Beyond the Mind Maze

Author: Maria Messini

  • Funny and vibrant: V-Card by Alicia Michaels

    I recently posted a Release Day post about V-Card, Sharing Spaces Book 1 by Alicia Michaels, including a hilarious excerpt. (You can read it here.) Now here’s my review:

    When people are on a quest, they’re usually trying to find something. Jennifer, on the other hand, is trying to find someone to help her lose something. She calls it her V-Card. At almost 21, and after two failed attempts that led to the emergency room, Jenn is determined. She’ll just find a guy and get it over with. She’s a sophomore for crying out loud! But the guy she lands is not just any guy.  Dain is charming, gallant, patient and drop-dead gorgeous. And he wants her like crazy.  Jenn thanks her lucky stars and now she really wants to get lucky. But Luke, her philandering roommate, seems to have other plans for her.

    This was a fun read. Light, sweet and vibrant. Dorm life is portrayed in a genuine way (for once, the roommates are not caricatures, but real people) the dialogues are funny with interesting turns of phrase, and the storyline, although not highly original, drew me in. Alicia’s writing is confident and turns contrite situations into entertaining scenes. What I really liked though was the clear message that this story offers: that no matter how much you plan, no matter how far you’re willing to reach to achieve your goal, it’s good to take a look around because maybe you don’t appreciate what’s already there.

    Genre: New Adult, Romance, Comedy

    Release Day: April 20th, 2014

    Author’s Website | GoodReads


    Author Bio
     I began my writing career as an author of Fantasy and Science Fiction. My first books include The Lost Kingdom of Fallada Series and The Boinics Series.

    An army wife and a mother of three, my days are never dull and I never lack for anything to do. I love to cook, sew, and of course, read.

    I’m a believer in the written word and I love transporting people to different settings and allowing them to make friends with my characters.

    Links

    Website: http://www.fantasybyalicia.com

    V-Card Website: http://www.vcard-aliciamichaels.com

    Twitter: http://twitter.com/fantasybyalicia

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fantasybyalicia

    GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469080.Alicia_Michaels

    Amazon: http://amzn.com/e/B009CVNFXM

  • Poignant and raw: Dusk and Summer by Joseph Pinto

    Does Heaven await beneath the waves? One man needs to know.

    When his dying father whispers a cryptic message to him, he has no choice but to summon his courage and begin the quest of a lifetime. It’s a race against time to realize his father’s wish and fulfill his own destiny; it’s a discovery of the unbreakable bond between father and son. It’s a journey of the heart that unfolds where only the Chosen exist – in the moments between Dusk and Summer.

    ___________________

    My review:

    Parents are a child’s lifelines. Even when it grows into its own skin, defying their role in its life, they remain vital points of reference; a mainstay. Losing a parent can make even a strong grown man lose his bearings. If it’s the father a son loses, and the loss is untimely and unjust, the immeasurable pain makes the path to acceptance difficult to find and even more difficult to tread.

    This uphill trudge is presented here by Joseph A. Pinto who lost his father to pancreatic cancer. A “tough son-of-a-gun,” a seemingly indomitable presence in the author’s life. It is an emotional account; raw and harrowing. But it is also a magical road trip with soul-lifting pit stops that miraculously guide the traveler—otherwise completely lost and deeply wounded—to a glorious destination, known only to his father, pointed to by bits and pieces that he could have easily dismissed as just incoherent ramblings of a dying man. Thankfully, he didn’t.

    The writing is excellent and delivers in a unique albeit heart-rending way. Known for his unique horror-writing prose, Joseph seamlessly presents his experience through some of the strongest, most poignant similes I’ve ever encountered in a book.

    “Before me, the parkway yawned endlessly toward a shimmering horizon. Each weary glance into the rearview mirror revealed splintered, black asphalt crumbling off into the bowels of the earth. The sky above seemed to buckle, and I tensed, expecting at any moment for it to fracture like a thin pane of glass.”

    Even though the subject is sensitive and painful, I highly recommend this book because the endnote is essentially optimistic, and it once more proves that although life is perishable, true love never is.


    AUTHOR BIO:

    Joseph A. Pinto is the horror author of two published books and numerous short stories; he is a member of the Horror Writers Association as well the founder of Pen of the Damned, a collective of angst and horror driven writers. Indulge in his unique voice on his personal blog josephpinto.com and PenofhteDamned.com. You can follow him on Twitter @JosephAPinto. Joseph hails from New Jersey where he lives with his wife and young daughter.

