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Creative How To + Inspiration

Interview with Dee Krull, Author of Dreams and Vampires

Today we have Dee Krull here to tell us about her new book. Having read and greatly enjoyed her novel, I can tell you that Dreams and Vampires breaks the usual vampire mold in a couple ways. For one, Laurel, the novel’s main character is a fifty-two year old heroine. If you’re tired of youngsters ruling the genre, you won’t be disappointed with the mature characters dealing with adult situations that Dee has created. Secondly, Ms. Krull has devised an ingenious twist on the entire vampire world. But I won’t give you the spoilers. Let’s hear it straight from the author.

Hi Dee! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

After living sixty-five years of life experiences, it is hard to tell a little about myself, but I will try to condense it. My dad joined the Army soon after I was born, so I have lived in two foreign countries and five different states. I was never in one school more than a year and a half so I learned to be adaptable and even though I made many friends I was very shy growing up. Both of my parents were avid readers; my dad loved science fiction and my mother read historical romance novels. I was more than avid I devoured books as a child and in my adult life as well. I went from ‘Nancy Drew’ and ‘Hardy Boys’ to ‘Milton Erickson’ and ‘The Elegant Universe.’ Two of my favorite Authors in high school was Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker. Hence my love of vampires and the macabre.

Ah, a fan of the classic vamps! That makes perfect sense, now that you mention it. Tell us why your book stands out in your genre-what makes it special from the rest?

I think my book stands out because of the unique combination of genres woven into the story. I have spent the past twenty-five plus years learning about and using my knowledge of hypnosis and metaphysics to help individuals “create their own reality.” I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Hypnosis and a Doctorate in Metaphysics. My main character in ‘Dreams and Vampires,’ Laurel, is a retired hypnotherapist who reopens a hypnotherapy practice after her husband dies and finds that she has attracted a very different kind of clientèle.

Yes! One of my favorite facts about your character building is the realistic details regarding hypnotherapy.

My late husband and love of my life, enjoyed science fiction as well as real science and history. I was inundated with, what I fondly called, the Hitler (History) channel during the twenty-four years I was privileged to be a part of his life. I have always been a curious person, (you can take that either way) but I hated history in school and science fiction was not my favorite genre. It dawned on me one day that the past was pretty interesting and held more mystery than fact sometimes. So I incorporated what I have learned from the past and the mystery it held, into my book. I wanted to create a story that held the same mystique as books written by another of my favorite authors; Jules Verne.

I have researched astrophysics and their belief that parallel worlds are a real possibility and I have understood, for the first time why their idea holds true. The world I created was also researched to the point that I thought I would make myself crazy trying to make sure the size and time were compatabile.

I have tried to make the reader stop and think about the possibility that these events could actually happen. “What if this is true and everything you have been told in the past, was fantasy?”

As mentioned above, your conceptual twist on the vampire world really is fascinating. Now I see why, and speaking of the whys and what ifs, why did you choose to write this particular story?

First of all, I love books and movies about the supernatural, my favorite being vampires. I am, one of the many, who became caught up in the ‘Twilight Saga,’ but it was another young adult novel that hinted about sexual tension without the release and hard to relate to because I am not in high school.

Stephanie Meyer is a wonderful writer and I have read her series seven times; I know a bit obsessive, but I was trying to learn from her writing style without getting caught up in the story, which was hard to do.

One day I was watching a program on the, you guessed it, Hit . . .; ops, the History channel about Parallel worlds. I leaned forward, my eyes opened wide, my pulse sped up and a light bulb went on in my head! I thought, “what if mythical creatures lived on a parallel world and have been coming to Earth for thousands of years? What a great idea for a book! Chad (my late husband) would love it! A marriage between science and fantasy. And what if the main character was a female clinical hypnotherapist who was in her fifties, who falls in love with a vampire from this parallel world?” A story was born. I went online and printed out Wikipedia’s definition of vampires, werewolves, Wicca and parallel worlds and read for the next two days. Once I had a clear idea in my mind I  started creating my characters. A week later I was writing on a daily basis and keeping up with a schedule that even I have no idea how I did it.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

My toughest criticism came from a friend whom I gave three chapters of my first draft to read. She put sticky notes with questions and where there were errors such as typos, etc., that I was grateful she had pointed out. I set about making changes and getting feedback from a few other friends. One day we went to lunch and she sat across from me and asked the question, “I know you like vampire stories but do you think you could change your characters to humans instead of vampires? I think vampires have been done to death and frankly I think they are a sick idea.”

