Never Let You Go by Michele G. Miller Release Day Blitz

Title: Never Let You Go, Prophecy of Tyalbrook series, book two

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Author: Michele G Miller

Publisher: Enchanted Ink Press (Self Published)

Release Date: Janury 30, 2014

Available on: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Blurb

Two souls desperate to discover the truth about the past and determined to save their future…

SKYE
The usual warmth I felt deep in my soul when Xander was near me was beginning to dull. Yet I still remembered the warning: “Be careful, my Princess…you will lose all you love before you can win what you want.”

XANDER
I could feel it; she hadn’t been here. Two days of hell, riding as fast as we could and only taking small breaks, and yet she had outrun us. How?

A PRINCESS set on regaining her Kingdom and protecting those she loves…
A GUARDIAN who will stop at nothing to find the woman who stole his heart…
An EVIL FORCE who will destroy everything they know in order to have power over all…

The journey continues in Never Let You Go, book two in The Prophecy of Tyalbrook Series.

Add to Goodreads

 Excerpt

Nickoli’s arms were laden with weapons when he came back into view. He stepped in, uninvited, and opened his arms; allowing each deadly piece to drop to the ground with an ear-splitting clang. I jumped back as the items ricocheted across the floor, and a club rolled to a stop by my feet.

Nickoli bent over and picked up a sword. He approached me, a menacing look on his face, and a flash of terror tore through me. The temptation to scream was strong, however I knew it wouldn’t do me any good. If his intention was to kill me, the deed would be long done before my cries for help would be answered. If they were ever answered. I kept my focus on the sharp tip of the sword as he advanced on me.

“If you choose not to trust me, you will have to protect yourself.”

He raised the sword, gripped the hilt in his fist, and hurled it into the floor at my feet. The tip embedded into the wood with a thud. I yelped in surprise and jumped back. With an angry glare, he turned to storm out of the room; leaving the pile of weapons scattered about the floor.

“I don’t know how to fight with a sword,” I called out, my voice void of the angry bluster it carried earlier.

He didn’t stop, but instead replied over his shoulder as his long strides carried him out the door. “Then Princess, you best learn how.”

The slam of his door signaled the end to our conversation.

Never Let You Fall, book one

Only $0.99 available on 

Amazon (E-book & paperback)

Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Michele is the author of the Coming of Age Fantasy Series The Prophecy of Tyalbrook - Never Let You Fall, book one (May 2013) and Never Let You Go, book two (Jan 2014) as well as the New Adult Romantic Suspense, Last Call (Oct 2013). She is currently working on the third book in The Prophecy of Tyalbrook Series, a Last Call novel and a YA Realistic Fiction that has her super excited!

Having grown up in both the cold, quiet town of Topsham, Maine and the steamy, southern hospitality of Mobile, Alabama, Michele is something of a enigma.  She is an avid Yankees fan, loves New England, being outdoors and misses snow.  However she thinks southern boys are hotter, Alabama football is the only REAL football out there and sweet tea is the best thing this side of heaven and her children’s laughter! 

Her family, an amazing husband and three awesome kids, have planted their roots in the middle of Michele’s two childhood homes in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Email: authormichelegmiller@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMicheleGMiller

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chelemybelles

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chelemybelles/

Website: http://michelegmiller.blogspot.com/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Michele-G-Miller/e/B00CLRE0B0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/michele-g-miller

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6975382.Michele_G_Miller

Butt Problems: ROW80 Update

Why is it so much easier to evaluate and improve others' work?

First, it's always easier to see mistakes when you are unfamiliar with the work--when you don't approach it with preconceived ideas (or full knowledge of what it is supposed to say).

I re-read my manuscript several times before sending it to betas, yet I missed...

"he made her toys curl"

Although toys is an interesting concept, I corrected it to toes.

Then, in addition to my all that just problems (see my post here), I have a but problem. It's better than a butt problem, but it's still a problem.

Speaking of butt problems. I recently read a novel where the following happened...