    DONATION:

    The author will be donating a portion of the proceeds from this book to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

     

    LINKS:

    Lustgaren Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research:http://www.lustgarten.org/

    Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JCHFWK0

    Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JCHFWK0

    Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00JCHFWK0

    Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00JCHFWK0

  • Cover Reveal: Deadly Secrets by Angel Sefer

    Angel SeferAngel Sefer is an author of romantic suspense and mystery stories. Her debut novel, Spellbound in His Arms, became a bestseller (#1 Barnes & Noble, #2 Amazon) and was picked up and republished by Booktrope. (Read more about this title in the Author Spotlight I posted here.) “Spellbound in His Arms” is now a finalist in the 2014 Rone Awards in the Mystery category, and to celebrate the upcoming release of the second book in “The Greek Isle Series”, it’s priced at 99 cents for a limited time only! Don’t miss out!

    The second book is entitled “Deadly Secrets”, and this time, Angel takes us to the stunning island of Mykonos for an equally exciting romance. Check out the cover! Gorgeous!

     

    Intrigued? Angel offers the first chapter for free on her site! Whet your appetite here:

    Deadly secrets – blurb

    A quest for truth…
    Helena was only eight when her father disappeared, and her life was shattered. Thirteen years later, she returns to her birthplace—the Greek island of Mykonos—on a quest to learn the truth about her father. Eerie warnings from her late mother and prophecies hidden in her grandmother’s diary compel Helena to delve into her family’s mysterious past. But well-buried secrets and a hidden mastermind plotting revenge create a deadly combination that could destroy Helena’s life.

     A powerful and seductive man…

    Upon discovering that the seductive Captain Dimitris Nikolaou has taken everything once belonging to her father, Helena is devastated; but in spite of his treachery, she is drawn to him like no other. As danger and passion collide, Helena realizes that nothing is what it seems.

     Keeping a promise can be fatal…

    Despite her desire for the irresistible captain, Helena is wary of his insistence to keep the promise he’d made to her father—the promise to marry her. Dimitris wants this feisty enchantress, and he’s used to getting what he wants. Making Helena his wife isn’t about the promise anymore—he wants her…and he’s willing to put his heart and his life at risk to keep her in his arms forever.

     

    Author Links

    Website:  http://www.angelsefer.com
    Blog:  http://www.angelsefer.blogspot.com
    Facebook:  http://on.fb.me/Vq75eu
    Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AngelSefer
    Google+:  http://bit.ly/13Fa6aU
    Amazon Author’s page:  http://author.to/AngelSefer
    Goodreads Profile:  http://bit.ly/15ePyoE
    E-mail:  angelsefer@ymail.com

    Links for Spellbound in His Arms:

    Amazon:  http://viewbook.at/SpellboundInHisArms

    Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/1eFkkL1

     

  • On Sale: Nobody’s Fault by Terry Tyler

    Terry Tyler is an author, writer, blogger and also blogs for the UK Arts Directory. Her first book on Amazon, ‘You Wish‘, was the winner of the ‘Best Women’s Lit/Chick Lit’ category in the eFestival of Words 2013. That was followed by five more novels on Amazon: ‘Nobody’s Fault‘, ‘The Other Side‘ and ‘What It Takes‘ fall into the all encompassing contemporary drama genre, whereas ‘Dream On‘ and ‘Full Circle‘ are lighter and can be placed under the banner of rock fiction/romcom. Her short story collection, ‘Nine Lives’, covers all these and more, with some intriguing twists in the tales… Terry’s latest release, Kings & Queens, is a mirror of the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, taking it into the twentieth century! I’ve already snatched my copy!

    Throughout this week, “Nobody’s Fault” is 50% off at just 0.99c until Sunday, May 11! Don’t miss out!

     

    Book Blurb

    Nobody’s Fault is about a family break up, from the point of view of all the players. It’s also about tragedy, heartbreak, and secrecy…

    Adrienne is the love of Nick’s life. Nick is the love of hers. Six days after meeting her, Nick leaves home. He has no choice; they can’t live without each other.

    Nick’s wife Ria and eldest daughter Cat find various ways of working out their anger and resentment, while fifteen year old Tara is caught in the middle. And then there is Nick’s cousin Caroline, with her own axe to grind when it comes to marital affairs… When tragedy strikes, they are all looking for someone to blame.

