Beyond the Mind Maze

Category: Authors

  • The Lady of the Pier – The Ebb by Effrosyni Moschoudi (ABNA Q-Finalist)


    LOVE WILL GO ON FOREVER, SEEKING A SECOND CHANCE.

     

    BRIGHTON, 1937
    Laura Mayfield leaves London with her mother Ruth in order to pursue a new life in Brighton. She finds employment at the West
    Pier Pavilion and soon falls in love with Christian Searle, one of the stagehands at the theatre. Laura aspires to a life of riches but this annoys and frightens the proud and insecure Christian, causing rows between them. When she is offered the chance to perform at the theatre, her love for Christian is put to the ultimate test. Charles Willard, a wealthy and arrogant aristocrat becomes fascinated by her and pursues her relentlessly, causing Christian to become enraged. Will Laura’s desire for wealth throw her in the arms of Charles or will her feelings for Christian prevail?

     

    CORFU, 1987
    Sofia Aspioti, a Greek student from Athens, arrives in Corfu for her annual summer holidays at her grandparents’ house, relieved to escape her overprotective parents’ care for a while. She takes on a job at the local water sports pier and when Danny Markson, a larger-than-life British tourist flirts with her, she is initially worried that his advances will cause her trouble with her strict family. Yet, by the time she realises that she’s desperately in love, she finds she no longer cares. When Danny returns home to a village near Brighton, Sofia becomes haunted by a series of dreams about the West Pier and a woman dressed in black. As if cast by a spell, she takes to writing poems about a love that won’t let go. Who is the grieving woman in her dreams and how is her sorrow related to her own feelings for Danny?

    My Review

    After reading the enchanting fantasy tale of The Necklace of Goddess Athena, I marked this author as one whose books I won’t miss. The fact that this second attempt of Effrosyni Moschoudi cleared the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest is a further testament to the writer’s talent.

    Emancipated Laura finds love and her star shines brightly in Brighton in the ‘30s. Insecure Sophia finds love and a modicum of independence from her overbearing parents in Corfu in the ‘80s. Different places, different eras. But what binds the two girls in a common fate? And who is the lady of the pier?

    As with Effrosyni’s previous book, I found myself immersed and mesmerized. The writer has an undisputed talent for creating vivid imagery through her amazing descriptive skills that managed to stay with me long after I’d put the book down. No, this was not one of the books that I speedread, needing to devour the story. Here, I needed to savor. I found myself rereading parts just to refuel a scene’s energy to keep it running in my mind longer, and I got withdrawal symptoms when I finally ended it.

    It’s not just the two enticing stories, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, the authenticity of the characters or the heart-warming dialogue; it’s what reigns over these. An inner glow, an inherent purity that emanates from the pages to create a sense of completeness, like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.

    I’m so glad I’ll get to live the dream again in the book’s sequel, The Lady of the Pier—The Flow!

    Highly recommended!

    For an exciting excerpt of The Lady of the Pier, head over to my complementary excerpts’ blog by clicking here.

    What other readers said about the book:
    (Excerpts from posted reviews on Amazon.com)
     
    “A passionate pearl”
     
    “Addictively mesmerizing”
     
    “I defy you to put this book down after the first chapter”
     
    “I got withdrawal symptoms when I ended it”
     
    “The writer has an undisputed talent for creating vivid imagery”
     
    “A fantastic read. This author has the ability to draw you into the story”
     
    “If you enjoy romance, take heed: The Ebb makes a perfect summer read!”
     
    “A heartfelt story drawing you in and not letting (you) go until the last page. Fantastic!”
     
    “The book has the same charm and nostalgic character as the Necklace of Goddess Athena, despite the genre difference. The author’s amazing descriptive talents shine throughout the book”
     
    “It’s not just the two enticing stories, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape,
    the authenticity of the characters or the heart-warming dialogue; it’s what reigns over these. An inner glow, an inherent purity that emanates from the pages to create a sense of completeness, like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.”

     

    Purchase Links for The Lady of the Pier-The Ebb

     

    BIO

    frosso pic1 (1)Effrosyni Moschoudi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She has a BSc in Computer Science and has worked for large companies for twenty years, mainly in the hotel and airline business. She’s been writing since childhood and lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with her husband Andy and a naughty cat called Felix. She’s passionate about books and movies and dedicates sufficient time on her weekends to enjoy a bit of both.

    Effrosyni’s debut novel, “The Necklace of Goddess Athena”, is a fantasy adventure of Greek myths and time travel that’s suitable for all ages. It’s been described as a “Rare Gem” by the Fantasy & Sci-fi Network and has reached Amazon’s #1 in Mythology and #2 in Fairy Tales. The novel also made the shortlist in 2014 for the “50 Best Self-Published Books Worth Reading” from Indie Author Land.
    Effrosyni’s second novel, “The Lady of the Pier – The Ebb”, follows the lives and loves of two young girls who’ve never met but are connected in a mysterious way. The novel is an ABNA quarter-finalist. It’s the first part of a paranormal romance that’s set in Brighton (England) in the 1930’s and in Corfu (Greece) in the 1980’s. Effrosyni is currently penning the second part of the series (“The Flow”), which she plans to publish in 2015.

    To write “The Lady of the Pier-The Ebb”, the author drew heavily on her experiences as a youngster, holidaying in her grandparents’ house during the summer months in the Corfiot village of Moraitika. To see pictures of the locales that inspired the story, visit this link to Effrosyni’s Blog: http://dld.bz/dmHQp
    In Goodreads.com, you will find downloadable free excerpts from both published novels by this author.

