Rippler by Cidney Swanson

Samantha Ruiz has a freak gene that makes her turn invisible, or ripple. She can’t control it, and it’s getting worse. Afraid of becoming a lab-rat, Sam keeps her ability secret, until fellow runner Will Baker sees her vanish into thin air. Will promises secrecy and help, and Sam begins to fall in love. 

Together, the two discover there are worse things than being a scientific curiosity. Someone’s been killing people who possess Sam's gene. A mysterious man from France sends letters that offer hope for safety, but also reveal a sinister connection with Nazi experiments. The more time Sam spends with Will, the less she can imagine life without him. When Sam uncovers secrets from her past, she must choose between keeping Will in her life or keeping Will safe.

My Thoughts:

I'll just tell you straight up: If this book was in paperback, I would have read it in two days.

I think we can end to review right there, huh, lol?

I really fell in love with this book, the author and the story line. 

I had a few issues with it, as with most people, but they were really minor. Like her repeating guffawed alot and Phhst with certain characters. I think there were certain awkward phrases in there, but for the most part it is flawless.

I really enjoyed this book though, other then that. But let's break it down and describe what exactly I truly loved about it.

Feature and Follow (3)

It's that time of the week again: Feature and Follow Friday! 

And here's the Feature of the Week:

Along with the question!

The New Year is here -- and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

Funny enough, I addressed this is a bit with my writing goals. 

But I'm willing to address it some more here:

1. More Book Reviews

I want to share more with my followers great books that I find, but lately, I haven't found a lot of outstanding, blow me away books. Sure, I will admit I met quite a few who came close but none that made me sit down and go woah.

So I'm going to read more books and try to find some more brain blowers like Watchmen. :)

2. Feature authors and their books more

I would love to have more indie authors on my blog to feature their books and their journey to self-publishing. That would be epically awesome. I might have to set it up one day, but I def want more authors on my blog sharing their story.

3.  Post about more writer tips and random hot topics.

Sometimes, I really think most of my followers are readers, so they obviously don't want to hear about how to write better. Therefore, I tend to inject writer tips once in a blue moon. But I really want to help fellow authors find this blog and use my tips to their advantage. 

Henceforth, and yes henceforth, I would like to add more posts about writing stuff and maybe have some posts that will stimulate conversation and debate.

I love a great post that will not only challenge my readers about how the world is, but how they think about it. So I would love to have more post like that, but it takes a lot to get me riled up and to write it. But I'll try.

Those are the three things I want to improve my blog, what about yours?

And if you don't have a blog, then what are the three things you would like to improve about your life in general?

2 New Reviews for Everblossom!

Here's a new review of Everblossom. Quite interesting. Check it out here. 

And here's the second one: here.

Enjoy! 

Writing Goals for 2012

You know JA Konrath and a bunch of other writers have chiseled out their writing goals for 2012 (Check it out here). 

So I thought I would be a total follower and write up some myself. Besides, I have a lot of goals I want to accomplish next year and writing them down would be nice.

So let's take this goal setting for a spin:

1. 3 books will be published by the end of next year

I know that sounds like, "Woah! You're going to self-publish three books by next year?! Good gravy!"

But trust me, for the last few months I've been editing like mad and I was really hoping to publish two books before the summer and two books during the fall and spread them out.

Unfortunately, since I'm moving (that throws quite a wrench into things) I cannot spend the money I want to edit my books properly and even though it's tempting to release my books early without the critical eye of an editor, I have to wait until I can attain the money to edit then publish my books.

Quite a mouthful of disappointment, right?

Wrong! 

I'm tickled pink to be able to spend the time promoting my books and writing (not to mention teaching students how to spell properly and how to communicate effectively) and editing.

Now, the three books I have in mind are:

Everblossom 2: A New Breed 

Angel Diaries

Iwishacana/Acanawishi 2

I'm excited to release these bad boys out into the world. I'm thinking though, since I have all of this extra time outside of marketing, I can publish these books too next year.

V

Angel Diaries 2

Romance book/ Iwishacana/Acanawishi Anthology

I made a huge break through with V, so I'm hoping (thinking, praying, and wishing) that I can fix it enough to be seen by editors. I'm not sure but it'll be an amazing adventure. I can't wait to fully unleash V and see what people think. It's so interesting. :)

But without a doubt, I want to set a goal for 3 books published next year bare minimum. 

2. Write Faster

I know you guys have probably heard me complain about how slow I write. 

Or maybe you haven't.

