Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Parlor Tricks Release Day

Title: Parlor Tricks
Author: N Kuhn
Publisher: Nevermore Press
Blitz Organizer: Free Ebooks Galore
Release Date: June 25th

$0.99 cents on Amazon.
Buy Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Parlor-Tricks-ebook/dp/B00DL3DCDK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372210356&sr=8-1&keywords=B00DL3DCDK
Book Blurb:
Have you ever wondered what really goes on in the tattoo shop? Lots of hot guys, testosterone, ink and lust. Here's a compilation of short stories that divulge the innermost fantasy of what happens after the ink.

About the author:

N Kuhn stands for Nicole Kuhn. She raised in a small town, in the middle of nowhere. Small town life is something she cherishes. Having spent her afternoons outside or with a book, she grew up with a love of reading and writing. Her mother and grandmother fully encouraged this in her. Many years later, after a husband and children, she made a promise to her dying grandmother to fulfill her dream of being an author. Her grandmother lived to see Nicole's name in print. This was a turning moment for her. Driven by ambition and a promise made, she has since published her first trilogy (The Mohawk Series). N Kuhn has also signed on with WheelMan Press for the much anticipated Tucked In (The Hollywood Files) series as well as Nevermore Press for Travis, the first in her Buffalo Rocker Series.

Nicole has several other books that will be out later this year. When she's not writing, she works full time, runs her blog, and promotes for other authors. She spends as much time with her family as possible. Nicole is known to exist purely on Coffee and Rockstar energy drinks!
 
 
 

 

Cover Reveal for The Sugar Ticket



GLITERARY GIRL MEDIA PRESENTS

COVER REVEAL:  SUGAR TICKET BY SUSAN JEAN RICCI

JUNE 25TH

$20 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

OPEN TO READERS AND BLOGGERS

 
ABOUTSugar Ticket

Only a few months into their marriage and everything seems grand.  Learning to survive her marriage to Jay without the snarkiness Cindy has come to rely on is daunting to say the least.

The Sugar Ticket chronicles the marital journey of two twice-divorced adults learning to accept and embrace the sweetness of their present. When the inevitable complications arise, will the DeMatteo’s gently overcome their obstacles by alleviating the sour taste of the past? Will their third attempt at matrimony flourish? Or will they sweep their issues under the proverbial taboo-topic carpet?

Find out how these two mid-life adolescents meet their daily tribulations head on, as they conquer their fears, retirement woes, secrets revealed, and the most fundamental challenge of all: remaining in love forever.

Giveaway Info:
$25 Giftcard.

Giveaway Link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/14518016/

ABOUTSusan Jean Riccci


I've been writing since I was a wee child and discovered crayons weren't part of a food   group. My sometimes controversial rants have appeared in my local newspaper, the Asbury Park Press, and I've won several awards via the Writer's Digest 78th Annual Writer's Contest and the Philadelphia Writer's Conference.
Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to publish in Parenting Teens Magazine, Good Dog Magazine, and Aim Intercultural Magazine. I'm currently concluding the sequel to Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, The Sugar Ticket. Then I will move on to revising a contemporary novel called, Slick Trespass
My current release, Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems, is a humorous, contemporary romance about achieving mid-life adolescence, in spite of the baggage incurred with one's history. My eBook, Heart Marks the Spot: Three Short Stories can also be found on Amazon for Kindle as well.
My husband, Joseph, and I live in a lovely town in New Jersey near the sea. Together we have seven children and nine grandchildren.