"I love you, but..."
"No butts..."

I agree, no butts in a relationship, but I don't think that's where the author intended this conversation to go (especially since it wasn't erotica).

Oooh, another typo I saw recently (another LOL moment)...

He pushed back her loch of hair.

The moment quickly went from sweet to confusing and overwhelming with the thought of him pushing back this massive sea of hair. Ew!

But I digress...

I spent the day yesterday copying all of my thoughts and my betas' thoughts onto my printed manuscript. Looking at all the computer pages and comments was becoming way too difficult. 

Then, I went back and added plots points to further develop, character thoughts and reactions to enhance, and emotional elements to strengthen. Finally, I looked at tension and foreshadowing for book three (and the 2.5 novella). All of these notes are now on one manuscript. 

In a weird way, it was freeing. Sure, I see the work ahead of me. But, I feel confident the next draft is going to be MUCH better. I'm loving this story more and more. 

So humor me... what's the funniest typo you've ever read in a book? The butt one tops mine!

As far as my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update... still editing. That is all. Peace out!

Falling Into Editing: ROW80

I fell like Alice in Wonderland. I'm 

F
    A
          L
              L
                  I
                     N
                         G

into the never-ending editing hole.

I love editing, to see a work gradually take a better shape--breathing life into the words I worked so hard on in the first place. And I have some amazing input from my betas and editor. 

But, I still feel like I'm falling... struggling to grab hold of the perfect words and best fixes. I know a book is never perfect, but I want to give it everything I have. When I finally hit publish, I want to know it's the best version.

No more complaining, I'm heading back to my manuscript. Wish me luck!

What's your best trick for effective editing? Is it all about staring it down and not resting until it takes shape? Or, do you attack chunks at a time and then take a much-needed breather?

On Mondays, I post my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) updates. But editing is my only update. It's my very existence right now. But I did read the first three chapters of a book I'm really excited about, thanks to Shauna Kelley. That was a nice break!

Wishing everyone an amazing week!

14 Things You Are Dying To Know... I Hope

I was tagged by the awesome Jo Michaels to participate in this crazy game where I share 14 facts about me and tag 14 people to do the same.

Although I’m normally a rule follower, I’m going to do something absolutely spontaneous and crazy and NOT tag anyone. But if you are in a soul-baring mood, please go rogue and share.

1. I am the oldest of three girls, and I have three girls. They are my world.

One of my favorite pics of my three sweeties!

2. I met my husband my freshman year (third day of college). Been together ever since.

3. I don’t watch Downton Abby, nor do I have any interest in doing so. I love historical fiction, but I want my TV to be mind-numbing escapism.

4. I correct people’s grammar mistakes in my head. I correct my daughters’ grammar mistakes out loud. Now they say things like “Jackie and I’s favorite movie is” just to make me crazy. And irregardless makes my skin crawl. *shudders*

Squeakers

5. I thought when I had girls I would avoid icky pets. *sigh* See the attached picture of Squeakers and Cookie, our pet rats.

Cookie

6. I hate coffee—so much so that the smell of it makes me sick to my stomach.

7. I can’t dance, but I love to. My favorite stress reliever is to crank up some tunes in the kitchen and dance with my girls. Rock on!

8. I love sports. College basketball is my favorite (huge University of Kentucky fan—it’s my alma mater) followed closely by professional football. We are pulling for the Broncos in the Super Bowl. CO has a special place in my heart.

9. I am my own worst critic but always a cheerleader for my friends and family.

10. My middle daughter is named after my father and his favorite president: Reagan Dallas.

11. I’ve had a crush on Hugh Jackman since Kate & Leopold. (BTW: What the hell happened to Meg Ryan? Have you seen her lately. Such a shame.)

12. Harry Connick, Jr. is my latest crush (not displacing Hugh, though). Thank you, American Idol.

13. Sugar is my kryptonite. I wish veggies were.

14. I can’t wait to go to UtopYa. I might just geek-out to meet some of my fellow authors! The only thing that would make me more excited… a special guest appearance by Hugh Jackman.