    Lonely and trusting Sharon, seeking love and friendship on internet dating and social networking sites, has no suspicion of the part she plays in the drama – or that the people she meets in cyberspace might not be all that they seem…

    Purchase Links

    Amazon
    Amazon UK

    Author’s Links

    Blog
    UK Arts Directory Blog
    Twitter
    Facebook

  • New Release: The Perfect Spirit by Traci Hayden

    Last week, I did the Cover Reveal of Traci Hayden’s debut novel, The Perfect Spirit. The book is now available on Amazon and Smashwords, and I got myself a copy! All you need to know follows:
    Synopsis
    Twenty-eight year old writer, Vanessa Fortney, has travelled the world, living life to the fullest. When she comes home due to the unexpected death of her only blood relatives, she only has one regret; never finding a love that triumphs all others. In a beautiful valley in the Rocky Mountains, Nessa finds herself wondering about a mysterious stranger who saved her after a nearly disastrous car accident. The mystery that surrounds Daniel is quickly replaced by the increasing attraction Nessa feels for him.
    Will she find that love that transcends all love or will an unforeseen tragedy keep them apart?
    Excerpt

    “I lost both my parents as a child.”

    “How did they die?” Daniel asked softly.

    “Car accident, same as my great-aunt and uncle.”

    Daniel’s sharp intake of air was followed quickly by his next comment. “And you almost died in that car accident a few weeks ago. It seems fate is cruel.”

    Nessa realized he was right. Not so much about her dying, but the fact that fate seemed to repeat itself. “I didn’t almost die. The doctor said I was lucky.”

    “You were lucky because I was there. If I hadn’t been,” he argued, “who knows how long you would’ve been exposed. You could’ve died without me connecting with you.”

    “You are my savior, Daniel,” she whispered. “My beautiful angelic savior.”

    “You’re too sweet with your words, ma belle.”

    “It’s true, Daniel. I don’t know what it is about you, but I feel such a connection to you,” she admitted as she traced her finger across the back of his hand. “You’re always so cold.”

    Daniel guffawed. “Cold hands, warm heart.” He cupped her face, pulling her in close. “In this case, my heart flames for you.”

    Nessa’s body relaxed into his and he pulled her, comforter and all, onto his lap. He cradled her close to him, savoring their connection as much as she did.

    About the Author

    68f16-authorpicTraci Hayden is a proud mother of four beautiful girls and one adorable granddaughter. She has always had a passion for reading, but recently the obsession for writing has taken over.

    As a Nova Scotian native now living in British Columbia, Traci has traveled across Canada, fueling her imagination from coast to coast.

    Along with two dogs and one cat, Traci’s home is shared with her partner of 16 years. He is her rock and constant support.

    Traci loves all genres of writing, but currently is exploring the world of romance.

    Facebook  Twitter  Blog  Amazon  Smashwords

    Cover Designer Links
     
     
    Editor Links

     

    Purchase Links
     
     
     
    Giveaway
    There are over a dozen prizes being offered. All ebooks will be in the form
    of the winners choosing. Draw will be made on May 18th.

     

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Marjory McGinn – WIP interview

    This week’s Q&A features Marjory McGinn, a Scottish-born journalist whose three years in the wild Mani region in southern Peloponnese during the economic crisis led to Things Can Only Get Feta, an inspiring travel memoir. Marjory’s love affair with Greece actually started in Australia through her friendship with Anna, a Greek girl, and continues to this day. As a Greek in love with my own country, shouldn’t I be super excited to have a chat with Marjory about her life and her work?

    After you read the Q&A, make sure you come back up here to link to MM Jaye’s Friends Write (my other blog) for a hilarious excerpt from Things Can Only Get Feta.

    Marjory welcome to my blog. We’d love to know a bit more about you and your interesting life.

    I think I’d describe myself as a fairly restless spirit who likes new experiences and challenges and that probably started as a child when my family migrated from Scotland to Australia where I was brought up. Aussies are adventurous and free-spirited and I am sure a lot of that rubbed off on me. As soon as kids leave school there, they tend to go on a big overseas trip which I did, too. I ended up in Athens teaching English for a year which is one of the reasons I developed a life-long love of Greece.

    Back in Australia, I started my career as a journalist on Sydney newspapers and I specialised in arts stories and celebrity profiles. Later I moved back to Scotland with my partner Jim and worked as a freelance feature writer for a few years before the travel bug hit again. In 2010, during a British recession, we decided to have an adventure in the remote Mani region of the southern Peloponnese, which inspired my non-fiction book Things Can Only Get Feta. We took our crazy terrier dog Wallace along as well and that certainly guaranteed a few memorable incidents.

    Could you give us an idea of what your current project involves?

    I am currently writing a kind of sequel to the first book, which was about our first year living in a hillside village in the Mani in 2010/11. We ended up staying in this region for three years, so the sequel charts the final two years with a nearby, but slightly different, location and many more adventures and dramas as the economic crisis intensified, and a few other elements as well.

    That should make a very interesting read! Are you happy with the pace of your work? Do you aim for a specific word count each day?