I just sat there, I couldn’t believe she actually thought I could change a story about mythical creatures into humans. It didn’t stop there; every chance she got she put me down as a writer and tried to convince me that I had no hope of ever becoming a published author. Thank God I had lots of supportive friends or I might have given up. I was crushed that she was so unsupportive because I really thought she was a close friend.

Awe, that’s terrible! Good thing for your readers that you had other friends to propel you toward your dream. What about your best compliment?

My best compliment came from another friend who didn’t know me well yet. She was curious about my book but had problems with reading, so I asked her if she would like to help me out by allowing me to read it out loud to her. I learned from a class I had taken, that one of the best ways to make sure your story flows well is to read it out loud. She was absolutely ecstatic when I finished reading one of the chapters I had planned to use on my blog as an excerpt. Her comment was, “wow! I don’t really like vampire stories but you made me feel, see and hear everything that happened as you read to me. I was so caught up in the story that I felt like I was there. I had goose bumps it was so real.” Since then she and I have become very close friends, not because she liked my story, but because she is a very kind person.

How inspiring, Dee! That just goes to show all of us that it’s not about one person’s opinion! There is an entire world of readers out there, and just because your writing wasn’t in alignment with that one person, didn’t mean it wasn’t be the best thing since sliced pie for another. A lesson for all of us to heed.  Given that, do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Yes, two very important things that I learned on the “Authors Learning Center.” The first is a continuation of the last question; never give your manuscript to mean people to read. Hard, biased and unfounded criticism is not helpful and can cause you to make a decision that you may regret for the rest of your life. Give your manuscript to kind, supportive people who want you to succeed. As a hypnotherapist I have always taught my clients that negativity creates failure and positive suggestions create success.

Excellent point!

The second thing I learned is; there are two types of stories. One type is the story that needs an outline, to create continuity to the story line and plot. The other is character driven; where you create your characters in detail, who they are, what they look like and how they interact with the main character.  Then allow the personalities you have created to guide you through the story you have already decided upon.  All stories begin with an idea, but how they evolve does not have to be rigid. Learn from other authors, take classes and then write in your own style. The more you write the better you will get at it as long as you are open to learning from yourself and others. And also big, big, rule: “show don’t tell” and understand what that means. When I finally got that one my writing got oh, so much better, as my readers will see in my next book in the series, “Power of the Vampire.”

Be sure and let us know when Power of the Vampire is released! In the meantime, I appreciate having you at my blog and letting readers in on the science, fiction, and history behind your novel. Again, Dee, an absolute pleasure getting to know you. I hope you’ll stop by again soon.

MORE ABOUT DEE KRULL’S DREAMS AND VAMPIRES:

A love story filled with mystery, dreams, and another world filled with danger. Two people from different universes fall in love, but not before the main character, Laurel becomes entangled in a mystery of frustration and self blame. Laurel is a human from Earth and Kianas is a vampire from a world called Htrae. Once on his world she finds herself in danger not only from the world itself but from those who inhabit it. The choices she makes are tantamount to what the future holds for her and the people she loves. If she allows Kianas to turn her she may never see her son again; but if she stays human she could loose her life.

YOU CAN FIND DEE KRULL AND HER BOOK AT:
Authors website   Dee’s World Amazon   Barns and Noble

Creative How To + Inspiration

Do You Need a Cover Artist?

book cover designs

Here’s the deal.  I’m offering my two decades of expertise in graphic design and corporate branding to the indie author world.  As an author, I understand the unique needs of your cover speaking to your audience, and as a designer I enjoy creating images that tell a story.  I am reaching out to my author peers because I love and support authors and think this could be a beneficial arrangement.

Here’s what I can bring to the table:

  • Almost two decades of experience
  • The understanding and symbolic analysis of your project that only another author can bring
  • A low-cost alternative without a low-cost look – hey, I’m an author too and understand all the expenses that go into producing your own work
  • The added benefit of author branding and keeping your image consistent and recognizable (I have branded Fortune 500 companies along with myself and my friends! I advise on an overall branding vision to go far beyond one cover!)