So I don't feel alone, please share something about yourself in the comments. Please!

Note: The problem with #4 and #9 combined is that I read and re-read posts (and manuscripts) ad nauseam trying to avoid mistakes. It's exhausting!

Attempted Murder Gone Awry: ROW80

In Chasing Shadows, the sequel to last year's Chasing Memories, I introduced a new character. This character's main purpose was to enhance the story and then die in dramatic fashion. 

Only she had other ideas.

Source

I killed her three different times while writing the book, and each time I edited her back in.

Why?

I've asked myself the same thing. And the answer is something that had never happened to me before in my writing journey... she simply demanded it. 

Now, she's going to figure prominently in Chasing Forgiveness (a novella). 

Writers: Has something like this ever happened to you? Has a character ever demanded more story or to live?

Readers: Have you ever read a book where a character died and you wished you could bring him/her back to life?

*****

Wednesdays are A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) check-ins. My editing progress is slow for now since we still have two Chinese exchange students living with us. But, I'm plugging away. 

Speaking of ROW80... I met the lovely Juliana Haygert through this amazing writing community. Recently, I read the first two books and novella of her Everlast series. Loved them. Team Micah! 

Today, I am featuring the latest in the series, Cup of Life (a novella), on Mom in Love with Fiction. Please stop by and check it out here. There's also a great giveaway. 

Congrats, Juliana!

Giving Life to Words: ROW80 Update

My oldest daughter often says I forced her into the life or word-nerdery because she will occasionally use the word catawampus (one of my personal favorites). Or because she knows when to use I or me. Her favorite pastime is to bring me a word in a book she's reading and try and stump me regarding its meaning.

I would love to take a course in etymology, because I am truly fascinated by words (although when I told my daughter this desire, she wanted to know why I'd want to study bugs).

All that being said, words aren't everything... even for us storytellers.

A lesson in this... my family and I are hosting two students from China for five days. They have very limited English. I have struggled at times to communicate with them, resorting to typing in Google Translate and showing them the screen.

But my girls have found creative ways to communicate. When they wanted to play games with their new friends, they pulled out dominoes and an old princess matching game. This after spending almost an hour outside with chalk. They took the language barrier out of the equation and everyone was laughing in no time. Then we went to the park and played basketball. So much fun. Amazing how happiness trumps the need for understanding. We had a wonderful weekend of bonding and very few words were said by anyone.

I think this is why a story that moves us doesn't need to be complicated or scholarly. It just needs to find a way to make us smile... or laugh or cry. Anybody can string words together; a true storyteller gives them life.

(Although I still really want to take a course in etymology!)

*****

Mondays are my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) check-in days. Since I'm the mom to five girls for a couple more days, it will be slow-going here. However, I have set a deadline to finish editing Chasing Shadows--next Friday, 1/31. Still hoping for a February release. *woot*

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Tragic Desires by AM Hargrove Cover Reveal & Giveaway Plus ROW80 Update

Cover by Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations 
Photo by Scott Hoover Photography 
Cover Model Emmanuel Delcour

About Tragic Desires

My name is Gemini Sheridan. At least that’s what I thought it was for 23 years. Then one day a slight adjustment on the wheel of my mountain bike set into motion a series of catastrophic events that changed my life forever. Now I’m running from the headaches that threaten to destroy me… from the assassins that threaten to kill me… from the truth that exposes who I really am… and from the man that wants to save me. Because he now owns my heart and I fear him above all others.

My name is Drexel Wolfe and I’m a private investigator. Nothing ever stands in the way of what I want because when I see something I just take it. All of that changed the night my life collided with Gemini Sheridan’s and now everything is one hot damn mess. And the worst part of it all is that I’m trying to save her ass and I don’t know why the hell I’m even bothering. Well, that’s not exactly true. Fact is, I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s crawled into every thought I own, asleep or awake. I have serious plans for her that include making her mine. What she doesn’t know is that when I play, I play for keeps. Nothing and no one will get in my way or stop me… not even Gemini Sheridan herself.

