Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070MHNNS
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Pandora's Box: FREE for four days
My romantic suspense will be available for four days at Amazon, free, starting this Friday, Feb. 3rd, in celebration of my mother's birthday. The free deal will go until Monday.
Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070MHNNS
Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070MHNNS
Thursday, January 26, 2012
INTERVIEW WITH A VILLAIN
Sit back and watch reporter Rebecca Moore interview notorious Jersey Clifford of the Rule Series. The two of them sit across from each other in comfortable chairs with a small, round coffee table between them. She is well-dressed in a dark gray power suit with maincured nails and perfect make-up. He is wearing his usual attire, a solid black ensemble with red sneakers. Neither of them speak or even look at the other before the show begins. She goes over her notes and sips water while someone fixes her hair, giving it a last spritz of hairspray, while he stares into the distance, wondering if Rebecca will live to do another interview. If she makes him angry, she might not.
Someone yells: Five seconds, people!
The extra people on set dash to get out of the way of the cameras. A man with a headset counts down for them with his fingers, mouthing the words. "5... 4... 3... 2... Go." He points at Rebecca.
Rebecca pastes on a phony smile for the audience watching at home.
R: We are here today with a man who claims to be the first werewolf ever created. Please welcome Jersey Clifford to the show. (She pauses for the sound effects guy to play a track of clapping). Mr. Clifford, tell us why we should believe your claims? How does one become the first werewolf ever created?
J: It was simple enough. I fell in love with the wrong woman... uh, faerie.
R: And I'm sure you did nothing to provoke her. Do you have any powers?
J: I have invisible claws that can rip a person to shreds.
R: Oooh, scary. (She fakes a shiver) Can you turn into a wolf like that sexy boy in the Twilight movies?
J: (with a smirk) After more than two thousand years in this world I have learned to control myself. Other werewolves turn into wolves during full moon phases and they kill anyone who gets in their way, but I am not subject to that power anymore. Although I admit there are times when I get angry and a bloodthirsty wolf tries to come out, but I don't need that to kill. If someone, say you for example, needs to be killed, I can do the job with my bare hands. I have the strength of a hundred men.
R: How nice for you. (looks to producer for help and is motioned to keep going) What about this prophecy? Is it true that you and sventeen-year-old Jack Creed are destined to fight to the death?
J: His death, yes, not mine. Because Jack is a good friend I will hold off for as long as possible, but someday I will meet him on the battlefield and kill him. It's our destiny.
R: He's a friend? And you're going to kill him? How does that work?
J: Something in me was drawn to something in him the day we met. Maybe it's because I smelled vampire on him. Maybe it's the love of literature that we share. It could be as simple as me knowing him in a past life. You could say I love him like a brother.
R: Tell me about Jack. What is he like? More importantly, what do you like about him?
J: I love his keen mind, how he's eager to learn. Working in the public school system as I do, I've seen children spending more time on their love life, hobbies, and cell phones than on their education. Jack loves to read. Also, he sees things in a way that no one else does. That alone makes him worth fifty of any other kid in my classes. Also, he has great confidence. The boy knows that I am stronger, smarter, and more powerful than he is, and yet he believes he can destroy me in the end. You have to admire his spunk if nothing else.
R: And what do you hate about him?
J: I loathe the way he turns to the wrong people for help, and how he refuses to believe in destiny, and how he hangs around with that Silver and her useless parents. It's a sin to be that intelligent and that dumb at the same time. In my opinion, he deserves to die for that alone.
R: On a lighter note, when did you discover your love of reading?
J: I had to do something to keep busy. I've been around for more than two thousand years. A person can only watch soap operas for so long.
R: What is your favorite book?
J: I love poetry and frequently quote verses when the opportunity arises.
R: Do you have any friends other than Jack? Are you close to anyone? Is there anyone out there that you show the real Jersey Clifford to?
J: Pagan. She was my assistant, but they killed her when they released the wraiths. (Jersey begins to pull the mic off, interview over)
R: One moment please. Tell us what your plans are. What does the first werewolf ever created want?
J: I want world dominion, of course. I am building an army as we speak. No one will be able to stop me, no mortal, and no former vampire.
R: B-b-but the legend says Jack Creed will stop you.
J: No, it does not. That stupid diary they've been hanging onto was written by the faerie I told you about, the one who cursed me, and she couldn't see the future as well as they all hope. She only saw what she wanted to see.
R: But you must have a weakness. Everyone does.
J: If I did, I wouldn't tell you about it. (smug smile) I don't have one. Not anymore. Ask Jack. He's tried to find one, a small hole in my armor. I think he's given up now.
R: Isn't there anything we can do? (she is literally on the edge of her seat).
J: Yes. You can pray that Jack is smarter and stronger than he actually is. Good day.
Rebecca is stunned speechless. The cameras shut off. That is one show that will never air. Rebecca swallows hard. She will go home tonight and follow Jersey Clifford's advice. She will pray for a former vampire named Jack Creed.
End of interview.
Now please click on the links below and read more interviews with more villains. Enjoy!
Someone yells: Five seconds, people!
The extra people on set dash to get out of the way of the cameras. A man with a headset counts down for them with his fingers, mouthing the words. "5... 4... 3... 2... Go." He points at Rebecca.
Rebecca pastes on a phony smile for the audience watching at home.
R: We are here today with a man who claims to be the first werewolf ever created. Please welcome Jersey Clifford to the show. (She pauses for the sound effects guy to play a track of clapping). Mr. Clifford, tell us why we should believe your claims? How does one become the first werewolf ever created?
J: It was simple enough. I fell in love with the wrong woman... uh, faerie.
R: And I'm sure you did nothing to provoke her. Do you have any powers?
J: I have invisible claws that can rip a person to shreds.
R: Oooh, scary. (She fakes a shiver) Can you turn into a wolf like that sexy boy in the Twilight movies?
J: (with a smirk) After more than two thousand years in this world I have learned to control myself. Other werewolves turn into wolves during full moon phases and they kill anyone who gets in their way, but I am not subject to that power anymore. Although I admit there are times when I get angry and a bloodthirsty wolf tries to come out, but I don't need that to kill. If someone, say you for example, needs to be killed, I can do the job with my bare hands. I have the strength of a hundred men.
R: How nice for you. (looks to producer for help and is motioned to keep going) What about this prophecy? Is it true that you and sventeen-year-old Jack Creed are destined to fight to the death?
J: His death, yes, not mine. Because Jack is a good friend I will hold off for as long as possible, but someday I will meet him on the battlefield and kill him. It's our destiny.
R: He's a friend? And you're going to kill him? How does that work?
J: Something in me was drawn to something in him the day we met. Maybe it's because I smelled vampire on him. Maybe it's the love of literature that we share. It could be as simple as me knowing him in a past life. You could say I love him like a brother.
R: Tell me about Jack. What is he like? More importantly, what do you like about him?
J: I love his keen mind, how he's eager to learn. Working in the public school system as I do, I've seen children spending more time on their love life, hobbies, and cell phones than on their education. Jack loves to read. Also, he sees things in a way that no one else does. That alone makes him worth fifty of any other kid in my classes. Also, he has great confidence. The boy knows that I am stronger, smarter, and more powerful than he is, and yet he believes he can destroy me in the end. You have to admire his spunk if nothing else.
R: And what do you hate about him?
J: I loathe the way he turns to the wrong people for help, and how he refuses to believe in destiny, and how he hangs around with that Silver and her useless parents. It's a sin to be that intelligent and that dumb at the same time. In my opinion, he deserves to die for that alone.
R: On a lighter note, when did you discover your love of reading?
J: I had to do something to keep busy. I've been around for more than two thousand years. A person can only watch soap operas for so long.
R: What is your favorite book?
J: I love poetry and frequently quote verses when the opportunity arises.
R: Do you have any friends other than Jack? Are you close to anyone? Is there anyone out there that you show the real Jersey Clifford to?
J: Pagan. She was my assistant, but they killed her when they released the wraiths. (Jersey begins to pull the mic off, interview over)
R: One moment please. Tell us what your plans are. What does the first werewolf ever created want?
J: I want world dominion, of course. I am building an army as we speak. No one will be able to stop me, no mortal, and no former vampire.
R: B-b-but the legend says Jack Creed will stop you.
J: No, it does not. That stupid diary they've been hanging onto was written by the faerie I told you about, the one who cursed me, and she couldn't see the future as well as they all hope. She only saw what she wanted to see.
R: But you must have a weakness. Everyone does.
