Forest by Ambrose Ibsen

Love this author/narrator combination



My Review:

This series grabbed my attention from the start, actuallt the narrator/author combination grabbed my attention from the start. In this series there's this rather pathetic college adjunct professor who's unfullfilled in life until he gets involved with a paranormal group on campus. His life changes drastically.

Some new characters are added and a secret about an original character is revealed. It's a good one too and has me edging for the next book. He's seeking and exploring this strange being encountered in the first book and more is revealed along with its possible motive and the crazy doctors motive. The characters are full and interesting. The story is intense and suspenseful. The plot continues to thicken and draw me in.


Excellent!

Amazon/Audible

Ghost House; Soul Mate Book 1 by Richard Crawford

Interesting, fun, unique!



My Review:

In this story Tom is haunted by ghots, more than haunted they go inside him and make him do things, sometimes bad things. They forced actions at varying degrees sometimes Tom still had limited control, other times he had none.

Tormented by ghosts and seemingly homeless he wanders the streets occasionally meeting up with people he knows or know him. In the midst of this he meets Suki and immediately forms a crush on her.

The story is different and at times was difficult for me to follow at the start but after a few chapters it began coming together. It was always exciting and I enjoyed the idea of the ghosts climbing inside him. That set it apart from other haunting books and kept me curious, along with some fairly vivid descriptions.

A fun, fast paced story.

Amazon/Audible

The audio is here!

Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy audio is available now. 

Amazon/ Audible - #FREE with Audible trial

iTunes

Listening to this book was an absolute treat, it was like a brand new story. I imagine when an authors book goes to big screen they feel the same way. Her voice adds another dimension to the characters and the story. It is the first of my books in audio. Take a moment to listen to the sample by clicking either link above. 

A note to readers, even if you've read the book the audio is entirely different. I've never been a huge audiobook reader but after listening to Eye of the Storm and with all the travelling I've been doing audio has really grown on me and I love it!

It's perfect for travelers, put your earbuds in and fall into a fictional world. Busy parent's who don't have time to actually sit down and read, hit play and chase after children, clean the house, or work from home while listening to the book. Audio is also perfect for those with poor eyesight who desire to read but struggle with tiny print words.

A note to authors, why haven't you put your book in audio yet? I've had a few authors ask me about the process, finding a narrator, and sales. If you've been thinking about, here are my answers. 

1 and 2.The process is easy through ACX. You post your work and wait for narrators to audition or you can listen to various samples find a narrator then ask them to audition. After a deal is made you and the producer/ narrator discuss the progress until the book is complete. If you're an indie author its a little different as you don't choose the price. 

3. So far, so good. The book has been making steady sales but as it's very new 12/18 I haven't received a royalty check yet so I have no idea what I'm making off each purchase and assume that amount changes depending on whether its an audible customer using credits, not using credits or a customer who isn't with audible such as someone who purchases the book through iTunes.

If your an author and reader and have questions I didn't answer, please send an email.

Enjoy the story and Happy Holidays!

Barbara Chioffi Halloween Trickery Book Review

Barbara Chioffi is a new author who has only been publishing in the past year. Her latest book Halloween Trickery was just released!

My review for Angel Mine

My review for Lycan Love




My review:

Barbara Chioffi is an upcoming author to watch out for. I fell in love with her paranormal romances so when she released this book I had to buy and read it. Halloween Trickery displays her wide range in writing ability. The stories each have a touch of romance but don’t believe for a second that they are. They are thrillers that kept me on the edge and flipping pages. She builds the suspense with subtle clues and details. Each story is short and can easily be read while waiting at the doctor’s office.


Her style flows and she has a way with words that gives the reader a full visual description without drowning the reader with description. I love that about her style and it builds anticipation. Each story contains a twist that I didn’t see coming. I’mnot sure I could pick a favorite of the three stories - they are all excellent!

Find Barbara and her books
Amazon
Goodreads
Twitter

Using Technology and creating Book Trailers

This past Christmas my awesome boyfriend bought me photo and video editing software. I've been tinkering with the photo software for months but didn't mess with the video software until last night.

To test and figure it out I created a video book trailer for Eye of the Storm. I have to say for my first time using the software I think it turned out well. Have a look for yourself. 

I used Corel Pro Video Studio X6. But if you have a Microsoft operated computer movie maker probably comes with it. I've used that program before and wasn't thrilled. Corel is more user friendly. I have also used Animoto. It's real easy but if you do the free version you're very limited.

