Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Phoenix Rising Book Tour and Guest Post/ Review/Giveaway by Lisa C. Morgan


Welcome Everybody!!
It is my pleasure to host Lisa  C. Morgan today. I have just recently read Phoenix Rising and I am here to tell you it threw me into an emotional mess. I LOVE IT when a book does that to me. You will find my review along with the Giveaway link below.
Guest Post with Lisa C Morgan
Hey Readers! Today I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned from my characters in the Maggie Henning stories. Okay- I know what you’re thinking- “What does she mean? Didn’t she write the stories?” Yes. Yes I did. I sat down and bled on my computer, (on occasion, literally...don’t ask…) and while I had a nice little hand written outline beside me, the characters were what drove the story, many times sneaking up on me and without warning, completely shifting the story altogether.
Maggie, the main character in my story, tended to be a little difficult when it came to her story. I had a vision, but Maggie decided she was someone else entirely. From her, I was reminded that we should just accept folks for whom they are and not try to mold them to fit with what we expect. On the outline, Maggie was a meek girl with an obsession for clothes and pop culture, but as I tried to write that, she refused to surface, claiming that while all those things were fine, she was a little deeper than that. Hence, her best friend Stephanie was born.
Maggie also reminds me that we are so much more than the circumstances we find ourselves in. Bad things happen sometimes. We can wallow in them and hope for pity, or we can brush ourselves off and not give up. Sure- we falter, we doubt ourselves. We are, in fact, the old cliché “our own worst enemies.” Maggie, however, reminded me that it’s those stutter steps we sometimes take that can be the force to make us run.
Liam is Maggie’s grandfather. I love him! I think that he’s a little lost in modern times, but he tries. It’s his attempts to be a parent to Maggie and all those at The Trust that taught me family is more than a biological tie that binds. We have people around us who for whatever reason we treasure. Maybe it’s a friend that calls at 3 am just to say hello when they know you’ve had a bad day. Or that crazy Aunt who pinches your cheeks at every chance- family means well and they love you- sometimes in spite of the fact that they “have” to. 
Liam also puts a value on education. As The Realm historian and librarian, Maggie’s grandfather stresses the need to ever continue to learn. Education comes in so many forms- books, real life experiences- and he lets us know that every piece of information we learn, even the bad news, is the seed to a flower that will only make us wiser and stronger.
The princes of Celine- Michel and Luc. They are so alike and yet so very different, but one lesson I think they’ve both taught me was that loyalty comes in many forms. Michel will run to stand at Maggie’s side, not taking into consideration what could happen to himself. While that’s noble, it’s also reckless. Luc, on the other hand, wants to do the very same thing, yet he doesn’t. Instead, Luc remains loyal to his brother, to Maggie, to The Realm and his friends; even if it costs him his own suffering. Loyalty can be a fierce motivator, the greatest cause of pain, or a source of true happiness. The princes experience all of these emotions, just as you and I do. They remind us how important it is to stay loyal to our beliefs and those we care for, that when it comes to love there is really no wrong way.
But I think it’s my fae friend, Seatha, who taught me the most valuable lesson as I wrote. In my head, I can almost feel the circumstances that she has gone through to become the fae she is, but even though she’s suffered, she has maintained a fun loving spirit. That’s so very important to everyone. You must be able to laugh at yourself if you’re ever to be taken seriously. Seatha was punished and scarred for something she really had no power to control. I think we can all relate to that feeling. Seatha took that and instead of feeling sorry for herself, channeled it into a determination to succeed. How fantastic is that? We should all be so lucky to find that inside ourselves. Seatha refuses to take life too seriously, insisting that there is always something we can laugh at, even if sometimes it’s at our own expense. Why? Because sometimes it isn’t about anything more than making someone who feels down smile. I can think of no greater gift then her selflessness.
Of course, there are a few minor things they taught me, too. How to look like an idiot as I held a sword fight in my kitchen with invisible revenants, exactly how exhilarating a moonlight motorcycle ride could be, even reminding me of the pangs of first love. Mostly though, all the characters reminded me that we are all stronger when we stand together.


BOOK BLURB:
Maggie has lived the last ten years with a woman who isn't her mother and carrying the label "Daughter of John Henning", a man sentenced to live out his days at Sunnyview Psychiatric Hospital after his conviction of fire bombing a church...

and killing the 8 people inside.

What Maggie learns will change her life.
She is the last of a race of creatures known as "The Phoenix", a race of supernatural beings with the ability to wield and control fire.

And she will need that power now...

