Release Day: The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss

New Release: The Selkie Sorceress (Seal Island Trilogy, Book Three)

Author: Sophie Moss

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Release Date: April 25, 2013

Book Designers: Blue Harvest Creative

Book Blast: Unbroken by Melody Grace

Sneak Peek...

“So, you own the bar now?” I say, “That’s great. Why didn’t you say?”

Emerson gives me a measured look. “You didn’t ask.”

I stop. How is this my fault? “Yeah, well I didn’t exactly have time, what with you pummeling a guy, pretending like you were going to make out with me, then judging every one of my life choices.”

My reply whips out before I can stop it. I clamp my hand over my mouth, and stare at the shocked expression on Emerson’s face. He so wasn’t expecting that! But why the hell shouldn’t I say it? It’s the truth, after all. I let out a giggle, unable to stop myself.

His expression changes.

“You’re drunk.” He says shortly.

I shrug, defensive. “So what if I am?”

“You never could hold your liquor.” He shakes his head, and takes another gulp of his beer. “I wonder, what else has changed…?” Emerson’s mouth curves into a lascivious smile. “You still make that breathy noise when you come?”

I gasp, shocked. “Fuck you!”

“Already been there, darlin’.”

Amazon † B&N † Smashwords

About Melody Grace
 

Melody is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach-lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time to try writing one for herself. She loves bad boys, steamy romances, and (of course) happily-ever-afters.

Find Melody Grace

Website: http://www.melodygracebooks.blogspot.com

Twitter: @melody_grace_

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6926290.Melody_Grace

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melody.grace.771

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You Have Pacing Issues, My Friend.

Rebecca Ethington is taking over Finding Bliss today as part of her Kiss of Fire Blog Tour.

I asked her to write about her tips for pacing a novel. And, man she delivered!

So, you've got a wonderful idea for a great story and you are going to write it down. So you sit down, you write and before you know it you are done. Book over, the end. But, what happened? And how and when and why and with who. Did your readers get to know your characters; did they love them, could they keep track of where they were and who was talking? 

Did your story have good build up and keep your readers engaged? 

No? Maybe? You’re not sure?

You have pacing issues, my friend.

Pacing ultimately begins with the plot of your story. Plot is more than story; it’s the meat, the actual step by step road map of your story. Plot is the in-depth, the long term and the hidden bits of story that make up your amazing novel. Does your plot have lots of conflict, and good development? Without both your pacing is going to suffer. A lot of action goes by too quick, too much inner monologue and not much conflict tends to be slower. So where do you want to be? Somewhere in the middle. You want to manage your readers with your pacing. Give them a break with slower bits, and hold them on the edge of their seats with the rest. 

But finding the sweet spot right in the middle can be tricky.

In case you don’t know my literary background begins in dark theatres and padlocked notebooks hidden under my bed. The first thing I openly sent out into the world was a co-written script about a bunch of kids who get trapped in a cave only to be systematically murdered. Which means that theatre scripts are where I get most of my pacing experience from, so most of my personal tips are going to bleed over from that. 

Some of my personal little tricks (Bring on the theatre baby!)

• Mood – You are sitting in a darkened theatre and the lights begin to dim, the music melds into the low whisper of wind, and a lone woman steps onto the stage. In the theatre mood is set with lighting, music, and ultimately with dialog. The same can be done in writing; lots of emotional descriptions and a detailed set of the scene automatically sets a mellow mood and in turn slows the pace. The same is true for faster paced scenes, brighter lights, powerful music, quick paced dialog creates an intense mood the drags your reader or audience forward. The mood of your writing dictates your pacing. By making the mood clear for each scene as well for your entire novel from the beginning you are able to set a strong expectation of pacing, and prepare you reader for what is to come.

• Cliff hangers – I LOVE cliff hangers, I also HATE cliffhangers. I write a lot of them, but I think every good story teller does, they are crucial for keeping your reader engaged and building a solid plot. Cliffhangers are one of the best ways to speed up pacing, they draw the reader forward from one chapter to another, from one paragraph forward. Fights, trauma, new information; they all lead to different levels of tension and pacing. In theatre the most common cliffhanger is the one placed right before intermission – the climax.  

• Jump cuts – A quick scene change from one place to another is another way to help improve pacing. This is a common technique on stage, and easy to follow as actors appear on different sides of the stage, or on different set levels. In written literature it is also a very effective technique – as long as you readers can follow. If it only creates confusion, it will actually have the opposite effect and slow the pacing down. 

• Rapid Fire! A great example of rapid fire pacing is the final fight in Harry Potter. Chapters upon chapters of fight in the battle of Hogwarts. You are moving from one section of the castle to another, different battles, death, from one character group to another. It draws you in, and keeps you there as the pacing keeps its level high. Those are the books that keep you up late at night.Now, obviously you can’t have a novel that’s quick paced the entire time. The pacing needs to fit the setting of the scene, let the love scenes move slower, the fights move quickly. 

 Thanks so much Laura for having me, and for hosting the tour!