    On her blog, Effrosyni presents the works of fellow indie authors with spotlights, interviews, and book reviews. She also posts her own content of various subjects, such as travel articles, inspiring personal accounts, tips for authors, and even some Greek recipes.

    Connect with Effrosyni

    Purchase Links for The Necklace of Goddess Athena

     

  • Whitney Gracia Williams – WIP interview

    Update: Reasonable Doubt – Volume 3 is now out on Amazon! And here’s my Goodreads review.

    It’s the middle of the summer, the temperature is rising so I thought I’d raise it further by inviting a writer who brought scorching summer heat in early spring with her Reasonable Doubt erotic romance series. Back in March, I needed to cleanse my palate from a bunch of excellent but quite dark and serious books I’d reviewed, so I picked up the first episode of the series, Reasonable Doubt #1, and found myself reading something delectably decadent instead. Although the type of foul-mouthed anti-hero is not my cuppa, I loved how fleshed-out and genuine Andrew was but especially the feisty heroine who gave him a run for his money. (You can read my Goodreads review here.) Heeding the writer’s “call to action” to reviewers to connect, I emailed Whitney and, although the series was becoming a huge success (a New York Times bestseller), she not only responded to a fan but was willing to do an interview with me! My reaction wasn’t what you’d call mature; even my four-year old quirked a brow at my bouncing on the bed. So ladies (and gents, why not?) I present to you the amazing Whitney G!

    Hola readers! My name is Whitney G. and I am the author of the “Mid Life Love” series and the recent New York Times bestselling series “Reasonable Doubt.”

    Whitney, I’m in awe as, despite your busy schedule, you honored this little blog.  You recently published a very uplifting Facebook post where you wrote how after the mediocre reception of your first fiction efforts, you never thought that “thinking BIG” applied to you and then Reasonable Doubt happened. Sure, this one was an erotic romance, and this genre’s audience is known to turn what it likes viral, but hundreds get published each month! What was the golden recipe here?

    I honestly have no idea…I seriously did not expect Reasonable Doubt to do as well as it’s done so far. I wanted to use it as a way to improve my writing before I finished my current WIP. I was happy with the small success I’d attained before Reasonable Doubt came along, and I’d told myself that one day “bigger success” could happen to me and one of my books. (Yearsss down the line, of course…) But, since I was struggling with the aforementioned WIP, I decided to take a break and pen something short that would allow me to work on banter, scene building, and sexual tension. (I even had a post-it taped to my laptop that read, “If this is the last book you ever write, write it ten times better than anything you’ve written before…”) It definitely paid off, but I don’t know if there’s a “golden recipe” for a successful book. (Trust me, if I find it, I’ll report back and give it away to everyone *smiley face*)

    You do that!! Also I now know how I will promote this interview. “How writer’s block can make you a best-selling author!” Before we talk about your WIP, why don’t you tell us a few things about yourself?  

    Hmmm. Let’s make a list: 1) I have a serious addiction to candy and Starbucks. 2) I curse a lot more than I should. 3) I have a tendency to “fall off the face of the earth” (i.e. avoid social media) whenever I’m deep into a project. 4) Have I mentioned the Starbucks addiction already? 5) When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading an indie book, stalking John Grisham (and Beyonce), or staring into space…

    What are you working on right now?

    Reasonable Doubt 3… You know what’s crazy? I’d originally planned to have the whole series out in April. What the hell was I thinking back then?

    And you suffered serious backlash! I couldn’t believe the angry comments about how you didn’t make the dates you had initially announced. Thankfully, compared to the love you got, those were a drop in the bucket. So, are you happy with the pace of your work? Do you aim at a specific word count each day?

    No, I’m never happy with the pacing of my work. I always want to do more or write faster, but I think that’s a good thing. I never want to feel content. As far as a daily word count goes, most definitely. I aim for five to seven thousand a day.

    Plotter, pantser or both?

    BOTH! I change my mind too many times to stick to an outline, but I *have* to know the ending of a story before I can even begin.

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

    Myself, of course.

    Have you ever experienced lack of inspiration or drive to write? If so, how do you motivate yourself?

    Absolutely. All the time. There are days when I don’t *feel* like writing, days when I’d much rather stay in bed and watch Netflix. However, I think about where I want to be ten years from now and that always makes me get up and get to work.

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

    I’ve attached it. I wake up every morning and write at Starbucks.

    Wow! If these chairs get occupied, it means you’re writing in serious company! 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?

    Not really, but I always read Joan Didion’s “Goodbye to All That” essay before I begin any WIP. She’s one of the best writers in the world, and simply reading a small snippet of her magic inspires me like no other.

    That one goes at the top of my TBR list. How do you intend to celebrate writing “The End” on your draft?

    I’m going to take one, huge EPIC nap!

    Which book publishing processes are you going to outsource and which are you confident enough to undertake yourself?

    I now outsource everything (book covers, formatting, graphics, etc.), but at one point in time I was doing everything myself because I was nervous about handing over the reins to someone else…

    Do you have any marketing tips or favorite promotional sites you’d like to share?

    I have marketing tips for DAYS, but in a nutshell I’d like to say that authors should treat their books like movies. You should be promoting long before the book comes out. There’s a reason why Hollywood invests so much in advertising. They want people to know all about their movies before they come out and they want as many people as possible to watch and enjoy them opening week. Promotional sites I’ve used are Bookbub, E-reader News Today, and I’ll be starting my own writer’s blog soon to share even more. (It’s going to be called “The Delusional Indie Author” and it’ll launch late summer)

    Can’t wait to follow that blog! Is erotic romance the genre you will brand yourself with from now on or do you see yourself branching out in the future?

