April 2012
3 posts
8 tags
Three Reasons Why You May Not Want to Write About...
So I love zombies. My kids have even inherited my love of zombies. They dressed up as a bunch of flesh eating monster this past Halloween. I watch all the crappy zombie movies as well as the fabulous ones. Lets not even get me started on my love of The Walking Dead! Waiting for the next season is torture and I have taken to collecting the graphic novels to help time pass. So I am sure you...
6 tags
Do You Need An Editor?
I have used the same editor throughout my entire writing career for a few reasons. First the editor I chose was because of a personal recommendation by Samantha Young. I am very big about using people who come with a recommendation. Second, the price. I think most of us know when you are an indie author the costs of putting a book out need to be kept at a minimal rate. I chose an editor with...
12 tags
Cursed, Book 2 in The Guardian Series RELEASED
It is now official, book 2 in The Guardian series, Cursed has been released on ebook. It is currently available on amazon here. Once you read the book if you want to leave a review that would be greatly appreciated not only by me but possible future readers. I know I tend to read books based on the feedback others leave.
Also Book 1, Sacred Bloodlines is now available in paperback here. Happy...
March 2012
2 posts
9 tags
REVIEW: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
It seems like I was the last person I know to read this book. I fell victim to what I think happens to a lot of writers. You are so busy finishing your book you fall behind in your own reading time. I actually finished this book a couple weeks ago and only now that I got book 2, Cursed, out to my Beta readers was I able to find the time to pen this review.
This book gave a whole new spin on...
14 tags
The Guardians Book2, Cursed... Sneak Peak...
Before Gabe could even comprehend what was happening, the beast came charging at him. He didn’t have time to think of which defensive spell would work best. As the monster’s spiked tail came swinging around in his direction, Gabe jumped as high as he could. When his legs could take him no higher, he felt himself fall to the earth. He rolled quickly to one side in an effort to remove himself...
February 2012
3 posts
12 tags
Bumps in the Road
I am thrilled about the success of my book over the months of January and February. I had about 2000 free downloads which got reviews coming in and it seemed to spur future sales. In one day I sold another 200 book after it was no longer free. In total I have sold between 400 - 500 copies of Sacred Bloodlines and distributed a total of around 2500 copies. Considering I am an unknown author,...
13 tags
Amazon KDP Promo Experiment Completed
Alright, so I just finished my experiment with Amazon’s KDP Promo option. I am pretty excited about the results. During the 5 days I offered the book for free as part of the promo I received a couple thousand downloads. I managed to reach #311 in the Kindle store, #8 in juvenile fantasy, and #14 in adult fantasy. I also picked up three new book reviews. I hope this will multiply as more...
January 2012
3 posts
Giddy With Glee Over New Readers
After reading several authors experiences recently on the KDP program with amazon I decided it was time I look a little deeper into this thing that seemed to be working so well for so many people. I reached the point where I thought I had a solid grasp on the implications of it all and decided I would give it a try with my first Book Sacred Bloodlines since Book 2, Cursed, is just right around...
Book Review: Slumber by Samantha Young
Slumber by Samantha Young
Amazon Summary:
Slumber (The Fade: Part One) When Haydyn, the last of the Dyzvati, falls victim to the mysterious Sleeping Disease, the world of Phaedra is thrown into Chaos. Rogan, Haydyn’s best friend and handmaiden, is the only one who can save her. Together, with the Royal Guard and their young Captain, Wolfe Stovia, Rogan must set off across the provinces to...
2012... Is it really already here?
It is hard to believe that it is already the year 2012. I know a lot of people spend the new year reflecting on the past year or even years but that is not what I found myself doing this year. Instead I found myself planning for the new year and all the big plans we have.
We have big events coming on the family front, my husband has a lot of plans for the business he is involved in which will...
December 2011
6 posts
Happy Holidays!
I am the type of person who is always setting some pretty aggressive goals for myself. What do you know, I married a guy who is the exact same way. He is always setting goals that are just out of reach so he keeps pushing hard to attain them. When you get close to that goal you add a little more to it. This month I discovered once again the bad part of this. When you set these goals that are...
8 tags
New Cover by Phatpuppy
So I have been wanting to share this with everyone ever since I began talking to Claudia from Phatpuppy Creations and now that I finally can I am thrilled to do so. This is the cover for book two of The Guardian series, Cursed and it just screams Sophie to me. The book is due out in Feb 2012.
What will book two be about?
Just as Gabe was settling into his new life he was reminded that ...
Review: The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Amazon Description:
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called,...
Review: Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young
Smokeless Fire was one I read on my own and not through my book club. I have read Samantha’s work before so I was really looking forward to this new one. I try to read indie writers whenever possible and she is one who does not disappoint.
Amazon Description:
Smokeless Fire – Book One in the Fire Spirits, a YA paranormal romance series. FEAR THE HEAT… For the last two years...
Book Review, Matched by Ally Condie
My husband is part of a business called Gaslight Software and all the wives decided we would start a book club. For our first book we landed on Matched by Allie Condie.
Amazon’s description:
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander’s face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia...
Happy December 1st and YAY for my sexy new...
Is it really December 1st, 2011? It is so hard to believe how my life has changed over the past five years. My oldest daughter, Zoe, turns seven on the 5th. Besides the fact it is hard for me to accept I could possibly have a seven year old it is a rather exciting time for her as well. Her reading has improved so much and she is finding a real passion for it which of course excites me.
