Wendy Owens

Amazon KDP Promo Experiment Completed

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:23:20 -0500

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 time passes and people have time to read the book.

You might be asking what I wondered myself, you’re giving the book away for free, how does this translate to selling books. Today I got an answer for you and myself. Sunday was the last day of the promo and my book returned to full price on Monday.

Prior to the promo sales were slow to say the least. In the first 3 weeks of January I had sold only six copies. A number that makes you think, how will this ever happen for me. Since I ran the promo (yes, one day) I have sold 30 copies of my book at full price. I hope to see the number continue in the same way today. I have read that three days after the promo is the “sweet spot” but I think where I am right now is pretty “sweet”.

I think timing is important as well. My 2nd book comes out at the end of the month and thanks to this promo I will have thousands of folks looking to read the 2nd installment (at least thats what I hope). I will post a follow-up to this in a weeks time roughly to give you all an idea if the success continued.

Giddy With Glee Over New Readers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:43:24 -0500

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 the corner with release date (Feb 29th, 2012).

I set everything up last night and my 5 day free promotion was to start today, January 31st. Sales have been slow but steady so my hopes were not too high for this free promotion.

My sales were around 1 every couple days which I felt for a new author with no promotion was acceptable and I would just keep plugging away and hope more readers would discover me. This morning I woke up and logged in to make sure the free promotion had begun. To my shock it had not only begun but it was chugging along at a tingling pace. I was literally giddy with glee. As of 9:30 am 127 new readers have downloaded me and the number seems to be climbing every few minutes.

In my mind I am imaging all the readers out there, excited to see the free book, drooling as it downloads, figuratively ripping into the pages (after all it is an ebook). Now chances are they see the deal, download it, and plan to read it one day. But to an author who has worked so hard to put the book out they are biting their nails, waiting to see the download is complete. They have to call into work because they just can’t allow themselves to put the book down. I know, I know, but a girl can dream, right? Now go get yours, its FREE!

Book Review: Slumber by Samantha Young

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:56:49 -0500

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 find the Somna Plant that will wake Haydyn from her dying sleep.

Beset on all sides by the chaos, Rogan tumbles into a dark world of kidnapping, prejudice, betrayal and love… a journey that will change her forever, and a journey that will change their world forever if she does not retrieve the cure.

YA Fantasy Romance recommended for ages 16 and up.

My Review

I will start right off by saying I loved Slumber. I loved seeing a friendship between two girls where the result is when one is in need the other would do anything to help her. Lady Rogan’s parents were murdered and as a child when Rogan was brought back by her captors she bonded with Haydyn. They relied on each other when times got bad. When it came down to it and Haydyn needed her help it was clear it wasn’t even a choice for Rogan, it was something she had to do because Haydyn meant so much to her.

This story also has several layers to it as well. The fact that Rogan has to travel with the son of the man that murdered her parents is torment for her. The last thing you would think is that a romance would bud but sure enough the stirrings are there.

Talk about action packed too. Something major is happening every chapter! Makes this real page turner a quick read for sure. With that being said in the beginning as you learn about people and places the vowel heavy names can be a struggle. I reread some of this out loud and found it much easier to retain the information.

So yet here is another book from indie author, Samantha Young, that is a MUST read. Enjoy!

2012... Is it really already here?

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:01:41 -0500

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 create some traveling, we are planning to go on a cruise (at least at some point when we can fit it in) and probably one of the most exciting things for me are my books. Book 1 is out. Though I had planned to have book 2 done by now and I am only half way through I know it was simply because I chose to really enjoy my holidays with my family so its forgivable. I am back, hard at work on it and also spending some time on a new series which should come out this spring. There are several new series I have already mapped out, its simply getting the stories on paper.

2011 was great and it doesn’t hurt to reflect on it but I am pleased to say I am super amped for 2012. Now if I am ever going to meet any of these deadlines I need to get back to work!

Happy Holidays!

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:37:37 -0500

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 so intensely aggressive in all parts of your life eventually you find yourself falling short.

I watched my husband get upset with himself that he hasn’t achieved what he wants with one of his web apps. After he beat up on himself for a bit I did my best to uplift him and encourage him. He is heading down the road he needs to make his goals a reality. No sooner than he began to feel better I saw my writing goals slipping away from me. With three kids and a packed holiday season its easy for a mommy to get distracted.

The plan was to have my first draft of book 2 in the Guardian Series completed by January 1st. That means in the next 11 days I will need to write around 4000 words a day. Is this doable? Certainly. Am I likely to do this? Probably not. I have to ask myself, will I look back on my life and wish I would have written more over Christmas break or would I wish I had spent quality time with my kids? Exactly!

