Some of my fondest childhood memories are of reading books. My grandmother would walk us to the library and we would hang out there and read (especially since it had air conditioning and we didn’t! LOL) When we couldn’t get to the library we would eagerly wait for the bookmobile to come around. I was a voracious reader because books took me to new places and let me experience new things! So start a new journey today by picking up a new book!
#WednesdayWisdom – A book lover never goes to bed alone
As a kid I always went to bed with a book in my hand. I just loved to read and as I got older, I realized that I also wanted to write. Today’s words are a fun play on going to bed with a book!
#HumpDay #ManWars with Kelly Moran
Sometimes you need more than Man Candy once a week. Some of you may know that I do #ManWars on Wednesdays with my buddy Kelly Moran. We duel to see who can provide with the best looking man every Wednesday and if you leave a comment on the Facebook post, you might win one of our books.
I also understand that some of you don’t do FB, so for those of you, I’m having #ManWars on the blog and offering you a chance to win an e-copy of one of my backlist books. So leave a comment on my hottie today for a chance to win an e-copy of FAITH IN YOU, my contemporary romance re-release.
I’ve always been a sucker for hands. So what do you think about this man’s hands?
K.M. Fawcett Shares Some Hints on Helping Authors & Her Great New Release – Fearless
We’re very lucky today to have a visit from my good friend and fellow author K.M. Fawcett. Here’s K.M.’s official bio:
K.M. Fawcett writes sci-fi/ paranormal romances, and enjoys stories filled with adventure and strong, kick butt heroes and heroines. She holds the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in both Isshinryu Karate and in Ryukonkai (Okinawan weapons). She and her husband own Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo in NJ. When not writing or working out at the dojo, K.M. is driving her two children to drum practice and ballet classes.
Now that I’ve said that, let me tell you that she i a fabulous lady and I’m honored to be her friend!
As I mentioned, K.M. is here to give us some hints on how you can help your favorite authors and also, to give us a little peek at her fabulous new release, FEARLESS. So here we go with K.M.’s hints!
Hints for Helping Your Favorite Authors
Thank you so much Caridad for inviting me on the blog today! It’s good to be back.
When it comes to promotion, most authors really don’t want to be a pain in the ass. But they really do need help generating buzz for their books. Unfortunately publishing companies don’t have the budget to spend promoting every book, which leaves mid list and newer authors relying on themselves and their readers to help spread the word. So what can you do to help others discover an author you like? Check out the list below and pick the things you feel comfortable doing. Most are super easy.
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“Like†the author:
You probably already like and follow your favorite authors on Facebook and Twitter but how about on Amazon? Go to their Amazon author page and click the “Like†button in the upper right hand corner. For an example of what this looks like you can click my link and give it a try 😉 (see what I did there) http://www.amazon.com/K.M.Fawcett/e/B00B78JG36/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Below the Amazon “Like†button, it says, “Stay up to date.†Click on the sentence “Email me when there are new releases by [Author’s Name].â€
Go to the B&N page and click on the “Like†“Share†and “Pin it†buttons for each book.
Tell others about your favorite books and share on social media. Add the book’s cover picture to Pinterest & Instagram. Post to Facebook and Twitter. Add a link to Amazon or to the author’s website.
Follow the author’s blog tour for a new release. Some run raffles for free copies of the book!
Share the blog tour information with your friends. I’m sure they’d love a chance to win free stuff too.
Add the author’s books to your Goodreads TO READ list. Rate the books on Goodreads.
Write an honest review for the book.
Goodreads: These can be any length. “Good book†Or “hated it†counts as a review.
Amazon: Requires at least 20 words so it could be as short and simple as, “I read Captive, book 1 in the Survival Race series, by K.M. Fawcett. You know what? I actually liked it.†If you need ideas, how about telling what you liked/ didn’t like about the characters, action, romance, world building, plot, etc… Don’t let the long detailed reviews scare you off. They were most likely written by book reviewers. In addition to helping others decide if this particular book is for them, reviews are important for a book getting into Amazon’s algorithms and for taking advantage of advertisements.
Barnes & Noble: I don’t know if they have a minimum word count requirement.
Give books as gifts. Books make wonderful gifts for birthdays, Valentines Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, President’s Day, (*shrugs* sure why not?) etc… Buy in bulk and get free shipping from Amazon. 😉
Ask your favorite author if he/she has bookmarks you can leave at local businesses and give to friends.
