Monday, May 13, 2013

Interview with Crescent Moon Press author, Maer Wilson

I've recently had the honor of reading one of my Crescent Moon Press sisters, Maer Wilson's novel, Relics, and let me tell you--Relics is not a book to miss!  If you love to read fantasy/paranormal novels, you will find just about anything in this book to hit your taste buds.  Every fantasy becomes a reality and the Thulukan Agency is the place for the deceased and the fantastical creatures from other worlds to find help.  Maer's love for her characters and the fantasy world is found in the details of her descriptive scenes and emotions. The Thulukan family is one you want to call your own.

I am delighted to have my friend Maer Wilson with me today to talk about her new release, Relics from Crescent Moon Press.


Tell us a little about yourself, Maer.

Thanks so very much for having me over, Loni. I used to act onstage in Southern California. Now I teach Theatre at a college and I write. I have two dogs, who are basically my kids. I collect dragons and don’t think one can have enough of them.

What inspired you to write Relics?

That came out of a gaming experience. I created the names Thulu and La Fi to give to some gaming friends of mine, who had similar names that could be confusing. I realized the names belonged to these characters instead. Well, at least they were there inside my head insisting the names belonged to them. Their characters were fully formed very quickly.


Was this genre something you’ve always wanted to write?  Do you enjoy this genre and who are some of your favorite genre authors?

I love the Urban Fantasy genre - well all of fantasy, actually. I didn’t even know all of the sub-genres, so wasn’t familiar with all of the terms when I was writing. I only knew I was writing something in Contemporary Fantasy as I wrote it. For Contemporary Fantasy, I’d have to say Tim Powers and Charlaine Harris. For other fantasy, George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling.

As an author and writer, how would you describe your method of writing? Are you a “pantser” or a “Plotter”?

A definite Pantser! I have a general idea where I’m going, but rarely know how I’m going to get there. I put the characters into the situation and see what happens.

Okay, now to get a little personal, if you don’t mind: Meditate for a moment (this might be the only time you get to relax today) LOL, and tell me—where would be the ideal setting for you right now. It could be anything or anywhere.  Something that helps you to relax or maybe bring out the creative side in you.

LOL You aren’t too far wrong on that relaxing thing, so thanks! This is on my mind because a friend is going to Jamaica soon. I’d love to be on a Caribbean cruise. I’m not sure how creative it would be, but that would definitely be relaxing. Want to come along?

When you are in writing mode, are you a visual person (do you need pictures around you), an audio person (music in the background) or complete silence for concentration?

Audio. I need my music soundtracks in the background. Not songs because words can be distracting, but film and gaming soundtracks are perfect. I also “see” the scenes in my head, so I think I might have a touch of the visual in there, too.

Tell us a little about Relics (blurb):

Most of Thulu and La Fi's clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.

The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.

Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.

When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi's search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that's what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for. 

When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they're nothing like your mother's fairy tales.


Can you share a piece of your story with us? (excerpt):

I must have lost track of time because I heard a voice say, “You're going to turn into a prune.”
“Mhmm,” I answered.
The door opened. A cool draft of air wafted my way, swirling the steam in the shower. I peeked out to see Thulu shutting the door behind him. It was a great view.
“So, have I ever mentioned that I'm a soul reader?”
I moved forward to clear the small waterfall and gave him a suspicious look. One never knew with Thulu.
“No, I don't think you've shared that bit of information.”
“I'm quite good at it, actually.” He sat on one of the side seats and motioned to the one across from him. I moved to the other seat.
Nodding, he continued, “I'm quite surprised you didn't know this. In some circles, I'm known as the Great and Wonderful Reader of Souls.”
“Oh, really?  I'm shocked that this could have escaped my attention all these years.”
“Well, this is the perfect time for me to read yours. Being that you're all pruney.”
I looked at my hands. They were pretty pruney. I shrugged and held out my hand palm up.


Thank you for being here today, Maer.  I really appreciate you taking the time to stop on by.  I know Relics is a great book and I wish you all the best.  Where can we find out more about you and your books on the Internet?

Thank you for having me over, Loni! It was loads of fun.  


You can find Maer and more information about her novel, Relics at any of these locations:

Maer’s Website: http://maerwilson.com/
Maer’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MaerWilson
Relics - The Book Trailer link on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un2PHs5oGwg

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Nancy C. Weeks, In the Shadow of Greed Makes It's Debut!!