Add it on GoodReads.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Connect with AM Hargrove
Blog: http://amhargrove.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amhargrove1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHargroveAuthor
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/amhargrove1/

Not a bad way to celebrate hump-day. *swoon*

And Wednesdays are A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) check-in days.

Yesterday, I finally finished editing my website. Now, it's live! Please go check out www.tiabach.com and let me know what you think.

Edits and beta thoughts are pouring in, so my head will be swimming in Chasing Shadows. Good thing I'm enjoying this manuscript. 

Enjoy the rest of your week! And don't forget to enter the giveaway above.

And All That Just: ROW80

Do you have a word you use more often than others? 

If you are like me, you do and are completely unaware of it. 

I would be a millionaire if I was paid a nickle for every all and just I've used lately. It so saturates my speech that I even miss it in editing... read right over it. I just can't help myself. *Damn, I did it again.*

As an editor, I know I need to do a search and find for those two words and edit them away. Yet, I live in some state of denial about my problem. I have such an eye for detail in others' work, but float right past it when editing my own.

Lessons learned...

No matter how good an editor you are, you can't edit your own work with the same effectiveness.

At the end of the day, my brain knows what I wanted to say and keeps on going. Sure, I can do a rough edit so that my betas and editor don't get total crap, but I could never be my sole editor. I read out loud, comb through sentence by sentence, all the editor things I should do. Still, I am too familiar with my own work. 

Search and find your overused words.

I didn't totally realize my all and just problem until this novel. Admission: my mom went through and circled every single one -- and yes, my mom reads my manuscripts. She's a darn good writer in her own right, and she has a detailed eye. In a previous manuscript, I had a then problem. So of course, I was sensitive to overusing that word in this one. Next time, I'll be hyper-vigilant about all and just. So guess what? A new word will surface. To be safe, search your manuscript for the following (and add your own words as you discover them): all, just, very, ly, like, that, so. 

What other overused words would you add to this list?

And it's Monday. Time for my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update. 

Editing Chasing Shadows. 

Correcting some all and just issues to start. The whole time, All That Jazz was running through my head, slightly altered.

Find a flask

We're playing fast and loose

To Find All that Just

Oh, she's gonna shimmy

Till her garters break

To Find All that Just

A bit consumed with editing right now to focus on much else. I need to take a break this week long enough to get my website up and running, but I am doing better on social media balance. 

Wishing everyone a great week!

Writers' Conference & Competition News

TGIF!

I'm still finding my footing after two weeks of holiday craziness and family time. Hope everyone's transition to 2014 is coming along.

Today, I wanted to share some information about the wonderful Pamlico Writers Conference and Competition with all of you.

Saturday, March 8

9:00am - 6:00pm

Washington, North Carolina (waterfront)

From their website

Our theme above emphasizes the hands-on approach of the second annual 2014 conference & competition presented by the Beaufort County Arts Council and The Pamlico Writers Group.

Writers will meet in the Washington Civic Center, an historic railroad station and warehouse, located in the heart of Washington, NC on the Pamlico River.

We invite you to join us for a day filled with workshops, a keynote speaker, and a panel discussion on The Craft of Writing, a.k.a. The Labor After the Inspiration.

About the Juried Writing Competition

DEADLINE for submissions: February 23, 2014

Contest Categories:

• Fiction
• Creative Non-fiction
• Young Adult **
• Poetry
• High School (for students in grades 9-12)

Contest Fees:

• Prose categories - $10 reading fee per entry
• Poetry - 3 poems for $10 reading fee
• High School (no reading fee)

FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS TO ENTER:

1. You MUST upload competition entry files from your personal account.
2. Check CONTEST RULES to make sure your work complies.
3. Create a Login Account.
4. Log in: My Account page is your place to register for the conference and enter the competition.
5. Choose option to enter the competition.
6. Pay your reading fee via your PayPal Account or credit card of your choice.
7. UPLOAD your entry per instructions.
8. You may UPLOAD as many entries as you like (reading fee applies to each entry) until competition closing date.