Preorder the next book.
If you have any other ideas on how to help generate buzz for your favorite authors’ books, please add them to the comments section below. I’m still learning and would love to hear more ideas. Thanks again for having me here Charity!
Fearless Teaser
TWO SOULS
Myia, a shaman-in-training, wants desperately to protect her peaceful village from the barbaric Highland invaders. To hone her powers of prophetic visions and healing, the village elders send Myia on a quest to heal the Highland leader’s heart and stop a brewing war. Myia’s mended many souls before, so this should be an effortless duty . . . until she meets the gorgeous, stubborn Highland warlord.
ONE DESIRE
Kedric, a gladiator who escaped enslavement, only wants to liberate the villagers from their common foe-a race that breeds humans for blood sport and genetic experiments. Fueled by his rage, Kedric is determined to take down the brutal enemy. So when a raven-haired beauty with a body made for sin tries to sabotage his mission, Kedric wants her gone. Yet no woman’s touch has ever left Kedric more annoyed . . . and aroused. Kedric knows he should shun her soothing embrace-but he can’t seem to stay away. As their passion grows, Kedric must decide between fighting his war or surrendering his rage-and his heart-for Myia’s love.
Excerpt
Angry red streaks snaked through his aura. “What manner of trickery is this?â€
“Get off of me, barbarian.†Name-calling? Really? Had her father taught her nothing?
“Barbarian? That’s funny coming from a savage.â€
She gasped. “Savage? You’re the one on top of me.â€
“As I recall, I wouldn’t be on top of you if I hadn’t needed to protect myself from your tricks.â€
“I am a spiritual healer. I only wanted to repair your soul. You must release my people.â€
“They’re free to go at any time. They choose to stay.â€
His weight was crushing her, making breathing difficult, but she refused to let him see her discomfort. If she could calm herself enough, her spirit could reenter his, and she could try healing him again. This might be the only chance she got before he…What would he do to her?
She didn’t sense anything evil, vile, or malicious. Murder wasn’t present in his aura. The only thing she perceived was arousal. Typical male. Perhaps she could use that to her advantage.
There were three occasions when a person’s spirit was the most vulnerable: during sleep, during illness, and during sex—so she’d been told.
“You’ve invaded our peaceful village and took our people against their will. Forgive me for not believing you.†Her words were angrier than she wanted them to be. What happened to her shamanic training?
“Seems we have a lot in common, you and I.â€
“We have nothing in common, barbarian.â€
“Did you not invade my body against my will?â€
“To heal your spirit.â€
“So you say, savage.â€
Would he stop calling her that? She was not a fierce, violent person. She was tranquil and at peace with the universe, dammit.
Well, at least she strove for peace.
“However,†he continued, “you needn’t concern yourself. My spirit requires no healing.â€
“So say you. But our spirits have met, and yours told me it hid a deep wound. Let me back in. Let me into your body to heal you.â€
His smirk surprised her. What could he possibly find so humorous?
“If anyone enters another’s body, it will be me.†His warm lips pressed against hers. As if to prove his point, his tongue coaxed hers to open for him.
She’d been kissed before, but not from a man so dangerous and commanding, or so good at it.
Well, she wasn’t about to waste the opportunity to do what she came here for, especially since nothing in his aura indicated malicious intent. His spirit simply sought to demonstrate his male dominance in a kiss. Nothing more. Ha. He’d learn who the dominant one was when she connected with his spirit again.
She opened her mouth and kissed him back. His pause indicated surprise. He’d obviously expected her to resist. When she didn’t let up, his jaw relaxed and his kiss deepened. She couldn’t deny the freedom her soul felt.
But she’d come to heal his heart, and as much as she would like to give in to the pleasure she was receiving, she needed to heal him first.
Again retreating to that tranquil place in her mind, her spirit gathered energy and flowed from her body into his. Her spirit didn’t get further than the impenetrable stone wall before it was thrown from his body again.
His lips were off hers, the weight of his body disappeared. The influx of warm night air came as a relief.
“Savage,†he boomed. “Stay out of my body.â€
“If you enter my body, barbarian, rest assured I will enter yours.â€
More about K.M. Fawcett
If you’d like to find out more about K.M. and her work, you can visit her here!
