THE ORIGIN REPORT is now available!

It's here, it's here! It's really FINALLY what-took-you-so-goshdarn-long-you-slacker-of-a-writer HERE!!! 

That's right! Book one of my Origin series THE ORIGIN REPORT is now up and running on Amazon. *screams* So, *ahem* please rock on over to Amazon and get in on some of this author's DEBUT action. *wink wink* And while you're at it...tell a family member, tell a friend, tell a neighbor, tell your imaginary friend and their neighbor to go grab their copy TODAY!

 I simply can't express how crazy-nauseous-nervous-excited I am to finally be at this moment. But I am here and this is only the beginning...

The year is 2083…six years since the global outbreak of the Strip-Virus.

After the deadly virus spread across the planet, leaving mankind inescapably on the verge of extinction, a new world leadership, the Intelligence Alliance, rose to power with one sole mission in mind…the survival and preservation of the human race.

When physician, Dr. William Carland, citizen of District 6-149; is contacted by a man from a past he can’t remember, he'll soon discover that some truths are far from reality and some realities are in fact the real cover up.

 THE ORIGIN REPORT is now available on Amazon.

** Print copies coming soon!

TAKING MY DREAMS HOSTAGE!

I have to say this has become one of the most thrilling and exciting times of my life.  And being that I'm a total music addict, I had to share what has been one of the key reasons for my HYPE-NESS (yeah, totally made that up) in honor of my official author DEBUT!

It's finally happening...the coming release of book one of my Origin series, THE ORIGIN REPORT!!!

And, like always, I've been rocking out to some great tunes, but this song specifically for the last two weeks has had me pumped and wild-crazy excited!

I'm claiming this entire year as the year...I'M TAKING MY DREAMS HOSTAGE!

Tune of the day:

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton - "CAN'T HOLD US"

Album: THE HEIST

I hope you all have a great day! 

Keep Writing! Keep Reading! KEEP BELIEVING!!!

~ BK

Tune of the Day

This particular tune I enjoyed playing over and over while writing one of my favorite characters in the ORIGIN series.  Enjoy!!

"Shiver" by Lucy Rose

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!!

The potholes of PUBLISHING!

I love hopping in my car and simply cruising down the highway, windows down, music up and the world sort of blurred out as I simply enjoy coasting down the open road.

So, running across a pothole during my pleasant drive is always a JOLTING experience.  I'm finding publishing, particularly self-publishing, to be a very jarring experience at the moment.  But I must confess I am learning a lot along the way.  There are many things that sometimes aren't revealed in the success stories, little details that you simply never really think of until it's finally your turn. Or, in this case, MINE!

But I must say learning has turned out to be a fundamental process of groundwork that I think, in the long run will show itself to be the BEGINNING of something truly LIFE CHANGING!!!

I ardently apologize for the delay on THE ORIGIN REPORT...but have been wisely advised that it's best to do things properly the first time in order to fully benefit in the long haul.

But, the door of opportunities continue to present themselves and I'm grabbing them up with both hands.  I want to thank everyone who has encouraged and supported my up to this point. It's been a harrowing journey, and I realize that it's actually only just begun!

Happy writing & Happy reading!!!

THE ORIGIN REPORT Cover Reveal!!!

***UPDATED***

It's FINALLY here!!! YAY!  That's right, the day has come!  It's here and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself...so I'll just let it speak for itself.

MY COVER!!!

I have to say, I LOVE this cover! It's perfect! And the Tribune symbol looks freaking AWESOME!  It's almost as if it's floating on the page.  

So, I realize I've been pretty hush-hush lately, but obviously I had a pretty good reason. *big smiles*  This is one of the projects I've been tackling like a crazy-woman for Project #PUB2013!  It's my NEW short-story e-book series.  I'll be honest, I can't express how crazy-nervous-anxious-excited I am at finally taking this step.  But also how happy I am to have been part of something that challenged and pushed me in a creative direction I never would have thought to pursue before.

So, without further ado...THE ORIGIN REPORT!

SYNOPSIS:

The year is 2083…six years since the global outbreak of the Strip-Virus.

After the deadly virus spread across the planet, leaving mankind inescapably on the verge of extinction, a new world leadership, the Intelligence Alliance, rose to power with one sole mission in mind…the survival and preservation of the human race.

When physician, Dr. William Carland, citizen of District 6-149; is contacted by a man from a past he can’t remember, he'll soon discover that some truths are far from reality and some realities are in fact the real cover up.