LINKS:



Monday, June 24, 2013

Shudder


Title: Shudder (Stitch Trilogy #2) by Samantha Durante
Release Date: June 15th, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
GR Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17617373-shudder
 Book #1, Stitch: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17617373-shudder



Summary:
It's only been three days, and already everything is different.
Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa's life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she'd counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she'd thought she'd tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she's discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.
And then there are the visions.
The memory-altering "stitch" unlocked something in Alessa's mind, and now she can't shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers - and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world's sorry history - will soon leave Alessa reeling...
The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante's shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.
Buy Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Shudder-Stitch-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00DE3MQDE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1371409093&sr=1-1&keywords=shudder+samantha+durante
Giveaway Info:
Stitch/Shudder Prize Pack (US+Int'l) including:
Signed Print Copies of Stitch & Shudder
Signed (via Authorgraph) Ebook Copies of Stitch & Shudder for 5 of Your Friends
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Signed Stitch Poster
Signed Stitch & Shudder Bookmarks
Giveaway Link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d87f0068/
Author Bio:
 
Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series.
Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com
 


Thursday, June 20, 2013

Keeper of the Lost Souls is available in print!

For all those who wanted to know, Keeper of the Lost Souls is now available in print!!!

Book Blurb:

Bryn McCaskey is young, naïve, and can talk to ghosts...

Like her mother and grandmother, Bryn comes from a breed of witches called The Keepers of the Lost Souls. Their main purpose is to guard those spirits who are permanently or temporarily grounded in the world of the living. Handling supernatural creatures is something which comes naturally to Bryn, however, dealing with people is a whole different story.

As her 18th birthday approaches it's time for her to take on her first assignment. Bryn is forced to confront her inability to communicate with others in an effort to save the one soul that can mean the difference between life and death for mankind.

Johnny Shaw is a lost soul with a personal vendetta against witches...

A vendetta he has carried on even after death. As much as he hate's them he must join forces with a keeper witch, in order to stop a century old threat. When fate brings them together, not only will they be forced to learn how to work as a team, but they will have to depend on each other to stop an evil witch carrying a six hundred year grudge!

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Lost-Souls-Witches-Book/dp/1490378405/ref=la_B00BR7KQ4U_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371777644&sr=1-1

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Prophecy



The people of Shiloh Virginia thought it was just a story. A legend to keep children from misbehaving. A challenge to prove you have courage. What they didn't know was that it was real. All of it was real.

When Starlette McKinley moved from the sparkling lights of LA to the sleepy town of Shiloh, she didn't know that she would be the catalyst. She didn't know that the rage and energy pulsing through her would be the key to unleashing an unsurmountable power that would either be the saving of mankind, or its destruction.

The blood will run, and the prophecy will be revealed. But will she be able to overcome the insurmountable odds? Or will she succumb to the energy within, welcoming the darkness that has become her only friend.



About the author:

Desiree DeOrto is the mother of four children who she calls her evil monkeys. When she's not being terrorized by her children, she escapes into her realms of fantasy within the pages of her books.

She lives in Southern Indiana with her children and boyfriend of 7 years.
 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Never Too Far Cover Reveal


- Book Title  Never Too Far

- Author Thomas Christopher

- Release Date 6/13/2013

- Genre Sci-fi, Action/Adventure, Dystopian

Book Blurb:

A harrowing story of love and survival. In a future of scarce resources, where the possession of gas and diesel is punishable by death, a teenage boy and a pregnant girl must save their impoverished family. They risk their lives on a terrifying journey to sell stolen fuel on the black market.

Book Links:




Book Excerpt:

Joe turned and ran back into the gully, but he didn’t get very far. A sudden blast of wind shoved him to the ground. Flat on his face, he heard the wind whistling and screeching past his ears. When he lifted his head, he couldn’t see the pregnant girl anymore. All the dust whirled and whipped into a blinding black blizzard. He thought for sure she’d gotten snatched up in the dust storm. The wind lashed at his face. He went to call out to her, but he didn’t know what to say because he didn’t know her name. And even if he did, his voice would’ve gotten lost in the snarling wind. Nevertheless, he had to find her.


About the author:
 
 

Thomas Christopher grew up in Iowa. He received his MFA from Western Michigan University. His short stories have appeared in The Louisville Review, The MacGuffin, Redivider, and Cooweescoowee. He was also awarded an Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant and was a finalist for the Matthew Clark Prize in Fiction. He lives in Wisconsin with his wife and son.

