The truths I discovered at RT

Sunday, I returned from RT book lovers convention in Kansas City. Ever have that feeling you don't know where to start? My brain is zinging with three different stories... new zombie book, sequel to the Talisman Series, and Mer Tales (which could classify as a New Adult considering Ash and Tatchi will be going to college *grins*). Then there's promoting and blogging and tweeting and and and.... wait! Why is it dark? My hats have fallen and they won't get off my eyes!

Let me just start by saying I had a fab time reuniting with my BAFF, Kristie Cook and her publisher, Chrissi Jackson (yeah, I was calling them each others names the entire weekend). They kept me sane, fed and internet supplied the entire trip. Between leaving my ID at home when about to board my flight, to E.L. James (who'd snuck into the convention) jumping up and yelling for the New Adult panel to "stop talking about my book and saying it's self published," two rows behind me, to the crazy outfits people wear to the parties, and inappropriate erotica swag, my mind is still spinning.

Highlights would be meeting Abbi Glines, Tammara Webber, Jamie McGuire, Nicole Williams, and Jennifer Armentrout, who are all so humble and welcoming. And then I found myself puzzled, recognizing faces but not the books they wrote, wishing people would just clothe themselves in a wrapper of their covers while walking around the convention! I know, how rude of me. I absolutely adored meeting the creator of Buffy, Nancy Holder, and Kami Garcia couldn't have been sweeter. She actually asked me about my books *swoon*. And then to have a fan drive three hours to come visit me. *hugs, Melanie!* That made my entire trip!

A few things surprised me. I went with the hopes of gleaning some secret from the Indies who have scored a larger publisher. But after listening to the downsides (loss of control, inability to check sales numbers at a whim, changing pricing points, etc), I was even more confused what would be right for me. And then to top it off, during a panel of successful authors, they were asked, "do you feel successful." Many of them said no. NO? What? *blinks* Did you, successful author, just say no? I really wanted to know why, but then again, maybe they are like me: reach a bar, then move it. It was humbling, enlightening, and grounding all at the same time. So, again, I was stumped. Then that tiny voice reminded me I thought selling 500 copies my first year on my own was HUGE and when I queried an agent with those numbers, she came back with wanting over 10K in book sales. 10K??? At the time, I thought "Holy cow, why would I need an agent if I can do that on my own?" Those numbers were impossible, until I hit that mark and shot so far past it, I still laugh at how many books I've sold. But I keep moving the bar.

So I don't know what's in store for me, but what I have decided is to write what I want to read (even if that means I always fly under the radar), love my readership and dream big, because all those things I have control over. And, I can look in the mirror and honestly can say that I am successful. :)

Oh... and for that, I'm celebrating with a sale, because I do have control over my price points! :) If you haven't dove into the fab world of Natatoria in Everblue, get it for free for a limited time and enjoy Evergreen at $1.99.

Hugs, Brenda

The Space Between tour stop and $200 gift card giveaway!

I'm so excited to have Kristie Cook, best selling author of the Soul Savers Series here to introduce to you her latest release, The Space Between

When did you come up with the idea for The Space Between?

It started with a dream my husband had in October 2011. I remember this specifically because we were on a road trip and I can still see the hotel room clearly when he said, “I had the coolest dream!” He could only remember parts of it and didn’t understand exactly what was going on, but I took notes because it sounded so awesome. Then the characters came to me and it blossomed from there.

What are some interesting things you discovered during your research for the novel?

I learned a lot about living as a deaf person after growing up being able to hear, the difference between ASL and Signed English and other tidbits about the deaf community. I also learned about the concept of Twin Flames, some lesser known Greek mythology and the train routes through Italy. lol

Are you a panster or a plotter?

I used to be mostly a pantser, although even with my first book, I had key scenes in mind, including the climactic scenes. So I had an idea of where the story was going. Now I am more of a plotter. I do a lot of planning of the high and low points, plot twists, etc., ahead of time, but when I actually begin writing, I still let the story unfold naturally. Sometimes it veers off from my outline, but that’s okay. That’s what keeps it fresh and exciting.

How many books are projected for the series?

The Book of Phoenix is slated to be a trilogy. For now anyway. *wink*

Team Jeric or Team Tristan? (or is that fair... lol)

Aack! How am I supposed to answer that?! In a fight, Tristan, no doubt. He has a couple of centuries of experience over Jeric, for one. Plus some other advantages. But in my heart? I think Tristan will always hold a special place as the first book boyfriend I created, but I do love Jeric, too. And Micah. *grin*

What's next?

I’m working on Soul Savers 5, which is slated for release on June 5^th.

Thanks for hanging out with me today! Can't wait to see you in person May 1st, at Romantic Times Convention in Kansas City May 1-5th. If you didn't know, we'll be hosting a meeting and greet in our room during the convention. If you'd like to connect, please leave a comment below!

