[Guest Post] Creating Characters by Marne Ann Kirk

Thank you for having me on your blog today. I’m excited to “be here.” I’m from Colorado, but I’m writing this one from the ever-sunny Las Vegas.

A writer never stops creating characters. Our brains just NEVER turn off. We’re always on crazy thoughts.

For instance, we (my husband and I) are staying at a casino/hotel in Las Vegas, right? Last night, some foul creature of the night tried to make off with our truck. It happens, I know. Times are hard and people can get desperate. They didn’t take the truck, they just left a mess for an ignition switch, took my Excedrin Migraine and Rolaids (I guess they needed it more than I did), and left a “small baggie of unknown substance” (I guess we can all guess why they didn’t manage to steal the truck) for their troubles. I wish them luck in life…they’re going to need it.

We had to file a report with the hotel security and the local five-o, and therein lies a new minor character for book two of the Holy Water Warrior series…

He’s a security guard, so in Tommie’s story he’ll be a bouncer at Tommie’s Knockers, the hottest nightclub West of the Divide. I’ve already named him, Richard, and Tommie will forever wonder, or at least she’ll wonder until he dies, why she hired him a few months ago. He’s qualified, and she’s really having a difficult time keeping bouncers all of a sudden, but there’s something about this guy. He’s just a hair off of plumb.

In real life, the officer who helped us was nice enough to look at, I won’t lie. However, I’m of the “Shallow 

Hal” philosophy, where beauty comes from within—in which case, this guy was Frankenstein ugly… because I think we can all agree the monster wasn’t the ugly on in that book, either. So Richard will be flabby in the belly, insecure, inadequate, and physically an ugly fellow…maybe I’ll give him some habit to help. I’ll have him pick his nose and then go to shake a hand—not enough to hate him, just enough for an ick factor.

As soon as this guy opens his mouth, though, the reader will despise him (and this is the part that is inspired by the security guard). He’ll something, several things, actually, that are so offensive, so full of cockiness and bigotry, so lacking in compassion for the situation he’s in and for the people he shares space with on this beautiful planet, you won’t be able to help but hate him. And, after he is rightfully despised, a Fomorian deamon is going to attack Richard, pulling his soul from his body while frenzy-feeding on his flesh. It’s going to be a horrible, painful, drawn out way for pathetic Richard to die.

Then the Fomorian is going to probably vomit the soul out, because Richard was too bilious for it to stomach.

When Richard the bouncer dies, I’m going to smile to myself and send a silent little thank you to the security guard who gave me so much inspiration for a pivotal scene in Tommie’s story.

My point is, inspiration comes from everywhere and a writer never stops creating characters.

Goddess On The Run

A Tale of the Holy Water Warriors, Book One

By Marne Ann Kirk    

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Number of pages: 316

Word Count: 91,200 words

Cover Artist: Taria Reed

Book Description:

All Fomorian Hells are about to break loose on earth, making human souls the daily special, if the Tuatha de Danaan can’t stop it.

Teagan, a Celtic demi-goddess hiding from her destiny in small-town Colorado, wants nothing to do with her mother’s forgotten realm or the drama of a battle of the gods. And Merric is forbidden fruit she’s too smart to taste.

Merric, leader of the Tuatha de Danaan warriors, has other plans. Teagan holds the key to salvation, for both him and their worlds, whether she wants to or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of her duty.

But can he find the key to her heart?

Author Bio:

Marne Ann Kirk grew up wild, exploring the vast high deserts and mountains of the West with her family as a child. Marne Ann loved making up stories and, well, lied about just about everything. Thankfully, she grew out of the lying stage...now she calls it story-telling.

Her debut novel, “Love Chosen: Book One of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is available now. “Love Dared: Book Two of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is coming soon. “Goddess on the Run,” a paranormal romance, will be available September 17, 2012. You can find out more about Marne Ann through her publisher, Crescent Moon Press, or visit her at: www.marneannkirk.com  or www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

Web: http://www.marneannkirk.com

Blog: http://www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

Twitter: MarneAnn

Facebook: www.facebook.com/marneannkirk

Goodreads: Marne Ann Kirk or http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5822484.Marne_Ann_Kirk

[Review & Giveaway] Goddess on the Run by Marne Ann Kirk

About the book: 
   Goddess On The Run

A Tale of the Holy Water Warriors, Book One

By Marne Ann Kirk    

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Number of pages: 316

Word Count: 91,200 words

Cover Artist: Taria Reed

Book Description:

All Fomorian Hells are about to break loose on earth, making human souls the daily special, if the Tuatha de Danaan can’t stop it.

