OCEANS OF RED by Willow Cross has uplift

Willow Cross is an author I stalk quite frequently! And I've got to share the transformation of her OCEANS OF RED series with you!

And guess what else...I can't keep a secret, there's going to be a WEB SERIES (shhh don't tell her I told you) featuring this series. So get your hot little hands on this copy.

About the series:

By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.

A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister.  Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets.  Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.

Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you've ever known and loved.

THE BEFORE and the AFTER cover reveals!!!!


The cover now...of BOOK 1
Want it? Click Here

THE NEW COVER BABY!!!! BAM!

 The cover now...of BOOK 2
 Want it? Click Here

 THE NEW COVER BABY!!!! BA-VOOM!

Want to know more about Willow Cross? Stalk her like I do...

website:  http://willowcrossbooks.weebly.com/index.html

facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willow-Cross/185071804869279

blog:  http://willowcross.blogspot.com/ 

amazon page:  http://www.amazon.com/Willow-Cross/e/B0052ZBR6E/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 

B&N page:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/willow-cross?view=list 

Twitter:  @willowcross

google +:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/102325293537769004653/posts

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters

I finally got my action flick fix this season...and can I tell ya...WITCHES ARE 'In'!!!!

The Blurb from IMDb: 
In this spin on the fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel are now bounty hunters who track and kill witches all over the world. As the fabled Blood Moon approaches, the siblings encounter a new form of evil that might hold a secret to their past. Actors: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton

My REVIEW:
So get this, I had no real expectations for this film. I wanted to see it because hey, I like Fairy Tales, I like action and I love the twisted. Oh, and Hansel = Spicy Hot Male goodness :-D

I took my family with me, a 15yr old, my husband, my son who's 18yrs old and little ole me. It started off with a brief retelling of Hansel and Gretel being taken into the woods by their 'father'. He blows out the candle and these poor kiddies fall prey to the lure of a candy covered house. Inside is the witch who tries to fatten up poor little Hansel so she (and let me tell you this chick put the 'UG' in UGLY) could eat them. For some reason her fire blast of magic doesn't hurt them.

After that update, these two are a mean, lean, action packed, witch - killing team. I LOVED IT! Sure the plot was skimpy but it gave just enough of a twist on an old tale to make it interesting. The action was fun. Now the weapons...they seemed off in that some fit in the 'time period' and some didn't, but it didn't distract me from the action, the tale and the shear fun of it all.

When this movie was over, a lot of people just hung around. The credits were like sneaking an extra piece of chocolate before you go. I gave this baby a 4 out of 5 twitches since the plot could've had more punch. My 15yr gave it  a 5 out of 5 twitches. My jaded 18yr old and husband gave it a 3 out of 5 twitches since they got a little hung up on the 'weapons' not fitting or the fight moves being unrealistic. (Just so you know, there is some mild nudity and bloody violence)

Kindle Only or All In to Diversify

Well the YA Indie Carnival is at it again. Tackling issues that Small Press, Indie Publishers and Self-Publishers have to address on a weekly basis.

E-PUBLISH ONLY ON KINDLE?

I know there are many authors and small press publishers that only publish thier books on kindle with the augument that it's where most of their sales are. It's less work for them, less to manage and the rewards are sustaining to them.

E-PUBLISH ANY WHERE YOU CAN?

Well I'm a firm believer of excess. Put the book out anywhere you can publish it. I have a distributor that distributes my ebook to places that are hard for Indie Publishers to get into alone. And I've published my short stories myself on as many platforms as I've had time to add them on.

Why?

Exposure! If you have your book in as many places as possible, then your book happens to be where ANY ready may hang out online.

In addition the google web crawlers that look for 'like' metadata sees your little book baby out there in the world a lot quicker than if you only have it listed in one place.

And there's more...what if that 1 platform that you didn't publish your book on started to take off? Then you'll be scrambling to diversify your publishing streams.

PRINT? WHY BOTHER?

I do print because again I say...DIVERSIFY! It doesn't cost me too much more to have my distributor print and distribute my books and it gains me more exposure. My books have been in stores, libraries and ordered by places I've never even heard of. That wouldn't have happened had I not had my book in print format.