Once software is chosen its time to choose pictures and music. Can't have an attention catching video without them. I used Pixabay.com for the pictures. Their pictures are free to use. However if you would like to donate they have a button for that. For music I used purpleplanet.com. Again they are free and simply ask you place their address in your video credits. I believe Pixabay asks for acknowledgements too. Youtube also has free music to choose from and I have used their music before. 

I'm sure their are other places to download music and pictures free or for a small fee.

Once music and pictures are chosen it's time to put it together along with words. As an author making a video trailer I want words on the screen to catch the viewers attention and give them an idea what the story is about. 

Once the video is made it's time to upload to Youtube. Make sure you have converted it to a movie file such as an MPEG. Would love your feedback on my trailer.

After you watch the video jump over to smashwords and take a look at the book. Through July 31 it's on sale for half price! Use coupon code SSW50. 

Let your creative juices run wild and good luck with your videos. If you have a book trailer feel free to share it in the comments below.

No More Black Magic By A.L. Kessler

About the Author:

A.L. Kessler is a paranormal romance, urban fantasy and steampunk author residing in Colorado Springs. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, two black cats by the names of Jynx and Sophie, training a playful

puppy named Zelda, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles.

Blurb:
Explosions, body parts, and black magic are all part of Abby Collins’ typical day. As the top Paranormal Investigation Bureau agent, she only gets the best cases, but when the Cult of Ra comes to play she might in be over her head. Finding a murderer while up against a hex, an overprotective coven, and a stubborn werewolf reminds her that nothing in the paranormal world is easy. As the death toll rises and a decades old crime, linked to Abby, is uncovered, disturbing information is brought to light. Abby must unlock an ancient language steeped in black magic to uncover the truth before the murderer comes for her.

Character Interview (thank you to my Beta team who helped with questions):

Q. Do you have a nickname?

Abby. Depends on who I’m talking to. Sometimes it’s Abby other times it’s Agent A.

Q. Do you have any siblings?

Abby. Nope, only child here. I don’t know what Levi would have done if he had to adopt two children. I’m pretty sure one was enough for him.

Q. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

Abby. I brought a date home with all intentions of sex, I was a grown adult, and I was living in the guest house. Apparently, Levi did not appreciate it and decided then was going to be the best time to tell me about my new assignment. Needless to say my long term relationship ended then. That was also about the time I decided I needed to move.

Q. Did you date in high school?

Abby. A little bit, but a lot of people were scared of me. They knew I was a witch and that my guardian was one of the most powerful vampires in the area. That tends to make dating rough.

Q. Why won’t you date Simon?

Abby. People I love and get attached to die way too often for me to consider dating him. Even if that’s what Levi wants I can’t date Simon, not right now.

Q. What’s the one place you always feel at home?

Abby. My chamber, Levi had it constructed especially for me. I can let my magic go and practice there. Most of the time people leave me alone while I’m in there and the whole room just brings peace to me.

Q. What are you most afraid of?

Abby. Becoming a psychopath. You laugh, but there are rumors that people in my family have gone insane with the amount of power they hold. I’ve also seen it happen, I’ve track down serial killers who have lost control of their magic and their mind. I’m not okay with becoming that and it scares the living shit out of me.

Q. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

Abby. I’ve killed someone…okay a few people, always in self-defense and always as a last resort, but the guilt still eats at me.

Q. Would you ever consider getting a familiar?

Abby. Normally a familiar chooses you, they offer you companionship and you accept. The closest I’ve gotten is considering getting a cat, but mostly so I have something to come home to. If the right creature comes a long and chooses me, then I’d be okay with adopting a familiar.

Q. How do you think your life would be different if your parents hadn’t died?

Abby. I think I would have grown up with more control over my magic than I have now. So many things in the past wouldn’t have been hidden from me. I might have been a linguist like my father or maybe a healer like my mother, not a Paranormal Investigation agent. It’s hard to say what else would have changed and who would or would not be in my life at this point.

Q. Did you ever have a crush on Levi growing up?

Abby. No, not really. Since he took me in when I was for I’ve only seen him as a parent figure and he’s always made sure he stayed as such. Nothing weird going on here, despite what the supernatural tabloids say!

My Review:

No More Black Magic is a thrill ride. Abby is a witch who works for the Paranormal Investigative Bureau. They find an arm at a crime scene and then the barn blows up eliminating all other evidence. Other crime scenes and body parts start popping up.Whilst investigating other small twists in the plot put Abby in danger.

