Excerpt from Poetic Freedom - The Black Male Experience

For a glimpse of what young men of color endure emotionally every day

PURCHASE THE BOOK

CLICK HERE 

Being an Author in the Pre-Qual of a Dystopian Novel

QUARANTINE HAS GIVEN ME A LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH MY WRITING

It's true. It's hard to live through dark and uncomfortable times, then write about it - but make sure there is a plausible ending that doesn't crush your readers - when you are feeling a bit crushed.

THE REALITY and MY FANTASY

There is a great difference between the reality of my life during the stay in orders and the crazy world I've created in my latest series, but one thing prevails. Hope. 

Also, the revealing of certain situations I had never considered would happen when the world starts to show a major change in the way it operates day to day. The response of people and the disorganized information being shared was something I realize happens, but to live through it is this unsettling feeling of unbalance that expressing through my characters seemed lighter than what a person feels in real life.

It makes me wonder if my readers will want to experience emotion so close to home during these times.

PEOPLE LIKE TO READ OTHER DARK REALITIES

It is amazing to me that many post apocalyptic books and fantasy novels had an uptick while people are forced to stay at home. I've even read and played games that reflected the times. (Yes, I have played Plague, Pandemic and Dead of Winter lately, several times) 

I believe it instills the hope that we will win. The human race will overcome it all. You know what, we usually do.

IF YOU WANT TO ESCAPE YOUR REALITY to one where YOU CAN SEE A WINNER a SURVIVOR, the paperback released this week to Scepter of Fire.

Click here

Blog Tour Kick Off for Scepter Of Fire!

Release Blitz - May 1st

1. RABT Book Tours

2. Tea Time and Books*

3. Book Junkiez

4. Musings From an Addicted Reader

5. The Avid Reader

6. T's Stuff

7. Jazzy's Book Reviews

8. On a Reading Bender

9. The Indy Book Fairy

10. The Pen Muse

11. Chapters Through Life

12. Nana's Book Reviews

13. Momma Says to Read or Not to Read

14. Java John Z's*

15. Sylv.net

16. Crossroads Reviews

17. Novel News Network

18. Sapphyria's Book Blog*

19. Beach Bound Books*

20. Mythical Books*

21. Eclectic Moods*

22. Book Reviews by Virginia Lee

23. Silver Dagger Scriptorium

24. Valerie Ullmer

25. Readers Alley

26. Bloody Good Book Reviews*

27. La Libreria di Beppe

28. Matthea's Bookshelf 

29. Texas Book Nook

30. My Reading Addiction 

31. A Life Through Books

32. The Indie Express

33. Momma and Her Stories

BEING STUCK AT HOME FOR A WRITER MEANS - WRITING MORE

I AM ENJOYING BEING FORCED TO BE AT HOME

As an author that also has other businesses and career moves, having time to write is always great. I've have the time to do all the things on my to do list, finish the expectations for my publishing of Scepter Of Fire release due May 2nd on time (I was falling way behind).

SCOPING OUT MY RELEASE SCHEDULE

I struggled with whether to release Scepter Of Fire during a pandemic. The rumor was book sales would dive during this period of time. I however, had hopes that books would be vital during this time. Therefore, I pushed myself to get the final manuscript edited, proof read, then designed. I also, finished the copyrights and marketing planning for the book. I debated on the print version and decided to release that after the pandemic and all clear since Amazon isn't pushing to fulfill orders that aren't essentials.

MARKETING COST SCALE BACK

When fighting the challenge of limited income, marketing had to change. There are some great vehicles I've been able to collaborate on that were free - one was the YASH SCAVENGER HUNT, that got over 180 eyes on my release and my giveaway got over two hundred interactions - all free advertising! There will also be a blog release tour (because I love doing them and the people I use are professional and reasonably priced). There was a cover reveal - a bit late in the process, but that was a great success. I am also doing some newsletter swaps with other authors that have great books. Have you signed up for my Newsletter here - click.

MORE TIME TO WRITE

Since, having more time at home (no commuting to my day job saves me 2 hours a day). I am able to get more books written. I scoped and started writing the next book in my The Vigilant Series, and plan to write the next two books in which I hadn't planned on writing until later this year.

Also, I plan to create content for my online courses (see them here: Homeschooling and Working Courses and College The Radical Way) Course creation is a great companion for my non-fiction books (Building Your Empowered Steps and Homeschooling and Working While Raising Amazing Learners), but it takes a lot of time.