AUDIO BOOK? Should I?

I hope to one day get some of my better sellers converted to audiobooks. Why? Because I want to tap into that very specific market. Most audiobook readers are loyal to the format, some even belong to clubs, and it's another way to have my book seen by the world.

SO...WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? Do you purchase books in multiple formats? Do you see a reason for a book to be available anywhere?
Other blogs sharing their views on this are on YA Author Club (http://yaauthorclub.blogspot.com/)

Laura A. H. Elliott
Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga
Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
Gwenn Wright, author of Filter
Liz Long Just another writer on the loose.
Ella James
Maureen Murrish
A Little Bit of R&R
Melissa Pearl
Terah Edun - YA Fantasy
Heather Sutherlin - YA Fantasy

Movie Remakes, What's to Like?

After attempting and creating two script adaption’s for my books I’ve realized something. I love writing scripts!

But..but…but…my enjoyment of movies have been greatly tested these past years. Why? Well haven’t you seen the mass amount of movie remakes lately?

I mean gosh, I read a ton of books that are wonderful, that would really work as a movie, but all the film industry has to give back to me is a ‘remake’?

Here’s the rundown of some remakes I liked and hated.

LET’S NOT DO THIS AGAIN

DREDD: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343727/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 ) Sylvester Stallone's 1995 version of "Judge Dredd" is widely considered the low point of his career and led to a decade of flops and cameos. *Totally hated it* to me it wasn’t that great to begin with.

Fright Night (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1438176/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) I had high hopes for this one. Sure, it had better acting, but it wasn’t good enough to make this movie great. I guess when it was first done it was ahead of its time, but now vampire movies are so much better. I mean…who can top Underworld or Blade?

SURPRISED and LOVED THEM:

TOTAL RECALL: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386703/) I really enjoyed the update to this film. I believe that at the time it was way to advance for the limited technology and set design needed. So this was a favorite.

SPIDERMAN: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/?ref_=sr_1) Let’s face it, who can ever get enough of the good old Spiderman. I’d say I enjoyed this remake better than the first movies series um…several years ago. This appears to be the gift that keeps on giving to the movie industry.

CAN’T WAIT TO CHECK OUT THESE:

CARRIE: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1939659/) coming this March, 2013, AND I can’t wait to see this one! I loved the older version but I’m sure they can do some cool things with an update to this.

ROBOCOP: (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234721/) coming in 2014 and has a lot of potential to be good. In a crime-ridden city, a fatally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg with submerged memories haunting him.

SO TELL ME…WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MOVIE REMAKES? Go? No go?

Celebrate GOOD TIMES! A Prize :-D

Yep! I'm celebrating! My book baby made it to #27 on the amazon's best seller's list for Teens and Fiction.

So...

So...

I'm GIVING AWAY a prize.

If you comment below (with your email address) and give BANDITS a 'Like' then I'll give you a copy of my ebook short story, FLUTTER OF LUV!

When Silver Moons Rise by KaSonndra Leigh

The LOST IMMORTALS Series by KaSonndra Leigh

WET YOUR APPETITE on this awesome excerpt!

When Silver Moons Rise Excerpt (The Lost Immortals #2)

By KaSonndra Leigh

Faris

The shackles tightened on my wrists and ankles, digging deep in my flesh. Dark magic eased its way through to my skin. I sucked my breath and held it, waiting for the fiery feeling to pass. Curse it. I could hardly move, let alone think. A small band of light eased in through the windows above me, giving the metal chamber a touch of softness.

"I ask you again, Faris Toulan. Is this girl worth your life? Your immortality? Or what's left of it anyway," Olivia hissed into my ear, a sneer on her face. I stayed silent, refusing to give in. She grasped my chin and forced me to look at her face.

I glanced deep in her empty eyes, and said: "Yes. Chela is everything to me. She’s all that you could never be. Your tricks can't remove what I feel for her."