This will mean I push hard in January to get the editing done in time but I am alright with that. So to all my readers I hope you are able to slow down this holiday season and truly enjoy your friends and family.

New Cover by Phatpuppy

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:16:46 -0500

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 darkness is destined to always follow him. Gabe’s new friends have created a world full of happiness he never thought he could have, but when Sophie and others begin acting out of character Gabe must get to the bottom of it. Will he be able to help them before it is too late or even worse before Baal finds him.

Be ready for book two, buy Sacred Bloodlines today!

Review: The Hunger Games

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:50:00 -0500

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, “The Hunger Games,” a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

My Review:

How the heck am I just now reading this book? It seems like everyone I know is finishing the second or third book. I suppose it’s because my to read stack is so high. One of my friends told me about the book and she almost seemed embarrassed. She clearly loved it but kept adding “for a kid’s book.” OK, I read this book and there is nothing about this book I would say is just for kids. Sometimes young people are called upon to do extraordinary things. It doesn’t make their story less spectacular. If this were just a young adult book about having a boyfriend I might say, hmmm perhaps this is not meant for me. This book is filled with extremely grown up concepts.

Alright, off my soap box….

The best way I can describe how I read this book is that I devoured it! It was delicious! It is one of those you start reading in the bath and realize your hot water has become an ice bath because you have been in there so long. Once your pruned toes are back to normal you jump back in and can’t put it down until your done. Yup, that was me.

We are in a time full of so much unrest it is not hard to imagine our nation falling. Considering this book takes place in a post America time it was easy to say “what if” and imagine it to be true. A new society is in power and the Capitol rules 12 districts. It is really interesting because each district is important in its own way. They supply different things like electronics or agricultural goods.

At one point a long time ago there had been a rebellion against the capital that had failed. The capital decided what better way to remind the districts how weak they in fact were than to host the hunger games each year. How it works is they choose 2 children from each district between the ages of 12 and 18. They fight to the death until there is only one kid standing (see what I mean by not being child concepts).

The entire thing is televised so that everyone throughout all the districts can be reminded of just how little power they actually have. There were some holes here and there in the structure of the new society and how it all worked but the rest of the story is so strong these are easy things to over look.

So when I started reading the book I made this assumption the main character Katniss would find a way to get around killing anyone. I mean how can she be the hero of the story if she is a killer. Well my eyes were glued to the page when I read how Katniss made her first kill. My mind was then further blown when she seemed proud of herself.

Did I find Katniss disgusting and immoral after she headed down this road. Somehow no! I don’t know if its the writing or some of the other things revealed to us in the book but I felt sorry for her. Sorry for her? Yeah, her trainer in the book had survived the hunger games and now he is an alcoholic hot mess. You see how a soul can be squashed and then tormented for the rest of their life when they make the hard choice Katniss did.

Alright, if you haven’t read The Hunger Games yet hurry up and go read this five star book. I am off to read the 2nd book!

Review: Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:36:00 -0500

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 Ari’s life has been anything but normal and on her 18th birthday, when her friends surprise her with a gimmick genie claiming to grant wishes, Ari discovers the truth. The tragic and strange occurrences surrounding her 16th birthday were not coincidental and her life is never going to be the same again.

Ari’s real parents are not normal. They are not loving. They are not human.

They are myth.

They are Smokeless Fire.

They are Jinn.

My Review:

How exciting to read a book that is about something not so mainstream. I have actually never read a book about Genies so this was a completely new experience for me. Samantha’s way of describing the Jinn word is spectacular. I felt like I could see it and almost touch it. It is also really fun to read a story about such mischievous creatures!

I read a lot of books where I have trouble getting attached to characters but that was not the case with this one! Ari is smart, beautiful, dramatic and also full of so much compassion. She has a best friend, Charlie, who is hooked on drinking and drugs after some bad stuff goes down in his life. Ari is committed to helping him even though she has a lot to think about in her life as well.

If anyone has read my book Sacred Bloodlines they know I LOVE action. I think I may have even gone overboard with it in book two, Cursed. I can’t help it, I am a girl that loves a lot of action. Well guess what, this book is jam packed with it! Yeah, I am a chick who likes a little gore in my books, what can I say? Oh and I almost forgot, as if learning about the Jinn and Kings are not enough you also discover some pretty awesome creatures.

