Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Self-Published. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Self-Published. Sort by date Show all posts

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Guest Post :: Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Jenna Bennett | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 30th) I'm hosting guest posts from authors who were interested in helping out! So, here is a post by Jenna Bennett, author of "Tall, Dark, and Divine" & "Fortune's Hero," about what it's like to be a self-published author!!



Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Once upon a time, in the dark ages of 2006, when I’d just written THE END on the last page of my first completed manuscript and had to decide what to do with it, there was really only one option open to me: Query, find an agent, and if you’re lucky, sell it to a publisher.

If you’re unlucky, write another and repeat the process.

At that point, self-publishing was for the people who hadn’t been able to snag the attention of an agent and/or an editor.

If you were good enough, the wisdom went, you’d get a traditional publishing contract. If you weren’t... well, only people who weren’t good enough, self-published.

By 2011, when I got the rights to that first book back, the publishing landscape had changed. Self-publishing was no longer only for the rejected, the down at heel. It was the ‘in’ thing. Everyone was doing it, and people were getting filthy rich, which made more people want to do it. Suddenly, self-pub had gone from being the anti-Christ to the second coming.

So I gave it a try. I had a book that had been published, where the publisher had returned the rights to me after declining to publish the rest of the series. I had three books written and edited, one book written but not edited, and another halfway done. Over the course of six or eight months that year, I published all of them.

And sat back and waited for the money to start rolling in.

And waited.

And waited some more.

Believe it or not, the money didn’t roll in. It trickled, though. Slowly. Three years later, I still haven’t sold a million copies of my books, although I’ve published more of them since. And I’m making a living, which is a big deal to many writers.

Turns out, self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers. It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It isn’t a miracle cure or a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s just another aspect of the publishing game. And the things that work in traditional publishing, tend to work in self-publishing as well, now that things have settled down into a more steady groove.

The more books you have available, the more money you’ll make.

Put out a professional product, and people will buy it.

Cream does rise to the top.

I’m a hybrid author these days. I do some traditional publishing and some self-publishing. There’s more self-pub, but only because it’s faster to get the books out when I can do it myself. There’s no one else’s production time to take into account. When you publish with a publishing house, there’s the editor’s time, and the copy-editor’s time, and the proof-reader’s time, and the cover designer’s time, and the sales team’s time to consider in addition to your own. When you’re all of those, you’re doing all the work, but you control the timing. So for every trad book I put out, I manage two, maybe even three, self-published books.

Not because they’re of inferior quality, though. Coming from a traditional publishing background is a real bonus in the self-publishing game. When you’ve been through the process a few times, and you see just how much goes into a publisher’s putting out a professional and polished product, and how many eyes are on that manuscript before it’s deemed polished enough, you realize just how much work you have to do to put out a comparable product on your own.

And that’s what you have to do. Because if self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers, then your self-published book is going to have to compete in the same marketplace as the traditionally published books from Random Penguin, and Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, and Harlequin. And while you may feel that the traditionally published books out there are not up to the snuff they ought to be, they’re usually professionally edited, copy-edited, proof-read and packaged. However you may feel about the writing or the story, the product – with a very few exceptions – is a professional one.

So while signing with a publisher will get you an editor who works with you on story structure and characterization and sometimes grammar, and a copy-editor who checks all your facts and figures and makes sure you’re not messing up your history, and a proof-reader who makes sure (after you do) that you haven’t left any errors, and a cover artist, and a cover designer, and an interior designer and formatter, all of whom make sure your book looks as lovely as it can possibly look, not to mention a sales and/or marketing department whose job it is to get your book into the public eye, where it can be seen and bought – because nobody can buy it if they don’t know it’s there... when you’re self-publishing, you have to do all those things yourself, or hire someone to do them for you.

It isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you don’t get off on the control, it’s probably not for you.

If your heart doesn’t beat a little faster at the thought of being the master of your own fate, you’re probably better off with a publisher.

And if you just want to write, and you don’t want to deal with the cover design, or the marketing, or the whole career-building bit, do yourself a favor and go the traditional route.

You’ll be happier, trust me.

It isn’t for everyone.

And that’s fine. Not being a self-publisher doesn’t make you a failure, any more than not being able to sell a book to traditional publishing ten years ago made you a failure. It made you not a good fit. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Because if self-pub is just another way of getting product to market, it’s not better or worse than any other way of getting product to market.

It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It’s a direction you can choose to take your career, if you think it’s something you’ll enjoy. Or it’s a direction you can choose to ignore, if you think you won’t. Trad publishing isn’t going anywhere, in spite of what the first wave of self-publishers claimed five years ago. 70% of all books sold in the U.S. every year are still print books, and getting print books into stores is something you still can’t do on your own. Whether seeing your book on the self at Barnes & Noble or your local indie bookstore is important to you, is something only you can answer for yourself.

There’s good and bad in every aspect of publishing. There’s even a little bit of ugly once in a while. And we all have to choose for ourselves what our priorities are, and where we fit in the scheme of things.

It’s a great time to be a writer. The opportunities are practically endless. And that’s a very good thing!



