YA Indie Carnival - Famous Character's Personal Ad

This week, the sponsors of the YA Author Club are having a little fun. We are creating the personal ad for a book's famous character. Below is my take on a personal ad as written by Kelsey Hayes from Tiger's Curse (The Tiger Saga, #1) by Colleen Houck:

Young orphaned college student seeking an older Indian prince who is willing to become Indiana Jones-like in order to hunt, find, and retrieve priceless trinkets. A tolerance for tigers, brothers, and goddesses required. The enjoyment of poetry--reading and writing--is preferred.

Next week, don't forget to join us when we have our 2nd Annual Christmas Giveaway. Stay tuned for more details on how to win the package.

Giveaway Package:
Transfer Student by Laura A.H. Elliott

Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series, #2) by Laura A.H. Elliott 

Vampires Rule (The Rule #1) by K.C. Blake

Werewolves Rule by K.C. Blake 

Raven (The Raven Saga, #1) by Suzy Turner

December Moon (The Raven Saga, #2) by Suzy Turner

The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga, #3) by Suzy Turner

The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw by Suzy Turner

Golden Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #1) by Melissa Pearl

Black Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #2) by Melissa Pearl

Pure Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #3) by Melissa Pearl 

Of Sun & Moon (Midnight Guardian, #1) by Bryna Butler

Warriors of the Cross (Warrior, #1) by T.R. Graves
Guardians of the Cross (Warrior #2) by T.R. Graves

Enemies of the Cross (Warrior, #3) by T.R. Graves

Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Destiny (The Tiger Saga #4) by Colleen Houck
 
★★★★★
 
Colleen Houck  has done an incredible job of maintaining The Tiger Saga's excitement, adventure, tenderness, and passion with Tiger's Destiny (The Tiger Saga #4). I've said before that this is one of my all-time favorite series, and with its final book, that statement still holds true. 
 
Colleen Houck's  ability to tell a great story that is unbelievable—yet believable—is one of her many talents. She is just as phenomenal at creating  characters who are so relatable that the reader has no choice but to laugh when the characters laugh, cry when the characters cry (very real crocodile tears), and love when the characters love.
 
I'm not going to give anything away. This saga is too special for someone (other than Colleen Houck) to tell about it. In order to fully enjoy Tiger's Destiny (The Tiger Saga #4), you must read it, experience it, and fall in love with it yourself. That can't be done if you get bits and pieces because they will absolutely spoil the adventure and rid you of the angst you must feel as you try to theorize about the character's destinies as the story plays out. 
 
In my opinion,  Colleen Houck  wrapped the series up perfectly while leaving the tiniest opening for it to continue should she ever want to resurrect The Tiger Saga. For that, I'm thankful because as soon as I finished, I felt that familiar letdown that has followed the ending of every one of the The Tiger Saga's book. No matter how nicely everything was wrapped up, I still want more Kelsey, Ren, Kishan, and Durga.

YA Indie Carnival - Vote... Vote... Vote

This week, the YA Indie Carnival sponsors are posting topics on voting. For me, this is going to be short and sweet (NaNoWriMo waits for no man). In the spirit of elections, voting, and may the best man (ah-hum... woman) win mentality, I'm posting a link. With it, you can go and vote in Goodreads Choice Awards 2012.

Important Notes & Special Pleas:

In the Nominees for Best Romance and Nominees for Best Goodreads Author categories, you will find On Dublin Street by Samantha Young. The book cover was designed by Phatpuppy Art... my book cover designer.  
 
In the Nominees forYoung Adult Fiction category, there are three nominations for authors who were at one time members of the YA Indie Carnival.  

• Crash (Crash #1) by Nicole Williams
• Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2) by Abbi Glines
• The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys #2) by Abbi Glines   

 

 



YA Indie Carnival - Work In Progress

This week, the YA Indie Carnival sponsors are sharing their current work in progress. This is an extremely timely topic for me because I'm taking on the NaNoWriMo challenge. I plan to write 50,000 words in November.