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Six Questions with Suzan Tisdale

Is it really Saturday again? Time flies when you're in the trenches of editing!

Today I have a dear friend here to share her story on Six Questions! Welcome Suzan Tisdale! 




Is there a certain book or author that inspired you to write? 

I've been writing since I was a little girl. But in the past couple of years, I discovered some great authors thanks to my Kindle. ;o) Those women who inspired me to actually write and publish in the historical fiction genre are Carmen Caine and Laurin Wittig. I LOVE their writing style, their voices, and their stories. I probably wouldn't be publishing my books today if it weren't for them.

Do you plan out your novel or just fly by the seat of your pants? 

I'm a pantster! I couldn't use an outline to save my soul. For me, it is too constricting. I do have a general idea where I want each story to go, but generally, I let my characters tell the story. I'm just their stenographer. I do admire those well organized authors tho! I keep little notes on colored note cards. I have a bulletin board above my desk where I have little reminders (such as touch, feel, taste, hear, see, don't use same phrases repeatedly, time, white space...little things to help me stay on track). I have my list of characters and what they look like and what clan they might belong to. But as far as planning it all out before I write it? No, I don't do that.

What is your editing process and have you hired a professional editor? 

With my first novel, Laiden's Daughter, I wrote it one or two chapters at a time and sent it to a friend to look over. I didn't have a professional editor then. Honestly, I wrote it as a gift to my mother. My plan was to write it, upload it to a Kindle and give it to her as a gift. I had no intentions of it ever selling more than ten copies. I never, ever expected it to do as well as it has. And I certainly never expected to sell more than 45,000 copies around the world! This has been a mind blowing experience.

I do have a professional editor now. She has 30+ years experience, is retired, and works only for me. She was a tremendous help with my second book, Findley's Lass and of course, she also worked with me on Wee William's Woman. I won't publish a book without her help ever again. ;o)

Now, I write the entire book first, then send it to my editor. I used to try to edit each chapter as I wrote and it took forever. Now, I just write the book, let the story go where it wants to. When I'm done, I email it to Judy for her input and beautiful editing skills. I'll also send copies to my beta readers for their input. Then it is a few weeks or more of back and forth emails between Judy and myself. I'm still editing up until the last minute! ;o) I wish I had done that with my first book, but again, I didn't know what the heck I was doing then!

Did you query agents or publishers before you first self-published?

Nope. Not a one. I tried to write a query letter after I wrote Laiden's Daughter and saw how well she was doing. But it gave me a headache and caused my lower intestines to seize whenever I tried to make the query letter perfect. Then when I learned what I'd be giving up if I did have a traditional publisher, I decided that it simply wasn't for me. I like being independent. I like being the boss.

How do you feel about exclusivity programs like KDP Select?

I love KDP Select!!! I have tried selling my books at B&N, Apple, & Smashwords, but quite frankly, none of those places treat indie authors as well as KDP does. The numbers don't lie. To prove to my husband that my theory was correct, I did an experiment last summer, with Laiden's Daughter. I removed her from KDP select and uploaded her everywhere I could possibly think of -- B&N, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, everywhere. I did that for two months. With Amazon, I sold around 10,000 copies of Laiden's Daughter in those two months. At the other places? A grand total of NINE copies. That is NINE copies total in two months at all the other places. Needless to say, I removed her from those other places and put her back in KDP Select where she belongs. All my books are KDP Select books. They're also available in paperback.

With KDP Select, I get paid for those books that are borrowed by PRIME members. On average, about 300 copies a month of each of my books are borrowed through KDP. I get $2.17 per loan. You do the math.

At the other places, it was very difficult to get any help with formatting or any questions I may have had. And trying to get a book uploaded to Apple? I refer to it as the Gauntlet of Death. There is nothing easy about it. KDP is just so simple and the other authors at the community boards are a tremendous help too!

I have a KDP liaison who is always there to answer questions, to offer advice, and to help. Chris is just an outstanding young man and I can't thank him enough for reaching out to me.

What lesson have you learned along the way that you hope others could avoid? 

Wow...I've learned so much! When I started, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I would say that you need to take your time, learn to breathe, learn to step away when necessary. Write passionately, from your heart, with fervor and zeal. Your heart will never let you down. And for heaven's sake get an editor! ;o) I made that mistake and won't do it again. 

What about YOU -- Do you plan out your novel or just fly by the seat of your pants?

Trust in Me by Bethany Lopez

Book 3 in Bethany Lopez's Friends & Lovers Trilogy, Trust in Me, is available early! 
You can find Trust in Me Here: Barnes & Noble 


                                                      

The Forgotten Ones Cover Reveal Blitz

Title: The Forgotten Ones

Author: Laura Howard

Genre: NA Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Expected release date: May 15, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Cover Designer: Stephanie Mooney 

Book Description:

Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.

When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.

Laura Howard | Facebook | Twitter

Share on Facebook and/or Twitter and you could win a $50 Amazon (or B&N) Gift card!