Teagan, a Celtic demi-goddess hiding from her destiny in small-town Colorado, wants nothing to do with her mother’s forgotten realm or the drama of a battle of the gods. And Merric is forbidden fruit she’s too smart to taste.

Merric, leader of the Tuatha de Danaan warriors, has other plans. Teagan holds the key to salvation, for both him and their worlds, whether she wants to or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of her duty.

But can he find the key to her heart?

My Review:  Teagan is a demi-goddess hiding in small towns from her mother and the Tuatha Du Danaan warriors - especially the leader, Merric.  When Demons come looking for Tegan to find one of the keys that her mother gave her, she runs smack into Merric and his men and she is forced to take her daughter Katie and go into hiding with them.  Sparks fly between her and Merric - both angry ones and lusty ones.  Will Merric be able to win her heart? Will Teagan mend relationships with her mother?  Will the demons win?  Read Goddess on the run to find out.

Goddess on the Run was a very enjoyable read that I finished in a single sitting.  I loved Teagan's caring, helping heart and her sassy kick butt attitude.  Katie is a sweet girl that everyone falls in love with.  She is so in tune to her momma's feelings and she does so much for the people she cares for.  Merric is a hottie, who you can't help falling for right along side Teagan.  There is just the right amount of tension and sexual buildup between the two.    I also enjoyed the antics of Merric's warriors.  Living with all those men must be something like living in a frat house.

Goddess in the Run is a well written engrossing story.  I did not notice any spelling or grammar errors.  The plot was very well paced, and kept me turning pages.  I loved this book, and I gave it four stars.  I can't wait for book two in the series.  I've noticed that I'm really liking a lot of books published by Crescent Moon Press.
 
About the Author:

Marne Ann Kirk grew up wild, exploring the vast high deserts and mountains of the West with her family as a child. Marne Ann loved making up stories and, well, lied about just about everything. Thankfully, she grew out of the lying stage...now she calls it story-telling.

Her debut novel, “Love Chosen: Book One of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is available now. “Love Dared: Book Two of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is coming soon. “Goddess on the Run,” a paranormal romance, will be available September 17, 2012. You can find out more about Marne Ann through her publisher, Crescent Moon Press, or visit her at: www.marneannkirk.com  or www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

Web: http://www.marneannkirk.com

Blog: http://www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

Twitter: MarneAnn

Facebook: www.facebook.com/marneannkirk

Goodreads: Marne Ann Kirk or http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5822484.Marne_Ann_Kirk

Giveaway:


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[Review] Fire Dance by Kailin Gow

Synopsis:  As the war between the water gods and fire gods rage on in the forms of their Embodiments, Mac was forced to take on the side of her mother’s, causing her to betray her eternal love Chance. Her destiny still calls for them to be together, but now with her taking on the abilities of her mother’s heritage, things have gotten much more complicated.


My Review:  Fire Dance is the third book in Kailin Gow's Fire Wars series.  The series is unique because mythology meets dystopian.  Book three picks up right in the middle of the action where book two left off.  In this book, Mac really steps it up.  She really kicks butt, and is strong, courageous and fierce.  Mac really comes into her own once she accepts who she is and what her destiny is.  It does cause dome problems with Chance - but can they work through it?  Mac is the embodiment of Vesta and Chance has been burned by Vesta before.  Vesta also begins to show herself more, and we get answers to the things Vesta did in the past.  She really comes through in this book, and it makes me like her a little more.  I can't wait for the next book to see if the war is one, and if Chance and Mac are able to ultimately be together.