Either way, it takes me quite a long time to start, write and finish a novel. Therefore, I have really struggled to come up with a way to balance quality and quantity. Until I found this post. 

Basically, this is about a writer who went from writing 2k words a day to 10k words a day.

Yeah, you are allowed to be wowed.

I was and at first, I was like, "Is that even possible?!" But as I read the post, it made sense so I'm going to try it with Angel Diaries 2. I'm going to try to write faster but with higher quality.

That is a definite goal of mine. 

3. Learn more marketing techniques

I know you guys are probably looking at me with frowns and reflect back at how many times I posted about me or my books getting featured.

But I could always learn more about marketing, especially since the more I market, the more I can reach readers who will want to read my book. 

Therefore, I would love to learn some more marketing techniques and become better at them. Additionally, I want to learn how to create email lists for my fans. 

I know, me shying away from technology? Psht! But I am kinda shying away from technology in this instance only because I don't want to mess it up.

Therefore, I will not be a coward anymore next year and I will use more marketing techniques.

4. I will participate and/or sponsor a Book Tour.

I really, really, really want to do this. I just wish I had the time to collect the authors, sponsor them on my blog and others and give them the support they need.

In other words: I want to give back to the indie author community.

And one of the ways I want to give back is to sponsor a Book Tour. And I know someday I will, hopefully next year or maybe in 2013. I just want to put the word out there that I want to.

5.I will start on editing my romance novels.

This is a tall order for me. 

I want to fix the novels, but at the same time, they are in such bad shape. I hate to talk about my books like that, but it's true. I know most of my romance books haven't been critiqued, edited, or even looked over by a friend. 

I know two of them aren't even finished!

One I know is going to be a novella and it's somewhat finished but I need to wrap it up. 

Anyway, too many details floating around in my head about what needs to be fixed. Like the historical details are going to kill me. I didn't do any research back then (except read other historical romance novels), so I know most of that stuff is historically inaccurate or stereotypical.

Anyway, I need to conquer my hesitance to edit those books and start on it. I started superficially on it by fixing the format but I really need to start to get my hands dirty.

6. I will research the options for self-pubbing romance novels and all that it entails

I already partially started on this, but I need to conduct more research since it seems like the options for self-publishing romance books are limitless. 

And I heard that getting reviews for romance is hard for some reason (and that some book bloggers don't even respond) and I know for erotica it's painfully hard to get a review. 

Therefore, more research is needed. 

7. I will stop hogging all the books at the library

I know this seems kinda strange, but I've been like renting out like a great number of books at the library and I feel kinda bad about that. Especially since I won't be able to read the large amount of books that I rent out. 

I actually had a handle on it until I got home. Then I went right back to renting 40 books.

Gosh! I have shiny ball syndrome with books that I will get under control again, therefore, I will work on my impulse control problem with books.

The good news about all this is that I mostly rent writer's how to books and very few YA.

So, there's the silver lining for all the YA book lovers out there . . . 

Okay, I admit it: I am ADDICTED to graphic novels and actually smiled when seeing the graphic novel section. And I may have whispered something along the lines of, "Now this is a graphic novel section!" 

It's just not the same at Hampton University. They have like a small graphic novel section, when I get back home, it's ridiculous. 

They have like the WHOLE Buffy graphic novel collection!

Yes! Not even half kidding!

Oh, I need to stop it! Gosh, anyway, I promise I will not carry out a basket at the library (and/or bag) and when I find the books I am looking for (no more then ten), I will run to the check out lane and out to my car afterwards.

So there. Those are my resolutions. What are yours?

Iwishacana/Acanawishi News Galore!

Well, first off, I don't know if you guys noticed but I have a book tour with Enchanting Book Tour! 

Grab your button and learn more about it here. 

Yes, I'm excited! I know, I'm about to break out into dance, but I won't. 

And yes, there's more good news!

I got my first review for Iwishacana/Acanawishi here. 

You can buy Iwishacana/Acanawishi for print purchase here. 

And it's on Super E-Reads here.

Not to mention I am featured on this website along with my books here. 

Enjoy! :)

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Black Dog Rebel Rose by Danielle Smith

Please welcome to A Three Way Tie, Danielle Smith!

Bio

"When I am dead, I hope it may be said:

'His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.'"

--Hilaire Belloc, Writer and Historian

1870-1953

Danielle D. Smith was born in 1980 in San Diego, California, USA. In addition to being a writer of urban fantasy stories she is an accomplished fine artist and illustrator whose visual work has appeared in various public, private, and gallery exhibitions and in national publications. Dani, as she is known by many who are close to her, lives with her husband and an ever-growing collection of books, documentaries, independent and foreign films.Her novels appeal to dreamers, troublemakers, dark romantics, and general escapists. She is currently expecting her first child, a boy, in December 2011.

