Monday, May 30, 2016

Chess Desalls: Lantern Blog Tour Stop


Chess Desalls is one of my Twitter buddies and we always seem to find ourselves doing author slots in the same events. We both write Young Adult Fantasy and when I was offered a chance to do a promo spot for her blog tour, I was more than happy to do so.

Lantern
by 
Chess Desalls
Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-fi
Pages: 118
Release Date: December 11th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
Five days before Halloween, all sixteen-year-old Tori has on her mind is vacationing with her family and scoring lots of candy. Her grandmother’s estate, with its Gothic spires and trails that lead out to the woods, holds an unexpected secret: a lantern that lights up for Tori and nobody else. Certain that it’s a ghost or a prank, she investigates further and discovers a mysterious life that shines in the darkness.


Buy Links (Lantern is FREE!):


Excerpt:

Tori slipped the phone in her pocket and looked up. It was a clear night with a round moon and a sky full of stars. The glow of light brightened as she neared the lantern.
She stopped about a foot away from the pole and shined her flashlight at its base. Unsure whether she felt more relieved or terrified that she didn’t see a pair of shoes and legs, she circled the pole to make sure no one was behind the lantern.
No one’s shining a flashlight through it, so I can check that off my list. Now what?”
Tori stopped to think. She reached up to hold the lantern in her hands and took a look inside. Once again, condensation from the inside of the globe blocked her view. The glass felt smooth and cool between her fingers.
Well, Lantern,” she said, “explain yourself. How come you’re out here all alone? And where does your light come from?”
Tori breathed through several beats of silence.
A dot appeared on the left side of the glass as if some of the condensation had melted away. The dot stretched to the right, and then turned back on itself and reached downward, forming the letter T.
Tori’s breath hitched. Her hands sprang free from the glass. Too scared to resume breathing, she watched, mesmerized as another dot appeared, then five more, each forming another letter until the globe of the lantern spelled out a message:
Too Loud
What?”
The lantern dimmed, and then brightened, as if accentuating its point.
Tori swallowed a lump in her throat. The words looked like they were written by a child, wavy and shaky, like someone forced to write backwards.
Okay, don’t freak out. Lantern hasn’t hurt me; there’s no one else here. Too loud? Maybe it means me—I guess I’m shouting right at it.
What are you trying to tell me, Lantern?” she whispered. “Are you a ghost?”
Another dot disappeared from the condensation below the T and formed the letter N, followed by more dotting and stretching until a second message appeared:
No I’m Jared
Tori chewed on her lip as she looked left and right, and then peered back over her shoulder. Are you kidding me? Remembering to keep her voice low, she cleared her throat. “Jared? Are you inside the lantern?”
Instead of spelling out more words, the condensation began to disappear as if someone were wiping it away. Beads of moisture gathered and dripped along the inside of the glass. The closer she looked, Tori noticed two tiny hands swiping along the surface. She gasped, squinted, and then looked closer.
Unable to hold it in, she screamed.
The light dimmed.
Tori pressed her lips together and covered them with her hand. Finding her voice again, she whispered, “Sorry—I’m sorry. If I was too loud before, that must have been horrible.”
The lantern brightened again. Tori tentatively glanced at it and caught her breath. A tiny person stood inside, rubbing his ears.
Oh no, what have I done? I’ve hurt him. The male figure had young features. He was so small that they were difficult to make out, but she guessed he was a teen version of whatever he was, with dark hair and matching dark eyes. His clothes looked like they were from ages past.
How’d you get in there?” she whispered.
He removed his hands from his ears and reached out to the glass, rubbing away more of the condensation. His mouth moved but made no sound.
I can’t hear you.”
Jared wound up his arm and let it spring forward. His fist came in contact with the glass, resulting in a faint clink. He dipped his head.
Tori frowned, her heart melting. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I have an idea. I’ll visit you again tomorrow night.”
The light brightened as Jared looked up.
How do you do that—make the light brighter and dimmer?”
He shrugged and shook his head.
Okay, don’t worry,” said Tori. “We’ll figure this out. I’m going to go back to my grandmother’s house.” She pointed a finger, not completely sure it pointed in the direction of the house, but to show him that it was far away. “Next time, I’ll bring tools—something to help me hear you and try to get you out. My name is Tori.”
A grin stretched across Jared’s face; the light glowed brighter.


