New book reveal- WITCH HEARTS by Liz Long

WITCH HEARTS by Liz Long LIVE on Amazon! To my friends and readers: Thanking you is the first thing on my list. Writers do it for the readers and I am so excited to introduce this new story to you. For the fellow authors, the book bloggers, the Twitter friends, and support groups in my writing life, know that we're in this together and I couldn't do it without you. I am so honored you joined me for this fun ride. I am proud to say that my second title WITCH HEARTS is now LIVE on Amazon for paperback ($8.99) and your Kindle ($2.99). Witch Hearts is an adult paranormal thriller meant for those who liked to be a little creeped out and also enjoy a murder mystery. Touted as a "Criminal Minds" meets "Charmed" story, Witch Hearts contains three of Liz's favorite things: Magic, Murder, and Mystery. Below you'll find the cover and blurb, as well as a bit about Liz Long plus a special excerpt not available anywhere else.

 

 

 

Witch Hearts Synopsis: How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells? Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend. If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

Excerpt:
Cooper and Ruby hopped on his bike and drove back to her place. She even managed to peek out from beneath her helmet to see the city whip past her in a blur. When they finally came to a stop, she untangled herself from him - albeit a tad regretful about it - and handed him back the helmet. “Thanks again for everything tonight. I know it wasn’t the most fun you could have, but I want everyone to be safe,” she said. “I understand. I’m glad I went, too. I don’t want anyone else in danger. Plus, you’re good company.” He stood up as he said it, hooking the helmets on his bike. “You don’t have walk me in or anything. I don’t want to keep you any longer than you need.” He snorted. “You’re not keeping me from anything. I want to do it, but especially because I want to make sure you’re safe.” Ruby bit her bottom lip. Her nerves fluttered a bit at the thought of a possible goodnight kiss. She could hardly believe how immature she sounded in her head. It’s your best friend’s brother. This is Cooper we’re talking about, a voice in her head screamed at her. Another voice spoke up. Yeah. It’s Cooper. And your thoughts about him have never been exactly brotherly.  Shaking both voices away, she swiped her key fob by the entrance door and Cooper held it open for her. They took the stairs up to the second floor and walked around the corner to her apartment. Ruby stopped as soon as she saw her door. “Something’s wrong,” she said. “What? How can you tell?” He looked up and down the hallway. “There was a barrier when I left. Remember I checked, put my hand on the door when we left? My spell was in place.” “There was a soft glow on the door,” he said absentmindedly, as though remembering. His eyes narrowed and Ruby could see his veins throb in his neck as his jaw tightened. “Only witches would be able to see it, but it’s not there.” Ruby took a few steps forward, placing her hand on the door, which was now simply cool and wooden. She retrieved her key and turned the lock, but Cooper stopped her. “I’ll go in first.” He swung the door wide open; he held his hands up in case of a fight or a spell, but silence greeted them. Cooper did a quick sweep of the apartment while Ruby waited in the entryway. He returned with Aziza in one arm and a letter in his hand. “This was on your coffee table,” he said grimly. “Aziza was hiding behind the couch. She hissed until she realized it was me.” Ruby took the note from him. As she opened it, Cooper stood beside her to read over her shoulder. “Not all witches are equal. Some are born with extraordinary gifts; anyone can practice, but few are truly powerful. You are one of the lucky ones, Ruby. I apologize about your friend Courtney. She was powerful, but nowhere near your capabilities. I’m afraid that in order for my powers to thrive, yours must come to an end. I’ll be seeing you very soon. -X”

                                                        

