Books that Inspired Zedger
I wrote Zedger’s first draft in two weeks I was that excited. I’ve never written a novel that fast. Until now, I’ve never written a book because it was inspired by another, but Zedger came to me after reading The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey. It’s been deeply reworked since with influences from other works […]
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If I Could Start Over as an Author…
I would have a better plan. I often interact with new writers who are anxious to be authors, and I regularly say the same things. Build your author brand, your author platform, a collection or series of books to release, and a marketing plan… because I wish I had. What I’ve experienced since my first […]
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Writers: Great Books to Help You Show Not Tell
Fiction thrives on the emotional journeys of characters as much as the physical quests to hunt down murderers, slay a evil kings, or jump across galaxies to rescue survivors of an alien infestation. The way characters talk to one another can open the reader up to characters’ motivations and personalities, or it can push readers […]
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Author Interview: Amber Clement, YA and MG Fantasy
Hi! I’m Amber Clement and I write YA and MG fantasy. I’m currently querying my upper MG fantasy about magical girls. From Planning to Published When did you start writing and why? Author: Back in elementary school, I loved creative writing assignments. I could never get enough of them, but every time, my story idea […]
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Author Interview: Nina Castle, YA Urban Fantasy
Hello! I go by Nina Castle, and I write mostly YA urban fantasy (always with a focus on amour.) I am working on my BOUND BY BLOOD series, in which the love between a fairy girl and human Hunter forces them to reevaluate the legal system which subjugates the fay—and their roles within it. Think […]
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Author Interview: Raven Eckman, Dark Fantasy
Hi everyone! I’m Raven Eckman, book editor and author. My debut novel, entitled Shadowspeak, comes out February 23, 2021. I predominately write Dark Fantasy. From Planning to Published When did you start writing and why? Author: I started writing after I read Twilight and wanted something more, something that reflected my thoughts on vampires and […]
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Author interview: nicholas p. adams, Sci-fi, fantasy
In writing circles, I go by Nicholas P. Adams. I typically write SciFi, but I dabble in high fantasy. My most recent published work is an anthology I co-edited with my critique group and my current WIP is a futuristic SciFi Thriller/Mystery. From Planning to Published When did you start writing and why? Author: I […]
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Author Interview: joshua loveday, Literary, contemporary, & poetry
My name’s Joshua Loveday. I write literary and upmarket contemporary novels and short stories, as well as the occasional poem. I’m in the beta-reading stage of a character-driven upmarket contemporary novel in which an alcoholic wife must choose between finding sobriety and dealing with her husband’s Alzheimer’s or continuing to drink and miss out on […]
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: LAURA A. BARTON, FICTION & nONfICTION
My name is Laura A. Barton, and I write a mix of fiction and non-fiction. I used to consider myself strictly a fantasy author, and, while the novel that has taken up the bulk of my life is fantasy, I wouldn’t consider myself exclusively a fantasy writer anymore. At this point, I like telling stories. […]
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Author Interview: Erynn Crittenden, Poetry
My name is Erynn Crittenden, and my main genre is poetry that explores the darker sides of our nature, though I also dabble in flash fiction, short stories, and professional articles. My poetry collection, By the Bones, is full of monsters and madness. It was recently released and is available on Lulu, Amazon, and Barnes […]
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Author Interview: B.B. Reed, Fantasy/Mystery
I am B.B. Reed, a fantasy/mystery author, and my most recent publication was DEMON EYE, book 1 of the Blood Witch Saga. Book 2 is currently in editing and forecasted for release in mid-2021! From Planning to Published When did you start writing and why? Author: I started writing fantasy in middle school after getting […]
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BOOK TOUR STARTS TODAY! THE KISS THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
I have truly enjoyed writing this book and miss working on it. There’s just something wonderful about that moment where all the pieces suddenly fit together. I hope you’ll have fun reading this book and that the characters will feel as real to you as they do to me. BONUS GIFT #1 TO MY FOLLOWERS: […]
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BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE: THE KISS THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
