemills True sci-fi fans will tell you though that sci-fi MUST be plausible/possible. #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @jbeemills But that's not to say that you can't write something with sci-if elements that doesn't fall into the sci-fi genre. #WritersRoad

A.M. Guynes  I tend to write the story I want to write and when I'm done figure out where it fits in. #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur  to @HeatherMcCorkle @jbeemills The problem becomes when "plausible" becomes "here and now." Sf gets harder to write without a PhD. #WritersRoad

J B Mills  to @HeatherMcCorkle There's no magic. It's focusing on different dimensions. But it just doesn't feel like a sci fi... #writersroad

Tina Moss  The trick to genre blending is making sure it's marketable if you pitch agents/editors. If you go self-pub route, more leeway. #writersroad

Kris Mehigan  Here's a newbie question... where would one go to find the "rules" of the different genres? #writersroad

Tina Moss  to @KKMHOO Hmm... Romance is the easiest to figure out "rules". You can look at HQN lines or RWA. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss to @KKMHOO Also good to look at what's being written in your genre or how books that are like yours are marketed. #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @KKMHOO Rules: Sci-fi=possible, fantasy=impossible, contemporary=real world base, romance=main theme must be romance... #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  Blending genres can fill gaps in the market. This is basically how the "New Adult" category came to be, although not a genre. #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur  to @HeatherMcCorkle @NineTiger Good blend of sf and fantasy was the SERRAted Edge novels. Elves and magic in an sf setting.

A.M. Guynes  Any of the Pern books by Anne McCaffrey. They're science fantasy. #writersroad

Tina Moss  Actually, my cousin's book, Bomb Boy blends genres well. It's sci-fi mixed with dystopian. Cool and gritty. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  I'll throw out Dune, sci-fi elements mixed with the impossibility of fantasy. It teeters on the edge of both. #WritersRoad

Matthew Wilbur  I liked the Georgina Kinkaide books. Definitely paranormal romance but with a lot of humor mixed. in. #WritersRoad

A.M. Guynes  Here's a question. Do you think psionic powers (telepathy, telekinesis) are science fiction or fantasy? #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @annikkawoods It would officially fall under fantasy, but in my opinion, totally possible. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  Quick promo moment for my cousin: Bomb Boy by Steven Lombardi. amzn.to/14IkDqa It is a good ex of genre blends. #writersroad

Tina Moss  One of my fav authors is MaryJanice Davidson. Not sure what to call her writing paranormal contemporary humor? Doesn't matter. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  Don't let the 'rules' of genres deter you from blending them. Some of the best stories broke the rules. #WritersRoad

Matthew Wilbur  Whatever genres you decide to use, write the best story you can. Genre is really just a label. Story is what matters. #WritersRoad

J B Mills  I think sometimes you have to do some blending to keep from being cliche. #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur  to @jbeemills Sometimes the blending happens because the story requires it. Sometimes it happens and you don't even realize it. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  Harry Potter could be contemporary fantasy, but wouldn't be urban fantasy. UF is usually gritty, dark, etc. Goes w/ urban vibe. #writersroad

Tina Moss  My co-written book is UF. Was calling individual book UF too, but it didn't have the same feel to it. Now... #writersroad

Tina Moss  It's Paranormal Romantic Suspense. Try saying that three times fast. ;) #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur  Humor is technically it's own genre. So things like Hitchhikers and the Discworld books are technically blends. #WritersRoad

Marianne G. Petrino  #WritersRoad my novel Coffee with Thunderbolts I have labeled as urban metaphysical chicklit roadtrip too

Heather McCorkle  to @Tina_Moss You make a great point. We need to allow our stories to naturally turn into whatever they want. Then go from there. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  Trick is to show comparables to MS. "Look it's not obscure, so and so writes it and makes $." LOL. But, don't pitch that. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  While it is great to blend genres, you must know your genres to do it well. #WritersRoad

Matthew Wilbur  to @HeatherMcCorkle Which means you have to actually read the genres you want to blend. So you have the experience. #WritersRoad

Fida  Just have the knowledge you need to write the best and sell in the best way. #WritersRoad

Matthew Wilbur  to @HeatherMcCorkle Which also means, for guys especially, don't be afraid to read the "girly" stuff. You won't get cooties. #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @Nightveil LOL! Yes. And if you do, you will likely find you like the cooties. #WritersRoad

Matthew Wilbur  to @Tina_Moss @HeatherMcCorkle On occasion. I hate the stereotype that says male=explosions and no plot. #WritersRoad

Movie Review: Cloud Atlas

This is one of those movies that I think you either love or hate. I fell on the side of love, hard. To the right audience, Cloud Atlas is a masterpiece. This movie requires a lot of interaction on the watcher's part. By that, I mean you'll have to weave the plot threads together, be highly attentive, and think deeply. If you miss even one thread, you will become confused at best, or at worst, the entire tapestry will come completely unravelled, leaving you utterly lost.

