Thursday, February 26, 2015

Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford Book Feature


Black Dog BluesTitle: Black Dog Blues
Author: Rhys Ford
Publisher: DSP Publications
Pages: 246
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 Ever since he’d been part of the pot in a high-stakes poker game, elfin outcast Kai Gracen figured he’d used up any good karma he had when Dempsey, a human Stalker, won the hand and took him in. Following the violent merge of Earth and Underhill, the human and elfin races were left with a messy, monster-ridden world and Stalkers were often the only cavalry willing to ride to someone’s rescue when something shadowy and dark moved into the neighbourhood.

There certainly were no shortage of monsters or people stupidly willing to become lunch for one.

It was a hard life but one Kai liked. And he was good at it. Killing monsters was easy. Especially since he was one himself.

After an accident retired Dempsey out, Kai set up permanent shop in San Diego, contracting out to the local SoCalGov depot. It was a decent life, filled with bounty, a few friends and most importantly, no other elfin around to remind him he wasn’t really human.

That was until a sidhe lord named Ryder arrives in San Diego and Kai is conscripted to do a job for Ryder’s fledgling Dawn Court. It was supposed to a simple run; head up the coast during dragon-mating season to retrieve a pregnant human woman seeking sanctuary with the new Court then back to San Diego. Easy, quick and best of all, profitable. But Ryder’s “simple” run leads to massive trouble and Kai ends up being caught in the middle of a deadly bloodline feud he has no hope of escaping.

No one ever got rich by being a Stalker. But then hardly any of them got old either. The way things were looking, it didn’t look like Kai was going to be the exception.

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rhys-ford  Rhys Ford is a firm believer in love and let love, short walks to a coffee shop and having a spare cat or two. Most days she can be found swearing at her laptop and trying to come up with new ways to kill off perfectly good random characters. Rhys Ford was born and raised in Hawaii then wandered off to see the world. After chewing through a pile of books, a lot of odd food, and a stray boyfriend or two, Rhys eventually landed in San Diego, which is a very nice place but seriously needs more rain. Rhys admits to sharing the house with three cats of varying degrees of black fur, a black Pomeranian puffball and a ginger cairn terrorist. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Toshiba laptop, and a purple Bella coffee maker.

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Interview with Kevin D. Patterson, author of Small, Dark, and Handsome

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Small Dark and Handsome Title: Small, Dark, and Handsome
Author: Kevin D. Patterson
Publisher: Dark Peak Publishing
Pages: 270
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Format: Paperback/Kindle
Ethan Anderson desperately wants to find his soulmate and he’s convinced that his height of 5'6" is limiting his options. Not wanting to end up like his friends with shallow lives filled with clubs and one-night stands, Ethan turns to a popular dating website where he connects with Anna Collins, a born-again Christian who just may be the woman he’s been looking for. But, when she’s ready for a committed relationship, will Ethan be able to ignore his friends, abide by Anna’s celibate lifestyle, and look beyond her five-inch height advantage to see a future with her before she gives up and moves on?

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What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Marrying the most wonderful woman in the world, adopting a beautiful baby boy, and writing Small, Dark, and Handsome, my first novel.
How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
I was raised as a Christian and my faith inspires everything I do, including my writing. I was also raised in a household with two women (my mother and my sister) which helped me to develop an appreciation of their perspective on many issues, and as I was writing the story, I was very sensitive to how women, in general, might interpret the words and actions of the main male character.
When and why did you begin writing?
I've written a wide range of marketing materials throughout my career, primarily for software companies based in the Silicon Valley. Some of the more technical stuff wasn't too exciting, but in order to keep eating, I had to keep writing. 
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
The first time I really thought about writing as a career was after reading a few interesting articles about various athletes in an issue of Sports Illustrated many years ago. Back then, I couldn't think of an easier job than traveling the world to major sporting events, watching them from fantastic seats, and getting press access to speak with superstar athletes before typing a few words about what you had just heard and witnessed. Just for fun, I remember trying to write an article for myself about a Super Bowl one year. I actually enjoyed the writing process, but the results were terrible, and after a few dry, dull, sentences, I realized that my career in sports journalism was probably over before it started. 
When did you first know you could be a writer? 
Back in the day, I used to have a fairly "healthy" social life, and found myself on quite a few email lists for various parties and clubs. Occasionally, some friends would ask me my opinion about some of the events that I attended, which led me to develop a weekly email called "Party Time." Each week, I'd give my comedic review of the previous weekend's events, along with a preview of upcoming events.  Within a few months, my distribution list grew from a few people I knew, to a few thousand people I didn't know, and that's when I knew I could write.
What inspires you to write and why?
The fact that I know so many wonderful single people out there who are looking to share their lives with someone special, inspires me to write stories about couples who have some issues and challenges, but eventually make it to where many of these singles want to be: in a loving relationship.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Romantic comedy for sure. I couldn't picture myself writing stories in any other genre.
What inspired you to write your first book?
A few years ago, my wife and I had a chance to live and work in Hyderabad, India for two years, which was a life-changing experience. When we returned, I wasn't certain what I was going to do next, but I knew that I wanted to work on a unique and fulfilling project that would bring me a great sense of pride and passion each day. When my wife suggested that I focus on my first novel instead of rushing back into Corporate America, I gave her a big fat kiss, went straight for my laptop, and didn't stop typing until I had banged out my first draft of Small, Dark, and Handsome.
Who or what influenced your writing once you began?
I've been a big fan of Mike Gayle for years. For me, he's hands-down the king of Romcom, and even though our styles are different, he's definitely had a big influence on my work.
What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general?

