Saturday, September 20, 2014

This month Chicks author LINDA ULLESEIT is having a Back to School Blog Hop. For Chicks, she's posting an excerpt from her ebook novella, WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON.
Download this book for free here:


Wings Over Tremeirchson:
The early spring air, still chilled by the remnant of winter, rushed past Neste’s cheeks and teased her chestnut hair out from under her leather helmet. She took a deep breath, but her hands trembled on the reins. A shiver of tension ran through the muscles of the winged horse beneath her, and Neste murmured, “Easy, Llawen, just like we practiced now. Easy, del,” masking her own anxiety as best she could with the Welsh endearment.

The mare was not fooled. She tossed her head and her silver wings missed a beat. Neste clenched her lips and focused on Llawen’s gray ears. They swiveled, alert to the other four horses in formation nearby. Hoel, aboard his glossy brown stallion, led with confidence that bordered on recklessness. Neste suspected that some depth of his mind believed only he could master this dance, rendering all others irrelevant and beneath him. Still, he led the team. Of course he wanted them to perform well.

The swish of Llawen’s powerful wings added to the breeze, and the usual delight of soaring aboard such a beautiful creature filled Neste’s heart. Below them, people locked to the ground scurried about their business to the apothecary or the tanner or the tavern. Nonwinged horses pulled wagons and carriages. Neste wondered if Llawen felt superior to them.

The mare’s charcoal-colored mane rippled. The occasional silver strands caught the sunlight and sparkled. The mare’s dappled gray neck gleamed with sweat as the most difficult part of the routine came upon them and Neste’s pleasure evaporated in concentration.  


“Hover like a hummingbird.” She muttered Hoel’s ridiculous words as she signaled the mare. The great silver wings angled slightly so that the downstrokes would not carry horse and rider forward. Neste patted the damp gray neck. “Best hummingbird in Tremeirchson.”



Saturday, April 26, 2014

May's New Releases!

Coming in just a few weeks is the latest book in Linda Ulleseit's Flying Horse Books trilogy. Who hasn't dreamed of being able to just get away from it all? What a marvelous thing to be able to jump aboard a winged horse and take to the sky! In the remote Welsh mountains, High Meadow is home to a herd of such creatures and their human caretakers. Each year, spectators come to watch the Aerial Games--dances and races held in the air riding on winged horses. In UNDER A WILD AND DARKENING SKY, High Meadow's new baker, William, is enthralled with the whole scene. His children, however, are not.
 
Seventeen-year-old Ralf knows he must take over his father’s bakery, but is it wrong to want some adventure before he does? New to High Meadow, he is befriended by the beautiful and dangerous Branwen, who has her own goal—to entice Ralf to help her steal a winged horse and return it to Tremeirchson.

Meanwhile, Ralf’s sister, fourteen-year-old Alyna, dives into barn life hoping to find herself. Becoming a groom to a winged foal is a lot of responsibility to the horse, to the barn, and to her father, who idolizes the wrong barn leader. Politics, greed, and revenge swirl around the siblings as they struggle to be true to their family and their future.


Love history but not the boring parts? UNDER THE ALMOND TREES follows three women in one family who are very determined to get what they want. Ellen stood up for herself and married the man of her heart, only to lose him soon after. By the time she's remarried, pregnant with her third child, and widowed, she cares little for what society thinks. She runs her husband's business and sues the county to be allowed to vote. But it's 1862 and women in California can't vote.

Both books, as well as the rest of the Flying Horse series, are available on Amazon as ebooks and paperbacks.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Blog Tour: Intangible by DelSheree Gladden *Guest Post


Intangible (The Aerling Series, #1)
by DelSheree Gladden


Mason is not imaginary.
He's not a ghost, either.
And he's most definitely not a hallucination.

Mason is an Aerling, and the Sentinels' number one target.

Separated to keep each other safe and alive until Mason's eighteenth birthday when Olivia is expected to guide him back to the world of the Aerlings, neither one was prepared to be stripped of their best friend, of the person they love most. The pain being away from each other causes is the least of their worries, though, as the Sentinels intensify their search for Mason and bring the threat of danger to a whole new level.

Inside the Mind of the Author (Guest Post from DelSheree Gladden, author of Intangible)

The mind of an author is an interesting place. Where else will you find dozens of voices all clambering for attention and begging for their story to be told? Not only that, but it’s perfectly acceptable for an author to talk back to the voices, carry on conversations even. Some of those conversations can last days, weeks, or even years.

Authors think they are the ones writing a character when they first start out, but that’s rarely the case. If authors try to force their characters into a scene, it doesn’t work as well as if they just let it happen. Characters know who they are from the beginning. It’s the author’s job to get to know them well enough to tell their story in the right way.

