Who Is Mistral Dawn?

Mistral Dawn is a thirty-something gal who has lived on both coasts of the US but somehow never in the middle. She currently resides in the Southeast US with her kitty cats (please spay or neuter! :-)) where she works as a hospital drudge and attends graduate school. Taken By The Huntsman is her first effort at writing fiction and if it is well received she has ideas for several more novels and short-stories in this series. Please feel free to visit her on FaceBook or drop her a line at mistralkdawn@gmail.com

Friday, July 31, 2015

Lu Whitley #Interviewed By Mistral Dawn

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Lu Whitley is with us today! :-)  Lu, please tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

Lu:  I'm Lu. A full-time author and oddball from all around the world, but currently setting up shop in Illinois.   I've written 3 books total. Two that may never see the light of day. 1, BloodMarked, that has been published, and I'm currently working on its sequel, BloodStone, right now.​

Me:  Congrats on publishing your first novel! :-)  What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Lu:  My WIP is called BloodStone (The Fraktioneers #2). I had so much fun writing Stein - a secondary character in the first book who also happens to be a really snarky mountain troll - that I felt I needed to write more of his story. ​

Me:  That sounds like fun! :-)  What authors, or books have influenced you?

Lu:  ​As far as authors go, I love the work of JRR Tolkein, Lloyd Alexander, VC Andrews, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz... oh there's just too many to name. Anything that has a little bit of fantasy, a dash of horror, and a whole lot of humor. I think probably every book I've ever read has influenced my writing a bit. I pick up mannerisms here or there. When I like a way a certain author does something - like pacing or dialogue choices, I think, "hmm... How can I adapt that?" I take it, put my spin on it and get going. I think that's how we grow as authors.​

Me:  I like it! Learning from the masters. ;-)  What are you reading now?

Le:  ​I get very little time to read. Being a self-published author is hard work! But when I do get time, I try to read work by other Indies. Right now, I'm reading Deceived by LA Starkey, and I'm loving it!​

Me:  That's great! :-)  For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Le:  ​Hmm. A main character, Greta, who knows nothing about what's really going on in her life, except for the fact that it's quickly running off the rails.​ Jaromir an 800+ year-old - but definitely not a vampire by his own definition - Scandinavian ex-prince who is sworn to protect Greta because she's the only one who can stop the world from being overrun by creatures who walk around wearing human skin... though neither one of them has any idea how. Romance and adventure ensue.

Me:  Ha! Sounds interesting.  What is your favorite part of being an author?

Lu:  ​Getting to know the story as it happens. Ever read a book and thought, "It should have happened differently?"​ When you're a writer, it can happen any way you want...unless your characters are uncooperative like mine. Then they do whatever the hell they please.

Me:  I think most authors find their characters often have minds of their own. ;-) What are the hardest and easiest parts about being a writer?

Lu:  ​The easiest part for me is writing dialogue. Characters are always talking in my head, so I just write down what they say.​  The hardest part is marketing. It's so tedious, but it has to be done if you want your books to sell. Ugh.

Me:  So true! :-)  What genre do you place your book in?

Lu:  ​Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance... Kind of.​

Me:  Ha! Okay. :-)  Anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Lu:  ​I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my book. If you have any questions, feedback, or just want to say hi, don't hesitate to contact me. ​

Me:  Great!  And so these fine folks can find your work, are there any links you'd like me to post?

Lu:  ​Yes please :)

Thursday, July 30, 2015

#Debut #Novel By CE Vance: How Maxwell Grover #Stole My #House!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Please join me in welcoming a special guest. Meet CE Vance, author of How Maxwell Grover Stole My House.

CE:
C.E. Vance is an avid reader and proud Indie author. Aside from dreaming up fantastical tales for her books, she also enjoys writing poetry and short stories. She loves all types of literature, but has a soft spot for children’s fantasy. How Maxwell Grover Stole My House is her debut novel and is the initial book in a trilogy for middle-grade readers. She happily resides with her husband and four children in Utah.
Additionally, Vance is also a fantastic supporter of indie authors via organizations such as IndieBooksBeSeen, Author Promo Co-op, and Get Down with the Awethors.

How Maxwell Grover Stole My House.













Currently on sale at Amazon, How Maxwell Grover Stole My House tells the story of a ten-year-old boy who enlists his best friend’s help to try to figure out why a vindictive neighbor is trying to make his life a living hell.

Here is the official blurb:
What if every fear you ever had about your creepy next-door neighbor turned out to be true?
10- year-old Zeke Langley has become the target of his nasty new neighbor, Maxwell Grover. For reasons known only to him, the unsavory stranger seems determined to make Zeke’s life miserable and force his family out of their home.
Inevitably, Zeke and his best friend Winks set out on a journey to discover what Grover is hiding. What they find sends them down a road they never imagined … and on a mission they may never return from.

Here are what some reviewers are saying about Maxwell Grover:

DM CAIN
I loved this book from start to finish! It was so exciting and every page had me gripped. The characters are fantastic – particularly the disgusting Maxwell Grover himself. As a teacher of 9-11 year olds, I imagine that every kid in my class would just adore this book, but it isn’t just for kids. The idea of a sadistic, bullying adult picking on kids is something everybody can be afraid of. It locks into something inside every one of us, and you just can’t help but root for the kids to come out on top.
Surprisingly, even though I knew the ending (it’s the title of the book for goodness sake!), I actually didn’t expect what happened! And I was definitely left wanting more so I can’t wait for book 2 to be released!

RYAN GUY
The name Maxwell Grover sounds harmless enough, right? Wrong. Maxwell Grover is the epitome of a grumpy old man– inside and out. If you’re expecting a heartwarming oh-he’s-just-a-lonely-and-misunderstood-man-who-needs-a-friend twist from this book, you won’t get it. The author’s descriptions of Maxwell are disgusting (in gross-out mid-grade appropriate ways) and a couple of times I regretted trying to eat lunch while reading a chapter.
The ten-year old protagonists acted their age which frequently frazzled my helicopter-parenting nerves . The children repeatedly antagonized Maxwell and invaded his personal space without understanding the potential danger they were placing themselves in. Multiple times I wanted to pull them aside and tell them to stop doing what they were doing because it wasn’t safe. I’ll admit it. I’m getting old.
Mid-grade readers will get a kick out of this one, as long as they can accept not all books have to have a happy ending. BTW, this is not a spoiler. You find out in the first chapter that things aren’t going to end well.

JOSE LUIS CRUZ
I bought this book for my nephew who is a struggling reader. I am amazed how both my nephew and I are enjoying the book. C.E. Vance has a natural ability to tell children’s stories and to tell them well. She used suspense, humor, and language in a way to evoke the most natural feelings in story-telling. I look forward to finishing this book with my nephew. Already we have enjoyed Vance’s uncanny ability for description and emphasis on unraveling the story. Thumbs way up!