In order to keep myself excited about the project, I invested in a book cover (last week), formulated a story (last weekend), and began the story (yesterday). I'll be sharing all of that with you and asking for forgiveness because this is a draft so rough I would normally not share. I should also mention that this particular book will not be young adult. Instead, it will be a very dark and sexy mainstream fiction. I decided that if I was going to go out of my comfort zone (writing non-stop without editing), I would go all out. The verdict is still out, but you can take a few minutes reading the summary/excerpt, ogling the cover (courtesy of Phatpuppy Art), and letting me know your thoughts.


Introducing... Grave Bound (Secrets, #1)

SUMMARY:
For her entire life, eighteen-year-old Emily Riddles swore by her community's code of secrecy. It may have been simple, keep it in the family, but it wasn't always easy to follow. The one time she broke the rules with Levi, her summer fling and outsider boyfriend, she saw firsthand what happened to those who forgot the code. She may never know how Owen, her father, found out about her and Levi's late-night meetings or the details of their private conversations, but she would forever remember what happened when he did. Owen tied Levi to a tree and whipped him to death while making her watch. From that day forward, she knew the ramifications of sharing anything with anyone about The Community. She also knew she'd never make that mistake again.

Levi's murder did little to quench her father's fury. He hatefully taunted Emily by reminding her that he did not kill Levi... that she and her loose tongue had cost him his life. When Emily did nothing, said nothing, and conformed to Owen's demands just as she'd been taught her whole life to do, he knew he had his bluff in. He could do anything to her and in front of her. His secrets would forever be safe.

Owen had been right until Emily's world turned upside down. The commune was raided, and every woman and child was swooped away and sent to safe houses. Regardless of their label, Emily never felt safe. Owen and his gang of hellions had been arrested, and she would be blamed for everything. In retaliation, her father would beat her to death—most likely on the same tree Levi died—unless she could win back his trust.

Based on the special interest the young DA, Tope Bryson, paid her during interviews, Emily suspected the raid was as much about finding a star witness as it was about locating evidence. No matter how she felt about the compassion shown to her by Tope, Levi's death, and her fear that her own father wanted to end her life... the secrets she held, her father's secrets, were grave bound.

 

EXCERPT:

"happily ever after my ass!" Emily said, slamming her book closed. She looked around and realized everyone who'd accompanied her to the lake for the first swim of the summer had long since gone home. Emily's friends had learned years ago her love of books came before everything. Once started, she would keep reading until finished. Nothing short of a burning house could distract her.

For the millionth time, Emily wished she could be more like everyone else in the commune... wished she could conform... wished she didn't resent with every fiber in her being the fate in store for her. It was the destiny of every woman in her community on their twenty-first birthday.

YA Indie Carnival - Spooky, Scary, & Eerie

It's that time of year when the sponsors of the YA Indie Carnival post stories or excerpts that will have you biting your nails and begging for people to sleep with you for the next few days. This post is timely for me. I'm writing a scene for Dark Angels of the Cross, and it has had such an unexpected impact on me that my sleep has become fitful and restless because my dreams are so deadly... foretelling... and--worst of all--real! 

Anyone who has read The Warrior Series knows I will not shy away from suspenseful or thrilling or brutal scenes. The one I'm living through is so much more. It's all of that rolled into one and built on top of an extreme sense of loss. I won't say anything more, but fans of the series are in store for lots of surprises. Just stay tuned.

In the meantime, I've included the parking garage scene from Guardians of the Cross. This is one of the scariest scenes of the book according to my beta reader. If you've ever had to walk alone through a dark parking garage at night, you can understand why.

Don't forget to take a few minutes to browse the other members' sites.  ENJOY!

 ☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ ☠

Brody screeched to a stop, jumped out of the car, grabbed Mallory, and carried her toward the ER.  “Allie, park the car and meet us inside,” he called over his shoulder. 

Unable to do anything but follow directions, I climbed into the driver’s seat.  At the automated garage gate, I pushed the red light and sat impatiently while the arm slowly lifted, allowing me entrance.  I didn’t bother taking the yellow time-stamped ticket from the machine.  I was completely irritated by the time I reached the third floor without finding an empty spot. 