Revenants- walking, living, skeletal creatures who have waged a war against an unseen, parallel world known simply as The Realm- need Maggie's blood to bring them to a full power...a power that will give them an unbeatable edge and offer the deciding weapon in this war.

Maggie is not alone as she learns not only what she really is, but what it is her destiny to become...

Phoenix Rising (Maggie Henning & The Realm: book 1)


Synopsis
“…And I believe you do not have the control over your fire yet to destroy us all.”  He was calling my bluff. Worse, he was right.

Phoenix Rising is a first person story revolving around sixteen year old Maggie Henning. Maggie lives with her mother and has spent the previous ten years of her life wearing a label- daughter of the murderer John Henning. Her father resides at Sunnybrook Psychiatric Hospital, having been convicted of killing eight people inside of a local church, burning them alive. Or so Maggie has always been told. Maggie’s world begins to change after finding a letter addressed to her from the psychiatric hospital that offers an ominous warning. She ignores the letter, waving it off as some random nut sending her mail.
Having to endure visits with her father, per her mother’s request, has left Maggie feeling isolated and alone, with exception to her one friend, Stephanie; daughter of her father’s deceased law partner. In an effort to cheer Maggie up, Stephanie and she take in a little “retail therapy” at the local mall.
Maggie finds herself drawn into a music store she doesn’t normally go in to, drawn by a melody played by a mysterious raven haired guy that apparently alarms Maggie’s friend.
Following an argument, Maggie is abandoned at the shopping center to walk home, only to spot the mystery man again, riding a motorcycle, who offers her a ride home. Maggie isn’t normally that reckless, but she decides to throw caution to the wing and take him up on the offer.
The stage is set after a visit to her see her father, normally in a fairly catatonic state, comes aware, giving Maggie the same warning as the letter she received. Creatures, called “revenants” want Maggie’s blood. Just when Maggie had felt optimistic about her father, the hopes were dashed. But, she had seen strange things; bones, pointed teeth, rotting flesh…
The drive home reveals that Maggie’s mother is NOT what she seemed to be and after she’s attacked, the mystery guy, named Michel, arrives and rescues Maggie from one of these creatures.
Maggie is taken to “The Trust”, a manor house that offers protection to beings from “The Realm”- another world that lives right below the surface of the Mortal one. Maggie begins to learn of this strange world and the creatures that inhabit it, including a young witch with much to live up to named Autumn, a light hearted fairy named Seatha, and two Vampire Princes of The Realm, one of which is Michel. Michel is kind and level headed. Luc, his brother, is a smart ass and calls things as he sees them. The two brothers tend to be opposites of each other in most things, with exceptions to their kingdom and now, Maggie.
Maggie meets Liam at The Trust, learning that the crazy board game eating man from the asylum is really her grandfather. Liam explains The Realm, offering guidance, and more importantly, informs Maggie of what she really is- the last of a race of beings called “Phoenixes”, creatures who have the ability to call fire and use it as they wish.
The revenants, led by a creature named Ossa, will stop at nothing to get Maggie; needing her blood to bring them to full power.
Maggie must not only come to believe in all that she has heard, including that she’s one of these mythical creatures from stories, but also learn how to wield her power to face the creatures that would destroy both worlds Maggie has come to know of. All of this, even as she begins to feel more than mere friendship with one of the Princes…
My Review
ARC for Review! Thank you!! What an emotional roller coaster ride we have here! This book made me laugh, cry, cheer, smirk, and want to toss my Kindle across the room cause it just ticked me off at times.. I LOVE A BOOK when it can throw me for loops like that.... and this is a YA Read! 

The characters are amazingly portrayed to the point that you can visualize their movements, facial expressions and just about reach out and touch them. Maggie is only 16 and her world is about to be turned completely upside down in a way that is refreshing, as story lines go, yet so devastating for her, at the same time she meets a green eyed, very good-looking young man; and the plot thickens.

Full of mystery, suspense, romance, coming of age, and first love. I cried at a few scenes that tugged at my heart strings as they were so passionately portrayed. Twists and turns that just boggled my mind. Revenants, Vampires, Witches, and Fae are among the paranormal elements of this wonderful read. 

I am so waiting on Book 2 

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! 