The tour schedule has filled up more than I ever imagined! I just finished doing my interviews and guest posts and am excited for this tour! I loved writing this book and hope you’ll join me in learning a bit about The Kiss that Saved Christmas as well as the work that goes into the […]
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Launch Day #2! Christmas at the Peppermint Inn
A short, holiday novella, this sweet little story was inspired by a recent trip to the mountains of Idaho. We stayed in a cabin at a motel in a small town, perfect for us and the dog. It reminded us of home, of fun holiday traditions, and good times we had as children. I hope […]
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Launch Day! The Kiss that Saved Christmas is live on Amazon
I feel like I’ve been sitting on this forever, even though it’s only been since July. I love Christmas year-round and am always writing holiday romances. My book tour with The Kiss that Saved Christmas was originally scheduled for November. Something disastrous happened at the agency, and I was pushed back to December. But you […]
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Self Pub Book Checklist
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tasks you need to complete to self-publish your book, and you’re having trouble finding that sticky note with that “thing you were supposed to do…” I’ve compiled a Word document I use as a guide for what to get done to prep my self-published books for launch. It lists […]
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AMS Ads and CPC Help for New Authors
So I posted this to one of my lovely FB groups and thought I’d share it here in case anyone is searching for help on this topic. I don’t speak for Amazon. I’m just another writer who’s been trying to understand how to work Amazon ads and was hoping this could help some of you […]
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30+ Character Clothing Styles
I haven’t found many straight forward lists available online that cover different styles of dress. I studied this some in college but really wanted to lay it all out in a way that I could compare them in a condensed form. Occasionally, I’ll get an idea for a plot, but won’t know which style, setting, […]
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Master List of Colors & How They Can Change Reader Interpretation
(Color Charts Below) Though it’s often not the most important part, the right color can invigorate any description. I made these lists for myself, to help me pick color names that were exactly what I was searching for without becoming repetitive. Depending on the content, you might consider selecting recognizable names within a specific category […]
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Guest Post: Critique Partners – What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Make the Best
(Read the post below) Just want to give a quick shout out to Rae at A New Look on Books and thank her for letting me guest post on her website: anewlookonbooks.com She is also a freelance editor and a very kind soul. Twitter: @anewlookonbooks An important goal of critique swapping is getting constructive feedback. […]
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Fiction Novels: How Creating a Language Can Enhance a Story
I originally wrote this as a guest post for Blogging Authors. You can view it here: https://bloggingauthors.blogspot.com/2020/01/fiction-novels-how-creating-language.html How weird would it be if all aliens spoke English? Or witches and warlocks had no spells? We all know that creating believable characters is a critical component of successful storytelling. As authors, if our works are fantastical, […]
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Wildfire Gets 5-Star Review – Readers’ Favorite
“THE suspense romance to read if you’re looking for something fresh and exciting.” – Tammy Ruggles, Readers’ Favorite (5 Stars) I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book, and it brings me great pleasure to know others enjoy reading it. I hope if you take a chance on this, you’ll let me know what you think! Tammy’s […]
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Reader Magnet: Cookies, Coffee, & Christmas – A Short Story
A Short Story… Publishing by June 19th Emery just survived another breakup and already her mother, sister, and friends are pushing her to find a new man. Holidays fill the streets of her small mountain hometown with shopping visitors and vacationing families. A stranger at the town coffee shop catches her eye, but she can’t […]
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Embers: New Book & Why It’s Darker than the First.
I realized it would probably behoove me to explain the reason Wildfire isn’t ALL fun and lighthearted like A Christmas in Montana. (Spoiler alert!) There’s more suspense and mystery in book two, and here’s the reason:
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Story Behind A Promise in Ash
This is a post I wrote for one of my book tours. You can view the original here: The Story Behind the Book. The Story Behind A Promise in Ash by Elysia Strife A Promise in Ash is a self-published blend of dark contemporary romance, suspense, and women’s fiction. My inspiration for this book stemmed […]
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Book Tour Alert! A Promise in Ash’s Tour Starts Today!