About the Author:  Kailin Gow has appeared on top national syndicated talk shows such as ABC Radio, Barbara Dooley show, Chat with Women on KKNW Seattle, Broadminded on Sirius Radio XM, and more as a leading authority on YA and women's issues including self-esteem, body image, dating and sexual relationships, abuse, and bullying. Kailin has been a published author for over 10 years with over 100 titles published under her name and under pen names. 

She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me Project, http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me. 

Kailin Gow began writing books for tween girls to help them with self-confidence and self-esteem. Her book, Gifted Girls Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Week, became a reference book used in girls organizations across the U.S. As her tween fans grew to become teens and young adults, Kailin began writing engaging and entertaining young adult book series for them. The results are book series like the Frost Series, PULSE Series, Wicked Woods Series, Stoker Sisters, Phantom Diaries, The Fire Wars, FADE, DESIRE, and more. 

All her books are inspired by personal experiences. Saving You Saving Me was inspired by her experience as a peer counselor for young women during college and from her psychology major college roommate's experience being in a relationship similar to the one portrayed by Sam and Collins in the book. Loving Summer was inspired by Kailin's experience growing up with a family consisting of a mother, two sons, and a daughter who went through a similar experience of tragedy in the book. Aunt Sookie is based on herself and some actor friends she knows. The Frost Series, Circus of Curiosities Series, and FADE Series came about through vivid dreams. Never Say Never was inspired by Kailin's experience as a radio host and working with and interviewing bands, as well as having college friends who were in bands. Kailin also played the drums and keyboard for a band she once started. A classically-trained musician, she was once led her school orchestra, playing first chair violin. Her experience in the music world and her love of Phantom of the Opera, inspired the Phantom Diaries. PULSE was inspired when Kailin was in the hospital suffering from heavy blood loss post surgery and needed several bags of blood to survive (like a vampire). Beautiful Beings was inspired by her college encounter with a young demon exorcist. A pastor once told her she had the gift of sight and that she was destined to become a prolific author, many times over. 

She began taking her writing seriously when her daughter was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and her mother was fighting three types of cancer. Four years later, her daughter was no longer on the spectrum, and her mother became cancer free. Kailin believes in hope and miracles, after having been through several struggles and experiences herself. This is why she writes.

When not busy inhaling chocolate and drinking coffee by the gallon, Kailin makes time for writing fantasy books, blogging as an expert blogger for Fast Company, volunteering as an Emergency Responder and volunteering for battered women's shelters. For fun, she plays the electric violin, and puts together a music playlist for her radio and web shows.

Her Frost Series consisting of the Bitter Frost Series, The Wolf Fey Series, and the Fairy Rose Chronicles along with her other book series are being developed into worldwide MMORPG Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, which is the world's leading game developer known for developing the top blockbuster films into games. 

Trivia: When she was 7 years old, her mother entered her into an impromptu storytelling speech contest last minute, which she didn't prepare for. She ended up as a finalist, and since then has loved bringing stories to people.

She welcomes readers to contact her through her publisher's site and email at: info(at)theEDGEbooks(dot)com. 

Her own website: kailingowbooks.com
Blog: kailingow.wordpress.com

You can find her here:
Facebook: facebook.com/KailinGowBooks

Twitter: @kailingow

To join her street team, sign up at info (at) theEDGEbooks (dot) com. 

[Review] Transcend by Christine Fonseca

Synopsis  

All seventeen-year-old composer Ien Montgomery desires is an escape from his family's rigid expectations for his life; someone to inspire his music. When he meets a beautiful violin-prodigy, Kiera McDougal, his life music takes on new life. With her, he imagines a future outside of his parents’ control. That is, until a horrible accident tears them apart. 

Sent to die in a sanatorium, Ien’s obsession for Kiera grows unbearable. Tortured by thoughts he can’t escape and the truth of his monstrous disfigurement, he flees, desperate to exact revenge on the people that ruined his life – his parents. But, vengeance is empty. Betrayed by those closest to him, Ien discovers that the price for his happiness may be his sanity.

Set amidst the landscape of New York's Gilded Age, and inspired by Phantom of the Opera, TRANSCEND exposes the fine line between love and madness.