Please take a look at some of my recent cover designs below.  Though these are mainly romance and fantasy, I can do a variety of styles with the exception of drawing completely from scratch–I tend toward photo manipulation to accomplish the looks of my designs.

What you’ll get:

  • A questionnaire to discern your vision and taste
  • Along with a comprehensive branding questionnaire to determine who you are an as author
  • Advice on your author and/or series brand
  • After complete analysis of your book, vision, taste and desire to communicate a specific look, image and mood to your audience, I will deliver two different concepts based on your needs
  • Once a concept is decided upon I will work to incorporate all your changes and concerns until you are happy with the final product

Again, all this is provided at an affordable cost.  If this sounds good to you, we should talk.  Email me at: mande@mandematthews.com for questions and an indie author friendly price quote.

 

COVER DESIGNS SAMPLES

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Cover Design for Bonded - ShadowLight Saga
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Cover Design for The Light Keepers - ShadowLight Saga
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Book Cover Design for In The Spotlight - Mayne Attraction
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Cover Design for Raven's Watch
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Cover Design for Enchantment
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Cover Design for After Daybreak
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Cover Design for Chasing Sparrows
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Cover Design for Confessions of a Debutante
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Cover Design Sample
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Cover Design for Ignited
Creative How To + Inspiration

Interview with Matt Posner, Author of School of the Ages Series

Today I have the privilege of interviewing Matt Posner, author of School of the Ages series, a five-star rated young adult fantasy.  Not only is Matt an extraordinary story-teller, but a poet, a musician, a teacher, and an outspoken advocate for indie authors.

Welcome Matt!  Glad to have you at my blog. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a teacher and a writer. I live in Queens, NY and I teach special education English, SAT prep, and some college.  I’ve been married to Julie since 1999. I’m a voracious reader and I’m very aggressive about building the community of indie writers, meeting people and introducing them to each other and supporting them with my own interview series, to which you have agreed to contribute as part of your release of Bonded next year.

Yes, I’ve agreed (no, begged) to be a guest on your blog.  My promo efforts are in their infancy, and I am already exhausted.  I appreciate your offer to promote my work!

These books do take forever to bring out, don’t they? It’s almost as if we indies are just as much perfectionists as those writers who work for legacy publishers, and just as talented without being anointed by the BIG SIX. Harrumph, cough cough, sorry. That wasn’t what you asked me.

But you’re right.  The amount of work that goes into producing, distributing, and marketing indie books requires talent, endless hours, and determination across many disciplines—rivaling that of any traditionally published author. Your generosity and support of the indie path is nothing less than heroic.  For an indie book to rise up the sales ranks, it needs to stand apart from the crowd. Tell us why your book stands out in your genre—what makes it special from the rest?
My School of the Ages series is about magic in the world we know, with real places, real events, and two elements that above all else you won’t find in other such books. One, which I strive for aggressively, is multiculturalism. Everyone in the book doesn’t belong to one culture or race, but to many, and they have to and do learn to get along. Similarly, the magic isn’t exclusively from one culture. In the first two books you’ll find a system that’s partly European Hermeticism, partly Jewish Cabalism, and partly the yogic arts, and that expands into more traditions and more detail as the series continues. If you start researching the things I’ve written, you will find that I have blended my inventions with real history and tradition so thoroughly that you will think a lot of things I made up are really out there to be researched.

The other component I use that other books don’t is that I mention God. In researching those who have been involved with magic and the paranormal throughout history, I didn’t find any atheists. All magicians believe in God, even Satanists, who are idiots. Instead of pretending there is no God while writing in a disguised way about Christian themes, like J.K. Rowling, I decided to tackle the topic head-on and try to build a representation of God that draws upon many traditions.

All right.  You’ve hooked me.  I am dying to read School of the Ages and delve into your cultural, religious, magical mash-up. I find it very appealing that you’re tackling the same subject society faces with on-going globalization.  Since you’ve done your research and based your concepts on history, can I assume you’ve included real life experiences?  Or is all purely imagination?
Yes, there is a lot based on real life experiences. I use places that I know personally as settings, and The Ghost in the Crystal ends with a dramatic scene from recent history. I don’t want to say what it is because of the surprise value, but if you want, Mande, I’ll tell you privately.