Thank you for your support in helping me get this book off the ground! Tour stops start today including reviews, interviews, and guest posts! The schedule is below. A Promise in Ash is a dark contemporary romantic suspense, the first I’ve written of this kind that delves into some meaty and controversial issues. It’s borderline […]
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Reblog: Author Interview by The Pulp & Mystery Shelf
You can find the original post here: FRIDAY SF & FANTASY – Stellar Fusion Interview with the Author What initially got you interested in writing? Since I was a kid, I spent free time coming up with new stories, playing out different scenarios with the people and events going on around me. I never really […]
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Reblog: Author Interview with Lori’s Reading Corner
You can find the original post here: Interview/Virtual Tour with Excerpt ~ Stellar Fusion by E.L. Strife Is there anything in your book you’d go back and change? Since I first published Stellar Fusion, I have changed the beginning of the book. Originally, I was told to avoid prologues. But after publication, the book just […]
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Reblog: Author Interview at Sybrina’s Book Blog
You can view the original post here: https://sybrina-publishing.blogspot.com/2020/01/pump-up-your-book-blog-tour-stellar.html Can you tell us a few things about yourself? I’d love to! I’m a self-published author of (currently) four novels. I’m not stopping there! But I actually prefer to be outside, rain or shine. I enjoy bodybuilding, snowboarding, hiking, four-wheeling, camping, gardening, and working on cars. I’m […]
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Published! A Promise in Ash (Romantic Suspense)
Launch Day! Get it on Amazon! Happy Valentine’s Day 2020! This is my first romance book with a steamy scene in all the detail. I’d love to know what you think! Synopsis: A contemporary romance with elements of suspense and women’s fiction alike, featuring: miscarriage, hot co-workers, cybersecurity threats, and the struggle of defining family. […]
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Reblog: 5 Things You Should Know About Stellar Fusion
This post was originally featured on Literarily Speaking. You can view it here: http://literarilyspeaking.blogspot.com/2020/01/5-things-you-should-know-about-stellar.html Stellar Fusion is a blend of science and magic with cyberpunk, apocalyptic and alien elements. It features a military organization that protects all people of Earth, post the Three Hundred Year War. There are no countries, only topographical zones. It follows […]
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Reblog: Interview with The Writers Life eMagazine
I had a great time and am grateful for being included in their ezine! You can find the original interview here: https://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/2019/12/stellar-fusion-author-q-with-el-strife.html Today’s guest is scifi fantasy author E.L. Strife. Her new book is Stellar Fusion (Infinite )Spark Book 1 and she is on a virtual book tour this month with Pump Up Your Book! […]
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STELLAR FUSION
Originally posted on Sefina Hawke's Books:
Inside the Book Title: STELLAR FUSIONAuthor: E.L. StrifePublisher: IndependentPages: 330Genre: Scifi/Fantasy This isn’t the first invasion. This time, they’re taking everything… and everyone. Earth, still patching itself together from the 300 Years War, is severely unprepared and outnumbered when the invasion hits. Their only hope is a small…
Character Post: Sgt. Jameson Bennett on the “Universal Protectors” & Futuristic Earth
I had so much fun writing this from the perspective of one of my main characters, Sgt. Jameson Bennett. The third book of the Infinite Spark series is primarily about his character, but this post starts back before the first novel, Stellar Fusion. I hope you enjoy it! See the original post here: Character Guest […]
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Stellar Fusion’s Tour Stops in January
Stellar Fusion’s tour page is up! Nineteen stops! View the tour page here! I can’t believe the outpouring of love from these wonderful people! (THANK YOU!!!) Stops (copied from PUYB) are listed below! I hope you’ll check them out! I’ll be there! A special gift to my most loyal fans: If you reblog, tweet, or […]
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Pre-order: A Promise in Ash
A Promise in Ash is Available for Pre-order on Amazon! Publishes Valentine’s Day: $0.99 Pre-order Price (eBook price will jump to $1.99 after publication.) A romantic-suspense novel featuring: miscarriage, hot co-workers, cybersecurity threats, and the struggle of defining family. With only an abusive mother-figure to guide her, Norah has learned everything the hard way. An […]
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Stellar Fusion is Getting Pumped!