JB
This book was amazing. It kept my interest from the very beginning. It really picked up after Zeke’s family moved to a new place and he befriends Winks. Their adventures went from harmless fun (who didn’t go toilet papering as a kid?) to, I can’t believe you did that and got away with it! …… This was this author’s first book and she is an amazingly talented author! She’s extremely descriptive and weaves a fabulous story. Again, the reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because I’m old-fashioned and like a happy ending that this just didn’t provide. I can’t wait for her next book, though. If it’s a sequel that gives me my happy ending, I will definitely be reading more from this author!


So if you’re looking for a fun read, check out How Maxwell Grover Stole My House. It’s on sale this week, so grab your copy today!
http://www.amazon.com/How-Maxwell-Grover-Stole-House-ebook/dp/B00UP43C1K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1438128209&sr=1-1&keywords=ce+vance

For U.K. Customers: http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Maxwell-Grover-Stole-House-ebook/dp/B00UP43C1K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1438129312&sr=1-1&keywords=CE+VANCE

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

It's #Torture #Waiting, I Know. But It'll Be SO #WorthIt! :-)




Excerpt from Intrigue In The Summer Court:

"You can't know he won't betray us."

"Ha!" the Pixie's laugh was much harsher than any sound such a small throat should be capable of producing. "Is that what's concerning you?" She turned to the Brownie, "Renny," she pointed to a knife that was sitting on a table by the window, "pick up that knife and stab yourself through the hand."

"Mistress?" he said, startled.

"Now!"

Renny could see in her eyes she was serious. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to the table and picked up the knife. Hoping for, but not expecting, a last minute reprieve, he gave her a pleading look.

Ciane gazed down at her slave imperiously, letting him see in her face the consequences should he fail to obey her.

Gulping, the Brownie closed his eyes and plunged the knife through his palm, stifling a shriek of pain.

"Good," said the Pixie, "now pull it out and do it again."

He looked at her, hoping he had misheard. There was a look of sadistic glee, almost sexual in nature, on her face, and he knew that she had not only said it, she was enjoying it. Doing his best to steel himself against the pain, he yanked the knife out and plunged it through his hand again. He couldn't help but watch in macabre fascination as his blood dripped on the floor, and he butchered his lips to keep from crying out. As his breaths came in shuddering gasps, his eyes were drawn inexorably to hers.

"Again!"

Panting from the agony, Renny quickly pulled the knife out of his hand and thrust it back through. He couldn't keep from moaning and quivering in pain; though, even as he stood there, the wounds were beginning to close.

As he groaned and shivered, Ciane flitted over and alighted on his arm. With an incongruent delicacy, she reached out and dipped a minuscule finger into the blood that continued to pour from the wounds. She placed her blood-coated finger in her mouth and licked it clean, the expression on her face orgasmic. Turning to the Elf with an arrogant expression, she said, "I think this proves he can be trusted to do as he's told. Now, how is the rest of the plan progressing?"

***

Can't wait?  It's coming soon!!! :-)  In the meantime, have you read Taken By The Huntsman and Bound By The Summer Prince?  If not, why not start there? ;-)


Monday, July 27, 2015

#CoverReveal: #Intrigue In The #Summer #Court!! :-)


Hey Everyone!!! :-)

I revealed the title at my Facebook party last Saturday, but have you been wondering what the cover of Intrigue In The Summer Court would look like?  Well, here it is!!!! :-)  Julie Nichols is the talented artist who created it, and I, for one, think she did a totally awesome job!!!! :-)  If you're interested in seeing more of her work, you can find her here:



Her prices are very reasonable.  For ebook covers that the author provides the stock photos for and just need her to manipulate the photos and paint over small parts, she only charges $20!  To include a wrap-around cover that can be used for a paperback, she charges $30.  And for custom-painted covers (like the one above) she charges $100, and as you can see they are well worth the price!! :-)

For people just looking for decorations for their home or desk, she is working on a new Amazon store (she says it will be like etsy) where she will be listing her work for sale soon.  In the meantime, you can find her books here: Julie Nichols' Amazon Author Page

Did I mention she's also an amazing novelist?  A woman of many talents!! :-)  The easiest way to contact her for custom artwork is through Facebook. :-)  And besides being wildly talented, she really is a gem! :-) 


So...would you like to see the synopsis for Intrigue In The Summer Court???? ;-)  Here it is:

Jillian just knows something bad is going to happen!  She's been a loyal adviser to the throne and friend of the queen, Briallen, for thousands of years, and now Roni and Uaine's wedding and coronation are to take place in just a couple days.  The Summer Court will have a new king and queen, who can hopefully repair the damage and heal the schism the late king created.  
But Jillian just can't shake the feeling that trouble is brewing.  Many of the Summer nobles aren't happy about the changes that are taking place in the Summer Court, and many of the other Fae just aren't too sure about having a human on the throne...even if she has been blessed by the goddess.  When Angelica, the leader of the Pixies, comes to her with news of a plot to murder the prince and princess, Jillian's suspicions are confirmed.  Will the two of them be able to unravel this conspiracy in time to save the royal couple?  Or will prejudice prevail, and the hope for peace in Fairie be lost forever?


Huh, sounds pretty dire, what do you think? ;-)  Would you like to read some excerpts?  Check these out! :-)






And don't forget to stay tuned for the release announcement!!!! :-)  Coming Soon! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!
Mistral

Sunday, July 26, 2015

#Announcing Selena Rivera's #Debut #Novel The #Angel's #Name! :-)

Hey Everyone!!! :-)

New author Selena Rivera has joined us today to tell us about her debut novel!

Selena:
Hi Everybody I would like to introduce to you my debut novel called The Angel's Name :)

*NEW RELEASE*

Blurb : A love story that happened at first glance with a whirlwind of events about to change both their lives. When songwriter Rebecca Evans moves to Tennessee to pursue her career in writing music for a country singer, she meets cowboy football player, Bobby-James, who becomes an angel in her life. But she's worried she must leave her world behind. Her grandma would never understand. Will Rebecca take a chance on a new life with the man she loves? Will it be the right choice?

http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Name-Love-Lies-Book-ebook/dp/B00YW6OX6U/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8












Saturday, July 25, 2015

#Today Is The #Day!! #Please #JoinUs! :-)












Hey Everyone!!! :-)

Today is the day!!! Jessica Wren from Author Promo Co-op has organized a party today on Facebook to honor me!!  And I am quite honored. :-)  I really hope you all will stop by.  I'll be popping in now and then throughout the day, and there will be games, prizes, lots of fun, and maybe even a sneak peek or three of my work in progress! :-)  Hope to see you all there!!! ;-)

Friday, July 24, 2015

I'm Being #Honored!!! :-)














Hey Everyone!! :-)

Jessica Wren with Author Promo Co-op has been kind enough to organize a Facebook party featuring yours truly!!!!  It's scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, 7/25) and I'll be popping in now and again throughout the day.  I would love it if all of you could find a few minutes to stop by.  I'll be answering questions (so feel free to ask a few ;-) ) and talking about my soon-to-be-released novella featuring Jillian!! :-)  There might even be a giveaway or two!! :-)  Thank you all so much!!!



