Weekly Update- September 30, 2013

I hope everyone is having a good Monday so far. It's overcast here in Ohio, but warm, so that's good. I'm not quite ready for cold temperatures yet, although I'm sure winter will be here before I know it.

 

Writing & Edits

Last week I made it through my beta's notes on chapters 9 and 10 of Paul and Megan's story, and polished off Chapter 11 as well. I'm really looking forward to these two getting together. Megan compliments Paul so well...even if he doesn't realize it yet. :)

I know you all are waiting on an update on Finding Anna, Book 4, but it's still with my editors. I don't expect to have it back for a few weeks yet, although I hear things are still going well.

For those of you who are following me on Facebook, you know that I've been working hard on re-edits for Hidden Threat. I'm making progress. Slowly. At this point, I have no idea when the re-release is going to happen. It's all going to depend on how quickly I can get through these edits.

Contests & Giveaways

Signed Bookmark Giveaway – Today is the last day you can sign up for my newsletter and be entered to win one of these eight signed Behind Closed Doors bookmarks. The giveaway is open internationally, so as long as you can receive mail where you're located, if your name is chosen, I will send you a signed bookmark.

 

 

 

Haven't read Hidden Threat?? Here is your opportunity to win it. Ira Poet's blog has an interview with me today along with a giveaway for a Hidden Threat ebook. Click here to go to her website to enter.

Also, keep your eyes peeled over the next week because I have a HUGE contest announcement coming. (Hint: If you sign up for my newsletter, you'll find out about the contest before anyone else.) J

Sneak Peek Sunday - Dreams of the Cursed by Allie Jean

The highly anticipated second installment of the Dreamer Series by Allie Jean is coming out this

October 3^rd

 

^{Available now for pre-order at}

^{The Writer’s Coffee Shop}

A violent war has waged in secret underneath the notice of humanity since the beginning of time. Evil has pledged the destruction of humanity in spite of a power those that covet it could not possibly contain. Now the Warriors have inherited this fight and are honor-bound to rid the world of this ancient malevolence. By guarding the most precious, piercing light they possess—their female kin known as the Oracles or Dreamers—the Warriors have a chance against the darkness.

Chantal Breelan, plagued by horrific nightmares for most of her life, believes something is wrong with her. Why else would she have such visions of destruction? But when creatures of terror came crawling out of the shadows to hunt her down shortly after her eighteenth birthday, she discovers the truth. Her dreams become reality, throwing her headfirst into a battle wrought by cursed monsters, where death and torture lie at every turn. 

Mathias is a descendant of a Fallen Angel and a powerful Warrior. He vows his life in service to pay recompense for the sins of their fathers by guarding Chantal from within the shadows. Long has he fought, shedding sweat and blood, hoping that his struggles wouldn’t be in vain. With Chantal’s life in danger, he is forced to reveal himself, yet she manages to surprise him with her fierce tenacity and strength. In his sacrifice, he finds redemption and life’s ultimate reward—a love to surpass all time.

Now Chantal has picks up the reins of her birthright and stands by her Warrior kin, by Mathias.

She’s on a mission to rescue others like herself. Yet, in this challenge, a battle of wits is exposed. New players are discovered, throwing strategies into question. When the truth comes to light, can Chantal hold her band of brothers together, or will they crumble under the weight of betrayal?

 

For more information, visit AllieJean.net

 

Sweet Saturday Sample - Hidden Threat

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | TWCS

Forcing himself to relax his hands, he pushed himself back into his chair, and placed his fingers on the keyboard. Given her a little smile, "Let's see what I can do." Focusing on the computer, he made a few clicks on the keyboard and entered the IT systems.

He didn't hear her come up behind him, but she felt her. She leaned over to see the screen. Clearing his throat, he pointed and explained. "This is the backdoor system, you could say." He typed in a few more bits of information and scrolled down to find her security information. "Here we go," he said. Without thinking, he turned.

Her cheek was only inches from him, and when he turned to face her, his warm breath tickled her skin. Cali didn't know what to do. She knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to turn towards those lips that made starring appearance in her dreams for the last two nights. Her body seemed to respond without her permission, and her face turned.

Their eyes met and held for a brief second before Matthew’s computer beeped, breaking the spell. They both jumped back quickly.

Giving his head a small shake, Matthew made himself focus again, and quickly pressed a button. He didn't waste any time. As soon as the paper was off the printer, he handed it to her. "Do whatever you need to do memorize that tonight and destroy it. Password protection means nothing if someone is able to get their hands on it."