5 out of 5 Hearts
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews


AUTHOR BIO:
Lisa C. Morgan lives in rural Upstate NY with her husband, three children, a degu, a precocious Siberian Husky, and a half Pom/Half Chi spoiled baby named Salacious B. Dustbunny. 
  A lover of books and words, it has always been her desire to tell stories that the people near her could listen and read, escaping the world around them by way of the page.
    Always having a new story idea popping into her head, (sometimes at the least appropriate of times,) Lisa can always be found with a notebook and writing utensil somewhere within reach, just as her 8th grade teacher made her promise to do.Lisa has two short stories previously published in anthologies. A Romantic short titled Nothing’s Terminal (A Home for the Holidays; December, 2011) and  a zombie themed short titled Antidote (The Thorn of Death; March 2012). Her debut novel- Phoenix Rising is the first in a new YA series Maggie Henning & The Realm and will be released July 2012. Upcoming will be the continuation in the series- Phoenix Burning, Phoenix Shadow, and Phoenix Ashes. 
  When she isn't writing or taxing kids, Lisa enjoys reading, football, softball, cooking, singing & dancing, tattoos, and spending time with family and friends.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Book Waitress: Serving Up Evil Blog Tour stop 2012!

Welcome to I Love My Authors


Today I have the honor of hosting one of my favorite Authors; Deena Remiel. I am super excited, cause Deena is an Amazing Author and Beautiful Friend. There is also a Giveaway at the end of the post, so be sure to enter... Without further ado, The Book Waitress.

Tagline: Nothing worth everything comes without a price. 

Camille Dutton learned early in life Satan was not to be trifled with. Escaping his evil clutches as a child, he’s come back with a vengeance for her now. 
Derek Galloway’s inquisitive nature has led him to be an award-winning investigative reporter and straight into the path of pure evil. 
When a child vanishes from a sleepy island town, Camille, its subdued librarian, becomes embroiled in Derek’s investigation. A satanic cult has plans for the child, while Satan has plans for Camille and the rest of the world. Amidst evil of the most supernatural and human kind, Derek and Camille find a shred of light and goodness in the form of their budding relationship. 
First in the Book Waitress Series, the portal between Hell and Earth will be torn asunder, and it will take everything Camille and Derek have and then some to close it. Satan won’t go down easy, but nothing worth everything ever comes without a price. 
©DeenaRemiel2012

Excerpt
“Watch your step there, young lady.” A deep, raspy voice broke through Camille Dutton’s frantic mind. “Just up those stairs to the upper deck. It’ll be about eight minutes to the island once we shove off. Enjoy your trip.”
“Thank you.” Eight minutes? It might as well be eight years! Ignoring the nausea threatening to erupt and drown the ferry before it even left the dock, she smiled graciously. The weather-beaten gentleman, the deckhand, she supposed, nodded at her with a crinkled smile and ushered the next person onboard. With every step she climbed up the steep metal stairs, she repeated a mantra to soothe unsettled nerves.
 It’s not forever. It’s not forever. Finding an opening at the bow of the ferry, she took up temporary residence against the railing, and dropped the heavily laden backpack from her shoulder to the deck. The churning clouds mirrored her dark mood and hovered dangerously low over the expanse of water. Eight minutes of deep, dark wetness  would now separate her from the life Camille had known for twenty-four years. She’d never been further than eighty miles from her home. She didn’t need to travel far; not when she had thousands of books at her disposal to take her wherever she wanted to go.
Her involuntary transfer to the Shelter Island Library, or forced exile as she preferred to call it, would last only as long as it took to find a permanent librarian. Her boss had  promised, and she vowed to hold him to it. With her parents’ recently passed, she longed to stay in the house where they’d infused her life with cherished moments. This upheaval at work made their absence all the  more painful to bear.
Shelter Island seemed the antithesis of its name. Camille had been lovingly sheltered by her parents and insulated within the comforting walls of her town’s library. She’d read all of the books repeatedly, from cover to cover. Going to this unknown town, living in a strange home, and working at an unfamiliar library left her feeling exposed to more than just the elements. It invited all manner of creature born to lay siege on her well-constructed fortress of solitude.
The ferry’s whistle blew as its engines kicked on and thrust the boat into the Sound. She gasped and closed her eyes, pressing fingers against the cold steel that kept her from jumping ship. A gusty breeze whipped her ponytail into a frenzy of curls  that slapped at her neck and cheeks. Eyes smarted and watered as a rush of air assaulted her face. She couldn’t bear to watch as her life receded into the horizon. Looking forward was just as painful, and she pondered what lay ahead.


Buy links:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-waitress-deena-remiel/1112662181?ean=2940015218688
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Waitress-Series-ebook/dp/B0091ZR9SQ
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219593 



It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing romance novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings. She loves connecting with her fans, so find her at deenaremiel.com. 