    Definitely not branding myself at all. LOL. Although, I do have a standalone erotic romance coming out later this year. I’m still trying to find myself as an author and I want to explore more genres.

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

    Sure! When I’m not hiding from the world, I can be found here: whitneygracia.com, and if you want to find my books, you can find them all here: http://www.amazon.com/Whitney-Gracia-Williams/e/B0054OUT30/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

    Thank you, Whitney, and best of luck with with Reasonable Doubt #3! I can’t wait to find out what made Andrew turn into a hardcore cynic, and how he will turn things around after the mess he’s made with Aubrey!! (Update: I did and it explains so much! Great way to end this fun-tastic story!)

     

  • Black Rook by Kelly Meade (Spotlight)

    Here’s a brief language and cultural lesson: Loup is French for wolf, and garou (from Frankish garulf, cognate with English werewolf) is a man who transforms into an animal. In the Cajun legends, the creature is said to prowl the swamps around Acadiana and Greater New Orleans, and possibly the fields or forests of the regions. Source: Wikipedia

    Intrigued? Brought to you by Rabid PR, this paranormal romance is guaranteed to spike your interest and set your pulse racing! Read more about this first installment of the Cornerstone Run Trilogy, and if you want to read the full first chapter, head over to my excerpts’ blog by clicking right here.

    Black Rook, Cornerstone Run Trilogy #1

    By Kelly Meade

    Available July 15th from Intermix

    ISBN 9780698165441

    Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Penguin | BAM

    GoodReads

    Blurb

    She never saw this coming… 

    Brynn Atwood is a low-level Magus whose unpredictable precognitive powers have made her an outcast among her people—and an embarrassment to her highly-regarded father. After a frightening vision in which her father is murdered by a loup garou man, Brynn decides to prove herself by finding the killer, and stopping them at any cost.

    Her target is Rook McQueen, the son of a small-town loup garou Alpha. Despite being the youngest of three, Rook is first in line to inherit the role of Alpha, a duty he isn’t sure he’s capable of fulfilling. When Brynn finally meets Rook, she doesn’t expect the attraction that draws her to him—and him to her.

    No longer believing him a murderer, Brynn and Rook strike an alliance to find her father’s real killer. But when his older brother is targeted by an unknown enemy, Rook will have to choose between his growing feelings for Brynn and his duty as the future Alpha of his community.

    Cornerstone Run is a paranormal romance trilogy, set in a world of hidden loup garou, their mystical Magi enemies, and the occasional vampire. The small, reclusive town of Cornerstone, Pennsylvania, houses an almost entirely loup garou population—one of only thirteen towns around the country that serve as a sanctuary for their nonhuman inhabitants, where the loup garou are free to be themselves. When a neighboring sanctuary town is attacked by a vicious, unknown enemy, the three sons of Cornerstone’s Alpha must stand together to protect their people—and the women who steal their hearts.

    Cornerstone Run Trilogy:

    Black Rook: July 15, 2014 – http://amzn.com/B00I8R61LY

    Gray Bishop: October 21, 2014 – http://amzn.com/B00I8RB1WS

    White Knight: January 1, 2015 – http://amzn.com/B00I8RB100

    Author Bio

    Raised on a steady diet of Star Wars, Freddy Krueger and “Fear Street” novels, Kelly Meade developed a love for all things paranormal at a very young age. The stealthy adolescent theft of a tattered paperback from her grandmother’s collection of Harlequins sparked an interest in romance that has continued to this day.

    Black Rook is the first novel in her Cornerstone Run series, a paranormal romance trilogy from Berkley Intermix that also includes Gray Bishop and White Knight. It follows three loup garou brothers who will do anything to protect their town, their family, and the secret of their existence—and maybe fall in love in the process.

    Writing as Kelly Meding, Three Days to Dead is the first book in her Dreg City urban fantasy series. The series follows Evangeline Stone, a paranormal hunter who is resurrected into the body of a stranger and has only three days to solve her own murder and stop a war between the city’s goblins and vampires. Additional books in the series, As Lie the Dead, Another Kind of Dead, and Wrong Side of Dead, are available in both digital format and mass market paperback from Bantam. Book five, Requiem for the Dead, is available digitally through all platforms.

    Trance begins the story of the grown-up children of the world’s slaughtered superheroes who receive their superpowers back after a mysterious fifteen-year absence, and who now face not only a fearful public, but also a vengeful villain who wants all of them dead. Trance and Changeling are available now in both digital format and mass market paperback from Pocket Books. Tempest and Chimera are available in digital format only via Pocket Star. All four MetaWars books can also be purchased as a digital bundle.

    LINKS

    Website: http://www.kellymeding.com

    Blog: http://chaostitan.blogspot.com

    Twitter: http://twitter.com/KellyMeding

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Meding/84164375745

    Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kellymeding

    Tumblr: http://kellymeade.tumblr.com

     

     

  • Strong voice, rich emotion: Struggles of the Women Folk by T.M. Brown (review)

    Genres: African American fiction, historical fiction, women’s issues.
    Themes: family dynamics, romance, perseverance

    My Review:

    This is the coming-of-age story of Georgie, a black woman growing up in rural Virginia in the 1940s. Striving to be good, all she wants is a peaceful life, but all she gets is pain. This becomes a suffocating pattern that she cannot seem to extricate herself from, and when she loses the one good thing in her life, again through deceit, she has no reason to live. But instead of letting go, she uses prayer as a balm to soothe her pain, and soon hope flourishes.