About the Author
Chess Desalls is the author of the YA time travel series, The Call to Search Everywhen. She's a longtime reader of fantasy and sci-fi novels, particularly classics and young adult fiction. Her nonfiction writing has led to academic and industry publications. She’s also a contributing editor for her local writing club’s monthly newsletter. The California Writers Club, South Bay branch, has awarded two of Chess’ stories first place for best short fiction. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys traveling and trying to stay in tune on her flute.

Travel Glasses is YA fantasy filled with metafiction and other literary twistiness. Sign up for Chess'
 newsletter to receive updates on giveaways and new releases.


Author Links:


Giveaway!!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway







Check out the other tour stops here:

Blog Tour Schedule – 
May 30th
A New Look On Books   http://anewlookonbooks.wordpress.com    Review
Fantasy Fun Reads  http://fantasyfunreads.blogspot.com/     Promo Post
Bubble Bath Books  www.bubblebath-books.com   Review
Riddle's Reviews   http://riddlesreviews.com    Review

May 31st
Alina Melinda Reads   http://alinamelindareads.blogspot.com/   Promo Post
La Tartaruga Si Muove   http://latartarugasimuove.blogspot.it    Review
The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange       www.anneliselestrange.wordpress.com    Promo Post

June 1st
Lilly's Book World   www.lillysbookworld.wordpress.com    Review
Reading Addict    http://readingadd.blogspot.ro/     Promo Post
YA Book Divas    http://yabkd.blogspot.com   Review

June 2nd
The Cubicle Escapee    http://TheCubicleEscapee.com     Review
The Recipe Fairy     http://recipe-fairy.weebly.com/       Review
Mama aReads Hazel Sleeps    http://mamareniazen.wordpress.com   Promo Post
Buried Under Books   https://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/    Review

June 3rd
The Phantom Paragrapher     www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com  Review
Forever Obsession   https://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com  Review
Star Shadow Blog   www.starshadowblog.com      Review

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

The Secret: **Free** May 25th-27th


The Secret

**Free**

25th-26th-27th May


Kerry O’Brien has a secret so terrible it burns inside her. All she wants is to be part of a normal family, but with a stepfather like Bill, that is impossible.
Set in the 1970s when secrets like this were only ever whispered about, Kerry somehow keeps her humour by pretending everything is fine. Then she meets biker Tommy, and he has his own secret; one that impacts on her.
Kerry’s secret becomes harder to keep and the tell-tell signs harder to hide. Can she keep it together? Can Tommy and Kerry get it together?

Then the worst happens and Kerry’s secret is a secret no more.




What the readers are saying:

The story is gripping and interesting, the romance warm and simmering. I absolutely loved the ending, which gives the story an almost fairy tale-like feeling. All in all, it was a very enjoyable two hour read, and I whole heartedly recommend it to fans of the genre.
S Anderson

I really enjoyed this book and I was automatically drawn into the characters world, from the very first page. Tommy treats Kerry like a queen and it's so refreshing to read a story where the man respects and truly loves the girl.
Jenna Hodge
The way this author wrote about one family's life in 1970 Manchester was authentic and enjoyable. I enjoyed being lost in nostalgia for a short time and wallowing in the memories of that era's music and singers. The well-developed characters seemed realistic and the places were vividly described.
Amazon Customer

Karen J Mossman lives in Anglesey in Wales with her husband. She had written 4 books, three themed short story collections, The Missing, Behind The Music, Heroes and Joanna's Journey, a novel set in the 1980s.