Stalker Links:

Book Waitress fan page link: http://www.facebook.com/TheBookWaitress
Deena Remiel's Place: www.deenaremiel.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/deena.remiel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deenaremiel


a Rafflecopter giveaway


I LOVE MY AUTHORS!!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Author Chat: Tabitha Short

Welcome to I Love My Authors

Today we have the talented Tabitha Short on the Blog. Welcome Tabitha, I am so glad you are here. As I usually do, I would like to introduce Tabitha's book to you before we get on with the interview.

The Please DO Feed the Animals ZOO

 A father decides to take his teenage son to the new petting zoo in town. The zoo exhibits contain untamed ferocious animals and advertises visitors get to hand feed them. But there’s something the zoo goers weren’t informed of: the animals will be eating them. Because of a small glitch, the man and his son discover the sinister secret before they become the food. Will they be able to make it out of the maze-like zoo before being devoured by the hungry beast.


Excerpt:

The other patrons had struck up conversation with one another, but Robbie and I sat quietly by the door. No one noticed what happened next, except for me. In a moment the door opened and the soldier slid out of the room and back into the introduction room where we still waited. He shut the door tight behind him, but not before I saw them. The door had only opened briefly, and only opened enough for the tall, slender man to slide through. But out from what I had mistaken as a window, flew three large Black Panthers into the room next door. I listened for shrieks and screams, but heard nothing.

 The soldier stood with his back to the door, his eyes wide, his breath coming in short choppy spurts as the fear settled and washed away. Did I really just see three Black Panthers released onto unsuspecting people? The soldier breathed in deep and then looked down at me. He straightened his uniform and then made his way back to the front of the crowd.

 “Everyone who chose the Siberian Tiger, please line up at the door,” He said coolly, again extending his arm to lead the way.

 That was us, but I was quite hesitant. Was it part of the show that the panthers be released onto the people? There was no warning of that from the intro we had just watched. The intro showed people feeding the animals through an artificial arm from a safe place. What was going on? I know I saw what I saw, and the reaction of the soldier confirmed it.

 “Sir,” I said to him when I got closer. “I just saw those panthers jumping into that room,” I started, but the soldier let out a loud, shrill laugh that caught everyone’s attention and interrupted me.

 “It’s 3D,” he whispered, patting my shoulder. “You better get in line, you don’t want to miss it,” he added, pushing me toward the door and disappearing into the line of people. It seemed legitimate. Right?


Now for the Interview

When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was in grade school. The first time I received recognition for my writing was in the fourth grade when my math and writing portfolios received one of the only proficient and distinguished (respectively) ratings for my grade. Throughout middle and high school I received many awards for writing and for my time as Editor-in-Chief of the high school newspaper and yearbook.

What inspired you to do it?
I grew up in a very rural area and both my parents worked a lot, so I had to find ways to entertain and occupy myself. Creating new worlds through writing provided that escape for me. In addition, I was suffering from manic depression, a mental disorder. Writing became my therapy.

What projects have you done?
Over the years I’ve done many projects that showcased my writing. I’ve done copywriting for advertising and marketing projects in college, I’ve written magazine and newspaper articles, I’ve dabbled in ghostwriting and have many years of freelance editing experience. My current projects include a series of short stories in the horror fiction genre and a young adult fiction novel.

Any new projects coming up?
Right now I’m working on the first of a series of short stories that will be titled The Corpses of Old Farm Hill Road, which will be about a mother-daughter serial killer pair.

Are you an independent artist or are you represented by an agency?
Over the years I’ve been published by a few magazines and newspapers. I have a horror short story titled The Roller Coaster of Death that is contracted through Mystic Press to be published in a collection of dark short stories titled Misery Loves Company. It will be out in December. My young adult fantasy fiction novel will also be published through them sometime in 2013. I have self-published The Please DO Feed the Animals ZOO and intend to self-publish many more horror short stories.

Any favorite bands? Do you use music to inspire you as you write?
I love just about every genre of music there is, I do not discriminate. Every type has its place with me. For my young adult fantasy fiction novel I have found that Celtic music has been inspirational. When writing the horror stories, I don’t listen to music.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Join as many online writing communities as you can and gobble up all the information you find. Don’t be afraid to self-publish and enter a lot of contests. Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, your biggest hurdle will be promoting and selling your work. It will not sell itself. Develop a plan, talk to others who have been successful, take from their ideas and find out what has worked for them and what has not. And for goodness sake, hire an editor. Even if you have an extensive background in editing and writing, get an editor. I’ve worked in journalism and been writing for years, but I still send my stories through an editing service. Even editors have to be edited. Trust me on this one.