    In a society rife with prejudice, stereotypes and an unabashed display of racism, black women are continuously victimized; not least from their peers. That was an element of interest in this book. And as the title suggest, this story depicts the struggle of all women folk; not only black women. I’m Greek, and around the time Georgie was growing up, my grandmother was giving birth in the fields, child after child, knowing that not all children will survive, a fact that gave birth to “Death shall claim his share”. The cynicism with which their harsh reality armed those women was carried over to their own children—not their cherished sons but their daughters. Maybe it was a way to reinforce them, make them stronger to face their own struggles, but in reality what was reinforced was their lack of conviction in their self-worth, their eternal victimization.

    With a voice strong in its simplicity, T. M. Brown lays out a tale of deceit, betrayal and dark secrets and a young girl’s struggle to navigate in life through them. Although this is historical fiction, the message defies time and is still very relevant: perseverance and never losing hope.

    Even though it’s overwhelmingly harrowing at times, this is a must read.

    Get it now on:

    AMAZON

    SMASHWORDS

    BARNES AND NOBLE

    Excerpt

    “Morning country bumpkins,” she said, same as usual.

    “I don’t know why you have to be so rude to us every morning! What makes you think you so much better than us? How come we always gotta wait for you every morning? We workin in the same shop, doing the same stuff. Why you think you so much better than us?” I said as Miss Hazel and Sharon looked at me wide eyed.

    “Look at you! Need I say more?” Regina smirked.

    “No, you don’t need to say more, but I sure can. Like how you and Mr. Anderson been breaking dem springs on dat bed upstairs almost every night. Iz dat why you think you better than us? Cuz you up dere spreading your legs for dat white man?”

    “Shut up!”

    “No, you shut up! I don’t want to hear nothing else outta you! Not one more mornin! You just common! Messing round with somebody else’s husband foe a few nice dresses. I know your kind.” I didn’t know why I was so mad at her, but I just wanted to snap her head off.

    “Shut up! That’s a lie.”

    “No it ain’t. I hears yawl almost ever night.”

    “You just sayin that cuz you jealous.”

    “Jealous! Jealous of what? You ain’t got nothing I want! You mean, and ya nasty and common on top of it!”

    “Just say one more word and I’ll . . .”

    “You’ll what? Girrl, you really don’t want no parts of me. You take one more step and that’ll be your last! I’m sick of you!” Before I knew it, I was within arm’s reach of Regina. I had every intention of beating her down to the floor.

    “Okay girls, that’s enough,” Miss Hazel interrupted. “Regina and Sharon, why don’t you go back up to your rooms for a minute.”

    What? Why we gotta go? She’s the one causing problems,” Regina said as she began to make her way up the stairs. I guess she could see from the look on Miss Hazel’s face that she better not push it.

    “I’m sorry, Miss Hazel,” I said after they left. “I’m just tired of her picking on me and Sharon all the time. Plus I miss my momma, and . . . and I don’t feel good.”

    “I know it must be hard being so far away with no family around, child.” No one had called me child since I left my momma in Virginia. I missed her so much. I missed Donnie so much. I felt so lonely.

    “You know, everybody has a story. Things aren’t always as they seem,” Miss Hazel said. “Regina has a story to tell as well. That don’t make it right for her to act the way she been acting, but she’s had her troubles too.

    About The Author

    Internationally recognized story-teller with a past that provides lots of material to write from!

    *1st book, “A Life Not My Own”, kicks down the secret door that Tina had worked so hard to lock away her insecurities, heartache and fears.

    *5 STAR rated Just Between Us – Inspiring Stories by Women. TM’s short story is a continuation of “A Life Not My Own”, providing just a tad more about her life as a young adult (not captured in my first book). Expect the unexpected…

    *”Struggles of the Women Folk”, is based on fictional characters with a storyline created from stories that her grandmother shared with her as a child.

    *Military service: 7 years – Enlisted

    *Formal Education

    *Master of Science Degree in System Engineering – Regis University – Denver, Colorado

    *Undergraduate Degree in Psychology – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

    Visit http://author-tmbrown.com/ and tm.brown35@yahoo.com

    Get it now on:

    AMAZON

    SMASHWORDS

    BARNES AND NOBLE

     

    1fe55-fabreads-blogger-banner

     

    Fabulosity Reads Book Promotions is a book touring website that promotes authors and their precious works to an extensive audience using blogs, twitter, Facebook and other Social Media, with the aim of introducing them to an appreciative readership.

    They offer a diverse range of both complimentary and affordable products to help the reach of your book go that much further.

     

  • William Fraser – WIP Interview and writing African fantasy

    William Fraser’s stories are from the spice scented breezes of the Zanzibar archipelago, the remote grasslands of the Serengeti and the dark side of Kilimanjaro.  His first novel, The Spirit Tree was inspired by a  yearlong stay on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  William worked and traveled through Southern Africa for eleven years before settling in Tanzania in 1999.  He now splits his time between Tanzania and the U.K.

    William, thank you for being here. Before we talk about your WIP, why don’t you tell us a few things about yourself?  

    I am never comfortable talking about myself and since childhood have hidden behind the characters I create for my stories.  I was born and raised in South Yorkshire and learned my love of travel and adventure at 28 when I visited South Africa for three weeks loving it so much I didn’t return home.  Eleven years later I moved to Tanzania where I worked for a safari ground operator and wrote about Tanzanian/Kenyan cultural tours which developed into writing stories set in East Africa

    Exercise in lean writing: give us a synopsis of your current WIP in under 200 words.