"Yes," Cali said a bit awkwardly, rushing toward the door. "Thank you." With her hand on the knob, she glanced back. "Good night, Mr. Anderson."

As soon as the door shut behind her, Matthew let his head fall into his hands. He'd almost kissed her. What was wrong with him? He was a professional. A professional did not fool around with his boss. Period.

His computer beeped again, and he silently blessed and cursed it. Taking a much needed breath, he went back to what he'd been doing before Cali Stanton walked through his door.

Cover Reveal for Riverbend: The Collection by Andrea Goodson

It is finally time to share the cover for Andrea Goodson's Riverbend: The Collection which will be available

October 8, 2013 on Kindle!

Riverbend: The Collection is a compilation of all three novels in The Riverbend Trilogy: Riverbend, Rapid Water, and Waking Tide. This collection offers readers the chance to get all three books at once and for a fantastically low promotional price of $4.99! Three books for 5 bucks!

So, without further ado, here is the cover for Riverbend: The Collection!

Nestled deep in Northwest Pennsylvania, in the thick forest of the AlleghenyMountains, is a quiet community named Kennerdell. Rich in Native American andEuropean settlement history with few inhabitants and a charming culture, growingup there was simple for Lena Woodruff. But when grief stepped in and darkened her life-everything changed and after years of escape, Lena is forced to return home. A web of mystery and danger that dates back to America’s earliest days, quickly weaves around her and when a longtime friend, one who knows the tragedythat plagues Lena's heart, comes back into her life - things get complicated.

Grief darkens her thoughts while insecurity and self-doubt cause the linesbetween reality and imagination to blur. Just when she thinks she can't take anymore, a small glimmer of hope arises.

A sudden and unexpected need for love begins a conflict between self-doubt and the promise of something better. Where strength can be weakness and vulnerability-an asset, the greatest danger that threatens Lena in Kennerdell may just be herself. Will she be able to unfold the truth around this mystery or will it be easier to run away?

Love, danger, and history collide in Riverbend: The Collection

Look for it on Kindle October 8, 2013!

To find out more about Andrea Goodson's books you can visit her website, Twitter, or Facebook for exciting news, giveaways, and contests!

Flash Fiction Friday - September 27, 2013

This week's picture comes from the stockvault.

She held still, trying not to move as he continued to move his pencil across the page. This was new for her. She hadn’t known what to expect when he’d asked if she would allow him to sketch her.

A part of her, she knew, was hoping for something more sexual. Not that what she was wearing couldn’t be classified as sexy, it could. But aside from showing a little more leg than was decent, she was completely covered.

 “All done.”

Before she could ask, he showed her his sketch, and she couldn’t believe her eyes. Was that really her?

~Written by Sherri Hayes

Review: Force of Nature by Sydney Logan

Title: Force of Nature

Author: Sydney Logan
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Amazon

A short, sweet read about young love.

Force of Nature is about a young college student, Laura Pratt, and how her lack of respect for the forces of nature leads her head first into the arms of a fellow student whom she’s secretly been pining over.

Living in Tornado Alley has caused twenty-two year old Laura Pratt to grow cynical when it comes to storm warnings. When a tornado rips its way through her college campus, Laura finds herself trapped in the library basement with fellow music major and longtime crush Aiden Barnes. After the storm passes, and the two are faced with the harsh reality of Mother Nature’s vengeance, will Laura and Aiden emerge from the rubble with their hearts intact?

I was first introduced to this author through an anthology, Romantic Interludes. And just as with the story I read from her before, Force of Nature had a very cute quality to it that in many ways is refreshing. You won’t find any bad boys lurking in this one. Aiden is beyond sweet, almost to a fault. My one complaint with this story is that I would like to it to have had a little more heat. I’m not saying they needed to jump into bed and get all hot and heavy, but I would like to have felt that conflict a little more…the wanting to find the nearest flat surface and go at each other.

As a whole, I enjoyed the story, and look forward to reading more of this authors work in the future.

Amazon

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author and holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. With the 2012 release of her first novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. Her second novel, Mountain Charm, was released in July 2013. She is also the author of two short stories: “Mistletoe Magic,” available exclusively on Amazon Kindle, and “Stupid Cupid,” which is featured in the Romantic Interludes compilation. 

Sydney has a very unhealthy obsession with music, and her iPod is filled with everything from Johnny Cash to Eminem. When she isn't reading or writing, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her front porch at her home in East Tennessee with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. 

Please visit her on the web at www.sydneylogan.com.

