FINAL day of Timeless Book Tour + Win cool Books

It's final day of the book release blog tour. Yippee!

First of all, don't forget to guess Rachel's lie to win Don't Fall, a contemporary retelling of Rapunzel. 

Tis the season to be grateful. I feel like I've been drowning in cheese with all this awesomeness, and I have you to thank for reading, supporting, and being incredible you. So thank you for participating, playing, and commenting. It means the world to me. As you look around at life this week, I hope you'll take a moment to ponder what makes it rich, and the abundance of blessings you experience, even in the darkest times. (Especially in the darkest times.)

The Maiden of Time Series:

The romance of Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.

In a world where people can heal with a touch, kill with a scream, and rob a person of their memories, Alexia is struggling to find her place and learn her gifts--before the Soulless come for her.

BUY

on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or get signed print copies from yours truly!

Tour stops

November 21

Ellie Garratt: Meet Your Doppelganger Quiz

books are love: Action Excerpt

Christine Rains - Writer: 3 Approaches for Developing Characters
(For Different Types of learners)

lilicasplace: Writing Tips: Does Your Middle Sag? (And how to fix it.)

Sandra Cox: Spotlight time!

November 23

Tonja Drecker: 5 Tools for Creating DEEP Characters

(Email address is required for awarding prizes.)

After today is over, I'm taking a cheese holiday. I'll be back on November 30 with a final post and giveaway for the year.

Where would you go on your cheese holiday? What are you grateful for this week? Do you celebrate Thanksgiving--and if so, how?

Books, Boogiemen & IWSG

What is it you fear is hiding under your bed?

And no, I don't mean something like this:

source

I'm talking about your proverbial bed. We all have fears that seem far too large to overcome, the monsters that haunt our souls. Today I'm facing one of those monsters, and it look like this:

If you met me face to face, you might never guess I struggle with social interactions. That's because I'm a FABULOUS actress. It didn't used to be this bad. In high school I worked hard on developing relationships and hanging out, but the truth is, I was more comfortable like this:

source

than this:

I went to a birthday party with my daughter yesterday and after 10 minutes I was like, "GET ME OUT OF HERE." No desire to stick around--even to chat with some awesome neighbors. It's a lack of practice, I know, but after a long season of illness that left me too exhausted to get out, and finally a new baby, I just don't have the willpower or energy to invest. And that's a bad thing. Life is about human interaction. It's about relationships. It's about LIVING.

So how do I reconcile that?

Well, I joined a book club. I'm in social media groups with other people. I'm planning some coops for my home schooling kids.

See, the only thing constant in life is change. We're either expanding outward, exploring and growing, or we're shrinking in on ourselves. I'm pretty tired of shrinking. How about you? What are you doing to expand your horizons?

This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:

BUY NOW 

(Unless you already have, in which case, you rock!)

Last week we met the very kind Sandra Cox and had an opportunity win her urban fantasy novel, LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.

The Game:

1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.

2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.

3. English is my second language.

The lie: #3. English actually is her first language.

Way to guess everyone! That was tough. And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Susan Gourley/Kelley!

Congrats, Susan!

And now for something a little different today. 

I'm excited to be contributing to

(Releasing June 30th!)

I had the privilege of reviewing an Advance Reviewer Copy, and this is what I have to say: 

Anthologies are always such a mixed bag. You may love one story and hate the next. Knowing the number of contributors in this anthology, I anticipated there’d be some back and forth, but I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. Strong stories, some very unique ideas, and some great reads. I enjoyed the experience...

(Read the rest of the review HERE and add it to you TBR list)

And now the clincher. If you mention the word "CHEESE" in your comment, I'll put you in my magic hat for the chance to win THE THING THAT TURNED ME in eBook. (Awarded on release day.)

You have until Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back to see the winner and for a chance to win another AWESOME book on June 15, 8 a.m EDT.

Are you socially awkward? What monsters are hiding under your proverbial bed? Did you add the anthology to your list?

Have You Ever Sent Someone Off to War?

Have you ever sent a loved one off to war?

Memorial day in the States is Monday. What is Memorial Day? The day we celebrate soldiers, but especially fallen soldiers. It has become a day to honor the men and women who serve in the military. I think about this frequently--what it would be like to pray every day for a father/mother, a husband/wife, a son/daughter, a brother/sister who has gone to fight for the freedoms I cherish. The fear they will not return, the struggle to keep a relationship strong over long distance, the stress of being a single parent while a spouse is deployed... I am left in awe of those who sacrifice so graciously--not just those who leave, but those who let them go.

To all who have made that sacrifice, a HUGE, heartfelt thank you. You are a true hero.

Quick heads up: I'm sharing words of inspiration plus a personal turning point on Diane Wolf's blog. Check it out HERE.

This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:

BUY NOW 

(Because waiting until later would just be silly.)

Last week we met the talented Cherie Reich and had an opportunity win her fantasy novel, REBORN. Everyone who guessed her Truth or Lie game correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.