8. Anything you would like to share with readers on a personal note that would allow them to get to know you better?
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter. I love hearing from fans, especially on my author page. I am easily accessible. 

Do you find it hard to share your work with others?
No, definitely not. I put it out there, tell others about it and hope they decide to try it. I offer my work for free sometimes in order to promote it.

10. Did your writing come from just a need to express yourself or a particular experience that you had?
Neither, really. I received praise for some things I had written when I was young and that told me I had a talent. You got to capitalize on your gifts and that’s what I’m trying to do.

Tabitha Short is the writer of many horror short stories including The Please DO Feed the Animals ZOO and The Roller Coaster of Death (found in the compilation titled Misery Loves Company, releasing in Dec. 2012). Her YA novel, Arena Games: Petrova’s Legacy, is contracted and due for publication in Spring 2013. You can purchase her books at itunes, barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com and smashwords.com.


WHERE TO BUY LINKS:
Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/206023
 Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Please-Feed-Animals-ebook/dp/B008PDAWN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344260381&sr=8-1&keywords=the+please+do+feed+the+animals+zoo
 Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/please-do-feed-the-animals-zoo-tabitha-short/1112317917?ean=2940044726284
 iTunes:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/please-do-feed-the-animals-zoo/id549912681?mt=11

As always Thanks for stopping by and please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you so much for your time today Tabitha, Have a great week! 








Brought to you by I Love My Authors

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Author Chat: Brian D Anderson Blog Tour 2012

Welcome to I Love My Authors

Today we have the talented Brian D. Anderson on the Blog. Welcome to I Love My Authors Brian, so good to have you here. Before we get to the interview, I want to share share Brian's book with you, The Godling Chronicles: Book One: The Sword of Truth. 

Darkness comes as a new power rises in Angrääl. The Dark Knight has betrayed the Gods and stolen The Sword of Truth, trapping them in heaven. With the power of the Sword he can reshape the world and bring death to all who oppose him. Only one thing stands between the darkness and the light. Gewey Stedding. Only he has the power to stand against the oncoming storm. Only he can mend the world. But only if he can discover his power....


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Godling-Chronicles-Sword Truth/dp/1592996612/ref=la_B00684NQ4E_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345881020&sr=1-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15804084-the-godling-chronicles


Brian D. Anderson was born in 1971, and grew up in the small town of Spanish Fort, AL.. He attended Fairhope High, then later Springhill College where his love for fantasy grew into a lifelong obsession. His hobbies include chess, history, and spending time with his son.

Jonathan Anderson was was born in March of 2003. His creative spirit became evident by the age of three when he told his first original story. In 2010 he came up with the concept for The Godling Chronicles, that grew into an exciting collaboration between father and son. Jonathan enjoys sports, chess, music, games, and of course, telling stories.

Now for the Interview

When did you start writing?
 I started writing, or at least made some attempts, in my early to mid teens. Through my twenties I developed more depth and skill. But it wasn't until my late thirties that I matured enough to have the patience for a full length novel.

What inspired you to do it?
The Godling Chronicles was inspired by my son, Jonathan. The original concept came directly from him (a fact reflected on the cover). Without him, I'd probably still be writing dark, strange novels, that only I and maybe a few others would want to read.

What projects have you done?
This is the first thing I have ever tried to have published. I've worked on other novels, but have had issues with staying focused on them. With The Godling Chronicles, I had the opportunity to create and explore the kind of world I've always enjoyed as a reader. Combining that with the inspiration I get from my son, has made this period in my writing its most productive.

Any new projects coming up?
The Godling Chronicles-Book Two:Of Gods and Elves is written and currently in editing, and I'm about six chapters into The Godling Chronicles-Book Three:The Gathering. Aside from that, I'm working on a novel set in my hometown, but it's still a work in progress.

Are you an independent artist or are you represented by an agency?
 I'm independent. GMTA Publishing has been wonderful in regards to looking out for my interests so far and see no need for an agent...at least not yet.

Any favorite bands? Do you use music to inspire you as you write?
 Actually, I was a professional musician for many years. As a result, I'm inspired by many forms of music. I'm a classically trained pianist that grew up listening to hard rock and metal. Later I was exposed to several forms of Jazz.
As far as a favorite band...too many to mention. I would like to give a shout out to Jacob Bunton, my best friend and the lead singer for Alder (Steven Alder from G-N-R's new band) I'm so proud of him.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
 Think less about the quality of your writing and more about the quality of your story. Amaturish prose can be fixed by a good editor, but their is no substitute for a good story.