Monday, May 9, 2016

Char Webster: Author Interview & Spotlight


Please welcome Char Webster, urban fantasy & paranormal author of Discovery (The Gifted Series Book 1). 

Blurb:

All 23 year-old Kate Sutton wants is a relaxing summer, but that changes when she is asked to help three troubled kids in foster care. Kate is drawn to them and decides to help, but strange things begin to happen. Kate soon discovers that her foster kids are not quite who she had thought and that neither is she. Suddenly, Kate is thrust into a world where people have special gifts and she and the kids are being hunted. Is the gorgeous guy she sees everywhere there to help or turn them over to the ones searching for them?


Discovery is currently on sale for $0.99.  Get it here..........

Great news!!!

Exploration, Book Two of the Gifted Series (releases May 17th)

What does it mean to be Gifted? And just how dangerous can it be?

When Nick took off to track down a kidnapper and killer, he left Kate alone to deal with her new life. Thrown into a world she knew nothing about, Kate must piece together information from the past and discover her role in the events that have begun to unfold.

Will history repeat itself? Will Kate be able to protect the kids and herself from the forces who want to use them to unlock a power that could destroy everything?



You can pre-order Exploration here.....


Bio:

Char Webster is an author of Young Adult/New Adult Paranormal/Fantasy Novels. Reading and getting lost in a story has always been one of Char Webster's favorite things to do besides shopping. She has also had a love for writing which led her to her daytime career in public relations and marketing.

After years of writing for others, Char decided to write something for herself. Her debut novel fulfills a lifelong dream of creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while.

Char Webster loves living in South Jersey because she feels like it is in the center of everything.

Interview:


1. What books influenced you growing up that led you to write in the Young Adult paranormal/urban fantasy genre?

One of the first books to leave a lasting memory was,My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. I completely fell in love with the paranormal world she created. I was swept away by the adventure and have loved dragons ever since.

Lois Duncan was also a very big influence in my life. I had gotten away from reading for a few years when I was young and her novel, The Gift of Magic brought my love of books back. Once again, I was captivated by the paranormal/fantasy genre and magic. Through her books, I also discovered a love for suspense.


2. It looks like your second book is available for pre-order now and is scheduled to release May 17th. Do you have anything special planned for your release day?

I am so excited to be releasing my second book, Exploration. I have an incredible team of people that have been so supportive of my writing. We have a launch party scheduled for that day with an awesome group of authors that are going to help me celebrate. Everyone is invited. We are planning so really cool games and giveaways.

https://www.facebook.com/events/922348117864120/

All times are EST!

4 - 4:30 Char Webster- opening
4:30 - 5 Elise Faber
5 - 5:30 Kara Leigh Miller
5:30 - 6 Mya O'Malley
6 - 6:30 S.J. West
6:30 - 7 Debbie Herbert
7 - 7:30 Kelly Nagy- Bookcrushin.com
7:30 - 8 Ednah Walters
8 - 8:30 Melissa Haag
8:30 - 9 Desni Mallow Dantone
9 - 9:30 S.T. Bende
9:30 - 10 Char Webster


3. Did you always plan on self-publishing or did you try and find an agent or publisher first?

I discovered the indie world about two years ago and I was amazed by the talented authors that created books I was devouring. I wanted to be a part of that so, when I wrote my first book Discovery, I decided to try self-publishing. I never considered traditional publishing.


4. What have you learned since publishing your first book that you wish you knew when you first started?

Wow. I have learned SO much. For my first book, I wrote my story and then had no idea what to do with it. I started asking all kinds of questions from authors that I admired and respected. I knew that Amazon and Create Space were the way I wanted to go so I uploaded my files. I had no idea that the kindle version would go live right away. Suddenly, I had a book for sale online that I didn’t promote or advertise or even let anyone know I had written it.

My friends and family were shocked and I was in a daze trying to get people to be interested in my writing. I thought that if you write a book, people will just start to read it. I had no idea how much time and promotion was needed to get even one person interested.