Ha!  I don’t think you’ll have to, because as soon as I’m done with this interview I am heading on over to Amazon to buy your book.   Tell me, Matt, why did you choose to write this particular story?
I’ve been writing about magic and magicians in one way or another since I was sixteen, including unpublished novels about them. The Necromancer’s Tale was a book I was marketing in 1992-1993 which was a sharply literary epic fantasy adventure whose protagonist was a morbid and wicked old mage accompanied by a sweet young girl he loves as a daughter and is training in his macabre arts. I set this type of genre writing aside for a few years, but then in early 2002 I was working in a yeshiva high school and I got what I thought was a radical idea. I decided to combine the fascinating subculture of Jewish orthodoxy with others that I knew — Hermeticism and Eastern traditions — and see what I could get out of that juxtaposition by putting them all in the same school.

I cannot wait to see how you handle the clash of subculture via story.  What character speaks the loudest to you?
Well, I certainly enjoy my supporting character/heroine, Goldberry Tinker, a tart and slightly snotty British girl with a good heart, who provides the common sense in the first two books, and perhaps a few histrionics in the two that follow, who… Uh, excuse me, I… Oh, hi, Goldberry.

Goldberry> If you wouldn’t mind not talking about me behind my back. Now what is it this lady wishes to know, exactly? My place of birth? My mystical powers? My favorite perfume? Any other ways you would like to violate my privacy by posting details about me on the Internet? He does think he’s clever, this
one. Don’t you, Mr. Author?

Matt> No, I didn’t mean that. It’s only that I want people to be interested in reading about you.

Goldberry> If that’s what you want  you don’t need to tell them I’m snotty, do you? Is that opinion really of so terribly much value that it has to be in someone’s blog? You know, ma’am, he really is a bit of a git, this author of mine. At any rate, besides the School of the Ages novels, I’m also in a short story book coming out this December, called Tales of Christmas Magic. I have a solo adventure in that slim volume. I don’t exactly get to bring on any holiday cheer, but that’s not my fault.

Goldberry, first off, you sound utterly charming; I can’t wait to officially meet you.  Secondly, Matt–can’t you keep your characters under control?  I’m in a hurry to get over to Amazon–I have an intriguing book to buy, you know.

Now back to business. What would you like your readers to know about your book?
It is NOT a Harry Potter rip-off.

I don’t think you have to worry; there is no mistaking School of the Ages for Harry Potter after this interview. 😉 Is there a specific message in your book that you want your readers to understand?
Being smart and bold leads to solving problems. You don’t have to have magical powers like the kids in the story — being determined and thoughtful is more important.

Oh, so true, Matt.  Who or what were your influences for this particular book?
For The Ghost in the Crystal, I think the biggest influences were Chaim Potok’s The Chosen and the collected occult-themed non-fiction works of Colin Wilson. Alice in Wonderland shows up in a big way in Level Three’s Dream, although a lot of the humor there is really Monty Python style humor. Overall, as an urban fantasist, I think my inspirations have been Wilson, Tolkien, Jane Austen, and Neil Gaiman.

Much like your cultural melting pot, that’s an eclectic mix! What has been your biggest obstacle in becoming a published author?
Literary agents.

*peeling big smile off face* What project are you working on now? Will you have a new book coming out soon?
The third School of the Ages novel, The War Against Love, should come out by next summer; it’s fully drafted and mainly needs revision. I’ve done a chunk of the fourth book, too. Meanwhile, by second week of December you should be able to get a short story book, Tales of Christmas Magic. I honestly could write a huge amount of stuff if I had time, but unfortunately, I have to work for a living.

My magical power of precognition (or logical thinking) foresees you making a living as an author soon. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Best compliments on The Ghost in the Crystal:  an Amazon reviewer said the book would make a good movie; and a reviewer told me privately the book made her cry. Toughest criticism:  Being accused of mirroring Harry Potter.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Get a degree in marketing.

*bursting into wild bouts of laughter* So true.