For more information about this awesome author, check out her website here: http://www.danielledsmith.com

Interview

When and why did you begin writing?

I have enjoyed writing pretty much since childhood. I apparently wrote my first poem at 17 months old (my mom still has it written down in my baby book). It involved some kind of prose having to do with "my eyes are doors", something like that. Yeah, I was THAT kid. Anyway, I wrote poetry and short fiction in middle and high school and had a few pieces published in school art journals and newspapers before letting writing fall by the wayside in favor of my fine art pursuits. 


Then, when I was 28, my husband entered law school and I found myself needing something other than painting to focus on to relieve stress. The result was me sitting down and writing my first book, Psyche's Gate, a dark fantasy tale about a banished warrior angel who falls in love with the human artist he is sent to destroy in order to earn his way back into Heaven. I initially wrote the book for fun only, not expecting much. But after it was done, I realized that I *might* have a shot, and decided to go for it. 

I began submitting to 10 publishers every few weeks, and within four months Psyche's Gate was picked up by Liquid Silver Books. Since then, I have traditionally published four books under two publishers in every format, and have never looked back. 

My next three books will be released under my own publishing house, Rebel Rose Publishing, and the Psyche's Gate Saga is set to be expanded into a five book series that will pull all of my characters together. It has been a great adventure thus far. Writing--and art-- is as essential to me as breathing. I don't think I could live without it. I would simply fade away.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?
The most difficult part of writing Black Dog and Rebel Rose would probably have been making these paranormal characters seem realistic--seem mor. human, if you will. I like to mould characters so that they feel like they might jump off the page and into the reader's world, even if they are half-angel or half-demon or the like, and balancing the supernatural side of the story with making the characters and their world seem real and believeable can be a bit of a challenge.

The easiest part would have been the sensual side of the tale. It is very instincutal for me to write sex scenes. Mind you, I don't write typical PNR or erotica books that seem paper-thin or made up just for the characters to swap bodily fluids. I strive to make the sex scenes in my books hum with the love and deep emotion felt between a hero and heroine, and I seem to be pretty successful at merging realistic relationships with hot lovin', at least according to my readers and fans. 

What music do you listen to while you write?
Everything! For Black Dog and Rebel Rose, the collection is pretty hardcore--lots of metal, grunge, classic rock. I create a music mix for each book I write, and the Black Dog mix, which has been offered as a giveaway prize in the past, has been the most popular. The Black Dog mix includes such greats as Puscifer, Alice In Chains, Disturbed, Tool, Marilyn Manson, Led Zeppelin, A Perfect Circle, The Pretty Reckless, Filter, Smashing Pumpkins, Hank III...and even more. 


When you visit my website, www.danielledsmith.com, you can hear a playlist of the some of the Black Dog mix songs on the main homepage. I like so many different types of music...the project generally dictates what tunes are required. Whether it's Tori Amos, the Heavy Metal soundtrack, The Church, or Dead Can Dance, there is always something amazing plugged into my ears as I work.

What inspires you?
So much...art, music, folklore and mythology, film, tattoos, history, world culture, my friends and family, my marriage.

Do you have any hidden talents?
No comment. *wink* Just kidding. None of my talents are really "hidden"...I'm a bit of an overt person creatively. I am a professional-level painter and illustrator, and am investing those skills in creating graphic novel versions of two of my books, one of them being Black Dog and Rebel Rose.

What are your current projects?

I am working on the release of three new prose novellas/short novels: Demon's Slave is my first BDSM book and centers on Skriker and Rose, the hero and heroine of Black Dog and Rebel Rose, exploring their relationship sexually and emotionally. It is strictly erotic, and very raw at times. It will be released within the next two weeks under my own publishing name, Rebel Rose Publishing. 


I am also working on a winter/Yule tale in the BD&RR series, and a third novella about a WWII soldier who, just after the Battle of the Bulge, becomes a werewolf and an immortal by drinking from a hidden spring as he is dying from war wounds. Another huge project for me would be two graphic novels/comic books based on Black Dog and Rebel Rose and Psyche's Gate. These will be going for review to a few of the biggest artist-supporting comic book publishers out there in 2012, so I am insanely excited about that.

What book are you reading now?

I am re-reading one of my favorites, the edgy and emotionally-charged Swedish paranormal horror tale Let The Right One In. This ain't Twilight, kids.

Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?
Neither! I am sick to death of vampires and shifters, unless they're bullet fodder. They have been done to death. Give me angels and demons any old day!

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don't give up! Oh, and be professional. If you present yourself professionally to prospective publishers and follow all of their guidelines as asked, you will show that you really care and are serious about becoming a published author with work that is worth a reader's time.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I cannot thank you all--each and every one of you--for the support and love that you have shown me since I was first published in March 2010. Your support of my work and your appreciation for paranormal and dark fantasy writing outside the mainstream has made a huge dream come true for me...thank you, thank you, thank you! I look forward to many more great adventures and milestones with you by my side! Xoxoxoxoxo!

Giveaway

Skriker.

A meltingly sexy hunter with rock star style. An insatiable seducer and lover of women. Son of a human lady of the night and a True Native of Hell, he is a killer of the evils that dwell in darkness. Fifty miles of bad road will lead him and his rumbling Harley to an abandoned town and the vampyre hunt of his dreams. It is in the rot and the ruin that Skriker will discover his destiny.

Rose.

A fierce and beautiful huntress haunted by a tragic past. The most amazing woman that Skriker has ever met. A sizzling tryst will lead him to discover that Rose is his soul mate, the girl who will make him abandon his lustful ways and make him hunger for her alone. But Skriker's new beloved harbors an ironic secret. 
A secret that may lead to a half-demon's gruesome undoing...

Giveaway Details:

1. To be eligible for this giveaway, you must be a follower of my blog.
2. To double your chances of winning, you must like my facebook page (which is on the sidebar on your right)
3. Leave a comment with your name and email address.
4. This giveaway ends Dec. 28 at 11:59pm.


Please make sure to thank this awesome author, Danielle Smith!


*cheers from the peanut gallery*

Guess Who Guest Posted? This Girl!

I guest posted on I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read! Yippee!

If you wanna conquer writer's block, then please feel free to check it out! :)

Scopio Rising Whirlwind Tour: Excerpt

Announcing the Scorpio Rising Social Media Whirlwind Tour!

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Scorpio Rising eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.


What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including 2 Kindle Fires, Amazon gift cards up to $100 in amount, 5 autographed copies of the book, and 5 autographed copies of its recently released sequel,The Sting of The Scorpio. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 23rd, so you don’t miss out.

The Persephone Prophecy: The Gift by Zia Marie

Blurb

Sixteen-year-old Alexandra Williams is adjusting to life as an only child following the disappearance of her older brother, Ben, two years ago. She has battled alcoholism and is constantly dealing with her own feelings of guilt and weakness in the aftermath. 

On the last night of her summer vacation, she and her boyfriend, Andrew, come across a car wreck and discover Quinn Reyes trapped inside. With a touch of his hand, her already fragile world is shaken, especially when demon hunter Milo Montgomery comes to town looking for her. 
She learns that Milo and Quinn were searching for a person nicknamed The Persephone Prophecy because of her ability to walk between the human world and the demon underworld. 

Thrust into a new existence, Alexandra will be forced to confront her own demons and discover that she is far stronger than she could have ever imagined.

Introducing a dark new young adult trilogy packed with romance, action and demon lore. The first book in the Persephone Prophecy trilogy.

My Thoughts:

Okay, where to start with this book? 

I'm so disappointed on so many fronts with this book and the author that I don't even know where to start. I guess at the beginning would be appropriate.

I won this book at LibraryThing. Well, more specifically I won the second book in this series. So the author, who I thought was kind and sweet, gave me the first book. 

So I started to read it recently and I couldn't finish it. It wasn't because of the typos (the book was grammatically clean), it because of all the newbie errors. I will list them here, but be warned: It's a lot. 

So here's the list as to why I didn't finish it:

Everblossom is now available for print purchase!

Long title, short message, lol!

It's available for purchase here. Enjoy!

Feature and Follow #2

It's that time of the week again: Feature and Follow Friday! 

And here's the Feature of the Week:

And now for this weeks question: When you've read a book, what do you do with it? (Keep it, give it away, donate it, sell it, swap it..?)


For me, it depends. If I didn't like the book, then I usually donate it to the library. I actually donated the whole Private series by Kate Brian to the library once. Since I buy from them and support them continually anyway. Besides, I love libraries. They are my second home.

Anyway, if I loved the book, I keep it for like ever. And I gaze upon and sigh and usually say, "Man that was an awesome book. Let's see if I can find any more books from that author . . ."