My Review:  I would first like to thank Christine Fonseca for allowing me to read her book as part of the tour.  I loved Transcend, and I've been struggling with what to say in my review for some days now.  The book is inspired by Phantom of the Opera, which I love, but is still uniquely it's own.  Transcend is one of the better written books I've read this year.  The writing is very poetic.  The story is haunting and beautiful and at times creepy.  This is the first book that made me cry in a long time.

We are brought into Ien's descent into madness as he loses everything.  As I reader, I really connected with Ien.  I felt for him.  I wanted him to have the life he lost.  Sometimes Ien's emotions were terrifying.  More often they were heart-wrenching.    His obsession with Kiera consumes him.  Ien story is very dark, much like the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera.  Much like I did the Phantom, I was rooting for Ien.  You get so far drawn into Ian's reality that you lose track of real reality.  The end was shocking, to say the least.

There are side characters - Kiera, the object of Ien's obsession, Erik the brother he has always been competitive with, his best friend James, and his childhood friend & family servant Jenna.  Jenna is really the one that is there for him through his whole life.  His family is cruel, caring only about what people think of them.  I'm not going to spend too much time on the secondary characters.  We see them alternately from Ien's mind and from a third person point of view, as though outside looking in at everything.

Overall, this book is amazing.  There were no spelling or grammar errors that I noticed.  The book is written very differently from any other book that I've read with the alternating between first person (Ien) and third person - but it works.  The pacing isn't fast paced and action, but it is well paced and intense.  5 Stars - and I can't wait to read more by Ms. Fonseca.

About Christine Fonseca

Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. Her titles include Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids and The Girl Guide, releasing April 2013.

In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions not to be missed. Recent titles include Dies Irae and Lacrimosa, from the Requiem Series, and the recently released thriller, Transcend. For more information about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com.

Coming Soon:

• TRANSCEND (Sept. Compass Press) - YA Psychological Thriller inspired by Phantom of the Opera - "Hauntingly dark and achingly beautiful"
• LIBERA ME (Oct., Compass Press) - Book 2 in the Requiem Series
• THE GIRL GUIDE (June, Prufrock Press) - A book of self-discovery for teenage girls.

FREE on Amazon:

• DIES IRAE (Requiem .5) - See where the story begins - "Filled with action, emotion, and drama"
• MEA CULPA (Requiem 1.5) - Zane's story - "Heartbreaking story of love"

Other Titles:

• LACRIMOSA (Requiem 1) "The last book you'll need to read to understand sacrifice"
• 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids
• Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students 

Praise for Transcend:

“So powerful, so deep, and dark. It took me on an amazing journey into places most people fear to go...leaving me breathless.”

~Heather McCorkle, Author of To Ride A Puca 

“…hauntingly dark and achingly beautiful. A story of love, loss and obsession set against the decadent backdrop of historic New York that sucked me in and wouldn't let go, from the first page until long after I'd finished.”

~ Michelle McLean, Author of Treasured Lies (Entangled, 2012)

“ The story is disturbing and intense and utterly unique…”

~ Ali Cross, Author of Become

“…thought-provoking and emotionally heart wrenching. I haven’t felt this way after reading in quite a while!”

~ Jen from Geekygamergal's Musings

“It is such a powerful and deep story; it will leave you completely breathless.”

~ Brooke from The Cover Contessa

Character Guest post - Kiera tells all as she answers a reader’s most burning question – Are you afraid of Ien now, since the accident?

Kiera! I am so glad you could join me on the tour today. I have a special question that I’d like you to answer: Are you afraid of Ien now, after his horrific accident and…we…you know?

Am I afraid of Ien? Hmm, I have to think about that a little. Ien has always held a special place in my heart. He’s been my muse, my inspiration. No one composes as he does. No one accompanies my music like he can. When the explosion happened and I first saw him, I knew there was no way he could have survived. His face…his face was just so…so…gone. Nothing but smoldering flesh and bone. I’ll never forget how that looked.

I don’t know how he managed to survive it. James visited him a few times before the end. But I couldn’t. I just couldn’t bear to see him in that state. At the funeral, I felt guilty. I should have visited him. I should have said a proper goodbye. And now…I don’t really know what to make of everything now.

 But I do see his face still, in my dreams. I see the burned flesh and protruding bone. And I hear the music Ien composed for me. It haunts me…

It will forever haunt me.

