Category: Guest (Page 27 of 44)

Erin Albert Author of The Prophecy on the Editorial Process

April 4, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

One note before we get to the guest post: Just wanted to remind you all I’ll be signing Elixir Bound at Bank Square Books in Mystic, CT tomorrow from 2-4 p.m.! And now back to the show…

Returning guest Erin Albert and I both have a lot in common. Aside from being short and writing YA fantasy, we also both have experience working with books as an author and an editor, which I think gives us an insightful look at the book editing process. Let’s give Erin a big welcome as she shares what it was like editing her YA fantasy The Prophecy.

When I first got my contract on The Prophecy, I thought I had submitted a pretty tight manuscript. I am, after all, a grammar freak. Given that, I honestly had no idea what to expect from my editors. My publisher, MuseItUp Publishing, assigned Katie Carroll and Susan Davis to be my content and line editors, respectively.

I received an email from Katie about a month or so after returning my contract. That day, I happened to be at a carnival and couldn’t see her changes from my phone. I spent the rest of the afternoon distracted. Upon arriving home, I raced to the computer to see what comments she may have made. Imagine my surprise when I noted she made nearly 100 comments on the first chapter alone. Talk about a reality check!

I poured through her notes. In the process, I learned a great deal about the publishing process. I discovered adverbs—my near and dear friends—receive no love in the writing world. When I studied as an English major, my professors encouraged the use of adverbs. But Katie told me to take out as many as I possibly could. Oh, my heart ached as I chopped adverb after adverb. Next, she mentioned my point of view shifts—those subtle moments when I’m in one character’s head but show a brief thought from another character’s. I learned to recognize the times I made those slips and correct them.

Katie and I went back and forth on edits for several months, and each time, I watched my story transform, getting better and better. When Susan took over, I again had no idea what to expect. The work Katie and I had done appeared complete, yet the line edits came back with even more corrections. Susan showed me I overuse certain wording like “she knew” and “she saw.” I watched in wonderment as the story improved yet again.

Thanks to Katie and Susan, I learned a great deal about myself as a writer and about the writing world in general. I’ve taken those lessons and combined them with my own grammar freakishness to become a line editor myself. And my personal writing has made leaps and bounds. I am about to enter my second editing cycle with Katie and Susan for The Outlanders, sequel to The Prophecy. I hope I’ve addressed the problems they discovered the first time, but I’m sure a host of new changes will present themselves this second time around. I will continue to grow, hopefully improving with each round. And that’s really the biggest lesson I learned from my editors—never stop honing your craft. Never hang up your hat and say, “It’s the best it will be, and I have nothing left to learn.” You always have something left to learn. Your work can always be better. So, don’t shy away from the assistance of others. Instead, embrace it and watch your mind expand.

The Prophecy blurb:

Growing up on a small farm in the kingdom of Vanguard, seventeen-year-old Layla Givens lives a deceptively tranquil existence. But her carefully constructed life quickly falls apart when she’s abducted by a religious zealot who proclaims her The Fulfillment of an ancient peace prophecy and whisks her away to marry her greatest enemy.

Wilhelm, Prince of the Ethereals, is reluctant to meet his new bride. He’s grown up believing Vanguards are evil, an enemy to fight and fear…not love. Can he set aside his prejudices and work alongside Layla to bring lasting peace after centuries of war?

Nash, a loner who has never fit in, carries a huge secret, one big enough to destroy both kingdoms. When he accidently meets Layla, he’s no longer content to live in the shadows, but he must resist his growing attraction—for her safety and for the longevity of the two kingdoms.

When Nash’s secret is revealed, a firestorm sweeps through both realms, with Layla at the center. Now she must choose between duty and desire while the fate of two nations hangs in the balance.

Purchase The Prophecy at the MuseItUp website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other ebook retailers.

About the Author:

Erin Albert is an author and fitness trainer. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the “Grammar Police.” In her free time, Erin enjoys acting, running, kickboxing, and, of course, reading and writing.

Find Erin online on Twitter (@ErinAlbertBooks), on Facebook, at her website, or on Goodreads.

Author J.Q. Rose and Character Lacey on Coda to Murder

March 21, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

It’s always nice to have a returning guest poster on the blog. And today we get a bonus, not only is J.Q. Rose back, but she’s brought along Lacey from J.Q.’s cozy mystery Coda to Murder. Welcome, J.Q. and Lacey!

Hello, Katie. Hello, readers. Lacey and I are so glad to be guests on Katie’s blog. Lacey is Pastor Christine’s closest friend in the cozy mystery/sweet romance, Coda to Murder. Because we know our dear pastor so well, we wanted to stop by so you could learn about her. She doesn’t like to “toot her own horn,” so we thought we’d do it for her.

