Magic & Romance: Indie News & Highlights

Time for another edition of Indie News & Highlights. 

My friend, Devyn Dawson, has an exciting re-release coming up this week with a gorgeous new cover and a Facebook party (2/19 & 20).

Find out more on her website.

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NL Greene, who I worked with on Fractured Glass, will debut the final book in the Mystic series, Secrets Revealed, on April 30, 2015. I'm SO excited for this one. Here's a peek at the cover...

You can pre-order it on Amazon now! If you aren't familiar with the series, check out my reviews of the first two books, Magic Unfolds and Illusions Begin, here.

For more information, check out her website.

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Looking for romance...

In addition to Casey L Bond's Crazy Love, which debuted on Valentine's Day, Kelly Martin has a new Valentine's release Trouble Enough: A Collection, which also includes stories from Wendy Knight and Leah Sanders.

Kelly's piece is Unforgettable. For more information and individual story descriptions, check it out on Goodreads here. Or, for 99 cents, order a copy on Amazon. 

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If you have any Indie news to share, please let me know. I hope everyone has an amazing week full of great new finds.

Meet Some #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial): Paris Rieske

Please welcome Paris Rieske, book cover model and editor. She's yet another lovely I met at UtopYA2014.

Hi, Paris! Thanks so much for being a guest on my blog. It was such a thrill to meet you at UtopYA in June, especially since I adore your mother, author Devyn Dawson.

You appear on the cover of your mother’s book, Killing Me Softly. First of all, how did this come about? Also, what inspired you to want to do cover model work? 

Paris: My mom and I work very closely with all of her books. I'm her number one fan and I try to support her through every step of her stories. I started off as one of her editors and through editing, we got even closer. 

When she started Killing Me Softly, I was worried because I was busier than usual and wouldn't be as big of a process. I'm not sure why she asked me if I'd model for her cover, but I was really happy she did and of course I said, "Yes!" I know she loves to keep things local and involve everyone she can in her process, so maybe it was her way of making sure I was just as big of a part of this book as all the others.

 

I love that you are your mom's number one fan. My girls are definitely mine! So, I have to ask. Do you love to read? Other than your mom’s books (wink, wink), name a couple of your favorite authors.

Paris: I do love to read! While I don't get as much time to do so between having a 14 month old and working on my mom's books (really they're my favorite, and I reread The Light Tamer over and over; it never gets old). When I'm not nose deep in a Devyn Dawson novel, I like Michael Crichton books. Growing up, my favorite was Laura Ingalls Wilder and I just recently fell in love with Rhiannon Paille.

Laura Ingalls Wilder books are classics for good reason. Recently, I saw some amazing pictures of your modeling work on your Facebook page. Would you mind sharing two of your favorite pictures so far?

I wrote a novel, Depression Cookies, with my mom. It was an amazing experience, but things would get tricky sometimes when we talked plot or vision. You edit your mom’s novels. What is your working relationship like? Do you have a funny story to share with us?

Paris: Writing with my mom is a lot of fun, probably because I don't do the writing part. LOL! I think she thinks of me as someone she can bounce ideas off of, and I'm pretty honest about my feelings towards those ideas. Sometimes we disagree on things, but she usually ends up being right (funny how moms do that, huh?) and I eat my words later. 

As far as a funny story, well I have worked on almost every single book my mom has written and that includes those not-so-innocent new adult books she's put out. Cry Me a River was a really fun book to work on because it took place not far from where I grew up in a town called Emerald Isle. There are a lot of sexy scenes and while they are super hot and steamy, it's interesting being the daughter in that situation. All the panty-dropping moments she writes about are great and it means so much to me that we're close enough that she's comfortable with me helping with those, but sometimes I just crack up at how unusual the dynamic is.

Mother-daughter bonds are pretty darn special. Speaking of which, your sweet daughter is too cute for words. What is your biggest wish for her?

Paris: Thank you! My daughter is the light of my life. My biggest wish for her is that she finds a place in this world where she feels whole, safe, like she fits, and experiences the happiness true security can bring.

I have the same wish for my three daughters. Now it's time for some quick questions...

Favorite Punctuation Mark: The exclamation point!!!