I’m so excited to say this: Stellar Fusion is going to be featured on Pump up Your Book for the entire month of January! Whoo! I’ll keep you updated on all the tour stops along the way! There are eighteen blog stops with a variety of content from book reviews to character interviews. I’ve written […]
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Book Delay
After three moves since May, and one final one beginning this week (4 states away), all of my deadlines have had to be pushed back. I hate saying that. But as a self-publisher who does everything from writing and editing to cover design and formatting, sometimes I struggle to keep up with all the other […]
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Requiem Gets 5 Stars!
I am proud to say, Requiem just received three, 5 star reviews from Reader’s Favorite! I’m stoked! Requiem now gets to sport the silver badge of honor also bestowed upon Stellar Fusion! “…A powerful, high-concept sci-fi series. Intense and driven from start to end, this is a rocketing narrative through (the) space-age, alien and humanoid […]
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Infinite Spark Series Update
Books 1, Stellar Fusion, and 2, Requiem, of the series are published to Amazon. You can check out my Amazon author page, with currently published works here: E. L. Strife. Book 3, Shadows of the Son is in final edits right now, planning to have Advanced Review Copies up in the next month or so […]
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Book Review: Shattered Glass by Skip Schmidt
Five Stars An extraordinary blend of historical and science fiction… Schmidt’s work delves into past and present day Germany with vivid descriptions and deeply woven political plots. Shattered Glass is full of unexpected twists and suspense that will keep you turning every page. Anyone that enjoys time travel and mysteries, will find this entertaining. A […]
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Cover Preview: Redshift
As I’m finishing up book three of the Infinite Spark Series: Shadows of the Son, and preparing it for final edits, I thought I’d show off the next book, Redshift. It is under construction with plans to be ready this winter. “We cannot continue to defend your planet retroactively. We must take the fight to them. […]
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Book Review: The Teleporter By Lee Hall
Book Review: The Teleporter By Lee Hall (4 Stars) A humorously crass story of a drunkard turned superhero. Hall has created a realistic world in which corporations hold the power and the common man has little control over his own life, until fate elects a portion and hands it over in the form of teleportation […]
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Book Review: Asrian Skies By Anne Wheeler
Book Review: Asrian Skies By Anne Wheeler (4 stars) (Shadows of War Book 1) If you like clean, character-driven, female protagonist Sci-Fi, you will enjoy this! Wheeler has done an amazing job throwing in twists and betrayals like no other. She is a master of interrogation sessions and politics. A perfect blend of easy-to-read sentences […]
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Book Review: Imprint By Nicholas Adams
Imprint By Nicholas Adams (5 stars) If you liked Ex Machina, you will like this. Overview: (spoiler alert) Imprint follows Malcolm as he tries to find a solution for a debilitating and life-threatening side-effect of the synthetic organs he designed. His wife is the last remaining test subject in a world that destroyed itself thinking […]
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Upcoming Novels 2019
I’m a fan of book series, especially when the characters are close to my heart, wield blades like their own fingers, and can torch a planet with a single, negative thought. That said, I’m completing the Embers on Ice trilogy, publishing book 3 of Infinite Spark, and starting two new series. One is centered around […]
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Universal War Novels
This is my largest undertaking as a writer. I don’t know if other authors do this, but I want you to know how big this plan is. Three series will complete the Universal War Novels. Yes, I am writing them out of order, in a manner, as I’m starting with the Infinite Spark cluster. I […]
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Book Review: Deep Cosmos
Book Review: Deep Cosmos by Project Kyle Available on Amazon November 10, 2018 Deep Cosmos follows two main characters, Sophia and Nerd, as they struggle to escape the grasp of Dr. Crimson, Experiment 1, and the lasting effects of the inhumane experiments conducted at Cosmic 5. Nerd has a secret past, buried in betrayal, something […]
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Big Changes to E. L. Strife
I’ve temporarily pulled all of my books down. They are no longer available for purchase. Why? Because I can, must… for my readers. All six of you. I want to improve the quality of my work, utilizing new knowledge and experience. Self-publishing isn’t easy. I’ve learned so much in the last few years that when […]
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Review: Rise and Run by R. J. Plant
Rise and Run by R.J. Plant Delightfully engaging and humorous, packed with action… Plant describes the post-apocalyptic world in such vivid detail, you’ll feel like you’re the third consciousness. Rise and Run follows Felix and Conor on their journey to uncovering their past as they struggle within themselves for dominance while simultaneously fighting for their […]
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Book Review: The Unity Game
Astoundingly descriptive, beautifully imagined, with unique characters, Meriel will warp your mind, challenge your beliefs, make you wonder, and then want to redefine your understanding of reality.
