Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "independent"
The BestsellerBound First Annual Sample Anthologies are now on Scribd!
As many of you already know, I am a resident author on BestsellerBound, a website dedicated to promoting independent authors.
One of our most active members, author Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick has put together three anthologies of excerpts from BestsellerBound authors' books. The anthologies include short stories and chapters from books. I am sure that anyone looking for a new book to read will find something in at least one of the anthologies. We have authors of romance, historical fiction, political fiction, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction... you name it, it's in there!
The first volume contains the full version of my short story 'Forever Blue' from my collection Pieces of a Rainbow
The anthologies have been produced as a promotional tool for our members who are all independent authors and have to do all their own marketing. If you find the anthologies interesting, I hope you will share them with your friends and tweet about them, add links to your Facebook sites, blog about them, etc., etc. This would be very helpful and much appreciated by the authors involved.
You can read the three anthologies by following the links below:
Volume one
Volume Two
Volume Three
Make sure you also check out the websites and blogs of all the participating authors, as some of them are (or will soon be) offering downloads of the pdf files from their websites. I am in the process of arranging for the pdf files to be available as downloads from my website. I'll blog about that when it happens.
We are also trying to find a website where we can publish the anthologies as free ebooks. Watch this space for news on that.
Please take a moment to check out the anthologies. I hope you'll find lots of new authors to read.
One of our most active members, author Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick has put together three anthologies of excerpts from BestsellerBound authors' books. The anthologies include short stories and chapters from books. I am sure that anyone looking for a new book to read will find something in at least one of the anthologies. We have authors of romance, historical fiction, political fiction, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction... you name it, it's in there!
The first volume contains the full version of my short story 'Forever Blue' from my collection Pieces of a Rainbow
The anthologies have been produced as a promotional tool for our members who are all independent authors and have to do all their own marketing. If you find the anthologies interesting, I hope you will share them with your friends and tweet about them, add links to your Facebook sites, blog about them, etc., etc. This would be very helpful and much appreciated by the authors involved.
You can read the three anthologies by following the links below:
Volume one
Volume Two
Volume Three
Make sure you also check out the websites and blogs of all the participating authors, as some of them are (or will soon be) offering downloads of the pdf files from their websites. I am in the process of arranging for the pdf files to be available as downloads from my website. I'll blog about that when it happens.
We are also trying to find a website where we can publish the anthologies as free ebooks. Watch this space for news on that.
Please take a moment to check out the anthologies. I hope you'll find lots of new authors to read.
Writers you should get to know...
In the past couple of years I have read some fabulous books by authors you may not have heard of.
There are lots of good books out there, and before I joined Goodreads, I really only read books by well known authors, or books I could find in my local bookshops.
Many of you may still do that. Maybe you only buy the bestsellers or you only buy books you can find in bricks and mortar shops. I think most people are probably like that.
I just wanted to open up a window for you, and introduce you to some fabulous writers who are not bestsellers, their books are not easy to find in your local shops, but their books are some of the best I have ever read.
Here are a few recommendations.
I hope you will pick at least one from this list to try. Then, if you like it, I hope you'll come back and read another.
And most of all, I hope you'll tell all your friends about them.
Books are written because there is a story to tell, that story deserves to be read.
I've fallen in love with these books, and I hope you will too:
Breathing into Stone Breathing into Stone by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Eighteenth century priest, Father Furio Novia, hates his employer, the Archbishop of Modena; almost as much as he hates Italian master sculptor, Antonio Lisi. When Novia discovers that Lisi uses his beautiful daughter's likeness in nearly every figure he carves, the priest realizes he can make accusations to the Archbishop that the sculptor has an incestuous knowledge of his daughter, Anoria. Novia begins to haunt their lives, and every family in their village of Resceto, not because he believes they have sinned, but because he desires Anoria for himself.For two years their lives twined around one another's, destined to clash in Rome; Novia, committing murder to stay free of the church; Anoria, nearly killing him to escape his lust.(some adult oriented content)
The Day the Flowers Died The Day The Flowers Died by Ami Blackwelder
A Passion set in the time of prejudice. A novel about love and loss. The completed final edition. 1930 Munich. Two Lovers. Different Worlds. A Crumbling Country Book Taste Review: Ami Blackwelder paints her words in this gently narrated historical romance set in Munich, Germany early 1930. The scenes recreate pre-war Germany...
Pixels of Young Mueller Pixels of Young Mueller by Jerry Schwartz
Klaus Mueller dreams of leaving tiny Southland someday to be a rock star. When he chooses stardom over college, however, he learns that his real education is only beginning. He endures a series of god-awful jobs while his music is repeatedly rejected, and he wonders how he will ever achieve success. After moving to the city, where he finds a career and becomes a father, he is torn between the great happiness he has found and the success he still craves. Klaus must reconcile his dreams with reality or spend the rest of his life lamenting what might have been.Pixels of Young Mueller is the story of an artist's growth to maturity and of his revolt against his family's Christian values. The tale of Klaus Mueller, as told in this modern coming-of-age novel, provides new perspectives on classic themes when Klaus confronts the forces that threaten his existence. Readers can listen to Klaus' music online at itsthejerrys.com. (edited by author)
Musical Chairs Musical Chairs by Jen Knox
Musical Chairs explores one family's history of mental health diagnoses and searches to define the cusp between a '90s working-class childhood and the trouble of adapting to a comfortable life in the suburbs. In order to understand her restlessness, Jennifer reflects on years of strip-dancing, alcoholism, and estrangement. Inspired by the least likely source, the family she left behind, Jennifer struggles towards reconciliation. This story is about identity, class, family ties, and the elusive nature of mental illness.
Horse Latitudes Horse Latitudes by Quentin R. Bufogle
Time is running out for Chester Sprockett. How is an unemployed, aspiring novelist supposed to survive when the thirty grand borrowed off his dead father's credit cards is almost gone, and the only work he can find is hawking toys and cheesy novelty items door-to-door . . . on commission yet?
And talk about woman trouble: There's Pandora, the beautiful magician's assistant who dumped him for an investment banker and the dream of becoming a performance artist; Beth, his true love, the girl he let slip through his fingers at the beach (maybe it was all that baby oil) and the mysterious blond nymph who hurls empty beer bottles at him from a black Z28 Camaro.
If it wasn't for the occasional visit from the ghost of his father, Chester would almost certainly be losing his grip on reality, and never navigate his way out of the . . . Horse Latitudes.
Caviar Dreams Caviar Dreams by Judy Nichols
Your best friend's in love with a lying, scum-bag thief. How do you tell her? Because what she doesn't know could kill her. This is photographer Lisa Watson's dilemma. Lisa has always relied on her plain, overweight friend Debbie to cheer her up when she's down on her luck (which is most of the time). When Debbie falls hard for a handsome stranger named Derek. Lisa is skeptical, believing Prince Charming is more interested in Debbie's money than her kind nature. Derek may be a small-time hustler, but he has big-time plans. He intends to blackmail his wealthy lover, Robert Helton, a conservative industrialist desperate to hide his secret gay life. However, Derek's plan takes a fatal turn when Debbie is found dead in her apartment.
Harmony Bay: An adventurous slice of waterfront life where mystery surrounds history... Harmony Bay by Tom Gahan
Harmony Bay uncovers the rich historical past of a small town through the eyes of newcomers...Detailed description laced with historical references gives the reader a feel for life in a bayside town
Enemies and Playmates Enemies and Playmates by Darcia Helle
When the abused decide to fight back, the abuser's world might just shatter. Lauren Covington's family maintains a grand facade that belies the life they live behind closed doors. Alex Covington, Lauren's father, keeps a tight rein on his family through dominance, abuse, and obsessive control. Consequently, Lauren doesn't believe she could ever trust a man, much less fall in love with one.
When Lauren meets Jesse Ryder, her carefully constructed protective wall shatters. She falls hopelessly and completely in love. It's only fitting that Jesse is a private detective who had once worked for her father, had defied him, and was now the subject of Alex Covington's wrath.
Amidst devastating loss, betrayal, and her father's destructive pursuit of Jesse, Lauren finds the trust and love she had always longed for.
Digger's Bones Digger's Bones by Paul Mansfield Keefe
Archaeologist Angie Cooper's colleague and friend, Tarek "Digger" Rashid, is murdered in front of her. But not before giving her cryptic photographic clues to a hidden tomb and the two thousand year old bones within. Angie must battle a ruthless hitman, hired by a U.S. senator with presidential aspirations, and a sociopathic religious zealot while overcoming severe acrophobia. Caught in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal, she works to unravel the secret of Digger's bones. Bones that affect the lives of all they touch.
Digger’s Bones is an action packed thriller that takes you from the churches and burial tombs of ancient Jerusalem to the harrowing cliffs of Bandelier National Monument and the glacier capped Zugspitze in Germany. Angie Cooper, her career in shambles, finds herself on the run from mercenaries, the Holy See, the FBI, and Interpol while trying to solve one of archaeology’s great mysteries. Yet some things are better left in the past.
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba
Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.