                                                              About the Author:
Liz Long is lucky enough to have a dream career in magazine publishing as an editor and writer, yet still have time to create adventures on the side. If you catch her staring off into space or talking to herself, don’t worry – it’s just her imagination at work. Liz graduated from Longwood University with a BA in English, though her professors might be disappointed to hear she reads more fantasy fiction than literary novels. She also loves action and thriller genres. This book probably won’t change your life, but she hopes it steals you away from reality for a while. Her first book, Gifted, A Donovan Circus Novel, is about a murder at a supernatural circus, and is available at Amazon on Kindle and paperback. (To celebrate the release of her new book, Gifted is FREE on Amazon for Kindle from April 30 - May 2, so grab your copy now!) To learn more about Liz, visit her website: http://lizclong.com

New book reveal - NISSA: A CONTEMPORARY FAIRY TALE by Bethany Lopez

Synopsis:
At 900 years old, Nissa is finally ready to follow her mother's path and become the best Fairy Godmother she can. She’s not thrilled when her first assignment turns out to be a teenage human girl with self-esteem issues, but she knows she has to start somewhere. Her assignment has dealt with bullies since her freshman year and they haven’t let up. If Nissa can’t help her regain her self-confidence her future is bleak.

To complicate matters Nissa experiences all the signs that she's met the being fated for her. This impossibility distracts her from her purpose. After all, fairies and humans aren't meant for each other. How can her heart believe otherwise? Can Nissa successfully complete her first assignment as a Fairy Godmother? Will the fates allow Nissa and Levi to be together? And even if they do, will Levi believe Nissa once she reveals the truth?

Excerpt:
          The next thing I knew, there was a flash of movement and a noise that sent fear coursing through my body.

            Barking. Loud, incessant barking.

            I dropped my bag and took off running, adrenaline causing my legs to move as fast as they would go. I briefly noticed the look of confusion on Vicky’s face as I sped past her, hoping I had put a good distance between myself and the beast.

            As my brain began to clear, I registered the laughter coming from behind me. I slowed down and turned, finding Vicky standing a few feet behind me. She was holding the beast and laughing hysterically.

            “Be careful,” I shrieked, my limbs shaking, and my breath coming out in spurts. I felt my heart pounding, and I thought I might pass out. I could only remember being this terrified one other time in my life.

            When my siblings and I were younger, a few hundred years ago, my brother Finnegan talked us all into going on a grand adventure. We left the protected area of the forest and ended up in an unknown section of the woods. There were humans everywhere. They had large vessels, which were filled with strange smells, and they were burning our precious wood.

            I later came to know that this was what the humans called a campground, but at the time, the sights and sounds were terrifying and before we knew what was happening, we heard the loud cry of a large beast that seemed intent on feeding on us. We all scrambled to get away from it, and get back to the protected area where we belonged. My sister, Ella, narrowly escaped its fangs and was saved only by the chain that snapped the threat back into place.

            Dogs are extremely dangerous to fairies.

            The memory flashed through my mind as I stared in horror at the animal in Vicky’s arms.

            “Are you being serious?” Vicky asked. “This is a Chihuahua. You can’t honestly be that scared of this dog.”

 

Where to buy:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

 

Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult series. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her novels through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

 

                                                        Follow Bethany online:

                                                Twitter     Facebook     Pinterest    

 

 

 

New book reveal - COLOUR WIELDERS by Dawna Raver

 

Synopsis:

Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

 

 

Where to buy:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

 

                                                      About the Author:

Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.

 

                                                    Follow Dawna online:

                                                     Facebook     Twitter     

 

 

 

 

Indie-Licious Interview: Prepare to be dazzled by Dawna Raver's Fantasy World

Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.

 

Happy release day to you, Dawna, and to the entire cast of Colour Wielders! (Pops champagne cork). I couldn't be happier for you and all the lucky readers who will get to have this book for their collection. Allow me to pour you a glass of Dom Perignon (and myself, of course) to celebrate the occasion.

About Dawna Raver:

1)Dawna, I know you've waited a long time for this publication, and at sometimes, thought it would never happen. (I know the feeling). Why don’t you start by telling us just how EXCITED you really are?!

"Well, too excited! You're enthusiasm has ramped up my excitement greatly. This is crazy. Sometimes I can't believe I wrote a book and it's published. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen. And the path here as been bumpy at times."