About the Author :

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jenna Bennett (Jennie Bentley) writes the Do It Yourself home renovation mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime and the Cutthroat Business mysteries for her own gratification. She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace. For more information. please visit her website, www.jennabennett.com.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : August 2012

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Mysteries and More - November 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tall, Dark, and Divine | Fortune's Hero

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Tall, Dark, and Divine | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Blog Tour - Covet Promo Reveal Blast Materials‏



Find Jenna Bennett :



The Giveaways!! :

This giveaway ends December 7, 2013 at midnight.

[Click the book titles to find out info about them or to read my review about them]
  • A Smashwords ebook copy of "Picture Perfect" by Ella Fox to two randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • An Ebook copy--winner's choice from Jodi Redford's backlist to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Catching the Bad Guy" by Marie Astor to three randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • "The North Poe" Christmas Boxed Cards from Jenna Bennett to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • Winner's Choice :: two books (total) from Kristine Cayne and/or Dana Delamar or 10% off any service from By Your Side Self-Publishing from Kristine Cayne & Dana Delamar to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Every Night Forever" by R. E. Butler to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Playing Games" by Jessica Clare to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Indelible" by Bethany Lopez to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Battlescars" by Sophie Monroe to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Drive Me Crazy" by Marquita Valentine to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Desire By Blood" by Melissa Schroeder to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Darkness Awakened" by Katie Reus to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post :: By Your Side Self-Publishing by Kristine Cayne & Dana Delamar | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 30th) I'm hosting guest posts from authors who were interested in helping out! So, here is a post by Kristine Cayne & Dana Delamar, authors & owners of By Your Side Self-Publishing, talking about their business!!




Hello, everyone! Welcome to Small Business week. We are Kristine Cayne and Dana Delamar, and we’d like to tell you about By Your Side Self-Publishing. We are a small business run by writers, for writers. All our services are pay as you go. You keep all your royalties and your rights. We're here to help you publish yourself, not to publish you ourselves.

Whether you need a hand with editing, formatting or with promotion and marketing, we’ve got your back. We provide services to support you from the beginning of your journey to the end. Being self-published authors ourselves, we know the ins and outs of the industry. We know the pitfalls and tricks, and we want to share them with you.

So, whether you are a new author who has never been published or an experienced traditionally published author who wants to step into the world of self-publishing, we have services to suit your specific needs.

Would you like the slides to Dana and Kristine’s workshop entitled: "Self-Publishing: What to Expect the First Year?" Simply subscribe to the By Your Side Self-Publishing newsletter and it’s yours! -- http://www.byyoursideselfpub.com/newsletter.html

For more information about By Your Side Self-Publishing and our services, please visit our website -- http://www.byyoursideselfpub.com

We are also on Facebook, where we post articles of interest to self-publishers -- https://www.facebook.com/ByYourSideSelfPub



About the Owners :

We're Dana Delamar and Kristine Cayne, self-published romance authors. We've been at this business for two years now, and we've recognized a growing need for author services for self-publishers who are just getting started and don't know where to turn.

Dana has over 20 years editing experience and has worked with everyone from newbie writers who've just finished their first novel to experienced pros.

Kristine has over 20 years experience with technology and loves learning new tools and playing with gadgets. If you want to get the most out of your social media, she's your gal!


My Previous Interview(s) with Kristine Cayne : November 2012

My Previous Review(s) for Kristine Cayne : Aftershocks

My Previous Mention(s) of Kristine Cayne's Books/Characters : Spreading the Word: Deadly Obsession | Spreading the Word: Deadly Addiction | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013



"By Your Side Self-Publishing" Winner's Choice Prize :

Sign-up in the Rafflecopter Giveaway below to WIN ....
Winner’s choice : 10% discount on a By Your Side Self-Publishing service OR an ecopy of two self-published books from each us, so you can have a sample of our work

Kristine Cayne’s Books

Dana Delamar’s Books



The Giveaways!! :

This giveaway ends December 7, 2013 at midnight.

[Click the book titles to find out info about them or to read my review about them]
  • A Smashwords ebook copy of "Picture Perfect" by Ella Fox to two randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • An Ebook copy--winner's choice from Jodi Redford's backlist to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Catching the Bad Guy" by Marie Astor to three randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • "The North Poe" Christmas Boxed Cards from Jenna Bennett to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • Winner's Choice :: two books (total) from Kristine Cayne and/or Dana Delamar or 10% off any service from By Your Side Self-Publishing from Kristine Cayne to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Every Night Forever" by R. E. Butler to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Playing Games" by Jessica Clare to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Indelible" by Bethany Lopez to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Battlescars" by Sophie Monroe to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Drive Me Crazy" by Marquita Valentine to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Desire By Blood" by Melissa Schroeder to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Darkness Awakened" by Katie Reus to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Heart of Steel by Elizabeth Einspanier | Review & Gift Certificate Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Elizabeth Einspanier, with a review of her latest novel "Heart of Steel!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run February 17, 2015 -- Giveaway will run from February 17 - 20, 2015]