My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness My Schizophrenic Life by Sandra Yuen MacKay
Vancouver artist Sandra Yuen MacKay has an abnormality of the brain - a disease called schizophrenia. As she says, "my life is schizophrenic because I have schizophrenia. It will always be there". Much of her life has been a struggle to cope with the symptoms of her disease and the side effects of the medications required to keep those symptoms in check.
Early in her life, Sandra started to exhibit the typical symptoms of this disease which came as a surprise to her unsuspecting family. Her book chronicles her struggles, hospitalizations, encounters with professionals, return to school, eventual marriage, and success as an artist, writer and advocate.
Fade Fade by Darren Smith
"Perhaps the best way to describe just how much this book caught my imagination is to reveal that even almost a year after reading it, there are still scenes that I remember vividly, quotations that I can recall and to confess that I will never think of doughnuts with sprinkles in the same way again."
"Brilliantly written love story captures your thoughts and emotions throughout the whole reading and long after it. The lucid and detailed narration provides multi layered complexity of each character's personality, startling revelations, creative turns of the plot."
"Dramatic and touching, the author does a brilliant job of capturing the reader's attention and reeling them into the depths of his story telling."
What Remains What Remains, by Rosemary Poole Carter
WHAT REMAINS is set on a rundown plantation shortly after the Civil War. In the shadow of live oaks and Spanish moss, Isabelle Ross, who has lost her fiancé to the war, joins forces with journalist Paul Delahoussaye to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and murder.
Road Markers Road Markers by Jason C McIntyre
Dean is a forty-something sales rep for a company that ropes small, mostly blue-collar firms into long term cellphone plans. Heading home from a bad meeting, he begins to see evidence that he can will things to happen just by thinking about them. But will this tantalizing realization lead him to cross the line for good?
* * *
Most of these writers have written more books, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work.
Give them a try.
Remember, if you like a book, remember to review it, either here on Goodreads, or on Amazon and other bookseller websites. Authors are always grateful for honest reviews. It doesn't have to be anything detailed, just a couple of lines to say why you liked it would be wonderful.
Happy reading!
There are lots of good books out there, and before I joined Goodreads, I really only read books by well known authors, or books I could find in my local bookshops.
Many of you may still do that. Maybe you only buy the bestsellers or you only buy books you can find in bricks and mortar shops. I think most people are probably like that.
I just wanted to open up a window for you, and introduce you to some fabulous writers who are not bestsellers, their books are not easy to find in your local shops, but their books are some of the best I have ever read.
Here are a few recommendations.
I hope you will pick at least one from this list to try. Then, if you like it, I hope you'll come back and read another.
And most of all, I hope you'll tell all your friends about them.
Books are written because there is a story to tell, that story deserves to be read.
I've fallen in love with these books, and I hope you will too:
Breathing into Stone Breathing into Stone by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Eighteenth century priest, Father Furio Novia, hates his employer, the Archbishop of Modena; almost as much as he hates Italian master sculptor, Antonio Lisi. When Novia discovers that Lisi uses his beautiful daughter's likeness in nearly every figure he carves, the priest realizes he can make accusations to the Archbishop that the sculptor has an incestuous knowledge of his daughter, Anoria. Novia begins to haunt their lives, and every family in their village of Resceto, not because he believes they have sinned, but because he desires Anoria for himself.For two years their lives twined around one another's, destined to clash in Rome; Novia, committing murder to stay free of the church; Anoria, nearly killing him to escape his lust.(some adult oriented content)
The Day the Flowers Died The Day The Flowers Died by Ami Blackwelder
A Passion set in the time of prejudice. A novel about love and loss. The completed final edition. 1930 Munich. Two Lovers. Different Worlds. A Crumbling Country Book Taste Review: Ami Blackwelder paints her words in this gently narrated historical romance set in Munich, Germany early 1930. The scenes recreate pre-war Germany...
Pixels of Young Mueller Pixels of Young Mueller by Jerry Schwartz
Klaus Mueller dreams of leaving tiny Southland someday to be a rock star. When he chooses stardom over college, however, he learns that his real education is only beginning. He endures a series of god-awful jobs while his music is repeatedly rejected, and he wonders how he will ever achieve success. After moving to the city, where he finds a career and becomes a father, he is torn between the great happiness he has found and the success he still craves. Klaus must reconcile his dreams with reality or spend the rest of his life lamenting what might have been.Pixels of Young Mueller is the story of an artist's growth to maturity and of his revolt against his family's Christian values. The tale of Klaus Mueller, as told in this modern coming-of-age novel, provides new perspectives on classic themes when Klaus confronts the forces that threaten his existence. Readers can listen to Klaus' music online at itsthejerrys.com. (edited by author)
Musical Chairs Musical Chairs by Jen Knox
Musical Chairs explores one family's history of mental health diagnoses and searches to define the cusp between a '90s working-class childhood and the trouble of adapting to a comfortable life in the suburbs. In order to understand her restlessness, Jennifer reflects on years of strip-dancing, alcoholism, and estrangement. Inspired by the least likely source, the family she left behind, Jennifer struggles towards reconciliation. This story is about identity, class, family ties, and the elusive nature of mental illness.