ARE YOU READING MORE NOW?

With all that's going on, do you want to escape? The best kind is reading. Do you feel that you are purchasing more books or looking for more discounts?

WINNER OF THE YASH GIVEAWAY

BUY COPY OF SCEPTER OF FIRE for 99 cents  and FREE on KU this month only!

CLICK HERE

The HUNT is ON! YASH SCAVENGER HUNT Spring 2020

Welcome to YASH FALL Scavenger Hunt at LM Preston's House

LM PRESTON's HOUSE

YASH SCAVENGER HUNT

YASH SCAVENGER STARTING SITE

SEE ALL PARTICIPATING TITLES:  Goodreads

YOU ARE AT THE PURPLE TEAM STOP

Please welcome authors of MERGED to my blue house! And don't forget my secret number is mumbo number 3

PRESENTING PLAIN JANES by Cecil Castellucci


A DC COMIC!!!!
Buy HERE

When artsy misfit Jane Beckles is forced to leave her beloved city life behind for the boring suburb of Kent Waters, she thinks her life is over. But then she finds where she belongs: at the reject table in the cafeteria, along with fellow misfits Brain Jayne, Theater Jane, and sporty Polly Jane. United by only two things-a shared name and frustration with the adults around them–the girls form a secret club dedicated to fighting suburban apathy with guerrilla works of art scattered around their small town. Armed with her sketchbook and a mission of resistance, the PLAIN Janes are out to prove that passion, bravery, and a group of great friends can save anyone from the hell that is high school.

TEASER

Hello my fellow art adventurers. 

My name is Cecil Castellucci.  In my book (with Jim Rugg on art) The Plain Janes, the Janes form a guerrilla art group that do art attacks in their small town of Kent Waters.  The Main Jane, Jane Beckles, uses this as a coping mechanism to combat PTSD that she has and to deal with her trauma from a bombing in fictional Metro City.  I believe, as she does, that Art Saves.  One of the first times that I remember really seeing street art when I was growing up was Keith Haring's Chalk Drawings in the NYC subways.   Everyday walking in the subway, there would be new drawings that people would walk by or walk on.  That was when I started to really appreciate the beautiful graffiti that used to be on NYC subway cars and big wall murals .  I love that art can be stitched into the day to day and be delightful. That’s what the Janes do in my book.  They do yarn bombings projects. and little toy dioramas and sound installations.  All to make the people of their town stop for a moment and see the world in a new way.  That’s what art does.  I was going to walk around Los Angeles, where I live and take pictures of little hidden beautiful things, but that’s not really possible now.  So here are some links to cool art installations that happened around the world. Maybe you will do  something in your front yard, as you social distance?  Something that those walking by can see and be delighted by while remaining safe.  Because art and books will help us now!

All best,  Cecil Castellucci 

Website, Buy Book Here

Also, I'm having a little giveaway of my own for FREE $5 Amazon Gift card and copy of Insatiable Darkness: CLICK HERE

FACEBOOK RELEASE PARTY!

JOIN THE FUN- MORE PRIZES 

CLICK HERE

CONTINUE TO THE HUNT at author Eliza Tilton 

CLICK HERE

YA Scavenger Hunt Time!!!!

The TEAMS are LINING Up

Check it out! Did you hear the news? The YA Scavenger Hunt, otherwise known as YASH, is almost here! Are you excited? I know I am. For those of you who are dying to know what to look forward to, here’s a sneak peek of the teams.

The "hunt" is just a simple math problem. You will write down all the secret numbers on a team, total them, and submit the answer to be entered for the grand prize.

There are 4 grand prizes being offered, one for each team. The team prize is a book from each author on that team.

Pick a Color:

Guess what color team I am on?

Red

Blue

Purple

Gold

Da da da!

What Books Can I Win During YASH?

There you go.
All eighty books you could win during the upcoming YASH.
Which team are you most excited about?

But How Do I Hunt?
If you’re new to the YA Scavenger Hunt, don’t worry. I have a YouTube video that tells you everything you’d ever want to know.

1) Read blog post

2) There will be a link at the bottom of the blog to the next link until you finish each author and finish the hunt

3) OR go to the YASH I'm STUCK PAGE

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER A GRAND PRIZE CONTEST from 4 DIFFERENT TEAM and YOU GET A BOOK FROM EACH TEAM
...and there's more, each author may have individual giveaways

You will get a SNEAK PEAK of something from their book or series


Okay, So I’m Interested, Now What?