Author Links:

https://twitter.com/ThomasChristo11
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Christopher/555239744500409
http://www.thomaschristopher.com/

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Reluctant Goddess


Metaphysical Fiction

Date Published: March 2012
 
Ellena Ripley is a bookshop owner from a rural town in the south of England - or so she thinks. But lately, she has a growing sense that life is not as it seems. At night, she dreams of a serene man who appears to be trying to tell her something; In the day, she can't shake a feeling of expectation. But of what?

 Meanwhile Hector, servant of LIFE and the man from Ellena's dreams, has a dilemma. How do you tell someone they are a goddess? His previous attempts have met with disaster so he must be cautious, particularly when his new trainee, Boudica, formerly Queen of the Iceni tries to help. The question is can they succeed before it is too late?

Book Excerpt:

My incarnate body was not all I had hoped for. It was not that I wanted a human body - it’s just that I wanted to be a Great Dane. I shifted in my basket by the Aga and nibbled an itchy bit of black fur just above my right paw. But that’s LIFE: so often you get what you need, not what you want. Even so, a Border Collie with a bit of Labrador thrown in was not a real dog as far as I was concerned. My fur was long, my paws were white, while the rest of me was black except for a white crest on my chest and a circular patch around my left eye, which I guessed had been added for comic effect. Still, it could have been worse - I might have been a poodle.
The current phase of my mission was going well. Although the overall project, Brh-man: Phase 1, was not. But as I frequently reminded the Council, who had sanctioned the project, one had to take the long view with these things. This time … well not time really, that was my dog-self talking. There was only now, or as LIFE liked to call it “the present” owing to its love of puns. In reality a “time” would be more accurately described as a handful of stuff grabbed from the lucky dip barrel of the present.

So far I had incarnated without too much difficulty. Dog-shape was ideal for the kind of work ahead and I’d succeeded in being adopted by Ellena, who was ripe for my special kind of assistance. Boudica, my trainee, had met with similar success. Although not everything had gone so well for her, she was at this moment prowling around Ellena’s front room irritably, no doubt still wondering how the Queen of the Iceni had come to this. It seemed that, Boudica, not as adept at subconscious communication as myself, had not been able to plant an image of her real name in Ellena’s mind. So while, I had a shiny tag with “Hector” written on it, Boudica’s tag said “Fluffy”. Since she was a large long-haired white cat, I felt this showed a distinct lack of imagination on Ellena’s part or perhaps an overdeveloped sense of irony. Either way Boudica was still having a major sense of humour failure.


Buy Links:

paperback or kindle at Publisher Site:

http://www.posegroup.org/books/trg/buy/index.html#buy

paperback or kindle at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.amazon.co.uk

Interview:
 
A.F Firebird author of  “The Reluctant Goddess” talks about her new novel and metaphysical fiction

Q: You describe your new novel as metaphysical fiction, what is metaphysical fiction?

AFF: It is a form of speculative fiction which explores ideas prevalent in metaphysics through the medium of story and characters. This type of fiction strips away religious rhetoric and new age language, so that the reader can contemplate the ideas presented in a simpler and hopefully more accessible way.

Q: Give me an example of the type of ideas explored in the book.

AFF: Firstly, the story is written within the context of a benevolent conscious universe, where the inanimate and animate alike work to help Ellena. The books in the shop, that she owns, all have something to tell her if only she could hear them. Her pets, a dog and a cat, are her spirit guides offering gentle, loving encouragement. Through the eyes of the characters we see our planet and the universe from a perspective.

The second main theme, is the idea that the greatest work a person can do is to live authentically. To discover who and what they really are. The main character, Ellena, has lived a life full of the common distractions of life. By the time she reaches her late forties she still has not discovered her true self or a purpose which gives her life meaning. Throughout the novel we follow her journey as she is assisted by a conscious benevolent universe, to fully realise her identity.

 
Q: The Reluctant Goddess takes a non traditional approach to the idea of a goddess. Explain your take on what it means to be a goddess.