- This is an ARC book - Expected Release Date: February 17, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Heart of Steel" by Elizabeth Einspanier

Author's Book Description : Science Fiction Romance

When amnesiac cyborg Dr. Alistair Mechanus meets the injured ER doctor Julia Parker, his plans for world conquest are set aside in favor of trying to win her heart. However, due to ten years of solitude dedicated to mad science, his initial efforts terrify her rather than charming her, driving her to try to escape his clutches. When events conspire against both of them, she is forced to trust him with her life, and discovers a vulnerable side to Mechanus beneath his armor plating–but will her efforts to help him unlock his lost memories save his soul, or shatter his mind once and for all?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Alistair (Michael) is a genius. One that time has turned into a bit of a mad scientist, who sequesters himself in his lair he built within a volcano not far from Hawaii. However, when Julia and her crazy boyfriend fall into Alistair's life, the things he thought he once knew about himself get questioned when old memories start surfacing again. Is Julia the key to his forgotten past and if so will she be willing to help him in the future??

Sort of setup like a "Beauty & the Beast" novel, this action-packed book will keep you guessing the whole way through. It was interesting watching Alistair become more human with each passing encounter with Julia. I especially liked his enthusiasm and affection that he had for his chimeras, it was sweet and made me really root for him. While I can understand Julia's hesitancy throughout this novel because of all of the trials and tribulations she had been under recently I had a hard time liking her as a character. Yet her being unsure makes the story more real and helps the plot. Even so, once the "big showdown" starts up in the middle and Julia decides to help Alistair too, I got to see a side to her that I liked. In addition, I found that with everything she does to assist Alistair she really became worthy of his devotion in my book. It would be interesting to see where these two would go next in their relationship.

I recommend this novel to those looking for a sci-fi romance and are willing to keep an open mind on certain things.

-- On a side note –
Okay I typically write my ‘side notes’ underneath my reviews but since it has a bit of a spoiler in it CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY NOTE! =0)

Author's Novel Extras : Heart of Steel - Overview | Attention Deficit Creative Disorder and How to Make it Work for You | Writing Scenes that Tear Out Your Characters’ Souls | Give Geeks a Chance: Unconventional Romance Heroes | Handling Athena Characters | To-Do List for 2015 | Writing Progress Report: Jan 12, 2015 | Heart of Steel Release Day!

Book Teaser(s) :
You never seemed concerned about your memories before. Arthur pointed out. In fact, you believed them irrelevant to your projects.
Perhaps... Mechanus conceded. But then, I didn’t start having flashbacks until she came here.
How do you plan to get her help, then? Arthur asked.
By asking, of course. Certainly she will see the benefits of providing aid to one in need—particularly if that one is her generous host.>
She’s terrified of you, sir.
Mechanus blinked, and then frowned. But I’ve given her everything she’s asked for.
Allow me to explain, sir. She is currently on a remote island, far from anyone else she knows, with no clear way home, and her boyfriend has been turned into a cyborg.
There was a long pause.
Yes? Mechanus prompted, not seeing where Arthur intended to go with this.
Arthur trilled out a digital sigh. You will need to reassure her that you are not a frightening monster.
But... if she’s afraid of me, then how—?
You could explain your feelings to her, Arthur suggested.
Mechanus sighed. That won’t work at all. I barely understand them myself. ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Elizabeth Einspanier is the self-published author of the Weird Western novella "Sheep’s Clothing" and the upcoming sci-fi romance novel "Heart of Steel." Her short stories have been published in "Down in the Dirt" and "Dark Fire Fiction." She is a member of the St. Louis Writer’s Guild and an associate member of the Horror Writers of America. She lives in St. Louis, but frequently spends extended periods in worlds of her own creation.



Book Excerpt :

“I need you to keep talking,” he said quietly, and was surprised by the tremor he heard in his own voice. He cleared his throat. “I’m not used to being alone in my own head. It’s...” he shook his head. “It’s too quiet, without Arthur.”
She touched his shoulder, just below the ragged fabric where his sleeve had once been. Her fingers were warm and soothing against his bare skin.
“How’s your arm feeling?” she asked.
“I don’t expect it will fall off,” he said. “It still hurts, but I can manage.”
She was quiet for another interval, though two or three times he heard her inhale as if to speak.
“I... look,” she said, sounding uncertain. “You’ve... done a lot for me. You saved my life… you led me to safety… you even put your life on the line for me—and this is just today. I don’t... I don’t think I really thanked you for all that. I was hung up on the parts you didn’t do, or did wrong, and that isn’t right.”
“You tended to my injuries,” he pointed out. “Was that not gratitude?”
“That was me being a doctor,” she said. “That’s different.”
He wasn’t sure where she was going with this, and had no idea how to request that she get to the point already without sounding peevish. That absolutely wouldn’t do.
However, the silence between them stretched, a yawning void that he could not bear to leave empty. He turned his head to look at her again, and that was when she kissed him on the mouth.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Elizabeth Einspanier :

Monday, September 3, 2012

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs | Interview & Review

Today I'm turning my blog over to Susan Wiggs, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Return to Willow Lake," which is the 9th book in her Lakeshore Chronicles Series!!