    It is Kilimanjaro,  the year 1800  and the King invites boys on the cusp of manhood to attend the annual Mbora Trails.  From the very beginning there is one boy, Nuhu, who stands out from the rest.  The King is convinced this Nuhu is the one foretold by the ancients who would restore ‘Upinde’,  the sacred drum, to its rightful place.

    Nuhu’s best friend, Minja, dies during one of the trials and he becomes concerned that other boys seem to be disappearing without explanation, too.  Nuhu investigates and discovers the Shaman – who has tapped into an ancient power that feeds on human souls  – is behind the disappearances.  Nuhu confides in the King who is murdered the following night .  Noah is framed for the murder and runs for his life.

    Heading for the grass plains and sanctuary with the Elders of Kikatiti, he is armed with a copper tipped spear, perused by his rival, Leopard and helped occasionally by his dead friend, Minja.  His only hope lays in outrunning his enemies and securing the help of the Elders of Kikatiti who are the keepers of the lost secret of the drum – the only means to overcoming the Shaman and the power of the Legion.

    Are you happy with the pace of your work? Do you aim at a specific word count each day? 

    I try.   It is important to be disciplined but it is difficult to accomplish as it is important to achieve.  I used to be obsessed with completing a set amount of work each day.  With my latest project I concentrate on getting it right.  This means I am working (in word count terms) at a much slower rate than I would like.

    Plotter, pantser or both?

    Plotter, well no, well sometimes . . . hmm, maybe both.

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

    Starting a new project I always find daunting but once I start, I go for it.  Towards the end of a draft sometimes doubt raises its ugly head.  Self doubt, is the enemy.

    Have you ever experienced lack of inspiration or drive to write? If so, how do you motivate yourself? 

    Yes,  all the time!  I overcome it by forcing myself to write, even if it’s uninspired drivel.  Often in these so called dry times some of my best ideas are hatched.  Or sometimes I cut myself off from the radio, TV, mobile phones, and internet.  I spend hours in self conflicted solitude, clearing my head of all the baggage.  I wrestle with silence and in the silence, eventually, the inspiration comes.

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

    I have two.  Walking along the cliffs on the North Devon coast and walking in Arusha, Tanzania.  My laptop and office are not inspiring at all!  If I find myself staring at the laptop mouth open and brain switched off I abandon my work space to think – only returning once I am bursting with ideas about my characters and/or plot.   

    Now your photo is pinned on my Featured Writers’ Workspace board in Pinterest. Apart from Word and Google, do you use any other writing or research tools and apps? 

    No,  is the easy answer.  Google is my friend, albeit a rather controlling friend with designs on world domination.  My stories are about the life and culture of Tanzania and the fantastic folk of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and the Rift Valley .These are better than any app.

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

    I usually have another project demanding my attention.  Often I have two or three on the go at the same time, all overlapping one another.  There never seems to be an end.

    Which book publishing processes are you going to outsource and which are you confident enough to undertake yourself? 

    I usually publish through Smashwords and Kindle although I am considering using an agent.  My editor has approached an agent so I may be published through a more traditional route in the future.

    You blog here. Do you follow a specific branding pattern with your posts or is it a free writing platform? 

    Although I am not comfortable with blogging I have a blog page.  It is more of a free writing platform – I am thinking about shutting it down.  The only reason I have it is because I am told it is a must to have one.  It is never a good idea to do something for which you have no heart or skill…   It is better, for me, I think to blog through third party sites that are far more interesting and professional than anything I could create.  It takes up so much time too.  I’d rather spend the time writing stories.

    Is African fantasy the genre you will brand yourself with or do you see yourself branching out in the future?  

    I am passionate about everything East African and love to share that love with anyone who will listen.  I can’t see me branching out for a while.

    Thank you, William, and best of luck with your projects!

    You can purchase The Spirit Tree on Amazon and Smashwords

  • One, Two, Three… by Elodie Nowodazkij (Book Blitz)

     

    Shattered dreams and learning to love especially one’s own self is what the story of One, Two, Three… by Elodie Nowodazkij brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours delivers. Scroll down for “Choosing my own magic” a guest post by Elodie, an interview and fun facts where the author talks about being French, living in Germany and writing in English, and don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway (US & Canada only) to win goodies!

     

    Book & Author Details:
    One, Two, Three… by Elodie Nowodazkij
    Publication date: June 26th 2014
    Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

     

    Synopsis:

    When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.

    Last year, Natalya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

    But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

    At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present, and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.

    But when upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

    Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20656288-one-two-three?ac=1

    Purchase Links:
    —B&N
    —iTunes
    —Kobo
    —-
     
    AUTHOR BIO

    Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she’d never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master’s degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Germany with her husband and their cat (who doesn’t seem to realize he’s not human), and uses her commuting time to write the stories swirling in her head. She’s also a serial smiley user.

    Author links:

    Newsletter: Sign up here

     

    Guest post – Choosing my own magic

    ONE, TWO, THREE isn’t the first book I wrote but it’s the first one I felt like I wanted to share with the world (scary) and that was getting so many lovely reviews by the ones who read it. I got very close to getting picked up by a literary agent several times, I received great feedback from beta readers, critique partners and through contests but…the magic door stayed close. In the past months, I read a lot of books that I know would do so well with readers but for x or y reason haven´t hit the shelves yet. That´s when I realized that I could choose my own magic.