My biggest challenge of all was the editing process. I did work with a professional editor who was excellent, but I had no idea that the process would take so long. Coming into the editing phase, I expected it to be finished within a few weeks, but six months later, we were still going at it. When we finally finished, I was definitely pleased with the final product. I had also developed a new-found appreciation for authors, especially those who are able to crank out high quality stories on a regular basis.    
Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it?
I've spent over fifteen years in marketing, so coming into this project, I couldn't wait to start the marketing phase. Seven months into it however, the phrase "Be careful what you wish for" is still ringing in my head.  Marketing this book has truly been the most challenging project I have ever taken on, but it has also been the most fulfilling, and I look forward to continuing the process of connecting with audiences for it and for all my future book projects.
Do you intend to make writing a career?
I do plan to continue writing, but I may do it in my spare time while working full-time in a marketing role that excites, challenges, and inspires me.
Have you developed a specific writing style?
Not really, but in my first novel, the main character relies heavily on sarcasm throughout the story.
What is your greatest strength as a writer? 
Developing atypical characters and blending them into everyday scenarios that real people can relate to.
What is your favorite quality about yourself?
I'm very open to getting criticism and ideas from others.
What is your least favorite quality about yourself?
(Outside of the office) Sometimes I'm a little too candid and give up TMI (too much information) when answering a question.  
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
"Everyone has a plan, 'till they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson

I doubt that Iron Mike was thinking about anything besides boxing when he said this, but I think it applies to many situations in life, including business, relationships, and even one's faith. I've found that when adversity hits and they're forced to throw their plans out the window, the most successful people are able to continually get back on their feet and do what it takes to ultimately be victorious in the end. When people talk about me after I'm gone, I hope they'll be able to say that I was always one of those people.





Kevin PattersonKevin D. Patterson is an experienced marketing writer and has developed communications for many of today's leading brands, including HP, American Express, Oracle, and Deloitte. After much encouragement from friends and family, he decided to pursue his passion for creative writing, and the end result was his debut fiction novel, Small, Dark, and Handsome. Kevin was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and has also lived in Michigan, New York, and overseas in India. He currently lives in Plano, Texas with his wife and son. A graduate of the University of Michigan’s MBA program, Kevin is an avid sports fan and tennis player. You can keep up with Kevin and his upcoming projects at www.kevindpatterson.com

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Cover Reveal! Behind a Lady's Smile by Jane Goodger

BehindaLadySmile_2Title: Behind a Lady's Smile
Author: Jane Goodger
Publisher: Lyrical Press

  The Lost Heiresses

 It’s one thing for a girl to lose her way, quite another to lose her heart…

 Genny Hayes could charm a bear away from a pot of honey. But raised in the forests of Yosemite, she’s met precious few men to practice her smiles upon. Until a marvelously handsome photographer appears in her little corner of the wilderness and she convinces him to take her clear across the country and over the seas to England, where she has a titled grandmother and grandfather waiting to claim her. On their whirlwind journey, she’ll have the chance to bedazzle and befuddle store clerks and train robbers, society matrons and big city reporters, maids and madams, but the one man she most wants to beguile seems determined to play the gentlemen and leave her untouched. Until love steps in and knocks them both head over heels…