I am excited and so happy for my good friend Nancy C. Weeks who's debut novel, In the Shadow of Greed, from Crimson Romance Suspense is out!!

I'm sharing bits and pieces here with you today so check it out and stop in and say hello!




Blurb for In the Shadow of Greed

Brilliant cryptologist Dr. Sarah Tu races against time to block the most dangerous Internet malware ever created, a botnet called QUALNTO. While Sarah is closed off in her computer lab, her sister, Hanna, is brutally attacked and left in a coma. As Sarah reels with guilt over not being there for her sister, a web of deception closes in threatening her and everyone she loves.
Hanna’s condition is misleading. In her coma state, she is able to build a psychic bridge with FBI Special Agent Jason McNeil. Her cryptic messages plague Jason to keep Sarah safe.
Tough and street-smart Jason McNeil doesn’t believe in visions or telepathic messages, and he fights the voice inside his head. His first impression of Dr. Sarah Tu is another stiletto wearing ice-dragon on the war path―until he witnesses her façade crumble after seeing her sister’s bloody, tortured body. Jason’s protective instinct kicks in. He falls for Sarah―hard.
When an extremely dangerous arms dealer and cybercriminal discovers that Sarah blocked his botnet, he kidnaps Sarah. Placed in an impossible position, will she destroy the botnet to protect national security or release it to save the man she loves?

Excerpt for In the Shadow of Greed
He thinks I’m dead. Sarah’s coming. Help her!
The voice quivered inside Jason’s head. He pushed away from the pillar and froze. No one was there. His gaze fell back to the woman in the bed. His eyes narrowed and he clenched his jaw, biting down so hard, pain shot up his inner ear.
The next instant, a petite woman with long, straight, raven hair and the most beautiful, hazel eyes he had ever seen charged through the trauma unit. A security officer followed close behind and grabbed her arm, stopping her from moving any farther into the restricted area.
Jason stared at the woman in the bed and back to the woman by the door. He knew, without a doubt, her name was Sarah. His mind raced for an explanation.
“Ma’am, you can’t be back here.” The guard tried to pull Sarah back through the doors.
Sarah yanked out of his hold. The expression on her face was intense, unyielding. “Like hell I can’t. My sister is here. She needs me.”
The charge nurse moved from behind a counter of the nurse’s station and stood next to the security officer. “How can I help you?”
The nurse’s low, gentle voice seemed to have a soothing effect on Sarah. “Hanna Tu.” Her voice shuddered.
Jason couldn’t take his eyes off Hanna’s sister. In an instant, she transformed from a stiletto wearing, ice-dragon on the war path—just the kind of woman he disliked—into a frightened, desperate woman whose vulnerabilities brought out his protective instinct.
As her eyes wildly searched the trauma unit, the nurse reached for Sarah’s arm and guided her toward the doors.
“We’re still assessing your sister’s condition. I’ll have one of the doctors come talk to you in the waiting room as soon as they can. She’s in good hands, I promise you.”
 “I need to see her. I need to know she’s okay. The police wouldn’t allow me into her apartment. No one has told me anything. There was so much blood.” She sucked in a deep breath as tears clouded her eyes. “Please let me see her for a moment.”
Her eyes narrowed on the cubicle surrounded by a curtain. One of the nurses moved the fabric aside and left carrying a tray of vials. Sarah’s gaze fell on her sister. “Oh God! Hanna!”
She took a step toward her sister, but her body began to tremble and her knees buckled. Jason rushed forward and caught her as her body collapsed. With one arm wrapped around her waist, he used his other hand to lift the badge that hung around his neck and flashed it at the nurse. “She’s with me.”
He then found an empty chair away from a direct view of the cubicle and lowered Sarah into it. He knelt, keeping his arm around her. Her body shook violently and she gasped for air. The charge nurse brought over a cup of water and handed it to Jason. He brought it to Sarah’s lips.
“Drink, Sarah, it will help.”
She sipped the water and closed her eyes, taking in several deep breaths. “W-who hurt her? W-why?”
“We don’t know, but we’ll find out. He’ll pay for this.”
Sarah finally glanced up at him and pulled away. “Who are you?”
And the ice-dragon’s back. Jason clenched his jaw to keep a smile from spreading across his face. He couldn’t put his finger on the why, but this woman intrigued him. “Detective Jason McNeil.”
“Why are you here and not out finding the person who hurt my sister?”
Don’t let her push you away. She needs you, we need you.
Jason was taken aback by the weak, small voice in his head. What the hell was going on? Finding his voice, he said, “Someone tried to kill your sister.” He glanced toward Hanna’s cubicle. A crushing anger boiled up from deep within his gut. “The guy who attacked her has killed at least three other times we know about and he didn’t mean to leave Hanna alive. I’m not giving him a chance to finish the job.”
Oh God, he’s here… He’s here! Don’t let him near Sarah!