Dark eyes glared at me. Her harsh laugh ripped through my soul. The kindness she showed me earlier disappeared at once. I didn't care. All I hoped for, all I ached for was a chance to see Chela again. I promised to return as the protector she needed me to be. I refused to go back as the thing she was cursed to destroy.  That would only hurt her more than I had already done. I intended to keep my word.

"I do hope you understand what you've agreed to do," Olivia said in a low, but deadly voice, her breath on my ear, her cold fingers stroking my face.  "By the time I’m done with you, there won't be any other name you'll call except mine. Because that's how long you'll beg for mercy."

She moved closer to my face and kissed my lips. I wanted to gag. Inside, I was already screaming. But her torture, or whatever she planned for me, was nothing compared to facing a life without Chela. By thinking of her face, her laugh, even the way she sometimes annoyed me, I could handle anything Olivia did.

Hell most definitely existed. I was about to experience it in full force.

And then I heard Chela call my name…

Chela

In my dream, I felt his suffering as if it were my own. Every burn, each tingle, the agonizing way he screamed from inside that awful dark chamber. Lying in my bed, I thought of the kiss we shared the last time I saw him. My eyes flew open as I grasped at the air around me, reaching for him, but finding emptiness instead. And then the tears fell, and kept falling.

My mind was shutting down one cell at a time. Even breathing took effort. It was as if my lungs were a balloon, and his breath was magical helium; something that only the luckiest girl could find…and lose.

"Faris." I called his name out loud, hoping with all my faith that he heard me. Was it possible for us to connect even with so much distance between us?  I had to try. If he can hear me, then our link will pull him through whatever they were doing to him.

I can't just sit around and wait to hear news about his death. I had to do something.

"Chela. Can I come in?" My best friend, Alexa, stood in the doorway to my room. I didn't even hear her open it. She walked over to the edge of the bed and sat down. Her kind eyes filled me with warmth after so many cold nightmares had left me shivering. 

"Baby, you've been in this room almost a week. Jalen and I miss you. Come back to us." She stroked my hair and laced her fingers with mine. Those small gestures were just enough to make me sit up and bury my face in her shoulders. "You got snot on my school uniform. Well, at least that's a start." I pulled back, glancing at Alexa's face as she studied her shirt. Looking up at me, she wrinkled her nose.

"Eew, gross," we both said at the same time. And then we both burst out laughing, covering our mouths as we giggled. She was right. Smiling was a good start. And then I heard a boy's voice speak in my mind.

"Chela, I heard you. By the lights, I heard you," Faris said.  

I LOVED THIS!

For just $2.99, pick up your copy at Amazon 

check it out on Goodreads

Smashwords

About the Author, KaSonndra Leigh:

http://www.kasonndraleigh.com

http://twitter.com/kasonndraleigh

http://facebook.com/kasonndraleighbooks

http://facebook.com/kasonndraleighbookspage

http://pinterest.com/alestasia/

New Adult as a Genre to rival YA?

So lately I've been attending a weekly twitter chat focused on writers, readers, industry peeps and a call to add a new genre named NEW ADULT.

I'm totally behind that.

What is New Adult?

Those crazy, think I'm grown but still got drama years after high school (if you graduated or went to high school). The age of 18yrs to 25 yrs and a genre that allows the characters to do all the things that are in adult novels without it being 'hard core' (or in some cases that's okay too) So it's for the reader that's not a kid, but ain't an older adult yet. They are still finding themselves, figuring things out with still a bit of the high emotion that you find with younger adults.These characters have jobs, maybe even a fiance and still deal with their parents in a 'kid' turning adult role.

IT's OFFICIAL

This new genre has caught on with the big dogs and Harper Collins is launching their line on it now.

WHY HAVE A NEW GENRE?

DRIVE SALES that target a specific age group has helped classify books in the Young Adult age of 14-17yrs and it blew up. Even though I have to admit, at that age I went straight to adult fiction since the YA books seemed goofy to me and didn't really depict me, but I was an old 'soul' who hung out mostly with adults.

ENTICE READERS at the 18-25yrs that complained about it being hard to find 'characters' that applied to their struggle. However, it's still out there as to what the spin on these stories will be considering there are many 'adult' books that have protagonist in the 18-25 yr range. But hey....it's all about 'selling books' and sometimes making a category easy to find, readers will flock more easily towards it.