  Praise for the novels of Jane Goodger
 “Fun, delightfully romantic—and sexy.” —Sally MacKenzie on The Spinster’s Bride

 “A touching, compassionate, passion-filled romance.” —RT Book Reviews on A Christmas Waltz

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Jane Goodger  Jane Goodger started her writing career as a journalist. She worked for several small, community papers before covering crime at a Connecticut daily, where she discovered life can be cruel and doesn’t often have a happy ending. Taking matters in her own hands, Jane decided to recreate a world where all women are successful and brilliant, all men are kind, sexy, and gorgeous, and every story ends happily. She likes this world much better. Jane lives with her husband and three children in New England where they all strive to make certain Jane has her happy ending every day. So far, so good.

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The Chronicles of Elizabeth Highland Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: The Chronicles of Elizabeth Highland
Author: Elizabeth Highland
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 370
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 1973 This is the love story of Elizabeth Highland and Timothy Blumefield. To be or not to be… that is their question. Friends for 40 years… they have lived 3000 miles apart for the past 20. Through the twists and turns of life somehow fate and destiny brings them together in an uncanny spiritual journey guided by the universe. Elizabeth chronicles their story… a tale that takes her around the globe to find guidance and inner wisdom. The Chronicles of Elizabeth Highland is a hilarious tale of awakening consciousness. SHAMBHALA

  amazon  

Elizabeth Highland worked as both a designer and manufacturer in the sporting goods industry for twenty-five years. Her products sold in Canada, the United States, Europe, Korea and Japan. As well, she dabbled as an actor in film and improv. Travel has always been a part of her creative inspiration. In recent years Elizabeth lived in Peru and travelled extensively throughout South America. Just back from an adventure in Istanbul, Jerusalem and Jordan, she is currently working on her second novel THE CHRONICHLES OF ELIZABETH HIGHLAND, VOLUME II… The Journey Continues. Elizabeth holds both a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Elizabeth presently lives in Toronto with her dog Little Bear.

Elizabeth is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Rendezvous in Baghdad by Ben Sheldon Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Rendezvous in Baghdad
Author: Ben Sheldon
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 208
Genre: Thriller
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 As throngs of humanity pack Rome’s St. Peter’s Square, all await the news from the Sistine Chapel as to who will be the next Pope. But no one is more anxious than Iraqi American Sami Yusuf, for he and one of the papal candidates share a well-kept secret. When it is finally announced that Cardinal Paul Rogan has been elected Pope, Sami knows the one thing about Father Rogan that no one in the crowd does-he is a humble shepherd who molests his unsuspecting sheep. Many years earlier, while Sami was a Jesuit school student in Baghdad, he was molested by Father Rogan. Deathly afraid of revealing the abuse for fear of losing his family’s honor, Sami eventually emigrated to the United States and joined the Air Force. Meanwhile, Father Rogan slowly moved up in the Catholic Hierarchy-while quietly ruining one young boy’s life after another. Now amid sectarian mayhem and the occupation of Iraq, Sami must visit his ailing dad in Baghdad. But first he must fulfill his most important life’s mission-to cleanse the honor that Father Rogan stripped from his family. In this compelling tale that spans three continents, a vendetta drives an Iraqi American pilot into international dram that culminates with unexpected ramifications that change everything forever.

  amazon  

 Ben Sheldon lived in the Middle East, including Baghdad and Kurdistan, and attended college in Europe before settling in the San Francisco Bay area. He has worked as assistant editor for a national technical magazine and is the author of a novel and poetry book.

Ben is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Better Believe: A Story of Hope by Ruby Lee Tuesday Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Better Believe
Author: Ruby Lee Tuesday
Publisher: Trafford
Pages: 132
Genre: Biography
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 Ruby Lee Tuesday was born to be her father’s property. Trapped in an abusive home where only perfect was good enough for the devil, Ruby attempted to distract herself from his ways through her music, poetry, art, and most importantly, her faith in God. Tuesday shares a heartbreaking story of childhood trauma as she bravely pursued her dreams, despite living with parents who seemed determined to destroy her, both physically and emotionally. While providing a riveting look into the ways of an abuser, Tuesday details how her mistreatment eventually caused her to lose her faith, embark on a path of self-destruction, and succumb to panic attacks and depression. But through it all, Tuesday somehow managed to find solace and an escape in her music, ultimately leaving everything behind and bravely following her dream all the way from Norway to Nashville, Tennessee, where she would find faith once again. Better Believe is a story of determination, passion, betrayal, friendship, and hope as one woman journeys from the darkness of abuse into the light of healing where she learns to believe in herself for the first time.

  amazon 
 Ruby Lee Tuesday has spent years on healing both physically and spiritually. She is a poet, singer, and songwriter who plays a variety of instruments. Ruby left Norway in 2013 to pursue her dreams in Nashville, Tennessee. This is her first book.