Anything you would like to share with readers on a personal note that would allow them to get to know you better?
 From beginning to end The Godling Chronicles is inspired by my son Jonathan. He is why I have rediscovered my love for writing, and is the reason why so many people have had the chance to lose themselves in the world we have created. I know that one day, his name will be known by millions of people around the world.

Do you find it hard to share your work with others?
 No. In fact I look forward to it. I love to hear their reactions (positive or negative). I've heard authors say that they only write for themselves. If that is true, why publish? As for me, when I create a world, I can't wait for others to see it.

Did your writing come from just a need to express yourself or a particular experience that you had?
A bit of both. Many people have great stories to tell. But when you have the skills necessary to write down exactly what you think and feel, it's difficult not to take advantage of that ability.

Stalker Links:
Blog: 
http://briandanderson.blogspot.com/
Facebook: 
http://www.facebook.com/brian.anderson.39750
Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/GodlingChron
The Godling Chronicles Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheGodlingChronicles




I appreciate you for taking the time out of your busy schedule today and hanging out with us Brian. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog today!! I hope you enjoyed our Author Chat with Brian D. Anderson, please leave your comments below for Brian or myself.. Have a great Saturday..



OUR SITES: 
http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com
http://www.greatmindsindendentpublishing.com/
http://www.gmtapublishingservices.com/


Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Eternal Gift by Candy Crum

FREE On Amazon!! 8/23/2012

A young girl (Kailah) discovers that she is from a lost and forgotten powerful Immortal blood line after she meets a strange new physician at work. She begins to have visions and see spirits and has trouble controlling bad things from happening when she is angry. Along the way she discovers the terrible truth about who she is and the incredible power that is locked away deep inside her. Her Immortal ancestors want to use her to destroy the vampire race. Vampires want to use her power to destroy her Immortal ancestors. But hiding in the shadows are those who have been watching her since she was born. They want to help Kailah discover who she is and help her learn to use her abilities. They simply want for her to make the right decision before it's too late. Unfortunately for them time is not on their side and the Rogue Vampires have plans for Kailah no one could have imagined.



Amazon ~ http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Gift-ebook/dp/B00522J7HS/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1345693666&sr=8-1&keywords=candy+crum








Monday, August 20, 2012

Cover Reveal and Guest Post Zombified by Lyra McKen



Cover Reveal  and Excerpt: Zombified by Lyra McKen  Coming: August 31, 2012





Excerpt
“Cassie, wake up.” He stood back up over me as I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

I noticed that Ted was not with him, and he looked defeated as he sat down on the floor beside me. I crawled over to wrap my arms around him, and he looked surprised at first but then he put his arm around me and we were silent for a little while.

“We are going to have to move soon.” Brett was speaking quietly as he rubbed my arm. “He knows where we are, so when he wakes up, he may come for us. I was too late to help him.”

I did not know how long Brett had been gone, but I assumed by his tone that he had found his friend in very bad shape. It scared me that if he turned into one of them then he would know where we were. I sighed as I leaned my head on Brett’s shoulder. Something struck me as odd as I inhaled his scent. I thought that he smelled tasty.

Tasty! I was alarmed. He smelled good, but tasty was not something that should describe my crush. Something bad was happening to me, and I could keep trying to fight it, but as I glanced at my finger, I knew in the back of my mind it was only going to get worse.

He was looking at me while I was having all these thoughts, and he was too close for comfort. He smiled as he took my face in his hands and brought his lips to mine. It was everything I had hoped for in our first kiss. There were fireworks, and my whole body felt alive. I allowed him to ease me down onto the tarp and welcomed his body weight on top of me. This felt right and I wanted him all over me just like this. I had dreamed of this moment countless times and it was finally happening.

Our kisses became more urgent, and he moved one hand down to slide up my shirt. I heard a low growl come from somewhere within me. Something wasn’t right. It happened very quickly, but before I knew it, I had reared back and bitten into his chin hard. He cried out in severe pain, and tried to push me off of him, but I was latched on. I felt the skin break in my mouth, and felt my hunger as I ripped the skin away from his face. When I realized what I had done, I was horrified.

I stood back thinking of how I could remedy the situation. He sat there with blood pouring from his face and a hurt look in his eyes. All I could think of was one word: tasty. I had to get out of there. What the hell had I done? How many times had I pictured my lips near his, and I manage to get them there by biting his face off? I had to get as far away from him as possible. I ran out the entrance and into the school hall. Tears were streaming down my cheeks as I contemplated where to go. I was changing into one of those monsters.

I had literally bitten my crush’s face off!