The Game:

1. From a span of one August to another, Cherie performed in seven theatrical productions.

2. Cherie changed her major four times while in college.


3. Cherie has studied six languages. Unfortunately, she’s only proficient in one.

The lie: #2. Cherie only changed her major three times (general studies to vocal performance to classics). If she had a chance to do it all over again, she would have majored in something else. Maybe anthology (linguistics) or something to do with computers (graphic design or websites) or history.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Tiana Smith!

Congrats, Tiana!

And now meet a story from the author of RAINERS in the Parallels anthology: 

Some teens go to the Caribbean on spring break. Piper goes to save the world. 

Piper Dunn isn’t who you would call a normal teenager. For one thing, she doesn’t want anyone to know she was born with a blowhole. Even stranger, she has two love interests. Joel, a fellow dolphin-human hybrid, and Tyler, a human. 

It’s hard to choose when a mad scientist is hot on Piper’s trail. Worse, she’s trapped in the Bermuda Triangle. And . . . wait for it . . . Angel, her test-tube daughter, is apparently a real-deal reincarnation. It all adds up to an impossible situation, with happy endings all but lost at sea. Unless, of course, a voodoo high priestess casts a spell or two . . .

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romance, and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee or a latte, and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.

You might run across Sandra munching on pepper-jack sticks.

Find her on Facebook (likes appreciated) or her Blog.

Sandra gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win LOVE, LATTES and MUTANTS in eBook. (The first book in the series.)

You have until Tuesday, May 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on June 1, 8 a.m EDT.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I was the third generation in my family to be married on Christmas Eve.

2. My husband was born in IL, I was born in KY, my daughter was born in OH and my son in WI.

3. English is my second language.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you know any military families who deserve a salute? Ever heard of metaphysical nonfiction? Have you met Sandra?

Love or Hate Anthologies?

Do you like short stories?

When it comes to writers, it seems like they either go long, or go short. It's rare you have someone who's mastered the art of the short story and the full length novel.

I was always a long distance writer, but could totally appreciate the short story. About 8 years ago I was introduced to flash fiction. (Stories that are 100 to 1000 words long--a paragraph to 2.5 pages.) I was fascinated. It was also my gateway drug to the short story realm.

Fast forward a bit... This year I'm contributing to my 7th and 8th anthologies--one of which I'm super excited to introduce today! (Click on the BOOKS to see the other publications.)

Anthology #7 is one most of you have probably seen about the interwebs, but if not, here it is:

The competition was stiff to get into this anthology, and only 10 pieces were accepted. We (the 10 authors) have started a blog all about the awesomeness of speculative fiction. (Check it out!) We'll be participating in the A to Z Challenge there and may just blow your mind. (In a good way.)

For fun, I thought I'd share a teaser here today from my contribution:

The Mirror People

We think no one is watching behind closed doors, but what if they are? Meet the Mirror People. 

Excerpt:

Every day I look into the eyes of a stone-cold killer. Sometimes he’s straightening his tux bowtie before a fancy shin-dig. Sometimes he’s grinning madly while brandishing a knife. Sometimes he’s spattered in blood.

The point is, it’s my job to look into his eyes, day after day, unable to raise the alarm or warn his victims—like the middle aged woman he’s just finished off—because I inhabit the world on the other side of the mirror.

I’m Jak Ralston’s reverse identity, also known as Jak Ralston. His prisoner.

He wipes his blade clean having already sheared off his trophy, a finger, and turns away from the mirror to the mess of a hotel room. I relax. My shoulders ache from the tension. He is always intense. Always serious. Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray). He’s calculating. Terrifying.

I stand on the other side of the mirror, mimicking his movements like my life depends on it, because it does. Mr. Murder is my twid (twin identity), me in another realm, and if I break from being his reflection while anyone is watching (including him), we’ll both keel over and die. No matter how much I despise him, I’m not ready to die—like Susan, the mirror woman he’s just murdered in my realm. Facing her now, it’s all I can do not to slam my fists into the mirror and scream, but destroying myself won’t bring her back...

Coming May 3, 2016

Preorder HERE

 

Now let's award a WINNER!

Last week Alysia S. Knight shared with us AURORA RISING, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook AND a super cool bookmark.

The Game:

1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.

3. I’m preparing to climb Denali.  

The lie: #3. Alysia likes hiking but prefers warm weather--and she doesn't want to hike anything that steep.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Christine Rains!

Congrats, Christine!

And that's it for this week. There will be another fun Truth or Lie game next week for super cool prizes. Go check out the Parellels blog eh? Or order yourself an awesome anthology.

Do you read short stories? When was the last time you read an anthology? 

IWSG, Ghost Buying, and Body Snatching

Do you hate or love birthdays?

They're a huge deal in my house. Growing up there were 8 kids, so your b-day was YOUR day to shine. Everyone was extra nice, you got decorations and a boatload of gifts, Grandpa and Grandma would come visit, and let's not forget being sung to over a cake in both English and Portuguese. It was epic.

These days we take a family holiday when someone has a birthday, meaning no work, no school, just play and spoiling for that one day. Everyone stops and recognizes that person as the star. While that's lovely and all, I'd like to stop aging. I used to keep all my story files in my head. Believe it or not, they even stayed where I put them and could be retrieved on demand. Four kids later, not so much. Heck, I can't even keep track of all the appointments, errands, and demands of a single day. (Thank you calendar. I'd be dead without you!) For the first time, I find myself forgetting or missing commitments. What's with that?