MY THOUGHTS?

I'm all for it. I wish there was this categorization of books when I was younger. I could've found what I wanted to read much easier. Also, we have to realize that the business of selling books has to continuously improve and slice the product base to make the books that a specific reader wants to be easier to find.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Some great Teasers For You To check out!

Love a good love story?

Want to get lost in a great fantasy read or historical romp?

Enjoy mindbending futuristic tales?  

We have a sampler for you...

Four amazing samplers! FREE!

Best-selling books. Best-selling authors.

Contemporary - Science-fiction - Historical - Fantasy

But this isn’t all about us. 

This is about you, the reader, finding books you love to read.

Just click on the pictures for your free download!

Contemporary Sampler

Fantasy Sampler

Historical Sampler

Science Fiction Sampler

                                 To celebrate the release of the samplers,

we're giving away free books!

Four winners will win the ebook of their choice from any sampler.

1. Download your FREE samplers today and enjoy the experience.

2. Fill out the rafflecopter form for a chance to win!

3. If the book is already free, you'll receive the second book in the series!                               

Enter now!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks! And enjoy!

All about Suzy Turner, author of Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw

 Guess who dropped in? Author Suzy Turner!!! You have got to check out her awesome books but first, she's here to chat with us.

Spotlight Interview Questions:
1) What is your all-time favorite book and why?
Ooh it's so tough to just have one book. But I'd probably go with The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. I studied the book at college and totally fell in love with it. I guess it was because it was so different to anything I'd ever read. Perhaps the dystopian side of it also appealed. I'm not sure. Strangely though, I've never read anything else by Margaret Atwood. Not sure why!

2) Is there an author you could be compared to or popular fictional characters your book's characters could relate to and why?
Recently, my newest series (The Morgan Sisters) was described by a book blogger as 'possibly the next Harry Potter'. Clearly this made my decade and I'd love to be compared to the Great Almighty JK, but I would never compare myself to another writer. I'd like to think my writing is my own... kind of unique, you know?

3) Can you give us your favorite quote from one of your books and explain it?
My favourite quote? That's a toughie, hmmm. How about this...
'She could hear her heart beating, feel it thudding in her chest. She couldn't open her mouth; it was too dry. All she wanted to do was scream but she couldn't even do that. Please God don't let me die, she thought.
A sudden massive gust of wind took her feet from beneath her and she was forcefully pushed from the top of Carlton Point, falling silently and peacefully to the rocky hills below.'
The reason I like this scene so much is because I have such a vivid image of it in my mind. When you read on to the next chapter, you'll see that she didn't actually fall. That image of Lana slowly floating, almost in slow motion, reverberated with me. Almost like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

4) What types of things/people/music inspires you and makes you want to keep writing?
I am particularly inspired by places. For instance, my first series (The Raven Saga) was inspired by the awesome mountains and forests of Western Canada. My new series (The Morgan Sisters) was inspired by places I've been to in London (as well as by a London actor I met last year).
I think the UK is perhaps one of the most inspiring countries I've ever been to. Every time I visit (although I'm English, I currently live in Portugal), I am blown away by its capacity to inspire me... with its historical buildings and heritage. I'm actually selling up and moving back to England. One of the reasons why we chose England is because of its hold over me with my writing. I can't wait! (Anyone wanna buy a villa in the Algarve?)

5) Describe your typical writing day or week.
When I have deadlines, I write every morning until I've reached my target (if I'm in the zone, I'll write a lot more) and then I chill out with my favourite TV show and a nice cup of Rooibos tea :)

6) Is there a food or drink do you have to have when you're writing?
Just Rooibos tea and water.

7) Can you tell us what you're working on right now (& possibly provide an excerpt & cover)?
I'm about to start the second novel in The Morgan Sisters series but it doesn't have a title yet!

