December, just in time

We made it to December--hard to believe.

And welcome to the Insecure Writers Support Group - we sure needed each other this year!

Have you accomplished your goals this year despite the pandemic? What changes have you made to your writing process/goals?

I thoroughly enjoyed our short Thanksgiving Break - I got a spurt of energy and time to write a few more chapters in the next Pop Travel novel. And I had fun playing games with my boys. I hope you all had a peaceful, yet exuberant Thanksgiving - if you live in the states =)  Really hoping things will turn more positive after the new year begins. So much loss and depression have been hard for many to overcome. Sending encouraging thoughts and virtual hugs! Hang in there!

I also found some time to enjoy Sherry Ellis's latest MG adventure: 

BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S MAYAN ADVENTURE

Here's a quick review:

Bubba and Squirt are in it again--The portal to another exciting place, that is! This brother-sister team make middle grade adventures fun again. They complement each other's skills and intellects in a good hearted way to solve this new Mayan mystery. The bonus is the hidden cultural facts and excellent recipes to try!

 

In other pleasant tidings... I sent some books to a Youtube Book-Tuber, The Tiny Book Dragon, and she mentioned my books in her Fall Book Haul video.

If you haven't watched a book-tuber, you should. They do a great job of talking about books with honest and enthusiastic reviews.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!

I'm ready to put this naughty 2020 to bed!

Sailing...takes me away!

How's your SUMMER READING going? Love having a little extra reading time! And today, I'm excited to share another review with you...

I give you the first novel in a fun cozy mystery series...

MURDER AT THE MARINA

by Ellen Jacobson

Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her clueless hubby presents her with a rundown boat. She's not impressed.

When she discovers someone murdered on board, things get even worse. Mollie hopes it will convince her husband to rethink his hare-brained scheme of sailing off into the sunset. Instead, he's more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set off to sea.

Poking her nose in where it doesn't belong, Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, eats way too many chocolate bars, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.

Will Mollie be able to discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?

Amazon ~~~ Goodreads

My Review...

Sailing, Murder, and Chocolate!

Murder at the Marina was a fun, quirky mystery set in a cozy sailing community where Mollie never expected to find herself. With a pocketbook full of sweets and an intuitive feline helper, Mollie leads us on a hilarious hunt for a killer with a motive and more chocolate. I was left guessing who the murderer could be right up to the end. Looking forward to Mollie's next mysterious misadventure!

Do you Want to Read More?

As a student, I did not like to read. **Gasp!**

This was mostly because books were forced upon me, and I like to do things my own way--I'm such a rebel.

But when I saw some cool fantasy covers in the store, I picked them up and read the backs. Imagine my mom's surprise and delight when I chose a couple of books to buy and read over the summer. Piers Anthony and his Split Infinity series got me hooked on reading.

Back then, we didn't have our phones to keep us occupied and connected to our friends 24-7. We didn't have 24-hour TV with thousands of shows and movies to stream. Reading used to be a great escape--it still is! But now with our faster paced, easy-access video entertainment society, reading is very low on the list of options. Even for me.

Source: Washington Post

I believe most people want to read more, but they have lots of excuses why they don't. After doing some research, the number one reason for people not reading is: "I don't have time."

What about you? Do you want to read more? I do!

But it takes self-discipline. Just like any improvement you want to make in your life--healthier eating, exercise more, have a better attitude, achieving your goals--you have to work at it and stick with it. If you do, the results will make you a better person, just not over night.

If you truly want to read more, you will have to make the time to do it. To make time, you will need motivation! Here are some Suggestions to Motivate Yourself to Read:

1. Read With a Friend - surely you have a friend who also wants to read more. Choose a book together. Knowing your friend is reading, you'll be more likely to read so you don't let each other down and will look forward to discussing it together.
2. Join a Book Club - If you are braver, open-minded, and eager for book suggestions, this is a wonderful way to connect with other readers and a great method to motivate you to get reading in time for the next meeting.
3. Set a Goal - Make your reading goal as big or small as you want, just make it reasonable. If you haven't read a complete book for a while, then your goal can be to read at least one book by the end of the summer, or even the end of the year. This will also help you gauge your time and interest when making future goals.
4. Keep Books Visible - Leave your book in a place you will see it frequently--kitchen counter, side table, night stand, bathroom!--and it will serve as a reminder to continue your story. If you ebook, put up a happy post-it or two. (Don't nag yourself!)
5. Set a Timer - use your phone to set a reminder: daily, every other day, weekly... at a time you should have free to take a break and read for a bit. Even if you can't, it will remind you that you want to read... like a chirp of encouragement.
6. Read Out Loud - to yourself, your kids or even your pet! Some people don't like the silence of reading. Reading out loud can help immerse you into the story--change your voice, really get into it! Others can't read unless they have silence, an escape from the chaos of life. Silliness or silence now and then are both great things, and reading can bring out both!