2)For most of us, publishing a book is a "dream come true", an achievement we never thought possible. Is it your dream, Dawna? Or is it a goal you can now scratch of your list of many? Maybe both?

"Actually, I never thought of doing the publishing thing. I've only been writing for about five years now. I certainly didn't start writing with this goal in mind. I was recovering from surgery and was bored. I'd never written for fun before, but with nothing else to do, I sat down and started writing about an old memory. Eventually, the memory morphed into a story, and that story evolved into Colour Wielders."

3)Did your publishing journey take you on a long, difficult road? Or did it happen over night for you?

"Once I saw that Colour Wielders might be a story others would enjoy, I thought about self-publishing. But my critique partner and friend, Krystal Wade, encouraged me to submit to her publisher, and now mine, Curiosity Quills Press. It's been about nine or ten months to bring Colour Wielders to market."

4)Where is your favorite place to write? Home office, comfy chair in front on the TV, dark, dusty, attic?

"I have an office with a lovely leather chain and a new desk. I really should be sitting in there everyday. But, we just bought a new leather couch and it's very comfy. I'll admit, unless I'm on deadline, I usually work from the couch. So, I guess that makes me a couch potato writer. Sigh."

5)Besides reading / writing, what is your favorite pastime?

"Watching football. Love, love, love football. In fact, I'm counting down the time until preseason starts. 107 days and 8 hours, in case your interested. 139 days and 8 hours until season. You might not believe this, but right now, I have the NFL channel on in the background. Yes, I am that obsessed. Shout out to my pitiful Miami Dolphins and amazing Denver Broncos."

 
The unimportant, important stuff. What makes Dawna Raver . . . Dawna Raver?
Favorites:

1)Food – ice cream – peanut butter and chocolate to be exact.
2)Color – red and black
3)Song / Music – Alternative rock. Foo Fighters, Incubus, Linkin Park...
4)Movie – All the Harry Potters.
5)Book – Harry Potter series. Sookie Stackhouse series (though I have a bad feeling Charlaine Harris is going to break my heart. Eric and Sookie belong together, damn it!) Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.
My newest favorite is Darynda Jones' Charley Davidson series.

About Colour Wielders:

1)My favourite question maybe becoming clichéd, but like I said; it's my favorite question to ask so: If you should be so lucky, who would you choose to play your main characters in the movie?

"*Big grin* Arik would be the hot Alexander Skarsgard. (If you're reading this Alex, call me, k?)
Quinn I don't have an actress for. I have a picture of what I think she looks like, but not a particular actress."

2)How did Colour Wielders blossom into the magical fantasy it is? What was the first tidbit of info that popped into your head for this story? Was it a word, song, dream?

"As I said, the whole think started from me recalling a memory. Factoid: Arik was originally the antihero, and Devin was the hero. But, in writing Arik, I feel in love with him. I wanted to give him a chance to be the kind of character that might have the opportunity for redemption. Whether he gets there or not, you'll have to read the series to find out."

3)Is Quinn Sinclair anything like Dawna Raver?

"Ha! I think there's a lot of Quinn in me. Which is probably why I can't assign an actress to her."

4)The cover is one of my all time favorites. Did you have other cover ideas you scrapped for this one?

"When I first thought I'd self-publish, I toyed with making the cover myself. One of the reasons I signed with Curiosity Quills was because of their amazing covers. Actually, Lisa, your cover for The Gathering Darkness sent me in the direction of the amazing Ricky Gunawan. I loved the feel of your cover so much, I just had to have Ricky. I told Curiosity Quills and they agreed.
Ricky was amazing to work for. I sent him pics of what I wanted. Then he and I worked together on the final concept. I can't imagine ever using anyone else, to be honest. Here's his website: http://ricky-gunawan.daportfolio.com."

5)What piece of advice would you give aspiring authors?