Author Lyra McKen















OUR SITES: 
http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com
http://www.greatmindsindendentpublishing.com/
http://www.gmtapublishingservices.com/




Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Brown House Blog Tour 2012 ~ Author Interview with Christy Sloat

Welcome to I Love My Authors! 


Today we have the Awesome Christy Sloat on the Blog! Welcome Christy it is a pleasure to have you here. Before I get to the Interview I wanted to give you a glimpse into The Brown House, Christy's latest release, and introduce Christy to you as well. 
Oh Yes There is a Giveaway too!


The Brown House by Christy Sloat ~ The Visitors Series Book 1

Some secrets should never be revealed…
Brylee Branson begrudgingly made the excruciating move with her family from the warm sandy beaches of California to small town living in New Jersey. As if she wasn’t miserable enough, they’ve moved into a creepy old house that everyone in the area claims is haunted. Brylee dismisses the idea of ghosts and hauntings, until she begins to see and hear things that can’t be explained…

Brylee has no choice but to seek the help of new friends to unlock the secrets of this place she now calls home. But some secrets should never be revealed. Can the teens find a way to release the spirits imprisoned within the walls? Or will the curse claim them, too?




Buy Link
Amazon!

Author Bio-Christy Sloat is a Southern California native who now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters. She believes that reading is a passion and it should be embraced. If she is not reading or writing she is cooking or spending quality time with her children.She believes in past lives and love that can last lifetimes. She is huge Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling fan. Some of her favorite vacation spots are Maine, Massachusetts and California.


Stalker Links:

Twitter- @ChristySloat




Author Interview
What has been the hardest thing during the process of writing?
Getting people to support me and my work. It is very hard to first of all write the book then you have to build a reputation for yourself, build a fanbase and believe in yourself. All of these things are considerably hard. It is also difficult to put yourself out there and not mess it all up.

Have you received any bad reviews and if so how did you deal with it?
I think every single writer has received bad reviews. Dealing with it is very hard. I could sit here and say that it is their personal opinion and it doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. But that would be a lie. It hurts a lot. I have received some reviews that seem like personal attacks and have nothing to do with my books at all. So I just try really hard to think before I review a book for an author. I try to realize that this book is their baby in a way. No one wants their baby put down.

If you had the chance to live in a book, what book and what character would you be?
There are so many good books out there that I would love to live in. Of course I would totally live in the Twilight world as Bella any day! I also would not turn down being Anastasia Steele and live with Christian Grey.

First kiss....passionate or awkward? 
Majorly awkward. I have never met anyone who had a passionate first kiss. He kissed me in front of everyone at the end of the school day. I didn’t even really like him, nor did I want to French kiss him in front of everyone. It was totally mortifying!

Who does your cover art? Do you design it yourself? 
KC Designs did the cover art for The Brown House. I gave her a real picture of the actual house and she made it so beautiful. She is a wonderfully creative and patient designer.

What projects have you done?
I have written ‘The Many Lives of Avery Snow-The Past Lives Series’. I am also working on a Novella for that series right now due out this fall called ‘Ianni’. Then of course ‘The Brown House-The Visitors Series’

Any new projects coming up?
Book two in The Past Lives series is due out this winter. It is titled The Unraveling of Avery Snow. I will also be featured in an Anthology with Anchor Group this year as well.

Do you find it hard to share your work with others?
Yes and no. Sometimes people are very eager to hear about my work and other times my nerves get the best of me and I stay mum on the subject. I think people on FB are tired about hearing about it to be honest. Then again that could be my nerves. I still am a little shy about being a writer. I am not quite ready to shout it from the hilltops.

Do you prefer YA or Adult?
I love YA books and have for many years now. But reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy opened me up to more of the Adult genre. I will not turn my back on YA, but I am reading more books in the adult realm now.

5 words to perfectly describe you?
Honest, strong, trustworthy, creative and caring.


Thanks for sharing with us today Christy..it has been such a pleasure to have you here. 



Now for the Giveaway!








Brought to you by Tempting Blog Tours

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Author Interview with Jaimie Hope: The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Has A Crush Blog Tour


Welcome Everybody to 
I Love My Authors
Today we have the Awesome Jamie Hope with us. Welcome to I Love My Authors Jaimie, it is so nice to have you here. I like to ask questions when I have the opportunity, Jaimie answered a few for us today. Before we get to the Interview I would like to introduce you to Baby Jaimie and to the author herself.