The cinematography is stunning, the acting is fantastic, and the plot is brilliant. It is an adventure, a dystopian, a historical, a futuristic marvel dancing on the edge of sci-fi, a romance, and so much more. This could be part of why so many have trouble with it. But the main reason is the depth of thinking that it takes to puzzle this movie together. But when you do, it reveals a tale that will leave you breathless.

All that considered, I wouldn't recommend this movie for everyone, but for those who like movies that make them sit up and take part, you're in for a treat.

Images are the property of Warner Brothers and are used under the approved wallpapers. 

Fable by Chanda Hahn is Available for Pre-Order

If you haven't heard of the bestselling Unfortunate Fairy Tale series, and you enjoy young adult novels that are age appropriate down to 13, then you're in for a treat. The latest one is now available for Pre-Order and my friend~the author~Chanda Hahn is doing a huge giveaway to celebrate. You can win a ton of goodies, including the first books in the series!

Here are the details about the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


And the details about the book:

All that glitters is not gold.

When something precious is stolen from sixteen-year-old Mina Grime, she will do anything in her power to get it back, even if it means traveling to the dangerous Fae plane and battling one of the strongest fairy-tale villains yet.

Here is where you can Pre-Order it: 

Kobo / B&N / iTunes

Writer's Road Recap: Problem Solving 8/5

Last Monday was our bi-monthly chat on problem solving where our chatters bring their writing problems and we work together to solve them. Here is an abbreviated recap:

TS Tate (Tee)  to @HeatherMcCorkle My first chapter sucks. I have a wee little prologue, which I'm told is lovely, but the first bit? Yeah, meh #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @teetate Good one. Is it something that propels the novel forward? If not, maybe it could come later. #WritersRoad

Lori Prima  My writing problem: Advice needed on ways to stay motivated after the thrill of the new idea wears off. #WritersRoad

TS Tate (Tee)  to @HeatherMcCorkle Well, there is an incident that sets things in motion, but meh, I dunno. #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @Loriprima That's a tough one, but a good one to discuss! Are you a plotter or pantser? #WritersRoad

TS Tate (Tee)  to @HeatherMcCorkle Let me elaborate. The incident propels it forward, but I think how I've ended that chpt, is meh. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  to @teetate @HeatherMcCorkle What would happen if you started with chapter 2? #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @teetate Perhaps the incident needs to change. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  to @Loriprima Multiple projects seems to be my current answer. Although, I don't know if I'd advise it. #writersroad

Lori Prima  to @HeatherMcCorkle a hybrid. I do a rough outline a little after I start - maybe 7K in. #WritersRoad

TS Tate (Tee)  to @Tina_Moss @HeatherMcCorkle WELL the incident has a consequence. It brings 2 MCs together & opens up the conflict. #WritersRoad

A.M. Guynes  Is it bad to have a 2nd POV character show up later in the book? #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  @teetate to What @Tina_Moss said, or what would happen if you cut off the ending of that chapter?

A.M. Guynes  to @teetate Can you take that event and make it part of chapter 2? Which would make chapter 2 your 1st chapter? #writersroad

Darren Pardee  to @Loriprima Surprise yourself. If plot is planned, go off the path. If you're not thrilling you, you're not thrilling the reader #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @Loriprima You sound like me. Try character development sheets, and research for new material. Always inspires me. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  to @annikkawoods Is her POV essential to the story? If so, keep. If not, cut. #writersroad

A.M. Guynes  to @Tina_Moss It's through her POV that you see the downfall of the other MC. So I kind of need her. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @annikkawoods You need her, but you may not need 'her' POV. Can it be told from one of the other MC's POV's? #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @annikkawoods You may need to work a few chapters of her in earlier in that case. So long as they are integral to the story. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  to @HeatherMcCorkle @annikkawoods What about telling that downward spiral through her own eyes? #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur  to @annikkawoods @HeatherMcCorkle Then switch POV as needed. As long as it isn't too jarring it shouldn't be a problem. #WritersRoad