Click here to purchase CAPTIVE, K.M.’s debut novel!
Click here to purchase FEARLESS!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/km.fawcett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMFawcett
Website: www.kmfawcett.com
Blog: www.AttackingThePage.wordpress.com
Chicken Cacciatore Thanks to Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers
I’m still a little behind, so today I’m offering up a recipe from my friends Lois Winston and Caroline Mickelson. So click here to visit the fabulous Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog for a very tasty recipe for Chicken Cacciatore!
Did you know “cacciatore’ is Italian for hunter? This style of meal was prepared hunter-style with whatever vegetables and meats were at hand.
Also, please take a moment to visit with me at Paranormal Dimensions! I’m sharing some behind the scenes details on my latest release in THE REBORN vampire novel series.
Traditions, Navajo Mythology, and Raven #giveaway
Today I have the pleasure of having with me my dear friends and fellow authors Aimee and David Thurlo who are here to share with us the inspiration for their latest Harlequin Intrigue, POWER OF THE RAVEN. Please welcome Aimee and David and also, check out the cool giveaway they have going on to celebrate their new release. For more information, you can visit David and Aimee at www.aimeeanddavidthurlo.com.
POWER OF THE RAVEN
When you write stories that focus on places and the people who live in them, as we do with our novels about the southwest, people often want to know how we get ideas for the next book.
Our February release for Harlequin Intrigue, “Power of the Raven,†is a story that came to us when we were walking around Old Town in Albuquerque and saw a small, beautifully carved fetish in a storefront window and stopped to admire it. According to tradition, a fetish is more than just a carving. It’s a symbol that is said to capture the essence of the animal and impart those qualities to its owner.
Out of that moment came a storyline about a hataalii, a Navajo medicine man, Hosteen (mister) Silver, who fosters troubled Navajo boys, giving them a new life and future. On their sixteen birthday, each of the boys receives a gift – a special fetish carved for them. Gene Redhouse, the hero of Power of the Raven, carries a bear fetish. A bear fits Gene because bear’s power is made strong in solitude. Though Bear has a dark side, he also stands for confidence and inner stillness.
“Power of the Raven†centers around Gene, now a man, on a path that will test the limits of his courage.
I’ve always had a special affinity for animals, and the lore that surrounds each fetish is something I find particularly fascinating. One of my favorites is Raven.
Raven’s magic brings the power needed to take your dreams, give them time to form, then make them a reality. Raven belongs to the inner world, that place where we protect the part of us that’s often injured by the sting of rejection. Raven becomes a powerful ally who encourages us to embrace the shadows because they’re also part of who we are.
I find that especially beautiful, because as authors we have to dig into memories of pain as well as triumphs to make our characters come alive. The process can be difficult and leaves you feeling vulnerable at a time when you most need to protect yourself. Not everyone will see what you want to do in the story you create and the words you use to do it. There will be harsh comments, and judgments. You have to be able to take the blows, smile, and keep going. It can hurt – badly – but like a famous teacher once said, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you fall down – only how many times you get back up.”
Each of the Copper Canyon stories will feature a hero and heroine who has, or will receive, a very special fetish in the course of the book. As the characters learn about their new spiritual brother, the reader will go on their journey with them, and maybe some will find their own fetish – an animal carving that will remind you of your own uniqueness, and the power that resides in each of us.
To celebrate its publicaton we’re having a very special giveaway – a handcarved raven fetish signed by the artist, Amos Pooacha. Mr. Pooacha is confined to a wheelchair and makes his living carving these very special fetishes.
Please write me at ADThurlo at aol dot com, specify you want to enter our drawing, then Feb. 29th we’ll announce the winner on our web page, and of course, that person will immediately notified via e-mail.
Gabriella Hewitt – Out of the Shadows Blog Tour
I am off to the Authors After Dark Conference today and want to thank my good friend and fellow author Gabriella Hewitt for helping me out by dropping by today to discuss her latest novel! But before Gabriella spills all about her latest release, please remember that on August 11 at 9 pm I’ll be having a live video event with Rachel Kramer Bussel. We’ll be chatting about OBSESSED: EROTIC ROMANCE FOR WOMEN which is Rachel’s latest release. You can click here or use this link – http://t.wbx.me/f8qgs – to come and watch and ask questions, plus there will be some fun prizes!