About The Space Between, Part One of The Book of Phoenix:

When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

*****

Bestselling author Kristie Cook, with over 200,000 books sold, brings you another New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix

*****

“A completely unique story with a paranormal twist . . . the perfect blend of romance and mystery with a phenomenal plot that will keep you guessing.” ~ Jessica, Confessions of a Bookaholic

“I loved this book! The characters, the romance, the plot, the originality! It had everything to make it an amazing book!” ~ Kendall, Book Crazy

*****

After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.

Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.

Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.

To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.

*****

“This is a completely new twist on the idea of a timeless love story with a paranormal twist unlike any other. The connection between the two characters is bone deep and resonates beautifully. I will never forget this novel.” ~ Heather McCorkle, Author of the fantasy Channeler series

“Kristie has done it again! Her Soul Savers series is my favorite by far and yet The Space Between is easily the best book she’s ever written! It's dangerous, suspenseful, and smokin’ hot.” ~ Marissa, Comfortably Read Book Reviews

“The Space Between is an amazing story of life, love and fates. Author Kristie Cook has you hanging on the edge of every page. This book stays in your head well after the last page.” ~ Mindy, Forbidden Reviews

**Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

About Kristie Cook:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion and Power available now and the next book coming in June 2013. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 200,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.

The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix.

Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:

Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com

UK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk

The Book of Phoenix Website: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com

Soul Savers Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Where to buy The Space Between:

http://www.amazon.com/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-space-between-kristie-cook/1114959553

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-between/id628066630?ls=1

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Space-Between/book-DvZWUyXtBk2zKiiaU6X4ag/page1.html

Now for the goodies...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chatting with Z. Madison

Today, I have Z. Madison who has written There You Were, a contemporary romance.

So tell us a little bit about yourself? I am twenty-five and have been writing since I was eighteen.
When did you start writing? I started writing because just one day without even trying to write, stories started to come to mind and I just wrote them all down. I love creating entire lives separate from my own, especially about love, romance and how utterly complicated people are at times.
Describe your book in 10 words or less: To describe the book "There You Were" in 10 words or less I would say it is about first love and what it can endure, with a few twists of fate...I went a little bit over :)
What did you enjoy about the process? What I enjoyed about this process is one simply the writing of it. I get such a sense of accomplishment from knowing that I created something that I am utterly proud of. I love to tell stories.
What was the hardest part? What I dreaded was the editing for sure...It was a long and at times tedious process but I did my best, several times over.
Where did the ideas come from? I just came up with the idea, I suppose just from my mind. Sometimes I find inspiration from my own life or the lives of others but for this book it just came from within.

Thanks for joining us. If you'd like to check out There You Were, it's on Amazon.

Synopsis: This is the story of encounters and how that turned into a story of first love. A young man of eighteen, named James Mcenzie is staying for the summer in the glamorous city of Monte Carlo, Monaco with his family. One uneventful day while standing on the beach outside of his hotel, he sees a beautifully serene girl, her name Is Kate Wellington. He takes one step toward her, simply mesmerized by her beauty and innocence he soon realizes that he cannot reach her to make her acquaintance, for she is on her family’s sailboat, sailing by him. He feels utter disappointment that not even their eyes meet. How would he get the chance to meet her? How would he get to the chance to discover all there is to know about her? But fate would have a hand in bringing them together again or perhaps she was just paying attention to the signs. It is a summer romance that turned into so much more than either had anticipated. They fell fast and hard for one another and soon after meeting, infatuation turned into love. They planned on sharing a life together once the summer was over and they were back in New York City but tragedy struck that threatened to tear them apart forever. This is a story of love with all its possibility. A story of a young couple’s past, present and unpredictable future, with an unexpected twist of fate that could change the course of their lives forever.

Follower Contest and #Everlost love

As I'm mailing out goodies today from winners of EVERLOST release, I wanted to let you know of a new contest!

3,000 FOLLOWERS CONTEST

And, if my Twitter and Facebook Fan page hit 3,000 followers each by April 15th, I'll make EVERBLUE, book #1 of the Mer Tales Series FREE for a limited time! (And, FYI, for a limited time, The Emerald Talisman is currently free on Amazon.) So tell your friends and help share the love!

Don't forget I'll be in Kansas City May 1-5, too. I'm sharing a suite with Author Kristie Cook and we're talking about putting together a little meet-and-greet in our suite. Sound like fun? Let me know if this is something you'd like to do with us. And I'll be participating in TEEN DAY where there will be lots of other YA authors and goodies!