Horse Latitudes Horse Latitudes by Quentin R. Bufogle
Time is running out for Chester Sprockett. How is an unemployed, aspiring novelist supposed to survive when the thirty grand borrowed off his dead father's credit cards is almost gone, and the only work he can find is hawking toys and cheesy novelty items door-to-door . . . on commission yet?
And talk about woman trouble: There's Pandora, the beautiful magician's assistant who dumped him for an investment banker and the dream of becoming a performance artist; Beth, his true love, the girl he let slip through his fingers at the beach (maybe it was all that baby oil) and the mysterious blond nymph who hurls empty beer bottles at him from a black Z28 Camaro.
If it wasn't for the occasional visit from the ghost of his father, Chester would almost certainly be losing his grip on reality, and never navigate his way out of the . . . Horse Latitudes.
Caviar Dreams Caviar Dreams by Judy Nichols
Your best friend's in love with a lying, scum-bag thief. How do you tell her? Because what she doesn't know could kill her. This is photographer Lisa Watson's dilemma. Lisa has always relied on her plain, overweight friend Debbie to cheer her up when she's down on her luck (which is most of the time). When Debbie falls hard for a handsome stranger named Derek. Lisa is skeptical, believing Prince Charming is more interested in Debbie's money than her kind nature. Derek may be a small-time hustler, but he has big-time plans. He intends to blackmail his wealthy lover, Robert Helton, a conservative industrialist desperate to hide his secret gay life. However, Derek's plan takes a fatal turn when Debbie is found dead in her apartment.
Harmony Bay: An adventurous slice of waterfront life where mystery surrounds history... Harmony Bay by Tom Gahan
Harmony Bay uncovers the rich historical past of a small town through the eyes of newcomers...Detailed description laced with historical references gives the reader a feel for life in a bayside town
Enemies and Playmates Enemies and Playmates by Darcia Helle
When the abused decide to fight back, the abuser's world might just shatter. Lauren Covington's family maintains a grand facade that belies the life they live behind closed doors. Alex Covington, Lauren's father, keeps a tight rein on his family through dominance, abuse, and obsessive control. Consequently, Lauren doesn't believe she could ever trust a man, much less fall in love with one.
When Lauren meets Jesse Ryder, her carefully constructed protective wall shatters. She falls hopelessly and completely in love. It's only fitting that Jesse is a private detective who had once worked for her father, had defied him, and was now the subject of Alex Covington's wrath.
Amidst devastating loss, betrayal, and her father's destructive pursuit of Jesse, Lauren finds the trust and love she had always longed for.
Digger's Bones Digger's Bones by Paul Mansfield Keefe
Archaeologist Angie Cooper's colleague and friend, Tarek "Digger" Rashid, is murdered in front of her. But not before giving her cryptic photographic clues to a hidden tomb and the two thousand year old bones within. Angie must battle a ruthless hitman, hired by a U.S. senator with presidential aspirations, and a sociopathic religious zealot while overcoming severe acrophobia. Caught in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal, she works to unravel the secret of Digger's bones. Bones that affect the lives of all they touch.
Digger’s Bones is an action packed thriller that takes you from the churches and burial tombs of ancient Jerusalem to the harrowing cliffs of Bandelier National Monument and the glacier capped Zugspitze in Germany. Angie Cooper, her career in shambles, finds herself on the run from mercenaries, the Holy See, the FBI, and Interpol while trying to solve one of archaeology’s great mysteries. Yet some things are better left in the past.
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba
Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.
My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness My Schizophrenic Life by Sandra Yuen MacKay
Vancouver artist Sandra Yuen MacKay has an abnormality of the brain - a disease called schizophrenia. As she says, "my life is schizophrenic because I have schizophrenia. It will always be there". Much of her life has been a struggle to cope with the symptoms of her disease and the side effects of the medications required to keep those symptoms in check.
Early in her life, Sandra started to exhibit the typical symptoms of this disease which came as a surprise to her unsuspecting family. Her book chronicles her struggles, hospitalizations, encounters with professionals, return to school, eventual marriage, and success as an artist, writer and advocate.