My Q&A with Susan Wiggs :

Jess : Who or what was your inspiration to begin writing?

Susan : There was never a time when I wasn’t writing. Even as a toddler, I used to dictate stories to my mom. Evidence here: early writings. I think people are born storytellers. Most grow up and get sensible jobs, but some of us never get over it.

Jess : Tell us a bit about your Lakeshore Chronicles Series.

Susan : It’s an unending series of books about the lives and loves of the Bellamy family. The setting is a nostalgic town in the Catskills, on the shores of Willow Lake. It’s become so real to me that the new book, "Return to Willow Lake," features endpapers with maps.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Susan : Fun question! I would most like to invite Zach Alger from "Return to Willow Lake" to dinner, because he is total eye candy and he would make an awesome video of the experience. I’d least like to meet up with Zach’s father, Matthew, because he’s a total douchebag. Fortunately, Zach did a better job raising himself.

Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "Return to Willow Lake," in one to two sentences.

Susan : Sonnet Romano is smart, driven, loyal and romantically confused. She’s also a wonderful daughter to her mom at a time when her mom really needs her. And she can’t seem to stop thinking about this guy she’s not supposed to even like....

Jess : If "Return to Willow Lake" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Susan : Sonnet looks a bit like Alicia Keys. She would be played by a lovely mixed race actress...And Zach, hmm...somebody tall, blonde and yummy. I’m open to suggestions.


Jess : In regards to "Return to Willow Lake," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Susan : Gosh, no. I rewrote it so many times, my head would explode! If you find a typo while reading it, well, I’d change that.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Susan : I stopped counting after forty. So, probably fortysomething? My favorite is the NEXT one because I’m so excited to be writing it. Of my published books, "Return to Willow Lake" is my fave, because I just felt so close to the characters and their situation. I’ve never been in that situation, but I felt it very deeply.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Susan : I’m finishing up "The Apple Orchard," the first Bella Vista Cooking School novel which takes place in Archangel, in Sonoma County, California. It will be out next May. After that, I’m going to tackle Logan’s story in the Lakeshore Chronicles.



About the Author :

Using blunt scissors, pages from a Big Chief tablet, a borrowed stapler and a Number Two pencil, Susan Wiggs self-published her first novel at the age of eight. "A Book About Some Bad Kids" [I still have this-CL] was based on the true-life adventures of Susan and her siblings, and the first printing of one copy was a complete sell-out.

Due to her brother's extreme reaction to that first prodigious effort, Susan went underground with her craft, entertaining her friends and offending her siblings with anonymously-written stories of virtuous sisters and the brothers who torment them. The first romance she ever read was "Shanna" by the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss, which she devoured while slumped behind a college vector analysis textbook. Armed with degrees from SFA and Harvard, and toting a crate of "keeper" books by Woodiwiss, Roberta Gellis, Laurie McBain, Rosemary Rogers, Jennifer Blake, Bertrice Small and anything with the words "flaming" and "ecstasy" in the title, she became a math teacher, just to prove to the world that she did have a left brain.

Late one night, she finished the book she was reading and was confronted with a reader's worst nightmare—She was wide awake, and there wasn't a thing in the house she wanted to read. Figuring this was the universe's way of taking away her excuses, she picked up a Big Chief tablet and a Number Two pencil, and began writing her novel with the working title, "A Book About Some Bad Adults." Actually, that was a bad book about some adults, but Susan persevered, learning her craft the way skydiving is learned—by taking a blind leap and hoping the chute will open.

Her first book was published (without the use of blunt scissors and a stapler) by Zebra in 1987, and since then she has been published by Avon, Tor, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Warner and Mira Books. Unable to completely abandon her beloved teaching profession, Susan is a frequent workshop leader and speaker at writers' conferences, including the literary institution Fields End and the legendary Maui Writers Conference. Her novel "The Charm School" was voted one of RWA's Favorite Books of the Year. She is the proud recipient of three RITA awards for "Lakeside Cottage," "Lord of the Night" and "The Mistress," and is often a finalist for the prestigious award. Her books appear regularly on numerous "Best Of" lists.

Susan enjoys many hobbies, including sitting in the hot tub while talking to her mother on the phone, kickboxing, cleaning the can opener, sculpting with butter and growing her hair. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her family.




- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 311; Kindle Edition - File Size: 487 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: August 28, 2012 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Return to Willow Lake" [The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 9] by Susan Wiggs

My Book Summary : Sonnet has always been the type of person who likes to plan out her life then strive to achieve her goals as quickly as she can. However, when she finds out that her mother (who's in her 40's) is unexpectedly pregnant and that the pregnancy has some high-risk complications Sonnet puts her life plans and goals on hold and moves back to her hometown of Avalon to support her mother through this tough process. Nevertheless, just because she back home doesn't mean she doesn't need to work, especially since she gave up her high-powered job in the city to be there. Therefore, she becomes the Casting and Location Coordinator for the town's latest reality show called Big Girl, Small Town, and working with her once best friend Zach.