And oh boy, don’t get me started on Jai. His sarcasm makes me weak in the knees. Ok, maybe its the way he kicks some serious butt but I do love his personality a lot too. While Charlie has had it rough and I feel for him I am all about Jai! This is one of the few love triangles I have read where I didn’t feel like the guys characters were predictable and cliche. Kudos to Samantha for pulling that off!

Oh my, and all I can say is major cliffhanger! Looking forward to the next book! Five star read for sure.

***BTW, I posted this review on amazon but it showed up under my husband’s name and then wouldn’t let me change. I bet he would like the book too though, lol!

Book Review, Matched by Ally Condie

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:44:00 -0500

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 knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate … until she sees Ky Markham’s face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it’s a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she’s destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can’t stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review:

This book had a lot of aspects of the book the Giver by Lois Lowry. I had some trouble getting into this book. It seemed like it was a story about a lot of nothing when I began. I think this may have been because I didn’t connect with a lot of the characters. However if you give the book some time it does to get to “the good part”.

The Ky vs Xander choice seemed a little typical. You know the entire this guy won’t hurt me and will take care of me versus this guy is a bad boy and every girl loves a mysterious bad boy. I am trying not include any spoilers but how her interest in Ky started didn’t thrill me.

If you’re looking for action, I didn’t find much. What I did like were the parts where Cassia was basically waking up and realizing this society and its rules were something she did not agree with or want to be a part of. Again to avoid spoiler alerts there was a choice Cassia made later in the book that caused some unexpected consequences for Ky and I thought it was a really great turn in the book that makes me look forward to book 2.

So as far as the Gaslight wives, they all seemed very pleased with the selection and though I was not as impressed I still would give this at least three stars. It was definitely enough for me to see what is going to happen in the next book, Crossed.

Happy December 1st and YAY for my sexy new website!

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:42:00 -0500

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 quit the mortgage industry in 2006 and took my creative endeavors on the road as a full time artist and photographer scraping out a living was hard enough. The idea of actually being able to write for a living seemed impossible. I have to admit I still don’t see myself as ever selling enough books to make a real living but I get to live the life none the less.

What do I mean? I have an amazing husband who happens to be doing well enough with his own business that he wants me to focus on my books. My online art stores have been shut done and painting has stopped. My paint brushes have been traded in for a keyboard. I thought this would be an easy transition because I love to write so much but after five years of pushing my art business I am finding it difficult to let it rest. I am also one of those people who has trouble giving up an income producing option and gamble on something that may never see real profits.

I have done it though and as a result Book 1 was released on time and I am 20,000 words closer to book 2. I have about half a dozen book ideas mapped out that I am excited to get to so I know 2012 will filled with a lot of new releases. My husband worked with some amazingly talented people to get my new website up, sexy huh? It is nice to be married to a web developer sometimes!

The Christmas shopping is nearly done. The presents have already started to be wrapped. The decorations are up and my heart is so warm this holiday season that I have such a support team around me.

Friends helping me edit, strangers giving me pep talks, a husband being an all around laundry doing, dinner cooking, super dad, hard working amazing man. With all of these people in my life I can honestly say I don’t want or need anything else for Christmas. My stocking is so full.

Stay tuned in the next few days… I hope to have a surprise on the horizon when it comes to the cover of book 2.

Book Released and NOW AVAILABLE

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:26:22 -0500

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 the series, Cursed. It has an estimated release date in February 2012. The cover is currently under way and when the artist is done I will share it here first. In other exciting news there is also a zombie book in the works called Ruination that will be out in April 2012.

For now, be sure you pick up your copy of the e-book for Sacred Bloodlines. Oh yeah, and my hubby is working on getting me a new face to my website and based on what I have seen its AMAZING!

http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Bloodlines-The-Guardians-ebook/dp/B006C7KFI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322439868&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1107694843?ean=2940013537828&itm=1&usri=sacred+bloodlines

Life is like a romance novel... Or is it?

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:44:27 -0400

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.

Years ago my husband and I had that stage where he chased me feverishly and we were the entirety of each other’s focus. Now fast forward to three busy kids, two in school and a screaming toddler, both of us self employed and busy with our lives and our relationship is quite different… well in some ways. Now we bicker about silly stuff like money, chores, and yes, even who has to choose the restaurant (both indecisive about this).