Ruby Lee is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Angel Hair by Margot Griffiths Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Angel Hair
Author: Margot Griffiths
Publisher: Xlibris
Pages: 280
Genre: General Fiction
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 Victoria BC 1958: A haunting first novel of a privileged, tight-knit neighborhood—an insular world of stifling traditional values; a world where the eccentric and gifted Morgan family doesn’t fit. Eleanor and Hugh have settled into the rhythms of a long rift, bound by history and remnants of love. Their ten year old daughter Myfanwy escapes into the world of her imagination, but as conflicts escalate, her older brother Owen seeks a more desperate escape and the family begins its descent in earnest. The neighborhood watches, hiding secrets of its own, for beneath a veil of civility, all is not as it seems. Rich with period detail, finely drawn characters and withering humor.

  amazon 
Margot Griffiths was born in Victoria BC where her story is set. She has a masters degree in psychology and has worked at universities and libraries in the US, Canada and Tanzania. She now lives in the seaside town of Point Roberts Washington.

Margot is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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The Iron Ring by Auston Habershaw Book Feature

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The Iron RingTitle: The Iron Ring
Author: Auston Habershaw
Publisher: Harper Voyage Impulse
Pages: 192
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Format: Kindle

Tyvian Reldamar—criminal mastermind, rogue mage, and smuggler of sorcerous goods—has just been betrayed by his longtime partner and left for dead in a freezing river. To add insult to injury, his mysterious rescuer took it upon himself to affix Tyvian with an iron ring that prevents the wearer from any evildoing. 

Revenge just got complicated.

 On his quest to get even, Tyvian navigates dark international conspiracies, dodges midnight assassins, and uncovers the plans of the ruthless warlord Banric Sahand—all while running from a Mage-Defender determined to lock him up. Tyvian will need to use every dirty trick in the book to avoid a painful and ignominious end, even as he discovers that sometimes even the world's most devious man needs a shoulder to lean on.

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  • The Iron Ring is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
 Auston Habershaw is a science fiction and fantasy writer and author of The Saga of the Redeemed (part one to be released by Harper Voyager in February 2015). You can find links to his stuff through Amazon or Goodreads (see the links to your right!). He got second place in the Writers of the Future Contest in the first quarter of 2014 (Volume 31), so he presumably has some idea of what he’s doing (though not the *best* idea, obviously). He’s also an English professor, a pretty good storyteller, and a big time geek. This blog is for him to discuss and explore some of the crazy ideas that are usually kicking around in his head, throw out some of his homemade RPGs for people to use or see, advertise his budding writing career, and see just what this whole ‘blog’ thing is about. Enjoy!

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Before You Say I Do by Renee Allen McCoy, author of Single, Saved, & Searching

Title: Single, Saved, & Searching
Author: Renee Allen McCoy
Publisher: FaytheWorks Publishing
Pages: 178
Genre: Christian Romance
Format: Paperback/Kindle

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord. ~ Proverbs 18:22

"She’s getting married too?" asks the beautiful, intelligent, and single Elisha Maxwell who just received a wedding invitation from her last single best friend and her younger sister in the same week. As she stacks both invites on her kitchen countertop, she wonders when it will be her turn

 Challenged by a string of disappointing relationships, Elisha’s hope of finding Mr. Right leaves her feeling desperate and confused. Does such a man exist for her? In the wake of the most terrifying experience of her life, she is more determined now than ever to find him.

 When she embarks upon a quest to change her single status to married, she finds something much more important along the way. Will she embrace the man of her dreams who seems the least likely of them all or go with someone who appeared to be her perfect match?

  Single, Saved, & Searching is the second book in The True Love Novellas series.

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Before you say, “I Do.”

