Author Heather McCorkle

This week on the #WritersRoad (a weekly reoccurring chat on Twitter that I co-host) we chatted about reviews, tours and launches. What works for author, what they should do, shouldn't do, that kind of thing. It was a great chat, I hope you had a chance to drop in. #WriteTip: When going through the editing process, keep those chapters that you end up deleting, especially the one's on back story. Those tidbits can make excellent promotional material and could even turn into a novella that you can price at free to help get your name out there. Skeptical? It worked for me. My novella, Born Of Fire has been downloaded 10,000 (yay, can you believe it?! *dances in confetti*) times this month alone (however it takes a lot of work and getting the word out on the right sites to accomplish this). That is a lot of readers who now know my name and may end up purchasing the full-length novels in my series. In other news, my novel, The Secret of Spruce Knoll was reviewed by Indie Read...

This lovely picture is one that I took while snorkeling during my trip to Maui a few months ago. Talk about inspiring! My muse was working over time while I was there. Can you blame him though, who wouldn't want to work in a place like this?! I discovered a love of snorkeling on this trip and was inspired to write the chapter that I worked on last week. As for reading, I'm beta reading Libera Me , the sequel to Christine Fonseca's Lacrimosa. It is amazing, that's all I can say for now. I'm also reading Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight and am loving it as well. It is most certainly an adult novel though. This week my novella, Born Of Fire (which is currently free on Amazon !), has broken the Amazon top 100 books!!! Not only has it broke the top 100 bestsellers but it is also currently #5 in Science Fiction/Fantasy/Magic and #5 in Contemporary Fantasy. Thank you to everyone who has downloaded it. I can't tell you how much it means to me. What inspired yo...

This teaser is from my channeler novella, Born of Fire , which is now free on Amazon  and holding strong in the top 100 for both contemporary fantasy and science fiction, fantasy and magic catagories.       In only a few blocks their little home with its quaint American picket fence came into sight. Seeing it strengthened the sense of foreboding until it felt like it was choking the breath from her. From within, her son gave her a hard kick that sent a pain shooting through her back. She rubbed her belly and tried to think soothing thoughts.       “Easy Aiden, mum’s alright,” she lied.  Since Barnes and Noble isn't wanting to play along and set it at free, if you'd like a free copy for your Nook just let me know in the comments and I'd be happy to send the file to you. If you have a Kindle, just click on the title above and it will take you to Amazon where you can download it.  Your turn, any good teasers for me? Either from ...

As a country we certainly have our problems, but as someone who travels a lot I've realized, every country has problems. Just like people, no one country is perfect. Despite our problems I've always been proud to be an American and I still am today. Thank you to all who have served our country, and all those who have loved someone who has served our country. You've helped keep us free and for that we celebrate today. My gift to all of you, my novella, Born Of Fire , is free on Amazon. It's about a special couple who come to America to keep their unborn son safe. Just click on the title to download, and if you enjoy it I hope you'll spread the word. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Also don't forget to enter my Channeler's Cause giveaway and the Indelibles Indiependence Day celebration.

Today for for the Channeler's Choice tour I'm over at author Laura Pauling's blog where I'm giving away two eBook copies of Born Of Fire so be sure to stop by and enter! Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the Born Of Fire giveaway entry. Author Karen Amanda Hooper is also giving me a shout out on her blog and I hope you'll stop by there and say hi as well.  Atmosphere can make your novel exceptional or it can make it forgettable. How much you put in depends on what kind of reading experience you want your readers to have. A little can go a long way, as is often the case in some genre fiction, or more may be necessary, such as with fantasy or literary fiction. To be well informed in what is common for your genre you need to be well read in your genre. Of course you can always be original, but beware that such a tactic must be done exceptionally well to be well received. Writing Tip: Beware of the atmosphere you’re setting in your novel. For a richer at...

Last week my goal was to finish editing a short to add to Born Of Fire. It gives a glimpse into Aiden's life and personality a bit farther than Born Of Fire does.The short helps the story come full circle and gives a better look at what Aiden must overcome. I wrote this short because Compass Press is releasing a special edition of Born Of Fire & Dies Irae (Christine Fonseca's Requiem novella) together in a paperback version! I'm so excited about this because it not only means that Born Of Fire will be next to another amazing novella, but that I'll get to hold it in my hands! And so will you! For anyone who already purchased Born Of Fire, let me know and I'll be happy to send you a copy of the updated version in Nook or Kindle format. But for those who would like it in print, the paperback will be available next month! Until then, you can add it to your Goodreads list here if you would like. What were your goals last week?

Today’s teaser is from my channeler novella, Born Of Fire : The anxiety stirred not only her power awake, but her unborn son’s as well. It spread throughout her body in a rush that was almost scalding. She gasped for breath as she struggled to bring it under control. Born Of Fire is the story of the night Aiden was born. Fans of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll who want to know more about the leading man are in for a special treat with this one. And for those who haven’t read either yet, Born Of Fire will give you a good taste of the series. The novella is free right now on Smashwords ,  but hurry, it will go up to .99 cents next week! Your turn, got a teaser for me?

Since I'm late, I'll cut to the chase. First, the winner of my birthday celebration giveaway is: Angela Brown Congratulations Angela! You've won a signed paperback of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll. I've sent you an email and as soon as I hear back from you I'll get that off to you! Today's teaser is from Born Of Fire (A Channeler Novella) which is now available FREE through Smashwords and Wattpad (and hopefully soon through Amazon , they're currently charging .99 cents but I've advised them it's free elsewhere and asked them to drop the price): Her head hit the headrest as the force of acceleration sucked her back into her seat. The engine of the Subaru whined in protest as Kevan struggled to keep it between the lines of the road. The speedometer needle bounced above ninety-five and kept going as the Subaru hugged the curves. Your turn! Do you have a teaser to share from your current work, or a novel of yours?

I have so many this week I'm not sure where to start. I am editing the short, Born Of Fire, which I hope to release at the beginning of January for all of you (for free, yay!). And my goal is to have the editing and formatting completed this week. A bit of steep goal, but I'm determined to get it done. Then I'm beta reading for two people and my goal is to have their manuscripts done by the end of the week too. I have definitely taken on too much, but what the heck I figure go big for the end of the year. How about you, any big writing goals you'd like to accomplish before the end of the year?