    That doesn’t mean I didn’t have to work hard on my book, or that it didn’t have to go through several editing rounds, copy editing, proofreading…That doesn’t mean I am guaranteed for my book to do well.

    It would be a lie to say I´m not scared because I totally am. People are going to read my book(s). People are not going to read my book(s). People may hate my characters. Others may love them.

    But mainly I´m excited. And happy. And looking forward.

    Yep, lots of emotions. Luckily I have a very patient and supportive husband 🙂

    I cannot wait for you all to get to know Antonio and Natalya!

    Four questions to Elodie Nowodazki

    1.  You’re French and live in Germany…but you write in English. How come?

    I lived in the United States, in Maryland, for quite a few years, first as an “au pair” and then as a university student. I’m a proud Retriever and a proud Terps J, having received a BA from the University of Maryland at Baltimore County and my first Master’s from the University of Maryland at College Park. Writing in English just seems to be more “natural” for me. But maybe one day, I’ll write a novel in French too.

    2.  What was your inspiration for ONE, TWO, THREE?

    I used to love dancing ballet as a kid, and I won a writing contest to go see the Opera de Paris. We saw the dancers train, it was magical. Those moments stayed with me.

    Then, one day, I was talking about the movie Center Stage on Twitter and Natalya’s voice came into my head. At first, all I knew was that she was seventeen and an accident had killed her hope of becoming a professional ballerina…The accident turned into a car crash that also took her father’s life.

    Natalya’s voice was sad and broken, but full of want.

    From there on, it became her story.

    3.  The family from Natalya, the main character in your novel, originally comes from Russia. How did you do your research?

    The name of my main character was actually inspired from my mother-in-law, who moved to Germany from Russia about 20 years ago. My husband, who was born in the Ukraine, still speaks Russian with her, and I learned a lot from them. His family is the one who taught me there’s a Russian proverb for every situation, and some of Natalya’s favorite food is also mine.

    4.  Can we expect more books to come with Natalya & Tonio?

    Yes. But I’m not planning a sequel. There will be at least two companion novels to One, Two, Three. The first one will be published in November 2014. It will focus on Emilia, Nata’s friend at the School of Performing Arts. It’s entitled ALWAYS SECOND BEST, and you can already find it on Goodreads. The second companion novel will be focusing on Becca, Nata’s best friend. Publication will be in early 2015.

    Little facts about One, Two, Three & Elodie Nowodazkij

    1. Little fact: I wrote this book (mostly in the train) in 6 months back in 2012. And it has gone through several revisions since.
    2. Little fact: Like Natalya, I love pelmeni – but my favorite Russian dish is stuffed blinchiki (mostly with mushroom and mashed potatoes) yum!
    3. Little fact: I got the inspiration of my main character’s name – Natalya – from my mother-in-law
    4. Little fact: Like Natalya’s father, my favorite composer is Chopin.
    5. Little fact: My book is officially coming out on June 26th 2014 because it’s my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary
    Blitz-wide giveaway
    Open to US/CAN – Ends July 8th
    -1 signed copy + $50 to either Amazon or B&N + $25 donation to the literacy project of their choice in donor.org

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Just Another Maniac Monday by Jennie Marts (Blog Tour)

    Just Another Manic Monday

    Who said that the sight of a man making a woman’s pulse race is age specific? Meet Edna who might be way past her prime, but she can’t deny the effect John has on her although he was supposed to be dead for decades and comes back threatening more than her heart. This blog tour is brought to you by the fabulous Wendy Ewurum and Fabulosity Reads Book Promotion.

    Book Synopsis

    Is finding your long-lost love worth losing your life?

    Edna Allen’s Monday goes from mundane to murderous when she opens the front door to find the love of her life standing there. A man she thought had died years ago… after being accused of murder.

    John Collins is back, bringing with him a charming smile, a dog named Havoc, a second chance at love…and a threat of death. Danger surrounds this former bad-boy, and even after a lifetime apart, he still ignites a spark in Edna. A spark she thought she’d buried decades earlier.

    As Edna relives their summer romance, where more than the weather was hot and steamy, she falls in love all over again and evokes memories filled with drama, passion, action, and murder. Now these soul-mates must face the truth about what happened in the past and find the killer hunting them in the present. And Edna, with her sarcastic wit, a pocket stun-gun, and a few hare-brained schemes, is ready to fight for the man who still makes her pulse race.

    But does she dare risk her heart again to now protect the man whom she couldn’t save back then?

    —————————————————-

    A Word From The Author

    Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog today! I am excited to introduce you to the Page Turners Book Club.

     

    I write romantic comedy and my series is set in the small town of Pleasant Valley, Colorado. It’s centered around a wonderful group of women in a book club. The women range from their teen years to their eighties and each book features a different woman and her story.

     

    Every book has romance, friendship and mystery because in Pleasant Valley, dating can be deadly. These women are easy to fall in love with as they search for romance and clues while eating really great desserts!

     

    Just Another Maniac Monday- Book 3 in the Page Turners series released this week. It’s Edna’s story and this character is a funny, sassy eighty-year-old who considers herself an expert on murder due to her extensive knowledge of CSI and crime-show television episodes. She gets the surprise of her life when her Monday morning game shows are interrupted by the arrival of John Collins, the love of her life…a man she thought had died years ago after being accused of murder.

     

    John Collins is back, bringing with him a charming smile, a dog named Havoc, a second chance at love…and a threat of death. Danger surrounds this former bad-boy, and even after a lifetime apart, he still ignites a spark in Edna. A spark she thought she’d buried decades earlier.

