Friday, August 10, 2012
A Warrior's Betrayal Update
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Celebrate Ink 2's release with us!
In honor of Ink 2 coming out this month, the author, Holly Hood will be giving away some Ink-related swag along with a free copy of Ink 2 to one lucky winner! If you haven't read the first and enjoy a good paranormal romance, check it out on Amazon.
Stay tuned for details on how to sign up for a chance to get your own copy of book 2 and some really cool swag!
Note from Author:
Thanks everyone for the support! I wanted to do something fun for the release of Ink 2, so I have some cool swag that reminds me of Ink, along with paperback copy of my favorite book. I can't wait to find out who gets to enjoy it!
I will be posting pictures of the swag along with a way to enter the giveaway!
Holly Hood a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
NEW! Teaser Tuesdays!
Want to play along?
- Pick up whatever book you are currently reading and open it to the page you left off at (If you haven't started it yet, open it to a random page).
- Without giving anything away, share a few lines that you find particularly great.
- So everyone knows where to pick up this great new read, don't forget to include the title and author name.
Now, my teasers of the week have been taken from Gena Showalter's latest release, Wicked Nights, the first book in the Angels of the Dark series.
Teaser #1
"Humans fail to realize how easy demons are to welcome. The negative words you speak, the detestable things you do. Utter a lie, meditate on hate, entertain the urge to commit violence, and you might as well sound the dinner bell."Teaser #2
"But how can a person stop feeling fear?"It is not what you fear that truly matters but what you say and how you act while feeling that way."
Monday, July 2, 2012
Running July 3rd through the 5th, you can pick up a copy of ALL four of my books (Darkness & Lies, Addicted to Magic, Faerie Tales..., and Buried Secrets) FREE on Amazon!
Come see what people are saying, pick up a copy for yourself, your mother, father, aunts, and uncles, and for heaven's sake, don't forget to invite your friends! There's something for everyone, so don't miss out! It's doesn't get better than FREE!
Need directions?
Buried Secrets: http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Secrets-ebook/dp/B0075VOJ4U/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1Darkness & Lies: http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Lies-Brotherhood-Novel-ebook/dp/B005NKQR4U/ref=la_B004TWZSS4_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1337290021&sr=1-3
Addicted to Magic: http://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Magic-Book-ebook/dp/B006KJ70X0/ref=la_B004TWZSS4_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1337290021&sr=1-7
Faerie Tales: http://www.amazon.com/Faerie-Tales-Misfortune-Socialite-ebook/dp/B004TMBHYS/ref=la_B004TWZSS4_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1337290021&sr=1-6
Thursday, June 7, 2012
A Warrior's Betrayal Round-Up
But I am getting ahead of myself. Let's back it up a bit.
As some of you may have noticed, I am diligently working on a few projects, namely my upcoming novel Spring Cleaning, which is my first women's fiction. It's coming along nicely, we're about halfway there, and the cover has just been finished. Some of you, who are members on Goodreads, may have already seen it, but for those of you who haven't, take a look!
I expect for this title to be out sometime in August, shortly--very shortly--before the release of Warrior...
So, now that you know what I have been working on lately, it's time to get back to business and answer some questions you may have.
What's A Warrior's Betrayal?
This is book #2 in the Brotherhood series. In this edition, Behr is tasked with caring for a distraught Cheyenne after Erias's disappearance into the underworld (the infamous cliffhanger that so many of my readers were furious over!). There will be many exciting things happening in this edition, to which I hope to please you all...but not too much! I do love my cliffhangers, after all!
What's to come
As the date gets closer, expect to see freebies galore in the form of giveaways and Amazon discount days. Don't worry, I will keep you posted! I hope you all will join in and help me celebrate these new releases.
Autographs
If you are familiar with Kindlegraph, then you already know you can request a FREE autograph here.
I think that about covers it for now. I am so excited to get these stories finished and out to you, my readers. As always, I love your feedback and without you, none of this would be possible. See you at the finish line!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Review of The Lure of Shapinsay by Krista Holle
Thursday, May 17, 2012
A Helping Hand
It's hard out there for an indie...