Thursday, July 23, 2015

#ShortStory #Update & #Excerpt!! :-)
















Hey Everyone!!!! :-)

The first draft of my work-in-progress is done!!!!!! *happy dance*  Hopefully it won't take too long to edit it, and I'll be able to make it available to you all in the next two to three weeks.  But no promises. ;-)  Anyway, stay tuned for the cover and title reveal, and don't forget to check out the little peek I've posted below!!!  Thanks for checking in! :-)


Excerpt:
Frustrated at her terrible luck, Ciane considered whether to leave the path and try to find an alternate route through the forest, or to confront the two Fae who waited for her. Just as she decided that she couldn't risk an altercation with two foes who might be forewarned about her power, their sudden silence alerted her to the fact that they were aware of her presence. It was all she could do to maintain her silence and keep from making her exact position known by screaming out curses.

Deciding to use what little surprise she might have left, Ciane pinpointed her two opponents and drifted closer. It was clear that, while they knew she was close, they hadn't yet determined her precise location. As she studied the situation, the Pixie decided to make Jillian her initial target. The Sidhe was larger, and so it would be easier to grab hold of her in the darkness.


Wondering who Jillian is?  Check out her history in Taken By The Huntsman and Bound By The Summer Prince here:
Taken By The Huntsman On Amazon

Did you miss the other excerpts from this soon-to-be-released story?  Check them out here:
A Sinful Sundays Excerpt

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

#Author #Interview With Karina Kantas!! :-)



















Hey Everyone!! :-) 

Karina Kantas has joined us today to tell us about herself and her stories. Karina, who are you in a nutshell, and how many books have you written? :-)

Karina: Hi I'm Karina Kantas. I'm from the Midlands UK but I have been living in Greece for the last twenty five years. In fact, I have actually spent more of my life here than I have in the UK. I have over 30 pieces of non fiction published such as film and book reviews, articles and even poetry. I have seven fiction books published:
Stone Cold a YA supernatural thriller.
Heads & Tales a collection of flash and short fiction all genres.
In Times of Violence YA urban thriller.
Huntress MC thriller
Lawless Justice MC vigilante thriller
Road Rage MC thriller
Undressed a collection of short ficion, poetry, prose, excerpts and a first look at what I'm working on.

Me: Cool!! What's the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Karina: My last book was Undressed. I wanted my fans to get a glimpse of my past and why I write what I do and to see even more writing styles.

Me: Sounds interesting. :-) What are you working on now?

Karina: I'm trying to finish the final edit of book one of my fantasy series, Illusional Reality. Once I've made the changes and done a read through the manuscript will go to my beta readers, before being formatted for publication. Book two is finished but needs a rewrite and book three has couple of chapters done, but the rest of the book is in notes.

Me: It's great that you've got several books ready or nearly ready before publishing any. Wonderful way to keep from making your fans wait too long for the rest of the story. :-) What authors, or books have influenced you?

Karina: I started writing after reading The Outsiders by S.E.Hinton. I got turned on with reading about outlaw toughs. After I had finished her series of books, I knew I wanted to write in the same genre. So that's how In Times of Violence came about.

Me: Oh yes! Gotta love those bad boys. ;-) What are you reading now?

Karina: The moment I am editing and reading through my own work. I haven't picked up a Kindle or a paperback for a while now. The last book I read was by an independent author. I feel it's very important to support my fellow authors and try show we really mean business. That's it's not a hobby for us. We are serious about what we do.

Me: I agree! Some of the best books I've ever read have been by indie authors! :-) For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Karina: With the MC thrillers, you can expect drugs sex and rock! Violence is mixed with love and guns with respect. The men are tough, sexy and in charge, The women will fight to keep their man and are either running from something or running towards it. My two collections show I'm not a one trick pony, that I am capable of writing in all genres and styles and gives a little more insight to how my warped mind works. As for Stone Cold, apart from the supernatural element and the gruesome murders, most of this story is my own experience. It centers along what most teenagers go through such as bullying, depression/suicide, and the feeling of being alone an unloved.

Me: Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into your stories. :-) What is your favorite part of being an author?

Karina: Being able to tell a story and get some closure from it. There's always a piece of Karina in my books. I leave it to the reader to decide what part is fiction and what really happened. When you hear from a reader about how much they could relate to your story or how much they enjoyed the book, it just validates that you're doing the right thing.

Me: Oh yes! Readers are definitely much appreciated! :-) Do you have a day job as well?

Karina: I'm a mother and author. I'm retired due to bad health.

Me: Well it sounds like you've found a way to enjoy your retirement, whatever the reason for it. :-) What are the hardest and easiest parts about being a writer?

Karina: The easiest part is emptying my head. These storylines, scenes and characters have kept me awake and to finally get some release is a happy relief. The hardest part is as an indie author all the marketing and promotion falls to me and with my health problems it makes it three times as hard.

Me: Ha! I think most indie authors would agree with you there. ;-) What genre do you place your book in?

Karina: Urban thrillers, supernatural thrillers, anthologies in the genres of horror, comedy, sci-fi, romance and thriller.

Me: Awesome! :-) Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Karina:  Anyone that likes the fan page and comments on a post will be sent the e-book Undressed. And if anyone would like any of my e-books send me a private massage via the fan page and you can buy direct from me. By leaving out the middle man you can get it much cheaper than advertised.

Me: How generous!! :-) And so these fine folks can find your fan page, are there any links you'd like me to post?