    We are in the southern Peloponnese again for a shorter adventure this time. I had already started the second book while back in Scotland and I am now slowly getting back into it again. When you’re writing a book about Greece, it helps to be here for sheer inspiration: olive trees, birds, the sea in the distance. I am very laid-back about word counts and don’t set a daily amount because once I am in the mood I can write fairly quickly.

    Plotter, pantser or both?

    Probably both. A non-fiction book needs a certain structure of course since it’s based on fact, but the rest of my book is narrative and involves experiences and the people I’ve met and I like that to be more unstructured, to flow just the way it wants to because even with a tight plot, as you know, elements pop into your head unbidden and you just can’t ignore them. A good travel memoir I think should read like a novel but be instructive and truthful at the same time, which is not always an easy thing to carry off.

    What’s your main enemy in getting that first draft finished?

    I think my main enemy here in Greece will be too many lovely distractions in the summer, like going to the beach, especially when it’s too hot to do anything else, and all the paniyiria in the villages in July and August which are always great fun.

    Have you experienced writer’s block and how do you overcome it?

    Having worked as a journalist most of my life, with tight deadlines, I have learnt to deal with blocks. I used to find that when my brain reached a dead end it was best was to walk away from the computer, walk around the newsroom, talk to people, and chill. Sometimes writers can try too hard to express themselves and that causes stress, and a block.  Sitting and staring at a blank screen doesn’t help either, so my second tip is, if you really can’t get going, start writing anything – a shopping list will do, or a daft poem, anything really just to get words on the screen/page. Before long the piece you’re supposed to be writing will come to you. The trick is to get a flow going.

    That indeed is an excellent tip! Could we take a look at your workspace?

    My workspace at the moment is the balcony on the house we are renting for the time being. It has a fantastic view over olive groves to Koroni harbour at the tip of the Messinian peninsula. I have my laptop on the balcony table, a few books and nothing much else. Probably the tidiest office I’ve had for a while. It’s so peaceful here that I can’t fail to be inspired to write but I find it’s best to do it early, or later in the afternoon because the blue sea keeps calling me away. The only other problem is that our dog Wallace keeps stealing my chair and wants to know what I’m writing about him this time!

    Wallace is plain adorable! I’m sure many readers will envy your view. Now your photo is “pinned” on my Featured Writers’ Workspace Board on Pinterest. How do you intent to celebrate writing “The End” on your first draft?

    I think I’ll be rushing down to the sea for a long swim and later a nice meal in one of the lovely tavernas that line the harbour front in Koroni and a nice jug of local wine of course. Bliss!

    Idyllic. Which editing process are you going to outsource and which are you confident enough to undertake yourself?

    I didn’t outsource anything the first time, apart from the manuscript being thoroughly edited by my publisher Bene Factum Publishing (www.bene-factum.co.uk) in London. I did get my partner Jim to read my manuscript several times before sending it to the publisher. Jim is also a journalist with great editing skills and I trust him absolutely with editing and rewrites when needed. He now has his own editing business for Indy authors and if I am allowed to share it with you, the website is www.ebooklover.co.uk

    That’s one of the main points of this column; sharing and promoting services useful for indie authors. Which social media are you more involved with and why?

    I favour Facebook and Twitter mainly. My publisher is a small independent publisher and although he has done an excellent job in marketing and promoting the book, I think these days it’s a good idea for authors to do some of the promotional work themselves if they can. I think it is expected really, so I put regular posts on my FB author page and some on my personal page as well. I also use Twitter a lot. It’s fun and I think it works better for writers and gets your message out to a lot more people that you didn’t previously know. The great thing about social media now is that apart from making new friends, writers can connect with a lot of other writers and the possibilities for promotion are endless.

    Is writing travel memoirs the genre you will brand yourself with?

    I have enjoyed this genre and it has been very satisfying writing about Greece, a subject close to my heart and I’m happy to say a lot of Greeks contacted me after the first book came out last year to say it was a positive story about Greece during the crisis and that means a lot to me. But after writing a second travel book, I think I’d like to try a novel this time. I already have a plot roughed out in my head and I think I will enjoy fiction this time and really letting my imagination take flight.

    Where can we find out more about you and your work.

    I have a website called Big Fat Greek Odyssey which was started when Jim and I went to Greece in 2010 with information about Greece and the book and where to buy it. I also write a regular blog there with a Greek theme.

    http://www.bigfatgreekodyssey.com

    My FB author page is http://www.facebook.com/ThingsCanOnlyGetFeta

    and my personal page is http://www.facebook.com/marjory.mcginn

    you can find me on Twitter @fatgreekodyssey

    Things Can Only Get Feta is available on Amazon in the UK

    And from May 1 the book is available on Amazon in North America

    The book is also available at Barnes and Noble in America

    and Longitude Books

    and in Greece at Evripidis bookstore in north Athens and through the Public website

    For more details on where to buy the book visit http://www.bigfatgreekodyssey.com/greek-book.html

    Thank you, Marjory! Getting to know you and your work has been a pleasure!