I think most of us know well how frustrating it can be to get a jump on selling books to the general public. It's a matter of making connections, and that can be difficult when you don't know what you are doing or what you are looking or even where to start. Well, here at Fictitious Chronicles we would like to lend a helping hand by telling you what we do.Let's begin with the common search for a reviewer...or twenty. Much research needs to go into this, and it can be a very time consuming process. First, you have to locate bloggers who are willing to accept reviews. Then you have to ensure that they take your genre. If all checks out, like a school girl/boy hoping to be picked in gym class so you aren't left twiddling your thumbs like a reject, you then have to create a lovely letter to the blogger asking if they will accept you. Then you wait....and wait...and wait for them to respond, or not, as many cases turn out. Assuming all has gone according to planned and you do get that review, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. But wait! Don't get too cozy just yet. There is more work to be done. You must send out more requests. To ease your pain, here are a couple blogs to get you started: The Kindle Book Review and The Book Lover's Realm. And don't forget to offer yourself for author interviews and giveaways!
Now, it's time to advertize!
A good place to begin is with Goodkindles who will advertize your book for free. Next, we like Technorati because it is a good place to advertize your blog, which brings us to the next thing:Create and maintain a personal blog!
You may be saying, "But, Brandi, I don't have time for a blog." Nonsense. I am just as busy as the next person trying to maintain a home, raise children, further my education, all while trying to write great novels for my public to read and enjoy. If you want it, you have to do it. A blog can be as simple as a once a month commitment that takes you ten minutes to complete. It can be anything, but hopefully it is about you and your books or something else creative that you can come up with. It's not hard, just try it.
Next, join Goodreads. It is a great place to feature your books and create a following of like-minded individuals. You can schedule events surrounding your books and even join other events to get noticed. A few other things you can do: join groups, ask for reviews, and promote, promote, promote.
When you list your book on Amazon, be sure to sign up on Author Central so people who read your books can learn more about you. It has great features to offer, including a feature that links to Shelfari where you can add your books and nifty little details, like who your characters are and what they are like so your readers can get a feel for what they are getting into before they crack open that book.
Finally, never stop writing. No matter your level of success, remember, it doesn't happen overnight. You will have highs and lows throughout this process, but you started it for a reason and you can't quite now. Do as much as you can, as often as you can. It's not a race, you'll get there. Just be patient. Do your research. Pay it Forward - Share with friends. And most importantly, have a good time.
If you have any tips or suggestions to share to help your fellow indie, post them in the comment section below.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Indie Giveaway Hop!
This Hop was created to support Indie authors who are struggling to get their books out there. Therefore, all participants of this hop are offering their followers books by indie authors.
This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL, as the copies of his book are in ebook/mobi format and will be given to the winners via email.
And continue to SUPPORT indie authors!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Indie Blog Hop & Giveaway!
I am sure it has been making it through the grapevine lately that there is some wicked Indie Blog Hop/ Giveaway going on, and we just want to say...the rumors are so true! For seven glory filled days and nights, those of you who have fallen victim to the hype will be able to enjoy awesome author interviews and enticing giveaways. The Hop is being hosted by A Daydreamers Thoughts and Booked Up Reviews, and is supported by Blogger Loving, Making Connections, and Shut Up & Read. The Hop is designed to help support all things indie, so stop by, have a look around, and pick up some free stuff!
So, just to reiterate...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Descendants
I watched this movie yesterday. And I learned it was also a book. The story was amazing, I love movies with so much feeling and emotion. I admit I even cried a few times. I have been a fan of Shailene Woodley since I started watching Secret life of an American Teenager, she is a great actor.
For those who don't know about the movie, its a wonderful story about a family trying to cope with the death of their Wife and mother. She was on a boat and hit her head, and is in a coma. Soon her husband is told there is no hope for her and she is going to die. He has to come to terms with it, but everything gets worse when he is told by his oldest daughter that she was cheating on him.
For me this was just crazy, your wife is dying, you feel bad for not spending enough time with her, you plan on making up for all of that when she wakes up and then you find out she is never going to wake up. And she cheated on you.
Clooney did a great job, I believed his anger, his sadness, his grief. It was a beautiful story and movie and I think everyone should see it.
The Descendants
Get the movie!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Review of Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades Darker by El James
Alright, so I finished the second in El James' series. There were a lot of things I liked and some I didn't. The book in general was great because I got to see the change Christian made, and it was the way I would have wanted him to. In fifty shades darker you see that he isn't at all dark like you thought in the first story.
I love that chapter by chapter he let go of all his demons and really dove head first into life. It was a beautiful thing.