Zach is a good guy who had grown up in a crappy home. However, Sonnet's mother always made him feel welcome throughout Sonnet and his friendship and that hasn't changed over the years. It does get complicated though after Sonnet and he share an unexpected sparks-flying night together, especially afterwards when Sonnet wants to forget about it and go back to being friends again.

Now with Sonnet working on the Big Girl, Small Town with him they try working through their feelings while dealing with the intense situations around them. Can they work through everything to finally realize what they truly want for themselves in life and love? Or will they find that it would be better to be apart for good?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a moving charming novel. About the lengths, those will go to for the ones they love. I loved stepping back into Susan Wiggs' Lakeshore Chronicles world and catching up with all of these characters! However, I truly enjoyed reading about Nina's struggles, Nina's triumphs, Sonnet finding herself throughout this whole novel, the budding romance between Zach and Sonnet, and how no matter what happened between Sonnet and Zach they always were their for each other in the end. The town wraps you up and makes you want to read more!!

With that being said, I really hated Sonnet's father and the way she tried to please him at all costs. I mean I know where she was coming from since I was raised by a single mother for most of my life so I understand her need to show her worth to her father. However, when her father doesn't appreciate her efforts or thinks that only the path he picks is the correct one for her, then I really just don't like the man. Nevertheless, I like that throughout this novel Sonnet works out her issues with her father and comes to her own conclusions about him in the end.

In addition, I wish the epilogue had more!! I'm happy with the way it ended, who ended up with who, and how everything turned out. However, it leads you up to what you'll be expected to see and then it stops. =0(

Anyway ...

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I would recommend it and the Lakeshore Chronicles series to anyone who likes contemporary romances!!

Author's Novel Extras : Read an excerpt | Reading Guide | Booklist LURVE | dedication page | shout out to Library Journal

Author's Series Extras : When life gives you lemons... | How many books are in the Lakeshore Chronicles? | “It’s a Wonderful List” | reading to music | series or single title? | “Walk away.” | ‘fessing up | from today’s front page | cover art debate | just a taste | for reading groups | my grandma, the maniac | oopsie Daisy | fair enough question | women’s fiction | Daisy+Logan+Julian

Author's Book Trailer :

Author's Series Interview(s) :

Book Teaser(s) :
Zach thanked him and hung up, looking around the bakery at the coffee drinkers, the tourists and locals, the little kids smearing their hands on the glass cases, the old guys with their crossword puzzles. These people had no idea that the world had just shifted for him. Finally the dream was coming into reach. He'd been trying to get a break forever, sending out his portfolio of digital clips, emailing them into what seemed like a black hole of digital ether. He'd been networking through people in the business who were at least six degrees away from West Coast and New York producers. Each award he won, each scrap of recognition, hoisted him another rung up the ladder, but until now, nothing had materialized.
The opportunity was still so new, he had only the sketchiest idea of what was in store for him next. ~ within Chapter 4
"Tell you what," she said to the shaking boy. "Let's go together. You and me. What do you say?"
"What good's that going to do? Then we'll both die."
"Nobody's going to die. You saw everybody take a turn and they loved it. Come on, I'm scared, too, but I still want to do it."
"You're not scared. I heard you telling Salt over there that you couldn't wait to take a turn."
"Salt?"
"That's what we call him." Andre jerked a thumb in Zach's direction. "'Cause the two of you are salt and pepper."
She felt her cheeks heat up. She didn't want to be pepper to Zach's salt. "Never mind that. Let's do this thing." ~ within Chapter 12
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website.



Find Susan Wiggs :

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Impossible by Komal Lewis | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Komal Lewis, who I interviewed about her debut novel "Impossible," which is the 1st book in her With Me Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run from November 26 - December 16, 2012]



My Q&A with Komal Lewis :

Komal : Thank you so much for having me on your blog! I really appreciate you hosting me! :)

Jess : You're welcome!! I'm glad to have you here!! ... and something that is completely off topic ... Blue is my favorite color too!! *hehee*

Anyways ....

What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Komal : This is so hard for me to answer because there are too many to name. I am literally a book junkie. Between the ages of 5 – 11, I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, "The Hobbit," the Rowan of Rin series, the Deltora Quest series, any books by Roald Dahl, A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Lord of the Rings, to name a few. Age 11 and onwards, I started reading all the classics. "Cat’s Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut was my favourite during this period.

Jess : What sparked the idea for your With Me Series?

Komal : My husband and I ended up watching Drive Me Crazy one night and after it ended, I turned to him and said, “I want to write a book like that one day.” So, the very next day, I started writing and didn’t stop until I was done 4 weeks later!

Jess : Since I read that you are overly enthusiastic about comic books (and a bunch of other things) – if you could have a super power (or be a super hero/villian) what would it be (or who would you be) and why?

Komal : I would love to have the power to either teleport or become invisible. If I were a superhero, I would be Spiderman or Captain America, and if I were a villain I would be Loki.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Komal : In "Falling for Hadie," readers will be introduced to Lincoln Bracks and his family. Now, Lincoln is as nice as they get, but his family is another story. I don’t think I would want Mrs. Bracks over for dinner because she would probably find something to complain about.