Now all you have to do is wait for the hunt to start. You can begin hunting on my blog on March 31st, or to make sure you don’t miss out, you can head over to the YA Scavenger Hunt page, scroll down, and sign up for notifications with your email on the right, or you can sign up for my personal newsletter on my website and I’ll be sure to let you know when the hunt begins every season, which happens twice a year.

And You’re Revealing Secret Stuff?
That’s right! This coming season of the YA Scavenger Hunt I’ll be revealing some sneak peeks of my new book, SCEPTER OF FIRE.

 To win a prize, you’ll have to check out the YA Scavenger Hunt!

Also, here's a quick Giveaway For you!

CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY $5 Amazon Gift Card and MORE

Reading and Teaser of Insatiable Darkness now ON SALE and FREE in KU

INSATIABLE DARKNESS READING

On SALE 99cents

FREE ON KU

BUY HERE: Amazon

☆ ☆ ☆ READING of INSATIABLE DARKNESS ☆ ☆ ☆

THE Vigilant Series:

EmVee didn’t know what to think about this new town her father’s passion for boxing lured them. It was an unlikely location for her to pursue her dream of going semi-pro. Just when she started getting used to the school with gorgeous jocks and strange cheerleaders, the depth of the danger her father’s choices dangled them in front of became clear. EmVee hoped Silas and Kayson will be able to help her uncover the mystery identity of the person who is threatening her family. The question is, will she survive to expose the mystery.

The VIGILANT SERIES
Insatiable Darkness - Book 0 - prequel to Caged Fire
Caged Fire Book 1: March 7th, 2019
Unbreakable Darkness - Book 1.5 - prequel to Book 2

JOIN THE FACEBOOK PARTY: Click Here
JOIN MY FACEBOOK READER GROUP: Click Here

Life Versus The Writing Cave

THE Vigilant Series

The FOURTH book in this series has been a struggle to write.  Life has a way of stepping into a writer's life and smacking things down.

The first deadline has come and gone, and now I am on a tight deadline to finish edits, get it formatted and uploaded for ebook release. 

The paperback release will be a month after the ebook release.

And when will the release of the next book come? The story of what happened to Dexter Lewis? Since his sister EmVee (aka: Vida Emily Lewis) story has come to light?

FIND OUT MAY 1st.

Pre-Order Amazon

Events I Have Done As an Author At Libraries

Library Events That Brings Stories Alive

When I was young, I would spend hours in the library. Although, I loved reading, story time, interactive events and recreations of stories were some of my best memories. As an author, I’ve created those events at various libraries. Kids love hands on, and becoming one with stories. To bring stories to life within the library doesn’t take a lot of effort. It takes imagination. Kids are open and eager to make believe, and the libraries are the best places for them to experience new stories, new places and many adventures.

Some events I’ve run that were great successes as an author can be used at libraries, done on websites, with parents, or created as a challenge.

Dungeons And Dragons Adventure Based On Author’s Book

As an author, I’ve created D&D like experience for readers at libraries that model my stories. These have been fun events that can take on a life of their own. Kids hate leaving these events early and have tons of enjoyment by getting into their characters and experiencing adventures within a story. We start with a video book trailer of the book. Then each participant is given a character with different characteristics. The author or ‘dungeon master (reader)’ creates the scene, acts as narrator to the story and leads characters into key points of their ‘quest’. It can go on for hours and even be a theme for the month.

Living Stories

To create a living stories event in a library, creating a theme based around a popular story can gain participation even from the teenage readers. Have readers vote on a book, or base it off the book club selection of a book. Once the book of choice is chosen invite kids to do art projects to create a scene from the book and even have a prop building contest. Create areas through the library that mimic a scene in the book, encourage the child to read in the area, dress up as a character, then lead to an art or interactive activity.

Story Scavenger Hunts

Everyone loves a good scavenger hunt. Creating an adventure with clues to books from different authors is an amazing way to introduce young visitors to the library to new books. Having a monthly scavenger hunt to find and reveal new books, coming titles, or newly acquired books to the library is a way to get readers excited early. Having a consistent monthly event builds readers anticipation. It can even be part of the building up to a book club.

