Mar 12

Peter Green reviews ZERO TIME

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 12, 2012

  • 1 min to read

ZERO TIME 2012 VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR PARTY STOP:

I met Peter H. Green through the St. Louis Writers’ Guild. He’s a versatile writer of mystery, biography and nonfiction whose new mystery novel, CRIMES OF DESIGN, will soon be available.

Check out Peter’s review of ZERO TIME: Debut Historical Science Fiction Epic Explains Ancient Archeological Wonders

  • “The clear, crisp writing style, dazzling descriptions of pre-Columbian cities and sympathetic characters more than make up for the complexities of the story…”
  • “For those who like to stretch their imaginations—and who doesn’t?—this novel is a fascinating and compelling read. You’d better get it and read it before December 21, 2012. Who knows what the Sixth Long Passage may hold in store?…”

Join the party! Stop by Peter’s blog, The Green Grapevine, and leave a comment.

Thanks, Peter!

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/peter-green-reviews-zero-time/

Mar 12

Guest blogging at Speculative Fiction Author

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 12, 2012

  • 1 min to read

ZERO TIME 2012 VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR PARTY STOP:

I’m guest blogging on Party Host Sandra Ulbrich Almazan’s blog, Speculative Fiction Author. I met Sandra through Broad Universe (she’s one of the founding members), and she’s also a Blog Ring of Power author! Sandra writes science fiction and fantasy.

Find out about some of the science behind the fiction in my novel ZERO TIME, including:

  • time travel
  • pole shifts
  • astronomy
  • crystals
  • DNA

Join the party! Stop by Speculative Fiction Author and leave a comment.

Thanks, Sandra!

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/guest-blogging-at-speculative-fiction-author/

Mar 11

Broadly Speaking: Romance in spec fiction

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 11, 2012

  • 2 mins to read

Broad PodCheck out the February edition of Broadly Speaking for a lively discussion about romance in speculative fiction.

The host, Heidi Ruby Miller, writes stories where the relationship is as important as the adventure. She is the author of the SF Romance series set in the Ambasadora-verse and co-editor of the writing guide MANY GENRES, ONE CRAFT based on the Seton Hill University Writing Popular Fiction graduate program. Find her at http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com.

Heidi’s guests are:

PAULINE BAIRD JONES
The “romance force” is strong in Pauline Baird Jones’ family. Her parents recently celebrated 60 years of marriage and she and her hubby will clock 37 years this April. Maybe that’s why romance is laced into her 12 novels of mysterious mayhem and space opera action adventure. She hangs out at all the usual social networking sites and has a website at paulinebjones.com

ALEXA GRAVE
Alexa Grave loves to tell stories–it just so happens her characters occasionally take her on an unexpected ride.  Her story “Kindled Morphogenesis” can be found in the anthology Modern Magic: Tales of Fantasy and Horror.  Please visit her at Born to Write–http://alexagrave.blogspot.com.

BRENDA COOPER
Brenda Cooper lives in the rain-sodden and beautiful Pacific Northwest where she works as a technology executive and writes science fiction and fantasy in the wee hours of the morning.  Her most recent published novel,  Mayan December, came out from Prime Books last August, and Pyr will be publishing a duology that can loosely be described as “Evita in Space” in 2011 and 2012.

(copy from Broadly Speaking)

 

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/broadly-speaking-romance-in-spec-fiction/

Mar 11

Launch party for KATANA!

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 11, 2012

  • 1 min to read

KATANA launch partyCole Gibsen had an awesome launch party with geishas for her debut YA fantasy novel, KATANA!

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/launch-party-for-katana/

Mar 08

BRoP interview: Rebecca Hamilton

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 8, 2012

  • 6 mins to read

Rebecca HamiltonIt’s time for another Blog Ring of Power interview! Welcome to Rebecca Hamilton, writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and three kids, along with multiple writing personalities that range from morbid to literary. She enjoys dancing with her kids to television show theme songs and would love the beach if it weren’t for the sand. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently.

If you haven’t already checked out her interviews on the other BRoP sites, don’t miss them:

WORDS OF WISDOM

BRoP: Tell us about your route to success – how/when did you decide to go with Immortal Inc. Publishing? Did you query an agent first? How did you handle the editing, proofreading, cover design, etc.

Rebecca: Well, I AM Immortal Ink Publishing (along with my business partner, @RPKRAUL). I queried and came close with a few agents, especially those who sought me out after reading my work online. One agent really believed in my writing and said it reminded her of a client of hers that won awards, but that she didn’t think the pacing would hold up to today’s impatient readers. She referred me to another agent who didn’t get a chance to read before I ended up deciding to publish, but still showed a lot of faith in my writing and bought a copy of the book. I had close calls with 3 publishers as well (Harper Collins, Penguin, and Harlequin, all of whom contacted me after reading my work online as well). But I didn’t decide to go ahead and publish until after I addressed the concerns they’d expressed. After that, I met a few editors who were CONVINCED I would get a deal if I resubmitted, but I was just ready to move on. I had several editors go over the work and a copy editor and 3 proofreaders. That said, I wish I’d used more proofreaders. The first edition still had errors and it was embarrassing, but I believe I’ve since fixed them.