Jess : Please describe your hero, from "Impossible," in one to two sentences.

Komal : Ashton Summers is mean, spoilt, selfish and arrogant. Luca is a social outcast, caring, independent and isn’t afraid to be different.

Jess : Is there one particular scene in "Impossible" that you’re dying for readers to read? Can you tell us anything about it?

Komal : It’s being dubbed the “kitchen counter scene” by readers. It’s a steamy make out scene between the two main characters. Readers 17+ only!

Jess : If "Impossible" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Komal : I never thought about it while I was writing the book, but I have been asked this question a lot since the book came out. I picture Alex Pettyfer as Luca, because he has the right face, his hair is longish and unkempt, and I’m pretty sure he has green eyes. He would need a complete makeover though. His hair would have to be black/dark brown, he’d need lots of tattoos, and some black eyeliner too. As for Ashton, I picture someone like Teresa Palmer playing her.


Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "Impossible," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Komal : My favourite secondary characters were probably Hadie, because she doesn’t care what other people think about her; Stacey, because she’s very strong-headed and opinionated; and Ashton’s mom, because she’s such a caring person. A lot of readers have told me that they like the character of Eddie, probably because he gives great advice.

Jess : When writing "Impossible" did you listen to a certain song list/playlist that you could share with us?

Komal : I actually drove my husband insane because I only listened to ONE song for two months: With Me by Sum 41. This entire song sums up Luca’s feelings for Ashton. I also listened to The Kill by 30 Seconds to Mars when I was writing the end of the story. This song perfectly describes how Ashton was feeling at Kendall’s party.




Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite (so far) and why?

Komal : I’ve written too many stories over the years to count. Probably somewhere between 50 – 100. As for published books, I only have one so far. My favourite story I’ve written so far is definitely my Serena Merchant series. My protagonist is a siren with amnesia and she is hilarious. The story is loosely based on Greek mythology and is such a fun read. I can’t wait until readers get to read it!

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Komal : I’m currently working on the second book in the With Me series. It’s titled "Falling for Hadie" and will release in February, 2013. It basically follows the relationship between Lincoln Bracks (the new boy in town) and Hadie Swinton (who we met in "Impossible").

Here is a small teaser from "Falling for Hadie":
Taking her hand again, I smiled and her face brightened. “Are you saying you have a crush on me, Hades?”
Hadie rolled her eyes, but didn’t seem annoyed. “I’m saying that I might have more than a crush on you.”
Frowning, I stroked my chin with my free hand. “Well, this creates a bit of a problem.”
Hadie’s face fell and her eyes were somber as she drank me in. “What do you mean?”
Sighing, I tried to keep a straight face. “I mean that I don’t know what my wife’s going to think about me having a girlfriend.”
Hadie stared at me, her mouth hanging open as my words sunk in. My mouth twitched, and Hadie shot me a glare before she started hitting me all over my body.
Laughing, I grasped her by the arms and we fell back onto the long grass, rolling around on the damp ground for several seconds before Hadie managed to climb on top of me.

Jess : Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Any specific reason why?

Komal : I love paperbacks, I really do, but e-books are so cheap and convenient. The other thing about e-books is that there are so many AMAZING self-published authors who have their books available via e-book only and I wouldn’t have discovered them if I hadn’t given e-books a chance.

Jess : Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

Komal : I am a huge clean freak so, yes, the bed gets made every morning without fail.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Komal : "The weird and wacky life of the OCD bookworm with too many pets."

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Komal : • "Easy" by Tammara Webber – If you haven’t read this book, what are you waiting for? This is one of the best books I’ve read all year! Trust me, you will love it!
• "The Edge of Never" by J. A. Redmerski – This book was so beautifully written, the characters were great, and the plot was absorbing. I’m pretty sure it’s my favourite book of the year.
• "Fallen Crest High" by Ti Jan – Ti Jan didn’t hold back with this book. We get a gritty, realistic look into the characters’ lives and I didn’t want to leave. Well-written and such a great read!



About the Author :

Komal Lewis is an author who writes both Young Adult and Adult novels in the Contemporary and Fantasy genres. Her debut novel "IMPOSSIBLE" is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance about a girl who will do anything to become popular, and the rocker boy-next-door.

Komal lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and one too many dogs and cats (although she never seems to think they have enough). She is overly enthusiastic about video games, comic books, Batman films, Byronic heroes, baking, reptiles, and pretty shoes.




- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 254; Kindle Edition - File Size: 478 KB | Expected Release Date: October 25, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Romantic Maidens Book Tours

"Impossible" [With Me Series, Book 1] by Komal Lewis

My Book Summary : Ashton had it all--she was popular, recently became the head cheerleader of her squad, and a family that loves her--except for one thing, she wasn't dating Oliver--the quarterback of the football team--who she has had a crush on for a long time. That is until her supposed best friend Kance took it all away from her--her reputation, their friendship, being the head cheerleader, and Oliver--because she was jealous of Ashton. Therefore, Ashton sets out to get back her popular status any way she can ... even if that means becoming friends, again, with her old childhood best friend who is also her rock band next-door-neighbor, Luca.

Luca would like nothing to do with Ashton, especially now that she has changed into a stuck-up snob instead of the sweet girl she used to be. However, he still cares about her, even though at times he'd like not to, so he agrees to help her out by becoming her fake boyfriend.

As Ashton and Luca because of their forced proximity to each other, they become closer then they have in years while working through the reasons why their friendship dissolved in the first place. Slowly they become friends again and find parts of themselves would like to have a whole lot more. But are they willing to forgive each other for their past mistakes and when their agreement works out to the conclusion that Ashton wants--getting her popularity back--will their newfound relationship fizzle out? Especially when some of Ashton's other friends, have agendas of their own...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! This is an intense and highly dramatic novel; about two "ex" friends working together and finding there is a lot more going on between them then they ever thought before! I loved Luca, as he seemed so sweet and dynamic that it was fun reading from his point-of-view. Plus, some of the secondary characters in this novel were enjoyable too. I especially liked Luca's best friends, Eddie & Riley, and Ashton's cheerleader friends, Kendall and Yuki!

However, as much as I tried, I did not like Ashton. I enjoyed her and Luca together since they are very much connected and it was touching to see them together while working through their issues. Nevertheless, I could not stand how much Ashton used Luca throughout most of the novel and how wishy-washy she was when it came to her feelings with him. Plus, how naive she was when it came to some of the friends she chose to have.

I was shaken my head at some of the stuff she did most of the way through.

With that being said, I still recommend everyone who likes contemporary YA romance novels to give this novel a try.

It was a good start for this series, and I'm curious what, "Falling for Hadie," book 2 of this series will bring!

Author's Novel Extras : Impossible - Teaser #1 | Impossible - Teaser #2 | Impossible - Teaser #3 | Impossible - Teaser #4 | Impossible - Teaser #5 from Ashton's POV | The Best Thing About Having Critique Partners | Cover Reveal: Impossible | Cover Reveal for Impossible! | Interview with Komal Lewis & a Giveaway! | Review for Impossible by Komal Lewis | Character Interview with Luca and Ashton | My expectations for Impossible | Excerpt of Impossible | Let's talk Ashton and "mean girls" | I'm thankful for...

Author's Series Extras : Transitioning period | With Me Stats | An Update on...Everything! | The past week in links! | What comes next

Book Teaser(s) :
He raised a cup to his lips and made a face at whatever the contents were.
“Coffee?” I asked, catching Ben’s eye.
Matthew Sutton elbowed him in the ribs and laughed. “Yeah, he’s trying to be all mature and sophisticated to impress some girl.”
Ben elbowed him back. “She’s not some girl. Her name’s Hadie.”
Hadie. The name tickled a faint memory in my mind. Hadie didn’t run in our circle, but I knew her from sight. She’d been in my art class in sophomore year and seemed like a nice girl. Ben deserved nothing less.
I laughed and gave Bennett a pout. “Aw, and here I thought we had something going on.”
Bennett grinned and pulled me onto his lap. “Of course we do, Ash. I’d never betray you like that.”
I noticed Oliver paying extra close attention to us, and couldn’t help feeling smug. Everyone knew that Bennett and I were just good friends and always joked around about dating. ~ within Chapter 5
When I walked into detention, I had to walk back out just to make sure I was in the right room, even though I’d been here so many times over the years it was like a second home for me. Stunned, I stared at the table in the second row that was closest to the wall.
What was wrong with this picture?
Well, for starters, I was pretty sure Ashton was sitting in detention. Either that or I was hallucinating. ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Komal, then please check out her website.



Giveaways!! :
  • An paperback copy of "Impossible" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • An Kindle e-book copy of "Impossible" to ten randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
The Fine Print -- To Enter :
  1. This contest ends on December 16th 2012.
  2. This contest is International!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Komal Lewis :

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Feasted On: Takhini Shifters Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 150; Kindle Edition - File Size: 316 KB | Expected Release Date: April 24, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Copper King" [Takhini Shifters Series, Book 1] by Vivian Arend

Authors' Book Description : Originally published in the Alphas After Dark Boxset

Three things make billionaire Jim Halcyon’s to-do list: women, work…and more women. It’s a perfect agenda for a rich shifter who has no problem letting his inner grizzly out to play. From the bright lights of Vegas, to the sophisticated action of New York—he’s got the money and the power to do anything he wants.

Anything, except resist the lure of Lady Luck, an ancient copper coin he gambles yearly to possess. Jim is determined to regain control of the pretty penny, and damn if he’ll let any bit of eye candy distract him from his goal. Not even the mesmerizing woman in the middle of the casino floor with the shimmering hair and enormous green eyes.

With a life-changing move ahead of her, Lillie’s finagled a temporary layover en route to her future. She’s got five days to soak in new experiences, and while Vegas is too big and shiny and loud for her shy bear self, she’s eager to do this up right. It’s the last chance she’s got to let her hair down.

Until his challenge begins, Jim is more than willing to oblige Lillie’s wish for a final fling. Only Lady Luck has some twists of fate planned for them both…

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! While on a yearly meet up with his best friend, Jim, runs into a woman who sparks up his life, but without them realizing their relationship seems to be growing into something more than a fling. But are they ready to settle down, or will the choice be suddenly taken out of their hands?

Lillie & Jim's connection is instantaneous and I loved how they playfully got to know one another. In addition, how their relationship finally ended up was very sweet!

I recommend this to those who are fans of Ms. Arend and/or like paranormal romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tidal Wave | Wolf Games | Whirlpool | Wolf Tracks | Wolf Signs | Black Gold | Silver Mine

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Looking for something new ..... check these out! | Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : Copper King - Overview & Excerpt | Copper King Quote | Copper King Quotes | Another Copper King Quote | Copper King Quotes | Copper King Quotes | New Release: Copper King | Flashback Friday – Copper King | Flashback Friday – Copper King

Author's Series Extras : Takhini Shifters Series - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :
She wanted someone to sweep her off her feet and rock her world all night long.
Like that was ever going to happen.
Her gaze stuttered to a stop at the approach of one of the finest masculine specimens she'd seem in her life, as if her fantasy man had come to life. Maybe this was like Disneyland, where all her dreams could come true.
When you wish upon a star...
Dream or not, watching the dark-haired man stalk down the casino aisle was an exercise in sheer pleasure. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vivian, then please check out her website.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Blog Tour - Face The Music by Andrea K. Robbins | Guest Post, Review/Spreading the Word, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Andrea K. Robbins, who is talking about which part of her novel was her favorite part to write about!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! Check out more stops for this Blog Tour by clicking here! [Blog Tour will run from March 18 - 29, 2013]



Which Part of "Face The Music" was your Favorite Part to Write & Why? :

The first draft was so exciting. I didn’t care about commas or spelling. Didn’t worry about sequence or style or format. My purpose was to tell a story. I got to dream up new scenes and script conversations. It was like I was watching a movie in my head, piece by piece, and frantically trying to get all the details down before they were forgotten. It was FUN!

The editing was a lot of work, but, in the end, rewarding. I tend to be a perfectionist, at least with my writing, and I’d read and re-read the same sentence ten times, tweak it a bit, maybe change it back to the way it was, and then move on to the next. There were several times I’d put the manuscript away and take a long hiatus before going back through it again. When I finally decided to self publish, I had to create a deadline and make myself stop. Otherwise, I’d probably still be tweaking it!

My favorite part, though, has been happening since I published. I love reading reader comments and reviews and am so happy that they love my characters as much as I do.



About the Author :

Born and raised in eastern Missouri, Andrea K. Robbins is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and Idaho State University and hold degrees in Human Nutrition, Biological Sciences, and Secondary Education. She currently resides in southern Idaho with her husband and two young daughters and enjoys teaching Jr. and High School science and health classes at a local school district. Robbins is also working toward her Masters degree in Science Education through Montana State University. When not working, she can be found spending time with her family or getting lost in a sappy love story.



Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 601 KB | Release Date: June 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"Face The Music" by Andrea K. Robbins

Author's Book Description : After losing her mother in a tragic accident, Allison Banks takes on the sole responsibility of caring for her little sister, her young niece, and her disabled grandmother. When her long-term boyfriend walks out, offering little in the way of explanation, Allison is left totally confused and utterly heartbroken. To cope, the 24-year-old closes herself off to any serious relationships and dives into her work as a graduate student.

Needing the extra income, Allison takes a job for the hot, new, reality TV show, Superstardom. Captivated by the competition’s front-runner, the mysterious and sexy singer, Chris Knots, Allison dismisses her attraction as nothing more than a silly, school-girl crush. But, when the hunky performer reveals an interest of his own, Allison must work through her reservations and decide if there’s room in her life for something more.

My Book Review (edited version - on March 2013) : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a thought provoking take on the reality singing show world that kept my attention wrapped while having me rooting for Allie and Chris the whole way!! I am surprised to say that since Allie mostly annoyed me throughout this novel, because of how she doesn't commit until the last minute, I enjoyed the novel as much as I did. Yet with that being said, I understood that all her problems about committing to Chris (or anyone for that matter) because of how badly burned she was before and afraid of any heartache happening again for her.

As I pushed on, I could feel myself growing to love her close-knit group of friends and family! It turns into a very sweet moving romance story that I could not put down. And I'm sooo happy about whom Jake ends up with since I was hoping that from the beginning!!

Overall, I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances, especially ones where the main male character is a hot singer!! [Read more of Jess' Review and 3 Teasers for this novel HERE!]

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Face the Music | Welcome to Small Business Saturday/Week | Giveaway Winners from my Small Business Saturday/Week Contests | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : We Aim to Please | Face Lift | A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Andrea, then please check her out on the Goodreads' website.



Giveaways!! :
  • An E-book copy of "Face The Music" to ONE randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
The Fine Print -- To Enter :
  1. This contest ends on March 29th 2013.
  2. This contest is International!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Andrea K. Robbins :
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