Usually what happens though, I borrow the book first from the library and I buy it if I really, really liked it. But I have to return it! So that's sad, but like I said, it depends on how much I lurved the book.

Iwishacana/Acanawishi Is Available for Purchase!!

That's right my lovely fans, Iwishacana/Acanawishi is back in business! :) And better than ever! Now you get your copy of it via Smashwords and Barnes and Noble. Enjoy!  

B&N

Smashwords
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon DE
Amazon FR
Amazon ES
Amazon IT

Hopefully, very soon, this will be available for purchase as a print book.

Any questions? 

Cover Reveal: Iwishacana/Acanawishi 2

Isn't it gorgeous?! I've been searching for it for months!

I thought I came close with one, but it just wasn't quite right but when I saw this stock photo, I knew it was meant to be. :)  Then hit it up with some photo shopping, and viola! The book cover for Iwishacana/Acanawishi 2. 

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Blurb:

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

My Thoughts:

My Bullshit Meter was going off on this book. I really tried to get into this book. Lovely book, great character (notice the singular use) but . . . And there's a HUGE but here, I just couldn't believe how she slaughtered the myth. I just couldn't believe it. There's going to be a spoiler in here just to let you know. Now, let's list the reasons why I couldn't keep reading this book:

1. Vincent

I never really got this character. In the beginning he was a believable teenage boy and acted like it. But as soon as he told her who he really was then it started going south. 

He kept spouting off how much he liked her and why. And even the MAIN CHARACTER called him out on his bullshit!

I'm sorry, but that just screams to me: Why would you stay with a guy who practically told you in your face that he likes you and has an attachment to you, not because of who you are, but because of what he has done to you?

I'm sorry, but that's bullshit. 

Then he told her that he would stay with her despite that his elder didn't like her. And even at one point the elder dude was like, "That's your problem. You need to deal with it."

Like kill her? And you said this IN FRONT OF HER?

Anyway, I'm not going to even deal with that. 

But once again, that's bullshit and he knew it. 

And he said, "I've never felt this way about another woman. I swear it."

Um, I'm sorry, but I just don't believe that either. If humans have known about what they are before, what's to say he didn't fall in love with any of them?

I'm sorry, but I'm calling it. I just don't trust this character. And the main character didn't trust him either, yet she continues to have a relationship with him?

Nope, I don't believe it. Bullshit.

I guess I should call this Bullshit Bingo (in honor of JA Konrath and Barry), because there was a lot of in this book that I just couldn't believe.

2. Myths revamping gone terribly wrong

*******SPOILER ALERT******************

Now that we got that all straightened out, here's what I really couldn't believe:

Zombie+Ghost+Vampire powers=Revenant

Bullshit!

I'm sorry, but either you are a ghost, a zombie, or a vampire.

You can't be all three. Pick ONE and play with the myth a little.

Sure, I will be the first one to admit: Mixing two is fine. I didn't even catch Andrea Cremer doing it until the second book, but she did it wonderfully.

And I will be the first one to admit: There's an exception with every rule, BUT Amy Plum didn't do a great job on weaving all three together.

I just couldn't believe she didn't want to call her creatures ghosts or zombies.

Well, I'm sorry Ms. Plum, when you raise somebody from the dead, they are technically zombies.

If they are floating around after they are dead, they are technically called ghosts.

If they have magic powers . . . Well, they can be any creature, but it reads more of a vampire sorta power to me.

So, in my opinion, they are a mix of all three. 

And then the whole, "Well, we were raised back up for a mission: To save lives."

Bullshit!!

So not only have you got zombies, ghosts, and vampire powers all rolled into one, but you also have guardian angel capabilities?

Let's say this all together: PICK ONE!

Sure, there's nothing wrong with blending two myths together. It's tough, but it can be done. However, when you include a fourth myth then that's when things start to get a little bit hinky.

Yes, hinky, as in, this is SO not believable that I want to scream: Bullshit!

Then of course, they have to have an archnemises, so they called numa (which sounds like a number, but you just add an a and viola! Superbad evil name, right? Um, no) and they are the direct opposite and their mission: To kill people.

Bullshit!

And they fight with swords?

Bullshit!

I'm sorry, but I really, really don't buy that.

*************END OF SPOILER********************

In the end, I can sum up this part pretty quickly: If you're going to revamp a myth, then please pick one monster to do.

When in doubt, use this KISS: Keep It Simple Sweetheart.

There's no need to over complicate things and try to be like, "Oh well, since every mythical creature has been done, let me try to combine four mythical creatures into ONE and write this as my first novel."