SOCIAL NETWORKS:
website: http://suzyturner.com
Blog: http://suzyturner.blogspot.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Suzy-Turner/e/B0050BSH1I
Facebook: http://facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzy_turner
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks


SUZY'S BOOKS
Raven (FREE)

After the inexplicable disappearance of Lilly Taylor's parents, she has no choice but to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets... Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly. After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is. Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.


December Moon

On her 15th birthday, December Moon discovers she is the descendant of a family of witches, kept in the dark her entire life in an effort to protect her. But when Lilly, her best friend, finds herself in danger from one of the world's most evil vampires, December will do everything in her power to stop him.


The Lost Soul

December and Lilly have got their work cut out for them. Not only are they desperately trying to figure out the identity of the Lost Soul, and track him down, they've also got to investigate why Powell River's newest resident has got all of their men falling at her feet.
But when they learn that the Nephilim might be involved, it becomes clear that they're all in extreme danger...


The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw
A Morgan Sisters novel

Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they soon realize there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.
Sent off to London for two weeks of 'work experience', the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.
At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.

Daisy Madigan's Paradise (FREE)
A Morgan Sisters novella
n 15 year old Daisy Madigan, she escapes to the only place she feels safe, the cemetery of Abney Park. There, in the company of the dearly departed, she realizes she is changing, growing stronger and faster by the day. But in the darkness lurks a terror even she can't imagine facing.
Daisy Madigan's Paradise is a Morgan Sisters novella. Check out The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, the full length first novel in the series.


AUTHOR BIO
Suzy Turner has worked as a journalist, assistant editor, features editor, magazine editor and has even been the Script Supervisor for a full length feature film. Early in 2010 however, she began writing full time and has since completed a trilogy for young adults, The Raven Saga (the first of which is FREE) and started a brand new series, The Morgan Sisters. The first full length novel in this series, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw is now available, as is a shorter novella, Daisy Madigan's Paradise which is FREE!

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten. For now, the Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart and husband of 14 years, Michael.

The Dragon Empire Cover Reveal by Heather McCorkle

 I loooove Cover Reveals! It makes me feel like I'm passing on a great secret!

Well I've got a good one for you from author Heather McCorkle

 

Cover designed by CP Design.

The Dragon Empire by Heather McCorkle -- February 2013 / Compass Press

On Yacrana, dragons stand at the top of the evolutionary ladder instead of humans. Such an advanced species is not without its issues though.

There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.

Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind. 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17158656-the-dragon-empire

AUTHOR BIO

Heather McCorkle

I am an author of fantasy, in all its many sub-genres. Living green, saving endangered species, helping other writers, and supporting fabulous authors are a few of my passions. I am also a volunteer for the IS Foundation which works to make the world a greener place. When I'm not volunteering, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or on horseback. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest though, you can find me here, on my blog, and Monday night's on Twitter where I co-moderate the #WritersRoad chat.

Author Links:

Website: http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.ca/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4957267.Heather_McCorkle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Heather-McCorkle/211058455603533

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMcCorkle

 

 

 

What Makes You Re-read A book?

I’ve been doing some downsizing lately since we moved. And I had to make some hard decisions when it came to keeping my paperback books that have to be crammed into my measly two bookcases.

So, I decided to only keep the books that I knew that I would read again. And they are quite a few that I decided I would read again. Books that I read once, had a good ride, but didn’t think I would stick with it another round, they were donated to the library.

PAPER BACK BOOKS I was least likely to take off my shelf were:

Non-Fiction: There is a difference here because my paperback books do take up space. The books that survived and kept their space on my bookshelf were the non-fiction ‘how to’ books and the cookbooks. They didn’t even have to compete.

Poetry: As for my fiction titles, I held on to my books of poetry, which came in 2nd place because I love reading poetry and my family does have a poetry speak talk once in awhile where we recite our favorite pieces of poetry outloud.

Hard to Find Again Books: Yep, those Conan books, and comic books turned full length novels, I held on to them.

Fiction Series Titles: Series that I enjoyed each book in the series (which meant I wanted to re-read every book in the series). If there was a series where there was even one of the books I didn’t want to re-read, I donated the series.

Picture Books and Middle Grade Fiction: I kept these since my younger kids still prefer to read with a book in their hand.