Library Camp Out

Camping, smores, ghost stories are ways to kick off a library day camp out. Kids can come with their blankets, camp snacks and check out their favorite book. A room in the library can be decorated like an enchanted forest, a space station, a desert camp grounds or more. Readers can be invited to pick a book with the camp location them and read away in their own camp spot. Smores, treats, and prizes can be given to the camper that retells the best stories based on what they’ve read.

Story Reenactment

Story reenactments can allow kids to further immerse and enjoy stories. Having a reenactment doesn’t mean the kids have to had read the stories. Small and short scenes can be replayed by the kids or the librarian. There can even be areas in the library that scenes from books in that section can be acted out. For the savvy library, having videos strategical placed can lead the reader on a library adventure where they can participate in the fun.

As an author, and a kid at heart, finding enjoyable ways to tell stories captures kids and adult interest alike. Taking events, activities that people love, and bringing that to the library continues to make the library the most adventurous place a reader can go.

By: LM Preston, fiction and non-fiction author, www.lmpreston.com and www.empoweredsteps.com, Twitter: LM_Preston, Blog: www.lmpreston.blogspot.com and http://homeschoolandwork.blogspot.com

Scepter of Fire Pre-Release Teaser

I am writing this 3rd novel in The Vigilant Series, Scepter of Fire, and it's going to be a thrilling ride for our young Dexter.

Purchase Pre-Release Copy-Click Here

TEASER for YOUR EYES ONLY
99cents pre-sale!

Dexter kept his eyes closed.  The binds at his wrist were cold, unforgiving and rigid chains. He needed to stay calm, take it all in and wait until they’d left him alone. His shirt was loose, and his sleeve covered one of the chains on his wrist while the other was rolled high on his shoulder.

  “Doctor Rutherford said to hold him until they come to take him,” a woman who adjusted his head on the pillow mentioned.

  “How long has he been like that?” a male asked.

  Dexter remained stone still, keeping his breathing even as his eyelid nearly twitched from the man’s breath near his face. He felt the lift of his eyelid. Keeping his eyes still, while the man flashed a light into them was nearly impossible. Dexter forced himself not to focus, but noted the man’s dark skin and brown eyes. He could have sworn the guy winked at him. Still, Dexter didn’t trust it, he didn’t budge. The man let Dexter’s eyelid go. Dexter almost sighed. It was hard to not blink. He had to wait though, for that one chance to get out.

  “The others he came with will be taken also. Don’t get in the way of those that come to collect. If you do…” the woman warned.

  Dexter forced his fist not to clinch at the mention of his family that was in the car crash with him. He remembered when they sunk into the water. He’d fought to get the door opened and his younger siblings out. Then something hit his head, and he’d drowned in water when everything went black.

  “Like you, I just work here for the paycheck. This hospital needs to be condemned anyway. I was there when they bought them in from the emergency room. I wanted to see how he was doing myself. I swear he wasn’t breathing when they pumped his stomach of water from the lake.”

  “Nathan, just give him the shot and clear out, you don’t want to be here when they take them. It’s never pleasant. I like you. You’re new here, and if you want to keep your job, you will stop asking questions.”

  “Got it.”

  Dexter heard footsteps. Light, and sure, it was the female nurse. Nathan remained there though, still, but the heaviness of his presence was over Dexter.

  “I can’t help you much, but if you have it in you, get the hell out of here. The hospital is going up in flames. Your father and oldest sister, are on this floor, the others... Sorry we couldn’t help all of you.”

  Dexter didn’t trust it. He remained still as the chains on his feet were removed.

Welcome to YASH FALL Scavenger Hunt at LM Preston's House

YOU ARE AT BLUE STOP ~ LM PRESTON's HOUSE

YASH SCAVENGER HUNT

ARE YOU READY For the DEETS?

YASH SCAVENGER STARTING SITE

Take a peek at all the participating authors books here on Goodreads

Please welcome authors of MERGED to my blue house! And don't forget my secret number is mumbo number 5

BUY IT HERE

Teaser and Excerpt

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

It’s only five-thirty, and her eyes are as sharp as they are at mid-afternoon. Sister Mo is

already sipping coffee at the long wooden table marred with a thousand nicks and gouges,

surrounded by twelve chairs on with side and three at each end. The kitchen is also at the ready:

frying pans on the stove, tower of plates stacked on the counter, eggs and bread and butter

waiting to be lovingly-transformed into breakfast for the kids of St. Catherine’s.