THE ORIGIN REPORT

The Origin Series, Book One

***Available SOON!!***
Stay tuned...





Diana Ross - I'M COMING OUT

Tune of the day.... Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out

Let's do this!!! BOOOOOOOOOM!!!

I'M COMING OUT!!!

I really need to get in a better habit of posting…but with so much going on in my life, I sometimes can’t get my brain to cooperate with me enough to simply sit down and write out a post. 

But, we’ve come to a compromise and so here I am! But gosh!!! Where to even start?!?!

With so many wonderful things happening all around me, from many of my friends getting published, turning 30 (ACK!!!), to weddings, bouts of illness, writer conferences and me planning my FIRST international trip…it’s safe to say I’ve become beyond distracted and maybe a tad bit distant from those that I never wished to distance myself from.  But I hope that along this journey that I'm on, I can rectify many of the wrongs I've done and re-establish those bonds I've come to cherish so much.

I will confess...there were many time over the past few years where it was very easy for me to play the “you’re not good enough game”, to become discouraged when all around me it seemed like all my friends were getting published, finding agents and signing movie deals. Life just seemed to be working out for every, BUT ME. For there I was...sporadic, at best, when it came to my writing, and my creative juices running dry at the most obscure of moments. Where the heck was my MOJO going anyway? I wish I could vacation as often as it did. But, in all truth, I truly began to question whether I had what it took to do this.  To see my dreams through and to finally fulfill on so many years of expectations.

With three completed novels under my belt, a pile of rejections in both paper and email form, that spanned the last six years of my life…it just felt like the gleaming future I was so desperately fighting for just didn’t include…well, me.

But something happened in January of this year that completely propelled me to a place I thought I could never find again.  With the pushing and support of my family and friends, along with the rather unexpected meeting of another fellow writer in my area…I’ve been thrust back on the path I thought was possibly never meant for me.  Now I’m presently participating in a writing project with two other writers and feel as if I am more focused and determined than ever. PLUS, with a deadline looming before me, it definitely means ready or not, I’M COMING OUT!!! LOL!  Especially, with my competitor’s cap FIRMLY in place and an excitement that I haven't felt for my writing in a long time.  For those who are interested, I will be publishing (self-publishing), for the first time EVER this year, and will let the marbles fall where they may. It's time. No more holding back...this is something I want and I MUST release my fears and fight to fulfill my dreams.

Project #PUB2013 is DEFINITELY in EFFECT!!!

2013 has definitely started off to be a SPECTACULAR year! With TWO major events coming up that have me completely GIDDY with joy and excitement!

1.  I’ll be attending UtopYA Con 2013, June 28- June 30 in Nashville, Tennessee.  Crazy excited to finally put faces to names and mingle and meet some of the amazing people I’ve met on twitter.

And finally…*drum roll*

2. In August I will be making my first trip across the big pond…LONDON HERE I COME!!! Yup! That's right! I will be spending 8 glorious days in LONDON and can’t wait to see how quickly I can get the attention of SCOTLAND YARD! *wink wink* LOL!

So, that’s just a taste of all that is going on in my life.  I’m pretty sure I will have quite a bit more to reveal as my first deadline approaches. But at the moment I’m trying to allow myself as few distractions as I can.  To everyone who has continued to offer your love and support, I can’t express how truly touched and appreciative I am. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! 

To my TWEET pals…YOU GUYS ALL ROCK!!! Yes, I know, I have a lot of catching up to do...so let's get this party started!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading

It's HERE...INTERRED by Marilyn Almodovar

Happy Friday! It's FINALLY here!!!

Well, I must say, this has defnitely been a truly anticipated event and now that it's finally here...I'm beyond proud and excited! AHHHHH!  I am so very, VERY proud to present not only a debut novel but a BRILLIANT debut author, one of my dear fellow DREAM WEAVERS...Marilyn Almodovar and her debut novel, INTERRED!!! WOO-HOO!!!

 



*happy dances and hip bumps* FOR ALL!!!

Born in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, Marilyn ("Lyn" to me) is an avid lover of words, with reading tastes that range from Victorian all the way to Stephen King.  And it has been this deeply rooted love for words, accompanied with her passion for writing, that has allowed her to escape into other worlds.  Having lived abroad, and a self-confessed citizen of the world, she is fluent in French, English, Spanish and basic knowledge of Italian. I know, I know...SHOW OFF!!! Hehe. Kidding, Lyn. Kidding!