 Am I afraid of him? Yes, I think I am.

About Christine Fonseca

Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. Her titles include Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids and The Girl Guide, releasing April 2013.

In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions not to be missed. Recent titles include Dies Irae and Lacrimosa, from the Requiem Series, and the recently released thriller, Transcend. For more information about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com. 

Coming Soon:

• TRANSCEND (Sept. Compass Press) - YA Psychological Thriller inspired by Phantom of the Opera - "Hauntingly dark and achingly beautiful"
• LIBERA ME (Oct., Compass Press) - Book 2 in the Requiem Series
• THE GIRL GUIDE (June, Prufrock Press) - A book of self-discovery for teenage girls.

FREE on Amazon:

• DIES IRAE (Requiem .5) - See where the story begins - "Filled with action, emotion, and drama"
• MEA CULPA (Requiem 1.5) - Zane's story - "Heartbreaking story of love"

Other Titles:

• LACRIMOSA (Requiem 1) "The last book you'll need to read to understand sacrifice"
• 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids
• Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students 

Find me online at my Website and my writer's blog

[Review & Giveaway] So Into You by Cecilia Gray

 

Synopsis:  Modern retelling/based on Sense & Sensibility.

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is guys. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And they're about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down…

Meet sweet and sensible Ellie who hasn’t met a problem her mom’s yoga mantras can’t fix. But when her parents threaten to pull her from the Academy just as her flirtation with the cutest boy in school heats up, will Ellie be able to keep her cool?

 

 

 

My review:  I am a huge fan of Jane Austen and jumped on the chance to read Fall For You, the first in a series of modern day Jane Austen tellings by Cecilia Gray.  I was even more excited for the second book So Into You to come out, and squeed with delight when I got the oppertunity to review it as part of the tour. 

 

So Into You is a retelling of Sense and Sensability (my favorite!) viewed through a modern lens.  Ellie, our lead character, loves Jane Austen Academy.  It is under new ownership and the girls of the academy are worried that the name is going to be changed, and also talk of adding male students.  Ellie has received the additional bad news that her parents want to move to another country and say that they cannot afford tuition.  She, her friends, and teachers all fight to keep Ellie at the school, but will they succeed?  The news couldn't come at a worse time for Ellie because she is finally starting to catch the attention of hottie, Edward.  But Edward has some secrets of his own.  Will Ellie and Edward be able to work as a couple?  Pick up a copy of So Into You and find out.

 

Cecilia Gray's books are well done, and draw you in.  You feel like part of the inner circle at Jane Austen Academy and really connect with the characters.  I cried right along with Ellie.  I like the modern spin on the Austen stories, bringing the moral of the story foward, but putting a light-hearted spin on things.  I enjoyed watching Ellie grow as a character in this book, and also enjoyed the lessons that everyone learned by the end.  I cannot wait for the next installment.

 

About the author:  Cecilia Gray lives in Oakland where she reads, writes and breaks for food. She also pens her biographies in the third person. Like this. As if to trick you into thinking someone else wrote it because she is important. Alas, this is not the case.

Cecilia has been praised for “instilling a warmth and weight into her characters” (Romancing The Book Reviews) and her books have been praised for being “well-written, original, realistic and witty” (Quills & Zebras Reviews).

Several of her titles - including A Delightful Arrangement (The Gentlemen Next Door #1) and An Illicit Engagement (The Gentlemen Next Door #2) - have spent, in her view, a shocking amount of time on bestseller lists for romance, historical romance and regency romance in the US, UK, Italy and Spain.

Her latest release, FALL FOR YOU, the first in a series of young-adult contemporary Jane Austen retellings, received a starred Kirkus review and was praised for being a “unique twist on a classic” and offering “a compelling action of action, drama and love.”

She’s rather enamored of being contacted by readers and hopes you’ll oblige.