    Thanks Maria for this great opportunity to talk to you about my work, and good luck with your own as well. x

     

     

  • Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins

    photo FRBTBadgeTemplate800_zps4e8966be.png
    Brought to you by the fabulous Wendy Ewurum and Fabulosity Reads Book Tours, this urban fantasy is about a bride to be who loses her groom by the … tooth of a vampire. And, in true scorned-bride form, she turns into a vampire slayer. Who’d blame her?

    Legally Undead, available May 27

    from World Weaver Press

    Book Blurb

    A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

    Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

    But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs–not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

    As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning around to face them, Elle discovers that Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.

    About the Author

    Margo Bond Collins is the author of a number of novels, including Waking Up Dead, Fairy, Texas, and Legally Undead (forthcoming in 2014). She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters.

     

    Connect with Margo

    Pinterest

    Website

    Google+

    Amazon

    Amazon Author Page:

    GoodreadsAuthor Page:

    Facebook Author Page

    Twitter @MargoBondCollin

    Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

    Be sure to add Legally Undead to your Goodreads bookshelves:

    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18366353-legally-undead

     

  • The Power of Six by Nicholas Rossis (Cover Reveal)

    Nicholas C. Rossis is an epic fantasy/sci-fi author. He has released two books in his “Pearseus” epic fantasy series: “Year 18: The Schism” and “The Rise of the Prince” which became an Amazon bestseller. Now, he’s treating his fans with six science fiction short stories that will whet our appetite for “Mad Water” the third book in the Pearseus series. “The Power of Six” will be available on Amazon on May 15. Don’t miss out on reading “Simulation Over”; an exciting complete story right from this anthology in MM Jaye’s friends write. 

     

    The Power of Six

    The Power of Six is an anthology of six short science fiction stories, originally written between July 2009 and March 2012.  Shortly afterwards, I started work on my first novel, Pearseus.  Although the stories seem to be concerned with various themes, there are certain passions that run through them, almost obsessively.  What is the nature of reality?  Is there more to the world than we can see?

    The first story, “Simulation Over”, is based on a dream I had, and deals with Descartes’ age-old question; how far can we trust our senses?  With technology progressing rapidly, the time can’t be far off when it will be practically impossible to tell apart sensory fact from simulation.  How will we be able to tell fantasy and reality apart?  The story was published by magazine 9 on October 17th, 2009.

    The second story, “For the Last Time”, is lighter in nature.  Another common theme, explored in depth in Pearseus, is that of the choices we make and their consequences.  The main character here makes one mistake after another.  As a result, he keeps getting in deeper and deeper trouble, until he realizes how happy he was before all this.  As the saying goes, “I’d like to be who I was before I became who I am”.

    The inspiration for the third story, “The Hand of God”, came while playing Starcraft™ (and getting pounded time after time in that final level).  It deals with that old question of the nature of reality – digital and corporeal.  What do the game characters do when we stop playing?

    The fourth story, “I Come in Peace” (from the common sci-fi first contact words) deals with a tortuous question: how far would man go to alleviate his loneliness?  In particular, a man experiencing what is possibly the worst kind of loneliness; that someone feels when surrounded by people?

    This story explores this basic human emotion – the need for companionship.  It won the SF competition titled Invasion and was published by Cube Publishing in the anthology of the same name.  Readers of Pearseus will certainly recognise here the birth of the Orbs.

    The fifth story, “A Fresh Start”, is, again, about choices – and a favourite question: if we were free to go anywhere in time and space, where would we choose to go?  And, once there, would we repeat the same mistakes, or make new ones?  What does a man really need to be happy?

    The sixth story, “The Sentry”, was inspired by Philip K. Dick’s first story, Roog.  Science fiction fans will surely recognize this nod to the old master.

    One common characteristic of all stories is a disdain for names, both for characters and places.  This is because of my conviction that names inevitably restrict the reader’s imagination.  We all carry deep in our psyche an image for all names and places and this will necessarily carry on to the story, limiting the possible projections we can perform.  I’d rather leave the canvas completely blank, so that readers can colour it any way they like.

    About the Author

    Nicholas Rossis was born in 1970 in Athens. Greece. He got his BSc in Engineering from the Technical Institute of Pireaus in 1995, before moving to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he received his PhD in Digital Architecture from the University of Edinburgh.

    In 1995 he founded Istomedia, a web design company that has created some 450 websites todate. He also taught various publishing courses at Napier University between 1997 and 2000.