Aside from Black History, the month of February is also known as the Love Month. Just walk into a store, just about any store during this time of the year, and you’ll find the shelves lined with teddy bears, balloons, and heart shaped candy boxes dressed in that telling symbolic color of red. Love is in the air, there are engagements waiting to happen, but what are some things you should do before you actually say those famous words, “I do”?

If you are contemplating an engagement, consider the following:

Ø  Be transparent
Ø  Listen to what they are saying, not what you want to hear
Ø  Trust your instinct
Ø  Talk about money (credit history, bank accounts)
Ø  Introduce them to your family

I don’t claim to be the guru of dating or the “go-to” person for singles. But I do remember what it was like to be single … and waiting. I know what it is like to date someone, think he is the one, only to discover some characteristic flaw that I was not willing to compromise on. Then again, why should I? Why should anyone “settle” for less than they really want from a mate? When you get married, there are enough compromises that are to be made, but the decision to be with someone for the rest of your life … the rest of your life, requires some deep thought and intense consideration. At least it did for me because when I decided to get married, the option for divorce was well … not an option. So, with that being the case I had to be wise in my decision to whom I was to marry.

So, you may already have your own ideas of what to do before you actually utter those words “I do”, committing yourself to someone legally as well as spiritually. Let me offer my two cents on the matter. I met my husband (then an unknown person to me) and we dated for four months, and then was married. It did not take five years, it did not include empty promises; it simply involved two people who were transparent enough to allow the other to see them for who they truly are. We talked for hours at a time, we went out on dates as well as stayed in and watched rented movies. We went to church together and we visited each other families during the holidays. This is where you really get to know someone. Meet up on a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas and observe the extended family members in action. There is bound to be someone around that will share a story or two that may interest you. Hopefully, this will make a positive impact on your relationship.

Be sure to talk about what you have and don’t have. Do you have bad credit? Do you have a stable, consistent income? Do you have a savings account? Is there money in that savings account? Sometimes you have to be specific about the questions you ask. You don’t want to later find that the savings account they said they had only has $5.00 in it. Or even worse, a negative balance! This was not the case with my husband, praise the Lord. I’m just offering some due diligence advice for those pondering marriage. Don’t assume anything, especially since you will be trusting this person with everything that you have.

Other important questions: Do you have children? Please don’t assume that because you don’t see children or pictures of children in their house that they don’t have any. Do you want to have children? Don’t be misled by the fact that they turn to mush around other people’s children that they want some of their own, ask specifically.

My husband and I both agreed on having children before we got married and we stuck pretty close to the timeline in which we wanted to have them. Today we have been married eight years, now with two toddlers running around the house.

So, you see, when you are open enough to let that person know you for who you are, your strengths and weakness, during your fashionable days as well as not so chic moments, and they still see the natural beauty beneath a made-up appearance, you’ve got yourself a winner! Be your own champion. It does not take compromising your principles to keep him or her. It does not take your pretending to be something you’re not to please them either. It takes an honest look at who you are and what you expect from that other person. Don’t marry with the hopes of they will change. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you are dating a person at their best. So, what comes after the vows is a work in progress.

 

Renee Allen McCoyRENEE MCCOY (known to readers as Renée Allen McCoy) is a loving wife and mother, an author, but most importantly a devoted Christian. Having traveled to many parts of the world, today she, her husband, and their two children make Mississippi home. She maintains a newsletter entitled Straight Up and a devotional blog entitled In His Name. To date, she has penned seven books that include: The Fiery Furnace series (The Kiss of Judas, Confessions, and The Eleventh Hour), Soul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That’s Killing Your Future (non-fiction), The Christmas Beau (A True Love Novella, #1), In the Presence of My Enemies, and Single, Saved, & Searching (A True Love Novella, #2). Renée has also written for the world renowned devotional, The Upper Room (Pocket Devotional), both in digital and print. With a heart to tell stories that will not only entertain, Renée hopes to enlighten readers to capture the message and power of God's saving grace. Feel free to visit her online at www.ReneeAllenMccoy.com.

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Interview with Andrew Q. Gordon, author of The Last Grand Master

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The last grand master Title: The Last Grand Master (Champion of the Gods #1)
Author: Andrew Q. Gordon
Publisher: DSP Publications
Pages: 350
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 In a war that shook the earth, the Six gods of Nendor defeated their brother Neldin, god of evil. For the three thousand years since, Nendor and the Seven Kingdoms have known peace and prosperity.