Reading gives you knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment. It exercises your brain in ways just watching videos cannot. I hope you will choose to make it a point to read more. And I'm with you!

BTW, Many of these suggestions can help accomplish other life improvements, too. Give it a try!

Lastly, when you aren't sure what to read, look for reviews!

I'm lucky to have lots of great writer friends that keep me reading with a long TBR list. I recently finished AND THEN YOU FALL by Heather M. Gardner, book 3 of the exciting Maguire's Corner romance series...

AND THEN YOU FALL, Maguire's Corner #3

Heather M. Gardner

Assistant Police Chief Bobby Maguire can handle any challenge. But between his stalker ex-girlfriend and a drug-dealing cult, it could prove too much for him. So it’s real bad timing when he gets propositioned by the intriguing new bartender.

Cassidy is excited to be the brew master of the new local bar in  Maguire’s Corner. Expecting nothing more than a momentary, albeit intoxicating fling with the infamous Bobby Maguire, she finds not only is her heart at risk, but her life as well.

When Bobby is accused of murder, a chain of events play out leaving him broken down, hollow, and raw, and the whole town is now in danger from the cult leader’s wrath. Will Bobby be able to save himself, help his family, and get the chance to prove to Cassidy he’s more than his reputation?

Here's my Review:

Another exciting, enticing love story blooms in Maguire’s Corner. This one stars the young, cassanova Bobby Maguire—handsome, heroic, and hard to catch. Until Cassidy comes to town. She’s opening a new brewery and everyone seems to know her except Bobby, but there is something about her, and there’s no denying the attraction.

Cassidy is excited to be returning to her hometown, as long as she can avoid the dark side of her past. And what a tempting surprise that her old crush has the hots for her. Not surprisingly, he’s still single. She’ll have to keep her emotions in check and be careful not to fall for him.

But fate always makes things difficult! And then you fall!

I wish you happy reading!

The #WritingCommunity is Priceless

Happy March & Happy IWSG Day!
I am so thankful for the writing community and all the great friends I've made from all over the world. No matter where we're from, we can chat and laugh and share our dreams without judgment--like we're at a virtual slumber party!

Last week, I posted a self evaluation quiz about phone addiction. I was happy to see responses similar to mine. Basically we use the phone as a tool of communication and information, but we could live without it if we had to. This is probably because older generations have lived without "smart" technology. And we need to pass that revelation on to future generations, so they don't turn into zombies... ha ha

One of the best uses for the internet has been connecting with other writers. The support, advice, and shared commiseration I've received from my online writer friends has been essential to me sticking with my writing. I'm especially grateful for the continued Insecure Writing Support Group "meetings" which keep me blogging at least once a month! Thanks, Alex!

My writer friends have been especially wonderful through this latest turn of events and helping me out with my Taking Back Beast World campaign...

The Disney/Pixar movie Onward, similarly set in my Beast World, comes out Friday. So far, the reviews are not good. I'm not sure how I feel about that... I'm not going to judge it--probably won't see it until it's free on Disney +. But it's rather disappointing. Like they've ruined it for me. It also makes me want to go to Dreamworks and offer my alternative (I'm researching it, soooo hard to get a pinky toe in the door, nevermind a foot!). For now, I'm going to finish out my campaign with the help of my wonderful friends, and hope Beast World gets noticed by more folks looking for an inspirational, relatable, comical, fantasy adventure!

Last week, Jemi Fraser left me a couple of fantastic reviews -- I saved announcing them for this week as that's my campaign topic the week.

Also this week, I'm so honored to be appearing at...

• Alex's infamous blog talking about Turning Books into Movies (3/4)
• C. Lee McKenzie's blog talking about Handling Teenage Troubles (3/5)

Finally, I want to give some back and tell you about a wonderful romance writer I know...

Elizabeth Seckman

She's got a fabulous new release!

ABOUT US
by Elizabeth Seckman

Hayden Matthews is trying to get as far away from love as possible. After wasting eight years in a failed marriage, she's ready for a nice, peaceful life where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.