Last year, I really enjoyed the conference. In addition, I won the Young Adult competition and was published in The Washington Magazine. It's only in its second year, but it's growing. I highly recommend it if you are in the area.

Even if you can't go, please consider entering the writing competition: you don't have to be present to win and you don't have to attend the conference to enter. In addition, if you know high school students who love to write, please encourage them to enter. The winner gets a $500 cash scholarship prize.

Please share this information with anyone who is interested. Thank you.

Hope everyone has an amazing Friday!

** How cool is it that they have a YA category. Come on friends. I know you have stories to tell!

I, Zombie by Jo Michaels (5 stars) is FREE today!

Guess what's FREE today on Amazon... the eBook of I, Zombie by the amazing Jo Michaels. Don't miss your chance to grab this new release for free today, 1/9/14. Please spread the word.

You are one simple click away from a great read for free. Click here.

About I, Zombie
(from GoodReads)

It's the end of the world as we know it.

Trixie Collins is a normal teen making her way through high school. One night at a party, a boy comes on to her and won't take no for an answer. As she jerks her arm away, his fingernails cut into her skin.

When she finds her dog's mutilated body and realizes she's to blame, she starts to think maybe the zombie apocalypse they've been screaming about on the news isn't a hoax after all. Worse, she begins to think maybe she's one of the infected.

Now it's a fight for life as she joins together with her brethren to stop the humans intent on destroying them. Are zombies all bad, or is it just a huge misunderstanding?

An excerpt from my 5-star review:

This book rocks! You will fall in love with Trixie and several other characters. From page one, it's a constant thrill ride. But, more importantly, it's a story with heart and soul--a great read for action-seekers as well as those who want to connect with characters. I expected to have some cringe-worthy moments and scares, but I didn't expect to cry. And I did. Hard.

You can read the full review here.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go. Download. Enjoy.

The More I Write, The Less I Have to Say: IWSG, Indie Life & ROW80

My mind is overflowing with ideas for my series (and another YA novel idea that I unfortunately I can't get to right now). By why is it that the more the creative juices flow in my writing, the less I feel I have to say in my blog posts. Have I just used up my words?

The same was true when I was rocking the blog posts... I wasn't finding time to write. And it's not just time, it's ideas. Every time I come up with a writerly blog post, it makes me want to jump over to Word and write more story.

I'm afraid I've run out of interesting things to say here. *GASP* It's a case of blog writer's block.

When blocked for a good blog post, what do you do?

I don't want to only blog when I'm inspired and leave my readers wondering when I'll make an appearance. I used to blog daily, but I'd love to settle into a consistent Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. Any helpful suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Or, just as good, blogged about.

*****

Today, I'm posting about my creative insecurities as part of IWSG, Indie Life, and ROW80. 

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (or IWSG) is a wonderful group put together by the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh (which now has an equally cool Facebook group). It's the perfect opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch, get encouragement and support about such insecurities, and to read how other writers are faring. 

Oh, and it's also time for Indie Life (which is normally scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month while IWSG is normally the first).

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!

And, finally, Wednesdays are check in days for A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80). An update on my progress can be summed up in a few sentences.

First, I have been visiting more blogs and more active on social media the last few days. Balance will come in time. I have been playing a lot of catch up on blog posts and reviews these first couple of days of ROW80 since I'm still waiting on edits and beta thoughts on Chasing Shadows (some of the first came in yesterday). I've made some notes on Book 3 and the novella, and plan to start writing later today.

Wishing everyone well in their endeavors!

Goals for ROW80 Round One

Do you know what I did in the first few days of 2014?