 

 

Social Media links:

http://www.facebook.com/ceciliagray

http://ceciliagray.com/

Twitter: @ceciliabooks

Links to find/buy book:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15705217-so-into-you

http://www.amazon.com/Into-Austen-Academy-Series-ebook/dp/B008NAZ0ZO/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347896903&sr=1-2&keywords=so+into+you

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/so-into-you-cecilia-gray/1112171020?ean=2940014973724

 

 

Follow the tour:

 

 

 

Giveaway:  

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[Review] Phoenix by Melissa Starr

Synopsis:  Elora Rae Gannon believes her life is over. On her sixteenth birthday she receives news that she is a mythical monster of hellish proportions and if that's not bad enough, she receives this information in the form of a letter from her dead mother who also informs her that she must become part of an elite secret society of others like herself or die. Sucky birthday, huh? And just when she thinks she's got it all figured out, her new-found family in the Elite forces her to break ties with her human BFF shortly before her BFF just up and vanishes. With her world in utter upheaval, Elora makes the move to a new school- Marlind Prep, with full intentions of finding out exactly what is going on behind the scenes and why her best friend has vanished- all while trying to figure out how to successfully make out with her boyfriend without sucking the very life out of him!

Review:  Phoenix is a fun, fast read, that fans of House of Night will eat up.  The plot is based around Egyptian mythology, which I enjoyed immensely.  I love anything that has to do with mythology, and Egyptian myths aren't done often enough in young adult fiction.  Our story revolves around Elora, who is discovers at sixteen that she is a Phoenix and is initiated as a Phoenix, joining up the the most beautiful, powerful and elite.  Elora's best friend, Chloe, thinks that there is more to the Phoenix Elite than they let on.  After investigating she goes missing.  Elora thinks maybe the Phoenix have something to do with it, but can't figure out what and how. 

I feel for Elora, having all of this new information about herself thrust upon her, and then a change to a new school, among a group of cunning, devious other students.  She does get the chance to be with the super hot Ezra, so that's a bonus.  Chloe I really like.  She is a loyal and dedicated friend.  She is relentless though, and her persistence puts her in danger.

Phoenix is very well written.  It's clean and concise and perfectly paced.  It does end with a cliffhanger, so I am waiting in anticipation for book 2.

About the author: 

Melissa Starr is a small town, country gal from deep in southern Oklahoma. Born in Altus and raised in Frederick, it only seemed right to put down roots there with her own family; a husband, two sons and two daughters. She resides and writes from her home in Frederick where she spends her free time attending her children’s various sporting activities and just enjoying being a mom.

Melissa is also a freelance photographer who enjoys camping and riding ATV’s when the weather permits and snapping a million and one pictures of her family and friends against much protest. *Smiles*

Website: http://melissastarr.webstarts.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Starr/451202625383

Follow me on Twitter~ https://twitter.com/#!/MelissaStarr13

Figment~ http://figment.com/users/238938-Melissa-Starr

Word Press~ http://melissa13starr.wordpress.com/

Good Reads~ http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6151213.Melissa_Starr

FIRE & ICE~ http://www.fireandiceya.com/authors/melissastarr/phoenix.html 

 

AMAZON KINDLE~ 

BARNES & NOBLE~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phoenix-melissa-starr/1112125637?ean=9781612354101

 

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Mistakes in Beginner Writers by guest author Elizabeth Nelson

What are the mistakes you see in beginner writers?

by Elizabeth Nelson

Well…it’s not fair of me to be the judge of beginner writers as I am one myself. So I’ll discuss some of the mistakes I’ve made.

The first mistake I made was about 3-4 years ago. I went with a small-house publisher instead of self-publishing. Self-publishing wasn’t what it is today. Back then many companies would publish your book for a “small” investment of something around USD$1,000. I didn’t have that kind of money then. I just returned back to the States from living abroad and all my savings went towards surviving – finding a place to live, a car, and food. At that time I could have lived nearly two months off of what some self-publishing companies would have charged me to publish my book. And that didn’t even include marketing! So I was approached by a small publishing house who said they would take care of the costs in return for sharing the royalties. I agreed. I learned a lot about publishing and what it takes to make it in this industry. For the knowledge I received and what I know now, it was a humbling experience.