Cam Vorelli has pined for Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart breaking, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn’t deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow much less be disloyal to his kin.

Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game changer.

Hayden knows leaving a husband like Tag, with a hot temper, a badge, and a gun will be tricky. She needs someone she can trust. Not looking for a romantic entanglement, she calls Cam, with her soon-to-be ex fearful of his former NFL cousin as a bonus.

Though Cam comes to her rescue with the purest of intentions, he won't deny fate if Hayden starts to feel the same for him...

And it's available NOW for FREE!

Kobo: FREE      Smashwords FREE       Amazon: 99 cents 

About the Author

Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people who are believers in happily-ever- after, true love, and stories with a bit of fun and twists with their plots. The mother of four young men, she tackles laundry daily and is the keeper of the kitchen. She lives along the shores of the Ohio River in West Virginia, but dreams daily of the beach.

Facebook/ Blog/ Website

You'll love her style. Take it from me.

Don't be afraid to ask your friends for help. 
We're all ready to be there for each other!

Hope your March is off to a Springy start!

Feedback is life

Welcome, IWSG-ers!

As a writer, we type away, drafting, editing, laughing, sobbing, pouring our hearts an souls into our stories. Then it comes time to push the little bird out of the nest and hope it flies! But before we let strangers see it, we need to know if we're doing it right. We need FEEDBACK!

Constructive Criticism and Honest Praise are essential elements to a writer. Here are some places to seek this valued commodity:

• Critique Partners - you read mine and I'll read yours and we'll give each other honest opinions and advice
• Beta Readers - not necessarily writers, but willing to read and give feedback
• Critique Groups - live meetings where everyone shares their stories seeking feedback
• Reviews - before and after publishing - serious stuff, just don't freak out over one- and two-star drivel. Those just show you've made it!

Whatever route you go, don't be afraid to ask for feedback. We only improve and expand our knowledge by listening to what others have to say (and using it or not as we see fit!)

Now here I offer a review of C. Lee McKenzie's latest release...

NOT GUILTY
by C. Lee McKenzie

A bloody knife. Wrong place, wrong time, and fits the description. Just like that, Devon's future is over.

How can he prove he's not guilty?

Intense emotion and connections grab you from the beginning. One fateful day everything changes for Devon -- the star of the basketball team about to snag a full scholarship to the college of his choice. And it all happens so fast, accused, tried, and convicted of stabbing one of his arch enemies. But he didn't do it, and no one will listen.

At first, it was hard to take all the negative things piled one on top of the other to the point of hopelessness. But then Devon's devastation opened him up to a whole new world. He had to deal with what happened and gained new friends and a new perspective. Plus a few twists neither one of us expected!

AMAZON   B&N   KOBO   SMASHWORDS   GOODREADS 

Books * Website

Check it out!

How to generate #buzz for your books!

I'm no expert on this subject, but I know if you keep trying, squeaking, honking, waving your arms, and shouting--eventually you'll get noticed! I'm looking for more and better ways to do that, and for this month's IWSG post, I want to share with you what I found...

When you're ready to release your book, Bookbub.com has a great checklist to help you get started. I condensed it and added a few of my own tidbits. The full list is here.

1. Recruit helpers! Other writers, book bloggers, family, friends, anyone willing. These folks can help with a COVER REVEAL and on RELEASE DAY and with a RELEASE TOUR - whether in person or online.
2. Prepare yourself. Have a great SYNOPSIS/BLURB, compelling QUOTES from your book and from reviewers, up-to-date BIO and SOCIAL MEDIA HEADERS, and swell SWAG for GIVEAWAYS
3. Seek Book Buzzers! We all know reviews are imperative, but they can be hard to get! I follow Reedsy, and recently they gave some great advice on CREATING BOOK BUZZ!
• Build relationships with these important book buzzers. And start as soon as possible! Follow, like, watch, comment--which means you need to choose people you connect with, who would be a good fit for your book, and who are active online.
• Here's a list of Review Book Bloggers
• Here's a list of BOOKTUBERS!
• For example, check out the 4 booktubers I subscribed to after watching a slew. They're spunky, insightful, active, and love to read!
• Becca and the Books            Hardback Hoarder
• Jadeyrae Reads                     Tiny Book Dragon
4. Create Extras: take SPECIAL BOOK PICS, tie in items readers can use like COLLECTIONS, KNICK KNACKS, HOBBIES, RECIPES--in WINDY HOLLOW I made up a GAME. Take vids or pics of yourself or make MEMEs for your characters or quotes, and if you can, make a BOOK TRAILER. These are great for PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, and GIVEAWAYS
5. Plan GIVEAWAYS, POSTS, SIGNINGS, LIVE CHATS, and fun CHALLENGES
6. Don't Forget - THANK all your helpers and buzzers & ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!