J B Mills  to @Loriprima Something about writing with a group of people and having the month deadline helps me finish the draft. #writersroad

A.M. Guynes  to @Tina_Moss @HeatherMcCorkle He doesn't realize he's going insane so he hurts alot of people. She's there to pick up the pieces. #writersroad

J B Mills  to @jbeemills Whatever you do, don't write just the "fun" parts. I have a swiss cheese novel from 2009 I'll never finish now! #writersroad

Tina Moss  Last year I had strict writing schedule of 2 hours every night. Worked well for me. This year it hasn't. Lesson: be adaptable. #writersroad

TS Tate (Tee)  to @annikkawoods Then I'd agree w/ the dragon lady @HeatherMcCorkle try to work her in earlier so the switch isn't jarring. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  Biggest problem on one WIP is I got 60k in and realized my plot is too complicated. Having trouble streamlining it. #writersroad

Tina Moss  to @Loriprima The problem is the mystery aspect that I find too complicated, opposed to any subplots. Think I overdid it. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @Tina_Moss The question is, is it complicated or confusing? Complicated is ok, confusing, maybe not. #WritersRoad

Darren Pardee  to @Tina_Moss ...to the overall plot. If you cut it, maybe it will fit in another project. No murdered darling is ever truly dead. #writersroad

Tina Moss  to @Nightveil @d_pardee Basically, it's the mystery aspect. It's been building in layers, but feels like there's too many. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @Tina_Moss Have you had a CP or beta read it yet? If so, what do they think? #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  to @HeatherMcCorkle Great question. I might be too close to it now. @Nightveil is right. I have to finish, then betas may decide. #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur  to @Tina_Moss @d_pardee Can you peel it away like an onion? I've found multi-layered plots work best like that. #WritersRoad

Tina Moss  to @Nightveil For sure. And it feels like building those last layers to get to punchline of the mystery might add to confusion. #writersroad

TS Tate (Tee)  to @Tina_Moss @Nightveil I had a plot, had scenes I wanted to get to so I just did it. It was hideous but the bones were good. #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle  to @teetate Good bones make for an easier revision. #WritersRoad

Book Review: Never Deal With Dragons

Great title, great cover, and yet...

I came very close to not reviewing this. Why? Because I only review books I like and this teetered on the edge. But, I decided to review it because it had some really good points and I think a lot of people will like it.

What worked for me: This is so witty and fun, right from the first page. The voice is funny and captivating. If you enjoy quirky main characters and a story that hasn't been told before, this may be fore you. The futuristic world is unique and interesting. The different take on dragons was a blast. While our main character Myrna's sense of humor is a bit dark, I liked it for the most part. She started out spunky and independent and I instantly liked her. There is some great tension between Myrna and Trian that held a lot of promise. The romance took a very, very long time to start to take center stage but once it did it was well worth the wait. 

What didn't work for me: The info dump all across the first fifty pages drove me crazy and nearly made me stop reading. All that information would have been much more interesting if the author would have 'shown' us with action and scenes instead of simply 'telling' us. I understand that this is a hard temptation to fight when writing in narrative first person, but it can be done and has been often to great effect. Unfortunately, the 'telling' instead of 'showing' never stopped. Then there is Myrna's odd, complete insensitivity to watching animals being devoured alive. While I'm an animal lover, I'm also a realist with a tough skin, but this callousness started to get to me after a few scenes of it. I get where the author was going with this, but it didn't exactly make me like that aspect of Myrna.

One small detail that kept nagging at me. The future in this book is based off the premise of constant EMP pulses continually knocking out electronics. Reality: EMP pulses don't keep going. Whether caused by geomagnetic storms or by nuclear blasts, they pulse, then they stop. Without something to keep them going, they don't just keep going. There is never any mention of why these pulses keep happening. No mention of storms, nothing. As a writer myself, I understand authors are allowed to take liberties in fiction, but even fiction has it's rules.

Summary: Myrna's voice is great, it will pull you in and make you want to experience this world with her. For that reason, I believe a lot of people are going to love this book and I encourage you to give it a try if you like alternate futures, dragons, and quirky main characters. 

Amazon / B&N