The ending was at first confusing, but then I was like holy sh%#!! This might have changed my mind about the next book (which I wasn't sure if I would read).
I will say the author did an amazing job at creating such a character as Christian Grey. I really would like to see someone try and outdo him; I don't think it’s possible. And I honestly hope nobody tries. There is just something about Grey that is unlike anyone I have ever read about and will ever read about. He might be my favorite fictional character because I love how dysfunctional he is.
As for Ana, well, she is annoying most times. I see that she loves him and is caring, but she also is overly stubborn and just has me shaking my head a lot. Some of the things she does or thinks are just over the top. She is either really smart or really stupid about life. I guess they level each other out though.
My only gripe about the writing is the overuse of the word salacious and a few others, and also the inner goddess. I am hoping she packed it up and isn't around in book three. There are only so many times I can handle a description of an imaginary part of a book. I could have learned everything I needed to learn about Ana through Ana, I don't think it was essential to use this "inner goddess" to get the point across all the time.
I think the second book will not disappoint readers. It was even more exciting than the first. It had a lot of great things going on. The last gripe I will mention is the amount of sex; I understand this is what the book is, and what drives a lot of readers wild about it. But at one point, I just felt like it was the same song and dance time and time again. I get that they both are into each other, but it would have been nice to see more to the story then how many ways he can bang Ana.
If you’re looking for a steamy novel with a romantic side as well as one hell of a story and characters, then don't be a wuss and read these books. Its graphic and not for everyone, but I think if you give it a try you will understand its wonderful and less taboo then everyone makes it seem.
If I come off picky with book two, well that’s because I was, I have a hard time reading anything if it doesn't do what I want it to, but that doesn't take away from the fact El James has created a great set of books that I am proud to have read as well as so many others. Great job!
Grab a copy!! Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Passion, Romance, Intrigue... Forbidden
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The New Kindlegraph!
The biggest downfall of ebooks: you don't get to join in any of the fun!
Well, that stops now. I found this pretty cool feature that is now being offered to people who have ebooks. It's called Kindlegraph. This is the latest in forward thinking developments, in my humble opinion. Now anyone who writes or has written books can sign up and make their work available to the world. Even better, people the world over can get signatures from their favorite authors! This includes indies folks! If you write it, you can sign it.
Now, depending on the type of pc you have, you will either be doodling your name with your finger or your clicker (mouse), and unless you are highly skilled, it will probably come out as some illegible mess of nonsense better suited to a preschool art project, but it's still pretty cool. If you want to leave a little heartfelt message to your reader, you can do that too! Thankfully, this feature is offered in a very legible cursive, so no confusion there.
Currently, there are over 13,000 books available by 3,000 authors. I am positive as this feature takes off, those numbers will soar. Join up via your Twitter account. If you're an indie author, get your books cataloged. If you're an avid reader who loves your author of choice to a stalker-like level and just can't live until they have touched your book in some way, then dash over and request that signature! And since Holly and I welcome stalkers openly, here are the links to our books to get you started.
Happy stalking!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Should young adult books explore difficult issues?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Author Interview with Peter Hindley
Fictitious Chronicles had the pleasure of interviewing author, Peter Hindley. He is one of the authors of the book: The Perfect Crime a story of truth or fantasy.
We asked Peter to tell us a little about himself and this is what he had to say:
I was born in
Now I am pleased to say that my home is here in
Five years ago I had the chance to leave the
When I moved here my intention was to walk to the village to buy bread, shut the gates and quietly write. But that tranquil life never happened; something far better did.
I started a dance class in the village as a ‘thank you’ for the welcome the people here have given me but certain parties created problems so I decided to stop that and now just coach a couple who compete in Ballroom dance competitions. This has resulted in me visiting many places in
Do you have a full time job? I will answer, tongue in cheek: ‘No, I do not have time for such luxuries’, or alternatively ‘give me a break, there are not enough hours in the day, or days in the week, as it is.’
When did you first start writing the book?
It was in March 2002, my brother died in unconventional circumstances, namely 4 or more places within his home and what followed did not conform to the normal in so many ways. That was when I started to record everything that followed that was linked to his death. Did he die naturally or was he helped in some way in unclear: Even today as I write this I have still not discovered what happened to him around the time of his death. Two or three people certainly do know the truth, but for whatever their reasons, they remain silent regarding what really happened that day in the spring of 2002.