And I'm very excited to have ELLEN JACOBSON - she's releasing a tasty, cozy mystery... and she's a great example of how an author can generate BUZZ!

Poisoned by the Pier—A Cozy Mystery for Serious Chocolate Addicts 

One of the things the readers of the Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery series often say is, “Boy, Mollie sure does eat a lot of chocolate!” It’s true, she does. She always has a bag of chocolate in her purse and she’s constantly stopping by Penelope’s Sugar Shack bakery for brownies.

I try to live vicariously through Mollie’s chocolate consumption. These days, when you’re a woman of a {ahem} certain age like me, it’s a constant battle between chocolate cravings and trying to keep your tummy from resembling a muffin top. I’ve been trying not to eat as many sugary treats these days and when I get a craving for some M&M’S or a chocolate cupcake, I write it into a scene instead of succumbing to temptation. At least I try to. Sadly, I’m not always successful.

In my latest book, Poisoned by the Pier, Mollie’s husband, Scooter, tries to convince her that they should eat healthier. She’s not buying it. In fact, she thinks the media is trying to cover up the fact that eating multiple chocolate bars on a daily basis is good for you.

I had a lot of fun writing the passage below.

What about you? Do you love chocolate and sugary treats like Mollie and I do? If you want to find out more about how Mollie copes with going on a diet while solving a murder mystery, grab a copy of Poisoned by the Pier. Details below.

Poisoned by the Pier Now Available!

Poisoned by the Pier, the third book in the Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery series, is now available in ebook, paperback, and large print.

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google Play

When Mollie's husband signs the two of them up for an extreme diet, she's not amused. When someone ends up poisoned by a cake, things get even worse.

While she tries to identify the killer, Coconut Cove’s annual boating festival is in full swing. In between getting ready for her first sailing race and cheating on her diet, Mollie and her cat, Mrs. Moto, uncover clues, interview suspects, and do their best to avoid rutabagas.

Can Mollie nab the killer before someone else is poisoned?

If you like quirky characters, adorable cats, and plenty of chocolate, you'll love this cozy mystery. Pick up a copy of Poisoned by the Pier and laugh out loud from the first page to the last. 

New to the Series?

If you're new to the series, you might want to start with Murder at the Marina. Now is the perfect opportunity as the ebook is on sale for 99c/99p for a limited time.

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google Play

About the Author

Ellen Jacobson lives on a sailboat with her husband and an imaginary cat named Simon. When she isn't working on boat projects or seeking out deserted islands, she writes cozy mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy stories.

Connect with Ellen: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Blog
Sign up for: her newsletter

I just downloaded the first book, MURDER AT THE MARINA

Perfect read for my Florida vacay! Excited to read the whole series!

One more thing, the WINDY HOLLOW Release Blog Tour marches on...

7/3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - IWSG Day - Fantasy Movies
7/4 - Tonja Drecker - Independence Day! - Kids in Books

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! (Upgraded)

Last bits & pieces...
My newsletter also came out today - there's a great picture of my visit with Christine Rains!
And thanks, S.A. Larsen! She featured Windy Hollow in her latest newsletter.

Thanks for making it to the end of this loooong post! Stay cool!

Try Something New - #Writers do more than write

I write adventure stories. I like action, suspense, and surprises. I encourage people to go out and do, to make life an adventure!

I also say: "the way to get noticed is to put yourself out there," which I know most of us hate doing.

So here's my advice, Take Baby Steps.
Trying new things might seem intimidating. So dip your toes in and test the water to see if you like it. Then, gradually go deeper... Or dive right in and make a splash. It's up to you!