When I...
November 2011
1 post
Book Released and NOW AVAILABLE
It is official! My book, Sacred Bloodlines, the first installment of The Guardians series is now available in ebook format for the kindle and the nook. The paperback version will eventually be available and I will keep everyone informed of its status but I wanted to make sure everyone knew they could now at least purchase the ebook version.
In other positive news I am hard at work on Book 2 in...
October 2011
5 posts
Life is like a romance novel... Or is it?
So every relationship has that period in the beginning thats all hot and heavy like in a romance novel. Usually you will find me reading super natural or fantasy type novels but today I will admit I was wrapped up in a romance novel. It got me thinking and even wondering, is this what women expect or desire their relationships to be like all the time? I like to think no, but thats just me.
...
Sacred Bloodlines Teaser
Uri stepped off of the bike and glancing back at Gabe, raised his hands and commanded Gabe to “wait here” in a cool tone. Gabe watched as Uri approached the car slowly and cautiously, Gabe’s breath catching in his throat. Uri reached the rear doors and leaned forward peeking into the car. After looking for a moment he lunged towards the front driver’s side door and pulled it open quickly, the...
Book Release Date: November 25th 2011
Official Release Date: November 25th, 2011. This Black Friday be sure one thing on your shopping list is the first installment of The Guardians Series, Sacred Bloodlines in ebook format. Also stay tuned for more information about a giveaway, you might just win a free ebook copy of Sacred Bloodlines.
September 2011
1 post
Sneak Peak! Chapter One of Sacred Bloodlines...
Chapter One
Gabe closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the cool subway tiles behind him. The pungent smell of urine and burnt electrical wires filled his nostrils as the loud roar of a passing train erupted in his ears. His social worker’s words replayed again and again in his head, “difficulties with home placement,” “past with such tragic incidents,” “more time needed to find...
August 2011
2 posts
8 tags
Cover Art
So cover art is kind of a big deal to me. I want it to convey my story to the readers in an image. The old saying of don’t judge a book by its cover is a wonderful idea but one I find myself personally not always following. If I can’t trust myself to not swoon or cringe at a books cover can I ask more from my readers? So the search for cover art began. Many people know I have been...
4 tags
Book Worm Becomes Book Writer...
Most people who know me know me can tell you I am a bit of a dreamer. I drift from one ambition to the next in life, always looking for the next challenge. One thing that has always stayed consistent though is my dream of becoming a writer.
When I was very young I would write poetry. One of my fondest memories of middle school was when we got to create our own books. We got to write and...
May 2011
1 post
January 2011
3 posts
Home Sweet Home
So I know my last post there were not a lot of words but I thought the title explained it all. I have been taking pictures like crazy, I know, what else is new. But seriously, Penelope gave me this priceless one below where she is munching on a Barbie. Such a wonderful statement from my 1 year old.
We also had a wonderful house warming party this past weekend and 3 sets of our couple...
My Joshua Tree
The past couple days I have been extra whiney. I caught a cold and with a stuffiness that seemed to want to deliver me constant head aches I suppose I felt as though it were time the world take care of me. Though my darling husband Joshua kept reminding me I was being of the whiney nature he still fulfilled all my requests.
Laying here in bed and thinking over the last couple days I...
November 2010
2 posts
May 2010
6 posts
March 2010
2 posts
February 2010
2 posts
January 2010
2 posts
May 2009
1 post
Worth A Thousand Words...
After taking 2 months off to enjoy our new daughter, Penelope its time to dive back into my work. So much has happened personally and professionally these past two months I decided a post full of photos is the best way to show these amazing events.
Moment between mother and daughter moments after birth.
A family grows
You realize how important the people around you are and how much...
October 2008
1 post
It's a Girl!
We had an ultrasound today and not only do we have a big, healthy, active baby but it is (as my post title suggests) a girl! We are very excited (especially Zoe and myself) since we wanted a girl. Names are in discussion still but we are thinking a great classical name. Below are a bunch of pictures of the cutie pie or as Zoe calls her “curly shirley” (no clue, just a name she...
September 2008
1 post
Mrs. Owens.... Oh my!
So September has been VERY exciting on a personal level. I have not been able to create a lot of new art due to being so busy with Pivot, art fairs, and family. What I really want to talk about is family, specifically my new family. I have been oozing with happiness and though I don’t often share extremely personal things here I feel like I want to share this happiness.
So I had...
August 2008
3 posts
August Wrap Up
Wow! Where did August go? Pivot Gallery and Boutique has now been open for an entire month! Needless to say it has consumed all of my time. Well that, moving, running my own etsy store, being ill, being a mom, you name it and it happened this month! I feel like I need a month long vacation but no rest for the ambitious. Though my schedule for home life kicks up a notch with Zoe going to...
Opening Night for Pivot
I need to start off by saying a BIG Thank You to all the wonderful people who came out and made Pivot’s Grand Opening such a success. There were so many people in the shop the temperature was 15 degrees higher than it normally is. Despite the heat everyone was thrilled to come out and support all our fabulous artists.
The pictures I am posting are from a guest who attended. I will also...
Hopes and Dreams for the Future
So about a week ago some exciting news happened that I just now have a moment to share with everyone. Josh and I have grown very close since we began dating and with me recently agreeing to move to his home in Liberty Twp. he told me he was dreaming of our future and what it could be. He melted my heart with a loving and sincere proposal of marriage. Apparantly he had even asked my...