     

    This book flashes back to the sultry summer of 1955 as Edna tells the love story of her and Johnny and more than the weather gets hot and steamy. But the past has a way of catching up to you and a deadly threat has followed John to Edna’s door. Edna, with her sarcastic wit, a pocket stun-gun, and a few hare-brained schemes, is ready to fight for the man who still makes her pulse race.

     

    Falling in love all over again, Edna must choose to risk it all to save the man she loves. But is finding your long lost love worth losing your life?

     

    You can find Just Another Maniac Monday and all of the Page Turners books on Amazon:
    I am so excited to share an Edna’s story with you.

    —————————————————-

    Profile Pic Reading book -croppedJennie Marts loves to make readers laugh as she weaves stories filled with love, friendship and intrigue. She writes for Entangled Publishing and is the Kindle Bestselling author of the Page Turners series, which includes the romantic comedies: Another Saturday Night & I Ain’t Got No Body, Easy Like Sunday Mourning, and Just Another Maniac Monday. Reviewers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and full of great characters that are “endearing and relatable.” She writes from the mountains of Colorado where she lives with her husband, two sons, a golden retriever named Cooper and a Sheltie puppy named Maggie. Jennie enjoys being a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Colorado Indie Authors, and Pikes Peak Writers. Jennie is addicted to Diet Coke and adores Cheetos. She loves playing volleyball and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes or friends. Jennie loves to hear from readers.

    Follow her on:

    Fabulosity Reads Book Promotions is a book touring website that promotes authors and their precious works to an extensive audience using blogs, twitter, Facebook and other Social Media, with the aim of introducing them to an appreciative readership.
    They offer a diverse range of both complimentary and affordable products to help the reach of your book go that much further.

  • Taming the Country Star by Margo Bond Collins (Blog Tour)

    Glitter-and-guitar

    Another offering, this time in the romance category, brought to you by the fabulous Wendy Ewurum and Fabulosity Reads Book Tours. Check it out!

    Blurb:

    He’ll do anything to win her heart. She’ll do anything to keep him away.

     

    Country star Cole Grayson is in town, and Kylie Andrews is less than thrilled. As if months of changing the radio station and tearing down his posters weren’t bad enough, now she has to deal with a town of fans swarming toward the man who deceived her the year before. But when Kylie’s eyes meet Cole’s again, she can’t deny the electric chemistry that drew her to him the first time around.

    Cole Grayson is on a mission. Ever since Kylie left him, he hasn’t been able to forget her sweet country smile. After writing a song just for her, he sets off for her hometown to prove he’s not the player she thinks he is. But as much as Cole can’t forget her, Kylie wonders if she can forgive him…

    ______________________________

     

    TamingtheCountryStar

    Excerpt:

    Kylie Andrews’s Texas-themed gift shop, Cowbelles, sat on the very outer edge of Fort Worth’s Stockyards District, not far from Jimmy’s Honky Tonk. And much to her dismay, no matter how often she cleared it, the wall adjacent to her store remained covered with announcements for local events.

    Like, for example, concerts.

    She stared at the latest layer of advertisements.

    From the topmost poster, Cole Grayson stared out at her, leaning against the edge of an old barn door, guitar at his feet. One booted foot was kicked up against the wooden wall behind him. His dark-blond hair curled around behind one ear and fell down across his eye on the other side. A cowboy hat rested on the ground next to the guitar.

    Her hand drifted up toward the image, hovering several inches from the picture of his face. She glanced around. None of the other shopkeepers were outside. No one was watching.

    “Bastard,” she whispered to herself, and ripped the poster off the wall.

    At least, she tried to. It was thicker than she had expected, attached more firmly, and it resisted her pull.

    Chewing on her lip, she took another look around, dropped her bag to the ground, and reached up to grasp the edge with both fists, jerking at it in opposite directions. A tiny tear opened up along the side, and she yanked harder. Finally, the poster ripped—right across Cole Grayson’s lying eyes.

    She tugged at the image some more, glancing around surreptitiously every few moments and dropping ragged pieces of paper on the ground at her feet, until there was nothing left on the wall but a few fluttering strips.

    Gathering the mutilated shreds together, she opened her bag and shoved them inside until they overflowed, bright ribbons of color in the morning light.

    ______________________________

    About the Author

    Margo Bond Collins is the author of contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal mysteries. She has published a number of novels, including Taming the Country Star, Legally Undead, Waking Up Dead, and Fairy, Texas. She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets. Although writing fiction is her first love, she also teaches college-level English courses online. She enjoys reading romance and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, monsters, cowboys, and villains, and the strong women who love them. She currently writes for Entangled’s Red-Hot Bliss line.

     

    ______________________________

    Glitter-and-guitar

    Connect with Margo

    Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins

    Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

    Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.net

    Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin

    Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902

    Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy

    Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins

    Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

  • Elle Boca: WIP Interview

    Elle Boca is the author of the Weeia urban fantasy series set in Miami, Florida in the United States. Unelmoija: The Dreamshifter (read my 5-star review here) and Unelmoija: The Mindshifter, the first and second books of the series respectively, are available as ebooks on Amazon.com. Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter will soon follow.

    Elle has been kind enough to offer an exciting excerpt of The Dreamshifter, the first book in the series, for my excerpts’ blog MM Jaye’s friends write. Make sure you read it here.

     

    Elle, thank you for coming.  Before we talk about your WIP, why don’t you tell us a few things about yourself?  