I whipped Brody’s car into it and cut off the engine.  At that exact moment, the entire garage went black.  Reality hit me hard.  I had to wade through this darkness, alone, in order to make it inside where Mallory and Brody were waiting.  Logically, I knew my heart was not beating as fast as a hummingbird’s, but it felt like it was pounding at the same rapid rate.  Regardless, I refused to call Brody away from Mallory or make her wait when she needed me.    

Ignoring the blackout and my fear, I got out of the car and slammed the door closed behind me.  Sucking in courage like it was air, I felt my way along the warm hood of the car and over to the cold cement wall in the middle of the garage.  I let the familiar barrier guide me toward the staircase.  No matter how hard I tried, I could not ignore the uneasiness bubbling its way to the surface of my nerves.  Everything – the absolute stillness, quiet, and gloom – reminded me too much of the morning I was attacked... too much of Daryl's plans for me.  

I wanted to run toward the ER, but my inability to see my hand in front of my face prevented the sprint I craved.  I was forced to awkwardly fumble my way along the divider, stumbling several times. At the end of the wall, I knew there was a crossover that would lead me to the staircase. Somehow, it looked darker and more ominous than the garage.  Was that possible?   

I, before I knew what was happening, tripped over a block meant to protect pedestrians from traffic.  Despite my own racket, I heard footsteps speeding toward me. With a force that caused my breath to catch, I regretted my every decision that day.  On my knees, I prayed for the strength to make it out alive. 

 

☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ ☠

 

13 on Halloween (Shadow #1) by Laura A.H. Elliott

13 on Halloween (Shadow #1) by Laura A.H. Elliott  - ★★★★★

Within the covers of 13 on Halloween (Shadow #1), Laura A.H. Elliott has brilliantly exemplified the narcissism and the varying levels of maturity that sometimes plagues tweens. Twelve year-old Roxie still loves jumping on the trampoline, but those types of juvenile tendencies take second place to her discovery of boys (especially Hayden, the cutest guy in the eighth grade), make-up, and the changes a young woman's body undergoes when she becomes a teenager.

Overshadowing absolutely everything else in Roxie's world is her obsession with becoming a 'peacock' or one of the popular kids. Periodically, her pre-tween self rears her head and longs for a life where her brothers still joke with her and her mother is her closest confidant. As quickly as she has those types of thoughts, she switches back to the person willing to risk anything and everything to become Queen Roxie.

Roxie's thirteenth birthday... her first ever birthday party changes everything. With it, the party begins, astral projection becomes possible, and the world changes.

I should mention that I listened to 13 on Halloween (Shadow #1)'s audiobook and found the narrator to be as talented as Laura A.H. Elliott. I wasn't sure what to expect from an indie author when it came to this format. I was not disappointed. After listening to 13 on Halloween (Shadow #1), I can tell you the professionalism was comparable to that of the traditionally published books... only it didn't cost nearly as much. 13 on Halloween (Shadow #1) was $1.99. Every other audiobook I've ever bought has costs between $25-$30. I will definitely be looking for other indie author's books to 'read' via audiobook. Their stories are as good as traditionally published books, and they are extremely affordable.

YA Indie Carnival - Kindle Serials

Kindle Serials  - This week, the sponsors of the YA Indie Carnival are sharing our opinions on the serial novel phenomenon. For me, it's a little too new to do anything more than regurgitate the information coming straight from Amazon's Kindle Serials website: Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes. When you buy a Kindle Serial, you will receive all existing episodes on your Kindle immediately, followed by future episodes as they are published. Enjoy reading as the author creates the story, and discuss episodes with other readers in the Kindle forums.