Here's a list of things I encourage writers to try with small starts:

• Make a Video - Don't worry. You don't have to be a star or an actress.
• Starting Small - a slide show is easy to convert to a video. Experiment with easy, free movie making apps with captions and transitions, free/royalty free images and music. Before you know it, you have a book trailer! You might enjoy it and move on to bigger things...
• Film yourself reading an excerpt (TIP: be aware of your background!)
• Do a book review for a friend
• Make a scripted advice video
• More things to try: a Podcast or Vlog
• Self Publishing - This takes a lot of work and money, but if done right can be very profitable.
• Starting Small - there are many free publishing venues to try. Short stories and novellas are a great place to start with trying out the process. Two things you should splurge on: Cover and Editing (unless you are friends with an editor and you can trade services) Once you've experimented with a small publication, you can...
• Try a novel!
• Collaborate on an Anthology
• Compile some short stories
• Book Events - I always encourage authors to get out and represent your books.
• Starting Small - First, attend an event as a reader and see what it's all about, get ideas, meet authors, and get advice--build up confidence. Then try local libraries, bookstores, and free book fairs. Work your way up to...
• Bigger Book Festivals
• Book Conferences
• Vendor Events
• Conventions
• You'll be talking on an author panel before you know it!

So get out there and try stuff! Been there, done that? Share some of your advice!

And here's one of my adventurous friends for my Shout Out of the Week!

Patricia Lynne/Patricia Josephine

Patricia is a Michigander and transplant Yooper––that means she can hold her hands up and point to where she lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She's always been creative--starting with wanting to be a dancer, then an artist, and also a musician, in band all through school.

While at Grand Valley State College, she found out being an Art major wasn't for her, but she did learn a ton in her classes and met her hubby in an anime chat room, DragonBall Z. PS, she's a big anime geek.

She loves to cook, makes jewelry and knits--she even sold her wares at local craft shows. And add decorating to her list of talents. But once she tried writing a story she'd been daydreaming about, she never looked back. She even ventured into self-publishing. This woman isn't afraid to try new things!

You can find links to Patricia's books here.

And connect with her...

AND HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

8 Ways to Get Kids to Read Your Book

I can't say I'm an expert on selling kids' books, but I do know kids. As a teacher and parent, I've spent a great deal of time with crazy daisies and funny bunnies! I know what they like and what they dislike (probably wouldn't like that I call them crazy daisies and funny bunnies!). No matter the fad of the week or the generation, kids are kids are kids. They love to crow and grow and go.

As an author of MG and YA, kids reading my books is what keeps me going. The feedback I get from my young readers is heartwarming and inspirational. The trouble is, how to get books into those little hands! So here's some advice that works...

How to Get Kids to Read Your Book:

1. Set up a School Visit - You have to go where kids are. Contact schools and offer a presentation or lesson. Schools are the number one promoters of reading. Go motivate those students! If they like you, they'll want your book.
2. Do a Library Visit or Reading - Many libraries are happy to host an author. Donate copies of your book. The more visibility you get, the more folks will want to spread the word to read your stuff!
3. Coordinate a Bookstore Signing with your visits! - Now that you have their interest, tie these visits together with a book signing. The hard part is hoping the kids will remember and persuade their parents to bring them to the signing.
4. Sign up for a Presentation at a Children’s Book Fair - Many book fairs have a special day or section set up just for kids' presentations and activities. I've done many of these and always sell books from them (suggestions for presentations will be another post coming soon!) 
5. Be part of a Family-Friendly Vending Event - And have some candy or fun giveaways to attract kids that go with your book, like these fun hand sanitizers:
   
6. Host a Signing Party - I try to have my release parties at fun places kids will be: like at an ice cream shop or a kids' boutique. I'm thinking of hosting my next party at a pizza parlor.
7. Write an MG SERIES - One book is good, but a series will give kids an easy go to for their next read! A series is a great way to keep your name in the front of readers' minds as they look forward to more from you.
8. Be Funny! - If you can make a kid laugh, you'll capture their heart. They'll see you in a new light. Laughter is a connection. When you make someone laugh, it shows you get them--you know what they like, how they think. And if you can do that, they'll want to laugh some more and read your books!

Bonus - Get to know Children’s Book Reviewers. Reviews are important parts of the publishing and marketing process. Lots of lists are out there, and though many of the book bloggers have extensive reading lists, keep trying!

If you’re lucky, you’ll get an awesome video review like this one from my SHOUT OUT OF THE WEEK:

TONJA DRECKER!

Tonja is AWESOME, isn't she? She's also brilliant! She spent some time in Europe not only devouring chocolate, cheese and wine, but also worked as a freelance translator and a summary writer for a German television station. How lucky am I that she was able to help me translate some German phrases in my latest Beast World novel, WINDY HOLLOW?? She's amazing!

Currently, Tonja resides somewhere in the back woods of the Ozarks and writes away while tending to chickens, cows and her family of six. Her stories have been published in several collections and magazines. A GLOWWORM was published by Black and White Publishing Company (2017). She's an avid book reader, professional children's book reviewer, outdoor addict and always in search of a new adventure (based in reality, the imagination, or otherwise).