JQ, there you go again with those clichés.

Oh, sorry, Lacey. Sorry readers, but you know they often say exactly what I mean “in a nutshell.”

Uh, JQ, never mind. Let’s tell the folks about Christine.

Thanks, Lacey. Take a peek at an excerpt from Chapter 3.

Christine jumped when she heard the doorbell buzz followed by a loud, “Yoo, hoo!” The cat hopped off her lap, and Christine climbed out of the recliner. She rushed to unlock and open the kitchen door. Lacey marched in with a bouquet of flowers and a brown paper bag.

“Hey, Chris. How ya’ doin’?” Lacey placed the vase of red and yellow tulips on the kitchen counter. “I heard about William. I am so sorry.” Lacey wrapped her arms around Christine and hugged hard.

The tall pastor and the petite florist couldn’t have been more different in appearance. Lacey’s blunt cut strawberry blonde hair and bright floral shirt and jeans contrasted with the minister’s black suit and shoulder length brown hair.

Because they were so alike in their life experiences, they became fast friends. They were nearly the same age, both single, both uncommitted,and both had marriages that ended badly.

She held out the brown bag. “Here, I brought us some light beers. I figured you needed some company.” She smiled big, making Christine realize how much she loved her friend.

# # # #

Lacey, you were such a wonderful support for Christine throughout this story. I have to give you credit for pushing Christine to notice the handsome Detective Cole Stephens.

“Well, I did point out he was hot. Take a look at this excerpt:

“I heard Cole Stephens is the investigator on William’s case,” said Lacey.

“He’s gorgeous.” She grinned a silly face at Christine and then sucked down more beer.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. I was so worried about Dutch, I didn’t even notice.”

“Well, I’m sure you had your mind on a lot more than Cole Stephens. Take my word for it, he’s a cutie,” Lacey said with a wink.

Christine tried to picture Cole Stephens. He was a tall, muscular man and handsome in his tie and sport coat. She remembered his short-cropped hair. Was it a flat-top, or was there some spiky hair sticking out? Did he wear glasses or not? Her memory of him was just too fuzzy.

“I didn’t exactly have my man radar out this morning.” She tried to brush off more of the cat hair, dust, and food particles on her suit coat and slacks.

“Well, I’m sure he’ll be talking to you some more if this investigation turns up foul play.”

Christine sat straight up on the couch and faced her friend. “Why would you even say something like that? You know William probably just tripped down the steps. Gosh, Lacey. What a thing to say!”

“I’m just sayin’…just wondering…I mean, really, Chris, nobody knows anything about William. He may have had too much wine and fell down the steps, or he discovered a burglar in the church, or any of a dozen things. Just sayin’…” Lacey quickly took another swig of the cold beer.

Focusing intently on Christine’s eyes, she said, “Cole Stephens has a reputation for digging for the truth. He won’t settle for any old explanation of William’s death. You have to be prepared for the worst.”

# # # #

“No truer words were ever spoken,” Lacey. Oh, there I go again. I thought I’d point out the cliché before you did.

Right, JQ. The readers will be taken along on a story that involves a murder mystery, but also a love story. Getting Chris and Cole together was difficult. So many obstacles to overcome, the main one being the darling detective wanted to nail Christine with the murder of the church’s music director, William.

As if that wasn’t enough, Christine was skittish about getting into another relationship with a man after being hurt so badly by her ex-husband.

Readers, there’s plenty of action, humor, and mystery in this book, Coda to Murder. If you want to download an excerpt or purchase the ebook, you can find it at MuseItUp Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online booksellers.

Coda to Murder blurb:

Pastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer.

Detective Cole Stephens doesn’t want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep brown eyes attract her.

Can they find the real killer and build a loving relationship based on trust?

About the Author:

After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction writing with her first published novella, Sunshine Boulevard, and her latest mystery, Coda to Murder. Both ebooks were released by MuseItUp Publishing. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. Spending winters in Florida with her husband allows Janet the opportunity to enjoy the life of a snowbird. Summer finds her camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.

Connect with J.Q. Rose online at:

J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/

Girls Succeed blog http://girlssucceed.blogspot.com/

Author website http://jqrose.webs.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor

J. Q. Rose Amazon Author Page http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/jqrose

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/janetglaser/

Meet Kerry Kennett Author of To The Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede

March 7, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

I’m very excited to introduce you all to my good friend from college and fellow MeeGenius author Kerry Kennett. Be sure to check out her adorable picture book app To the Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede. Welcome, Kerry!