I'd be lying if I said I was not intrigued. Amazon has done some amazing things for indie authors. I'm sure this will be another of those diverse opportunities that I'll only get on Amazon. At the same time, book writing is the weaving of a story. If I publish one chapter before the end of the book was finished, I might miss a great opportunity to foreshadow something that will happen later or to go back and develop the characters, settings, and storyline in a manner that makes what they eventually do more believable. I think of my books as quilts that are stitched by hand. Each word a thread. Each chapter a patch. Each book a blanket. You can not sell the quilt one patch at a time without a plan to make that patch the beautiful quilt it could someday be.

In fact, the mere thought of putting something out there that could change for the better by the end of the story is anxiety producing for me. I even have a hard time doing it with my beta reader.  I worry that he will never get to see the story through the eyes of someone reading the clean and edited version for the first time. While these serials would be edited, they may be missing the evolution of the story that only comes through when you begin tying the beginning chapters to the middle and end of the story. 

I should also mention that I worry a little bit about the coordination of the editing. For example, if I commit to having a book a month released. I would have two weeks to write, one week for edits, and one week to format and release. If my editor can't get to it right away, my deadline (my promise to my customers) is shot. My work ethics prevent me from missing goals/timelines. I'm here for my customers. It's not now nor will it ever be the other way around.

My writing habits and my need to meet established goals make it impossible for me to pursue a serial using an unfinished book. Instead, I believe that I may pursue this avenue with Dark Angels of the Cross,... but only after the book has been written and edited. At that time, I will determine how much of the book will be released and at what intervals so that I can release a product I can be proud of without disappointing the many fans of The Warrior Series. The best news of all is that this plan will go a long way toward minimizing the tension/stress between my editor and me. She's awesome, but constant deadlines without regard to her other clients could be try even a saint's nerves.

Finally, I'd like to point to a book that is #14 on this week's NYT Best Sellers List. Because You Are Mine Part VI: Because You Torment Me by Beth Kery. It may not perfectly fit the serial methodology, but it is not a whole novel. The fact that the book is short and the readers are being forced to buy each individual installment at the same price as some indie novels has not kept this book from making onto the best seller list. Please know that I am in no way endorsing this book. I have no idea what it is about or anything about its author, I am simply showing you an example of a serial-like book that proves this avenue can be successful. Since Beth Kery's experiment has gotten her on the best sellers list, I suspect many others, including myself, will follow her path.

Now, take a few minutes to see what my fellow members have to say about serials:

YA Indie Carnival - Indie Opportunities

My fellow YA Indie Carnival members and I are sharing lots of great stories about the wonderful opportunities presented each and every day within the life of an indie author. This is one of those subjects where the answers are endless. Being an indie author has allowed me to achieve goals I'd never dreamed of accomplishing... open myself up in ways I'd never thought possible... and meet people I'd never have the pleasure of friending otherwise. 

Eighteen months and three published books later, I can easily say the most important opportunity has come in the form of great new fans, friends, followers, and fellow authors. I get new notifications on a constant and consistent basis. Most of those people chose to do little more than send me a notification and quietly follow my posts and/or reviews. The rest read, review, and rate my books. Regardless of their activity, I'm eternally grateful for every person who has reached out to me. I try to make sure to thank them all and let them know how important their feedback is because they guide me toward the author I want to be. 

I would be lying if I didn't admit it was AMAZING to make it onto several of Amazon's Best Sellers Lists. Don't get me wrong, I have dozens and dozens of more goals as it relates to best seller lists, but my accomplishments so far have meant a lot to me. 

Being an indie author has helped me to understand the importance of a good review. As an avid reader and frequent blogger. I've made it a practice to post reviews anytime I read a book that I LOVE. I don't feel the need to write about a book I don't like or demean the author who wrote it; therefore, my book reviews are always honest yet overwhelmingly positive. I won't apologize for following my mother's most important advice, 'If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.' The reason I'm mentioning my reviews is because of the satisfaction I get when another author reads them and is impressed enough to share it with their fans. That acknowledgement is as exciting as anything else I do in my indie author career. The two most memorable shares - because I adore these authors and their books - include Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus, and Julie Kagawa, author of The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1). Without being an indie author, I would not have begun posting my reviews, and I would still be anonymously reading and recommending my favorite books to a few of my closest friends rather than thousands of potential readers.