Fade Fade by Darren Smith
"Perhaps the best way to describe just how much this book caught my imagination is to reveal that even almost a year after reading it, there are still scenes that I remember vividly, quotations that I can recall and to confess that I will never think of doughnuts with sprinkles in the same way again."
"Brilliantly written love story captures your thoughts and emotions throughout the whole reading and long after it. The lucid and detailed narration provides multi layered complexity of each character's personality, startling revelations, creative turns of the plot."
"Dramatic and touching, the author does a brilliant job of capturing the reader's attention and reeling them into the depths of his story telling."
What Remains What Remains, by Rosemary Poole Carter
WHAT REMAINS is set on a rundown plantation shortly after the Civil War. In the shadow of live oaks and Spanish moss, Isabelle Ross, who has lost her fiancé to the war, joins forces with journalist Paul Delahoussaye to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and murder.
Road Markers Road Markers by Jason C McIntyre
Dean is a forty-something sales rep for a company that ropes small, mostly blue-collar firms into long term cellphone plans. Heading home from a bad meeting, he begins to see evidence that he can will things to happen just by thinking about them. But will this tantalizing realization lead him to cross the line for good?
* * *
Most of these writers have written more books, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their work.
Give them a try.
Remember, if you like a book, remember to review it, either here on Goodreads, or on Amazon and other bookseller websites. Authors are always grateful for honest reviews. It doesn't have to be anything detailed, just a couple of lines to say why you liked it would be wonderful.
Happy reading!
Double launch day! 'The Dream' and 'Into The Light!' and a 48hr giveaway!
My excitement for my book launch today has been doubled because I am launching on the same day as my good friend and fellow author, Darcia Helle.
For those of you who might be new to my blog, I'll explain a bit about how I connected with Darcia.
Last summer I was invited by Darcia to join BestsellerBound.com as a resident author. Up until that time I didn't really know Darcia, except that I was a friend through Goodreads and maybe some other networking sites. I was very impressed by her website and blog so I agreed to join her and Stacy Juba in launching BestsellerBound. That message board is now very popular with independent/small press authors and readers. If you haven't already been there to have a look, please do join us. We love meeting new authors and readers.
A few months ago I found out that Darcia was busy writing her new novel, 'Into The Light'. As I was planning to release my new novel, 'The Dream', it made sense to launch the books together, especially as they are both books that feature ghosts!
More about the books:
The Dream:
Blurb: Lynne cannot shake her feelings of dread; her dreams tell her she is making a terrible mistake, she must not marry Adam. But, how can she believe the dream? Lynne and Adam have shared their lives for three years now. She is certain she loves him. It is not that love, which her dream warns against. It doesn't matter that she loves this man she will soon marry. If she marries him, the voice in her dream says her soul mate will die. Her true love will perish. Soon, Lynne's world is transformed and becomes almost unrecognisable, except for the déjà vu. Time doesn't seem to mean much anymore, and things are not quite as they seem. As her world spins out of control, Lynne must sort out what's real and what isn't to fulfill her destiny.
Link to the book trailer: The Dream - Book Trailer
Where you can read a sample: Goodreads
Where you can buy it! Lulu.com for the paperback version. Save 30%!
The paperback version will also soon be available on Amazon and B&N and other such sites. You can also order it from any bookstore or library quoting the ISBN: 978-0-9564101-5-3
Ebook!
Amazon Kindle
Journal-Store
Smashwords.com Where you can download in any format to suit your ereader.
Into The Light:
The blurb:
Max Paddington refuses to go into the light until he finds his killer. This presents a dilemma, since Max is even less competent as a spirit than he was as a live person. No one sees or hears him and he can't manage to get anywhere or do anything on his own.
Joe Cavelli is a private investigator, living an ordinary life. Then one day he walks across a parking lot, gets yelled at by a ghost, and his life only gets stranger from there.
Max and Joe team up to find Max's killer. In the process, they form an unlikely friendship and change each other's lives in ways they never expected.
Link to the book trailer: Into The Light - book Trailer
Where you can read a sample: Darcia's Blog
Where you can buy it! On Darcia's website (print copy pay via paypal): The Book will also soon be available on Amazon and other good book stores. You can order it from any bookstore or library quoting ISBN: 978-1463640200
Ebook version on
Amazon Kindle
Smashwords
Contest!
Darcia Helle is currently hosting a giveaway where you can enter to win a print copy of both our books! It runs until Wednesday 20th July, so be quick, this is a 48hr giveaway! Here's the link to the contest: Giveaway!