AFF: My aim has been to merge old ideas with new. Ellena is a reincarnation of Quan Yin, Goddess of compassion, who, rather than take up buddhahood, chose to stay on earth to help all humans reach enlightenment. Instead of showing the goddess as super human, the book explores the effect of fully realising the virtue of compassion in the world. And so the idea of a goddess being someone who lives their virtues or values whatever they might be.

 
Q: Now that The Reluctant Goddess is finished what next.

AFF: I want to continue working on metaphysical fiction. The next book continues to delve into the role of compassion in human evolution. I believe, as so many others before me, that fiction is a great way to open discussion and contemplation of ideas, so I am looking forward to feedback from readers.


About the author:

A.F. Firebird is the alter ego of a sociologist/psychologist turned web developer from the UK. While A.F. Firebird has worked in several fields her primary focus is the exploration of six virtues: appreciation, forgiveness, compassion, humility, understanding and valour. Her first novel, The Reluctant Goddess, numerous short stories and children's books, all investigate aspects of these virtues.

Website:

http://www.posegroup.org/books/trg/

Monday, June 10, 2013

Spotlight for The Halo Effect


Book Blurb:

He’s gotta earn his wings…again.

Love Detail’s favorite angel has his sights set on his next target: the stoic and mysterious Noble Blackfeather.  And it just may prove to be his toughest case yet.  Noble’s reclusive ways keep his angel at wing’s distance, and love even further.  But he’s not playing a part – he’s truly masking a painful secret and a profoundly wounded heart.

A cupid’s worst nightmare.

Noble’s been paired with Braelyn Campbell, the cute single mother next door.  She’s adorable, friendly, fun…everything Noble needs.  This should be a Love Squad slam dunk.  Except she’s making a fresh start in Texas to protect her son from a volatile ex, and she’s not about to risk her heart or her son on another man.  Even if he’s sexy as sin and always coming to her rescue.

Thank God for possibilities.

But, reluctantly, they are drawn together – thanks to their cupid’s dogged efforts and a whole lotta chemistry.  Can the girl next door learn to trust again and help heal Noble’s wounded heart? Together, can they save the lost, hurting boy she's raising?  Can the angels help it happen before it's too late?

Thank God for love.

 About the author:



Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas.  She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three fantastic (no, that’s not a typo!) teenagers.  When she’s not writing, editing, or acting as a personal assistant to a NYT Bestselling author, Shauna enjoys reading, movies with Gerard Butler, vacays to the beach, and hangin’ with the kiddos–even if they don’t like hangin’ with her!

Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website and blog at: www.shaunaallen.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shauna.allen.12

Twitter : http://tiny.cc/s0dlmw

Goodreads : http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6916632.Shauna_Allen

Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/shaunaallen7/

Dark Night of the Soul Cover and Excerpt Reveal


E.M. Havens - Dark Night of the Soul - COVER REVEAL
FANTASY
Date to be Published: 7/1/2013


What comes after life? Jayden Schroeder is about to find out. At the end of the road of despair, she ends it all, and finds out that living might not have been so bad.  Thrust into a strange and disparate world, Jayden joins a team of warriors from all places and time. Together they battle demons to save the souls of the living, all the while on the run from the end of all things - The Judgment.

Will she fight for a second chance to spare those she loves? Or surrender?

Dark Night of the Soul is a fantastical journey, both literally and figuratively for Jayden’s soul. If you are looking for a quick, quirky read with vivid characters and scenery, a touch of dark humor, and healthy dose of romance, look no further.


EXCERPT

My senses snapped back with sharp clarity.  I laid on my back staring at dappled sunlight through a canopy of green leaves.  My fingers curled around the soft dirt and twigs beneath them.  I was afraid to move, unsure of where I was or what had happened.  Hadn’t I just killed myself?

I turned my head enough to see forest to my right.  The same on the left.  I chanced sitting up a bit and propped myself up on elbows. Forest in front. My gaze fell to my legs.

“What the hell??