BRoP: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Rebecca: Stay true to your voice and style. Remember that other writers can help you, but they can also hurt what makes you unique and special. Thick skin has two meaning. 1) Being able to accept critique. 2) Not being so soft to critique that you change everything everyone ever suggests you do, even when it means flopping back and forth about something just to appease your current critique.

Also remember that critique partners are not the be-all-end-all. I love mine, but the truth is, most writers will never love your book because they would have written it differently, and to them, that means your book is flawed. Listen to what they have to say, because they may have something that can help you improve; at the same time, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The trust test is READERS.

BRoP: What do you feel is the key to your success?

Rebecca: What success? 😛

BRoP: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Rebecca: I love you! Thank you! I don’t deserve you, but for the love of whatever you believe in, I’m sure glad to have you!

BRoP:  What are your current / future project(s)?

Rebecca: Next out will be a historical paranormal romance novella that relates to the Forever Girl Series (but isn’t directly a part of it). Also book 2 in the series is under way, and there are some literary works that might come out sometime in the next decade…

Where can your readers stalk you:

Is your book in print, ebook or both? Both.

 THE FOREVER GIRL: Sophia Parsons’ family has skeletons, but they aren’t in their graves…

The Forever GirlSolving the mystery of an ancestor’s hanging might silence the clashing whispers in Sophia’s mind, but the cult in her town and the supernaturals who secretly reside there are determined to silence her first.

As Sophia unknowingly crosses the line into an elemental world full of vampire-like creatures, shapeshifters, and supernatural grim reapers, she meets Charles, a man who becomes both lover and ally.

But can she trust him?
It’s not until someone nearly kills Sophia that she realizes the only way to unveil the source of her family’s curse: abandon her faith or abandon her humanity. If she wants to survive, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/brop-interview-rebecca-hamilton/

Mar 04

Online conference March 7-11 for book bloggers/publishers

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 4, 2012

  • 1 min to read

I just signed up to attend the March 7-11 Book Bloggers & Publishers Online Conference. Here are eight of the reasons why:

Sue Grimshaw – Random House Publishing Group
Jennifer Bonnell – Penguin YA Editor
Lindsey Rudnickas – Netgalley
Kristen Lamb – WANA Consulting
Don Dauria – Samhain Publishing
Kate Lied – Bloomsbury Publishing

Ariel Tachna – Dreamspinner Press
Danielle Poiesz – Book Country

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/online-conference-march-7-12-for-book-bloggerspublishers/

Mar 04

Half-price sale: BRoP’s Sandra Almazan

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 4, 2012

  • 1 min to read

LYONS LEGACYThis week (until March 10), you can buy Sandra Ulbrich Almazan’s SciFi novella, LYON’S LEGACY, for half-price as part of the Read an Ebook Smashwords sale. Use code REW50: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94420

Her fantasy short story, “The Book of Beasts,” is free through Smashwords this week with the code RE100: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/127748

It’s a great time to get acquainted with this Blog Ring of Power author!

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/half-price-sale-brop-author/

Mar 04

And the winners are…

  • Filed under Featured

  • March 4, 2012

  • 1 min to read

My giveaways on Goodreads and Library Thing ended March 3, with more than 500 entrants. I appreciate the interest in my historical fantasy novel ZERO TIME, and will send signed copies to the following Goodreads winners tomorrow:

  • Scott D. of Marion, MI
  • Marianne B. of Jackson, MI
  • Bau C. of Sacramento, CA
  • Mamma B. of Knoxville, TN
  • Kurt E. of Shelley, ID

Ebook winners at Library Thing were Laura S. of Chicago, IL, and Dale S. of Atlanta, GA.

I hope you enjoy the journey to Zero Time!

 

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/and-the-winners-are/

Feb 23

BRoP Interview #1: COLE GIBSEN

  • Filed under Featured

  • February 23, 2012

  • 5 mins to read

Today begins the first inteCole Gibsenrview for the Blog Ring of Power (BRoP), featuring COLE GIBSEN. When she isn’t writing books for young adults, Cole can be found rocking out with her band, sewing crazy costumes for the fun of it, picking off her nail polish, or drinking milk straight from the jug–provided no one is looking. She debuts in March with two young adult novels–KATANA on March 8 from Flux and BREATHLESS by Crescent Moon Press on March 27.