Enjoy the books!
For those of you who might be new to my blog, I'll explain a bit about how I connected with Darcia.
Last summer I was invited by Darcia to join BestsellerBound.com as a resident author. Up until that time I didn't really know Darcia, except that I was a friend through Goodreads and maybe some other networking sites. I was very impressed by her website and blog so I agreed to join her and Stacy Juba in launching BestsellerBound. That message board is now very popular with independent/small press authors and readers. If you haven't already been there to have a look, please do join us. We love meeting new authors and readers.
A few months ago I found out that Darcia was busy writing her new novel, 'Into The Light'. As I was planning to release my new novel, 'The Dream', it made sense to launch the books together, especially as they are both books that feature ghosts!
More about the books:
The Dream:
Blurb: Lynne cannot shake her feelings of dread; her dreams tell her she is making a terrible mistake, she must not marry Adam. But, how can she believe the dream? Lynne and Adam have shared their lives for three years now. She is certain she loves him. It is not that love, which her dream warns against. It doesn't matter that she loves this man she will soon marry. If she marries him, the voice in her dream says her soul mate will die. Her true love will perish. Soon, Lynne's world is transformed and becomes almost unrecognisable, except for the déjà vu. Time doesn't seem to mean much anymore, and things are not quite as they seem. As her world spins out of control, Lynne must sort out what's real and what isn't to fulfill her destiny.
Link to the book trailer: The Dream - Book Trailer
Where you can read a sample: Goodreads
Where you can buy it! Lulu.com for the paperback version. Save 30%!
The paperback version will also soon be available on Amazon and B&N and other such sites. You can also order it from any bookstore or library quoting the ISBN: 978-0-9564101-5-3
Ebook!
Amazon Kindle
Journal-Store
Smashwords.com Where you can download in any format to suit your ereader.
Into The Light:
The blurb:
Max Paddington refuses to go into the light until he finds his killer. This presents a dilemma, since Max is even less competent as a spirit than he was as a live person. No one sees or hears him and he can't manage to get anywhere or do anything on his own.
Joe Cavelli is a private investigator, living an ordinary life. Then one day he walks across a parking lot, gets yelled at by a ghost, and his life only gets stranger from there.
Max and Joe team up to find Max's killer. In the process, they form an unlikely friendship and change each other's lives in ways they never expected.
Link to the book trailer: Into The Light - book Trailer
Where you can read a sample: Darcia's Blog
Where you can buy it! On Darcia's website (print copy pay via paypal): The Book will also soon be available on Amazon and other good book stores. You can order it from any bookstore or library quoting ISBN: 978-1463640200
Ebook version on
Amazon Kindle
Smashwords
Contest!
Darcia Helle is currently hosting a giveaway where you can enter to win a print copy of both our books! It runs until Wednesday 20th July, so be quick, this is a 48hr giveaway! Here's the link to the contest: Giveaway!
Enjoy the books!
Looking for good books to read?
I've just finished reading an advance copy of 'The Shelter', a short story by James Everington, and it made me realise that I know so many talented writers through connecting on Goodreads, Twitter, BestsellerBound.com etc., but most if not all of them are still unknown to the book buying public.
James Everington is one of those writers who makes me want to keep reading... he keeps the story flowing and moving, making the reader curious to find out what happens next.
I would encourage you to check out his short story collection, The Other Room, and make sure you grab a copy of his creepy story 'The Shelter' as soon as it's published!
Some other notable independent authors that you mustn't miss, are:
Darcia Helle
Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Ami Blackwelder
Neil Schiller
Jen Knox
Julie Elizabeth Powell
Quentin R. Bufogle
Stacy Juba
Jason McIntyre
Lisette Brodey
Andrew Blackman
Bill See
Tom Gahan
Mark McKenna
This is by no means an exhaustive list, I'm sure I've missed out some of my favourites.
I would encourage you to try reading some of the above authors' books... you won't be disappointed.
James Everington is one of those writers who makes me want to keep reading... he keeps the story flowing and moving, making the reader curious to find out what happens next.
I would encourage you to check out his short story collection, The Other Room, and make sure you grab a copy of his creepy story 'The Shelter' as soon as it's published!
Some other notable independent authors that you mustn't miss, are:
Darcia Helle
Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
Ami Blackwelder
Neil Schiller
Jen Knox
Julie Elizabeth Powell
Quentin R. Bufogle
Stacy Juba
Jason McIntyre
Lisette Brodey
Andrew Blackman
Bill See
Tom Gahan
Mark McKenna
This is by no means an exhaustive list, I'm sure I've missed out some of my favourites.