Karina:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Karina-Kantas/e/B0034P98EW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1435355106&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Karina-Kantas/e/B0034P98EW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1435355106&sr=8-1
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Karina+kantas
https://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?keyWords=Karina+kantas&type=
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=31754864225


Me: Perfect! Thank you so much for stopping by Karina, and thank you to everyone else for joining us!! :-) Don't forget to stay tuned for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings!! :-)

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

#NewRelease #Announcement: #Saving Avery By Angela Snyder! :-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Angela Snyder is releasing her new book Saving Avery today!! Check it out!! :-)


Angela:
Saving Avery synopsis:
Avery Mason had it all: the nice house, the fancy clothes, the expensive cars and the perfect husband. On the outside looking in, her life appears to be perfect. But inside, Avery knows her life is far from perfection as her husband's carefully constructed façade slowly starts to crumble.
Forced to fake a happy marriage while enduring physical and mental abuse from the man who had once been her whole world is taking its toll. And ever so slowly, Avery finds herself slipping into an existence where she is gradually becoming a shell of her former self.
When Dr. Max Harrison transfers from Chicago to North Carolina, his world is flipped upside down the moment he sees Avery. With one glimpse into her blue-gray eyes, he can see the pain she is so desperately hiding from the rest of the world. As Avery attempts to push him away, he becomes convinced that there is more to her than meets the eye. And when he finally uncovers her darkest secret, the pieces of the puzzle slowly start to click into place.
Max and Avery want to be together, but nothing in life is ever that simple. It's not going to be easy to get her away from the powerful Mason family, but Max will risk everything to protect her. His only concern is Saving Avery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**I have recently made a change in publishing.**
Saving Avery is going to be published exclusively to Amazon only. Here are the Amazon links:
Amazon US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0107DLYEU
Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0107DLYEU
Worldwide Amazon Link – myBook.to/SavingAvery

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Social Media Links:
Website/Blog – authorangelasnyder.wordpress.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AuthorAngelaS
Twitter Handle – @AuthorAngelaS
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaSnyder
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24278296-saving-avery



Monday, July 20, 2015

#Author4Author #BlogHop: #First #Lines!!














Hey Everyone!! :-)

Welcome to the first Author-4-Author Blog Hop!! :-)   The theme for our first Hop is First Lines.  I thought it would be appropriate to use the first line from my first book, Taken By The Huntsman:


Discarded and ignored by those around her for most of her life, Cassie is a lonely human woman struggling to find her place in the world and meaning in her life. Cadeyrn is the Erlking, the leader of the Wild Hunt, a hundreds of thousands of years old Fae who has always known his purpose. He has spent his entire long existence tracking the criminals of Fairie and punishing them for their crimes. While hunting for the murderer of a child who has escaped to Earth Cadeyrn comes across Cassie and realizes that she is the one that the great mother goddess has designated as his soul mate. He kidnaps her and takes her to his fortress in Fairie to protect her from his many enemies. He knows she will be angry and that he'll have to work to earn her trust, but he finds his task to be even more challenging than he had thought it would be due to Cassie's difficulty in opening her heart. Will Cadeyrn be able to convince Cassie that the bond between them is real and earn her love?



First Line:  The bus pulled up to the curb with a tired-sounding wheeze and Cassie looked at the driver, waiting for him to unlock the back door.

Want to read more? You can find Taken By The Huntsman on Amazon here: Taken By The Huntsman On Amazon!  It's also available free through Kindle Unlimited and the Amazon Prime Lending Library. :-)


Hungry for more first lines?  Then click here: www.author4author.blogspot.com and see what other awesome reads are being featured! :-)

Want to join in on the next Blog Hop?  The rules are simple:

1.) If you’re a member of the Author-4-Author Group and have a blog, you’re eligible to participate in our monthly blog hop.

2.) Sign up on the linky list that will be posted in the group.  You can also link to us at http://www.author4author.blogspot.com. Please link back to us either way.

3.) Sign up during the signup period each month.

4.) This is open to both unpublished and published Author-4-Author members

5.) Please help to promote our blogs hops via twitter and Facebook. Our twitter handle is @author4_author….we need hash tags and or key words.  Does anyone have any suggestions on the hash tags or key words we could use during our promo of the blog hop?

Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Thank you all for being a part of our first Blog Hop!!! :-)

Sunday, July 19, 2015

A #SinfulSundays #Excerpt! :-)


Hey Everyone!! :-)

Well, well, well! Take a look at what your favorite fairy prince and his curvy bride are up to! ;-)


Excerpt from WIP novella:

The outfit that Raleigh had designed was perfect, and it fit Roni like a glove. Uaine was going to love it! The whole thing consisted of a red leather corset, which magically laced itself to make her already hourglass figure obscene. A pair of tiny, red silk, crotchless panties. Shoulder-length, red leather gloves. And thigh-high, red leather boots with five-inch spiked heels. The corset cupped and supported her magnificent breasts, but left them fully exposed. The boots were cut so that the front of the tops was higher than the back. They rose all the way up her legs, so that the sides that lay along her inner thighs brushed her outer labia, and the pointed fronts framed her pubic area in a V.

Roni looked into the full-length mirror that was set into the wall next to the door and ran her hands over her leather-clad curves. Watching the hands in her reflection flow like water over her body, she smiled happily. Not wanting to spoil the effect, she fixed a stern expression on her face as she moved towards the bedroom.

Uaine looked up to see a vision that must surely have been plucked from his most erotic fantasies stalking towards him on the bed. She oozed confidence and sexuality as she slinked forward on her crimson heels. A severe expression carved her high cheek-bones into razor edges, and the scarlet clothing made her light-coffee colored skin glow. Her long, curly, mahogany hair shone reddish in the candlelight, as the waves cascaded over her bare shoulders.

Drawing in a sharp breath, it was all the prince could do to keep from tearing the bed to pieces so he could free his hands and touch her. The stunning creature reached out to run one leather-encased finger down his cheek. The material was soft and smooth against his skin, but he could feel the warmth of her inside it.

"Your safeword will be 'stad'," said Roni, as she bent over to kiss him lightly on the lips. "Do you understand, slave?"

"Yes, mistress," he answered, his mouth suddenly dry.


Wondering who Roni and Uaine are?  Check out their story in Bound By The Summer Prince here:

Did you miss the other excerpts from this soon-to-be-released story?  Check them out here:

Thanks for stopping by!!! :-)

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Oh My! Eight #Reviews For My #Monthly #IndieBooksBeSeen #BookReview! :-)

Hey Everyone! :-)

I just realized that with the craziness of my life and last month's Positivity Blog Tour, I've gotten way behind on posting my reviews of Indie books.  So I decided that for this month's #IndieBooksBeSeen 18th of the month Indie book review day I would post all of the reviews I've been meaning to post at the same time!  Here you go! :-)
Falling Angels by Jen Winters:


Ambrose was an angel who just wanted to do his job. When the Divine Will asked him to choose a side in the war with Lucifer, Ambrose declined. He was busy and he just didn't want to get involved. What a mistake!! When he wouldn't choose he was cast from heaven and stripped of many of his powers. A guy who just wanted to do his job now had, literally, nothing to do and no where to go. To top it off, the angels who had sided with Lucifer wanted to eat him! How's a formerly nearly omnipotent, celestial being to cope with this sudden reversal of his fortunes? You'll have to read to find out! :-)
I have to say, Jen Winters is a wonderful story teller. Kissing Demons was wonderful, and I wasn't sure she'd be able to top it, but Falling Angels does! As the reader follows Ambrose through the centuries and lives with him through his struggles and, yes, even his mistakes, he becomes one of the most humane characters I've ever been introduced to. I'm giving this book five stars, and I can't wait to read the next one!


Lycan Love and Angel Mine By Barbara Chioffi:


What woman wouldn't like to wake up and find a gorgeous guy offer to let her use his body to fulfill her wildest fantasy? Julia is lucky to have such a dream come true when Justin shows up in her bedroom after she returns from a midnight stroll. Little does she know Justin isn't a dream, he's a werewolf! She quickly gets over this revelation, as Justin fills the place in her heart that was left empty when she was orphaned as a child, and finds a new family with Justin and his father and brother.
This is a very quickly read, that is both sweet and spicy. Five stars, and I highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys romantic shorts. :-)


Jackson is a sexy cop, who cooks and protects. Jeza is a lonely bookstore owner who has lost her family. Both of these people are a bit skittish about trusting, because of bad relationships in the past. But when Jeza needs help, Jackson doesn't hesitate to come to her rescue.
This is a sizzling hot short, and a very easy, quick read. If you're looking for something steamy you can read in an hour, or so, this story is perfect! :-)


Fantazia by Elize Love:


This is a short story and a quick read, but very fun. Elsa, the main character, is every woman, everywhere, who has ever felt insecure or self-conscious about her appearance, or has struggled to balance the need to be professional and assertive against the desire to be open to people and thoughtful. All-in-all I highly enjoyed this story and found it very relatable.


The Vista by SA Hoag:


This was an entertaining, light-hearted story that still managed to give insight into a different world and belief system than what we commonly perceive as mainstream in this day and age. The different children had distinct, unique characters that were both likable and at times, makes the reader smile in recognition of the emotions and chaos that on some level many of us experienced or are experiencing as teenagers. The story deals with Native American culture in a respectful and fun way, weaving a story that is fun and entertaining but also well researched. Although the romance part came off as a little forced, for my taste, I think that for a teenager reading the book the interplay between all the characters would be a very positive addition to the book. Hopefully, this author continues to write and we see more from her in the future.


Transitory by Ian Williams:


Transitory by Ian Williams was an interesting concept and certainly one of the more unique books that I have read in quite some time. The author blends science fiction and an element of the fantastic into a successful book that keeps you interested and curious about the characters and what they will learn next. The book was edited well and there were only a few very minor grammatical or spelling errors which did not detract in the least from the story.
Throughout the book there were some areas were it seemed as though what was happening was insufficiently explained or was in contradiction to what was said earlier in the book but again, these did not detract from the over all story arc and I am sure that it is something that could be corrected easily enough in future books. Definitely worth a read and hope to see more books from this writer in the future.


The Adventures of Stupid the Cat by Brenda and Bruce Borders:


My first thought when I saw this book? If any ego could withstand being stuck with a moniker like "Stupid," it would be that of a cat! This story is an adorable look at the world from a cat's perspective, and I truly enjoyed following Sam (aka Stupid) on his adventures, and misadventures, through the world. Being a life-long servant to the feline kind myself, I could definitely relate to many of the events that occurred in this book. It's a very short read, perfect for a child just learning to love books, but is charming enough to entertain adults as well. All-in-all, I highly recommend it! :-)


The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill by Renee Hand:


This was a well-written, well edited story with enough description of the characters that you felt you not only knew them but also had an idea of what type of animal they all were. The story was a light, relatively easy read but it was still complex enough that the end was an actual surprise rather than a forgone conclusion. The addition of information about how canyons are formed and the weather was actually entertaining and educational to read, rather than being heavy handed. Ultimately, the story was a very successful, unique piece of fiction and an entertaining, educational read. It is the type of story that either adults or children could enjoy and most certainly a story that could be easily read aloud. Over-all, it was a very good book and I hope the author continues writing more. I actually liked it so much I bought a second copy as a gift for a friend. :-)

Thursday, July 16, 2015

My #Interview With John From #Writers #Alive!! :-)
















Hey Everyone!! :-)

John from Writers Alive Blog interviewed me!! :-)  Please take a moment to check out what we found to chat about, and give his blog some love while you're there!! :-)

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Uh Oh! What #Trouble Are These Two Up To #Now?? ;-)

















Hey Everyone!! :-)

Here's another sneak peek at what's happening in Jillian's short story.  Look out! The furry people are on the move! Ah, how much trouble could a cute little bunny and a kitty cat get into, anyway?  ;-)

#Excerpt:
Patches nudged Mr. Spats to wake him up, but the small cat only purred louder and rolled over. Annoyed, the rabbit thumped his back foot against the table hard, the sound echoing through the room. Startled, the cat sat up and looked at the bunny quizzically.

Pushing with his nose, Patches nudged Mr. Spats over to the edge of the table. The cat gave the rabbit an annoyed look and jumped to the floor, looking over his shoulder at his furry companion, while swishing his tail from side to side. Patches joined his feline friend on the floor and started for the door.

Mr. Spats let out a disgruntled mew and sat down to lick the back of his paw. He was just considering extending his bath to include his face when the persistent bunny poked his head back around the door and thumped again. Burbling his discontent, the cat got up and followed.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

#CheckOut This #Awesome #Video!! :-)



Hey Everyone!!! :-)

Check out this awesome video Savannah Morgan created for some of the Author-4-Author members! :-)  If you watch to the end, you just might see someone who is familiar! ;-)  Comment below and let me know what you think. Do you like the music she picked?  I do! :-)

Thanks!!!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

#RRBC #Spotlight #BlogTour: Gwen Plano!! :-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)

The Rave Reviews Book Club is doing a Spotlight Blog Tour for Gwen Plano!  Take a moment to see what she has to say about writing and her book Letting Go Into Perfect Love. :-)













Gwen:
Writing is a way for me to better understand life. I process events, situations, and travails through writing—in a journal, on scattered pieces of paper, and on my computer. It is a meditation of sorts; the silence within the play of words opens doors and offers insight. Sometimes I can express in writing what I may have difficulty voicing.
When I started to write, Letting Go into Perfect Love, I was awakened in the early morning hours with scenes, faded by time. Pages of text accompanied these reveries and though I captured some of these glimpses of insight in my writing, others hid and waited—for yet another night. My crowded desk of post-it notes became my companion and sometimes friend.
This process, unexpected and bewitching, guided me through the corridors of my heart, where I wrestled with haunting flashbacks and elusive threads of connection. The years of abuse were long past and in tow—its numbness. I could feel again; and, the tears and gasps came and went—because they could.
One story after another unfolded, as sections from frayed journals and yellowed family photos came alive and spoke to me. The dramas that once controlled my life and held me captive were but ailing memories, soon to meet their demise. And as I gazed upon this human collage of struggles and apprehensions, I was humbled by another story that emerged.
I realized that my journey was everyone’s journey. I had thought I was alone.
And, so it is that I share the stories running through my heart, because ultimately, I hope we meet sometime--between the lines of scribble and the mysteries of life.