ABOUT YOU

BRoP: How long have you been writing?

Cole: I wrote my first novel (thankfully shelved) in 2007. I’ve been writing ever since.

BRoP: When and why did you begin writing?

Cole: As a professionally trained and certified dog trainer, I used to own my own business. But after the economy collapsed and I had to close shop, I was faced with the decision of having to pick a new career. So I decided to pursue the one thing I’ve always wanted to do but never had enough guts to try before—writing a novel.

BRoP: When did you first consider yourself a professional writer?

Cole: The moment I held a finished copy of my book in my hands.

BRoP: What genre do you write?

Cole: I write young adult fiction because I love how raw emotions are at that age

BRoP: If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

Cole: I think I’d want to be a nutritionist. I know that’s really weird, but food has also fascinated me.

Learn about Cole’s WRITING LIFE as her interview continues with E.M. LaBonte of the Blog Ring of Power–CLICK HERE!

BRoP: Where can your readers stalk you?

KATANA: Kill Bill meets Buffy in this supernatural samurai tale.Rileigh Martin would love to believe that Katanaadrenalinegave her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn’t explain her dreams of fifteenth-century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings. While worrying that she’s going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she’s harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior. Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana–a deadly Japanese sword that’s also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she’s always been and embracing the warrior inside her.

BreathlessBREATHLESS: In a world where death is an ever-present shadow and motives are as dark as the bottom of the ocean, Edith must decide if her life is worth risking for a love that can’t survive past the shore. Obituary-reading emo girl Edith Small is broken – the end result of forcing herself inside a mold that doesn’t fit. All she wants is to conform to her strict sergeant stepfather’s rules long enough to make it to graduation day. But a boat accident threatens to unravel the life Edith has worked so hard to keep. After waking up in a hospital with a lacerated shoulder, Edith fakes amnesia. Because admitting she received her injuries from a blue-haired girl who breathes underwater is all the reason Sir needs to send Edith on the first bus to military school. Safe at home, Edith struggles to put the nightmare behind her. But the mysterious creatures that live in the ocean aren’t about to let her forget. After meeting Bastin – a strange boy with silver hair and black eyes – on a secluded dock, Edith learns about the war raging undersea to end human existence. A war that Edith, unwittingly, has become the key to winning.


 

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/brop-interview-1-cole-gibsen/

Feb 20

Tag! It’s the blog hop!

  • Filed under Featured

  • February 20, 2012

  • 4 mins to read
I have been tagged by Dean Rich of the Blog Ring of Power in a fun game that’s going around the blogosphere. So here goes!
1. What is your dream vacation?
Lake Titicaca in Peru, or Crete — I know, they’re nothing at all alike except for water, but there it is!
2. Are you spontaneous or do you like to plan ahead?
Yes, to both! Generally I plan ahead because I’ve regretted it too many times when I didn’t. Still, I like to be spontaneous, too. When it comes to writing, I’m definitely a pantser not a planner.
3. Tell us one thing you want to do but don’t dare to do.
I’d like to climb some of the taller Mayan/Inca temples. I don’t like heights, and they don’t have handrails. I know I could get to the top, but coming down…not pretty.
4. Your biggest phobia?
In day-to-day life, spiders. I used to be a spider attractor…you don’t want to know.
5. If you were stranded on a desert island – what 3 things would you want with you (not including laptop, or family).
Hmmm, I guess the key word is stranded, so no portals allowed. A really sharp knife, a mirror (so I can send messages via Morse Code) and an unabridged dictionary (I can make up my own stories for each word).
6. Name three blessings in your life.
My family, my friends and good health.
7. What was your nickname in High School?
Didn’t have one, that I knew about, anyway. My grandfather used to call me Sputnik.
8. If you could meet the President of the United States, what would you say to him?
It’s one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Kent M. Keith’s PARADOXICAL COMMANDMENTS: Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
9. If you could be any literary character for a day, who would you be?
Harry Dresden–a wizard with a good heart and the guts to make a difference.
10. What is your favorite quote?
This is a hard one, but I think it has to be another of the PARADOXICAL COMMANDMENTS: The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

If you’d like to join the fun, copy these questions to your site and go for it. Then leave a comment with a link so we can all visit and see your answers!
1. What is your dream vacation?
2. Are you spontaneous or do you like to plan ahead?
3. Tell us one thing you want to do but don’t dare to do.
4. Your biggest phobia?
5. If you were stranded on a desert island – what 3 things would you want with you (not including laptop, or family).
6. Name three blessings in your life.
7. What was your nickname in High School?
8. If you could meet the President of the United States, what would you say to him?
9. If you could be any literary character for a day, who would you be?
10. What is your favorite quote?

 

Permanent link to this article: https://twfendley.com/tag-its-the-blog-hop/