    In 2000, he moved back to Greece where he has continued working as web designer and teaching design and publishing at various colleges and universities. He has written a score of children’s books, through Niditales, his ongoing collaboration with illustrator Dimitris Fousekis. He has also had numerous SF short stories published in Greek magazines and in Invasion, a SF anthology. Finally, he has written Pearseus, a SF novel.

    Nicholas lives in a forest outside Athens with his lovely wife Electra, beautiful dog and two remarkably silly cats.

    Author Links

    Blog: http://nicholasrossis.me
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nicholas_Rossis
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicholasCRossis
    Site: http://www.nicholasrossis.com
    Pearseus Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Pearseus
    LinkedIn: http://gr.linkedin.com/pub/nicholas-rossis/0/b7b/122/ 
    Google+ http://google.com/+NicholasRossis

  • Effrosyni Moschoudi – WIP interview

    frosso pic1 (1)In this week’s WIP interview, I’m more than pleased to welcome author Effrosyni Moschoudi, as the timing is perfect to share exciting news: “The Lady of the Pier: The Ebb“, Effrosyni’s upcoming paranormal summer romance, has cleared Round 2 in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award contest and is now a quarter-finalist! And that’s on top of “The Necklace of Goddess Athena”, her debut fantasy novel, reaching Amazon’s #1 in Mythology and #2 in Fairy Tales! What a ride for an amazing new author!

    For an excerpt of the ABNA quarter-finalist, “The Lady of the Pier: The Ebb”, click here to go to my excerpts’ blog where my writer friends’ work is displayed better.

    Effrosyni, first of all, congratulations! Having read both of your novels, I must say it’s an honour well deserved. I’m sure my readers would love to know more about you. Could you tell us a few things about yourself?

    My pleasure! I was born and brought up in Athens, Greece. I hold a BSc in Computer Science and have worked in various companies for 20 years, mainly providing computer support and customer service. The credit crunch cost me my career but provided me also with the unique opportunity to dedicate extensive time to my writing; a favorite pastime that I’ve enjoyed since childhood. I reside in a quaint seaside town near Athens with my husband Andy. We have our own house there and it’s idyllic. We love the serenity of our surroundings, growing our own vegetables and having the beach so close to home.

    Idyllic, indeed! Could you give us an idea about what your current project involves?

    The Lady of the Pier is a paranormal romance that will be published as a duology. It is set in Brighton (England) in the 1930’s and in Corfu (Greece) in the 1980’s. It is about two girls who have never met but are connected in a mysterious way. As you mentioned, the first part (The Ebb) has made it as a quarter-finalist in the 2014 ABNA contest in the category Romance. A short excerpt is currently available on Amazon for a FREE download. Readers can have their say in the ABNA contest by reading and reviewing the excerpts from all the entries. Your readers are welcome to download the excerpt from my novel here. As I can’t obviously foretell what the outcome of the contest will be, I carry on with my plans as normal for the publication of The Ebb this summer. I have received detailed and extremely helpful feedback from my beta readers and I am currently editing the novel based on their advice. At the same time I am penning the concluding part (The Flow) although this is a very slow process. If all goes well, this will be published by the end of the year too. The Ebb is very close to my heart. Although it is a work of fiction, there are many autobiographical elements as I used to spend my summers at my grandparents’ house in Corfu as a young girl, just like my heroine Sofia in the book. If your readers wish to know more and to see pictures of the locales that inspired the story, they are welcome to read this post on my blog.

    I’m definitely encouraging all of you to use the above link, download and review Effrosyni’s excerpt. Let’s help a new author out! Are you happy with the pace of your work? Do you aim at a specific word count each day?

    No, I am afraid not. Since January, I have developed frozen shoulder and it has gradually allowed me to do less and less. As a result, to say that I am behind schedule with my writing at the moment would be a huge understatement. Luckily, I’m currently making progress with physiotherapy and hope that things will eventually go back to normal in the next few weeks. I’m determined to resume writing The Flow full time again when that happens.

    That’s unfortunate. I hope physio works for you sooner than expected. Are you a plotter, a pantser or both?

    A bit of both and it also depends greatly on what I am writing. If it is a short story, I usually have the whole thing crystal clear in my head before I even sit at my desk. With novels, it depends also whether it requires any research or not. Research occasionally results in changes on the storyline as to accommodate the actual facts. It has happened with the Lady of the Pier. With The Necklace of Goddess Athena, as the story didn’t portray any world events, I was free to change things as I went. There have been a lot of delightful surprises creeping up on me along the way with this novel and I think I enjoy this process better.

    What’s your worst enemy in getting that first draft finished?