What would your main character think about you as a person? 
<Goldberry:> Simon is actually the main character, not me, but as I said, I think the author’s a bit of a git.

Thanks, Mande. It was fun to write this interview, so I ran a bit long.

I enjoyed having you here and making me laugh.  If you’re interview is any indication of your writing ability, I will be enthralled with your story. Thanks for sharing your insights about School of the Ages.  I’ll see you over at your blog in the near future.  Right now, I am on my way over to Amazon.com.

More on the School of Ages

The School of the Ages series, set to be five books in length, tells the tale of the young magician Leicester Moore, who calls himself Simon Magus, as he develops his magical power at America’s Greatest Magic School — School of the Ages. Simon is accompanied in his painful growth by an exciting cast of allies and enemies, including his best friend, Goldberry, a tart-tongued and beautiful English girl; Robbie Ravitz, his roommate who likes to summon elementals; Yakov Mermelstein, a big and volatile Chasidic cabalist; his stern teacher Dr. Solomon Archer; and many many more. It’s NOT Harry Potter — it’s real magic in the world we know — it’s School of the Ages. Volume One is The Ghost in the Crystal; Volume Two is Level Three’s Dream. Coming in 2012: Volume Three, The War Against Love.

Matt Reads From The Ghost in the Crystal

Level Three’s Dream Book Trailer

Buy The Ghost in the Crystal

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Nook

B&N Paperback

Amazon Paperback

 

Buy Level Three’s Dream

Amazon US

Amazon UK (I love my UK readers too!)

Nook

 

Other Books by Matt Posner

The Evil Within charity horror anthology featuring stories by
Kristyn West, Amber Scott, Kelli McCracken, Rachel Thompson, Patricia McCallum
(my pal…) and me, 99C of real creepiness: http://tinyurl.com/3h8hmuu

After Dark charity paranormal anthology featuring Susan
Roebuck, S. Ramos O’Briant, Stuart Nager, Isobel Herring, Gordon Bonnet,
Gillian Taber, Lisa Voogt, and me: http://tinyurl.com/3hua6sy

With Love anthology for Japan at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/3udh5kf featuring a
supernatural story by me. Also in paperback and also sold at Smashwords.

Vampire Poet — featuring original poetry and photography designed
for a Kindle screen: Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/3zlv3ah
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/3wa72qn

Coming soon: I will be in Kindle All-Stars Resistance Front.

 

Creative How To + Inspiration

Interview with Ann Mauren, Author of Mayne Attraction: In the Spotlight

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ann about her romantic suspense novel, In The Spotlight, the first installment of the Mayne Attraction series.  I met Ann on Twitter when she replied to one of my tweets, and over the months I have come to know the powerhouse behind the clever prose.  What first struck me about Ann was her ability to spin even the most mundane email into a witty, worthwhile escapade of quips and repartee.  Whenever her name popped up in my email, I happily clicked to see what unusual take on a situation would whirl me into a mid-day entertainment feast. As I continued to learn about Ann, I also realized she has some phenomenal statistics that support what a great writer she is.  Namely, 88,000+ downloads, and reaching the number one spot on Amazon Kindle’s Free Romantic Suspense category.  As we speak, In the Spotlight still sits in the top 20 on the list.

Of course I’ve read In the Spotlight and am happy to report Ann’s writing is refreshingly innocent and unusual at the same time.  Her talent revolves around creating original, endearing characters in such detail that you could swear they were real, breathing, admiringly quirky, flesh and blood beings.   Her back story and setting details are impeccably drawn, while her plot is both heart-a-flutter romantic and laugh out loud funny.

So without further ado, here’s Ann:

Hi Ann!  Thanks for stopping by my blog.  First off, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Greetings, Mande! First just let me say what a thrill it is to be visiting you on your blog!  This has got to be one of the most beautiful and mystique-filled digital realms I’ve ever seen!