Ocean or Mountains? Mountains

Favorite Alcoholic Beverage? Southern Comfort with lime juice

Favorite Dessert? Fudgy brownies

Shower or bath? Bath

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

Thanks so much for being a guest on my blog. I wish you all the best with all the exciting things happening with you (and your mom). Congratulations on your August 10th wedding, too. I saw some pictures on your mom's Facebook page, and you looked so happy and in love!

Paris: Thanks, and thank you for the opportunity to be on your blog! Love and light to you.

Please come back for more #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial), and check out the announcement post to see the schedule.

Meet Some #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial): Devyn Dawson

Next up in my Meet Some #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial) series is Devyn Dawson. I was fortunate to meet Devyn at a North Carolina writer's conference. She's amazing!

Devyn, thanks so much for popping by the blog today. And, just in case I haven’t told you enough, thanks for all the knowledge you pass my way. It has been invaluable. Oh, and it was so great seeing you at UtopYA and in New Bern, North Carolina. I appreciate you inviting me to do a book signing with you. It was so much fun! 

Tia, Devyn's Light Tamer model, Devyn Dawson

We have to talk about your new book, Killing Me Softly. It came out July 15th, and I was thrilled to read an advanced copy. (Check out my review here).

About Killing Me Softly

(from GoodReads)

When Tate was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, he never imagined he'd meet anyone who understood him.

Holland's best friend, Andy, died six months ago, leaving her alone and friendless. Her father is bi-polar and takes six pills twice a day to keep it under control. Life is complicated and her dad is too needy for her to go out and have any fun.

One night her co-worker convinces her to go out to see this new musician, a guy in the Air Force who's amazing on the guitar.

He walked on the stage and sang a haunting song that touched her soul. From the way he held the guitar, to the way he flashed her a crooked smile, she knew she had to know him. Without warning, music will be the thing that ties their lives and their hearts together.

This story is about heartache and love. Holland finds her heart beating again in the arms of Tate. This book is a CLEAN New Adult - No Hard Core Cussing - No Sexual Scenes.

What do you love most about the main character, Holland?

Devyn:  Holland is strong, she has to be to handle her daily life with her father.  I love that you start to see the hidden girl in her, the one who flirts and enjoys having the door held open for her.

My daughter loves your Light Tamer series, and I am a fan of Cry Me A River (my review) and Killing Me Softly. You have a gift for crafting memorable characters who emotionally engage the reader. What do you draw from to infuse your characters with such richness?

Devyn:  All of the women/girls in my books have bits and pieces of every woman/girl in my life.  In the Light Tamer series, the sarcastic loud mouth Amber is very much like I was in high school after my own brother died.  The grandma is much like my mother.  Holland is a menagerie of every strong woman in my life.  I needed Holland to be real.  There’s a scene about suicide, and Tate’s answer is hopefully one that will ease the minds of those who’ve had the same question.  I try to make the dialogue real and deep, especially in Killing Me Softly.

You definitely have a gift with dialogue! Who has been your favorite character to write so far? Can you choose?

Devyn:  I love Abel from The Legacy of Kilkenny Saga.  It starts out with him being an immature sixteen year old boy who grows into a man and alpha.  He is loosely based on my son, at least some of his mannerisms.  My son isn’t a werewolf though.  Ha!

Good to know. As I mentioned above, you have been so wonderful to share what you’ve learned about indie publishing with me. Who was influential to you early on?

Devyn:  Tiffany King is hands down the biggest help as far as showing me the ropes.  Another person who helped and still helps me is the amazing Quinn Loftis.  She has been kind enough to share an excerpt of my books at the back of her books, and I can’t tell you how many people have bought my books because of that alone! 

Thanks for paying it forward! I was so thrilled to finally meet your daughter, Paris Rieske, at UtopYA. She is your editor and appears on the cover of Killing Me Softly. I worked with my mom on Depression Cookies, so I know how special mother-daughter relationships can be. With three daughters of my own, I’d love your advice on how to maintain a close relationship.

Devyn:  Be sure to take some Dramamine for the roller coaster ride!  The one thing I’ve tried to be for her is one she can open up to about anything and not be judged.  I know much much much more than my own mother ever knew, but I’m glad she’s comfortable enough to share with me.  My mom and I were close, and I adored her, but I always wanted the mom I could go to for certain things, but she was too old school to understand.  