Also, reviews are coming in for EVERLOST. Please don't forget to leave reviews and recommend to your friends. Here's a few:

Linda says, "I could not put it down, loved all three books and should make more of the mermaids story etc. different stories like an on going soap!" 5-stars
Erin says, "Loved this trilogy. It was nice to switch it up a bit with Mers instead of the usual vampires, werewolves, etc. Action-packed, edge-of-your-seat story. The Mer Tales trilogy had me hooked! Lol Oh-I wouldn't mind catching me a Jacob. Sigh." 5-stars
Cphtpegasus says, "What a great way to tie in everything that has happened in the previous two books!! With an amazing author, a tantalizing subject, and an impressive imagination, Everlost is an exciting and marvelous adventure!" 5-stars
Arvedui says, "Loved this book the 2 week release delay was well worth it. It definitely keeps your interest from start to finish" 5-stars
Book Sushi says, "Everlost had me glued to my Kobo to finish it. It was so exciting and funny and romantic! It was nice getting the POV from Tatiana and Azor's side of things. We have action with the army against the rebels, we have romance, we have lies and deceit. Being royal is tough, so much is so fake and hidden behind closed doors. It was a great way to end this series and it closed up alot of loose ends." 4-stars

Thanks everyone for loving my characters and stories. Your kind words mean the world to me! 

WINNERS

Here's a list of all the winners from the pre-release and release party. Congrats and thanks everyone for your support! All the positive reviews, letters, notes on Facebook and kind words have been priceless to me. This is the best part of being a writer and I appreciate each and everyone one of you for letting me know you've enjoyed my stories and characters!

Congrats to the following winners!

**Those who have won books, they'll be mailed by mid April. 

Pre-orders books will be mailed 3/27.**

RELEASE-A-THON WINNERS

SIGNED COPY OF EVERLOST, NECKLACE & SWAG

Lisa Graziano

Nadia Hassan

Rhonda Helton

COUNTDOWN RELEASE GIVEAWAY

SIGNED COPY OF EVERLOST NECKLACE & SWAG

Rachel Olson

Nicole Garcia

Alexis

E-BOOK WINNERS:

Erica L.

Sarah L.

Malia S.

Candy A.

Beth C.

Leah D.

Cat S.

Erin (airbear)

Jessica C.

Jasmyn D.

Denise Z.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SHOUT-OUT:

Kelly Powell

NECKLACE WINNER:

Nicole Hanson

MAGNET WINNER:

Desiree DeOrto

KEY CHAIN WINNER:

Erin Higgins

LUNAR LOVE HOP WINNER:

Alicia Robinson

Hugs, Brenda

Happy Birthday #Everlost

"You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or their fancy car, but because they sing a song only your soul can hear." - Oscar Wilde

As I peel open my eyes from the foggy stupor from sleeplessness, I can't help but smile. Everlost is finally available to the world and after the false start with the delayed release, I'm so happy today is here.

Kindle: Everlost
Nook: Everlost
Kobo (available soon): Everlost
Pre-Order signed copy ($9.99 today only): HERE

Physical copies will be available end of next week, and then I'll be able to order pre-release orderers and get them in the mail! Thanks for your patience.

RELEASE PARTY! Join me on facebook from 5-6pm with Jacob. I'll be giving away an ecopy of Everlost every 15 minutes and announce the winners of the Release-A-Thon. There's still time to tag/tweet stuff! Details on how to play are HERE. To RSVP for the event, click HERE

Ashlyn

I can't begin to express my thanks the people who helped me. Janille Dutton: All the times you read earlier chapters and weren't afraid to comment, good or bad, kept me in stitches and in awe. Your attention to details was awesome! You know how to dish it so I don't feel like a loser!  Lisa Sanchez: For taking the time from your busy writing schedule to love on my characters. Lisa Langdale: For whoo hooing on the good guys and hissing at the bad ones! Chrissi Jackson: For your encouragement and wonderful insight. Author Kristie Cook: for being such an inspiration and source of help, but for squeezing me in, too, (literally) and leaving behind footprints of gold. Karen Hedger, of Crain Editing, for painstakingly looking for all my mistakes and capitalization headaches. And laughing with me over silly stuff.

Fun facts:

DRADUX: All last year, we lived in fear knowing drug addicts and a sex offender lived a few doors down. This meant dealing with the frequent cars belonging to known felons and constant visits of folks all day and night, suffering from the aftereffects of frequent meth use. We endlessly worried their house would blow, our finger always hovering over the Sherrif's dept number programmed on speed dial. Luckily, on Christmas Day they were evicted and we've loved the quiet and peace ever since. But to soften things, my kids and I ran the words together and said dradux (drug addicts). The name seemed fitting for the parasite mouthed stinky bad guys. Speaking of parasites...

PARASITES: During research, I found this beauty (eeeeeek!) What more than to make my bad guys really gross than have them enjoy parasites in their mouths!

Xirene

Giraween

Grommett

CHARACTERS: I've come to love Pinterest. And I've created a board for thoughts and ideas from fish innards to people. If you want to take a peek, you can see what what swimming in my brain while I was losing my everloving mind to these characters. Here's an example of a few of them.

Queen Desiree

Okay, enough yammering from me. Time to set up the party online and off. And if you're wondering, I did get a chance to make my mertail cupcakes!

Happy Thursday! and Happy Reading!

See you tonight!

Brenda