The story develops into a complex journey of discovery and a far reaching exposé (we do name and shame) within the
If this all sounds very heavy and dull you would be mistaken because although the various subjects included may be serious, I have deliberately added pieces which should make the reader laugh. There are mentions of the paranormal. There are also many questions asked of the reader so they too become part of the journey; they become the detective. The result of this is that I have been frequently told “The Perfect Crime …” is a compelling read.
Last year we gained a piece of information which was the perfect ending for this book and we did manage to finish this book and it was published last October. You will notice that I use ‘we’ in the previous sentence because my co-author and niece, Susan Goodsell, has in recent years, contributed to the creation of this book: It must be said that we work remarkably well together.
Our story did not end on page 293 of “The Perfect Crime….” so now the sequel has been started. Work on that continues as time allows because now there is the promotion of published book to add to my lengthening ‘to do’ list.
Do I you experience writer’s block?
Perhaps yes, but when it feels right to put words on paper they flow readily; I just use the technique I use for everything in my life: I follow my intuition knowing that if I do not, things go very wrong.
Is there an author who has influenced you?
An author no, but I enjoy words. I had an uncle who was extremely precise in his diction and use of the English language; one of his most frequent questions was “What exactly do you mean by that Peter?” He would use it whenever there was even the slightest ambiguity. Then one day I asked him the same question, that made him collapse with laughter; it must have been a first time he had someone asked that question of him.
Is there an author you would particularly like to meet?
It would be the true crime writer Gary C King, simply because since publishing the book we have met and communicated via the internet and he now feels like a genuine friend.
Are there any authors that have grabbed your interest recently?
Several have but one which I found particularly interesting was Lynne McTaggart and her book “The Bond” as it contains many concepts which could change the way we look at the world around us.
Who designed the book cover?
Nicole Kuhn; it was organised by the publishers and I think Nicole did a splendid job: It captures something of the essence of the book. To be honest when I first saw the cover I was very surprised and it shocked me to my core, but now I feel it is superb, it could not be better.
Do you have advice to give to other writers?
Here I would give the same answer no matter what subject I was asked about, that is: Do what feels right for you. Remember that any form of copying dilutes and degrades, so be yourself and be original.
Hot news: the book is being translated into French.
A look at the book:
BLURB:
Events have accurately been recorded since the time of Alan’s death; they combine to reveal an intriguing story. Did he die naturally or was he helped in some way? Has a crime or two taken place? Some may think so. Maybe there is a conspiracy. If so, how far it may extend is unclear. Nothing is quite as it should be.
This unique book evolves from a simple account to a vast scandalous exposé, a true and topical account showing a fascinating view of human nature, society, and the establishment in the
The story and writing style changes drastically as the twists and turns in the narrative expose themselves. Ultimately it reaches a logical end, but that is not the end of the story. A sequel is already underway.
“The Perfect Crime a story of truth or fantasy” by Peter Hindley & Susan Goodsell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/peter.hindley3
Twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/snakehips99
Publishers: www.rosedogbookstore.com
Available via RoseDog Books, Amazon and elsewhere
Available as paperback and Kindle etc.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
My Playlist
Track Name | Artist | Album |
Everything You’re Breathing For | The Parlor Mob | And You Were a Crow |
| | |
Shake it Out | Florence and the Machine | Ceremonials |
| | |
Call to Arms | Angels and Airwaves | I-Empire |
| | |
Should’ve Known Better | Sick Puppies | Tri-Polar |
| | |
Erase Me | Kid Cudi | Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager |
Sorry | Art of Dying | Vices and Virtues |
Ruthless | Something Corporate | North |
Make Me Wanna Die | The Pretty Reckless | Light Me Up |
Old Man | Redlight King | Something for the Pain |
This Is What Rock N Roll Looks Like | Porcelain Black | This Is What Rock N Roll Looks Like |
Savior | Black Veil Brides | Set The World On Fire |
Summersong | The Decemberists | The Crane Wife |
You’re A Wolf | Sea Wolf | Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low |
Rebel Love Song | Black Veil Brides | Set The World On Fire |
A Little’s Enough | Angels and Airwaves | We Don’t Need To Whisper |
Midnight City | M83 | Hurry Up We’re Dreaming |
Nightcall | Kravinsky feat. Lovefoxxx | Drive Soundtrack |
Blackout | Breathe Carolina | Time Of My Life |