I guess what this boils down to is that I like birthdays. I really do. But aging? Not so much. Here's hoping someone can give me a brain upgrade in about 5 years, because this one might be down to steam and gears.

How do you feel about birthdays?

IWSG is a monthly hop for writers seeking support and an awesome community. Join our hosts this month: TB Markinson,   
Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Shannon Lawrence, and     
Stephanie Faris.      

 

Speaking of birthdays, I missed a book birthday, but it's not too late to celebrate, right?

Last week Sandra Cox shared with us GHOST FOR SALE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook, THE CRYSTAL (in honor of guess who?)!

Sandra's Game:

1. I got the idea for Ghost For Sale when I heard on the news a ghost was up for sale on eBay.
2. I was born in Ky, my husband in IL, my daughter in OH and my son in WI.
3. I broke a leg trying to climb Mt. Everest.

THE LIE: #3. Yeah, we saw that one coming, right? 

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Mary Pax!!!

Congrats, Mary! 

And now for this week's feature (which I've been SOOOOO exited to about FOR YEARS)... 

Meet Morgan Dey, one of the top teen Reducers at The Body Institute.

Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Morgan can temporarily take over another girl’s body, get her in shape, and then return to her own body—leaving her client slimmer, more toned, and feeling great. Only there are a few catches…

For one, Morgan won’t remember what happens in her “Loaner” body. Once she’s done, she won’t recall walks with her new friend Matt, conversations with the super-cute Reducer she’s been text-flirting with, or the uneasy feeling she has that the director of The Body Institute is hiding something. Still, it’s all worth it in the name of science. Until the glitches start…

Suddenly, residual memories from her Loaner are cropping up in Morgan’s mind. She’s feeling less like herself and more like someone else. And when protests from an anti–Body Institute organization threaten her safety, she’ll have to decide if being a Reducer is worth the cost of her body and soul…

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Carol Riggs is a YA author who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. She enjoys reading, drawing and painting, writing conferences, walking with her husband, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds. You will usually find her in her writing cave, surrounded by her dragon collection and the characters in her head.

She adores swiss cheese on Reuben sandwiches. Yum!

Carol gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an SIGNED PAPERBACK with a BOOKMARK (US only). 

You have until Tuesday, October 13 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 14. 

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Carol once met singer Harry Chapin, got his autograph, and kissed him on the lips.
2. Carol’s family owned a Mexican restaurant when she was 13, in which she washed dishes and reluctantly played waitress. 
3. Carol lived on an island once, in Sitka, Alaska. 

So sleuths, which is the lie?  How do you feel about birthdays? Do anything special for them? What do you think of that concept for Carol's book? (Epic, right?) 

A Ghost for Sale and Birthday Love

Do you have a birthday season? 

We have a birthday season. Once the middle of September hits, it's crazy until the end of the year. So for the next couple months I'll be doing this: 

Hey, wish me happy birthday for Monday, eh? (I'll even take cheese from strangers.) Best birthday gift ever? Book purchases and reviews. Just sayin'...

 

Last week Jessie Andersen shared with us THE BREEDING TREE, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook. Her stories are a little long, so they've been condensed to their titles here.

Jessie's Game:

1. FIRE, FIRE!

2. HOSPITAL RUN

3. THE RABID OPOSSUM

THE LIE: #1. It's a true story, but it didn't happen to Jessie. 

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

L. Diane Wolfe!!!

Congrats! 

And now for this week's feature... 

Caitlin King can’t believe that her shopaholic cousin actually bought two ghosts off of eBay. But she can’t ignore the truth when she starts seeing sexy Liam O’Reilly, who’s been dead for over a hundred years. He’s a fascinating specter, and the more time Caitlin spends with him, the closer they become—sending them both spiraling into a star-crossed tailspin. No matter how desperately they long for each other, there’s just no future with a guy who’s already stopped breathing. 

In order to help Liam and his twin sister, Anna, leave their earthly limbo and cross over into the light, Caitlin must find the ghost of Anna’s fiancé. But a malevolent spirit is dead set against Anna moving on. Now Caitlin will have to unravel the mystery surrounding the twins’ past lives in order to keep Liam’s spirit safe—even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process.

Get your copy HERE.

You can enter to win a wristlet and make-your-own charm bracelet, by clicking on the image below! 

Ready to meet the author?

Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA Fantasy, Romantic Suspense and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and has a yellow belt in Muay Thai.

Sandra gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of THE CRYSTAL (in honor of me *grin*) in either eBook or print, winners choice. 

You have until Tuesday, October 6 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on October 7.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I got the idea for Ghost For Sale when I heard on the news a ghost was up for sale on eBay.
2. I was born in Ky, my husband in IL, my daughter in OH and my son in WI.
3. I broke a leg trying to climb Mt. Everest.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love ghost stories? Romances? Got a book you want to send me for my birthday? ; ) Or cheese?