 But then a new wizard unleashes the power of Neldin. Meglar, wizard king of Zargon, uses dark magic to create an army of creatures to carry out his master's will.

 One by one, the sovereign realms fall. Soon the only wizard who can stop Meglar is Grand Master Farrell, the Prince of Haven, the hidden home of refugees. An untried wizard, Farrell carries a secret that could hold the key to defeating Meglar-or it could destroy the world.

 While helping Nerti, queen of the unicorns, Farrell saves Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior the Six have chosen to be Farrell's mate. But Farrell approaches love with caution, and before he can decide how to proceed, Meglar invades a neighboring kingdom. Farrell and Miceral find themselves in the middle of the battle. Farrell pushes himself to the limit as he and Miceral fight not only to stop Meglar but for their very survival.

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What part of the writing process is the easiest/hardest for you?

Dialogue is easiest for me. I find I can hear what my characters say so it's easy to jot it down. Trying to "show and don't tell" is the hardest. It's so much easier to just tell folks what I think the characters are thinking/feeling. 

Who is your favorite character (that you’ve written)?

Probably the peregrine brothers, Grohl and Takala from The Last Grand Master. They have this never grow up attitude and they can fly. What's not to like?

Are any of the characters inspired by someone in real life?

Not in this book. There have been other characters in my non-fantasy works that resemble people I know, but generally I avoid writing characters based on people I'm really close to. I'm a crappy liar and don't want to have to say, 'no that's not you' unless I mean it.

If you could jump in to any book and live there, which book would you choose?

The Last Herald Mage series – but only if I could be an Adept – well, even if not, I'd still want to live in Valdemar.  (Yes, I know that's cheating because it's not a 'book', but pick an of the three.)

Describe your book in a tweet (140 characters or less).

The Six Gods of Nendor chose Farrell as their champion to save the world. All he has to do is defeat the dark wizard Meglar - his father.

What was last book you bought.

Greenwode; by J. Tullos Hennig.  I'm looking forward to reading book 2 next.

If you could live someone else’s life for two weeks, whose life would you choose?

David Wright, third basemen for the New York Mets (though my two weeks would have to be during baseball season). I've always wanted to be a pro baseball player and the Mets are my favorite team.

If you could no longer write/read, what hobby/profession/habit would you choose to fill the void?

Play bagpipes or violin – not that I can play either, but I've always wanted thought they'd be cool to play.


Of all the little things and simple pleasures in life, which one do you enjoy most of all?

{Warning, totally sappy moment coming.} Playing with my daughter. Being a parent was something I wanted more than almost anything. There are times when she wants my attention when I'm busy and I tell her no at first. I almost always change my mind when I remember that she'll only be little for such a short time and I need to grab every moment I can.

If you could have a casual, 30-minute conversation by the fireplace with any author, living or dead, who would you choose, and what would you ask?

Samuel Clements/Mark Twain. I don't know what I'd ask him, but I'd just want to hear him speak and take notes.

Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting to the times, he now writes with a shiny new MacBook that he sets on the same desk as his manual typewriter and vintage adding machine. Long a fan of super heroes, wizards and sports, Andrew’s works include high fantasy, paranormal spirits, magic as well as contemporary fiction. He is still trying to find the perfect story that will include all his favorites under one cover. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband, their young daughter and dog.  In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and occasionally sleeping.

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Andrew is giving away a Kindle Voyage!

Kindle Voyage
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Kindle Voyage.
  • This giveaway begins February 10 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Friday, February 20, 2015

One Last Time by Denise Daisy Cover Reveal

One Last Time 4 FINAL Title: One Last Time
Author: Denise Daisy
Publisher: Lyrical Press

  When it comes to love, time is all they need…

 Averie is terrified of anything remotely scary, but when she finds herself short of cash, she has no choice but to work on the catering staff at the creepy historic Faulkner mansion. The Faulkner Plantation was the site of a bloody massacre in the 1800s, and the event is an attempt to change its reputation. There’s just one catch: the host has more in store than dinner. Soon Avery, along with a handsome guest named Quillan, is transported—back in time…

 It’s one month before the massacre and Averie and Quillan must find the courage to do more than survive. Together, they must uncover the truth about the Faulkner family and try and stop the murders. But as Averie and Quillan grow closer, the stakes are higher than they expected. Will they be able to put their feelings aside to change the past—and find life, and love, in the place Averie fears the most?