The action, suspense, and rich characters kept me hinged on each word. The story starts with a mystery that grows thicker each page, littered with plot twists and red herrings in a fictional yet believable setting. I fell in love with Kessler’s work since I first read In the Light of the Moon. She has a magic (pun intended) touch with action, descriptions and character building. She has an ability to build a riveting tenseness between characters and scenes.  Her books have a paranormal edge that makes them more intense.

A book both paranormal and mystery fans will love!

Pre-order Links

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iTunes

Find A.L. Kessler

Home of A.L. Kessler

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Who is Susanne Leist?

Susanne Leist - Author of The Dead Game is one of my favorite authors. The Dead Game has so many twists and turns and solid characters that I couldn't put it down. Aside from her novel she also has a golden personality and strives daily to improve her writing. 

Meet Susanne Leist

I was asked to contribute an article to this delightful blog. At first I panicked. I didn’t know what to write about. I’m a listener. I listen to other people’s stories. I’m a good listener. I don’t like speaking about myself. Therefore, I don’t like to write about myself. But now that I’m a writer, I have to move into the spotlight. 

I’ve done a few interviews on fellow authors’ blogs. Their questions helped to serve as guidelines. Now I have a blank page to deal with. Should I write about why I had decided to become a writer? I don’t think so. It has been done to death by writers. I believe I will write about what had inspired me to pursue my career in Finance. It wasn’t a ‘what’ but a ‘who;’ the person who I had looked up to and then had lost too early in life. This was my brother, Neil Leist.

Neil was the type of person who lit up a room when he entered it. He was 6’2”, but it wasn’t his height that drew others’ eyes. It was his dynamic personality and his intelligence. Those grey eyes mirrored his great intellect and capacity for greatness. He acted as my father when my father wasn’t home but working long days and nights driving a taxi. He took care of my blind mother until I was old enough to help out. He sheltered me as much as he could from life and responsibilities. He shouldered these burdens himself.

He did well in college but he flourished in the business world. He traded on the Commodity Exchange until he had enough money to take over a Fortune 500 company. With a majority share in its stock, he took over American Bakeries. Taystee Bread was never

going to be the same. He took me along on his ride to stardom. I worked for him on the Exchange and in his offices on Madison Ave. in Manhattan. I majored in Finance at New York University, preparing to join him. All was going well for once in my life and in my brother’s life. My parents were proud. He helped them out. All was perfect until that awful phone call in the middle of the night.

My lights went out. All the light in the world was gone for me. I was stuck in darkness as dark and deep as the one my mother lived in. My brother had been in a car accident in the Hamptons. His fancy, red Porsche had hydroplaned on the wet roads. Neil was a great driver with quick reflexes. He drove the car off the road and onto the grass. Luck wasn’t with him. A truck was parked in his path and the Porsche crashed beneath it.

Neil was in a coma for two years before he passed away. Meanwhile, his so-called friends at American Bakeries were undermining his position at the company causing the stock price to drastically plummet. We had to sell off his investment in one big chunk at a big loss. Most of his money was tied up with this company. I spent eight years dealing with all the vermin or finance people and lawyers before his estate could be settled. 

I lost my taste for high Finance. I did get an M.B.A. in Finance but it soon lost its appeal to me. I wasn’t cutthroat. I wasn’t a back stabber. I wanted an interesting job that was challenging. I did enjoy working at The Office of Management and Budget at City Hall. I wasn’t able to work the overtime hours on Saturdays because of my Sabbath, so I left.

I worked at different companies, such as: E.F. Hutton & Co., McCall Pattern Company, and at local brokerage firms on Long Island where I now live. None of these jobs appealed to me. I was married with two beautiful daughters. I devoted myself to them. I took on part-time jobs, but I was always available if they needed me.

The big 50 was approaching and I was beginning to feel that I had lost out on life. My brother and then both my parents had passed away. My daughters were beginning their own lives. I needed a focus, a reason for my life. I was helping my daughter write an essay for college. I read it over and was surprised that I had written it. It related to my mother being blind with dementia in a nursing home. I began to think about writing. 

My mid-life crisis book, The Dead Game, took me ten years to write. I hadn’t realized that writing was so hard. Characters have to move around and speak at the same time. They can’t sound the same. Through all the rewrites, the plot and story remained the same. Only the dialogue and grammar changed. I believe I could edit for the rest of my life and still not be satisfied. 

I found a self-publisher, who offered to print and edit the book for a set price. Anything else costs extra. If I made any changes to the book after it was published, it would cost hundreds of dollars for them to take care of it. They even charged to send the changes to Amazon and Nook, even though these companies don’t charge for this. 