 

Weekly Update - September 23, 2013

Happy Monday everyone.

My day got off to a late start, but so far it’s been a productive one. Hopefully that will continue.

Writing & Edits

The reason for my late start this morning was because I was up until 2am writing. Paul and Megan are finally speaking to me, and I decided to just go with it no matter how late it was. I only added about 800 words, but that’s 800 words I didn’t have before.

Finding Anna, Book 4 is still in the hands of my editors. I spoke to my copy editor last night, and she said all was going well, although I don’t expect to have the edits back from her for another couple of weeks.

Until then, I’ve been working on Paul and Megan’s book along with re-editing my debut novel, Hidden Threat. I’ve had a few people who’ve read Hidden Threat ask me how much of the story is changing. The story itself isn’t changing at all. What I’m doing basically comes down to going through and cleaning things up a bit. I’ve grown a lot as a writer in the last three years, and I’m taking that knowledge and hopefully making Hidden Threat flow more smoothly.

Contests & Giveaways

As I mentioned last week, there are a lot of contests and giveaways coming up in the next month. Some of those giveaways have already started, so don’t miss out.

Signed Bookmark Giveaway – Sign up for my newsletter before the end of the month, and be entered to win one of these eight signed Behind Closed Doors bookmarks.

 

 

 

 

Author to Author Fall Giveaway – September 22^nd through September 29^th. Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Also, keep your eyes peeled over the next couple of weeks because I have a HUGE contest announcement coming. J

Fall Into Reading ~ Author to Author Giveaway

Fall is in the air, and Author to Author wants to celebrate the season by offering a fantastic giveaway!  You can win a $25 Amazon gift card by entering our Fall Into Reading giveaway! The Rafflecopter is below.  Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, or Blogger. We hereby release all names listed of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Let me know if you have any questions or issues by contacting me: @SydneyALogan. - Good Luck!

Sweet Saturday Sample - Truth (Finding Anna, Book 3)

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | TWCS

Brianna

“I’m so glad I found you. You have no idea what it took for me to find you, baby girl.”

His words echoed in my ears as I stood there staring. He was here. He was really here. I was frozen, unable to move. I needed to get away. Away from him. Away from here.

Red! screamed in my head but refused to come out of my mouth. It was as if I’d suddenly swallowed a mouthful of cotton. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. Fear took over. My chest tightened, making it harder to breathe.

I stumbled backward, still trying to speak, but nothing would come out. I had to get away. Stephan. I needed Stephan.

As I moved farther into the living room, he followed me. He was like a giant, filling the space. I’d always thought Stephan’s place was large, but now it felt very small as John stalked toward me. The panic continued to rise, but I fought it. Breathe. Remember to breathe. Stephan. Think about Stephan.

Oxygen tore through my lungs with every intake of air. I was breathing, but it wasn’t doing its job. It wasn’t calming me. My father had come for me.

Every step I took, he matched and then some. I couldn’t get away. He was bigger, stronger. Why? Why was he here? What did he want with me?

Turning my back on him for the first time, I ran toward the phone. I stumbled over the coffee table on my way and righted myself. I knew he was close, but I had to try. I had to try to call Stephan.

My hands trembled as I picked up the phone. I didn’t get any further than that. Before my fingers could touch the keys, he snatched the phone out of my hands, tossing it to the floor behind him.

Sydney Logan's 2,000 Likes Giveaway

Sydney Logan's 2,000 Facebook Likes Giveaway goes live September 18 at Midnight EST! Thanks to the readers, bloggers, and authors for helping us reach that milestone and for donating to the giveaway!  The giveaway includes eight prize packs (arranged by genre) and one grand prize from Sydney Logan. The Rafflecopter is below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, or Blogger. We hereby release all names listed of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Let me know if you have any questions or issues by contacting me: @SydneyALogan. - Good Luck

Sydney Logan's 2,000 Facebook Likes Giveaway goes live September 18 at Midnight EST! Thanks to the readers, bloggers, and authors for helping us reach that milestone and for donating to the giveaway! The giveaway includes eight prize packs (arranged by genre) and one grand prize from Sydney Logan. The Rafflecopter is below. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, or Blogger. We hereby release all names listed of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Let me know if you have any questions or issues by contacting me: @SydneyALogan. - Good Luck

Instagram/Vine Video Challenge - Teen Read Week

Teen Read Week is coming up – Oct. 13-19, 2013

TWCS is excited to be part of the fun with a VINE/INSTAGRAM Video Challenge!

How does it work? Simple.