I would encourage you to try reading some of the above authors' books... you won't be disappointed.
Adopt An Indie - November 2011
I'm participating in Adopt an Indie, this November. My book The Dream is among over 100 books being featured in this event.
You can 'adopt' an indie author by choosing his or her book to read and review, from the list, request the book using the 'Book Request Form' on the site. If your request is successful, you'll receive a free ebook version of the book to read and review!
It's a great way for readers and bloggers to find out more about independent authors.
Here's a link to the site: Adopt an Indie
My guest blog post, which will appear on the site on 1st November, is entitled Why "I'm self published" is not the same as "My novel wasn't good enough to be published traditionally"
I will be posting a link here when it's been posted. I hope you'll all stop by and have a look at the books that are available on the site, and if you have time please participate, either by spreading the word about the event, reading and reviewing some of the books, reading the guest posts, commenting on the blog posts.
Here's a bit more information about 'Adopt an Indie' month that I've taken from the website:
* Readers will be able to talk to published authors and learn about their experiences
* Authors will be able to find out what really matters to readers and if they really care about the ‘indie/SP/small press’ labels
* Bloggers can share their take – do they see traditional books as higher quality? Does the publisher even matter?
In addition, as part of the ‘Adopt an Indie’ theme, readers will be able to read and review one book from a selection available in order to see first hand the quality that is on offer. In effect, they will ‘adopt’ that indie and be able to ask more detailed questions about their work and get more of an insight into the indie world.
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I hope you'll get involved in this event in some way! If you do, please let me know by posting a comment below! Happy reading :)
You can 'adopt' an indie author by choosing his or her book to read and review, from the list, request the book using the 'Book Request Form' on the site. If your request is successful, you'll receive a free ebook version of the book to read and review!
It's a great way for readers and bloggers to find out more about independent authors.
Here's a link to the site: Adopt an Indie
My guest blog post, which will appear on the site on 1st November, is entitled Why "I'm self published" is not the same as "My novel wasn't good enough to be published traditionally"
I will be posting a link here when it's been posted. I hope you'll all stop by and have a look at the books that are available on the site, and if you have time please participate, either by spreading the word about the event, reading and reviewing some of the books, reading the guest posts, commenting on the blog posts.
Here's a bit more information about 'Adopt an Indie' month that I've taken from the website:
* Readers will be able to talk to published authors and learn about their experiences
* Authors will be able to find out what really matters to readers and if they really care about the ‘indie/SP/small press’ labels
* Bloggers can share their take – do they see traditional books as higher quality? Does the publisher even matter?
In addition, as part of the ‘Adopt an Indie’ theme, readers will be able to read and review one book from a selection available in order to see first hand the quality that is on offer. In effect, they will ‘adopt’ that indie and be able to ask more detailed questions about their work and get more of an insight into the indie world.
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I hope you'll get involved in this event in some way! If you do, please let me know by posting a comment below! Happy reading :)
50 Independently published books worth reading
I recently saw a list of 50 indie books worth reading, but it didn't include any of my favourites, so I thought I'd make my own list. These books, in no particular order, are some that I have read and enjoyed. They include self-published and those published by small publishers. These authors are often overlooked in favour of the bestsellers from major publishing houses, which is sad because there is a wealth of talent out there. Yes, there are lots of great books published by traditional publishers, but so many self-published books these days are just as good.
Some of the authors on my list have written lots of other great books, but I'm only listing one book from each author so that I can mention as many talented writers as possible!