But it has been Lyn's passion, hard work and insatiable imagination that has now led up to the debut of her novel, INTERRED, book one of her Chronicles of the Interred. CHECK IT OUT!

 

"Interred"



"Time has never been an issue for Baxter Jacobs, but then she never knew she had the ability to Bend it.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Baxter inherits a pendant that will change her life. Connected to the pendant is a dark and mysterious young man named Declan Ashdown. Trapped in a Time loop for the past 122 years, Declan needs Baxter’s help to escape. The only problem is, she has no idea how to do it.

To acquire the power she needs to free him, she’ll become one of the Interred, those whose Magical abilities emerge as they come of age. When she does, she’ll discover that Declan isn’t the only one interested in the fact that she’s a Time Bender.

As the Interment arrives, Baxter knows this will be no Sweet Sixteen. A vengeful relative and ruthless Council are determined to control her. Declan’s powerful and charming descendant, Jack Ashdown, claims he can save her. She’ll soon have to decide who she can trust, and how to master her new abilities before Time runs out."

You can purchase your copy of INTERRED today, now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For more information on Lyn and her work you can visit her website.  You can also find Lyn on facebook and twitter (@LynAlmodovar).

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!


 

What happened to BLAIRE?!

WARNING: This is a very long blog. Turn back now or forever hold your peace.

So, being that I was absent for suuuuuuuch a long time, I thought maybe I should at least take the time to explain my sudden vanishing act.  To say the least, 2012 was a year of many downs.  But to better tell this story I think I'll Quentin Tarantino it. We'll start at the end, work our way back to the beginning, then pick up somewhere in the middle and then...HAHA! I'm kidding.

Okay, okay...I'll just tell it. 

Late 2011 I began experiencing some really intense headaches.  But these headaches weren't just a simple pain in the head, these particular headaches were beyond excruciating. I began experiencing extreme disorientation, dizziness, blackouts, nausea, vomitting...basically, I felt like a walking side effect of some black market drug that failed to get approved by the FDA. LOL!

To say the least, I was MISERABLE! *sigh*

After a trip to the emergency room, and a nice little (okay, tearful) chat with my family doctor...I was referred to a Neurologist where they took blood, gave me the old poke-poke-stab-stab treatment, scanned, and took great pleasure in prodding me.  After all was said and done I learned that I suffered from migraines. I know!! Womp womp. Not exactly the most earth shattering diagnosis.

"Migraines?! What are you, Blaire? A wimp?" Honestly, I was so glad that nothing more serious had showed up, considering how awful I felt, that I didn't care how wimpy I seemed.

But yes, ladies and gents, I definitely felt like a wimp. A sobbing, fetal position, thumb sucking wimp. But as it turned out, not only was I suffering from migraines, but a rare form called Status Migrainosus.  But I didn't care what they called it, since by this point I had sustained a consistent, non-stop migraine for three months straight...and simply wanted nothing more than to make it GO. AWAY!! I had lost more than 30 pounds (in three months) due to extreme nausea and my inability to hold down food, and the "headache" was thoroughly kicking my butt.

I was soon admitted into the doctor's care to begin treatment, with the FIRST priority being to stop the cycle (my migraine). And all I can say is, thank goodness for DRUGS! And I mean the legal kind, not the crack kills kind.

After three days of straight treatment (on some pretty powerful meds), the migraine I had sustained for three months was finally gone. HALLELUJAH! But little did I know that my journey had only just begun. The next seven months would be the darkest and most frustrating days of my life.  For what I didn't understand at the time was that stopping a cycle did not mean the end of more to come.  Now it became a race to figure out how to keep from getting them over and over again for such long periods of time.  Now you'd think this would be a simple solution (well, I certainly did)...after all, it's just a headache (of sorts), take some extra-strength Tylenol and get some sleep.

Well, by this time my insomnia was completely out of control and I was suffering from a serious case of fatigue. I was sleeping maybe two hours a night, sometimes not at all because the pain was so intense. When I was awake, I was typically immobile, disfunctional, and completely incoherent when I attempted to communicate. It was as if my mind had completely abandoned me, and I was alone in a dark room with nothing but pain for a companion.  I felt alone and completely robbed of my life. It was as if the pain and zombie-like state I was now in, due to my body having to adjust to the new drugs and reoccuring migraines, had completely taken over. And it was like a completely different person surfaced, locking the old me away.  My emotions were all over the place, and I never knew how I would feel one day to the next.  I know it must sound so dramatic to say it that way, but this had become my world, and it consumed me.  I was, to put it bluntly, a walking zombie disaster.  These months would come to be a long stretch of trial and error with the doctors, through process of elimination, trying to figure out the appropriate treatment and dosage for my particular condition and situation. I was forced to completely change my diet in order to avoid trigger foods that could spark a migraine, my whole routine changed, and I found myself taking meds just so I could perform the simple tasks of getting out of bed each day.