Ah, thanks.  *blush*

A little about me? Well, I’ve spent almost my entire professional life working in the foodservice marketing and distribution business, so I tend to think of things in food-related terms.  That being the case I would say that I spin career and motherhood plates by day and a romance writer dessert dish by night.  I wrote my first novel with a baby in my arms while sitting in a glider in front of a laptop on a TV tray.  As a result my back—and my sleeping pattern—may never be right again!   I am mommy to two young boys which means that I know far more about things like Nintendo DS, SpongeBob and Legos than any normal female should.  In my day job as a Marketing Coordinator for a national foodservice company I enjoy the challenge of writing pitches for sometimes pitch-resistant items like caffeine free no sugar added sweet tea.  (No, I’m not joking—we really do sell that!)  I love to laugh, but nothing pleases me more entertainment-wise than a sigh inducing happy ending.

Ann, I was struck by the amount of richly drawn detail in both your characters and setting.  Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or is it purely imagination?

Part of the fun of writing In The Spotlight was placing all of the scenes in real locations that I grew up around: my old high school, our hometown grocery store, movie theater and restaurants among others. Picturing my characters in those familiar places meant I could spend more time imagining the story since the settings only required descriptions and not a “built from scratch out of my imagination” effort to construct.  The idea of a secret security detail and how I would handle the situation if they were looking after me was just a crazy notion that popped into my mother of a newborn sleep deprived brain.

I can name a handful of my favorite times with Ellery—but one of the most memorable moments for me was her makeover as a Goth chic.  What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Though she nearly dies, I particularly enjoyed writing the scene where the heroine, Ellery Mayne, takes a clandestine overnight trip out of town with her two Goth friends to visit an amusement park.  It was fun to detail Ellery’s obsessive compulsive behaviors, insecurities related to her body image, and her candid reaction to a near death experience at the hands of her best friends.  These events are also addressed in the upcoming book In The Shadow (book three of the series) as told from the viewpoint of Ash Ryan, a member of Ellery’s security team who is completely besotted by the quirky yet lovable object of his employment.  Writing Ash’s perspective as he observes the situation unfolding into a disaster was one of the highlights of my experience as an author.  If writing could be that fun all the time, I might only stop to get coffee!  If you are curious, you can check out both passages on the Mayne Attraction website. Ellery’s narration is here and Ash’s can be read here.

While you’re here, what would you like your readers to know about your book?

I think it’s helpful to understand from the outset that you will get the complete picture of the Mayne Attraction story through the individual narrations of the series’ three main characters: Ellery, Gray and Ash.  The two follow-up installments consider some of the same events as book one but they also provide back story and dialogue from the past and events that move the story forward.  If you are detail oriented you may enjoy Ellery’s perspective a little more after you’ve read Gray and Ash giving their versions of events.

You know I’m dying to read Smoke and Shadow.  Your ability to spin a tale from different perspectives is truly phenomenal.  I recently got a sneak peak at a Mayne Attraction short that’s soon to be released and I was floored at your ability to retell the same events and dialogue from an entirely new perspective while weaving a brand new and exciting story at the same time.  When can we expect your next release?

As you mentioned, I have a short story called Barefoot Heroine—which is told from the character Ash’s point of view—that I am hoping to release before the holidays.  I am also working on the conclusions of both In The Smoke and In The Shadow right now.  I hope to release them simultaneously in the early part of 2012.  If anyone wants to complain about the timing I will be happy to accept offers of babysitting in order to speed things along!   Uh, seriously.  No takers? Okay, well if you’d like to say hi, ask a question or tell me something classified you can tweet me at @AnnMauren, check in at my Facebook author page, or drop me a line at AnnMauren@hotmail.com.

Thanks so much Mande for having me over!  This blog is the sparkliest one I’ve ever seen!

Thank you Ann!  I really encourage anyone with a soft spot for sigh-inducing romance to check out Ann’s novel,In the Spotlight

Oh, and one last, and very exciting development—for the holiday, Ann is releasing brand new cover art.  And we’re unveiling her design right here and now.  Be sure and check out her links and new artwork below. Here’s more about In the Spotlight!

 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

After a foiled abduction attempt, Ellery Mayne realizes that an entire security detail has been shadowing her every move, protecting her from danger she didn’t know she was in. Working to uncover the secrets behind her elusive watchers, she carefully conducts her own surveillance, testing the limits of professionals who think she is clueless about them. Though they are hard to spot, their loyalty and care for her is not. When she finds a way to declare her feelings for one of her guards, he is blindsided with joy but fearful that his team will lose its lucrative security contract because of his relationship with the mark they’ve all come to love.