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  • One Last Time is available at Amazon
Denise Daisy Denise Daisy is described as one of the purest storytellers of all time; pulling of romance, suspense and a touch of the supernatural, all in the same piece. Born and raised in Tennessee, Denise Daisy sets her stories in the Deep South and her natural southern style charms all her work. In addition to writing, Denise enjoys directing for the theater, and has brought to the stage many wonderful stories, from The legend of Pocahontas to Great American Tall Tales. To Denise, there is nothing more thrilling than bringing characters to life, whether on stage, behind the camera or in the pages of her books. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her four daughters, watching fireflies in the evenings, dreaming up her next story and inspiring others. With the debut of her new adult thriller, One Last Time, Denise gives you a nail biting, page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat.  

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Guest post from Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta, author of The Change You Want! Change Your Mindset and Change Your Life

Title: The Change You Want! Change Your Mindset and Change Your Life
Author: Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta
Publisher: OliveBlue Incorporated
Pages: 134
Genre: Personal Growth
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 Your mindset determines your attitude
 • Your attitude determines your choices
 • Your choices determine your life!

 Do You Want To Change the Outcomes in Your Life?

Our thoughts, beliefs and experiences are the building blocks that shape our mindset, and in turn determine our desired outcomes. Start to positively shape your mindset and you will take the outcomes in your life from good to great – whether in your personal life or your career or business. This book will provide you with simple but powerful steps you can take each day to start shaping your mindset and experiencing the success and fulfilment you desire!

“Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass.” - Napoleon Hill

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Have you found yourself reading many ‘how-to’ books and articles and following ‘tried and true’ systems that seem to work for others but not for you? Or perhaps you have experienced some success with a system or process you are following but you find yourself unable to stay the course or maintain results? This could be simply because you are yet to tackle the root cause and foundation of the matter: your mindset. Our mindset has the ability to sabotage us by creating self-limiting beliefs that can stop us from taking the first step to pursue our dreams, desires or goals; and in some instances, when we start pursuing a specific goal, it can stop us from persevering and reaching our highest potential.

Research in the public domain has found that the conscious mind is responsible for between 1 and 10 percent of our actions, and that the unconscious/subconscious mind is responsible for 90 to 99 percent of our actions. Wow!

 That is significant!

What we think is what we attract, and this is often referred to as the Law of Attraction. If we constantly think, see and say the negative, then that is consistently what we will attract. Even when we are faced with opportunities that others might immediately jump on and experience significant results, all we see is the negative – why it will not work, why we are not the one to do it, etc. – because that is what our unconscious mind is feeding us.

Once we understand the power of mindset and begin to learn and practice how to take better control of our mind, we will then have the ability to harness the power of mindset to achieve the successes we desire.

Yvonne Yvonne is passionate about positive change. She works with individuals, entrepreneurs and organisations to help them implement change, drive results and achieve their goals. She enjoys working with them to identify solutions and determine the right course of actions that takes them from good to great. She is an inspirational speaker, change management consultant, and certified John C. Maxwell coach & teacher on leadership principles. For More Information
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Can You Action Past Your Devil's Advocate by Kimbe Abernathy

Can-You-Action-Past-Your-Devils-Advocate-200x300Title: Can You Action Past Your Devil's Advocate?
Author: Kimbe Abernathy
Publisher: Xlibris
Pages: 93
Genre: Business
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 Are you an existing, new, or upcoming entrepreneur? Do you have business goals? This book is an easy-to-read, relaxed, understand body of work. A great book to assist in expounding one's vision to put all into action through twelve elaborated tips on what it takes to move forward. An undeniable source of motivation bursting with inspiration for the entrepreneurial mind. If you can get through this book, you can get through business. From the desk of an average member of society, "Can you action past your devil's advocate?" Jam-packed with success tips, famous quotes, profiles of iconic successful leaders, mentors and main takeaways. Let's get this body of work read so we can move on to excellence, creating our own success stories! This book provokes you to: rise up to the challenge and overcome leads you to fight for your life and your dreams points you to reach the top at your full potential, in full force.