Yes. It would take seven months to finally find a medication that worked for me.  Meaning I was migraine free for at least six weeks at a time. HURRAY!!! It wasn't perfect, but in my mind a step forward was still a step forward. I was able to get out again, work out, I was up to my usual 5 hours of sleep and it finally seemed like I could see a light at the end of the tunnel. But my joy would be short-lived, because in early October things took turn, and I began to have seizure like symptoms.  And similar to before, I experienced extreme pains in my head (like a migraine) but now I was losing feeling in limbs, as well as experiencing muscle spasms in my face and body.

Talk about a NIGHTMARE!!

Without even hesitating I was back to my Neurologist, and it was discovered I had a condition known as Occipital Neuralgia.  SHEESH!! I just couldn't seem to catch a break.  I was once again really bummed out and completely disheartened that things weren't looking as great as I had hoped. And I'm sure, like me, you all must be wondering...WILL THIS EVER END, BLAIRE?!

Yes, yes I promise this post will end very soon. Haha!

It has now been three months since my final diagnosis and I am pleased to report that my migraines have definitely become more manageable and occur much less and far in between.  And my "episodes", for the moment, seem to be under control.  WOO-HOO!!! *HAPPY DANCES* I am still required to take daily meds at this point, and will most likely need them for the rest of my life, along with regular checkups to monitor any changes or additional symptoms that may pop up.  But I am so grateful to finally feel like I'm getting back to myself again.  The windows have been opened and my dark room is now filled with light. I will admit that I hated losing so much time, having neglected my writing and all of you for so long, and without any explanation. I'm so sorry about that. But I'm sooooooo glad to be blogging again, and hope 2013 will be a little kinder than 2012.

Any who...it's great to be back! And I hope to continue to be around in some form or fashion until I kick the bucket!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

 

The Great Gatsby move trailer

Okay, I couldn't resist and had to sneak this one in, too.  HEY! I have a lot of time to make up for.

As some of you know, I'm a huge movie fan. HUGE! Some would call it an unhealthy obsession, but I'm sticking with "fan."

Well, I recently went to see Les Miserables....GREAT film, by the way.  A definite B+/A grade film in my book.  Which isn't bad, considering it was nearly three hours of me having to focus and sit still in a theater seat all by myself. Haha! The music, the acting, THE STORY...well played, Victor Hugo. Well played.

But leading up the FEATURE of the day...I saw THIS, and knew I couldn't keep this gem to myself.

ONE. I'm a HUGE Baz Luhrmann fan.  Man is brilliant with a camera.  But not only that, he both writes and directs his films, and he is most known for his The Red Curtain Trilogy, which includes Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!  I also really loved AUSTRALIA. He's one of the reasons why I divide my passion of writing between screenwriting and novels.

&

TWO. F. Scott Fitzgerald is sort of my McDreamy of the literary world. Yes, I said it. Mad crush on the guy. Oh, that Zelda was one lucky doll! Hehe. ;)

But this trailer completely sold me HOOK, LINE & SINKER!

*ahem* Well, helloooooo, LEO!!! *girly giggle*

SOLD!!!

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is set to hit theaters in May of 2013 (in the US).

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Soooooo, wow, yeah...I'm so out of practice with this.  Part of me feels like I need a refresher course, "How to blog with the PROS." Haha! Okay, now I'm beginning to sound snarky and that was not my intent here.

So, 2012 is over and gone and all I have to say is...SAYONARA, lady!!! HAHA!

Wow, what an...interesting year.  Yeah.  Yeah, interesting is definitely a good word for it. I won't go into the long drawn out details of it all, but it's safe to say that it wasn't exactly my year, but I SURVIVED. WOO-HOO!!! And despite everything that's happened it still feels like, at this point, I have so many great opportunities/paths set before me, and at this moment all I keep telling myself is to KEEP PUSHING FORWARD.  I really hate that my writing has suffered so much because of the curve ball that life has thrown me, but it's really nice to have this to still come back to.