Without further ado, here’s Gabriella!
The fun part of writing OUT OF THE SHADOWS based on Aztec mythology was getting to do the research. Some of the things I found out had me smiling and heralding the Aztec culture. Other things had me cringing and shaking my head.
In a way, we are not so different than the Aztec people of the past. And in another way, we are completely different.
Here is a quick comparison list of how we are alike & different:
ALIKE: Aztecs liked to eat meat and tons of it. (Throw some steak on the BBQ any day)
DIFFERENT: Aztecs ate deer, rabbits, and dogs. (Sorry but chewing on Bambi, Thumper and Fido doesn’t sound tasty to today’s modern girl.)
ALIKE: Corn tortillas on the Go! The tortilla shells were a staple of food and young women made them as a right of passage. Warriors ate them fresh or carried them on long journeys because they kept well. (Ancient Taco Bell)
DIFFERENT: Aztecs worshipped corn. Yup, they even had a corn god named Cinteotl. According to About.com contributor, Austin Cline “During the festival of Hueytozoztli, “great watch,” Cinteotl was honored in order to encourage the growth of corn. First a procession of virgins would march to the Temple of Chicomecoatl, and then an impersonator would be sacrificed.†(Nice. Wonder how that would go over with the Dept. of Agriculture today?)
ALIKE: Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! The Aztecs loved it as much as we do today. They ate it, drank it and used it as an aphrodisiac. (We’ve perfected it and made chocolate pens to write naughty messages on our lover’s body and then lick it off!!)
DIFFERENT: Chocolate was considered decadent and only for the rich. Today anyone can enjoy the delicious delicacy without fear of retribution from the gods. (If you’re really feeling rich, Hershey’s Amusement Park offers a chocolate infused mud bath. Now that sounds divine.)
In many ways we are alike and different. Definitely one thing is for certain, whether it is modern times or ancient times, Aztec Warriors are considered hot and sexy.
EXCERPT
A wolf’s howl pierced the desert silence, causing the animals to stir restlessly in their stalls. Wolves had been reintroduced into Arizona, but she had yet to see or hear one so close to her ranch. Was it an omen?
Carolina paused in her chores to stare out the open barn door into the gathering darkness.
For a moment, she let herself get caught up in the long, solitary note. It felt like a kindred spirit. She knew loneliness intimately. Only her loneliness did not come from the vast miles of the sun-parched Sonoran desert that surrounded her, but out of the necessity to protect her goddess, her land’s secret. As one of the few amongst her people to become a guardian, her choices were limited.
The one occasion she’d invested herself in another, he’d betrayed her. She’d foolishly placed her hope and trust in Billy and she’d paid a horrendous price. Her desire to find someone to share the workload, her joy and sadness, and the burden of her secret—just as her parents had done—had blinded her to the trap she’d walked into. By the time she understood what was happening, it was too late. Her parents were dead.
Her heart weighed heavy in her chest as if it had happened recently and not five years ago. The memory of her parents lingered too close to the surface today. This had been their land, their dream, and now it was hers to fight for. She’d vowed never to fail them again. Above her own needs came the higher purpose of protecting her goddess at all costs.
Her mare, Mariposa, snorted and reared up, pulling Carolina from her thoughts. The animals had been growing edgier with each passing minute. They sensed the evil that blew in with the warm desert breeze. She berated herself for not paying more attention to them.
Goose bumps prickled her skin. Her tattoo, a gift from the goddess, began a slow burn on her shoulder, a sure sign that evil was approaching. She felt the heat radiating through the fabric of her denim shirt. The last time she’d experienced the odd sensation, her world had fallen apart.
Cautiously, she turned her head, seeking the source.
Her breath came out in a gasp.
Less than ten feet away sat a magnificent gray wolf, watching her. Waiting.
OUT OF THE SHADOWS releases August 16th. You can pre-order it now at Samhain Publishing
About the author:
Gabriella Hewitt is the pen name of creative writing talents Sasha Tomaszycki and Patrizia M.J. Hayashi. Together they weave tales of romantic suspense and dangerously sensual paranormals. Check out the website www.GabriellaHewitt.com to find out about upcoming releases and events on their blog.