I can’t tell you how many times I have lain awake at night replaying a scene over and over in my head until I get it right. I swear sometimes I can feel a character’s frustration when I try to bend them into a roll they weren’t meant to play, or have them say something they just wouldn’t say. The characters slowly become friends and writing their story takes on new meaning. When you’re done, you miss them sometimes.

Arguing with characters isn’t all that goes on in an author’s mind. I try not to base any of my characters on one particular person from real life. Bits and pieces of reality get incorporated here and there, but it’s hard not to do that, and I wouldn’t want to limit myself like that anyway. So, many casual interactions, random moments, and phrases get stored in my head throughout the day. They marinate there, building into a piece of dialog or a setting for a scene.

Creativity, at times, seems to be on the outs. It seems like children are pushed more and more to live in little boxes that limit their curiosity and desire to explore. Authors give themselves the freedom to think about outlandish, impossible situations and how to survive them. They may be in the middle of a heartbreaking scene of loss one minute then switch to a fight scene that still needs improvement. There are no limits to what you can do because it’s all just pretend. Half of what an author imagines up most likely will never be written down, but it took all that imagining and arguing and observing to finally arrive at the one idea that does make the cut.

Fiction encompasses so much. Romance, action, mystery, fantasy, history, myth, legend…there are no limits. I think authors have the kinds of minds that embrace that idea. There are no rules that dictate what kind of story you can write. Even invisible teenage boys like Mason can take center stage. No one is standing over an author’s shoulder telling them how the plot should develop. If it’s impossible for something to happen in the real world, no problem, all an author has to do is create a new world.

Of course, not every piece of fiction is based in fantasy. Crime and mystery are good examples of reality based fiction, but even dramas and romances with no fantasy or sci-fi leanings must stay within the constraints of reality. That hardly diminishes an author’s creativity, though. There is still so much to imagine and develop. Characters’ reactions, situations they will find themselves in, outcomes of their choices, and what drives a character are all up for grabs, just waiting for a creative mind to step in and experience the developing story firsthand.

About The Author
DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, The Destroyer Trilogy, and Invisible. Look for, Wicked Power, the next book in the Someone Wicked This Way Comes Series, and Soul Stone, book two in the Escaping Fate Series, coming 2014.




Invisible (The Aerling Series, #1)
by DelSheree Gladden

Olivia’s best friend is not imaginary. He’s not a ghost, either. And she’s pretty sure he’s not a hallucination. He’s just Mason.

He is, however, invisible.

When Olivia spotted the crying little boy on her front porch at five years old, she had no idea she was the only one who could see him. Twelve years later when new-girl Robin bumps into the both of them and introduces herself to Mason, they are both stunned.

Mason couldn’t be more pleased that someone else can see him. Olivia, on the other hand, isn’t jumping at the chance to welcome Robin into their circle. Jealousy may have something to do with that, but honest fear that Robin’s presence will put Mason in danger is soon validated when a strange black car shows up outside Olivia’s house.

The race to find out what Robin knows in time to protect Mason from whatever threats are coming becomes Olivia’s only focus.


Friday, November 1, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Waken by Angela Fristoe


Waken (The Woods of Everod, #1)
by Angela Fristoe
Expected Release: January 2014

Moving to her parents’ hometown of Everod is the last thing Janie Lyndon wants. After years of abuse and eventual abandonment, she’d rather forget they ever existed. Haunted by nightmares of her mother killing her, Janie just wants to be normal.

The gorgeous Davin Andersen is out of her league, but for some reason he seems to actually like her. The emotions he draws from her are almost enough to make her ignore all of the weird things he says. Almost enough to ignore the way the entire town seems ready to pounce on her as if she were fresh meat.

Almost, though, isn’t enough when Janie finally discovers what the town is hiding. The town of Everod has been waiting for Janie and if she hopes to survive, she’ll need to confront the truth of who and what she really is.

About the Author
Born in Northern Canada, Angela grew up on the Canadian prairies amid dreams of becoming the next Dian Fossey or a world famous flight attendant. Those, however, were never meant to be. Instead she moved to the United States where she divides her time between her family, writing, and her day job as an instruction coach.

Angela was the winner and double finalist in the Romance category of The Strongest Start Contest 2010 hosted by TheNextBigWriter.com. She currently has three young adult novels published through Little Prince Publishing and her fourth novel, Waken, has an anticipated release of January 2014.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Other Books by Angela Fristoe

 


 

Monday, October 14, 2013

Spooktacular Giveway Blog Hop!


Thanks to I am a Reader, Not a Writer for organizing and hosting this blog hop! Don't forget to scroll all the way down to the end of the post for the Linky list of all the other blogs participating!

For this giveaway we're giving away a prize pack of 4 hot new YA novels!



This giveaway is international. Winner will receive ebook copies of all four books. Please note that The Ghost Files will be sent in pdf format.