“Out all night again, you,” Sister Mo says in her thick, Kingston lilt.

I drop my canvas bag on the well-worn but impeccably clean, linoleum floor. “You know

I can’t paint during the day.” We’ve had this discussion, like, a few hundred times.

“The devil prowls at night,” she says, rising to her six-foot height. “You need breakfast.”

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry, Sister,” I try. Even though she doesn’t like me out all night,

she supports my obsession, my need to tell a story through paint.

“Nonsense.” Sister Mo springs to the ancient gas stove and clicks on the gas burner. She

slices and tosses three pats of butter into a hot pan before cracking three eggs in. Pops and

sputters fill the room.

I blurt out what I’ve wanted to say from the start. What I want the world to know. “I

really did it. I captured The Last Supper!”

She drops a couple scoops of hash browns next to the eggs, and then lets out a long,

disapproving sigh. This is as close to a curse as Sister Mo ever gets.

“Sister, I know it’s good. Better than good. And mixing the New York Rangers with The

Last Supper may not be Guernica, but you can’t say it isn’t creative, and it just might make

someone’s day.”

“Kevin, you think you’re doing something meaningful with your alley pictures, but it’s temporary. Fleeting.” Sister Mo drops two slices of bread into the eight-slice toaster. “You could paint something that lasts. Something people will see for hundreds of years.”

“I want people to see it now. Not only old, rich people with a lot of money to go to fancy

museums and buy million-dollar art for their living rooms. Everybody. Where they live so they

can see it every day—”

She dismisses my words with a wave. “You work all night, and it’s gone in months,

sometimes days. You should go to art school. Really learn.”

“I’ve studied in my own way,” I say.

 “You don’t know what you think you know.” She slickly retrieves the toast, brushes the

slices with butter, slides the eggs onto a plate, adds mountain of hash browns, and sets the

overwhelming breakfast in front of me.

Her deep-set brown eyes pin me in time. She stabs a long, thick finger at me. “Eat

something, you.”

I’m exhausted and not the least bit hungry, but when Sister Mo says eat, you eat.

“Anyone see you?” she asks, surprisingly casual for someone who five seconds ago was

arguing that I was wasting my talent.

I cram a piece of toast into my mouth and hold up a finger to buy some time. I don’t want

to tell her about Rosa, but there’s no lying to Sister Moses, there’s only delaying the inevitable.

Her eyes are glued to me until I swallow.

“Just a girl.”

“A girl? What about ’dis girl?” Her voice is a mix of whimsy and concern.

My brain needs three days of sleep before I’m ready to have this conversation, but there’s

no escaping her now. She’s given me a huge plate of food, enough for a hockey player the night

before a game. Nobody wastes food at St. Catherine’s. I’m not leaving this table until it’s gone,

and until Sister Mo has squeezed every last detail out of me.

“Her mom was working, so she hung out on the fire escape while I painted.” I don’t tell

Sister Mo that we talked all night, or that Rosa took a photo of Take This Cup. I also don’t tell

her what Rosa’s mom does for a living. “Don’t worry. She doesn’t know my real name or how to

find me.”

Sister Mo studies me, and I swear she’s been aware of every thought I’ve ever had. “She

see the painting?”

“Yeah.” I recall Rosa’s face when I unveiled it. “She saw it.”

Sister Mo leans forward. “She like it?” It feels like she’s cataloging my every inflection,

every nervous twitch.

I can’t contain my excitement, and a huge grin breaks across my face. “She really liked

it.”

“Good, then.” Sister Mo smiles, eases back in her chair, and lets out that wonderful laugh

that always makes me feel like all is good with the world.

PUT YOUR HUNT ENTRIES IN HERE

Jim and Stephanie

Also, I'm having a little giveaway of my own for FREE $5 Amazon Gift card and copy of Colliding Souls: CLICK HERE

CONTINUE ON THE HUNT

NEXT STOP ON THE HUNT IS at KELLY DEVOS' HOUSE

The Hunt is on, Are you a Book Scavenger?

I’m very excited to be a part of Team BLUE this season. Check out the amazing books that will be featured during the 2019 YA Scavenger Hunt. This season I’ll be announcing two very special projects, showing you the first glimpse of a brand new cover, and you’ll get to read some never before released bonus material from a bonus chapter of the Vigilant Series! Get ready to hunt, people. It’s going to be a good one.