"Write, write, write, and write more. Read, read, read, and read more. Don't wait until your book is about to be published to start promoting yourself. Do it as soon as you think you want to embark on this crazy endeavor."

 "Whenever I see this cover my jaw drops at its beauty" -Lisa Collicutt

Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

Thanks so much for hanging with me, Dawna. I'm a tad excited to get my hands on this book. I can just feel that velvety cover now :)

Colour Wielders is available at:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo

Where to connect with Dawna Raver:    

https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaver

https://twitter.com/DawnaRaver

https://dawnaraver.com

Support indie authors by reviewing this book at:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders

Dawna is having a giveaway to celebrate her book release with you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New book reveal - CRIMSON by V.J. Chambers

Synopsis:



Like your torrid professor-student affairs with a side of gothic magic?

Professor Carter Alexander may have a sharp tongue and a reputation for reducing freshman acting students to tears, but he’s gorgeous. He’s the man of Teagan Moss’ dreams. Literally. She’s been having dreams about him since she was thirteen years old. Yes, those kind of dreams.

Teagan’s been sheltered, hidden away by her crazy aunts and her even crazier mother, all of whom have cautioned her that the man in her dreams wants to hurt her. But Teagan doesn’t believe in their stories of power and evil.

All she wants is to be normal for once.

One night, she’s compelled out of her bed by a force she doesn’t understand. She finds herself across town on Professor Alexander’s porch.

And he’s kissing her.

New Adult Paranormal Romance: Intended for mature audiences due to explicit sexual content.

Read an excerpt from Crimson here!

Where to buy:
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble

Teaser Sign Ups 4/21

We here at Indie-Licious love blog hops. We love them so much that we host one once a week on Sundays.

Sign ups are from 12:00 am Tuesdays through 11:59 pm Saturday, EST. Just enter your info into the Linky List. We only ask that you post teasers no longer than a paragraph. Anything longer than this will make it difficult for everyone to read and comment on your entry.

Have fun!

Tools & Tips ~ Forget the Filters ~ by Christie Rich

morgueFile free photos http://mrg.bz/S5hJS7

Forget the Filters
by Christie Rich

When I read, I want to experience the book, sink right in and become the main character, or at least tag along for a piggy back ride.  As a writer, my greatest wish is that my readers will have the same experience.  The trouble is it’s not that easy to get readers to see through the character’s eyes unless you learn a few things.  I’m still on the journey of figuring out all the secrets of creating engaging fiction, but one thing I stumbled upon last year threw me.

I had no idea very common words can distance a reader from the experience of the story I’m telling, but once I learned them it totally makes sense why the words put a barrier between the action and the reader.  This information has helped me understand why sometimes, it is impossible for me to connect with a story, even if it is an interesting idea and the characters are enjoyable.

What words, you ask?

Janet Burroway, author of Writing Fiction:  A Guide to Narrative Craft, coined the phrase that has caught on in the editing arena lately—filter words.  I haven’t read Janet’s book, but it is on my to-read.

My introduction to filter words came from a writer friend’s blog:  http://blackbirdinmywindow.blogspot.com/2012/09/wednesdays-writer-avoid-filter-words.html

The post is short and to the point, and really, I could stop here and just tell you to go read her blog, but I have a few things to add.  First, here are the pesky critters that can blur the image you try to create for the reader.

• to see
• to hear
• to think
• to touch
• to wonder
• to realize
• to watch
• to look
• to seem
• to feel
• could
• can
• to decide
• to notice
• to sound (or sound like)

Look familiar?  Some of these words are easier to avoid than others, or to remove from your first draft.  Others, not so much, at least for me.  Because I’m aware of these words now, I don’t use them as often, but they are so easy to use.  They wiggle their way into what should be intense, action driven scenes.  The result:  a watered down version of what would otherwise be riveting fiction, right?  Right!