Here's my list:
1. Into The Light, by Darcia Helle
2. The Guardian's Apprentice, by J. Michael Radcliffe
3. Gone, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
4. Horse Latitudes, by Quentin R. Bufogle
5. Crooked Moon, by Lisette Brodey
6. You Wish..., by Terry Tyler
7. 33 Days: Touring In A Van. Sleeping On Floors. Chasing A Dream., by Bill See
8. Joe Soap, by Andrew Peters
9. Metallic Dreams, by Mark Rice
10. Love & The Goddess, by Mary Elizabeth Coen
11. On The Holloway Road, by Andrew Blackman
12. Rock'n'Roll Suicide, by Geoffrey David West
13. Walkout, by Jason McIntyre
14. Playmates, by Jess C. Scott
15. Fastian: An Edgeweir Tale, by Jay Finn
16. An Eye For An Eye For An Eye, by Marc Nash
17. Northern Whispers, by Helle Gade
18. Contemplations: An Anthology of Short Fiction & Poetry, by L.M.Stull
19. The Conversationalist, by Justin Bog
20. The Rock Star in the Mirror, by Sharon E. Cathcart
21. The Funny Adventures of Little Nani, by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa
22. Ten Minutes in Heaven, by Ben Ditmars
23. Shadows of the Realm, by Dionne Lister
24. A Poet's Journey: Emotions, by Marta Moran Bishop
25. Sign of the Times, by Susan Buchanan
26. Pearls, by Tasha Harrison
27. The Bone Cradle, by C.E. Trueman
28. Beyond my Control: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond, by Stuart Ross McCallum
29. Sink or Swim, by Stacy Juba
30. The Other Room, by James Everington
31. Oblivious, by Neil Schiller
32. The Word Gang, by Mark McKenna
33. Losing Addison, by Marty Beaudet
34. Harmony Bay, by Tom Gahan
35. Pixels of Young Mueller, by Jerry Schwartz
36. The Day the Flowers Died, by Rebecca May
37. My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness, by Sandra Yuen MacKay
38. Cursed, by Jeremy C. Shipp
39. The Beatle Man, by Scott M. Liddell
40. Four Years from Home, by Larry Enright
41. What Remains, by Rosemary Poole-Carter
42. Fade, by Darren Smith
43. Musical Chairs, by Jen Knox
44. Caviar Dreams, by Judy Nichols
45. Breathing into Stone, by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
46. Rock & Roll Homicide, by R.J. McDonnell
47. Here All Along, by Lori Osterman
48. Adventures in Mother-Sitting, by Doreen Cox
49. A Song Apart, by Jeffrey Baer
50. Stone Cold, by Jenny Hilborne
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I'm sure I've left out a few of my favourites! I hope you'll try a few books from this list.
Happy Reading!
Some of the authors on my list have written lots of other great books, but I'm only listing one book from each author so that I can mention as many talented writers as possible!
Here's my list:
1. Into The Light, by Darcia Helle
2. The Guardian's Apprentice, by J. Michael Radcliffe
3. Gone, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
4. Horse Latitudes, by Quentin R. Bufogle
5. Crooked Moon, by Lisette Brodey
6. You Wish..., by Terry Tyler
7. 33 Days: Touring In A Van. Sleeping On Floors. Chasing A Dream., by Bill See
8. Joe Soap, by Andrew Peters
9. Metallic Dreams, by Mark Rice
10. Love & The Goddess, by Mary Elizabeth Coen
11. On The Holloway Road, by Andrew Blackman
12. Rock'n'Roll Suicide, by Geoffrey David West
13. Walkout, by Jason McIntyre
14. Playmates, by Jess C. Scott
15. Fastian: An Edgeweir Tale, by Jay Finn
16. An Eye For An Eye For An Eye, by Marc Nash
17. Northern Whispers, by Helle Gade
18. Contemplations: An Anthology of Short Fiction & Poetry, by L.M.Stull
19. The Conversationalist, by Justin Bog
20. The Rock Star in the Mirror, by Sharon E. Cathcart
21. The Funny Adventures of Little Nani, by Cinta Garcia de la Rosa
22. Ten Minutes in Heaven, by Ben Ditmars
23. Shadows of the Realm, by Dionne Lister
24. A Poet's Journey: Emotions, by Marta Moran Bishop
25. Sign of the Times, by Susan Buchanan
26. Pearls, by Tasha Harrison
27. The Bone Cradle, by C.E. Trueman
28. Beyond my Control: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond, by Stuart Ross McCallum
29. Sink or Swim, by Stacy Juba
30. The Other Room, by James Everington
31. Oblivious, by Neil Schiller
32. The Word Gang, by Mark McKenna
33. Losing Addison, by Marty Beaudet
34. Harmony Bay, by Tom Gahan
35. Pixels of Young Mueller, by Jerry Schwartz
36. The Day the Flowers Died, by Rebecca May
37. My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness, by Sandra Yuen MacKay
38. Cursed, by Jeremy C. Shipp
39. The Beatle Man, by Scott M. Liddell
40. Four Years from Home, by Larry Enright
41. What Remains, by Rosemary Poole-Carter
42. Fade, by Darren Smith
43. Musical Chairs, by Jen Knox
44. Caviar Dreams, by Judy Nichols
45. Breathing into Stone, by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
46. Rock & Roll Homicide, by R.J. McDonnell
47. Here All Along, by Lori Osterman
48. Adventures in Mother-Sitting, by Doreen Cox
49. A Song Apart, by Jeffrey Baer
50. Stone Cold, by Jenny Hilborne
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I'm sure I've left out a few of my favourites! I hope you'll try a few books from this list.
Happy Reading!