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Kicking Covers
I’ve been on this artistic “purge,” we’ll call it, as of late. I’m finding my hardest work in the past just isn’t up to par with what I envisioned. As my graphic design skills improve, however at a snails pace, I still look behind me and see where I’ve been isn’t as… exciting.
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Cover Reveal: Zedger
To save one last soldier from a government program that turns children into drones of the future, Marci must set foot in the one place she swore she never would again, unknowingly releasing an army made just for her.
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Liebster Nomination
Until my good friend, Lenn, got nominated, I had no idea what Liebster 2018 Nomination was. She is an amazing woman, fantastic blogger, and a creative fiction writer whose books I anxiously await publication of. If I were to return the nomination it would be her! She supports others, is always optimistic, and has goats! […]
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Remember Self-care
While the baseline is for my author friends, this applies to everyone. In the realm of work sometimes we forget about ourselves, too consumed with demands of bosses or projects. We must be vigilant in our personal health regimen if we are to remain productive tools of our professions, no matter what they are. We […]
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Infinite Spark Book 3: Penumbra
Finally settled on a cover for the third book of the Infinite Spark Series! Penumbra is well on it’s way to completion and I can’t wait! It’s a two part book. I won’t give away any spoilers except that the second half is all space battle! This series is a dream come true… literally. I […]
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Infinite Spark Book 2: Lost Souls
In the dawn of silence after the battle, as we address our wounds and count our dead, we get one breath of peace before a new storm brews above. For the Universal Protectors and the survivors of both Earth and Agutra, the war has only just begun. Lost Souls is in the final stages of […]
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5 Stars: Stellar Fusion
I thought for sure, when I asked for a review, I’d get the “your book isn’t good enough to post a review” response. If I didn’t get four stars, Stellar Fusion wouldn’t post. When I got the message my review was complete I literally fell over laughing in disbelief.