I'm not sure if anyone is even listening anymore...but just so you know, I'M STILL HERE.  Just a girl.  A little altered, but still trying to make her mark in the world. But you know something, LIFE is definitely a journey. And I can confidently say that I'm so glad to be in the situation where I'm still lucky enough to still have the chance to fight for and realize my dreams and passions.

For those of you who are interested as to what I've been occupying my time the past few months. Weeeeeeeeell, I've been READING! Hah. I know, pretty lackluster but I have, like an INSANE person! Just devouring novel after novel. New authors and old familiar favorites.  When I feel my brain no longer can handle the voices of my own characters, I completely dive into the stories of other writers.  It's simply a great escape and also a form of encouragement to me.

While I have been writing here and there, going to quite a few films, and overall just figuring out what comes next for me. The landscape of my life has drastically changed, so much so, it's almost unrecognizable and now I find myself having to find a way to fit into a new landscape.  It's almost like I'm starting over, having to redefine who I am and my purpose.  Which is both scary as hell and exciting all at once.

But something about this, putting my rambling thoughts into words, and those words out into the void...THAT, for some reason, always feels familiar to me.  No matter what is going on out there, this always feels right. You know...it's nice to have that one solid in your life you know you can always come back to.

And to those who have constantly reached out to me throughout this trying time, not knowing how much it meant to me...you will FOREVER be in my heart.

So, here's to 2013!!! May ALL of YOUR dreams come true. (Yeesh, I hope Disney doesn't come after me for that one.) And for those of you who know me, this should not come as a surprise...a little kick off the year tune! I know, I know.  I've posted it before...but I LOVE this song! ENJOY!

"Good Life" by One Republic

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

SHIFT cover reveal!!!

Well, hello there!! And what do we have here? Oh, it appears that the wonderfully talented RAINE THOMAS has done it AGAIN!!! As the creator of the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy, and now with her spin-off series the Firstborn trilogy, she has honestly proven to me that her imagination truly knows no boundaries.

So, without further delay...I present the cover of SHIFT, the second book in the Firstborn trilogy. BOOM!!!

Can you say FABULOUS!!!

SHIFT by Raine Thomas

Having the ability to shapeshift, Sophia is familiar with change. But even she feels the rising tension in her homeland.

A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.

Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.

The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.

AAAHHH! I can't wait!!

SHIFT will be published by Iambe Books August 24th, 2012. WOOHOO!!! Mark your calendars! Now! This is going to be GREAT!!!

For more information on Raine and her work you can visit her website. You can also stalk Raine on twitter (@Raine_Thomas) and Facebook! ;D

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!!

BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY

HAPPY MAY!!!

Wow, time just doesn't wanna give these days, does it?  But nonetheless here we all are.  I hope everyone else is enjoying the sweltering heat we're getting these days...I'm not.  And forgive me if I seem a little random and scattered, I'm a little rusty on my blogging these days. ;-)

But I AM excited, and admittedly very giddy about the two authors I'm featuring in today's BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY!!

Today's first writer is the beautiful YA Paranormal Romance writer, Lucy Swing.  Lucy lives in sunny Florida with her husband and two kids, and is definitely a chica I can get down with.  Not only is she a fellow book hoarder who must ALWAYS have a book nearby, she's also a true lover of music.

Lucy's debut novel, FEATHERMORE (book #1 of her Feathermore Trilogy) was recently released has been called a "great", and "original, nicely paced and well-written" by her readers. 

"Feathermore"

"When the one thing you live for is taken from you, do you let it go or do you fall?

Jade, like any other student at Brushwood High, awaits the start of the school year with a certain measure of dread. Worse, she is being threatened by a voice that only she can hear—a voice that lurks at the edges of her awareness, haunting her and warning her of something unknown. She has always been able to count on her two best friends, Claire and Nate, but can she confide in them now? About this? Would they even believe her?

Life takes a turn for the better when she meets Avan, a darkly handsome new student who, somehow, seems to drown out the voice and make her feel at ease.

But Jade soon comes to realize that good things don’t last forever. When everything spirals out of control, she is shattered by something she never saw coming. Dazed and despairing, she must now overcome tragedy and embrace her true existence and a new but dangerous love. Will she be able to save herself and those she loves, before it’s too late? Or will she let the surrounding darkness consume her?"

FEATHERMORE is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Goodreads.  Get your copy today! You can also PRE-ORDER your copy of FALLENMORE (Book #2 of the Feathermore Trilogy) available June 2012.