J: If I did, I wouldn't tell you about it. (smug smile) I don't have one. Not anymore. Ask Jack. He's tried to find one, a small hole in my armor. I think he's given up now.
R: Isn't there anything we can do? (she is literally on the edge of her seat).
J: Yes. You can pray that Jack is smarter and stronger than he actually is. Good day.
Rebecca is stunned speechless. The cameras shut off. That is one show that will never air. Rebecca swallows hard. She will go home tonight and follow Jersey Clifford's advice. She will pray for a former vampire named Jack Creed.
End of interview.
Now please click on the links below and read more interviews with more villains. Enjoy!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Just Released: PANDORA'S BOX
I used to write for Harlequin and still have a few books that didn't get published with them, so I am now releasing them one at a time. The first up is Pandora's Box.
Madison Grey has to clear her father's name. All her life he taught her to put her country before anything else. It's because of him that she became a Secret Service Agent. Protecting the president has been her duty and pleasure. But now her father is accused of trying to assassinate the president, and the people she works with are slowly turning against her... everyone except for Navy SEAL Tyler Law, the president's son. He also thinks her father was set up. Their only clue is her father's dying words: Pandora's Box. These two words will take them on a twisted journey to uncover some secrets that should have remained buried. Through it all Madison finds that she can depend on Tyler and her ex, DeMarco, but this is no time to sort out her love life.
This book will only be available at Amazon as an ebook. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070MHNNS
If you know anyone who enjoys romantic suspense, send them my way. Thanks!
Madison Grey has to clear her father's name. All her life he taught her to put her country before anything else. It's because of him that she became a Secret Service Agent. Protecting the president has been her duty and pleasure. But now her father is accused of trying to assassinate the president, and the people she works with are slowly turning against her... everyone except for Navy SEAL Tyler Law, the president's son. He also thinks her father was set up. Their only clue is her father's dying words: Pandora's Box. These two words will take them on a twisted journey to uncover some secrets that should have remained buried. Through it all Madison finds that she can depend on Tyler and her ex, DeMarco, but this is no time to sort out her love life.
This book will only be available at Amazon as an ebook. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070MHNNS
Saturday, January 21, 2012
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: What I have learned from books.
This week we are going to talk about what we've learned from the books we've read. In my case, there has been so much that I'm sure I can't remember. My mother taught me how to read before I even started to school and I've been reading ever since. I love to read... as all writers do, I'm sure. So let's get started. Hopefully inspiration will hit. Please visit the other carnis below to see what they have to say.
I learned that a weak plot can be forgiven but not terrible characters.
I learned that you have to capture the reader's attention in the first few sentences or you've lost them because a lot of people stand at the bookstore and read a page or two before buying it.
I learned thar a bad cover can ruin a book's reputation before anyone has given it a chance.
I learned that you need to vary your scenes. Too much narration or too much talking can ruin an otherwise good story.
I learned that publishers will publish good books and bad books while turning down other good books and bad books.
I learned you should always start the book with something interesting and end with a bang.
That's it. Hope you enjoyed this short list. Next week join us for the exciting Interview with a Villain.
I learned that a weak plot can be forgiven but not terrible characters.
I learned that you have to capture the reader's attention in the first few sentences or you've lost them because a lot of people stand at the bookstore and read a page or two before buying it.
I learned thar a bad cover can ruin a book's reputation before anyone has given it a chance.
I learned that you need to vary your scenes. Too much narration or too much talking can ruin an otherwise good story.
I learned that publishers will publish good books and bad books while turning down other good books and bad books.
I learned you should always start the book with something interesting and end with a bang.
That's it. Hope you enjoyed this short list. Next week join us for the exciting Interview with a Villain.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Books I Am Most Thankful For and Why
We're baaack!
This week the carnis are writing about the books that they are most thanful for. Please click on the other carnis below and check out their favorite books. Feel free to add yours. Here are mine and the reasons why.
1. Bible: Not only can this book change and save your life, but no matter how many times you read it you still find something new. I am constantly amazed by it.
2. The Outsiders: I read it in junior high. This is the book that made me fall in love with YA books.
3. Pet Semetary: This Stephen King book showed me how real a book could be to a person. I was so engrossed in it that when someone walked in the front door, I screamed and the book flew out of my hands. That is a good book. No other book has done that for me.