Quick Questions…

Favorite Punctuation Mark: DOTS …..

Ocean or Mountains? Mountains

Favorite Alcoholic Beverage: Grey Goose Vodka

Favorite Dessert: Anything chocolate

Shower or bath? Love both

Sweet or Sour?  Sweet

I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to see you. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Oh, and I’m looking forward to hosting your daughter soon as well. She’ll be chatting about editing and her cover model work.

Devyn: Thank you so much for having me on your blog!  It was so nice to see you again!  Your daughter and mother are so amazing, I hope to see you again next summer.

Oh, and Devyn and I worked on a project together...

I'm so excited to be a part of Destiny Calling, a boxed set featuring works by Michele G. Miller, Devyn Dawson, Tressa Messenger, Brea Essex, and me. 

There are SIX books for $0.99 and 100% of royalties will be donated to Love is Louder. 

For more information and buy links, please check out my post here. 

More about Devyn

I've thought of myself as a writer for as long as I can remember.  I played grown-up with my family, until everyone grew up and left me to figure out what I really wanted to be.  Jumping over the cliff, I took a leap of faith and wrote my first full length novel, The Legacy of Kilkenny.  My love of young adult books, helped mold me into the writer I am today.  The books I write, reflect the types of books I enjoy reading.  Every story I write will have a huge twist at the end, one that often leaves the reader in shock (no pun intended, if you know me, you know why I say that, LOL).  Thank you for considering to read my books.  Happy reading!

Find out more about Devyn: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Blog and Bublish.

Please come back for more #UtopYA2014 Lovelies (Unofficial), and check out the announcement post to see the schedule.

A Ghost & A Signing

June was a blur. A wonderful, glorious blur.

With three kids, the end of school is the mom's version of a horror tale. Around every corner is a sinister shadow (last minute projects, grades teetering on the edge). Funny how I find school so much more stressful as a parent than I ever did as a child.

School ended on a Thursday (and included a slew of activities for my daughter who promoted to high school -- eek!), and I left for UtopYA the following Wednesday. Since my husband's family is in Nashville, I brought my three kids along for the ride. From there, we continued on to North Carolina to see my family.

Last year, I met the amazing Devyn Dawson while attending a writer's conference near my parent's home. She was quick to share all her indie knowledge with me, and she hooked me up with several writing communities. This led me to signing up for UtopYA. To say I'm grateful to have her in my life is an understatement. 

I was thrilled to find out I'd see her in Nashville. While there, where I got to also meet her super-cool daughter (an editor and cover model), she asked if I wanted to do a book signing with her in New Bern, North Carolina while I was home. Um, yes!

Not only did I get to pick Devyn's brain, a veritable plethora of information, for two and a half hours, but I also met her sweet Light Tamer cover model and some of her readers. Heck, I even sold some books on a very rainy evening.

Toward the end, a couple walked in. The husband asked if I'd seen a ghost. He then mentioned that the building was on the New Bern ghost tour. I found the following information on the website:

It is said that Miss Fanny was the youngest daughter of Isaac Taylor. She was due to be married, but a week before her wedding, her fiancé went for a walk, collapsed in the street and died. Miss Fanny was heartbroken and vowed to never leave her house again. It is said if you walk by the house, you can see her sitting in the first level front window, waiting for her fiancé to come home.

What a great story that would make. Hmmmm.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Meeting Friends, Cover Reveal for Devyn Dawson's Killing Me Softly & ROW80

So far, in my writing life, I have met some amazing people online. Occasionally, I get to meet some in person. 

I met Devyn at a Writing Conference in North Carolina. Not only is she amazing, but she is always one of the first people to jump in and lend a hand or offer encouragement. 

It's just another reason I'm looking forward to going to UtopYa in June--Devyn will be there! Plus, I'll get to meet some of the other lovelies I've only communicated with online so far. 

I'll be equal parts friend and fan girl. 

But back to sharing. Enjoy the latest from Devyn!!