For more information on Lucy and her work please visit her website.  You can also find Lucy on twitter (@Luceeduceswing) and Facebook. 

*****

So even though I am SUPER SUPER late in doing this announcement, I am still CRAZY-EXCITED about today's last #BNFF author. And simply must say...FINALLY!!! Wow, you guys...this is a release that I have anxiously waited on for nearly a YEAR. Yes, readers, I said a YEAR! So, without further ado, I want to send a HUGE HUGE congratulations to the sweet and lovely YA writer, Eve Marie Mont.  Eve is a English teacher in the Philadelphia suburbs and also, sponsors her school's literary magazine. This lady is freakin' BOOM-tastic!  And she's been a writer that I've been closely stalking, *ahem* I mean, following since I first joined this crazy word of social media.  

Eve's novel, A BREATH OF EYRE is only the first novel in her YA series. And I completely fell in love with this book cover the moment she revealed it. Fabulous!

"A Breath of Eyre"

"Get lost in a good book. Literally.

 

Emma Townsend has always believed in stories—the ones she reads voraciously, and the ones she creates in her head. Perhaps it’s because she feels like an outsider at her exclusive prep school, or because her stepmother doesn’t come close to filling the void left by her mother’s death. And her only romantic prospect—apart from a crush on her English teacher—is Gray Newman, a long-time friend who just adds to Emma’s confusion. But escape soon arrives in an old leather-bound copy of Jane Eyre…

Reading of Jane’s isolation sparks a deep sense of kinship. Then fate takes things a leap further when a lightning storm catapults Emma right into Jane’s body and her nineteenth-century world. As governess at Thornfield, Emma has a sense of belonging she’s never known—and an attraction to the brooding Mr. Rochester. Now, moving between her two realities and uncovering secrets in both, Emma must decide whether her destiny lies in the pages of Jane’s story, or in the unwritten chapters of her own…"

A BREATH OF EYRE is available at these bookstores: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, Buy.com, and Books-A-Million.  Get your copy today!!!

For more information on Eve and her work please visit her website.  You can also follow Eve at twitter (@EveMarieMont) and Facebook. 

Well, that does it! I wish you all a FANTASTIC rest of your Friday, and as always...

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

THE AVENGERS movie trailer!!!

Um, yeah...THIS!!!

WOO HOO!!! This looks AWESOME!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

DEFY is finally HERE!!!

Happy Book Birthday to DEFY!!!  That's right readers you heard correct! DEFY by the amazing Raine Thomas is now available!! What what!! *fist pumps* and *hip checks* for ALL!

Okay, yes, I am aware that it's been a while (A VERY LONG WHILE) since I last posted but what can I say, sometimes life hands you the unexpected and you have to just roll with the punches.  And even though I am a day late in posting this bit of delightful news, I couldn't let an event like this pass without showing some very much deserved love for one of my all-time favorite tweeps.



*does the happy dance around the room*

Raine is not only the creator of the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy, which are also available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but also, The Prophecy.

And now her latest release, DEFY will once again take us into the beautiful world of the Estilorians...and I just LOOOOOOOOOVE this FABULOUS book cover. OMG!!!



"Defy"

"Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death. Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life. Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his. As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate."

So go purchase your copy of DEFY today, now available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

For more information about Raine and her work please visit her website.  You can also find her on Facebook and twitter (@Raine_Thomas).

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Fighting the (Writer) Blues

Tune of the day:

"Raise Your Glass" by Pink

There's a saying people often use..."If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

If I'm intending to be honest here, then I'll admit that when life hands me lemons, sometimes I just want to take in its bitter sour taste and call it a day.  And that's a dangerously unhealthy place for anyone to be ladies and gents.  This is the place where I not only find myself uninterested in being out and about, but I also find it hard to even want to write and/or read, which is NOT me.

That's why it's very important to keep positive people, multiple positive people (if you're lucky) around that you can depend on to be there when you're down and who will come along and help pick you back up.

When I get too bogged down in the bitter truths of life I often find I lose motivation to be...me. I know that this isn't exactly a very inspiring post, but sometimes it helps just to release, and share the not-so-good things in our lives along with the good.

Lately I've been reading about some of the great writers of history and discovered that a significant number of them actually suffered from horrible bouts of depression throughout their life.  So we're not alone, this isn't some made up, fabricated issue that we sometimes find ourselves battling with.  It's real and you have to recognize it in order to do something about it.