    When not writing and creating fantastical beings I like nature and wildlife photography, cookies, movies, and dreaming of going on safari.

     

    What are you working on right now?

    I’m wrapping up Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter, the third book in the Weeia urban fantasy series. I’ve completed the initial manuscript draft. Next, I’ll read, edit, and reread it before sending it out to beta readers.

    In book three of the Weeia series, Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter, Amy’s courage is tested once again. Her boyfriend Duncan and the Youth for Change leaders want to find out why young Weeia have no abilities. Should Amy get involved? Is it the right thing to do?

    They decide to bring Weeia youth to Miami so Amy can try to amplify their abilities without revealing her identity. Behind the scenes, powerful forces oppose her. Will Duncan, her sister Kat and their friends be able to protect her?

    Are you happy with the pace of your work? Do you aim at a specific word count each day?

    I focus on telling the story. Some days I write a lot and others not as much. While I track word count from a big picture perspective, what I’m most interested in is telling an engaging story the best way I can.

    Plotter, pantser or both?

    Both, first I outlined the series and the individual books. As the story unfolds things develop in unexpected ways and I adapt as necessary. I’ll be writing Amy’s dialog (or another character’s) and realize that she would say or think things one way and that requires a change in direction.

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

    Time. My quality writing (and proofing) time is limited. I have to take advantage of it whenever it’s available and do the best that I can from there.

    Have you ever experienced lack of inspiration or drive to write? If so, how do you motivate yourself?

    Once I have the story outlined it’s pretty much steady writing although there are places that require me to slow down to think through a plot point. If I need a break I take it. I strive to write daily.

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

    The image is of a beautiful Miami for purposes of the Weeia series (greater South Florida) waterfront location at sunset. I look at photos like this one to inspire me.

    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 refer to two online dictionaries on a regular basis. I also refer to maps and research setting details online.

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

    I celebrate individual victories whenever possible. For Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter, I celebrated with a glass of sparkling wine and a wonderful fish dinner.

    Add Florida as the setting, and it’s a celebration I’d dream of myself! Which book publishing processes are you going to outsource and which are you confident enough to undertake yourself?

    I rely on beta readers for big picture plot and character issues. Also, I get help with editing and the book covers. The list of readers, reviewers and colleagues who have shared their time, words of wisdom, time and space on their own websites (such as you) is long. To all of you I say a heartfelt thank you!

    You are very welcome! Do you have any marketing tips or favorite promotional sites you’d like to share?

    I rely mostly on Amazon, Goodreads and my landing page at http://elleboca.poyeen.com/ as well as reviews, author features from friendly colleagues and Twitter.

    Is urban fantasy the genre you will brand yourself with or do you see yourself branching out in the future?

    Until I finish the Weeia series I’ll focus on urban fantasy. After that, there’s an unfinished mystery I hope to complete.

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

    Website:

    http://elleboca.poyeen.com/

    Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/elleboca

    Amazon author page:

    http://www.amazon.com/Elle-Boca/e/B00HRCBEYK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

    Goodreads:

    http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7499807.Elle_Boca?from_search=true

    Thank you, Elle, and best of luck with the Weeia Unelmoija fantasy series!

    Thank you, Maria for your time and interest!

     

  • HOT BOX: 8 Thrillers from 8 Bestselling Authors

    If you want to raise the summer temperature even more, try out these sizzling nail-biters for $0.99 brought to you by the fabulous Wendy Ewurum of Fabulosity Reads Book Tours!

    The Hot Box Set with Karen Perkins

    Sizzling Thriller Hot Box Release: Get Yours Today

    8 Sizzling Thrillers From 8 Best-Selling Authors

    Get Yours Today

    Amazon

    Smashwords (99c)

    Good Reads:

    Steven Bannister – Fade to Black

    John Paul Davis – The Cortes Enigma
    C R Hiatt – Sanctioned Kill
    David Leadbeater – The Razor’s Edge
    Andy Lucas – Race Amazon
    Karen Perkins – Dead Reckoning
    C K Raggio – Heron Park
    Mike Wells – Wild Child

    Steven Bannister – Fade to Black
    Allie St Clair is young and brilliant and today she’s been promoted to Detective Chief Inspector at New Scotland Yard. But the time for celebration is short. Something is wrong in rain-swept London. Very wrong.

    John Paul Davis – The Cortes Enigma
    1581: It appeared in the west as the sun was setting, a distant silhouette like a fire on the water. Twelve hours later it appeared again, this time much closer to the mainland . . . Who was on board or where they came from remained a mystery . . . No trace of the vessel was ever found . . .

    C R Hiatt – Sanctioned Kill
    Destined for Danger. Sanctioned to Kill.

    David Leadbeater – The Razor’s Edge
    Trent, Silk and Radford are the Razor’s Edge and the best spy team in the business – until the government they toiled, served and bled for, disavowed them.

    Andy Lucas – Race Amazon
    James Pace, ex-RAF helicopter pilot and amateur cameraman, is still trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life when a child’s bullet nearly kills him.

    Karen Perkins – Dead Reckoning
    A historical adventure of piracy, love and revenge in the Caribbean in the seventeenth century.

    C K Raggio – Heron Park
    A small Long Island town erupts in a panic when a woman and her dog are found savagely murdered on a popular hiking trail.

    Mike Wells – Wild Child
    A fast, suspenseful thriller with an ending that you’ll never see coming.

     

    Large Hot Box - cover - lr

    Get it today:

    Amazon
    Smashwords (99c)

    Good Reads: