November 29, 2013

Black Friday Deals

Some great Black Friday deals and fun to share with you today.

Chasing Memories is FREE on Amazon Kindle today through 12/1/13.


Thanks to the lovely Gin at Gin's Book Notes for the graphic... she's a gift to authors and readers. Truly. Check out her site.

A great series by the amazing Jo Michaels is on sale, with the first two in the series FREE, until 12/3. Don't miss out--you get the entire 5-book series for $2.97! Crazy good! Find out more here.


Want a chance to win one of FOUR $50 Amazon cards? Enter below. Also, please come to the Facebook party TODAY (11/29/13) here.

This event was organized by the lovely Laura Howard. Her book, The Forgotten Ones, is FREE today on Amazon Kindle as well, so grab a copy here. Find out more information here.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are so many great deals today, but I couldn't list them all here. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more!

November 27, 2013

Grateful to be a Winner & a Gift: ROW80 & NaNo Updates

Monday night, at 10pm West Coast time, I did it. I passed 50K.


I needed to write a bit more to wrap things up, but I couldn't help but validate and official be declared a winner. I nailed the last few words yesterday. Next week, the editing begins.

I'm so grateful. November is not the month I would pick for writing a novel, with the holidays looming and general end-of-year anxiousness. But I've written a book the last two years, so something about it must work for me.

I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I get from my writing community. At this time of thanksgiving, I hope you all know how much you mean to me.

As a small way to say thank you, the eBook of Chasing Memories is FREE on Amazon today, November 27, through December 1.

I'd love some help spreading the word. I have some prewritten social media goodies below to make it easier.

For Facebook

I'm giving away my book as a Thanksgiving gift to you! A great #YoungAdult #paranormal read that will keep you riveted to the pages. http://amzn.to/1aUIOBd Grab yours while it's hot and★★ FREE ★★ Highly rated, over 20 reviews! 4.6 Stars! Happy Thanksgiving, all!! ~Tia

For Twitter

A Thanksgiving Sale Great #YA #Paranormal Read http://amzn.to/1aUIOBd #FREE on #Kindle 4.6 of 5 stars 20+ reviews! Pls RT!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
If you aren't in the US, I wish you a week full of what makes you grateful.

November 25, 2013

Going With the Plan or the Muse? -- ROW80 & NaNo Updates

I've been a bad blogger this month. For the past two Fridays, I've neglected to post. But it's for a good reason... I'm writing. NaNoWriMo is winding down, and I'm determined to finish my manuscript before my parents arrive for Thanksgiving.

As of last night late, I was at 46,633 words.

My plan is to finish today or tomorrow morning and set it aside for a few weeks. Then, I'll edit once and send it off to my beta readers before it finally lands in the hands of my amazing editor, Jo Michaels at Indie Books Gone Wild. While my betas and then Jo have it, I'm going to write book three.

Then, I plan to finish book two of Depression Cookies (already have 45K).

So of course a funny thing happened to me this weekend. An exciting idea for a new Young Adult book, one I believe will be a stand alone, came to me. I'm so jazzed about it, but I have plans. What's a writer to do?

Should I be practical and stick to the plan (taking detailed notes on this shiny new idea) or should I write the new one first?

Not a bad dilemma to have, especially since I really wondered after Depression Cookies if I was a one-and-out author.

Monday is also my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update day, but my only goal for November is NaNo and keeping up with my sponsor posts. I was caught up before Sunday's updates, so I will plan to catch up again today.

I hope everyone is knocking out words, whether as part of NaNo or not. Happy writing.

And check out Mom in Love with Fiction today for some information on Ripley Patton's PSS Chronicles and a top ten movie list. 

Ghost Hand (Book 1) is currently free on Amazon!

And speaking of free, the eBook for Chasing Memories will be FREE on Amazon from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1.

On Wednesday, I'll share premade Twitter and Facebook posts for sharing. Please stop back by then and help me spread the word.

November 20, 2013

Negotiating the Last Few Words: ROW80 & NaNo Updates

Must. Write. Must. Write.

It's been my mantra all month, and I'm determined it will stay my mantra into 2014. As of last night, I was sitting at 40,024 words. My goal is to finish by the weekend, since my parents are coming to town for Thanksgiving (their first time to see my new CA home).

I haven't decided how I want this book to end, so I'm struggling to punch it out. Plus, my characters have been really pushy about where they want this story to go. It's exciting, but I know I'll have to fix some issues they've created in editing.

Now, I just need to find the words necessary to finish!

Which made me think of the cartoon I published around this time last year.

Used with permission from Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.com.
I only need 10,000 words. Wonder what it would cost me? *smiles*

How are your November goals coming along? If you are doing NaNo, please share about your progress.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Hump Day!

November 18, 2013

A Message of Flowers Release Day Blitz & ROW80 Update

A Message of Flowers Release Day Blitz


White Carnations - pure love, sweet and lovely.

Daisy - Innocence, beauty, simplicity.

To florist, Georgina Nickols, every flower has a meaning and a purpose. Flowers are something she knows, lives, and breathes. But when they start mysteriously showing up on her porch, she’s unsure of their meaning, and of who is leaving them.

What do these flowers mean to the messenger?

An old friend from high school, Corbin Waylay, moves back to town. When he shows up, he stirs up all kinds of trouble for Georgina. Her life-long friend, Sid Trail, hates him and makes that fact clear to Georgina. But despite the warnings from her friend, she just can’t help the feelings that resurface. The feelings she hasn’t felt for anyone since high school graduation, the feelings that only Corbin can induce.

As Corbin moves closer into her life, it causes a rift between her and Sid. The mystery flowers continue to appear and begin to add to the stresses of life.

Love, secrets, pain, and lies surround Georgina, putting her trust to the test.

When the messenger is finally revealed, will the meaning of the flowers be enough to repair the damage of those hidden secrets?
 
Forget Me Nots - Remember me forever, good memories, hope.
Single Red Rose - I love you.

Buy A Message of Flowers
Smashwords
Lulu
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA

 
Excerpt

“Who’s that for?” A smooth male voice pulls me from my work.

I place the last white flower into the vase, and spin it, checking appearance at all angles. “This is actually for no one in particular, Sid.” I shrug to my best friend and employee.

“Come on, G,” he coaxes, using my nickname for effect.

I sigh. “I’m just puttin’ it together. They’re my flowers, so who cares why I arrange them?”

“Yes, I’m well aware who my boss is,” he deadpans. “I’ve seen you at work, and I’ve seen you work. There’s a difference.”

I glance up to him. His eyebrow is arched, daring me to deny what he’s said. His blue eyes are drilling into mine, knowing that I’m hiding something. If I hadn’t known him since grade school, I’d ignore him and tell him to mind his own business. But this is Sid, one of my best friends, who will eventually pull out my mystery flower messenger anyway. Quickly, I remind myself why I’ve hired him to begin with. I can trust him, and he’s known me for so long he knows how to help me and not be a distraction.

I blow out a slow breath of resignation as I side step him, placing the vase on the wide windowsill. “When I left my house this morning, there were four white carnations on my porch. There was no note either, so I just brought them here. And I can’t sell them - they’re not mine.”

His usually smiling mouth opens and closes like a fish sucking for air. “So you just bring stoop flowers in here?” While his eyes usually seem hooded, giving him that lazy surfer look, now his eyelids widen as his eyebrows disappear under the baseball cap that’s hiding his shaggy blonde hair, making his pastel blue eyes pop wide. The more he sputters, the more his nostrils flare. “Go wash up! There could’ve been poison on them!”

I burst out laughing. “Sid, calm your conspiracies. Who would poison carnations?” Ever since middle school, he’s always had crazy conspiracies. The teachers had a hidden agenda with pop quizzes and homework. Parents having evil plans by giving us chores, and then there was the driver’s license hoax. Thankfully we’re interrupted by the bell chimes above the door.

I work to calm my rolling hysterics, taking a deep breath, and trying to think about anything other than poisoned carnations or Sid as I walk to the front of my store. “Welcome to G-Quets. I’m Georgina, can I help you?” I ask to the back of someone’s head.

The man spins around so fast he’s a blur and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a huge bear hug. “G-G! Is this your store?”

That voice, the familiar husky scratch.

Author Bio

Rachel lives in Central Pennsylvania, is a stay at home mom, and has a wonderful husband, total of 4 kids, 3 of which are step kids. She’s a true Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers fan. She’s an insomniac that loves coffee, Johnny Depp movies and bonfires, dislikes driving on the interstate, bugs of any kind, and a too quiet house. When she’s not playing with the people inside her head, making her family think she belongs in the loony bin or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, finding new music, new books, helping someone or plotting something equally crazy with her Critique Partners. Be sure to check out her debut YA Paranormal True Connection.

Links




a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

I am so suffering from NaNo brain, but thankfully my word count has not suffered. As of last night, I was sitting at 37,002. My goal is to hit 35K by sometime early tomorrow and finish by Saturday at the latest. My parents are coming for Thanksgiving, and I really want to enjoy them!

Wishing a happy Monday to everyone!

November 13, 2013

Still a Stigma? -- Indie Life & ROW80

It's hump day, and time for my monthly posting for Indie Life.

What is Indie Life?
How: Sign up on the Linky at the bottom of this page
When: Post on the second Wednesday of the month (starting 1/9/2013)
What: Write anything indie related: something that will inspire or help a fellow indie; something that celebrates a release or a milestone; something that talks about the ups and downs, joys and heartaches of Being Indie.
Grab: The banner to include in your posts!

 
On any given day, I see articles talking about traditional versus independent publishing. Although I think indie has come a long way, there is still a faction of readers who think only traditional books are legit.

Why? As a reader, do you really want other people (publishing houses and their staff) deciding what books are acceptable for public consumption?

Let's consider independent films. They are often labeled as artsy and are usually critics' darlings. But independent books get blasted for low quality and not having a publishing house's stamp of approval. Why then should we think an independent movie is hip if Twentieth Century Fox turned it down?

Yes, there are independent books out there that are low quality. But there are traditionally published books that are simply awful. Have I loved every indie book I've ever read? Of course not, but I haven't loved every William Morrow book I've ever read either.

Do you know how many times JK Rowling got turned down for Harry Potter? 12! The Help? 60! Publishing houses can be, and often are, wrong.

So indie authors, please hold your heads high and be proud. If we all continue to put out high quality, exciting books, people will start to change their minds. I've seen a huge turnaround in opinion since I published my first book in late 2010.

What will it take for more readers to consider indie?

*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

How is it that we are almost halfway through November already? Almost halfway through NaNo, and my word count is: 25,068 (as of last night).

I'm trying to front load my words, because my parents are coming for Thanksgiving (their first time out to our CA home). Other than writing, I'm just trying to keep up with my sponsor duties, blogging (thankfully I wrote several blog posts before 11/1), and some social media interaction.

How are my NaNo buddies doing? And my non-NaNo buddies?

November 12, 2013

TTYL by Bethany Lopez -- Release Day Blitz & Giveaway


Title: TTYL (Stories About Melissa #4)
Series: Stories About Melissa
Author: Bethany Lopez
 
About TTYL (Stories About Melissa #4)
 
The last few months have been a rough road for Melissa. Her grades have slipped, her parents treat her like a prisoner, and her closest friends are too involved in their own lives to spend time with her. Desperate to escape her depressing funk, she starts spending more time with Layla, who introduces her to a new crowd...the wrong crowd. When Melissa starts to go down a dangerous path, can anyone get through to her before she does something she'll regret?

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Bethany

Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

Connect with Bethany:

IAN

*****

I can't say enough kind things about Bethany. She has one of the brightest smiles I've ever seen, a light-the-room-up kind of smile, and she is always giving back--promoting indies and serving our country.

Recently, I finished one of her novels, and I can't wait to share my thoughts (thanks to NaNo, I'm quite behind on posting reviews). Suffice it to say, I loved it. I can't wait to read more from her.

Please share this release throughout your social media. I know Bethany would greatly appreciate it. Happy Tuesday!

November 11, 2013

A Gaping Hole in YA Fiction: ROW80 Update

My November is shaping up to be an incredible month. I feel an energy I haven't felt in quite a while. And I like it.

As of yesterday, I was sitting at 17,396. Right on target. I'm particularly proud of that, because I don't usually write on weekends. Just too much going on. And I finally caught up with my sponsorship duties. I was three updates behind. Those are my only two A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals this month, so that's my big update.

But I'm interested to get some thoughts on something I experienced this weekend...

My middle daughter wanted a book. This in and of itself was a small miracle, as she is not a reader. * sniff, sniff * But to make it harder, she does not like paranormal, fantasy, or what she calls real life (think Sarah Dessen, Judy Blume). What she does like... mystery and historical fiction.

No problem, I thought. Perusing the shelves in Barnes & Noble produced nothing, so I went to the customer service desk. First one employee then two more came up, completely perplexed. "There really isn't anything in those genres that is teen or young adult." One lady suggested Philippa Gregory. I've only read The Other Boleyn Girl, but I didn't think it was appropriate for my sixth grader.

So, I wonder... is there a gaping hold in young adult fiction? At least on the traditionally published side. Anyone know of some YA/teen fiction that would fit the bill. And, of course, I would love some indie titles suggested. Ready, set, go...
 
*****

Oh, and I promised a few New York City pictures. Not only do I feel rejuvenated by friendship, but it was awesome to see my girlfriend, Eileen, kick some NYC Marathon butt!



Wishing everyone an amazing week!

November 8, 2013

Cover Reveal for Juliana Haygert's Playing Pretend & NaNo Update


Playing Pretend
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Word Count: 65,000
Release date: March 2014
Cover: Berto Designs

Summary from Goodreads:
As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.

Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance**


About the Author:
New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links:
    photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png  photo iconpinterest_zps6fcf02a7.png

Cover Reveal Organized by:
 
*****
Love this cover!

Juliana is a frequent guest at #ROW80 sprints during the week. She's so lovely. Can't wait to finally dive into one of her books. Just need to get through NaNoWriMo first. A quick update... as of yesterday, I had 11,741 words! Wishing everyone an amazing Friday!

November 7, 2013

NaNo = I Can: #ROW80 and #IWSG


It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for my Insecure Writer's Support Group post. A huge thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for putting together this group. I appreciate the opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch and to read how others are doing. 

It’s Day 6 of NaNo, and as of yesterday evening, I was sitting at 9,642 words. Just ahead of schedule thanks to eleven hours of flight time and seven hours of layover time since Saturday.

I did NaNo last year to kickstart an idea I’d been writing in my head for almost a year. But I let Life constantly distract me from writing it.

51,104 words in one month! And by May my young adult book, Chasing Memories, was published. I didn’t rush it, thanks to a lot of great advice. Everyone told me to take at least the month of December to let the NaNo book sit. I didn’t touch it until mid-January.

This year, I’m writing book two—an idea that’s also been in my head for a year. How did it get to be November again already?

And why, when I know I’m capable of writing 50,000 words in a month, do I struggle to write 10,000 words in a year between NaNos?

Book three is becoming clearer as I write book two, so I hope I can…

* Finish NaNo strongly. I’m shooting for 60,000 words this time and a roughly finished novel.

* Take December off and then write book 3 in January while editing book 2 around mid-January.

Now, if I can just keep the muse pumped up and the insecurity monster at bay, I should be fine. Such a simple statement to make. Why does Life seem to be in cahoots with my insecurities?

I hope I can break my bad habits (i.e., making excuses not to write or to write other things) this time. Any advice?


Wednesdays are also my ROW80 update days. Current NaNo count: 9,642. Now that I’m back from an incredible weekend in New York City (photos during my next update), I plan to return to the #ROW80 sprints (11amPST/2pmEST).

Wishing all the best to my writing buddies, whether you are doing NaNo or not. May you have the ideas necessary to fill your days with writing.

November 4, 2013

My Addictions: Surviving Nano & ROW80

During NaNo, I decided to write some posts in advance so I could concentrate on writing. But I wanted to do something that would be on my mind during the process of trying to write 50,000 words in a month.

So for this post I decided to share my addictions. Why?

Normally, I use these addictions to decompress. But during NaNo, I've decided to also use them as rewards. Any day I surpass my goal of 1,667 words, I get to choose something from the list and enjoy. A few of them (food/drink) will be by my side as I write to keep the words flowing.

My Addictions

Sugar
My Kryptonite. But I've gotten better at choosing the sugar I really want and having enough to feel satisfied. When I try to avoid it completely, I fail and eat a whole pie.

Candy Crush
Game + sugar references = heaven. It's so addicting, so I love that you get five lives and out. This is a total brain break activity for me.

Pitch Perfect
Misfits working it out to rock it in the end. My kind of movie. Plus, there are Breakfast Club references. This movie makes me want to dream big and go for it.

Books
No explanation necessary. I sometimes read a book a day. But NaNo might require me to sleep more so I have less brain fog.

Diet Coke
It's my version of coffee. I'm trying to cut back. I'll do that December 1.

Pens
Sure, my favorite will always be the red pen. But I love them in all kinds of different shapes and colors. I have an obsessive amount (along with notebooks).

Bath
Long and hot. Skin-turns-red kind of hot. And I'm a daredevil... I read my Kindle in there. So far, no slips.

Pedicures
I gave up on my fingernails a long time ago, but I love bright, shiny toes. And now that I live in CA, I can expose them a lot more.

Do you have any addictions that help you get through times of stress?
*****

My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update is simple. My current NaNoWriMo word count is (drum roll please) ----> 6,206.

It helps that I spent way too many hours on a plane and in the airport on Saturday to go to New York City. Pictures to come! Of course, I did all of this on Friday and Saturday, no writing on Sunday and probably none today. But I have a lot more airport time tomorrow, so...

November 1, 2013

And We're Off... NaNo!

It's November 1 and time to write 50,000 words in a month.

So, of course, my kids are home from school today. Oh, and I leave tomorrow for New York City for a fun girls' weekend (planned earlier this year when I wasn't even thinking about NaNo). But I have five hours of flight time and three hours of layover sans kids, so I hope to get off to a strong start.

Wishing all my NaNoWriMo friends, and anyone with a long to do list this month, well.

Keeping it short today. But just for some cuteness, I thought I'd share my girls in their Halloween costumes: a gypsy, a hot dog, and Frankenstein's bride.

 
 

As for why a hot dog would have a mustache, I can honestly say I have no clue and knew better than to ask.