Don't forget to visit my fellow authors' sites:

1.	Laura A. H. Elliott	2.	Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3.	T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series	4.	Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga
5.	Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog	6.	K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
7.	Gwenn Wright, author of Filter	8.	Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.
9.	Ella James	10.	Maureen Murrish
11.	YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings	12.	A Little Bit of R&R
13.	Melissa Pearl

Future Releases - Fall 2013

I know it seems like the fall of 2013 is forever away, but it takes months to write a book... and months more to write two. I plan to release Worth Dying For and Worth Living For next fall. Until then, I'm sharing the book covers--courtesy of Claudia Lucia McKinney (Phatpuppy Art)--and the synopsis for each. ENJOY!

Worth Dying For,Underwater Series #1 To Be Released 12/1/13

Isis, future Queen of the Coral City, lives a fairytale life and loves it all the way down to the last preordained detail. Others might resent a life so structured, but Isis thrives on knowing she was born to marry Set, bare his children, and spend her days reigning over the world she loves.
 

When the flaws deeply embedded within her enchanted world begin to surface and war threatens her kingdom, Isis realizes her dreams may never come true... that there may not be a world to rule if her enemies have anything to say about it. Determined to fulfill her destiny, protect her family, and preserve her city's peaceful state, Isis petitions to become a frontline soldier in the Underwater War.
 

General Coeus—Set's twin brother and a man who hates everything Isis is fighting to protect—reluctantly agrees to train and prepare her for the battle. Early on, she wonders whether his training methods will kill her before she ever steps the first foot onto the battleground.

As war grows closer and the preparation sessions between her and Coeus become more intense, Isis's visions for her picture-perfect life turns upside down, and she begins doubting everything she has ever been told. With Coeus' declaration of undying love, she understands that a life filled with love and happiness—rather than friendship and duty—is the only one worth dying for.

Worth Living For,Underwater Series #2 To Be Released 12/1/13

 

The brooding Coeus, twin brother to Set, hates the life he is forced to live. Making him even more rebellious is the fact that Apollo, his ruler and father, is intolerant of anyone who questions his antiquated customs... especially when that person is his very own son.
 

As the youngest twin, Coeus missed the honor of becoming the future ruler by seconds. He does not begrudge his brother's destiny. He does however resent the fact that Set's status as the oldest automatically makes him the man who will marry Isis, the most beautiful women in The Coral City and the only woman Coeus has ever loved.
 

In defiance of his father and their Piscean traditions, Coeus' refuses to marry his betrothed. Furious, Apollo sends him to the frontlines of the Underwater War. Coeus, who has a death wish, welcomes the chance to die for his kingdom because he knows that death would at least be honorable.
 

The last thing Coeus expects to find in the middle of the battle zone is Isis, but she is there, leading by example and fighting hard to protect the Coral City and its customs. After spending time with her and falling even deeper in love, Coeus decides to make her see what he sees... a life where they are together is the only one worth living for.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

★★★★★

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) is one of those books that takes you - first - by surprise and - second - for the ride of your life. It is anything but another vampire book. It's a romance that leaves you wanting more... hoping for more. 

Equally amazing for me is the fact that Julie Kagawa wrote The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1).  I read and loved The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen, and The Iron Knight. If I didn't know Julie Kagawa was the author of both series, I never would have suspected. Everything about them (the writing, the characters, the switch from fantasy to paranormal) is so different.  Don't get me wrong, The Immortal Rules is as good as any book in The Iron Fey Series. This book just shows how versatile Julie Kagawa can be and what a wonderful author she really is.

Allison Sekemoto reminds me of Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1). She does what she needs to do to survive and protect the few people she loves. Then, there's Zeke. What can I say about him? Morally and ethically he's her equal, but unfortunately, he's been brainwashed his entire life to hate that which she's become.  I don't want to give anything away, so I won't elaborate.  Just trust me on this.  Allie and Zeke's journey is one worth taking!