As secrets to the identity and intentions of the team’s mysterious employer begin to unravel, Ellery’s deeply buried affections resurface and battle with the love and loyalty she feels for her security team and her new love. Searching for answers and conscious that her choices will impact loved ones and guardian angels alike, Ellery finds that her life is ‘In The Spotlight’ and she is the ‘Mayne Attraction.’

Set in my home town of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, this story is a young adult romance about a shy loner who finds herself ‘In The Spotlight.’    The series contains three installments:  In The Spotlight, In The Smoke, and In The Shadow, each told from a different character’s viewpoint.  For a limited time you can get a free download of In The Spotlight for your Kindle, Nook, iPad or other e-reading device.

Creative How To + Inspiration

Dear Jacob Black – a letter to the Twilight heart-throb

This is a guest post by Emlyn Chand, author of Farsighted

Dear Jacob Black,

Hi. How are you doing? Me? Not so good. You see, I have a bone to pick with you (tacky pun intended).

Okay, first of all, why on God’s green Earth did you ever fall for Bella? I mean, really. Even the most fanatic of Twi-fans can’t understand what you see in her. You are so much better than Bella Swan-Cullen (insert gagging noises here).

No, don’t get down on yourself, you are!

Look at you; you’re a hulking stack of gorgeousness both on paper and on-screen. You’re also really sweet and funny and strong and… swoon… Did I tell you that my husband is Indian—mind you, he’s not the same kind of Indian as you, but yeah, I appreciate that look (wink, wink, Jakey boy).

Back to my point… I don’t think I ever would have finished the entire Saga if it hadn’t been for you. You are just the kind of guy I would love to be friends with. You made Twilight so, so interesting. And that scene at the end of Eclipse when you told Edward that Bella loves you too? I almost died. I mean, that was one of the best scenes in modern fiction. Seriously, Jacob, it was, and that was because of you!

It’s cool how you were always there for Bella, no matter what the consequences—not that she deserved your unwavering loyalty. It is also cool how you not only ride motorcycles, but you also fix them. You’re a man’s man and a ladies’ man, Jacob Black.

But do you wanna know what’s not cool? It’s so not cool how you fell in love with baby Renesme.

So. Not. Cool!

I understand that there was some kind of cosmic imprinting thing going on, but yuck! I mean, she’s a baby, and she’s not even interesting anyway. I personally think your saga would have ended much better if there had never ever been a Renesme. She shouldn’t’ve existed not only from the freak of nature standpoint (cus let’s face it, you’re a freak of nature too, and I like you a whole lot), but from a literary standpoint. I don’t feel like she contributed to the plot at all. It was kind of a mess.

But what do you know about that? Did I just rock your world by revealing that your whole existence takes place within the pages of a book? I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to reveal this secret. Darn it! I have to be more careful.

But now that you do know and hopefully you’ve recovered from the shock a bit, I have to say this: the imprinting business with Renesme, that’s not really the universe playing games with you. It’s Stephenie Meyer. Oh, in case you didn’t know, Stephenie Meyer is the name of your God. She created you.

Anyway, I believe she had you imprint on Renesme for two reasons:

1. She didn’t want you to be alone after Bella rejected you but also decided to keep you hanging around on a tight leash (another bad pun, sorry) – but this bit shows that your God does love you – yay!

2. She was sick of people saying that 100ish-year-old Edward diggin’ on 18-year-old Bella was disgusting. She wanted them to be like Romeo and Juliet, so innocent, so fated. So what does she do? She takes the heat off of them by giving you an even more disgusting love affair. Gee, thanks, Steph.

I personally think you should be with Leah Clearwater. Maybe if the two of you both gouge out your eyes all Oedipus Rex-style, that horrific imprint will go away, and you can just be together.

I also think there’s a chance you could find happiness with Shapri Teak—she lives inside of my book, Farsighted. I’d be more than happy to introduce you…

So…

In summary, while Ms. Meyer clearly loved you, she loved Edward more.

Just like Bella. Ha, burn!

 

I come from a place of kindness. Eternally yours,

 

 

 

 

PS Edward sucks! Team Jacob!

PPS Do you know a guy named Sirius Black? If so, are you related to him? You have more in common than just your last name—aaaaawoooo!