But the best part - I happened to catch her right as she's about to be published! Her debut novel MUSIC BOXES is a slightly dark middle grade urban fantasy about a girl and her ballet dreams with hints toward Hansel and Gretel (just as dash) as well as Coraline. It's scheduled to be released on February 5th, 2019 with Dancing Lemur Press!

Congratulations, Tonja!


Summer's been a blast (of hot air!) Hope you all are ready for Fall. I sure am!

Beastly News and Video Reviews!!

Another break in the CRADLE ROCK Release Party action!
I have so much to share today!

When you think of bookworms, you probably think of shy, little, glasses-wearing, cuteness like this:

Well, Tonja Drecker with her Kidbits bookworm is now beasting up, creating video reviews! I was lucky enough that she had time to review CRADLE ROCK, and she did a fabulous job! Check it out!!

Talk about stepping out of the library and jumping off the page! She's awesome!!
NOTE: the perfect gift you can give a published writer is a REVIEW!

Now, check out these awesome HoPs and Giveaways!

• Sheena Kay is hosting a Thank You Giveaway, continuing through January 6! She's appreciating her friends, old and new, by giving away a free book of your choosing. Stop by and join the fun!
• Chrys Fey is hosting the I Survived Blog Hop January 20 to go with her series TSUNAMI CRIMES which will be on sale!
• Finally, Patricia Lynne has all sorts of goodies! 
• She's part of a reader/author blog hop hosted by her blog group, Story Dam called New Year, New Reads - This is a fun and useful blog hop for authors to promote their books and offer them on sale for 99cents AND for readers to use their shiny new gift cards from Christmas on these good deals. On New Year's Day - January 1!
• PLUS she's releasing an extraordinary new book with this alluring cover!

ABDUCTED LIFE

by Patricia Josephine

Savannah Janowitz’s perfect life was destroyed the night she and her boyfriend vanished without a trace. When she reappears a year later––alone––she’s a shell of her former self. Robbed of her popularity and her boyfriend, she has no memory of what happened to her. Savannah struggles to move forward as strange, new abilities manifest.

Evan Sullivan never gave extra-terrestrials much thought until the night he and Savannah were abducted. While Savannah’s memory was wiped clean, he remembers every horrific detail. Constantly reminded of the experiments that made him less than human, Evan hides in the shadows and watches Savannah rebuild her life without him.

But neither can let the other go. When their paths cross, Savannah and Evan finally see a glimmer of their old lives return. As they face what happened to them, they soon discover they aren’t safe. There’s more to fear than what’s hiding in the stars.

Connect with Patricia!

Goodreads -- Website -- Twitter -- Google+ -- youtube

And now, back to our scheduled CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY!!

My two live December events went very well. I appreciate all who turned out!
LESSON LEARNED: With this being my 4th release party, it becomes clearer who the true book reading fans are, not just friends supporting me on a new venture. This revelation helps me understand myself as a writer. Very positive and eye-opening!

We've had a great turnout so far! Thanks for visiting the stops!

Today, and the rest of the month, here's where I'll be...

12/19	Christine Rains	Hiking Faux Pas
12/19	Alex J. Cavanaugh	Beast vs Monster - terminology
12/21	Ann Noser	CR Quotes
12/21	Heather M. Gardner	Discrimination - no joke
1/4	Ken Rahmoeller	Dragons
1/4	L. Diane Wolfe	Marketing Tips - Live & Online
1/9	C Lee McKenzie	Grownup Stereotypes
1/11	M. J. Fifield	Crazy Road Trip
1/25	Crystal Collier	Poetry & Songs in Stories on Writerly Wed

And don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Epic #Fantasy, Sequels, and Passwords

Week 5!

Even more THANK YOUS to my blog tour hosts from last week, MJ Fifield and Patricia Lynne!

Here's where I'm off to This Week, Oct 12 - 16:

• Tyrean Martinson - guest post (10/13) - Sequels: Pros & Cons
• Tonja Drecker - Lazy Housewife post - The Password Game

**All my helpers will get a surprise from me and be entered in a raffle for a $20 gift card! They're so awesome! I hope you check them out.