One day, the publisher informed me that my book was published. I thought that this meant it was printed. Not only was it printed, it was sitting on Amazon and Nook without a description or bio. It looked sad. I panicked. I had to learn how to use Google so I could ask it how to describe a book. I learned about the log line and synopsis. I bought books on grammar and editing. I opened blogs. I found Facebook and Twitter. Luckily, I found some nice authors who helped me with my countless questions. 

My book looked nice on the sites, but it didn’t have reviews. I soon learned that without reviews there are no sales. I joined Goodreads.com to find reviewers. I was placed in review groups, where the members randomly reviewed other members’ books but not each other’s books. Some authors gave nice reviews with constructive criticism. Others took apart my book, piece by piece, and in detail described what was wrong with it. They even used excerpts. These hurt, but I used the reviews to fix any weak spots in my book.  After a year of this, I put out a new edition of my book. I tried to address everyone’s concerns. But you just can’t please everyone. 

My book is now sitting comfortably in its sections: Vampire Suspense on Amazon and Paranormal Suspense on Nook. I will continue to promote it online while I begin to work on book 2 of The Dead Game series.

My life has taken many unexpected twists and turns. I wonder what the young me would have thought if she had heard that she was going to write vampire stories in the future. Would she have laughed? Would she have been surprised? Knowing me so well, I wouldn’t have laughed or wouldn’t have been surprised. And I might have even been happy. I don’t believe I was so happy with Finance, even in the beginning. I did it as more of a challenge. I wanted to do well in a male-dominated field—just to prove that I could do it. And now I have a new mission. I want to prove to myself that I could be a good author. And I believe I’m well on my way.

Thank you for listening,

Susanne Leist

Where to buy the Dead Game in ebook and paperback
Amazon 
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes and Noble

Susanne's Blogs
http://susanneleist.wordpress.com
http://susanneleist.blogspot.com

My Review of The Dead Game

Fated from birth

I lie in bed my mind unable to rest all of my characters flashing through my brain. Eilida flickers then remains constant. Her life ill-fated from the start, destined to survive until death with a bad case of the heebee-jeebees.

She is a young lady who skids by deaths door not unharmed by alive, afraid to give herself to another. The everlasting fear of commitment. Jay her "boyfriend" whom she runs from - never staying over night. He is the hot science geek.

At a party she's the girl with no interest in the jocks and meat-heads. Instead she's the girl sneaking off with the good looking nerd.

She's a jeans and T-shirt girl who prefers to spend time reading and writing. She yearns to fill her head with knowledge and desires men whom are intellectual equals.

Her pain lingers as a deep stab wound to the soul. 

Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy.

A big day for me

I woke up yesterday with a review for Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy and this morning I awoke to another. Needless to say I am feeling very blessed.

Yesterday's review is posted at My Train of Thoughts On... by Karen. Feel free to visit Karen's blog and share.

Today's review is posted at Reader's Favorite. Here is the full review. Please visit the review page and share. If you have your own review of the book you can post it there too.

Reviewed By Michelle Randall for Readers’ Favorite

Eilida is planning to meet up with friends at the local bar, but instead something draws her to the neighbors' house. As she slow sneaks over and looks in, what she sees is so horrific and terrifying that she takes off running. It has started storming hard, but she just keeps running until she slides down a hillside, landing in a heap against a rock. Sunshine is a receptionist at the Lyden Times Newspaper and she loves her neat and orderly world, only this day nothing is neat and orderly. A young woman was found in the woods with no identification and no memory, and the strange thing is that she looks just like Sunshine only with a different color hair. Eye of The Storm: Eilida's Tragedy (Ruthless Storm Trilogy) (Volume 1) follows Sunshine as she turns reporter and tries to discover what sent this woman running and ending up in her town.

Eye of The Storm centers around Eilida's fear of storms. She hates them, and as the story progresses we slowly learn the reasoning. Sunshine, on the other hand, can never remember a day of rain, but as she investigates this case, she is suddenly plagued by storms. Author Elle Klass creates a compelling story using tragedy, survival, guilt, repressed memories, visual triggers and storms to create a tale that encompasses so much more than you expect. The tragedy of three families is told in this one story. It is a well written and compelling tale with an amazing concept that is worth the read. Great for young adults and adults as well. 

To make my day better my wonderful boyfriend just washed the pollen of my car and I'm going to my first basketball game this evening. I'm not sure my day could get any better. Thank you!