Author Bio:
Gwendolyn M Plano spent her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in New York, Connecticut and California. She has multiple academic degrees, including one in Theology and one in Counseling. Recently Gwen retired, and she now devotes herself to writing, travel, volunteer work, and her beautiful grandchildren.

Book Link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7WYTW6/

Find Gwen online!
Twitter: @gmplano
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GwendolynMPlano
Website: www.gwenplano.com

Saturday, July 11, 2015

#Guess Who's On The #GuestList! :-)



Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've been working on the story about Roni and Uaine's wedding and coronation, and guess who showed up for the party???? And it looks like they're up to their old antics, too! ;-)

Excerpt from Jillian's Short Story:
He stepped forward, crowding her, intimidatingly. "Do you like what you see?"

Giving him a naughty smirk, Cassie leaned forward and took his nipple between her teeth. Rolling her eyes up, so that she could see his face, she bit down gently.

Cadeyrn inhaled sharply and his hand shot up to grab her hair at the base of her skull.  He held her head close to his body. "Harder," he demanded.

Watching his expression closely, she complied, slowly increasing the pressure of her bite. When he tightened his grip on her hair and she felt moisture as his cock jerked against her belly, where it was pinned between them, she released the grip she had with her teeth and began to lave the abused nub with her tongue. He shuddered against her in ecstasy.


Just in case you missed it, you can find the first chapter of this story here: First Chapter Of Jillian's Short Story.  If you're wondering who Cassie and Cadeyrn are check out their story, Taken By The Huntsman, which is now available through Kindle Unlimited! :-)  Thank you all for reading!!! 

Thursday, July 9, 2015

#BeKind To Your #Skin :-)


Hey Everyone! :-)

A very nice lady who I met on Facebook has found a product called NeriumAD that she's very passionate about. I've invited her here today to tell you about it. :-)

Patches:
Jeff Olson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FOWhAc7njA
staci_at_the_bay.nerium.com

&
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nerium-At-The-Bay-NW-WA-Independent-Brand-Partner-Nerium-International/695440880589208

&

It's not too early to get your face looking its best . Check out ‪#‎NeriumAD‬!http://b.nerium.it/staci_at_the_bay

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

#GuestBlog By Elizabeth Horton-Newton: #Book #Writer #Blues














Hey Everyone!! :-)

Elizabeth Horton-Newton has joined us today to tell us about her thoughts on being an author. Take it away Elizabeth! :-)

Elizabeth:
I published my first book on October 18, 2014. I remember much the way I remember my children’s birthdays. Every day I would eagerly check to see how many books had sold and if I had any reviews. Going was slow. Did I say slow? Sloths move faster than my sales did. I confess to a degree of discouragement. It wasn’t that I thought I would find myself on the NY Times Best Seller List, but I certainly expected more than one or two books being purchased daily.

Perhaps I was overly optimistic. After all, I knew next to nothing about self publishing. I had stumbled onto the Createspace site by accident and maneuvered my way through it clumsily. In retrospect it is funny. My awkward attempts at designing a book cover, my dreadful editing, and my myriad errors glare at me now.

As sales began to trickle in, so did reviews. Many of my early reviews mentioned the terrible editing. I took the criticisms to heart and re-edited the book. I’m sure there are still mistakes in there. But it is better. Amazingly I got some very good reviews. Some readers overlooked the editing and glowingly reviewed the story. That gave me hope. However the sales were still dribbling in. I tried a variety of measures. I offered free books on Amazon giveaways and my own blog giveaways, I set up a Goodreads giveaway, I posted on every social media site I could. The result was drip, drip, drip.

Meanwhile I was working on my second book, “Riddle”. It was quite different from “View…” and I thought that might make it more popular. I found a fabulous book cover designer on Fiverr. I had used her to design a book trailer for “View..” and had been very pleased with her work. I was ecstatic with my new book cover. I not only carefully edited the new manuscript myself but I had my husband and my sister read over it as well. Surely it was perfect. On June 15, 2015 I did a Facebook Book Launch. I had learned a few things from my previous experience.

“View..” continued to plod along. “Riddle” looked as though it was doing okay. Still no overwhelming rush to Amazon to buy it, but it was early in the game. Then two days ago something inexplicable happened.

Sales of “View From the Sixth Floor” went crazy. Okay, I don’t mean hundreds. In about 24 hours I sold 21 copies and over 600 were downloaded in Kindle Unlimited. What did I do? What clicked? “Riddle” wasn’t doing too badly. Certainly it was selling slowly but over 1700 people had downloaded it using Unlimited.

I have a couple of theories. One is that my Amazon Author Page now has two books listed. Secondly, I had done a lot of promoting with “Riddle”. It was very likely those promos carried over to my first book. However, it could be nothing more than hitting the right group of people at the right time.

So, if you are an indie writer, struggling to find an audience for your books, don’t be discouraged. Read your reviews. There may be hints there that tell you why your book isn’t doing as well as you hoped. Set up Facebook pages for yourself as an author and for your book as well. Start a blog and chat up your book, review books by other indie writers, set up giveaways. Make sure your book is on Goodreads and use all the opportunities for promoting they offer. Most importantly, don’t give up. If you are doing what you’ve always wanted, if you are fulfilling a dream, press on.

Connect with other indie authors and share suggestions. We are all in this challenge together. Indie support is the best kind of support you can get.

http://www.amazon.com/View-From-Sixth-Floor-Oswald-ebook/dp/B00NPCZW6W

http://www.amazon.com/Riddle-Elizabeth-Horton-Newton-ebook/dp/B0100NPW1S

http://www.elizabethhorton-newtonauthor.com/

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

#Breaking #News!! :-)














Hey Everyone!! :-)

I have finally been able to start writing the short story that will cover Roni and Uaine's wedding and coronation.  I know, I know, it's about time, right?!? So what does this mean?  Good question!  Well, for one, things are pretty crazy in my life right now, so I might not be able to write without interruption until this story is done.  But I'll do my best. :-)  Secondly, I'll probably not be as present on social media.  I know, I know! I suck. But there are only so many hours in the day.  I'll do my level best to get this story ready for all of you as soon as I can, but I can't make any promises.  I'll also try to post updates here on my blog (with sneak peeks! ;-) ) at least once a week, but again, no guarantees.  You'll all just have to stay tuned to find out what happens! I hope you'll think it's worth the wait. ;-)  In the meantime, here's the first chapter.  It's not edited (so yes, there will probably be mistakes), and it is definitely subject to change, but hopefully this will give you a hint of what to expect. :-)


Chapter One

Jillian had a bad feeling. Her eyes searched through the crowd assembled in the throne room of the Summer Court; her gaze flitting from one Fae to the next, searching for some clue as to the source of the threat. For days she had stood quietly behind the queen, as Briallen welcomed the dignitaries who had traveled from all over Fairie to witness the wedding and coronation of Roni and Uaine. It wasn't every day that new rulers assumed control of one of the Season Courts

Once the young people were properly crowned, they would ascend to the throne of the Summer Court, and Briallen would step down. Never had Briallen looked more regal than she did now, as she fought through her grief to formally represent the Summer Court for the last time. Jillian's heart broke for her queen, even as her trepidation built.