To Purchase Can You Action Past Your Devil's Advocate:

K. Abernathy better known as Kimbe`, Kentucky native, now California saturated since the 90’s. Passionately spreading growth knowledge to assist ones in reaching their high potentials. Kimbe` an entrepreneur, business owner, director, educator, and deal sealer, currently serving as CEO of a small personal appearance company and Director of youth programs sponsored by regional school districts.
“I noticed success started to come when I stopped looking for people to utilize my full potential and began to create my own opportunities”                                                             -K. Abernathy
Entrepreneur - Author
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/kimbeabernathy
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Interview with Kevin V. Symmons, author of 'Solo' #womensfiction



Kevin Symmons has a BS and an MBA. He has attended the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music and studied in France. After a successful career in business management and consulting, he returned to his first love: writing. His first novel, a spell-binding paranormal romance titled "Rite of Passage" is set in the chaotic period after World War II. It's received dozens of great reviews and was a RomCon Reader's Crown Finalist for 2013. His second effort is a contemporary romantic thriller set near his Cape Cod home, titled "Out of the Storm." Like his first novel, it is an Amazon Best-Seller and received many 5-star reviews. "Solo", an intense and ambitious women's fiction work, has been released from The Wild Rose Press, his award-winning publisher. It explores the devastating effects of privation and domestic violence on the beautiful and extraordinarily talented young heroine.
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About the Book:

Title: Solo
Author: Kevin V. Symmons
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Pages: 353
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Jessica Long has the voice of an angel. But Jesse's cold beauty masks a brutal past filled with privation and cruelty. As the talented soprano approaches her final year at New England Conservatory, she is faced with a choice: stay with her striking young lover or accept the offer of a successful Broadway producer. She chooses the latter only to discover that fame can exact a cruel price. After years of yearning, the lovers meet again - at Jesse's ragged homestead on the Maine Coast.

Matt will reveal the benefactor who's followed and protected Jesse as the lovers face a confrontation with the jealous pursuer who's tried to destroy her. One final choice awaits that may cost Jesse both Matt and her life. The Broadway impresario, a mysterious crime lord, and Matt's stunning literary agent head a cast of absorbing secondary characters. Filled with unexpected plot twists, Solo is a classic, leading the reader over a bittersweet tapestry spanning fifteen years.

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Thank you for this interview!  I’d like to know more about you as a person first.  What do you do when you’re not writing?

Hmmm… good question. I am not one dimensional but writing and promotion consumes a lot of my time. I love skiing, exercise and boating (I actually have certification from the USCG for piloting and navigation). I also sing in several groups… which ties in with my novel Solo. Attended New England Conservatory and have an undergrad minor in music. And my wife and I do a lot of fund raising. Plus I have a great extended family across the country that I am devoted to!

When did you start writing?

I began in junior high. Wrote my first short story at 11… a war story since I grew up a post war baby. And I had the great fortune to have great motivational teachers in High School and College.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

I guess my diligence in submitting until I found the editor and publisher that loved my first novel. After years of rejections it was like being drafted into the major leagues! And I would tell prospective authors… if your work is good there is someone that will appreciate it!

If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?

Believe it or not… right here in my den in Plymouth MA. It’s the place where I feel most at home and the place where all my novels have been written! The greater Boston area and Cape Cod is replete with settings and story possibilities.

If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?

Promote more! So much of being a published author is selling yourself and your work. There is never enough time and though at first I was averse to social media I find I enjoy interacting with my many fans and friends on FB and twitter!

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I’m into New England. It has so much history and so many great places I love to just write about here… stories that revolve around the greater Boston area. All my novels have been set in NE.

Back to your present book, Solo, how did you publish it?

I have been a published author with my current publisher, The Wild Rose Press, for some time and though it varied from their commercial fiction mantra they liked it and accepted the manuscript so I was glad to stay “at home!” They are a great publisher.

In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?

Actually the novel deals with areas that I have experience with… serious musical study, musical theater, publishing and sadly, domestic violence so I did some field trips and study but much of it came from my life…

Why was writing Solo so important to you?

I had published several novels prior to Solo and I realize this sounds trite but every author has a story they want to tell so I had been working on this for several years and felt it was a novel and story that needed to be told.

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

I know that many authors get ideas from different sources… I get mine from observation and life experience… and that’s where Solo evolved from. It germinated from an idea I and grew into a major novel!

Any final words?

I would just tell aspiring writers to never give up. Don’t sell yourself short and always be honing your craft. Remember out job as writers is to entertain, offer escape, educate and elicit emotion from those whom we sell our work to!
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