EBOOKs I was least likely to take off my shelf:

Series: Here is where I don’t mind keeping a series in which I didn’t like as much.

Fiction: All of my fiction books that I liked or thought my daughter would like, I keep on my device so I can share the book with her.

MY CONCLUSIONs

I’m more likely to hold thousands of ‘only read once’ books on my ebook device since it doesn’t cost me to keep them and I can archive them. Also, I figure if I’m bored and run out of books to read, I can always find time to read that ‘okay’ book that I haven’t read in 5 yrs.

However, I’m less likely to want to keep non-fiction books like cook books or How To’s on my reading device because I like to write in those books.

As for genre’s I’m more likely to keep my picture books and Middle Grade books on the shelf since my younger kids still prefer to have the book (only because I refuse to buy them an ereader though).

SO…WHAT STAYS ON YOUR READING SHELF? Paperback or Ebook?

Mindjack Book Trailer Reveal! Woot! Woot!

The Live-Action Mindjack Book Trailer Reveal

(from the bestselling Mindjack series by Susan Kaye Quinn)

With the help of over 20 cast and crew members, award-winning director Beth Spitalny has brought the concept of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy to life on the screen. When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Please share!

Ways you can share the trailer:

1) Watch the trailer on YouTube (or here)! (more views=higher visibility) 2) Post it to Facebook (copy & paste below) Check out the live-action Mindjack Book Trailer (from the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy by Susan Kaye Quinn): When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. http://bit.ly/MindjackBookTrailer 3) Post it to Twitter (copy & paste below) When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. Watch the live-action Mindjack Book Trailer http://bit.ly/MindjackBookTrailer 4) Share to Google+, Tumbler, Pinterest, and more Go to the trailer on YouTube and click the "share" button. Click the arrow to expand and see all the options. Easy peasy. (While you're there, click "like" on YouTube, or leave a comment!) 5) Post the trailer on your blog Grab the embed code from YouTube or email me for a copy of the HTML for a complete post announcing the trailer and ways to share!

Thanks so much for sharing!

To celebrate the release of the trailer,

I'm putting Open Minds on sale!

$2.99 now $0.99

for one week only

$9.99 now $7.99

for one week only

THANK YOU to everyone who is sharing the trailer today!

An EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to everyone involved in making the trailer a reality, including Director Beth Spitalny, Producer Angel Acevedo, Director of Photography Lance Kaplan, lead actor Nikki Flemming (Kira) and the many fine actors, crew members, and post-production staff who donated their time and talent to the project. For the making-of the trailer, see the Mindjack Trilogy website.

Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Series, which includes three novels, three novellas, and a trailer. She's currently writing a steampunk fantasy romance, just for kicks. When that's out of her system, she has ambitious plans to embark on a series about the Singularity (the time when computers become more intelligent than humans) that should appeal to fans of the Mindjack novels. Or possibly play on Facebook all day. Could go either way.

Be a Rebel With Me :-D

I'm joining in the fun with SA Larson from Writer's Ally and sharing my REBEL WRITER's CREED for 2013!
If you want to join in the fun sign up here: CLICK

Now, this writing game is harsh, not for the faint of heart, and for people that are willing to go the distance and think outside of the box. NEVER accept a 'no', STRIVE to always improve, and LOVE yourself no matter what because it can get ugly. Rejection is the name of the game, but dodge it, improve, improvise, learn from your mistakes and .... and...and...


WE WILL ALL meet in the stars :-D


Writing REBEL Power!!!!! Woot! Woot!

Sorry But I'm PUT'n Down Rules Due To Spammer Attack on Comments

Sorry my loyal blog readers, but I had to put on an extra bit of control on my comments since my comments have been spammed three times already.

This mysteriously happened when I returned from a cruise. Three times in 1 month means I have to add more security.

I hope you still find the time to read, comment and enjoy my humble blog home :-D

Adding an AIR of Mystery to Young Adult Books

When I first started on my writing adventure, I focused on character development, action and pacing for my stories. There was an air of mystery but not as deeply developed as a true mystery novel.