No. That's too much for even an experienced writer to try. Just keep it simple and pick one. Please. For all of our sakes.

You might want to write that down young budding writers: When trying something new for the first time a) do research b) keep it simple. 

You don't see me trying to roll four or five or six creatures into one, do you? Or any other experienced authors doing that, do you?

There's a reason. 

3. The romance

When Kate and Vincent are alone, I believe it. 

There were some parts when Vincent said something, I just rolled my eyes. I didn't believe him for a second.

Neither did Kate, which is why I like her. She calls him out on his bullshit. And I like the fact that she gets that she is grieving which may be affecting her judgement.

Because it is. Her brain screams no, but she keeps wanting to get closer to him even though it couldn't work unless she turns into the same mythical creature that he is. So that's where the romance, for me anyway, falls apart.

And of course, there were some Bella and Edward moments where I was like, "Really? Twilight reference again?" I'm so sick of publishers giving us the same romance over and over and over again.

Aren't you?

This is the EXACT reason why I love self-publishing: No borders. No one to tell you that your work isn't marketable. No one . . .

All right, all right. I won't go on and on about self-publishing. But I am glad I'm doing it and other authors are too. I might even buy a few this Christmas. :) *cue shit-eating grin!*

Anyway, those were my reasons. I really hope other people can enjoy it but as for me, I can't. My Bullshit Meter kept going off and I just couldn't take it anymore.

Goodbye Amy Plum! Hello Janet Evanovich!

New Reviews and Print Lovers for Everblossom!

Good news for print lovers: I just ordered my print proof for Everblossom, so hopefully this means that the print version should be up and coming very, very soon!

I'm super excited!

And in other wonderful news: I got a five star review on Smashwords. Here it is, word by blissful word:

I am glad that I read Everblossum: The Short story and Anthology by Larissa Hinton! The reviewers below did an awesome job explaining the book! I haven't read poetry before and this book stretched my reading pleasure and opened the door for me to go outside of my little box of the typical books that I usually read! I hope that you take the time to check this author's book out and I will be adding her to my future reads list!

I think my job here is done! :D

Feature and Follow

Feature and Follow My Book Blog Friday is a weekly meme where participants hop from one blog to the next using the linky on Parajunkee’s or Alison Can Read’s site, follow, say hi and discuss books. This week’s features are:

                                              

This week's question is:

Question: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

Oh wow, this is a tough one but I think everybody who loves Family Guy and wants a great laugh this season with some emotional depth, I would def pick:

I absolutely ADORE this book and I think that everybody should be given this. It's a great laugh, deep emotions, and great characters. I would love to see another book from this author, but surprisingly, he doesn't have any. :(

And I would def buy this book for everybody! It's a great book! Why wouldn't I?

Now what book would y'all give?

A New Review of Everblossom and an Interview!

Well, I got another review! I'm surprised that two bloggers said the exact thing, but here it is. 

I think it's pretty interesting that some people loved the shortness of the stories because they wanted more, then some hated it because they feel like they've been cheated and want a longer work.

So hmm, I find it interesting but at least she enjoyed my poetry! :) That's always good news.

Oh, and I have another interview here. 

Anyway, I think that's it! Enjoy! 

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Love is never ugly

Now a major motion picture starring Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer

I am a beast. A beast! Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll,stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

My Thoughts:

Well, let me start off by saying that I didn't finish the book (hence the tag of this post IDNF). Therefore, I can't give a full detailed usual review. Instead I'll give you the reasons why I stopped mid-book and decide for yourselves if you want to read the book or not.

The Gaia Wars Excerpt

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of The Gaia Wars eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.

What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including a Kindle Fire, Amazon gift cards up to $100 in amount, 5 autographed copies of the book, and 5 autographed copies of its recently released sequel, Battle for Cascadia. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 9th, so you don’t miss out.

To Win the Prizes!!

1.Purchase your copy of The Gaia Wars for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!

A New-I Mean Old Review of Everblossom+Plus an Interview

My first one star review of my anthology, Everblossom: http://munchingontheapple.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/everblossom/

Why am I excited?! Because as an official author, that means I have officially made it, lol. Or so the authors on Kindleboard have said. Oh well, people are entitled to their opinion. Good or bad. 

But on a happier note, here's an interview of me, with a real picture in tow!

http://katysreviewsandnews.blogspot.com/

Here's another feature for me on Paranormal World: http://world-of-paranormal.blogspot.com/p/author-of-week.html

Can you say yeah buddy?!