What truly maddened Jillian was that she couldn't identify the source of her unease. Ever since her encounter with the goddess, her instincts seemed to have been heightened. At times, it seemed as though she could tell what would happen before it came to pass. She was still learning how to use this new ability, but she knew that ignoring a gift from the goddess was never wise. Right now, every instinct in her was screaming that something was wrong.

Taking a deep breath, Jillian reached into the bag that hung over her shoulder to pet the rabbit who sat patiently inside. The feel of Patches' soft fur under her hand calmed her, as it always did. Her sweet bunny friend, sensing her disquiet, nuzzled her fingers in an attempt to reassure her. Unfortunately, in spite of Patches' best efforts, Jillian's feeling of foreboding persisted without abatement.

She continued to seek a hint as to what direction the peril might strike from by observing the crowd. Jillian noted that the Erlking and his Anamchara, Cassie, had finally arrived. The presence of Fairie's Huntsman gave her some comfort; a Fae would have to be bold indeed, and foolhardy, to instigate trouble in the presence of the goddess's own enforcer. Still, Jillian couldn't escape the feeling that something bad was going to happen.

Her attention was caught as Ankou, the king of the Winter Court, approached Briallen and nodded to the queen. Jillian marveled at how strong the king looked, in spite of all of his loss. A lesser Fae would have long since decided to allow themselves to fade, but Ankou appeared as solid and powerful as ever. The thought of his long eons of existence gave even Jillian, who had lived for tens of thousands of years, pause. As she observed the large male moving through the throng of Fae around the throne, her heart ached for the mantle of sorrow that surrounded him.

Shaking herself from her reverie about the Winter king, Jillian tried to focus on the niggling feeling at the back of her mind, and identify just what was causing it. With so many gathered to celebrate Roni and Uaine's union, a premonition of danger couldn't be dismissed. She shook her head, it was no good, any Fae with enough status to be invited to such an important event would have long since learned to control their reactions. Perhaps if she withdrew and sought some quiet for meditation, then clarity would follow.

Just as Jillian turned away to find the desired solitude, she was approached by Angelica, the head of the largest of the Pixie villages, and so by default, the representative of the Pixies. "Greetings Jillian, you look pensive," said the tiny Fae as she hovered in front of Jillian's face on wings beating as fast as a humming bird's.

"Angelica, welcome," Jillian nodded to the winged female, "I hope the Pixies are pleased with the new trade agreements."

Angelica gave her a predatory smile. "Oh, they'll do for now. But what could be causing you to look so serious on such a happy occasion?"

"Do I look serious?" Hedged Jillian. She made a mental note to control her face better, now was not the time to show weakness to outsiders.

"Oh, I think you know you do," the Pixie gave her a sharp look, "and I think I know why, as well."

Jillian just raised an eyebrow and looked at Angelica. The delicate Fae's tiny face betrayed nothing.

"Do you think it is only the high-Court Fae who are capable of smelling trouble in the air?" Angelica gave the Sidhe a bitter look. "We lesser Fae have noses as sharp as yours, my lady," she added, the honorific thrown in ironically.

Jillian's second eyebrow joined the first, just below her hair line. "I never suggested that you don't, and the only one calling you 'lesser', Angelica, is you. If you have knowledge of danger brewing, then by all means, speak up."

"Ah yes, how could I have forgotten? It is a new day with a new regime," she cut a contemptuous glance towards Uaine and Roni standing near the queen, "about to rise. The past is now over, and we are all one Court once again. Not all of us forget centuries of injustice so easily, Jillian."

Grimacing, Jillian acknowledged the truth, "Ithel's behavior was inexcusable, but he is dead, and his vision for the Summer Court died with him. The goddess made her judgment known, and the wise will do their best to abide by it. The past may not be forgotten, but we cannot change what was done. All we can do is make the future better."

Sighing, Angelica crossed her arms over her chest. She looked down, and then back up and cocked her head to the side. "Perhaps. We shall see. Your prince and his mate will be under close scrutiny, I hope you know that."

"Our prince and our princess are well aware that they have much work to do to heal the Court of past hurts. Is that the trouble you spoke of?"

Flipping her lilac hair over her shoulder, the Pixie gave Jillian a sly look. "No," she floated over to settle on Jillian's shoulder, "I have reason to believe that the prince and the princess may not live long enough to be king and queen," she whispered into Jillian's ear.

Jillian gave Angelica a sharp look out of the corner of her eye. "Why would you believe such a thing?"

"There have been whisperings. You must know that Deirdra's family is not pleased with her fate."

"That is hardly a revelation," said Jillian, thinking of how the Elf female had been killed by the spell she tried to use to kill Roni.

"No, of course not, and you don't truly believe they will not retaliate, do you?"

Jillian fought to conceal how startled she was by the thought. "The goddess herself has bestowed her protection on the princess, and her blessing on the royal wedding. Are Deirdra's relatives foolish enough to challenge the goddess?"

Angelica snorted. "Not directly, of course, that would be suicide. But you know perfectly well there are always loop-holes in any magic. All they need do is find one."

"Do you have specific knowledge of any such plots, or is this merely speculation?"

The Pixie gave Jillian a smug look, as she lifted off of the Sidhe's shoulder to once again hover before the larger Fae's eyes. "Why don't we go somewhere more private to discuss the matter?"

Jillian gave the Pixie a searching look and then nodded. "If you'll follow me...?"

Monday, July 6, 2015

Ice By Jessica Wren #Free For A #LimitedTime!! :-)

Hi Everyone!! :-)

Today Jessica Wren is joining us with an exciting announcement about her novel Ice! :-)

Jessica:



Free
July 5-9. Ice is a paranormal crime thriller about a small town under siege by a drug cartel. http://www.amazon.com/Ice-Jessica-Wren-ebook/dp/B00O1CCAU6/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1436141663&sr=1-6&keywords=ice&pebp=1436141672397&perid=0350J5X6EBCXAMWB6J7J

Description:
In Minterville, Georgia, the residents live in relative seclusion, partly to keep crime out of their small, tranquil community, and partly to prevent the world from finding out about The Minter, a form of telepathy that interconnects them and gives them a sense of unity.
Then The Minter, which cannot function in the presence of evil, stops working. Mayor Tom Watson suspects that two families who had recently moved to town have ties to Manuela Escribano (known as the Ice Queen), a prolific drug lord who, unbeknownst to the rest of Minterville, has a deadly score to settle with Tom.
No one, including Tom, has any idea how deep the Manuela's desire for revenge runs, until one Friday morning, twenty women disappear. When Manuela sends in a video detailing her diabolical plot to get revenge against Tom and the community that has harbored him for thirty years, Minterville must come together as one to rescue the women before time runs out. They must act quickly, or innocent people will die and their beloved community (and along with it, The Minter) will be destroyed forever.