4. The Mortal Instrument series: What can I say? I loved these books so much that I'm reading them a second time. I usually don't read a book more than once even if I liked it because once the surprises are known it isn't the same, but these are great books.
5. The Demon's Lexicon: I haven't read the second book in this series yet, but I'm going to. I loved this book because of the emotion. I felt so bad for Alan because he feels unloved. He doesn't realize that Nick does love him. Actions speak louder than words, they say, but some people need to hear the words.
6. The Dark Tower series: Another by Stephen King. This set of books took him twenty years to write. I started them in college and only recently finished them. It sucks to wait for a series to be finished, but it was worth the wait. Loved it!
7. The Rule series: Yes, I have to put my own books on the list too. This series starting with Vampires Rule has taught me a lot about putting a series together. It has been hard. Someday soon I need to go back and read the first two before finishing the third so I don't forget something and mess them up.
8. Mythology books: Can't remember the name of the one I read in high school, but it got me to thinking. I have found a lot of inspiration in myths over the years.
I know there are others, but I can't think of any right now, so I'm going to end my list.
This week the carnis are writing about the books that they are most thanful for. Please click on the other carnis below and check out their favorite books. Feel free to add yours. Here are mine and the reasons why.
1. Bible: Not only can this book change and save your life, but no matter how many times you read it you still find something new. I am constantly amazed by it.
2. The Outsiders: I read it in junior high. This is the book that made me fall in love with YA books.
3. Pet Semetary: This Stephen King book showed me how real a book could be to a person. I was so engrossed in it that when someone walked in the front door, I screamed and the book flew out of my hands. That is a good book. No other book has done that for me.
4. The Mortal Instrument series: What can I say? I loved these books so much that I'm reading them a second time. I usually don't read a book more than once even if I liked it because once the surprises are known it isn't the same, but these are great books.
5. The Demon's Lexicon: I haven't read the second book in this series yet, but I'm going to. I loved this book because of the emotion. I felt so bad for Alan because he feels unloved. He doesn't realize that Nick does love him. Actions speak louder than words, they say, but some people need to hear the words.
6. The Dark Tower series: Another by Stephen King. This set of books took him twenty years to write. I started them in college and only recently finished them. It sucks to wait for a series to be finished, but it was worth the wait. Loved it!
7. The Rule series: Yes, I have to put my own books on the list too. This series starting with Vampires Rule has taught me a lot about putting a series together. It has been hard. Someday soon I need to go back and read the first two before finishing the third so I don't forget something and mess them up.
8. Mythology books: Can't remember the name of the one I read in high school, but it got me to thinking. I have found a lot of inspiration in myths over the years.
I know there are others, but I can't think of any right now, so I'm going to end my list.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Best Writing Advice
I bought a book on writing last year that came with some interesting cards for writers. Each one has advice on it, usually just a line or two. Some are funny and others are serious. Once in a while I reach into the deck, pull a card out at random and read it. Today I was checking my sales on Amazon and trying to figure out why they are going down instead of up and something popped into my head. This isn't a line off of those cards, but I'm sure I heard it somewhere before.
Just keep your head down and write.
Amazing advice. I wish I knew where I saw that or heard it before. I'd like to give credit to whoever said it first. They tell soldiers on the front line to keep their heads down. That's what it's like sometimes out there in the literary world, bad reviews flying at you like arrows, and people getting in the way like obstacles while you are trying to market your books. Sometimes I feel like I am walking in a mine field and don't know which way to go or what to do.
Just keep your head down and write.
From now on I am going to recite that line in my head every day at least once. I am going to follow the advice too. Instead of worrying about how many books I am selling and how many people have not even heard of my books, I am going to focus on the writing and keep my head down. Now if you have any great advice about writing that you heard or even made up yourself, put it in the comment section and share it with the class. Thanks and happy writing!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Win Print Copy of Crushed
I am starting a giveaway on Goodreads for one print copy of Crushed. The giveaway will run until May 3rd, when the winner will be picked by Goodreads. I am still waiting approval for my giveaway, but it should only take a couple of days. Then, if you are interested, you can go to Goodreads, click on giveaways and find Crushed. Then register for it. Once I have the winner's name and address, I will have Createspace ship the copy to them. I will also be doing a special giveaway here on my blog when we get closer to Valentine's Day, so keep your eyes open for that.
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