I wore camo.  Ugh. But I wasn’t fat. I looked at my hands.  They seemed older. My boobs! They were perfect, though covered in more khaki and brown camouflage. I pulled a strand of hair in front of me.  Blonde. 
Now my heart was pumping. 

I scurried to my feet trying to take in more of myself and my surroundings. I wore full military garb with a hand gun strapped to my hip.  A really big gun lay on the ground next to where I woke up at the edge of a camp with a fire and tents, and everything.

And me.  From what I could see, my body looked perfect, just like Becky Greenwood, the cheer captain.  I bet my face was too.  I bet I even had blue eyes. I must be in heaven. But why camo?

“Damn it!  Who ordered the newbie?”

I spun to face the gruff male voice behind me. There at the edge of the camp stood a group of five people that my mind struggled to assimilate.  A knight in shining armor, a female samurai, and another man dressed in a gold foil jumpsuit stared at me.

The man upfront, who had spoken, wore camo pants like mine and a black shirt. A woman next to him eyed me.  She looked like a druid or monk and carried a staff. In a thick Irish accent she snarled.

“Welcome ta hell, brat.”


About the Author
E.M. Havens

Who is E.M. Havens? I’m a lot of things. The word that seems to define me most at the moment is mom. It can be all consuming. Not only am I a mom of three (one of them is a teenager…pity me), but I also home-school (pity me more). I share this awesome responsibility with the love of my life, best friend, and soul-mate husband.

Add to that, the twenty-five chickens, twelve turkeys, ten guineas, nine pigs, three barn cats, two Great Pyrenees guardian dogs, a Chihuahua, a house cat, and a goose, it makes for one crazy, full, and certainly entertaining life.

Somewhere in there I find the time to write.  I started out young writing poems, then moved on to songs. I actually have a Bachelor in Music with a secondary in Science because I can’t stand English. Yes, the writer hates English.  I like to read the story for the experience of reading the story, not to nitpick each letter and comma. But I digress.

I eventually found blogging and really enjoyed sharing my life that way. When an unfortunate turn of events separated me from my music equipment, I decided to use my overactive imagination, my love of reading, and my new found hobby, prose writing, to release some of my creative energy.  I wrote my first novel and loved the experience. Fate War: Alliance is actually the second novel I wrote and the first to be published.  Now I’m working on my third and several sequels to Fate War!

So that’s pretty much me, sitting in the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma, reading, writing, collecting eggs from the coop, and being a schoolmarm. It’s a pretty great life.

Author Links


Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sora's Quest


Title: Sora’s Quest
Author: Theresa Sheffler
Genre: Fantasy






Book Blurb:


Sora Fallcrest was born into Nobility. She had it all: money, maids, a fancy estate. But she never expected to be kidnapped.

Abducted from her manor, Sora is plunged into a world of magical races, arcane jewelry and forgotten lore. She finds herself at the mercy of a dangerous assassin, haunted by an even darker past. She yearns for freedom, but he won't let her go -- not when her Cat's Eye necklace is the only thing that can save his life.

But the necklace itself presents a problem. It is an ancient device from the long forgotten War of the Races, and its magic has the ability to steal souls. Can Sora learn to wield its power -- or will the power wield her? (Winner of the SKOW 2006 Best Fantasy Award)

 


Book Excerpt:

Chapter 1


Sora looked in the mirror, staring at the swirls of face paint and the long, layered, elaborate dress. It was burnt pink, a shade too close to her skin tone, with sparkles and sequins. Several crystals were sewn expertly into the neckline.