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Magic Realism: Season of Miracles

My good friend Diane J. Reed is here to spend this Christmas with us talking about something very special.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas filled with love and laughter and, yes Magic!

COVER REVEAL: Dracian Legacy by Priya Kanaparti

Title: Dracian Legacy

Author: Priya Kanaparti

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Expected release date: February 14, 2013

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designer:  maeidesign.com

Book Description:

Ren and Axel are caught between two powerful magical races: one destined to end the bloodshed, the other out for vengeance.

Seventeen-year-old Ren Pernell is prophesied to end the war between the Dracians and the Telalians. So when a Dracian, Axel Knight, is sent to find and bring back the prophesied one before she turns eighteen and Telalians discover of her existence, unexpected sparks start to fly between the two. Once Ren finds the truth behind Axel’s arrival, she wants everything to do with him and nothing to do with his mission.

Things prove to be difficult as Ren’s life is constantly threatened by forces that are beyond her control, including the leader of the Telalians.

With the clock ticking and Ren’s life in jeopardy, it is no longer just a mission for Axel. It becomes a personal endeavor to save the only one he’s ever loved. In a heart racing ending, they must find a way to evade the preordained war that won’t also end Ren’s life.

Priya Kanaparti was born in India, grew up in Detroit, and is now living in Boise, ID. She attended Wayne State University for her undergrad degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, and University of Phoenix for her Masters in Business Administration. Priya works as a project manager in software field during the day and lives in the world of her characters during the nights and weekends. She had found the love for reading and writing early this year, when she stayed home with her one year old and needed something to occupy those 'downtime' hours.

She loves playing tennis on a good summer day and chess during the cold winters, but reading and writing has become a year round hobby.

She lives in Boise with her husband, son and a Yorkie. Dracian Legacy is her debut novel.

Priya Kanaparti | Facebook | Twitter

Six Questions with JB McGee

JB McGee is the author of the Young Adult novel Broken and will be releasing her second novel, Mending, later this month. 

I am proud to be included in her list of stops on her current blog tour!

The Why's & How's of Co-Writing a Novel

Have you ever considered co-writing a novel with a friend? Then you are going to LOVE this fun article by authors Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell. They just released their second co-written novel, A Toast to the Good Times. 

Making a Genre Switch

I'm honored to have the talented, hilarious author K.A. Tucker here to tell us about her experience switching between Young Adult Paranormal and New Adult Contemporary genres.

Next week she'll be releasing her New Adult debut, Ten Tiny Breaths ~ Welcome to Finding Bliss K!

3 Ninja Editing Tips

Today is Thursday, you say. Why are you posting on a Thursday? Well, gentle readers - when you read this gem of a post by Novel Girl Rebecca Berto you'll understand why!

Rebecca just published her first book last week. Precise is a prequel novella taking place in the world of her upcoming debut Pulling Me Under.

Writing a Strong Female Character

I've been lucky in the many friends I've gained in the past eight months. Sometimes I get asked how I get such amazing guest bloggers on Finding Bliss. I actually have to pinch myself once in a while to make sure I'm not dreaming when authors agree to come write for me. 

I was introduced to the author of Gifted, Liz Long, by my friend Allie B in May of this year. I was quick to fall head over heels for Liz's quirky humor and smart style. Welcome Liz!

Picking a Cover Designer

I met Priya Kanaparti on Facebook. I have been finding some great new friends there which is very exciting! 

Priya will be releasing her first novel, Dracian Legacy, in January of 2013. I've asked her to tell us a bit about how she came up with the cover of her design, which is yet to be unveiled!

Six Questions with Katie Jennings

No matter what you'd LIKE to believe, the truth is that we DO judge books by their covers. Twice now, Katie Jennings has been featured on Pixel of Ink and before I totally knew what her books were about, I had clicked through to Amazon! Turns out the books sound amazing, complementary of their covers! Welcome to Finding Bliss Katie!

Getting Your Book in Front of Readers

As you probably know, I'm a huge fan of Laura Pepper Wu of 30 Day Books. She featured today's guest a few weeks ago on BOTH of her blogs, so naturally my ears perked up. Jenny Ladner Brenner must be one to watch! 

And, now since Laura was gracious enough to introduce us, I am proud to present Jenny, author of The Dinner Party, to you!

Why Bad Reviews Don't Scare Me

In the spirit of Halloween week, Young Adult author Nikki Jefford is here to tackle a subject that frightens many a writer: Bad Reviews.

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Red Veil Series by Elizabeth Marx

To wrap up my week of cover reveals, I'd like to introduce you to author Elizabeth Marx!

Elizabeth brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. 

Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who've spelled everyone into believing they're really dogs.

COVER REVEAL: Precise by Rebecca Berto

Known for her fantastic blog about all things books and writing ~Novel Girl~ 

Rebecca Berto writes stories that straddle the line between Literary and Tear Your Heart Out (invented the genre herself). Her average reading session lasts for hours—somehow always after ten pm. She’s strangely imaginitive, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction.

Rebecca lives in Melbourne, Australia with her partner and their doggy.