Now knowing this, I also realize that writing can be a pretty solitary process, and to be honest I really prefer it that way.  It's hard for me to focus if I'm being bombarded by the presence of people all around me.  I even go so far as to seclude myself away from my husband and cat.  But it's important to remember that a life well and truly lived can also be a great source for good writing.  My hermit tendencies sometimes get the best of me and I literally have to force myself to be out and interact with people.

But something someone suggested to me recently has completely put a spark back into my life that I almost thought I'd lost.  They suggested I create a daily schedule for myself that includes activity that MAKES me get out from in front of a computer.  I've recently taken up a new Fitness Plan and have partnered up with another friend (who's actually in a whole other state) who acts as not only an accountability partner when I need it but also a great source of motivation. I find that having a regular workout schedule is definitely a motivator for me and also stimulates my creative mojo.  Now I'm not saying this is a sure fire way of keeping the blues away, but it's definitely an option and one that I'm really enjoying.  So a HUGE thanks to my partner in crime, Jess and my mom, Mary, who have both been a great source of support to me. You're both ROCKSTARS in my book!

So to all you readers out there...what's your method for getting out of the slumps when life gives you lemons, and you're not necessarily in the mood for lemonade?

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Rainy Monday Tune

When I woke this chilly, rainy Monday morning, the day before Valentine's Day, I woke up with one particular song streaming on repeat through my head. I hope you enjoy!

Tune of the day:

Billie Holiday - "P.S. I Love You"

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Write. Write! WRITE!!!

I can happily say that my life is gradually returning to normal.  Well, as normal as I can imagine the randomness in my life to be.  I'm writing again and feel as if I don't have enough time or space in which to get everything that's going on in my head out...but I'm definitely giving it my best go.

At this point my intent is to simply write. Nothing more.  I'm taking out the pressure of publishing and release dates and focusing purely on telling the stories I want to tell, and ultimately to see each one through to completion. Simply put, you can't publish what you haven't written. So for those who have been wondering about my more recent absence, it's simply due to the fact that I'm spending a great deal more time on my writing than I am on here. I won't lie, I do find myself feeling quite guilty about not being around as much as I once did, but hopefully my efforts will allow me to finally reach the goal that in reality started me down this path in the first place.

The goal of sharing my passion and work with all of you.

And speaking of passion, being that I've been pretty remiss in my #BNFF I thought I'd be a little tacky and include a few pretty awesome features in today's post that I find crazy exciting.

BIG NEWS:

I have to say that in the time I've come to know this guy he has grown to become one of my favorite writer tweeps who challenges me (whether he knows it or not) to step up my game and push myself to achieve my goals.

M.R. Merrick is the brilliant writer of The Protector Book series.  With his debut novel EXILED having received rave reviews upon its release, it's unsurprising that his latest novel, SHIFT (book #2 of TPB series) would receive the same reaction.  SHIFT has been called "Epic, Emotional, Pure Brilliance!" and "An adventure like you've never experienced!!" by its readers.

And I highly suggest both books be added to your MUST READS list!!

 

 "Shift"

Devastated by the loss of his mother, Chase is trying to balance the life he’s been left with, a family he’s still getting to know, and power he never thought he’d have. He doesn’t understand why the Goddess has named him the Protector and granted him two gifts: the Mark, a tattoo that now covers his back, and the ring. But between getting interrogated by the Circle and psychic attacks from Riley, the Mark is the least of his concern. There’s a demon inside Rayna that’s fighting to be released, and it’s not her inner witch. It’s something else–a monster threatening to tear her apart.

As Chase struggles to control his magic, his enemies are closing in. Everyone has staked a claim on his ring, and destroying it may be his only chance to stop Riley. But Chase must decide if stopping him is worth risking the lives of everyone he cares about, or if protecting the ring will be enough to save his world.

EXILED & SHIFT are both available on Amazon! GET YOUR COPIES TODAY!!

For more information on M.R. Merrick please visit his website! You can also find him on twitter (@MRMerrick) and Facebook.

*****

I must admit that it's writers like Samantha Young that (as a reader) keep me coming back for more. Having stumbled across her on twitter a while back, I've become quite a big fan of her work. Author of paranormal and fantasy fiction, Samantha is a brilliant young Scottish book addict who has been writing for as long as she can remember.  The creator of multiple trilogies, Samantha continues to prove that some writers truly do get better with time.  

The latest of her series that I've come across, BLOOD WILL TELL book 1 of her The Warriors of Ankh trilogy has definitely drawn me in and has left me anxious for more. 