I can hear you all screaming SHOW, don’t TELL! ;)

Let’s take a gander at a few examples.  This is a made up scene, not from any WIP.

Kari could feel the heat of the sun on her skin, the breeze barely denting the effects of the tyrannical orb.  She’d been out too long, and if she didn’t find shelter soon, she’d be just another sojourner to never return home.  Everywhere she looked, she saw rolling hills of sand.  No sound could be heard other than the occasional flurry of wind.  It seemed the whole world had disappeared with the burgeoning morning.

She wondered if she should turn around.  If she hurried, she might be able to find her way back to the others.  She thought she heard something in the distance, which brought hope to her wilting heart.  She increased her step, stumbling up the dune toward the sound.  When she crested the hill she realized her mistake, falling to her knees.  She noticed the flurry of action before her mind comprehended what she saw.

She watched helplessly as the raiders ravaged the small village, tears leaking from her eyes for the children that cried over dead parents.  She wondered what she could do for the people.  If she went down there, she’d just be taken too, or worse.

“Over there,” shouted a man.

Kari could feel her heartbeat speed up as she watched a man look at her then sprint toward her.  Her feet took off, finding some inner strength she didn’t know she had.  If she was taken, her village would be next.  She recalled that the raiders were known for mind penetration.  She could see her mother’s kind eyes weeping tears of devastation, all because she hadn’t listened.  Her disobedience had not only made her life forfeit, she had placed every single person she loved in danger…to see a boy that didn’t love her, a boy that had already broken her heart.

Now, without the filter words.

The heat of the sun baked Kari’s tender flesh, the breeze barely denting the effects of the tyrannical orb.  She’d been out too long, and if she didn’t find shelter soon, she’d be just another sojourner to never return home.  Everywhere she turned, rolling hills of sand spread out before her.  Nothing but an occasional flurry of wind disturbed the haunting silence.  The whole world had disappeared with the burgeoning morning.

She should turn around.  If she hurried, she might be able to find her way back to the others.

What was that?  She stilled, listening more intently and it came again.  Voices.  Had she made it to the village after all?  Hope filled her wilting heart with a new purpose.  She raced ahead, even though her weary muscles screamed at her to stop.  When she crested the hill a flurry of motion bombarded her mind.

Helplessly, she stared as the raiders ravaged the small village, tears leaking down her cheeks for the crying children trying to wake their slain parents.  What could she do to help them?  If she went down there, she’d just be taken too, or worse.

“Over there,” shouted a man.

Kari’s heartbeat slammed against her chest as another man sprinted toward her.  Her feet took off, finding some inner strength she didn’t know she had.  If she was taken, her village would be next.  What had she done?  Her mother’s kind eyes flashed in her mind, bright with the tears of devastation, all because she hadn’t listened.  Her disobedience had not only forfeited her life, she had placed every single person she loved in danger…to see a boy that didn’t love her, a boy that had already broken her heart.

So which scene allowed you to feel the character’s emotions?  Which scene was easier to connect with? 

morgueFile free photos http://mrg.bz/6ZRjxe

Did you catch all the filters in the first scene?  How many were there?

Okay, so I’d like to do something fun, if you all are game.  Search your current work in progress.  Post a scene of yours with filter words then without.  The more examples posted, the easier this concept will be for all of us to remember.  If you’d like me to remove your filter words, that’s great, just say so in your post.

The more you practice, the easier it will be for you to spot the culprits that make it difficult for your readers to connect with your stories.

The only way this will be any fun is if we have lots of comments and posts, so go for it.  The only thing you have to lose is a barrier you don’t need.  Happy writing everyone!

Christie Rich

Biography

I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. I also dabble in painting but writing has taken over my creative time right now.  I hope to get back to it at some point in my life, but I'm not sure when I'll have time for it.  My family and I live in a quiet community  in Northern Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.

Where you can find Christie:

Website  l  Blog  l  Goodreads  l  Pinterest  l  Twitter  l  Facebook