Nancy C. Weeks Bio:


Nancy C. Weeks has loved happy-ever-after romances since she was in her early teens. While still in college, she met and married her hero and spent the next several years honeymooning and working overseas. Today, she lives in suburban Maryland with her husband of more than thirty years. Her two children are in college and she spends her days out on her deck writing as the local bird population keeps her company. She loves to hear from her readers.

http://nancycweeks.com
http://nancycweeksauthor.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/NancyCWeeksAuthor
@NancyCWeeks


You can purchase Nancy's book through these locations:


Monday, April 15, 2013

Crescent Moon Press Author, Maer Wilson's Novel, Relics--Coming Soon!!


I'm delighted to announce my friend, Maer Wilson's novel, Relics will be out May 1, 2013.  Sounds like a fun, fantastical read!  Take a look:


Book Blurb
Most of Thulu and La Fi's clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.
The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.
Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.
When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi's search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that's what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for. 
When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they're nothing like your mother's fairy tales.

Maer’s Bio
After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she's a writer. She's always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she's not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. She also co-hosts the literary podcast, “MythBehaving” and writes for two gaming fansites. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her two dogs, a chihuahua and a poodle. Relics is her first novel and will be released by Crescent Moon Press on May 1, 2013. You can visit her website at maerwilson.com.

Links
Maer’s Website: http://maerwilson.com/
Maer’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MaerWilson

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

When It’s Finished, You’ll Know: Or Writing 47* Drafts Until The Story Sparkles

Welcome to Writing Wednesdays with my guest, Crescent Moon Press author, Lindsey R. Loucks.
She's telling it like it is this morning. From first draft to final draft, we never know how many trips we'll take for perfection on that novel. Learning along the way is always fun though.

Take it away, Lindsey!
I didn’t have a GPS system when I set out to write The Grave Winner, a YA paranormal fantasy romance. I did, however, have a full tank of gas in the form of caffeine and a brand new notebook. The words came effortlessly. The main character felt so real that I imagined her sitting next to me whispering the plot into my ear. This whole writing thing was lemon squeezy easy.

Or, so I thought.

It turned out my plot had some holes, holes big enough to bury a body inside. My critique buddies graciously pointed them all out to me. I filled them, brushed the dirt from my hands, and pronounced the story finished. Yay me!

But then a freelance editor offered to take a look at it since I won a contest. Great news! She loved the story and wanted to show it to the agent she interns for, BUUUUUUTTT… Enter a two page single-spaced editorial letter here. There were inconsistencies in the main character. Some of the plot needed more clarifying. It needed more work.

Oh.

She was right, though. So, I scrubbed and polished and said, “Yes, I finally have it! This is it!” But then I won another contest. (My lucky streak was off-the-charts high that year, I guess). This time, a bestselling thriller author would critique my first chapter. The really, really important first chapter. Guess what? It needed work. The action started too soon, she said. With my particular opening scene, she thought it would be more powerful if I eased into the action. I wasn’t so sure, but I rewrote it anyway.

And it worked so much better! Now you may be asking, “Lindsey, dear, if you keep taking all these people’s advice, you’re never going to be finished!” But from the very first draft, something niggled at me that the story wasn’t perfect. Yet. That’s why I kept listening.

The lesson? Show your work to as many people who know the craft as possible and then edit, edit, edit until you know it’s finished.

After seven more rounds of revisions with my Crescent Moon Press editor, I can finally say that my story is as sparkly as it’s going to be. Now my niggles have turned into debut book jitters, but I can handle that. 

*I don’t know if 47 is accurate since I lost count a long time ago.

 
Bio:

Lindsey R. Loucks works as a school librarian in rural Kansas. When she's not discussing books with anyone who will listen, she's dreaming up her own stories. Eventually her brain gives out, and she'll play hide and seek with her cat, put herself in a chocolate induced coma, or watch scary movies alone in the dark to reenergize.