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Sunday, October 13, 2013

Interview with Narrator Pamela Lorence

Songbird by Angela Fristoe is finally available in audiobook format! The process of having Songbird produced was quite an adventure and narrator Pamela Lorence has stopped by to answer some questions about the production process as well as to give readers an opportunity to win an audiobook copy of Songbird!
 
Songbird
by Angela Fristoe
Narrated by Pamela Lorence

There are defining moments in life when everything changes. For Dani Mays, it was the day she witnessed her father kill her brother. Now seventeen years-old, she still hasn't put it behind her. After Jace's death, she bounced between her alcoholic mother and foster homes, until she found a permanent place. And a reason to want to stay: Reece Tyler. He's her best friend, yet Dani wants more from Reece.

Faced with losing Reece, Dani struggles to define his place in her life and escape the influence her memories of her brother's death have over her choices. Even as she weaves the pieces of her heart back together, the past becomes more than a memory when a former foster brother reappears and Dani begins receiving threatening phone calls.


Interview with Pamela Lorence

What was it about Songbird that made you want to produce the audiobook?

It was really such an honor to produce this audiobook. Songbird is an intensely moving story. I compare narrating it to singing a poignant and beautiful ballad. There were truly moments during recording when I had to keep from crying in the studio. You can’t help but fall in love with the main characters.  They are completely honest and relatable. I found myself rooting them on as I read. Dani, Reece, and Collin found their way into my heart. As a mom, I wanted to take each one home, feed them some hot soup, and tell them it was all going to be okay. When I finished the book, I was sad to have it all end. That’s when I knew I wanted to produce the audiobook.

How did you get started in audiobooks?

I took the long road to audiobooks. When I was 9 years old all I wanted for Christmas was a Ronco Mr. Microphone.  It was the best Christmas present ever! I wanted to be behind a microphone from that day on. I earned a degree in Vocal Performance from Rollins College and have been using my voice to make a living ever since. I started off in radio, eventually writing, directing, recording, editing, narrating, and singing my way into many, many ears. From producing radio shows, I transitioned into producing audio tours for museums all over the world. When it was time to settle down and have kids, I wanted the best of both worlds – a great job that would allow me to work out of the house. It was really only a matter of time before I combined my love of books with my love of audio into one – Audiobook narration.

Can you tell us something about your process for narrating an audiobook?

The first thing I do is to grab a pencil, my notebook, the manuscript, and a cup of tea. I sit in my favorite reading spot in the house (the comfy chair in the living room, near the fireplace) and read through the book. I take notes on characters, tone, tempo, and things like that. I mark any words or names that don’t have obvious pronunciations. When the book is sufficiently prepped, I block out a schedule. My voice it always best midday. In the early morning it’s still waking up. In the evening it starts to sound tired. I’m fortunate to live in a quiet neighborhood in Northern California. So, I’m able to work out of my home in a professionally equipped studio with a soundproof vocal booth.

I spend the bulk of the day recording chapter by chapter. I take breaks to stretch my legs and walk my two dogs. Friday is the only day of the week I don’t record. It’s the day my neighborhood is zoned for leaf blower use. The sound of a gas powered leaf blower can penetrate even the most soundproof room! So, I reserve Fridays for editing.  When the book is completely recorded, edited, and mastered to retail standards, I listen to it for quality control. Simple as that! You really can’t beat having a job producing audiobooks.

About the Narrator
It all started with a Ronco Mr. Microphone when I was 9 years old. Since then, I’ve been hooked on all things audio. With a degree in Vocal Performance from Rollins College and a professional background in Audio Production, I’ve written, directed, recorded, edited, narrated, and sung my way into many ears. It was only a matter of time before I combined my love of books and love of audio into one – Audiobooks!

About the Author
Born in Northern Canada, Angela grew up on the Canadian prairies amid dreams of becoming the next Dian Fossey or a world famous flight attendant. Those, however, were never meant to be. Instead she moved to the United States where she divides her time between her family, writing, and her day job as an instruction coach.

Angela was the winner and double finalist in the Romance category of The Strongest Start Contest 2010 hosted by TheNextBigWriter.com. She currently has three young adult novels published through Little Prince Publishing and her fourth novel has an anticipated release of January 2014.

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Cover Reveal: Engraved by Amber Garza


Book Title: Engraved
Author: Amber Garza
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Genre: Suspense
Length: 392 pages
Publisher: Amber Garza
Presented by: As You Wish Tours

 
BLURB 

SUSPENSE NOVEL FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR AMBER GARZA...

A missing girl.

A young woman running from her shameful past.


A person with a dark secret who will stop at nothing to keep it hidden.


And the act of betrayal that binds them all together. 



AUTHOR BIO
Amber Garza is the author of Young Adult paranormal and contemporary romance. She has had a passion for writing since she was a little girl, making books out of notebook paper and staples. Amber lives in California with her amazing husband and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.