 

Blog Tour Notes

THE BOOK:  Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t.  When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24 (for the author’s birthday).

THE CASH PRIZES:  Guess what? You could win a $100 Amazon gift card as part of this special blog tour. That’s right! Just leave a comment below saying something about the post you just read, and you’ll be entered into the raffle. I could win $100 too! Please help by voting for my blog in the traffic-breaker poll. To cast your vote, visit the official Farsighted blog tour page and scroll all the way to the bottom. Thank you for your help with that.

THE GIVEAWAYS:  Win 1 of 10 autographed copies of Farsighted before its paperback release by entering the giveaway on GoodReads. Perhaps you’d like an autographed postcard from the author; you can request one on her site.

THE AUTHOR:  Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

MORE FUN: There’s more fun below. Watch the live action Farsighted book trailer and take the quiz to find out which character is most like you!

 

 

Creative How To + Inspiration

Farsighted by Emlyn Chand – REVIEW

Ya Paranormal | Price: $4.99

If I could describe the main character of Farsighted with one rune, it’d be: Uraz.

 

 

You see, Uraz is the rune of young warriors.  It represents strength, endurance, and untamed potential.  In the reverse it can mean rashness, weakness, jealousy and misdirected force.

Alex Kosmitoras’ character in Farsighted represents both sides of the rune Uraz.  He’s not your typical hero.  He possesses powerful potential in his newfound psychic gift to foretell the future, but he also falls into fits of pettiness, jealousy and spiteful retorts. 

As Alex isn’t your stereotypical hero, Farsighted is not the usual YA Paranormal fare.  The author gives us a male main character, throws in Greek and Indian culture, and there is not one vampire in the entire bunch.  The plot keeps the reader guessing at each turn of the page to a well woven, and unexpected ending.

So what’s the big twist?  Alex is blind, so “seeing” the future comes with serious challenges.  His ability to foretell the future remains limited to his other senses: touch, taste, hearing, and smell.  And that leaves him open to misinterpretation.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the point of view of the main character.  Since Alex cannot see, neither can the reader.  I was led into a world where all I had to go on was my other four senses.  This led to a feeling of confusion at first, as I tried to fathom what was really going on.  My sense of compassion for Alex grew as I experienced the world through his limitations. 

Now that brings me to Raidho, the journey rune.  Alex’s story is a journey.  As his abilities reveal his only friend Simmi (and big crush) may be in danger, Alex must figure out the clues his future flashes show him in time to save Simmi, while also sending him on his path to self-discovery. 

So if psychic abilities (foreseeing the future, telekinesis, and a bit of “I see dead people”), teen bullying, and a dash of romance is your thing then this journey is for you.

Here’s more about the book . . .

TOUR NOTES:

THE BOOK:  Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t.  When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24 (for the author’s birthday).

THE CASH PRIZES:  Guess what? You could win a $100 Amazon gift card as part of this special blog tour. That’s right! Just leave a comment below saying something about the post you just read, and you’ll be entered into the raffle. I could win $100 too! Please help by voting for my blog in the traffic-breaker poll. To cast your vote, visit the official Farsighted blog tour page and scroll all the way to the bottom. Thank you for your help with that.

THE GIVEAWAYS:  Win 1 of 10 autographed copies of Farsighted before its paperback release by entering the giveaway on GoodReads. Perhaps you’d like an autographed postcard from the author; you can request one on her site.

THE AUTHOR:  Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

MORE FUN: There’s more fun below. Watch the live action Farsighted book trailer and take the quiz to find out which character is most like you!

 

 

Creative How To + Inspiration

Fantasy Authors: Looking for My Next Read

I love and support indies.  So pitch me your book in the comments section of this blog and the one I find most interesting, I’ll purchase, read and review on GoodReads, and mention on Twitter.  For you, it’s a sale, some free publicity, a review, a mention on my blog with your book cover and links to your sales page.  For me?  I get to meet a new author and explore their world. 

Fantasy authors only please.  Any subgenre.  I love ya, middle grade, paranormal, epic, high, urban, you name it, as long as it’s fantasy.

PS – I am closing this offer on November 1st, so please pitch me your book before then.  I will notify all authors the first week of November. 

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