She's been with her significant other for almost two decades.

 
Check out her blog for more information and to contact her. She would love to hear from you! http://www.lindseyrloucks.com

 The Grave Winner Book Blurb:

Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead -- just like the prom queen did.

 While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

 She should have listened.

 Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

 The Grave Winner releases May 15th, 2013.
 
Loni's writing goal today--2,500 words! 

 

 

Friday, March 1, 2013

Constance Phillips is Partying Over at Bitten By Books

Crescent Moon Press Author, Constance Phillips is partying with Harry Houdini over at Bitten By Books. Enter to win great prizes and meet the author and her latest book, Resurrecting Harry and a chance to win a $40 gift card from Amazon.

See you on the "other side".

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Party Like It's 1929!!!



SEX, PROHIBITION, AND HOW FLAPPERS CHANGED THE WORLD
If you love the Jazz Age, come listen to a talk by the author of the new hot historical erotic romance, IT STINGS SO SWEET,
at the Tiara Day Boutique for an evening of books and vintage trinkets. Look at the amazing finds here in historic Frederick! http://www.tiaraday.com/




















So excited! My good friend, author Stephanie Draven will be at Tiara Day (my favorite vintage shop--see my Links page) Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 5-9 P.M. in Frederick, Maryland

Come by during Frederick city's First Saturday and join in the fun!


Cover Photo
Tiara Day
the place where girlfriends shop
153 N. Market St.
downtown Frederick, MD 21701

 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Avery Olive's--A Stiff Kiss Turns a Year Old

Wonderful friend and Crescent Moon Press sibling, Avery Olive is celebrating the one year anniversary of her book, A Stiff Kiss!!  Woo-Hoo!  There is confetti flying and champagne bubbling and she wants you to join in the fun! Without further ado, I will have Avery take over and tell you about all the fun and games!


Welcome... Welcome! Please stick around and read today’s post ‘cause it’s a Winner! Hehe. Okay, so I thought about trying something a little different for this next contest.


My goal is to try and get everyone involved more, while spreading the word about A Stiff Kiss. I know many of you might prefer the simple enter your email Rafflecopter, or leave a comment on a post... but I think, if people get involved, this will be a huge hit!

As an A Stiff Kiss Anniversary Participant, your goal is to get as many points as possible so that you can win the massive prize package I’ll be giving away.

But wait, I’m all about a pat on the back for participation, so I will be giving two smaller prize packages away to two random entrants, and... And... for everyone else, you’ll get a little something something too. So, if this works, everyone has the potential to receive some kind of goodie!!

Grand Prize includes:

1 signed and personalized paper copy of A Stiff Kiss (with a special note to the winner)

1 ASK Canvas Tote Bag

1 ASK T-Shirt

1 ASK Coffee Mug and set of coasters

1 ASK Mousepad

Signed Bookmark, postcard and mini poster

 

2 Participation Prizes include:

1 ASK Coffee Mug filled with Hersey’s Kisses

1 Set of ASK Coasters

1 ASK Mousepad

Signed Bookmark, postcard and mini poster

 

To see a picture of the prizes being offered, click HERE

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff. I’ve created a list of activities, given each of them a point value and tried to come up with simple, easy to do and like I said, most importantly, fun things for you to accomplish. You will need to copy and paste this form, and fill it out in order to entered. All forms must be sent to averyolive1@gmail.com no later than February 28th!

1.       Tweet about A Stiff Kiss. I’ve created a few tweets that you can copy and paste, or create your own.

Tweet 1: Who knew kissing a corpse would change everything? #AStiffKiss out now! http://www.amazon.com/Stiff-Kiss-Avery-Olive/dp/193725433X/

Tweet 2: Have you checked out @AveryOlive #AstiffKiss ?Happy one year book anniversary! http://www.amazon.com/Stiff-Kiss-Avery-Olive/dp/193725433X/

Remember to use @averyolive or the hashtag #AStiffKiss so that I can track your tweets! International readers may tweet in their own language, so don’t worry J

 

1 Point per Tweet and no more than 2 Tweets per day! Enter how many tweets you did here...

Number of Tweets:

 

2.       Post to your blog or other social media (Website, Tumblr and Facebook)

You’re goal is to share something about A Stiff Kiss. It can be posting a review, doing a simple cover and blurb spotlight, it can be asking me to do an interview (send an email to averyolive1@gmail.com if you’d like my help) You can re-use an old review, post or interview, however it must be imbedded into a NEW POST. You’re imagination should be put at use here, being extra creative is awesome!) Can be posted in your language of choice.