What inspired you to write To The Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede?

We had bug traps set up to catch spiders in our basement. Or so I thought! I went down one summer day to put a load of wash on, and I see a CENTIPEDE squiggling off! I ran in the other direction (like the “lady” in my story). But then I got to thinking, “Hm! What if bugs DID try to be helfpul?” Then I thought about the bug traps in our house, and how there is a slight separation between the stairs. A centipede can really crawl around and squeeze through tiny spaces- something not all bugs do. I kept thinking about it and decided that it was pretty silly and might make a cute story. As I wrote, more and more ideas came to me!

What books had the most influence on you while growing up?

When I was very young my favorite books were, “Are You My Mother?” and “Bedtime For Frances.” I absolutely love both the illustrations and words. There’s this great page in “Bedtime For Frances” where the little girl badger goes in to see her parents and her dad opens one eye. It so perfectly captures that aspect of childhood when kids could care less about sleep and parents are dreading getting out of bed in the middle of the night! When I hit middle school and high school, I was really into poetry, especially anything written by E.E. Cummings. I love his creativity!

At what moment did you truly begin to feel like an author?

While I have been substituting in 2014, I’ve gotten to show my book to a handful of classes at the end of the school day as a “surprise”! It has been so great to see the kids interested in the story! They laugh at the lady with her broom, or just at the bug “talking.” They wince when he loses a few legs on the bug trap. It’s so amazing to share the story with my wonderful students!

How has your work as a librarian and teacher influenced your work as a writer?

I am blessed to have enjoyed such a wide variety of books from my work as a librarian and teacher (in both my coursework and through on-the-job experience)! I think I most enjoy seeing how kids react to the world around them, how they solve their problems, and the stories they make up! Students that I work with are always inspiring me to think of new ideas. Or, sometimes, they mention books that they would like to read, that we cannot find no matter how hard we search, and then I get ideas for what there might be a “need” for out there!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

My superpower would definitely be teleportation, with none of that dissipating business. Almost like on “Bewitched” when she twitches her nose and makes something happen- I would want to snap my fingers and end up wherever I chose! Can you imagine going to the beach for 5 hours a day every day, and then snapping your fingers a half an hour before work? No more TRAFFIC or commuting ever! I could work or visit wherever I choose!

What is something funny/weird/exceptional about yourself that you don’t normally share with others in an interview?

I have freckles everywhere! One freckle is even on the bottom of my left foot!

I really love pizza. I know most people like pizza, but, I really think I could eat it every day. I like that it is so versatile!

What is next for you in your writing career?

I am working on many other picture books at this time. I hope that my next book is published in a hardcover and / or paperback version so that I could hold it in my hands, autograph it, etc. I am excited to share my book with children through school and library visits as well!

Down the line, I would love to try my hand at MG or YA fiction, as I have some great ideas in mind but not a full blown story mapped out for any of them yet!

Thanks for the great interview, Katie!

Preview Kerry’s book To The Lady Upstairs, Sincerely, The Centipede.

About the Author:

In addition to being an author, Kerry has worked as a Middle School English Teacher for sixth grade, a Special Education Collaborative Team Teacher for grades K-3, and has also had the pleasure of working for one year as a grades K-2 Librarian in a Primary Elementary School. She has taught in Rockland County, in NYC in the borough of the Bronx, and in Dutchess County- all in the great state of New York. She absolutely love vacations that involve a beach! The better the snorkeling is, the better the vacation is! She believes the most beautiful sunsets and calm moments are experienced on a beach! For more about Kerry and her book visit her website at kerrykennett.com.

Campus Crush by Ashelyn Drake Book Blast

March 5, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

Check out this book blast for Ashelyn Drake’s Campus Crush, a compilation of four new adults novellas in one book. Grab the ebook for only $1.99!

Campus Crush:

The co-eds of Timberland College know a little romance is good for the soul.

Follow four couples as they try to find love in the Campus Crush Series boxset, including Nothing to Tell, Romancing the R.A., Behind Closed Doors, and Rushing Into Love.

When you’re looking for love, you have to be willing to break the rules.

A closer look at the four novellas in Campus Crush:

Nothing To Tell

Some guys have the art of hooking up down to a science. They know all the right words to say and all the right games to play.

Except…for guys like Mike Hannigan. The dude has got no game, his pick-up lines never work, and to make matters worse, his wing-man is his female best friend, Mindy.

Until one day, a mysterious raven-haired beauty catches Mike’s eye and he’s determined to have her. He doesn’t care what lengths he has to go to. He’ll do whatever it takes to perfect his game and figure out what to say without sounding like a sleaze.