The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Has A Crush

From the minute she met him everyone thought Baby Jaimie's first crush was
Derek. Derek even thought so. That's why he asked her first grade teacher, Mrs. Smith if he could come visit her. The day of the visit didn't go as
planned. While Derek was introducing himself a new student, Jack, entered the room and stole everyone's attention. Especially Baby Jaimie's. For that reason Derek took an instant disliking to the new kid. Baby Jaimie is forced to choose between Derek and Jack and she doesn't know what to do.
Is there a way to combine old friends with new friends? Can't they all just get along? Find out in The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Has
A Crush.


Jaimie Hope was born November 3, 1976 in New York. It wasn't until high school, where she joined the newspaper staff, that she decided she wanted to be a writer. After graduation, writing was put aside for a while. The author went to college and received an Associates degree in 1999. Then she moved to Florida where she was an active volunteer in the local historical society and remained active in the arts. It wasn't until 2005 that Jaimie wrote her first children's book, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie, published in 2006 and Who Says You Can"t Go Home? in 2008. The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Goes to School in 2010. Her Autobiography, Roll With It followed by the third volume in her children's series, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright, and her first Paranormal Romance, When You Come Back To Me Again were released in 2011. Finally, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Has a Crush was released in 2012. What's next for this author? Currently, she has the fifth volume in the Baby Jaimie series under contract and a couple novels are also in the
works.


Now for the Interview

When did you start writing?

I started writing professionally in 2005, but have been writing and making up stories for as long as I can remember. Before I could write I would entertain others by telling them stories that I created in my head.

What inspired you to do it?
I was originally inspired out of necessity. When I was a child in elementary school I wasn't allowed to run around with the other children on the playground due to the district being afraid of a lawsuit if I got hurt. I was and am disabled, the separation on the playground did nothing to help me in the friend department, so I made up a world filled with my own friends.

Do you find that it is hard to get people excited about what you do?
Actually, people seem to be very impressed when they first hear what I do, so it isn't hard to get them excited in my projects.

What projects have you done?
I currently have eight books published. Four of my books are in my series The Adventures of Baby Jaimie. They are The Adventures of Baby Jaimie, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Goes To School, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright and The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie: Has a Crush.
I also have three YA novels. They are Who Says You Can't Go Home?, Bless The Broken Road and When You Come Back To Me Again. One of my books is my Autobiography, Roll With It.

Any new projects coming up?
The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Loses A Tooth is currently slated for release in August as is the coloring book to go along with it. The sixth Baby Jaimie book, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Goes To The Hospital is set for release in November.

I also have a novel coming out this year. The final book in the Who Says You Can't Go Home? trilogy, Somebody Must Be Praying for me will be released sometime this fall.

Do you find it hard to share your work with others?
When I first started in 2005 I used to show my work to just about everyone I know. I stopped this after I realized I was showing my work to my first potential consumers, my family and friends. While I knew most would still buy my books in support of me I began to shy away from sharing manuscripts. Currently, I only share completed manuscripts with my favorite author and great friend, Cindy Springsteen.

What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?
Bad reviews are a part of the job. I admit they are my least favorite part, but a well written review, even if it's negative, can be helpful in learning what people like or don't like.
Do you have any particular networking groups you would like to share that have helped you move forward with your success?

I belong to several groups on Facebook and Linkedin for networking purposes. I am also a member of SCBWI.

Are you an independent artist or are you represented by an agency?
An Independent

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Do your research. I mean that on different levels. Before you even write a word do your research in the genre. Read reviews on sites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads to find out what people are saying about the books in that genre. While it is true you should write about the things you like and know most about, when you are writing for money you'll want to write what sells. Example: If you write in the paranormal genre you wouldn't want to write about werewolves if vampires were the only books selling.

After the book is done more research is necessary to find the best publisher. These days there are a lot of publishers that pop up daily. Before you sign anything check them out with the Better Business Bureau and Editors And Predators. Even if they seem legit at that point you should still do a Google search of the company name with the words "complaints and scams" after it.

Thanks for your time Jaimie and the solid advice. One can never be to careful these days..

You can purchase Baby Jaimie at the following links:
Print Edition:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Baby-Jaimie-Volume/dp/1475154674/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1338657858&sr=8-8

E-book Edition:
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Baby-Jaimie-Crush-ebook/dp/B007RHFB3U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1338657858&sr=8-5

You can find Jaimie Hope here:
Website: http://www.jaimiehope.com
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jaimie-Hope/255441457835397
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JaimieHope
Wordpress Blog: http://jaimiehope.wordpress.com/
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8875519-jaimie-hope

Videos:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR8326noI28
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/40397746





Now for the Giveaway!