“It's hideous,” she finally said, tugging at the long ruffled skirt.
“No!” her handmaid, Lily, burst from her side. “No, not at all! It's... decorative. You're beautiful.”
“I look like smoked salmon.”
“My Lady....”
“Honestly, Lily?” Sora turned to look at her maid, one sleek blond eyebrow quirked. The expression bordered on comical, exaggerated by her gold-flaked eyebrow paint, which arched dramatically across her forehead. She hadn't been able to touch her face all day. The artisans had come that morning to paint her skin in rich, deep tones, all in preparation for the Blooming. It had taken hours to apply. “I don't want to go through with this,” she said. “I've never had a birthday party before. Why start now?”
Lily opened her mouth, but she appeared speechless.
Sora turned to face her fully, her solid blue eyes lit with sudden opportunity. “Let's cut out, Lily!”
“What?”
“Leave the ball! Forget the Blooming! Let's just go!” Her eyes returned to the mirror, to the thin gold clay that caked her face, the silvery powder overlaying her cheeks. “I've never gone to town before,” she murmured. “It's my birthday, isn't it? Let's go exploring.”
Lily, a frail young woman with bobbed black hair, seemed rigid at first, like a ruffled swan. Then her shoulders slowly melted. Her face softened. Her long, pale neck lost its tension. She took her mistress gently by the arm, turning her toward the vanity, perhaps the least decorative article in the room. It was broad and antique, standing on four solid oak legs, the bases carved to appear like lion's feet.
Sora's bedroom was large enough to house several families. A rich, heavy rug covered the floor, a deep rouge, far more vibrant and beautiful than her salmon-pink dress. It was thicker than grass and softer than wool. A massive bed took up an entire corner of the room, enclosed by red drapes, decorated in smooth silks, thick furs and a dozen pillows, all of the softest goose down. Her furniture was ornately carved of dark cherry wood and most of it had been passed down for generations. Frivolous silks clung to every surface. Intricately detailed tapestries covered the walls, portraying outdoor tea parties, great hunts, dashing hounds and a giant, rearing stallion.
“It's not just a birthday party, you know,” her handmaid said, assisting Sora into her chair. Lily was five years older and knew her mistress' moods as surely as the weather. She undid Sora's hair, a cascade of deep golden waves, and combed it out with a boar-bristle brush. “Your father has been preparing for this all year. He's invited half the royal court and almost the entire Second Tier.”
“Second Tier, that's fine. I am one, after all,” Sora murmured, rolling her eyes. “Country Nobility I don't mind. It's the City Nobles that I can't stand. Snooty gossips, the lot of them. I hope they don't show.”
“Oh, hush. Your father invited a few. Marrying into City Nobility would be quite a dream come true-”
Sora turned in her chair, staring up at her maid—who also happened to be her closest friend. “Truly?” she exclaimed. “Have you forgotten every other conversation we've ever had?”
Lily shrugged in exasperation. “I still don't understand it! Any normal person would jump at the chance to marry City Nobility. You would never have to lift a finger again, not even to eat your own breakfast! Huh, what I would do with that kind of coin....” And her eyes glazed over, as they always did when Lily thought about money.
Sora sighed and turned back to the mirror. She understood as much. As Country Nobility, or the “Second Tier,” she lived with comfortable wealth. Just not considerable wealth. Noble blood didn't guarantee fistfuls of money, after all. Her family's nobility had been won through military service. The Fallcrests had spawned several generations of Captains and Generals. But now the times of war and battle were long past. Peace had flourished in the Kingdom of Err for five-hundred years. It had been a long, long time since a Fallcrest had done anything of note.
Her father would be ecstatic if she landed a City Noble. Slip into the highest ranks, the First Tier, second only to the King himself. Rumor had it that she was beautiful enough.
But she wasn't like other Country Nobility, who daydreamed of the Royal City of Crowns, of riverboats, masquerades and, of course, the yearly Carnival. An entire four weeks of mystifying feats, fine wines and legendary debauchery. No, Sora's experience of City Nobility was much the opposite, and it left a bad taste in her mouth.
Book Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soras-Quest-Cats-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007V5XND8/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367511166&sr=1-1&keywords=sora%27s+quest
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soras-quest-t-l-shreffler/1110565586?ean=2940033233687
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Soras-Quest-The-Cats-Eye/book-1q4rvHFST0SObKBMd4UEMA/page1.html?s=MWWfFn6TBUqxQevhaI4OIQ&r=1
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/159656
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/soras-quest-cats-eye-chronicles/id628518866?mt=11

Giveaway:


 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

T.L. Shreffler was kind enough to sit and answer a few questions for me and here's what she had to say...