And speaking of MJ, I FINALLY finished EFFIGY!
It took a long time because I'm a slow reader and have very little time to read. But I stuck with it because it was fabulous! I gave it 5 whole-hearted stars. And here's my review:

If you like Game of Thrones, Effigy will steal your heart. Queen Haliene is strong and determined, even when her perfect life is ripped away and she's sent to a living hell in an arranged marriage to a despicable devil. She carries on only to protect her people from him. She has more to live for when hope sneaks into her window, but more trouble too.

Effigy is composed of beautiful prose, intense drama, and gripping suspense, plus deep and passionate characters. I absolutely adored this book and cant wait for the next one! Finally a woman joins the ranks of Jordan & Martin!!

And don't forget the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a good week, everybody!

PS - I think I'm going to sign up for the List Blog Hop. Bish Denham came up with this fun hop to celebrate eight years of blogging. I found it at Alex J Cavanaugh's who is helping co-host. He says it’s beyond simple - and it's about lists! How can I not?

The rules are:
Sign up, grab the banner and make a list.
Keep your list to between 5 and 25 items. You can list whatever you feel like (except for adult type content.)
Post on October 26 and visit fellow participants.
That’s it!

Five Reasons to Lower Your Expectations

Happy Friday! Make sure you Celebrate the Small Things with Vikki and friends with her weekly hop! I don't always have a chance to participate every week, but I'm jumping in today! Here's what I'm celebrating:

• I love November - my birthday month!
• I made it through my first week in my new job
• I had a great time visiting my grandma last weekend and hanging out with Elizabeth Seckman at another a nice little bookfair =)
• I have gotten some chapters done on Cradle Rock, but as expected, I have slowed down with the start of my new job - hope to get more done this weekend!

And now, I'm very excited to bring new buzz to Broken Branch Falls!

Tonja Drecker at Kidbits is posting a review today (that's something to celebrate too!)


Finally, here are Five reasons to lower your expectations...

1. Not everyone thinks the same way we do, others have different priorities - don't expect to come first, things that are important to you may not be to others
2. When you accomplish something, people will be happy for you, but don't expect them to throw you a party because they're secretly jealous
3. Things go wrong - expect the worst, hope for the best, and do what you can - you'll never be disappointed
4. Don't expect the bad things in life won't to happen to you. Generalizations apply to everyone:
• your spouse - we forget things, take each other for granted, and don't always communicate well
• your kids - they go through the phases
• your co-workers - they have their own lives and problems you have no idea about
• and especially ourselves - getting old sucks
5. We all have bad days - don't expect to save the world, it's okay if not everything you wanted to get done gets done today

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Ways to find encouragement

#1 - Join in the Insecure Writers Support Group the first Wednesday of each month!
You can use IWSG to give or receive support. Today, I'm going both ways. I'm using the whole post to offer ways to find encouragement. But, I could also use some advice...

I feel I need to reach out to find some fans, since the genres I write are, well, out there. So, I'm going to my first Sci-Fi Con and I'm a little apprehensive. I think this calls for a round of good v. bad:

• It's going to be huge! that's good
• It's going to be full of hardcore sci-fi fans! that's scary
• There are lots of celebrities going - that's good
• There are lots of gory/horror-type sponsors - that's scary
• It's close, and inexpensive, and my friend is coming with me - that's great!
• I don't know if I'll sell anything - that's normal

So, if any of you all have been to a Comic-Con or Sci-Fi Con as a guest or as a seller, please give me some advice on what to expect and what to do or not do...

And I'm especially excited to have the support of ALEX, the founder of IWSG! Today, I'm at his most prestigious blog! I'm so lucky!! I'll be addressing the age old question: Sci Fi/Fantasy - Why are they smushed into one genre?

#2 - Give and you shall receive
This advice works in so many ways!

• when you comment at someone else's blog, you usually get comments back
• when you host others at your blog, they are apt to offer you a spot at theirs
• review and be reviewed, interview and be interviewed, tweet and be tweeted, etc

Speaking of reviews and offers...
Friday, S.K. Anthony has graciously offered to let me come over. And I'll be talking about MORE Ways to Encourage each other - with links to regular goal-setting and updating and feedback opportunities! I hope you'll stop by.

In the meantime, while on vacation I finished KINETIC by S.K. Anthony! Happy coincidence, right?

Here, I give my review:
Annie is a deceptive, petite flower with a powerful punch! She and the rest of the Luminaries work together, using their powers to protect the weak, all except Annie's ex-husband who's gone rogue. Annie is also the subject of her hot boss's affections, though she's not ready to return the feeling. Things get intense when her ex comes back with unbelievable explanations and accusations. Annie doesn't know who to trust. I thoroughly enjoyed the complicated relationships, the twisty, suspenseful plot, and the dynamic characters. Ms. Anthony does an excellent job with this playful, romantic, urban fantasy thriller - it reminded me of Evanovich. Looking forward to the next one!