1. Between September 12th and October 17th,
Make a VINE or INSTAGRAM video featuring a TWCS YA Book

2. Post it on the TWCS Young Adult Facebook Wall

3. Use the hashtag #YATWCSVINE

There will be a PUBLIC VOTE to choose the BEST VINE October 17-19, 2013.

In addition, a RANDOM WINNER will be chosen from all participants.

What do you win? THIS cool prize package of eBooks and ARCs!

So what do I VINE? Just show us something cool about a TWCS YA Book!

We are asking our readers to come up with a VINE or Instagram Video of you or someone you know:

•Reading a special part of the book

•Acting out a scene of the book

•Giving a review of the book

•A funny reason why people should buy the book

Be creative! Draw a comic strip! Have your dog read the book! Read the book to your dog!

Use interpretive dance! Whatever!

We want to see what you can do with that 7 seconds!

Please base the VINE on one of following books. All are available in eBook or print on all major outlets.

(Click on a cover for more information)

Don't forget to post your VINE or INSTAGRAM Videos on THE TWCS YOUNG ADULT FACEBOOK WALL with the hashtag #YATWCSVINE

(Click the link if you want to see an example)

Winners for both BEST VINE and the random drawing will be announced on Oct. 19th

Good luck, have fun, and happy Vining!!

All videos must be rated for all audiences. All videos are subject to removal by TWCS Staff. Any video with the following will be removed immediately: swearing or vulgar language, nudity, sexual content, drug use, derogatory language, or racist remarks. The final decision on removal is solely the responsibility of TWCS.

Weekly Update - September 16, 2013

Hello everyone. I hope you had a great Monday. Fall has officially arrived here in Ohio. I had to turn on the space heater in the bedroom last night because I was huddling under the covers and still unable to get warm enough to fall asleep. We're supposed to warm up again here next week, but I think the really hot days are behind us at this point.

Contest Announcement

Want to win one of these signed bookmarks?

All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter. Everyone who is signed up for my newsletter by the end of September will be entered to win one of these eight signed Behind Closed Doors bookmarks. This contest is open internationally. The sign up here.

 

Upcoming Events

 

 

• Friday, October 25th - 1205 Round Rock Ave. #119, Round Rock, TX 78681

Authors introduce themselves and their books at 5:30

 Meet and greet with a side of cocktails from 6:00-7:00



 

 

• October 26-27 - State Capital - Austin, TX

My publisher, TWCS, will be at the Texas Book Festival again this year, and I will be there with them. This year's festival is October 26th and 27th. http://www.texasbookfestival.org/

We will be in the same spot as last year.  Booth 420-421

The following TWCS authors will be in attendance this year. 

K.B. Hoyle
Lorenz Font
Lissa Bryan
Sherri Hayes
Alexandra Allred
Micheal Schneider
Sandi Layne
Tara Ellison
T.M. Franklin
Gene Doucette

• November 8-11 - Hilton Garden Inn - Allen, TX

I will be attending this year's Readers and Ritas in Allen, TX November 8th - 11th. http://readers-n-ritas.org/blog/

Sneak Peek Sunday - Hunted by Lorenz Font

Sneak Peek Sunday is featuring Lorenz Font

Hunted, Book One of The Gates Legacy

When Harrow unknowingly spread a disease, he became a running target for the Vampire Council for annihilation. A hunted man, Harrow learns that danger not only comes in the form of death, but in the name of Jordan, an infuriatingly beautiful and vengeful woman, and a dangerous little emotion—hope. But even as Harrow begins to fall in love, he struggles with the horrors of the disease and what the future held for him and Jordan, that is if she decides to stick around.

Haven't Read The First Book, Hunted?

Buy Links

Get Hunted for HALF PRICE until September 18 on Smashwords!

Promotional price: $3.50

Coupon Code: RG38V

Expires: September 18, 2013

Amazon

Barnes and Noble-Paperback

Barnes and Noble-Nook

≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈

Tormented, Book Two of The Gates Legacy

Release Date: September 17, 2013

Tor Burns has taken refuge at Tack Enterprises. Committed to saving vampires from the clutches of the Vampire Council, he is reluctant to serve as bodyguard to Allison Tack, the daughter of their fallen leader. Beautiful and timid Allison is infected and hunted by the Council, and her friends are determined to keep her safe. She wants to learn how to protect herself, but no one is listening, so she sets out to prove that she can fight alongside the best of them. Melissa is hell-bent on discovering her son Demetrius’s fate, and time has made her desperate. Stepping up her efforts, she seeks the help of his son, Zane. She wages war against the suspected vampires, not realizing that she herself has fallen into a trap. A life must be given for a life taken. Will Tor have to sacrifice himself before Allison pays the price?

≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈ ≈♥≈

Feather Light

Release Date: October 10, 2013

At the height of his popularity as a sought after massage therapist, Parker Davis is besieged with a full schedule and declining eyesight. The last thing he expected is to get involved with a client. After all, his policy is never to mix business with pleasure. Beautiful Hollywood actress, Kelly Storm walks into Parker’s office under a heavy disguise with hopes of evading the ever-present paparazzi. All she wants is a good massage and a chance to forget her past. The gorgeous masseuse everyone’s dubbed as ‘Feather Light’ is going to give her what she needed. Storming her way into Parker’s structured life, Kelly is more than he could handle. Neither one is looking for love, but fate has other plans for them. Parker wants control of his life and Kelly needs an escape. Is there a common ground for them aside from a fulfilling sexual encounter?

Watch Book Trailer

Find The Author

Facebook- Twitter- Website- Blog- Independent Authors Network- Linkedin-

Sweet Saturday Sample - September 14, 2013

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | TWCS

 

 

Back inside the house, however, her luck ran out the minute she turned to go up the stairs and bumped into Daniels.

“Good morning, beautiful.” A huge smile graced his face. It made him look even more handsome than he usually did, and he knew it.

“Good morning, Mr. Daniels. My apologies. I didn’t hear you coming down the stairs.”

“Oh, I don’t mind one bit. A lovely lady like yourself crashing into me first thing in the morning isn’t something that needs an apology.” As he spoke, he leaned his body closer to her. She stepped back, trying to maintain an appropriate distance between them, but it didn’t work. Every inch she moved, he countered by the same inch, sometimes more. 

“Mr. Daniels—”

“Gage,” he insisted, nearly pinning her against the wall with his body. He was too close. The scent of the soap he’d used wafted up to her nose. It smelled good. He smelled good.

She needed to get away from him. “Mr. Daniels, if you do not step back and let me pass this instant, I will physically move you.” This only caused him to smile wider, if that were possible, and there was a gleam in his eye she didn’t like.

Instead of stepping back, he leaned in, holding his upper body so close she could feel the heat radiating from him. His breath caused tiny goose bumps to cover the left side of her face and neck. She closed her eyes, bracing herself.

Then . . . it was gone . . . his breath, the heat, everything.

 



Flash Fiction Friday - September 13, 2013

This week's picture comes from Stockvault.

He leaned back in his chair, thinking about the call he’d disconnected less than a minute ago. The news wasn’t all that unexpected, but either way it wasn’t what he’d wanted to hear.

Logging off his computer, he strolled as casually as possible out to the lobby to let his assistant know he’d be gone for the rest of the day. She looked at him as though she wanted to question him, but luckily she didn’t.

The drive seemed to take no time at all, and suddenly he was there, parked in front of the old, worn-down, two story building.

Cover Reveal - Eire's Viking by Sandi Layne

At the end of Éire's Captive Moon, many of my readers were still on

Well, in the second book in the Éire's Viking trilogy, Agnarr is the hero.

Cover art by Megan Dooley, to be published by The Writer's Coffee Shop

Summary:

It’s been years since Agnarr met his wyrd on the Green Island. Years since he left Charis, his former trell and medicine woman, with her new husband in her new village. Even though he lost her, he cannot help but feel his destiny lies with her people of Éire, so he returns with his final raiding party. Once there, a chance encounter strikes him speechless and without his memory, alone in a foreign land. He is taken to Aislinn, a physician who is serving in Bangor Monastery. Born in Ragor, the village Agnarr destroyed when she was a child, she is now the adopted daughter of Charis and Cowan, and has herself trained in healing. Drawn to her tall, blond patient in a way that she never has been to a man before, she is horrified and angry to find that he is the one responsible for the loss of her home. These are turbulent times in Éire, and there are volatile tempers all around. Still, Agnarr Halvardson would stay on the island, wed, and sire sons to live in strength and plenty in his adopted home. He wants Aislinn to be his wife and the mother of his children, but she won’t marry without love. He worships Thor and Odin; she worships Jesu the Christ. Can two from such opposing backgrounds find happiness with one another? Might they even find a love that will change both their worlds?

This title will be available via NetGalley in October for reviewers, with a January, 2014 book release.

The first book of this trilogy, Éire's Captive Moon, is available here:

Amazon Kindle, Paperback

Kobo

Barnes and Noble

iTunes

The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House