However, the freedom of writing Young Adult fiction is that you can mix genres and have a lot of fun with it.

So while being an organizer at the Maryland Writer's Conference, I was disappointed that I missed the session on Writing An Action Packed Mystery, given by author Austin Camacho of the Hanibal Jones Mysteries. But Austin is a great guy and while he was taking his 'break' before selling his books he gave me the 5 principles of creating a great mystery.

PRINCIPLES for Creating Mystery in books

1) Have a 'big' thing happen and clue reader in from the beginning
2) Have more than one possible villian
3) Add Suspense and Tension
4) Create clear clues, but don't give it away
5) Distractions, have these that through your reader and lead character off track

WHY WOULD A YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE or SCIFI or PARANORMAL AUTHOR want to understand the recipe for a good mystery?

Adding the element of mystery to any genre gives the author another way to hook the reader in. The mystery doesn't have to be pronounced but adding suspense and tension all create an explosive recipe for an adventure that grabs hold of the reader and doesn't let them go until the ride is over.

Also, by solving the mystery, the author can leave some other aspects of the book unresolved for later sequels and yet the reader feels as though some major question was answered.

WHAT BOOKS HAVE YOU READ WHERE THERE WAS MYSTERY INTERTWINED?

What value did the mystery add to the book. Would you enjoyed it as much without it?

The Starter Boyfriend by Tina Ferraro

Well, well, well...the holiday's are over and my daughter is reading a stack of books. I saw this book on facebook and asked her if she wanted to review it. She screamed, 'Yes!' I personally think it was Cover Love, but apparently she'd read another book by this author and enjoyed it so she wanted to read this one as well. Stay tuned for her review.

Amazon Blurb:
17 year-old Courtney is completely stressed. There's the rift with her softball teammates, homework, housework, her part-time job at the tux shop, her dad’s upcoming wedding...enough! Would it be too much to ask for someone special in her life, a boyfriend she could talk to, count on, even lean on a little?

The best she’s got is a blue-eyed surfer boy who seems to save his biggest moves for his board, and a “friend date” to Homecoming with a guy still in love with his ex. Oh, and then there’s the tuxedo mannequin in the shop window, who happens to be reliable and an amazing listener.

When the mannequin gets stolen in a senior prank, Courtney finds herself in a midnight pursuit along beach boulevards, trying to save more than the mannequin, but the job she’s come to love. After turning to the unlikeliest of people for help, and finding that surfer boy is as resourceful as he is good-looking, her load begins to lighten. In fact, she soon might find not only what she needs, but what she wants, too.

About the author, Tina Ferraro:
I am the author of about a hundred short stories published in national magazines, as well as three young adult novels with Random House: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, How to Hook a Hottie, and The ABC's of Kissing Boys.
I live behind a computer screen in Los Angeles with my rocket scientist husband, two cats, and whichever of our three young adult kids happens to be around.

Book Review by Nyia our Teen Book Reviewer:
It was absolutely adorable. The main character, Courtney, was hilarious with her quirky thoughts and comebacks. Her boyfriend to be, Adam was cute and cared for her but I didn't really get his personality or I was angry with him like Courtney was. I would've liked more buildup and romantic tension and no real flirting. But I still loved it, the plot was amazing with a really good ending. I'm giving this 4 stars out of 5.

Purchase book:
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Nobles

Happy New Year! Another Year To Do Amazing Things!

Wow, I love this picture...it gives me a feeling I have a beautiful road yet traveled. AND GUESS WHAT?

You DO! I DO! We have yet to see what adventures wait for 2013.

2012 was a doozy! I had lots of HIGHs and LOWs that I don't even want to drum up the LOWs but I need to, because I have to remind myself that I SURVIVED!!! Yep another year, I'M HERE BABY!

And it's gonna be a good one. I'm STRONGER, HOPEFUL and HAPPY?

Are you happy? Well this year CHOOSE to be, because this YEAR I'm cheering for you just like you've been cheering for me.

So have a HAPPY, WONDERFUL, EXCITING, DREAMY, AWESOME, MARVELOUS, SASSY, and FUN....2013



NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!