Anyway, I know it's been a while since I posted one of these exciting reviews and interviews. But hopefully, that will change very soon. Maybe a flood of reviews will come since Christmas is right around the corner, so hopefully, crossing fingers and toes, I will get some more reviews.

Anyway, sorry for the lateness of this post. Finals are next week and I've been swamped. So I should have more time next week, since this week I'll be studying like mad.

I can't wait until I'm done with college life! :)

Let's Talk about Money: Sales Report for November

Another month, another sales report!

Yippee!

Unfortunately, I don't have much to report since the last one (here). 

But I'll post it again, for people who missed it:

October: 1

November: 4

If you want the break down, then you check it out on the other post along with more information about the total cost of editing and cover image stuff.

If it seems like I'm a little sad, it's because I am. I was really hopping for more of a boost after I advertised on Cyber Monday, but I guess not. But I am happy that people are loving and enjoying my book.

You know how everything in your life seems absolutely perfect but you still want that one thing you can never have? I'm feeling that way right now.

Ah, the life of a perfectionist. My work is never done.

Anyway, ignore me and my gloom and doom mode. Enjoy your Friday while I write all day this weekend completing finals and other college work.

And hopefully completing some books. 

:D

Switched by Amanda Hocking (Trylle Series #1)

Blurb:

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.

My Thoughts:

I have to say I was a bit shocked and impressed by Amanda Hocking. 

At first, I was sorta on the fence, since the first chapter was good and all, but not a WOW! like expected, but still, it made an impact. 

But after Wendy met Finn, I was hooked! 

I know, I'm a sucker for the paranormal dude. And besides, that twist in there! I didn't expect it! And now I want to write about what she's writing about, lol.

The only thing that let me down was, strange enough, the editing! There were typos in it, and that just killed me! And there were enough of them for me to notice and wonder if she's republishing these books, they should be clean. Why aren't they?

*slams head into desk*

But I'll let her slide. The books was good. Let's break it down on why it was such a good solid book.

2 Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Rusty Fischer

Please welcome the wonderful YA author, Rusty Ficscher!

Bio

Rusty Fischer is the author of several YA supernatural novels, including Zombies Don't Cry, Ushers, Inc., Becca Bloom & the Drumsticks of Doom and Panty Raid @ Zombie High.

Want to know more about Rusty? Then check out this blog: http://www.zombiesdontblog.blogspot.com/

Trust me, you want to check this out! This blog has useful information while being entertaining at the same time. Best of both worlds! 

Interview

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was 8- or 9-years-old, mostly because I enjoyed reading so much. But back when I grow up, there weren’t as many books for guys my age as there are today. I had Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary and once I’d read all their books, well, what else could I do?


I started writing my own books, for kids like me!

What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?

The easiest part? That would have to be coming up with ideas! I know a few authors who really struggle with this, but for me I'm forever waking up at 4 a.m. with some new idea that I have to write down before I forget. I have these ideas all over -- on the backs of envelopes, in old spiral bound notebooks, titles written on movie tickets -- and when I get some free time I'll look them over and something usually strikes my fancy. If they're old enough, it can almost seem like someone else wrote them and I'll think, "Wow, that could be fun!"


For me, the hardest part of writing any book is always the planning stage. Usually I’ll start planning a book with a new spiral bound notebook, and I’ll go somewhere other than my office, like to a coffee shop or park or the beach or something. And I’ll just sit there with a pen, starting ideas and crossing them out, starting new ideas and crossing THEM out!


There’s a lot of stops and starts and it takes me a few days, but when I finally hit on something it feels really, really good! And, once I’ve locked the story down, there’s this kind of “click” that goes off inside my head and I know it’s time to write!


The hardest part for me is always the editing stage, before it finally gets published. It’s usually been a few long months since I’ve sent it to the publisher, and so I have to read it all over again and see it with a new, critical pair of eyes. That can be a challenge for me, because I always think it’s “done” when I turn it in!



What music do you listen to while you write?

I’m not even gonna lie: Christmas music. Not just now, because I’m answering these in November, but all year; every year. But I don’t listen to any old Christmas music, like Bing Crosby and Nat “King” Cole. Although I like those songs, during Christmas, the kind of music I listen to when I write is jazz or mostly smooth jazz Christmas. Soft, cool, low instrumental music that you can hardly tell is Christmas. (Yeah, I’ve got some on right now!)



What inspires you?