Now I’m completely self-publishing. Everything I write that is publish worthy, goes through no one! I am it. I handle the marketing, the writing, and establish my team of mentors around me to get my books to take off. I’m not quite to the point where I can solely live off of my book royalties, but it helps pay the bills. For any writers out there exploring options for their books, I would encourage you to really consider holding on to the rights of your work and self-publish. It may take a bit of time to learn the ropes but in due time and with dedicated persistence you’ll get it and the taste will be sweet.

The second biggest learning experience came when I paid more than I could afford on a mediocre editor. Its difficult hiring someone you don’t know. Let me share the story. So I had a lengthy manuscript, over 400 pages, and needed it edited. So I received referrals from friends and colleagues and found a woman I wanted to work with. I contacted her, we talked. Everything was perfect except the price. She agreed to edit my manuscript for FOUR THOUSAND dollars. I couldn’t do that so I sought others. Long story short, I went with a complete stranger for much less. I still find mistakes that should have been picked up. In the end was it worth it? No way! I wasted my money and my time.

I could go on with more examples but it’s really not worth. The lesson here is simple, you have to try things out before you know whether or not it’s worth it or not. It might cost you some money but the way I look at it is two ways. It could also make you lots of money and if it doesn’t you can always find a way to make more money for the lost investment. Just get it done.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Romantic Suspense

Rating – R

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[Review] Final Life by Rose Garcia

Book Blurb:

A Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Book one in the Transhuman Chronicles

Eight lives. You'd think Dominique would get it right, but she's failed every time. Now on her final life, Dominique must discover the secrets of her past before confronting the Transhuman hunter who wants to kill her for the last time. Farrell, a mysterious Transhuman protector, and Trent, a hot guy from school, want to help. But it's up to her to get it right.

 My Review:  Rose Garcia's new book Final Life captures your attention from the first page and keeps you turning pages until before you know it you've reached the end.  Garcia does an excellent job at world-building and creating a paranormal story that is unique from other books that I have read. 

 

Dominque, our heroine, has just moved to a new state.  If the normal teen problems on top of moving to a new state and school weren't bad enough, strange things start happening.  Dominque is having visions and other creepy things occur.  She finds out strange news about what she really is from her parents.  Not only is she not a normal teenage girl, the fate of the world rests in her hands.  Dominque handles things as well as can be expected.  She does whine a little bit, but she always bucks up and does what needs to be done.

 

There is a love triangle.  Trent is a super sweet guy who any parent would love to see their teen with.  Something about him seems off to me, and I don't completely trust him.  The other guy after Dominque's heart is Farrell, who unlike Trent (a human) is Transhuman as well as Dominque's protector. 

 

Overall, I enjoyed the Final Life.  It was a fast read, that kept my attention.  I finished it off in one sitting.

Author Info:

Rose Garcia is a lawyer turned writer who’s always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy. From a very young age, she often had her nose buried in books about otherworlds, fantastical creatures, and life and death situations. More recently, she’s been intrigued by a blend of science fiction and reality, and the idea that some supernatural events are, indeed, very real. Fueled by her imagination, she created The Transhuman Chronicles—a series of books about people who have overcome human limitations. The first in this series is Final Life. Between juggling family life with her husband and two kids, Rose is working on the companion to Final Life. So stay tuned!

 

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[Cover Reveal] Just For You by Abbi Glines

Title: Just for Now (Sea Breeze, #4)

Age Group/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Expected Release: October 23, 2012

Cover Design: Mooney Designs

Book trailer created by: Hellion Works

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15778138-just-for-now

 

Summary

The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food. 

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.

She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

 

Bio:

Abbi Glines can be found hanging out with rockstars, taking out her yacht on weekends for a party cruise, sky diving, or surfing in Maui. Okay maybe she needs to keep her imagination focused on her writing only. In the real world, Abbi can be found hauling kids (several who seem to show up that don’t belong to her) to all their social events, hiding under the covers with her MacBook in hopes her husband won’t catch her watching Buffy on Netflix again, and sneaking off to Barnes and Noble to spend hours lost in the yummy goodness of books. If you want to find her then check Twitter first because she has a severe addiction to tweeting @abbiglines.   Facebook is also somewhere she visits a little too often. She blogs regularly but rarely about anything life changing. She also really enjoys talking about herself in third person.

 

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