I now have an amazing PA who has taught me a lot about the indie book community. I learned that people actually do judge a book by its cover, so my first book underwent a makeover. I love the new cover.

My second book was handled very differently. We started off with a cover reveal and created teasers. I have an awesome editor who has helped me to polish my writing. I also figured out how to do a pre-order for the book instead of just uploading it right away. This time I asked beta readers provide feedback that ended up being so valuable. I am really looking forward to this new book being released.


5. I couldn't help but notice that you have received a lot of fantastic reviews on your first book. What's the secret to getting reviews?

I love the indie community and the support that everyone shows each other. I have made a lot of friends through our mutual love of reading. My team and I work hard every day to get my book noticed. I participate in every Facebook event I can possibly attend. I interact with tons of people every day. I support blog events.

I am available to anyone who wants to chat with me and I listen to all opinions. Not everyone is going to love my writing. As much as it can hurt to get criticism, it is also so very helpful because I try to learn from everything people say. I always encourage everyone to let me know what they think of my books.

Follow Char Webster here......

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Jade & Jane: Re-Vamped


Kickass couple!

New covers, new blurbs, a new round of edits, and I've added those chapter titles that I love to do. Both books are now available both in print and eBook on Amazon.

Jade:  Meet Jade Smith, a magical mutt with a mission. A detective partnered with a shifter named Rolfe, she’s on the case to solve a slew of murders: Vamps are killing humans, and nobody knows why. When London Jane, the most powerful vamp in town, is implicated in the murders, Jade knows something isn’t right. Together with Jill, the Winter Queen of Faerie, Jade and Jane take their investigation underground. On the run, with nowhere to hide, they uncover a secret that could destroy Faerie, as well as the human realm. Will Jade stop the killer in time? Or will she be the next victim? Magic, mayhem, and mystery abound, and the odds are stacked against them; it’s three against three hundred.

Buy on Amazon
Jade eBook
Jade (Print)

Jane:  Jane & Jade are chasing the Devil around the world. That's probably not the smartest thing to do and when the hunters become the hunted, the action really gets rocking, leading to a non-stop thrill ride of a road trip. Vampires and Shifters, Angels and Demons, throw in a giant troll and some witches and you've got a paranormal war. That doesn't leave much time for romance but there is a wedding, and a funeral, and both are ones you don't want to miss. Take a ride with Jane & Jade!

Buy on Amazon
Jane eBook
Jane (Print)


Sunday, May 1, 2016

Embracing My Mary Sue


I love the Anita Blake series. Anita kicks butt. It doesn't matter if it is a vampire, a werewolf, humans, or any kind of supernatural creature she's going to kick their tail. If she didn't, she probably wouldn't be one of my favorites and I seriously doubt fans of the series would keep reading. Kate Daniels is the same for me. There is only one person with more power than her and that's her father. With her mate, Curran, I'm not sure even he is going to prevail against them. The cool thing is both with Anita Blake and Kate Daniels, their power is still growing.

I recently saw the new Star Wars movie. I guess it's no surprise that my favorite character is Rey. Is there anything that girl can't do? The force is strong in that one and she is just beginning to come into her power. You didn't want the force to be weak in her did you? Of course not.

The new Batman movie was also a good one for me.  Guess who was my favorite character in that one? Look, Batman is cool and Superman is powerful, but Wonder Woman not only kicks ass but steals the show.

Let's talk about the lonely grave of Paula Schultz. You didn't think the Black Mamba was going to stay in that coffin, did you? Is that something you wanted?  For me, I want one of those Honzo swords. If God stands in my way, he's going to bleed.

Jewel is not perfect and she is just growing into her powers. If you thought she was powerful in Book One, just wait until you read Ghost School.

There is a reason we like strong, powerful heroines in our books and movies. If you don't want that, don't read my books.

Norma Jean's School of Witchery is available on Amazon. Get them here....
Book One: Jewel
Book Two: Ghost School