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Killing Me Softly - A Broken Souls Novel
June 2014

Hey everyone, I have a new book coming out in June.  I'm so excited for this book to get in your hands!  It is a New Adult book about a girl who was always told to stay away from military guys.  Her dad lived in fear that one day a military guy would come along and break her heart.  I grew up by Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma and we were always warned about military boys.  I met my husband 22 years ago while he was stationed at TAFB.  This story isn't about anyone I know, but it's about everyone I've ever met.  Not everyone is given the chance to live a charmed life, especially Holland.  Read below for the synopsis of this dear to my heart book.  Not every guy in the military is a killer, or angry, no, there's so many good guys looking for a good girl.  I know, because I found one.

Please do me a huge favor and add it to your TBR list on Goodreads and share on Facebook.  It is how authors like me get the word out!  Thank you so much!!!

Facts – My best friend died six months ago. My mom bailed on me when I turned 13. My dad is mentally ill and a permanent fixture on our couch. We live on his disability and my meager paycheck. I take online college courses so I can work full time to pay for the electric bill. I’ve fallen head over heels for Tate Cook, he’s in the U.S. Air Force.

I’m Holland Clifford, I’m 19, and this is my life.

Once upon a time, I was whole… and then I was shattered. Tate’s picking up my pieces and putting me back together again.
About the Author

Devyn Dawson is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Currently, she kicks up her boots in the lush green town of New Bern, North Carolina.  She attended Oklahoma State University where she studied business.  Growing up, she was considered the eccentric girl.  She wrote dark stories, celebrated Halloween like a national holiday, and burned candles before they were trendy.  The very moment she watched Kiefer Sutherland in Lost Boys she vowed to run off with him one day.  Real life took over and she got married and had two amazing children.  In her spare time and great weather, you’ll find her on the back of her husband’s motorcycle touring North Carolina.  Devyn is an avid reader, she has given up Stephen King and reads mostly young adult books.  She writes young adult paranormal books about werewolves, vampires and faeries.  She loves happy endings, but offers twists and turns to get to them. Devyn has decided to dip her toe in the big-girl pond and write some books with just the right amount of steam and twists the fans won’t see coming. 

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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

Chasing Shadows is now in the hands of my early readers. I'm so excited. If you would like to read an early copy and don't mind leaving a review sometime 5/7-9, please leave a message in the comments. Or contact me at tiabach@depressioncookies.com.

Now, I need to prepare the Release Day posts for 5/7. Sign ups are here.

So much to do before 5/7!

Hope all my writer friends are progressing toward their goals!

Writer's Conference & Writing Competition

My new theme for 2013 is discovery. Since 2013 has had a bumpy start, I'm determined to discover new things about myself and my writing (see my post, Eagerly Awaiting Discovery).

To that end, I wanted to share a wonderful new Writer's Conference and writing competition... 

Pamlico Writers

Conference & Competition

Writing In Our Time

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Washington Civic Center

Located in Historic Downtown

Washington, North Carolina

A Sampling of the Lineup
Panel Discussion: Publishing in Our Time--featuring an amazing lineup

Keynote Speaker: Bland Simpson, Kenan Distinguished Professor of English and Creative Writing at UNC-Chapel Hill

Workshops Include
Writing for Young Adults*
Humor in Writing
Memoir & Beginnings
The Prose Poem: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Finding the Story Shape: A Pattern Language for Fiction
Non-Fiction

For more details on workshops and speakers, please visit here and download the registration brochure. The registration deadline is February 15, 2013.

In addition, there is a Writing Competition. The full rules can be found here on the Beaufort County Arts Council website. A few details:

* February 1, 2013 Entry Deadline
* Categories: Prose: Fiction, Prose: Non-Fiction, Prose: Young Adult, Poetry, High School (no fee required for high school)
* Prose - 2500 word maximum
* Poetry - 200 word maximum
* $100 cash prize for 1st place & $50 cash prize for 2nd place will be awarded in each category
* A $500 Scholarship Award will be granted to the best high school entry

For those in the area, I hope you will consider coming. Both my mom and I will be there, and I'm looking forward to discovering new things about my writing. All of which I will come back and share with all of you.

* I am particularly excited about this one. Devyn Dawson, YA author of the Light Tamer Trilogy, is the speaker. Check her out here. I am hoping to pick up some pointers for my YA novel, Chasing Memories.