 

5 Points per Post. You can post a maximum of 3 times, at least one week apart but each post must be different. One post review, one post cover and blurb, one post something random like sharing with me your personal favourite cemetery...

 

Please include links to your post!

                                1.

                                2.

                                3.

 

3.        Spread the love by sharing your A Stiff Kiss Review. Most people forget that there are dozens of places to share reviews. Posting one in a new place can help spread the word. Find a new place (like Goodreads, Barnes & Nobel, Librarything.com, YaCentral) and post your review!

 

5 Points for each new location you post your review! Please include links to your reviews J

Enter Links Here:

 

4.       Candid Camera! Take a photo of you (and others if possible) holding a copy of A Stiff Kiss, your e-reader with the cover (or opening page). If you see A Stiff Kiss in your bookstore, library, or own a copy, get as many people as you can into a picture!

Don’t have a copy or ebook of A Stiff Kiss? That’s Okay! If you’ve been lucky enough to receive ASK Swag in the past, take a photo with that or print out this handy 8 ½ X 11 POSTER (colour or black and white) and use that for your picture!

 

10 Points for each photo, plus 5 points for each additional person within the photo! Follow me on Instagram—tag me in your photo—post it on Facebook, post it to my wall, share it on twitter with @AveryOlive or #AStiffKiss or send me links.

 

5         Poster, poster, read all about! Print out this handy dandy 8 ½ X 11 POSTER (colour or black and white) and post it all around your town. Tape it up anywhere you are allowed to—libraries, school bulletin boards, telephone poles, get creative!

 

10 Points for each poster you put up (with photo proof, see activity 5 guidelines on how to make sure your photo is seen if you are not sending me links)

 

 

6         Get your Library to get in on the fun! Many library websites have a “request a book form” so, fill it out and request to have them purchase a copy of A Stiff Kiss for their shelves or go directly into the library and fill out a form or talk to your librarian!

 

10 Points for each request (take a screen shot of your screen when making the request (screen shot how to info HERE)

 

7         Stage a spooky photo! Since A Stiff Kiss’ main character is all about cemeteries, I want you to go out and stage a photo next to a tombstone. I know, it’s a little morbid, but Xylia will love it. Use your book, ereader, poster or swag and capture it along with a tombstone, creepy statue—anything you can find at your local cemetery!

 

15 Points for each spooky photo (with photo proof)

 

8         Buy a Copy today! Don’t own A Stiff Kiss? Buy a copy (print or ebook) today for yourself, your friends, to donate to your library or giveaway as a gift. I recommend  BookDepository.com. Take a screen shot of your order confirmation or a picture of your receipt.

 

25 Points for each book (or ebook) purchased—don’t forget that photo proof.

 

9         Write an article! This is a big one, it might be nearly impossible to accomplish, but I have faith in you! Write an article about A Stiff Kiss (or me, Avery Olive) and have it printed in your school or local newspaper. The article can be a review, an interview, whatever you can come up with!

 

30 Points for each article printed. Send me links or get photo proof!

 

The Wild Card! This is for you wild ones out there. Show me what you’ve got! This is activity is strictly for you to think outside the box! If you can come up with a fun, creative way to spread the word about A Stiff Kiss, show it to me!

 

50 Points I’ll need photo proof, links—anything you can throw me!

 

Just a little extra.

Can I personally use your pictures and post them on the internet?  Yes or No

Can I include your name when announcing prizes or thank you’s? Yes or No

 

Don’t forget to include your full name and mailing address because in my eyes, everyone is a winner!

Name:

Address:

 

Send completed form to averyolive1@gmail.com 

That’s it, that’s all. I know, some are easier than others, but I think with a little planning and a little motivation, anyone out there can rack up the points!

Remember, for the ones that require proof, I need links provided or to be tagged on Facebook or Instagram, it posted on my wall or use @averyolive or #AStiffKiss so that I can see all your hard work!

 

For full contest details, rules and regulations, please visit HERE otherwise, get to work and spread the love of A Stiff Kiss!