    Distractions. I can be pretty disciplined if I decide it’s time to make progress with a book but for example, when it’s 47 degrees Celsius and the sea is shimmering in the distance, it’s hard to commit to writing indoors! Also, when my husband is at home, I find my writing goes out the window. I often make an effort to treat him with elaborate meals and cakes and we wind up watching DVDs lots too. We both love movies and British series and so, often when he is around, the day just flies by without me writing at all.

    Have you experienced “writer’s block” and how do you overcome it?

    Yes, of course I have but I don’t let it bother me. I choose never to chase inspiration with a bat. I accept that some days will be bad for writing so on these days I just let it go and go do something else. Usually the next day it flows effortlessly once again so I don’t get frustrated about it. It just is what it is. On the days when I can’t do any writing, I usually read a book or watch a movie or listen to music. Movies especially that are relevant to what I am writing tend to rouse feelings inside that facilitate the ‘un-blocking’ process – if such a thing indeed exists.

    Could we take a look at your workspace? Is there a particular place you find inspiring?

    I always write at my desk in my tiny study. I favor crammed spaces. I find they feel cozier and safer. I can relax there and let my mind wander. I couldn’t concentrate to write outdoors anywhere or even inside by a window, as I would get distracted. Therefore, my windowless study is the best place for me. I have placed some frames there for inspiration including pictures of The West Pier in Brighton as well as the book cover of my debut novel, The Necklace of Goddess Athena. I don’t have any children but I see my books as such. So, putting up the cover there would be the equivalent of putting up the pictures of my offspring. It reminds me who I work daily for. It keeps my mind focused and my eyes on the ball.

    I’m exactly like you! The more my eyes roam, the less my mind focuses. Now your photo is “pinned” on my Featured Writers’ Workspace Board on Pinterest. Apart from Word and Google, do you use any other writing or research tools and apps?

    I use only Word for writing at the moment but I do intend to look into some relevant programs in future, such as Scrivener. Also, I have recently discovered AutoCrit; a great editing tool for writers. As for research, Google is my main tool but I also read physical books relevant to the novels I write.

    How do you intend to celebrate writing “The End” on your draft?

    I intend to have the most gratifying annual holiday in Corfu ever. I have spent many summers there dreaming of writing about my beloved island one day. If all goes well, this summer I will return there feeling like I have finally fulfilled a promise of paramount importance to me. Writing The Lady of the Pier – The Ebb has felt like giving thanks for a wealth of happy childhood memories. It is also a tribute to my beloved granddad who passed away 4 years ago at the age of 97. My grandmother will turn 90 this year by the way. I visit her once or twice a year tops and to me she is as precious as all the diamonds in the world but sadly she refuses to leave her house in Corfu.

    That’s so sweet! Which book publishing processes are you going to outsource and which are you confident enough to undertake yourself?

    Being unemployed doesn’t allow me the luxury to employ professionals as much as I’d like to. Thankfully, my sister in law is a graphics designer and she makes the covers for my books free of charge. Also, I am very grateful for the precious feedback I have received from my beta readers on The Ebb.  I intend to polish the novel with a lot of dedication and care and hopefully, if I can’t afford an editor, the result will be satisfactory enough. I will probably have it formatted professionally though. I use Streetlight Graphics who are amazing. You actually feel like they care about your book as they work on it. Their prices are very sensible and their instructions for uploading the book are very detailed.

    Your blog is Effosyni’s Blog.Do you blog according to a specific branding idea, or will you also write about something that might catch your fancy?

    As my books are set in Greece, I see my country and anything about it as part of my branding. In this sense, among other things, I blog about my travels, Greek culture, customs and also Greek cuisine. I recently blogged for example about the unique Easter celebrations in Corfu and also showed my readers how to dye Easter eggs with organic ingredients. Other than anything Greek, I also blog about my writing, I offer tips for authors and often present other writers and their books.

    Lots to entice the reader there! Do you have any marketing tips or favorite promotional sites you’d like to share?

    I have lots! Let’s see: Animoto is a great free site for making 30 second book trailers. Socialoomph is the best site I’ve come across for scheduling tweets so that you can have a presence on Twitter every hour. There are numerous sites to list free books but I believe in the people behind the sites. The most helpful and professional services I have received came from Indie Author Land, EbookSoda, Choosy Bookworm and PeopleReads. To increase traffic to your blog, it makes sense to use a book tour organizer. I recommend Fabulosity Reads who commit to supporting their bloggers and offer great giveaways too. Last, if you want your marketing to work, be courteous and pay it forward. Don’t be competitive. Being part of the indie community is not a competition – think of it as a group hike. The more helpful, sincere and open you grow towards others as you go, the closer you are getting to success.

    Great suggestions! Thank you for sharing! Is fantasy/paranormal the genres you will brand yourself with or do you see yourself branching out in the future?

    I believe that an emerging writer should experiment and not stick to one genre. If you don’t try several ones, how do you know which one you are best on? I intend to have a go at children’s fiction and chick lit next, maybe a thriller later on too. I think this process keeps the writer on his toes and sufficiently mystified. I love exploring the new. Sticking to one genre would bore me stiff sooner or later – I know that for sure.

    Would you like to share with us links where we can find you and your work?

    Blog: http://www.effrosinimoss.wordpress.com

    FB Book page: https://www.facebook.com/Necklaceathena

    FB Book page: https://www.facebook.com/ladyofpier

    FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/authoreffrosyni

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/frostiemoss

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7362780.Effrosyni_Moschoudi

    Google + : https://plus.google.com/+EffrosyniMoschoudi

    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/effrosyni-moschoudi/82/347/a01

    Links for The Necklace of Goddess Athena

    Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5GXHCO

    Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I5GXHCO

    Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHJcVuAkRV4

    Free excerpt download: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18718161-the-necklace-of-goddess-athena

    Thank you, Effrosyni, and best of luck with the sequel of The Lady of the Pier!

    Thank you very much for having me Maria. It’s been a pleasure!

     

  • The Perfect Spirit by Traci Hayden

    Traci Hayden’s debut novel will be available on Amazon on May 15. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to follow:

    Synopsis
    Twenty-year-old writer, Vanessa Fortney, has travelled the world, living life to the fullest. When she comes home due to the unexpected death of her only blood relatives, she only has one regret; never finding love that triumphs over all others. 
     
    In a beautiful valley in the Rocky Mountains, Nessa finds herself wondering about a mysterious stranger who saved her after a nearly disastrous car accident. The mystery that surrounds Daniel is quickly replaced by the increasing attraction Nessa feels for him.
     

    Will she find that love that transcends all love or will tragedy keep them apart?


    Excerpt
     
    Nessa’s body melted as his deep and lusty French accent washed over her, penetrating her deepest fantasies. “My name is…”
     
    “Vanessa. I know,”he answered. He stepped forward, pulling a gloved hand out from within his
    coat. “My name’s Daniel.”
    Nessa assumed that, since the town on the edge of the valley had a small gathering, her presence had been known within a few hours of her arrival. She looked down at his extended hand and contemplated taking it. When they touched, it was to be final. Her whispering dreams of him would become real. All her fleeting thoughts of him would be physical.
     
    Her drive to be captivated by him drove her tiny hand into his. A chill travelled down her arm as she realized how cold his hand was even through the leather glove. However, her hospitality and caring nature won out over everything else she was feeling.

    “Come     to the house. Sit by the fire and warm up. I’m sure Richard and Sylvia would like to thank you also.” Secretly, she wanted to keep him close to her.
     
    “I’m sorry, but I must decline.” His voice held a layer of regret. “I’m not comfortable around people. I’ve been alone for a long time.”
     
    Nessa bowed her head, hiding her disappointment. “Maybe we could just sit and talk for a bit then.”
     
    Daniel’s hand came to rest on her cheek. His thumb under her chin, tilted her face up till his beautiful eyes met hers again. “As much as I would love to…” He looked towards the horizon, the sun barely visible as it set, “I must leave.”
     
    The pang of disappointment stabbed Nessa’s heart as the profound sadness tore through her. She nodded, holding herself together. “I understand.”
     
    Daniel leaned in, breathing in her scent. “I missed this.” Nessa’s body reacted involuntarily. She reached up on her toes and brushed her cheek against his clean shaven face. The fragrance of jasmine and lavender imprinted in her mind.
     
    “Missed what?” Nessa asked, already knowing the answer, but relishing in the sound of his deep voice.
     
    “Your smell.” He whispered, leaning his face closer to hers. “I haven’t
    smelled the incense of lilacs in far too long.”
     
    The heat of her blush flamed bright against her skin. She needed to see
    him again. “Daniel…” His name tasted sweet on her lips, “…when can I see you again?”
     
    “Very soon, ma belle.” He breathed into her ear. “For now, remember me in your dreams.”
    About the Author

    Traci Hayden is a proud mother of four beautiful girls and one adorable graddaughter. She has always had a passion for reading, but recently the obsession for writing has taken over. As a Nova Scotian native now living in British Columbia, Traci has travelled across Canada, fuelling her imagination from coast to coast. Along with two dogs and one cat, Traci’s home is shared with her partner of 16 years. He is her rock and constant support. Traci loves all genres of writing, but currently is exploring the world of romance.


    Designer
    Links (Kari March)
     
    Author
    Links
    Coming
    May
    15, 2014