I love seeing kids read, period. I was a reader as a kid, and if I wasn’t I think I would have grown up very, very differently. And then I was a teacher, and it always made me so happy to talk to kids about writing, about reading, about books. And when I started writing full-time, I felt a kind of sadness that I wasn’t involved in helping kids enjoy reading like I was as a teacher. So now I write stories that I think any kid, be they an avid reader or reluctant reader, would like.


I know not everybody thinks very highly of YA genre fiction, or vampires and zombies, but to me writing about vampires and zombies is a way to talk about things that are really important to today’s kids: life, death, cool versus uncool, immortality, freaks of nature, violence and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. That’s what really inspires me.



Do you have any hidden talents?

Absolutely none! I am really clumsy, no good at sports, can’t sing or dance, juggle or even stick a spoon on my nose. Sorry!



What are your current projects?

Right now I am working on the sequel to Zombies Don’t Cry, my first YA supernatural romance, and also a sequel to Ushers, Inc. I’ve never written a sequel before, so I’m finding lots of hidden challenges along the way, like how much to tell new readers and still not bore old readers, etc. It’s fun, but daunting as well!



What book are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading Life Blood, by HK Savage. It’s really good! I met the author on Facebook and we exchanged books. I love discovering new authors that way. I’ve read so many good YA books in the last year, and almost all of them were because I met the author on Facebook or Twitter, or at a conference or something.



Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

What, no zombies?!?! Okay, okay, I will always pick vampires over shapeshifters IF zombies aren’t an option. I just think vampires are so political. It’s fun to play with them, goose the old traditions a little and try something new. It’s almost amazing that after all that’s been written about vampires by now, so many still come out every year!

I have a new book coming out next year called Vamplayers, about a team of undercover vampires who go into high schools trying to find the “Vamplayer,” which is a special breed of vampires who have been teenagers for a really, really long time and specialize in turning high schools into full-on vampire infestations. I wanted to try something new and while there is a lot of old school vampire lore in it – garlic, stakes, holy water, etc. – I wanted to try some new things, too.

I think you have to really get excited to write about vampires because so much has been written about them. It’s fun to see how other authors, and even moviemakers, add a new twist to such an old genre.



Do you have any advice for other writers?

Stick with it. Seriously, that’s the one thing I tell any writer who asks me for advice. Just hang in there. We all want success, or publication, or fan adoration, to happen overnight but there are SO many authors and SO many books, imagine how hard it is for readers to discover you!

Just keep writing, just keep submitting, just keep publishing, just keep soliciting reviews and readers will find you. In the end, despite all the Twitter and Facebook and Amazon coverage, I really feel that being successful as an author – whatever that means to you – comes down to talking to one reader at a time. One blogger, one reviewer, one editor, one agent, one publisher, one customer, on kid, at a time. And that does take time. It will happen, but it takes awhile.



Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Oh, wow, hmmm. Well, I would hope that my readers have fun with what I write, because I certainly do! I know what I’m doing isn’t going to change the world or cure cancer, but I like to think that reading a good book IS healthy because it relieves stress and pressure. When I read a really good book, it takes me somewhere; somewhere new, or fun, or scary, or grim, or original or spooky. Wherever it takes me, I’m on a temporary leave of absence from the pressures and grind and worry of my day. I look up after 10 or 20 pages and I have a smile on my face. That’s all I want from readers; a smile. Even if it’s a kind of scary smile!

Giveaways

That's right ladies and gentlemen: Rusty Fischer is offering up to two books for free! Yippee!

*dancing in a celebratory manner*

Here's the first one:

Blurb

Toby’s best friend, and unrequited love, Molly Harper has gone missing. Molly’s boyfriend, “Spud,” thinks he knows where she’s been taken: the mysterious Zombie High, where Spud’s father just happens to be in charge of the top-secret medical facility famous for its work rehabilitating teenage zombies.

Blurb

When the streets are full of bloodsuckers, werewolves, zombies and ghouls, where will you turn? The cops don’t know how to stop them, the Army’s pretty much given up and even the Marines are stumped when their bullets and grenades fail to stop the onslaught. Have no fear, Ushers, Inc. is here!

Giveaway Details:

1.One winner will win Ushers Inc, and one other winner will win Panty Raid @ Zombie High

2. To be eligible for this giveaway, you must be a follower of my blog.

3. To double your chances of winning, you must like my facebook page (which is on the sidebar on your right)

4. Leave a comment with your name and email address.

5. This giveaway ends Dec. 4 at 11:59pm.

Please make sure to thank this awesome author, Rusty Fischer!

*cheers from the peanut gallery*