  

"Warriors of Ankh Omnibus Edition"

(includes "Blood Will Tell", "Blood Past" & "Shades of Blood")

When the heroine and the villain are one in the same…

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that hasn’t meant much to her in the past, she’s pretty sure any minute now she’s going to go all "Carrie" on her eleventh grade class.

Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.

Together they are about to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever...

... A journey in search of Eden’s redemption.

But with enemies and tests of morality and strength around every corner, it will be a journey that pushes them both to their very limits.

Can the promise of honor, purpose and love be enough to temper the monster within?

Find out in this special omnibus edition of the Warriors of Ankh trilogy.

The entire The Warriors of Ankh trilogy is now available at Amazon US & Amazon UK.

BONUS! Book Trailer:

For more information on Samantha and her books you can visit her website! You can also follow her on twitter (@SYoungSFAuthor) and Facebook.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Appreciating The Special People In Our Lives

For today's post instead of doing my weekly #BNFF, I've decided to change the tone up a bit and simply share with all of you a little about myself.

My life has been pretty topsy turvy lately...well, at least more so than usual.  Ailing family members, family crisis, bouts of depression, uncertainty, fear, and just a general sense of feeling lost and adrift.  Things that I've over course faced in the past, just not all at once. I've found myself seeking solace anywhere that would help distract my mind...watching movies, reading & writing.

But even still I found that my spurts of inspiration were often followed by an extended time of reflection. Where I would find myself asking the old cliched questions, "what am I doing?" "am I good enough?" "what makes me think I'm so special?" "am I living up to my true potential?" "am I chasing an unobtainable dream?"...basically the typical spell of self-doubt.

But unlike previous times when these funky downer moods have struck and I find myself feeling doubtful about my writing and whether I've chosen the right path for my life, I quickly throw myself back into the one thing that always reminds me why I love what I love so much.

Reading.

I LOVE to read!! And if I'm honest, I could say just as much as I enjoy writing, maybe more so. Let me repeat. I LOOOOOOVE TO READ! Ever since I was a little girl when all those weird funky looking symbols on the page suddenly started to make sense and a whole world seemed to open up to me. I was hooked.  I honestly can't explain how completely necessary books and literature have become to my life.

And if it weren't for one very special person in my life I'm not sure I would even be here writing this post for you today today, let alone writing books of my own. And that special person is my MOM.

 

Yes. I know it's not Mother's Day yet but I just felt the most powerful urge to send a HUGE thank you to my "mama" for planting the seed that has ultimately influenced and shaped me into becoming the person I am today. 

You're the best & I love you very much!!

I have a friend who sadly lost his mother last year and I know that he still feels the loss of her presence.  So if you're one of the lucky ones who can still run up and give your mom a BIG smackin' kiss and hug, I firmly suggest you do so ASAP!!  Don't take the time you have with those that you care about and love for granted. Call, text, drive/fly for a visit, I don't care how you do it...JUST DO IT!!

*dialing mom now* =)

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

AUTHOR ALERT: Melanie Marks

I'm finding my groove people!!! And boy does it feel good to be blogging again. Still a little slow with the posts, but don't worry I'm getting back into the swing of things.

That being said...

For my first AUTHOR ALERT of 2012 I am REALLY excited and thrilled to introduce a writer that I, for the most part, accidentally stumbled across.  Haha! Now please don't let my random reading lifestyle detour you from reading further because I am pleased to introduce you to YA writer...Melanie Marks!!

*stands & claps*

Melanie was born and raised in California. She is married to a naval nuclear submarine officer with three "terrific" kids. With over sixty short stories published in various magazines Melanie has definitely created a nice cozy spot for herself in the literary world. 

I fell into serious like with Melanie after reading her long novella, HIS KISS (which I LOVED!)...it's a short but sweet YA romance.

"His Kiss"

"Ally’s world was totally on track: the right boyfriend, the right school activities, the right plans. But then she is bribed into kissing the school “bad boy.” And now nothing is right. Nothing! Because all she can think about is … His Kiss."

HIS KISS is available now on Amazon! GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!

Now unlike most of the writers I've met in the last year on twitter, I actually came across Melanie while perusing Amazon for something to read one quiet afternoon and let's just say I wasn't disappointed. Melanie has a fun, light, and witty style of writing that I find suits the reader in me perfectly, especially on a nice quiet afternoon.

For more information about Melanie and her work please visit her website. You can also follow her on twitter (@ByMelanieMarks).

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!