But… There’s always something strange about mysterious girls. They’re usually mysterious for a reason and this girl in particular might be more than Mike bargained for.

Romancing the R.A.

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl.

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

Behind Closed Doors

Julia Monroe is through wishing she had an older guy like her best friend Noelle does. It’s time for her to act on her desires. So when she sees sexy, twenty-three-year-old Darren McEntire eating dinner alone at the pub, she decides to make her move. The attraction between them is undeniable, and even through Julia isn’t looking for a one-night stand, she winds up back at Darren’s place the same night she meets him. Only being with him makes her realize what she’s been missing dating other guys. All she wants is Darren.

But Julia allows Darren to think she’s his age and a grad student at the nearby college. She knows she has to confess the truth, but she’s afraid to shatter what they have. Not knowing what to do, she starts the semester only to discover that her new teaching assistant is none other than Darren. With the lies out in the open and campus policy against them, Julia and Darren know the relationship should be over before it even begins. But the chemistry between them is too strong to deny.

Can they find a way to be together or are they doomed to only see each other behind closed doors?

Rushing Into Love

As a college junior, Mindy Stanton has no interest in dating a freshman.

That is until Ben Whitmore shows up and serenades his way into her heart at the dorm social she’s running. And after hearing him sing, even Mindy can’t deny that he has a deep, sexy voice that makes her melt.

Even though Mindy makes it clear that she doesn’t date younger guys, Ben pursues her anyway. After all, he doesn’t seem like the typical college freshman, who is only interested in hooking up, partying until he can’t remember his name, or joining a frat. He’s a gentleman, a romantic, and definitely knows all the right things to say to sweep a girl off her feet.

So Mindy drops her guard. She allows herself to fall for him. Before she knows it, Ben is all she can think about. To her, he’s perfect.  But it doesn’t take Mindy long to discover that even the most perfect guys…  Have secrets.

Add Campus Crush on Goodreads or buy it a Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

About the Author:

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Find Ashelyn online:

Blog: http://ashelyndrake.wordpress.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AshelynDrake

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7075461.Ashelyn_Drake

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshelynDrake

Interview with Christina Weigand Author of Sanctuary of Nine Dragons

February 28, 2014 / Katie L. Carroll

A hearty welcome back to Christina Weigand as she celebrates the release of Sanctuary of Nine Dragons, the third book in her YA fantasy series Palace of Twelve pillars. She’s been gracious enough to answer a few questions. Hi, Christina!

What made you want to become a writer?

A shark. When I was a kid for the longest time I thought I wanted to be a nurse. I desperately wanted to wear one of those little white caps that they wore back in the day. When I was a junior in high school, I went to see the movie Jaws. That night I had nightmares and couldn’t sleep. It was then that I decided that maybe nursing was not for me. I had always written. I wrote for the school newspaper and a local newspaper. Journalism seemed a natural choice.

What inspired you to write Sanctuary of Nine Dragons?

I can’t put my finger on one particular incident that inspired this book, except for the one when I finished the second book in the trilogy and realized that the story wasn’t finished yet. For the whole trilogy though, I don’t remember a bolt of lightning, or any particular thing that inspired the story. It started out as a lonely farm boy being told that he was a prince and wizard and blossomed from there.

What one book do you wish you had written?

There are so many books out there that I love, but the reason I love them is because the talent of a particular author are behind it. They were the best person to write that book. I couldn’t have written their book just as they couldn’t have written mine.

At what moment did you truly begin to feel like an author?

It was my first NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) when I was writing Palace of the Twelve Pillars. It was the first draft and writing the funeral scene of King Theodric. I stopped and reread after writing it. I couldn’t believe that I wrote those words, that they came from my fingers. I ran through the house showing it to anyone who was there. Of course my husband was the only one there and he just didn’t get that feeling.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? What is your least favorite part?

When the characters take control of the story and things just flow. My least favorite part is when the characters are silent and the words won’t come.

What is the single best piece of advice you have for aspiring authors?

If it is your passion, your calling, to write then don’t give it up. Don’t listen when others tell you not good enough or you should be doing something else. Write, read and write some more.

What is next for you in your writing career?

I just submitted a middle-grade novel to my publisher. God willing it will be published by the end of the year. I have another series that I have started.

Sanctuary of Nine Dragons blurb:

Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.

With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.

Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?

Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?

Find it at the MuseItUp bookstore, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.

About the Author:

Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.

When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter’s school helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.

Find out more about Christina on her blog, Twitter (@CAWeigand), Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon.