Thursday, December 29, 2016

Wow, I have been so busy in December I don't think I got anything posted.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas or Holiday that you celebrated.  Mine was blessed with our family together at my nephew's (who is only 22, and, yes we are proud of him) new house.  We had some other family drama that wasn't so good but it has all worked out and everything is great.  Needless to say I have also not gotten any reading done which is sad.

I wanted to share an article I found that is kind of sad in that all these poor authors are, I'm afraid, going to lose money.  Click here for the details:   Publisher All Romance Ebooks Closing hits new low in stealing from authors.  I am not sure if they are the actual publisher or a distributor but either way it is not good.


Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Author of the Day

Janelle Gabay


My love for writing began many years ago in college, first at Rollins College then second at the University of South Florida. However, it wasn’t until my daughter’s eighth-grade project on the Civil War that I began to create a full novel.  Somehow reading about the horrors and extreme bravery of that war conjured up my society of immortals that are now the subject of my series, which ironically has nothing to do with the Civil War.  Before that, I guess you could say I was a tennis mom and a stage mom.  I have two amazing athletes and one talented actor for children.  I look back and wish that I had started writing at a younger age, but honestly believe that it is my experiences with my husband and our crazy children that helped shape my stories and make them great. Having had to share a home with contrasting personalities both human and canine are what fill my stories with the little details that are relatable to readers.  Also having had exposure to many diverse people and places because my dad was in the air force and my children played tennis tournaments in unique destinations both in and out of the United States has also helped round out my characters, enrich my settings and heighten my arcs.  I’m a hands on learner so using my life experiences, diving into self-publishing and erring as I go is what suits me best.  I might stumble along the way, but I enjoy both the ups and downs of my journey.  Like I tell my kids: winning is sweet if it cost you blood, sweat, and tears along the way.

Where to find out more about Janelle and stay in touch:


Where to find her books:



Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Check out Riley Marie Staggs page on FB.  She has some secrets she is keeping.
OK, I found something really different and unique.  Everyone knows a glass of wine and a good book is a great combination.  Well this company Italian company decided to merge the 2.  Check it out on Bustle here:  Wine Bottles Wrapped in Books




Friday, November 11, 2016

Author of the Day

Wendy Owens


This is a little different 'Author of the Day' article.  Wendy writes YA Fantasy and she has a Romance series out.  She has 16 books she considers "The Greatest Books" ever written.  

  1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
  2. Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol
  3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mahi
  4. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  5. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
  6. Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
  7. The 5 Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson
  8. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
  9. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
  10. BFG by Roald Dahl
  11. ARV-3 Cameo Ranae
  12. Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young
  13. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  14. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
  15. Bring Me Back by Micalea Smeltzer
  16. Never Too Far by Abbi Glines
These are the books that inspired Wendy to start writing, keep writing, try new genres and more.  You can find out her thoughts on the above books and why they are on her list check Wendy's favorite books  You can also sign up for her newsletter there.

You can follow Wendy here:




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Have you voted in the Goodreads Best Books of 2016 yet?   Better get over there and cast your votes for the books you loved this last year.  Here is the link to make it easy:



Friday, October 28, 2016

Get your pens and paper or computers or tablets ready!!!   November 1 - 30th is National Writing Month.  Have you had an idea niggling at the back of your brain for a story.  Here is your chance to write it down on paper.  The website lets you track your progress, pick your home region and more.  Here is where you can sign up  NaNoWriMo


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Author of the Day

E. Van Lowe



E. Van Lowe is an author, television writer and producer who has worked on such hit TV shows as "The Cosby Show," "Even Stevens," and "Homeboys In Outer Space." He has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Academy Award. His first YA Paranormal novel, "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie," was a selection of The Scholastic Book Club, and a nominee for an American Library Association Award.  His most popular series is The Falling Angels Saga, featuring bestselling novels, “Boyfriend From Hell” and “Earth Angel.   
His most recent series is The Beautiful Creatures of Beverly Hills, features the novel “Moondancers” that asks the question: ‘Do you believe in soulmates?’ 
He is also, horror novelist, Sal Conte, author of the 80s horror classics “Child’s Play” and “The Power.”  Sal’s short stories “The Toothache Man,” and “Because We Told Her To,” are available as ebooks only on Amazon. 
This past summer, at the American Library Association Conference, his YA/horror novel (written with Sal Conte), The Secrets of Love and Death, was awarded the Indiefab Silver Medal for best YA novel. 
E lives in Beverly Hills California with his spouse, a werewolf, several zombies and a fairy godmother who grants him wishes from time-to-time. 

Where you can catch up with E. Van Lowe:
Website  and right now you can get a free copy of Boyfriend from Hell

Where can you find his books:
Amazon                            Indigo
Barnes and Noble             IndieBound
Kobo                                 





Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Are you ready for Halloween?  Are you a big fan?  Do you dress up when handing out candy?   Here are some costume ideas based on books.

1.  Capt. Ahab               2.  Frodo Baggins        




3.  Mary Poppins           4.  Fox in Socks


Madeline                              Queen of Hearts



    Hannibal                                            Dolores Umbridge


  Scarlette                        Nancy Drew    



Friday, October 21, 2016

Author of the Day

Chris Cannon

I met Chris at Penned Con and was immediately struck by her friendliness and the uniqueness (is that even a word - spellchecker didn't say no) of her story line in her series Going Down in Flames.


Chris Cannon lives in Southern Illinois with her husband and 3 dogs, Pete the Shitzu who sleeps on her desk while she writes, Molly the ever-shedding lab and Tyson the sandwich stealing Shepherd-Beagle.  She believes coffee is the Elixer of Life. Most evenings after work you can find her writing fire-breathing paranormal adventures or romantic comedy.  

You can connect with Chris in cyberspace:
Website where you can leave her a message and sign up for her newsletter

Her books can be found:
Her bookstore  This will lead you to all the different sites selling each of her books.



Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Very, Very Important Announcement:

Check this very cool giveaway that is being done for Penned Con 2017.



Author of the Day

Tia Bach

I met Tia at Penned Con and she is a very nice lady.  You have to love anyone that eats Jif straight out of the jar - it is my favorite way to eat it too.



Tia Silverthorne Bach has been married to her college sweetheart for twenty years, has three beautiful girls, and adores living in the breathtaking state of Colorado. Her daughters were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She believes in fairy tales and happy endings and is an avid reader and rabid grammar hound.  

She is an award-winning, multi-genre author and an Editor for Indie Books Gone Wild. From an early age, she escaped into books and believes they can be the source of healing and strength. If she’s not writing, you can find her on the tennis court, at the movies, reading a good book, or spooning Jif peanut butter right out of the jar. 

Here is just a teaser from her new paranormal romance Enchanted Souls, a Saints Grove Novel, Book 11 being released 10/21/16.  It is the 11th but does standalone also.


Two Souls Tethered. An Unbreakable Bond.
A rare occurrence brings the planets into alignment, causing the seals that separate the universes to break.  Lost souls search for a home while two hearts that were shattered try to find their missing pieces.
When Alyxandria Duvall meets Micah, sparks fly, and their hearts burst into flames.  They welcome their daughter not long after; then Micah goes missing under mysterious circumstances, leaving a path of heartache, death, and destruction in his wake.  Still Faith has more in store for them.
Galactic anomalies are propelling their lives towards their destinies.  Light years separate them, but their souls gravitate towards one another.  Can love overpower the universe's boundaries?
Here is where you can pre-order find Enchanted Souls:

Amazon                                     KOBO
Barnes and Noble                      iBooks

Want to find our more about Tia and her books check out:

Tia's Website                             Instagram
Facebook                                   Wattpad
Twitter                                       Amazon's author page
Goodreads

Sign up for Tia's newsletter:  here

Other books by Tia:

Chasing Memories (Tala Prophecy, Book 1)
Chasing Shadows   (Tala Prophecy, Book 2)
Chasing Forgiveness  (Tala Prophecy, novella)
Chasing Destiny      (Tala Prophecy, Book 3)
Chasing Eternity      (Tala Prophey, Book 4)

Fractured Glass:  A Novel Anthology

7:  The Seven Deadly Sins

Heart Chatter  (women's fiction)

Coming Soon:  The latest Ferocious Five Project

Monday, October 17, 2016

I went to the book launch of Stephen P. Walker's new book Ghosts Among Us.  It was at Lemp Mansion, St. Louis, Mo which has quite a ghostly and gruesome history.  I was a little disappointed that he didn't tell anything about the book and some of the contributors of stories were there and they didn't speak.  There was a major crowd and that might have been why.  The line for him to sign his book and two previous books that were about Lemp Mansion was out to the street most of the afternoon.  He had a great entry though arriving in a hearse and the books were in a casket.

The cake and there were great cupcakes with headstones and ghosts. 


Stephen P. Walker                                    Stephen's Family      



 Stained glass ceiling in one of the rooms

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Author of the Day

Natasha Hanova

I met Natasha at Penned Con 2016 and she is so nice!

Thanks for having me on your blog.  My name is Natasha Hanova #Whovian #WalkingDead #GiveMeAlltheChocolate.  I enjoy reading and writing paranormal, dark fantasy and dystopian books with romance.

Edge of Truth is my debut novel.  As with many of my stories, this one was inspired and started because of a dream.  The main character, sixteen-year-old Rena Moon, was hiding under the floorboards of her house while strange men beat up her father in an attempt to force him to reveal her location.  This scene isn't in the book but it made me wonder why "they" wanted her.  I discovered that she lived in an oppressive, futuristic society where turning over people with special abilities is profitable.  At first, Rena only has a sensitivity to ground vibrations but as she grows older her powers grow stronger and her emotions begin triggering earthquakes.

A recent reviewer had this to say:  Edge of Truth is about a girl who can LITERALLY make the earth quake.  X-men meets Divergent.

Thanks again for having me.

Please stay in touch.  Here is where you can find Natasha.


Where to find her book:








Thursday, October 13, 2016

I found another fantastic giveaway opportunity.  I'm not sure but you might have to be a member of the Kindle Book Club.  The link is to their forum.

Anyway they are having major giveaways at their Fabulous Fall Giveway so go over and check it out.  I'm sure you'll find some new authors to check out too because there are a bunch involved in this.


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Check out this event on facebook.  There are many authors involved.   Howl-o-ween Booooktacular


Author of the Day

Bethany Adams

I met Bethany at Penned Con and she was so much fun.  



Ever since finding a copy of The Hero and the Crown in her elementary school library, Bethany has loved fantasy. After subjecting her friends to stories scrawled in notebooks during study breaks all through high school, she decided to pursue an English degree at Middle Tennessee State University. When not writing or wrangling her two small children, Bethany enjoys reading, photography, and video games.

Here is how you can find out more about Bethany and her books:


Sunday, October 9, 2016

Don't laugh but look what I got for when I go to conventions and things like that.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Author of the Day!

I met Kay Camden at Penned Con 2016 and instantly liked her.  Here is her bio and some information on her books.


Kay is the author of the Alignment series and is currently working on the next sequel.  She lives with her husband, two children and three cats in the middle of the USA next to a big river.  She is always on the lookout for a good love story.  Other interests include learning the Irish language and listening to a lot of EBM/Industrial/synthpop electronica and dark/progressive/hardcore metal the only way those types of music are meant to be played:  LOUD.

About her books:
Kay writes twisty plots featuring haunted heroes and smart heroines, ancient feuds, forbidden love, magic and revenge.  THE ALIGNMENT SERIES is a pentalogy that spans 3 generations of two rival families and the people caught between them.  Books 1-3 are available now.  Book 4 is coming later this year.  

For more information about Kay Camden and her books check out these links:

Website:  Kay Camden

Friday, October 7, 2016

This is for fun!  Recently Arika Okrent compiled a list of Dickensian words for Mental Floss.  Here are the words and you can find the definitions here 7 Delightful Dickensian Words

  1. Marplot
  2. Sassigassity
  3. Connubialities
  4. Jog-Trotty
  5. Ugsome
  6. Cag-Maggers
  7. Slangular
Can you guess what any of them mean?  I found some clip art that might help.




Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Author of the Day:
Tricia Copeland


I met Tricia at Penned Con and she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  This is Tricia's bio and all the places that you can find out more about her and her books.

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now lives outside the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado with her family. Her Being Me series includes the titles Is This Me?, If I Could Fly, Think You Me, and the finale, Being Me. She wrote a YA paranormal novella entitled Drops of Sunshine about some special kids who can hear thoughts. A second YA story will be released in December. An avid runner and paranormal fan, she also enjoys hiking, trivia, and Scrabble.


Where to connect with Tricia
Facebook                              Goodreads
Instagram                              Bookbub
Twitter                                  Smashwords
Pinterest                                Authorgram
Youtube                                 Tricia's newsletter


Tricia is the author of the Being Me series.  

Book 1 is Is this Me?  You can find it here:
Smashwords  Free
Kobo books Free
Barnes and Noble Free Nook version

Book 2 is If I Could Fly

Book 3 is Think You Know Me

Final book:  Being Me
Amazon  #freekindleunlimited

Drops of Sunshine  YA paranormal novella
Amazon free Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads  free Kindle Unlimited

Spellbound  Paranormal novella collection
Amazon   Free
iBooks  Free
Kobo  Free
Barnes and Noble  Free ebook

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

I am a bit miffed or to be truthful down right p.o'd at Amazon.  I am sure if you are an author or reviewer out there you know about it.  They now will not let a book be given free for a review.  The community guidelines consider it a "incentivized review".  Now they state that is only a tiny part of their reviews then what is the problem?

I encourage reviewers and readers alike to contact them with your opinion of their new policy.  I did and this is what I wrote:

I am very disappointed in Amazon's new review policy.  I don't understand their basis for the new policy either.

As a reviewer of books with a review blog, I receive books from authors constantly requesting a review.  I give an honest review good or bad without being harsh in the case of a bad one.  I feel it is a discredit to honest reviewers and new authors not to be able to continue this system.

Why on earth and to what purpose does it serve to have this new policy especially in view of the fact that Amazon wants to sell books?  I would think the more reviews good or bad would be of benefit to the author, readers and to Amazon.  



Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Hey everyone in the St. Louis area.  Check this out if you are interested in writing historical fiction.

Authors:  Learn how to make the past relevant to today's readers.
Saturday Oct. 1, 2016
10am to noon
Kirkwood Community Center
111 S. Geyer Rd.
Kirkwood, MO  63122
Spoonsored by St. Louis Writer's Guild
Members:  free, nonmembers $5

Ever wanted to try you hand at historical fiction but didn't know where to start?  On Oct. 1, award-winning historical fiction author Nicole Evelina will show you it's not as intimidating as it may seem, even if you're not a fan of research (though it helps if you are).

Nicole Evelina