Hopefully curiosity pulled you through to the next sentence... I sent Chasing Shadows (Tala Prophecy, Book 2) to my editor and a few beta readers. *squeals while dancing*

This excitement leads me to announcing my goals for Round One of A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80). For those who don't know about ROW80, it's the writing challenge that knows you have a life. To that end, participants set realistic goals and continually re-examine and adjust them in response to Life's machinations.

Round One Goals

* While waiting for beta comments and edits, I am going to write Chasing Forgiveness (Tala Prophecy, Book 2.5), a novella based on a character in Chasing Shadows. Hoping to join some #ROW80 wordsprints (2pm EST) for inspiration.

* Publish website.

* Put Depression Cookies on Smashwords (I'm embarrassed that I haven't done this yet).

* Increase my social media presence. The last quarter of 2013 left me struggling to find time to visit and comment on blogs and participate on Facebook and Twitter. Some of it was a lack of time, but a huge part was burnout. I hope to find a nice social media balance in 2014.

* Reach a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. I need to have an exercise goal. Since my husband got a Fit Bit for Christmas, I am making sure he and I achieve this minimum daily. I also plan to recommit to running and some Jillian Michaels tapes.

* A goal for the year: I heard about this challenge where you write a handwritten letter a week to someone who's important to you. I'm in (thanks for sharing the idea, Beth!). 

Wishing everyone good luck with their new goals! 

Best Books of 2013 -- Ringing in a New Year

2013 was a stellar year for awesome books! I read 100 this year, and my goal is the same (if not more) for 2014.

As we begin a new year, I wanted to share all my 4.5-star and higher rated books from 2013. I'm looking forward to even more great books this year. (click the title to see the full review)

4.5 star

Foreplay, Sophie Jordan
Maggie's Turn, Deanna Lynn Sletten
Finding It, Cora Carmack
Supernova, Elizabeth Sharp
The Hourglass, Sharon Struth
Trusting You, LP Dover
Strength, Carrie Butler
Sisters in Bloom, Melissa Foster
Mystic ~ Melody, Jo Michaels
The Curse Giver, Dora Machado
For Everly, Raine Thomas
The Enchanted, Elaine Cantrell
Sisters in Love, Melissa Foster
Chocolate Fondue, Martha Reynolds
Lion's Head Deception, Chuck Waldron
Marked for Vengeance, SJ Pierce
After Tuesday (These Days #1), Renee Ericson
The Hunter, Monica McCarty
The Beloved Daughter, Alana Terry
The Faerie Prince, Rachel Morgan
The Keeper of Secrets, Julie Thomas
Cooper Moon: The Calling, Cheryl Shireman
Assured Destruction, Michael F. Stewart
The Long Way Home, Mariah Stewart
Traces of Kara, Melissa Foster
Primal, DA Serra

4.75 Stars

Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah

5 Stars

Bittersweet Chocolate, Martha Reynolds
Someone Else's Love Story, Joshilyn Jackson
Warrior Beautiful, Wendy Knight
Blood Draw, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
Mystic ~ Coralie, Jo Michaels
The Faerie War, Rachel Morgan
Courage, Carrie Butler
Borrowed Things, Doris Schneider
Yassa, Jo Michaels
The Disappearing Girl, Heather Topham Wood
The Day After Yesterday, Kelly Cozy
Manuscript Found in Accra, Paulo Coelho
Dark Genesis, Dave Ferraro
Wondertown, Mac Fellows

 

Rachel Morgan, Melissa Foster, Martha Reynolds, and Jo Michaels (all seen above) made the list more than once. Melissa Foster and Jo Michaels both made the list three times. Few things make me happier than having some go-to authors.

In the last two weeks of December, I read several books that will be officially reviewed over the next two weeks. A couple were 5-star reads. Look for appearances again by Melissa Foster and Jo Michaels (both 5-star reviews) and a new favorite... Juliana Haygert.

Here's to reading in 2014!

This post was published today on my review site, Mom in Love with Fiction, but I had to share it here as well. Wishing everyone an amazing 2014!