1) Would you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I am a crazy red-haired writing maniac! I live in a closet. I eat Babybel Mini Cheese Wheels and drink far too much tomato juice (thus the red hair?). I recently graduated with a Creative Writing degree from the noble Cal-State Northridge, and now I am pursuing my dreams!

2) Which project are you currently promoting?

Sora’s Quest, which is free on Kindle, Nook, Kobo and pretty much every other ebook store out there. Free free free!

3) Can you tell us what the book is about?

Basically, a girl is kidnapped by an assassin and goes on an amazing adventure. Along the road, she meets forgotten races, arcane magic, and has to travel through a cursed swamp. It is an epic fantasy adventure for all ages.

4) How did you come up with the title for this book?

“Sora’s Quest” was named after the main character, Sora. “The Cat’s Eye Chronicles” is derived from her magical necklace, which turns out to be an ancient weapon from the War of the Races, called a Cat’s Eye.

5) What inspired you to write this book?

I really love epic fantasy and I wanted to go on my own “journey.” I wrote the first version of the book when I was very young. This is a re-written version from after I graduated from college, so yes, the quality/story is very fleshed out and improved.

6) Did you have the main character’s names already picked out before you began to write?

Yes, I did!

7) What can you tell us about your main characters?

Sora is a naive noblewoman who dreams of going on an adventure.

Crash (or “The Viper”) is an assassin on the run from an evil sorcerer. He has a dark past and is trying to change his life. He kidnaps Sora when he realizes she has a Cat’s Eye necklace, which is an ancient device that protects the user from magic.

Volcrian is the “bad guy.” He is very very bad. :p

8) Did you have to do any research in order to help you with the writing of this book?

Yes! A lot. I think every good book needs lots of research to make it realistic. I looked up the French revolution, different kinds of armor, weaponry and dress, aspects of an medieval estate (Lord, manor, serfs, etc), river basins, famous swamps, the Amazon, survivalism, etc.

9) What made you decide to become a writer?

I never really “decided” to... I started writing stories when I was very young, and no one told me to stop, so I just kept writing. Then someone told me I could make money from my writing, so now I am publishing. :)

10)What genre do you generally write?

Epic Fantasy. I’ve also tried my hand at Paranormal Romance, but pretty much all of my books are Fantasy.

11) Are you interested in writing other genres?

No, not really. Though I might try for a paranormal detective series eventually. But I know how my imagination works and it’ll always be in the realm of fantasy or paranormal.

12) Do you follow a routine when you begin to write a scene or chapter?

If I’m feeling uninspired when beginning a new chapter, I like to “skip a bit of time” and drop myself into the middle of the scene. I find that once I have something on paper, it’s much easier to go back and rewrite the chapter to make it perfect.

13) How long does it usually take for you to write a book?

With appropriate plotting, research and writing, I can finish a 80-100,000 word book in about 6-8 months. I work really fast once I have a concept down.

14) Do you have a general idea of what direction you want the plot to take ahead of time or does it come to you once you’ve started writing?

Both, actually! I like to write the first chapter “cold.” I usually have a spark of inspiration, a first sentence or a cool concept, or a new character I want to try out. Then I write the first chapter and see where it takes me. I might write a second chapter as well. Then I’ll sit down and really start plotting everything out: character background, world histories, geography, conflict, etc. I feel that the plotting and writing process go hand in hand. While writing, a new character might present himself or a new side conflict, so then I sit down and plot it out a bit before continuing.

15)What character out of your most recent work do you admire the most and why?

I really enjoy writing from the perspective of Lorianne. She’s the main character’s mother and, while still young (mid-thirties) she is an experienced Healer and very worldly. While I write her character, I like researching different natural remedies and symptoms for illness. I try to incorporate her Healing abilities into every aspect of her character, even her private thoughts and perceptions.