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Cohen: The Colors of Courage
I would love feedback since I do all my covers myself (with stock photos of course). I’ve been editing this handsome guy for a while. It’s my first time writing a book solely from the male perspective, but I think it’s working out. It’s been an interesting challenge for sure. But after some time, I […]
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Embers is up for Presale
Officially up for Pre-sale! Free from Smashwords and $0.99 at most other retailers to include Amazon! It’s my Valentine’s gift to you! She will be Published on March 1, 2018 and the price will then go back up to $2.99, so order her cheap while you can! Orion knows the dire consequences of pushing the […]
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Stocking Stuffers for Kids
Kids already love this little book. I’ve even been asked to read it to students back home. If you need a stocking stuffer or just a cute holiday read for young kids, A Wet Nose Christmas on Amazonis perfect. It’s paperback and fits inside a stocking, and at $6.99 costs less than the other kids’ […]
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Wildfire Finally Has a Cover
Wildfire, book 2 in my Embers on Ice series, is in progress. I guess I just can’t stop thinking about Christmas. 🙂 Here’s a hint: As Matt and Orion’s love grows, so does the trouble brewing in their little town. With the summer fire season quickly approaching and Matt headed back to the city on […]
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Cover Circus
Spent many long hours searching for images and finally settled on this for Zedger. She’s done and waiting in the growing lineup for edits. A Scifi/cyberpunk novel, Zedger starts off the Lucid Genesis series following a young female Commander and the army she didn’t know she had under her control. For more info check out […]
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New Cover: Lost Souls
I’ve been on a Shutterstock kick. Thought I’d show you what I did this morning. So many wonderful, talented artists out there… I wish I could create art like you. But, hey, you need customers too! 🙂 Lost Souls is the second book in the Infinite Spark Series, following Stellar Fusion, my first self-published novel. […]
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The Next Challenge – NaNoWriMo
I’m taking the plunge on November 1st with National Novel Writing Month’s write a novel in November. Does anyone have any extra pants?
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United by Differences
We don’t all have to agree to achieve unity. Balance is the way of most spiritual guides and a basic scientific principle (equilibrium). This means we must have two or more opposing things that ‘reach a common understanding.’ Without sides, without different perspectives, we cannot see the entire picture (of our situations) to make the […]
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The Fate of Earth
In our hands sits the future, home, our planet. Following our self-deconstruction, an apocalypse of conflicting opinions that sets us off through three hundred years of unrest, Stellar Fusion arrives. It is my call to you, as soldiers of peace, and civilians for change, however fantastical, (a fun twist). The Shepherds, our guiding soldiers, are […]
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Master List of Colors
Though it’s often not the most important part, the right color can invigorate any description. I made these lists for myself, to help me pick color names that were exactly what I was searching for. Depending on the content, you might consider selecting recognizable names within a specific category to supplement your theme.
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Ember’s Progress
Embers on Ice will be ready to read this coming holiday season. Christmas Romance
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New Cover: Stellar Improvements & Wrestling Marketing
So like every self-published (author), I have fallen in the hole of dead space after the initial upswing of family orders. It was expected but not any less disheartening. If you’re like me, you’ve probably read several books on increasing royalties via better marketing practices: change the keywords, the cover, the description, advertise on all […]
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Achieving Acceptance of Equilibrium
The search for progress is hard-wired into us humans. But to be truly at peace, we must see what we have now, and sometimes that takes practice. It sounds like a lesson in being grateful, but it isn’t. It’s about being realistic about your expectations. They lead us so often down a dark path, overly […]
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Home Inspired: Lumberjack Mack
If you’ve ever had a live Christmas tree, or lived in a stick-built (wood-framed) house, built a deck, or steps, or anything with 2x4s, ‘Mack’ was your man. This upcoming children’s book, Lumberjack Mack, is about the courage and love of a logger to do a dangerous job for the family he loves. It honors several who have […]
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Creative Mistakes and Discovery
I was working in Photoshop on a new cover design and made a mistake, easily fixed with ctrl+z. I’ve been distracted, worried about my first book. And when I refocused, I realized my mistake had just taught me a quick way to make simple planets! I love moments like that, where “oh no!” turns into, […]
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The Spark
There is nothing more liberating than taking your own path and knowing no one can tear you down or derail your plans unless you let them. Because you’re the boss. If you don’t allow them investment in your life, their words have no clout, and their scoffing remarks become a mere whisper of wind in […]
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Our Purpose
Like many, I have struggled with discovering my purpose in life, what I can give this world, and what I will find in it for myself. I discovered a simple, generic answer: Humans have a unique gift, and every single person is capable.
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Exercise Basics
Disclosure Anyone can exercise. Everyone should exercise. Do it for yourself, for your life. We only get one. It doesn’t matter if you do five minutes on a bike at home or body-build for hours straight at the gym. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
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