About the Author:
Jessica Wren is a psychological-thriller writer from a city in Georgia that is famous for its sand gnats (known locally as 'tiny flying sharks'). She wishes to share her infinite wisdom and life experience, as she knows everything about being a cop, a lawyer, a drug dealer, a serial killer, a teenage boy, and every other known identity.
She gives top-notch professional advice on her blog about writing by which she consistently fails to abide.
Her other talents include finding that super-convenient parking space in a busy parking lot that somehow got overlooked, helping others overcome their fear of lotus seed pods, and making up song parodies for every imaginable situation.
She is the nagging wife of Patrick since 2006 and the hovering helicopter mother of Rachel.
Jessica's ultimate dream is to retire to a one-room shack with 20 cats, where she will sit on the porch and shout "Get out of my yard!" while swinging a broom at anyone who happens to pass by.

About Author Promo Co-op:
Jessica is also the co-founder of Author Promo Co-op, a group dedicated to author networking and cross-promotion. There are groups on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605983442956270/permalink/1660690394152241/) and Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/153603-author-promo-co-op). Our mission is to get the word out about each other's books through tweets, posts, blog-sharing, and the like to create a "viral effect." We also feature six authors a month, one for each of the six major genres, plus a seventh bonus book. Our blog page is authorpromocoop.blogspot.com if you care to keep up with the latest happenings.

If you would like to reach Jessica, she can be found on Twitter @wrennovels, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Jessicawrennovels?ref=aymt_homepage_panel), Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23299238-ice), and lurking in your worst nightmares with tiny flying sharks if you don't download your free copy of Ice (ahem). Her Amazon author page is here: http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Wren/e/B00O6YD61Q/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 and she also welcomes emails anytime jessicawrennovels@hotmail.com.

Jessica would like to extend a huge thank you to Mistral Dawn for featuring her today.


You're very welcome, Jessica!! Thanks for joining us here at Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

Saturday, July 4, 2015

#Happy4thOfJuly!!! :-)


Hey Everyone!! :-)

Happy Fourth Of July!!! :-)  And to all of my fellow Americans, Happy Independence Day!! :-)  This is a day we traditionally use to kick back, relax, barbecue, and enjoy some fun in the sun.  But with all of the recent events, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on all of the things that make me grateful I live in the time and place that I do.  America has, from the beginning, been intended as a bastion of freedom. It is a country founded on the principles of liberty and self-determination.  The preamble to our Declaration of Independence explicitly states that we all, every one of us, have the right to pursue happiness in our own ways.  The very word 'independence' is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "freedom from outside control."  So what does this mean?

I know you all want to get back to your fireworks (;-) ), but I wanted to share something I hope you'll think about.  I am so grateful that I live in a time and place where, no matter who we are or what we believe, we are free to say what we want.  We can embrace each other, even as we vehemently disagree, and not only accept our differences, but celebrate them.  America is often referred to as a melting pot, and to an extent it is, but as any cook knows, every time you add an ingredient to a dish, you change it's overall composition.  Uniformity isn't what makes the United States great; tolerance, acceptance, and a willingness to learn and understand are.  Just ask a geneticist, variation is where strength lies.  A population without variation is a dying population.  So rejoice in the fact that we are all different, and that we all have the right to display that difference proudly.  After all, isn't that what freedom means? Now go have a fun and safe fourth!! :-)

Friday, July 3, 2015

Thanks! It's Been #Fun! :-)


Dear Readers,

As I'm sure all of you must be aware by now, last week the US Supreme Court announced their landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage across the United States.  I consider this a huge step forward towards achieving true equality in our society, and have been very vocal on social media about my support of this new law.  To date, I've received 23 emails from people informing me, with varying levels of vitriol, that they will no longer be purchasing or reading my stories.  

I certainly understand sincerely held beliefs, having many of my own, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank these individuals for taking the time to write to me, and for explaining their thoughts.  I always welcome all points of view, and I appreciate your past support and wish you all the best in the future.  To be honest, I believe your decisions are probably for the best, as I do not think you would enjoy the direction in which I will be taking my series.

I'm very sorry you feel the way you do, more sorry than you probably understand, though my sorrow has nothing to do with your lost patronage. It is not in me to fail to rejoice and celebrate when a significant portion of the population finally, after many years of struggle, gains a basic human right that had previously been denied to them.  The United States, the country that I was born in, have lived in all my life, and which I love, was built on the principles that all people are equal, that we are all endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  The Supreme Court's decision regarding same-sex marriage upholds those principles beautifully, and the only possible response for me is to laud it.  

As I said, I wish you all the best, and I fervently hope, someday, all of you are able to open your hearts to people who only want the same rights that so many of us take for granted.  Until then, thank you for everything, and it's been fun! :-)

Peace To My Sisters & Brothers Everywhere,
Mistral Dawn

Thursday, July 2, 2015

What Do You #Think? :-)



Hey Everyone!! :-)

As some of you may have noticed, I recently enrolled Taken By The Huntsman in the Kindle Unlimited program: Taken By The Huntsman On Amazon.  I did this as an experiment, to see how you all like it.  As you may, or may not, know, when a book is enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program, it has to be listed exclusively with Amazon.  So when I enrolled Taken By The Huntsman in the Kindle Unlimited program, I had to remove it from all other merchants.  So my question is: What's your opinion?  Would you like having my books available to you through Kindle Unlimited, or do you prefer to have a variety of options for where you can find them?  I'm not sure how long I'll leave Taken By The Huntsman in the Kindle Unlimited program, or if I'll ever enroll any of my other work in it.  It all depends on you. :-)

So, dear readers, please tell me what you would prefer.  Shoot me an email, leave your thoughts in the comments, or send a carrier pigeon. ;-)  But please let me know what you think, and if you would like to see my titles in the Kindle Unlimited program, then please tell your friends and family to download Taken By The Huntsman from Kindle Unlimited.  Right now I'm collating data, and a big part of my decision will be based on how successful Taken By The Huntsman is in Kindle Unlimited, so spread the word!! :-)  

Thank you all for your help and for being as awesome as you are!!!! :-)
Mistral