16) Have you ever had second doubts about a story you’ve written? If so, have you wanted to rewrite some parts of it?
Of course! I’m a manic editor. Da Vinci once said “Art is never finished, it’s only abandoned,” and I think the same goes for writing. Every time I read over one of my stories, I find myself rewriting it in my head. Very frustrating! I’ve had plenty of doubts about my stories but I also have a lot of confidence in my writing ability, so it’s a bit of both.

17) Are there any authors you admire?

Neil Gaiman, because his career is so massive. Robin Hobb, who write beautiful descriptions (even if her more recent work isn’t as gripping as it once was.) George R. R. Martin for the intensely complicated plot!

18)What are your favorite titles from this or other authors?

The Game of Thrones series, The Sandman, The Assassin’s Apprentice. I also love the Brian Jacques’ Redwall series, he’s the author who truly inspired me to write.

19) Have you written any series? If not, are you planning to write any in the future?

Sora’s Quest is the first book in The Cat’s Eye Chronicles, which will eventually be a 5-book series. I am a very prolific writer and I wouldn’t be surprised if all of my stories turn into series.

20)What other projects are you currently working on?

I recently started a side-project, it’s a new fantasy series incorporating dragons. I’ve always loved Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Riders of Pern, and after watching “How to Tame Your Dragon,” I think I want to try my hand at this whole “dragon rider” thing.... We will see how it goes. I probably won’t release the first book until The Cat’s Eye Chronicles is almost finished.

21)When you begin a new MS, does it start with an idea, concept, or both?

It begins as a sentence. One grows into two and into three. Eventually, a rhythm takes over and it’s like my mind/fingers are just running away on their own.

22) Once you begin to work on a new MS, do you have the ending already mapped out or do you envision it as the story progresses?

I have “ideas” for endings... usually I have a sense of where I want to “leave off”... but in my mind, no story really has an ending. It’s like our lives. One story always transforms into another one.

23) Are there any writing styles you prefer?

I prefer third-person limited perspective. I’m currently writing a side project in first person and I feel very “boxed in,” because I can only write from the perspective of one character. I absolutely hate first person narratives that switch back and forth between characters, because the narrative style always stays the same and the characters all sound like each other.

24) Did you self-publish? If not, is that something you will be willing to consider in the future?

I did self-published! And I am very happy with it.

25)What is your least favorite part about getting published?

Having to promote my books. What a pain in the A$$! It’s also hard to find a good editor. Sure, lots of people can “edit” but very few are well-versed in writing techniques and as thorough as a manuscript really needs.

26)Was the road to publication a long one for you?

I began trying to get published when I was 14. I just couldn’t understand why I got so many rejections! (laughs at naive younger self.) I kept trying through my teenage years, dealing with bitter jealousy towards authors like Christopher Paolini and Stephanie Meyer. Then I finally went to college and graduated with a Creative Writing degree, and since then I’ve been published in magazines and the like. I didn’t bother querying agents after I graduated, since I knew the process is very hit-and-miss. I went directly into self-publishing, and I’m loving it!

27) Do you use a pen name? If so, why?

If I decide to switch genres, then yes, I will use a pen name. But for now I write everything under my real name, T. L. Shreffler.

28)Where do you see yourself in five years?

10 books published, living off of royalties, buying a house, getting married, having my first kid.

29)What is the best advice you can give to a new author?

Write write write. Study your craft. Attend workshops. Challenge yourself to improve, no matter how good you think you are. Don’t compare yourself to other writers (it’ll mess with you.) And most of all, learn to take criticism in stride.

30)Where can the readers find more information about you?

The Cat’s Eye Chronicles fan site: www.catseyechronicles.com

My personal blog: www.tlshreffler.com

My facebook page: www.facebook.com/tlshreffler

About the author:
T. L. Shreffler lives in Los Angeles, CA. She loves diversity, fantasy, romance, iced tea, long walks, philosophy, and thrift store shopping. She recently graduated with a BA in Badass (Creative Writing) and her poetry has been published consecutively in Eclipse: A Literary Journal and The Northridge Review.
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