AND I received three outstanding reviews from:

Christine Rains

Nicki Elson

Sarah Foster

#3 - Host a Giveaway or Blogfest
A giveaway brings support from all over - friends you know, new friends to meet, and promotions, to boot!

Now that it's August - I need to congratulate the winners of my Broken Branch Falls July Giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Rachel Schieffelbein - signed copy of Broken Branch Falls

Marcy S Hatch - Beastly Bracelet

C. Lee McKenzie - B&N giftcard

At last, (though it's gone by fast!) Here is my final BBF Giveaway of the summer...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

AND entering contests pays off! See? I won this cute phone cozy in a contest by the Queen of Yarn, Elizabeth Arundel!

What do you do for encouragement? Got any advice for this Sci-Fi shy gal?

Have a great week, you guys!

New Reviews and Blitz News!

I'm still reeling from

  Michael di Gesu's super-awesome-fantabulicious review!

He knows just what to say to show off a book/author in the best light! I'm so lucky!

Fida, the enchanted poetess, also gave me a stunning review! If you stop by, check out her sweet poetry, too!

I can't believe release day is only a few days away!

I've sent out the email with the BROKEN BRANCH FALLS RELEASE DAY BLITZ info - but if you didn't sign up for it and would like to participate (and be entered in the posting participants' drawing for a $25 GC) let me know in the comments.

I really appreciate so much support! You guys are the BEASTLY BEST! Have a fun-in-the-sun weekend!

The first review

Some of you know Vikki from every Friday's "Celebrate the Small Things." If you don't participate, I recommend giving it a try - she has a great following and it's so nice to express and read other's accomplishments for the week, no matter how small you feel they may be!




You also may know her from the "Writer Diaries" blog. Some wonderful writers got together to discuss all things writerly - reviews, interviews, advice, and more! If you've never visited, I suggest you stop by!

But most importantly, I'm hoping you will all know her soon by her up and coming thrillers! She writes some gripping YA and adult suspense with ingenious ideas. I am very honored to have her review BROKEN BRANCH FALLS at her place today - and if you don't catch it there, she's helping me out by posting it at the Writer Diaries on Wednesday 6/18!

I hope you'll check out her review - and enter the giveaway for June! Happy Monday!

Suggestions for solid reviews

I love reviews! Unfortunately, Lexi and I got our wires crossed and she wasn't able to post this for me... but, I'm not letting it go to waste!

I depend on solid reviews for choosing many of the books I want to read. Here are things I look for to know a review is solid:

• honesty – I know it's just one person's opinion, but I don't want to hear a friend or relative being super sweet about it if they really didn't like it.
• facts – I know it's honest if the reviewer backs up their opinion with reasons they did/didn't like it and even some examples, so I know if they read it!
• tact – no matter how much a reviewer dislikes a book, they have to be able to find something positive about it or at least give some constructive advice and not all snark and degradation.
• no spoilers – a good reviewer can mention highlights without giving away big plot points. I know if some reviewers don't like a book, they might give away info to purposely spoil it.

I think good reviews help readers decide which books to buy. Reviews bring alternate perspectives and are always appreciated when people take the time to write them! I love reading (& receiving) credible, honest reviews - and though I'm a pretty slow reader, I always try to post a solid review.

Do you use reviews to help you decide what books to read? Do you write reviews?

(And be sure to enter the giveaway below!)

BROKEN BRANCH FALLS (MG Fantasy)
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Publisher: Curiosity Quills

Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. He's tired of being a goblin – he’d like to try other things. And he has his eye on the new ogress at school. It’s against all beastly rules, but there’s just something about her.

When a prank goes wrong, Gabe is forced to join the football team as punishment, but finds a way to make it work. Soon the whole school is getting in on the fad of mingling with other species. Too bad the adults decide to step in and ruin things, threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. And Gabe is their scapegoat. With help from other outcast friends, Gabe sets out on a quest hoping to saving Broken Branch Falls. After all this trouble, it better work.

Add it to your GOODREADS list!

Tara Tyler has had a hand at everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!

Twitter ~~~ Facebook ~~~ Blog

Also by Tara Tyler, techno-thriller detective series,

The Cooper Chronicles, Book One: POP TRAVEL

a Rafflecopter giveaway