With all of life’s daily distractions though all Josh has to do is walk up behind me while I am making lunches for the day and kiss my neck and I remember. I went and had dinner with him tonight before he went back to work for an evening meeting and after we parted ways he called me just to say thanks and I remembered. He tries to play me a love song on the ukulele, that he has no clue how to play, and I remember. We cuddle up for some TV at night and he runs his finger tips along the curve of my back and whispers how lucky he is and I remember. It’s the little things he does every day that makes me remember we are the stars of our own story, and I am madly in love with the hero.

just because I love it… :)

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:22:23 -0400

just because I love it… :)

Just one of the songs I listened to while writing Sacred...

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:53:50 -0400

Just one of the songs I listened to while writing Sacred Bloodlines

Sacred Bloodlines Teaser

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:49:01 -0400

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 car let out a huge creaking sound. Gabe watched through narrowed eyes.

Two slender arms reached out from the car and pulled Uri half way into the vehicle. Uri let out what almost sounded like a yelp. Gabe leapt off the bike, trying to stay on his feet as the motorcycle hit the ground. Losing his footing, Gabe fell backwards on the dirt, frightened by what was unfolding before him. He turned and pushed himself up on his knees, preparing to run.

Book Release Date: November 25th 2011

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:30:52 -0400

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.

Sneak Peak! Chapter One of Sacred Bloodlines...

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:33:08 -0400

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 the right parental candidates”. Gabe knew what that meant, after years of being shipped from one foster family to the next it was clear people felt he was cursed. And why wouldn’t they he thought. It was even becoming obvious to him.

The bustle of the station began to increase as the train squealed to a halt. Gabe grabbed his ragged black backpack and headed to the nearest set of open doors. He twisted and turned trying to make his way through the thick crowd. A chill came over him, one that was all too familiar and Gabe was suddenly filled with dread. He stopped, dead in his tracks, and looked around at the sea of people. Just steps from the train doors he found himself unable to move, he was simply staring and searching. His breath was shallow and all the voices around him were instantly silenced as a pulsing white noise filled his head.

Gabe’s hands had become clammy and he felt his legs weaken. “Are you getting on or what?” shouted the man behind him in a plain tan trench coat carrying a briefcase. Gabe looked back at him, not able to hear what he was saying for a moment, still distracted by the deafening white noise in his head. “Come on, some of us have places to be.” The man grumbled as he rudely pushed past Gabe and boarded the subway car. Stumbling to a nearby column he steadied himself and attempted to regain his composure.

As sounds came flooding back he heard the buzzer warning that the doors would soon be closing. Gabe looked up, preparing to make a dash for the opening, but before he could make his move he caught site of a young woman standing just in front of the subway doors. She was wearing a long black leather coat that was cinched at her waist and there was an odd grey color that surrounded her. It was almost like a halo effect around her entire body. He had seen this before, actually more times than he cared to recall. He even saw the same grey aura the night his parents died.

Gabe stared intensely at her back as the girl stepped into the subway car and then slowly turned around. Her hair was short, cut just above the chin, black in color and she wore it slicked back and tucked behind her petite ears. Gabe thought she looked as though she were trying to remove the femininity from her small frame in any way she could. Her skin was pale, the color reminded Gabe of milk. He watched, frozen where he stood, as the girl lifted her head and looked directly into his eyes. She flashed him a small wicked smile and as the doors closed he saw her eyes flicker a hint of red. A moment later the train pulled away and Gabe slid to the cold floor as the crushing weight of the impending doom filled him.

Gabe had been plagued by these feelings and visions his entire life. He could remember being sent to at least a dozen different therapists all over the city in recent years. They were all the same however, ‘hallucinations brought on by depression caused by the tragic loss of his parents.’ Some had him writing his feelings in journals, but most of them found it easier to load him up on medication and send him on his way. Gabe wondered if the therapists were all right, perhaps he was just crazy with grief. His parents had died when he was only five years old. He found it hard to believe such grief could plague a person for eleven years but what did he know, he was no…

A loud explosion suddenly interrupted Gabe’s thoughts. He reached out his hands to try and steady himself as the ground under him shook violently. Gabe threw up his arms to cover his head as plaster began to crumble and rain down from the high ceilings. He looked in the direction of the explosion and saw that the tunnel where just moments before the train he was supposed to be on had been, had now become a huge cloud of flying debris. Gabe’s brown hair blew back from the rush of air and he had to squint his eyes as the ash clouded his vision. Larger pieces of plaster and tile began to fall all around him. He rushed to the bench he had been sitting on earlier and slid under it, taking refuge from the dangerous rubble.

The one question all of those therapists could never answer for him was if his visions were simply a result of grief, then why did a disaster follow each one? Gabe laid under that bench listening to the overwhelming screams of panic swirl around him. He clenched his eyes tight trying to make it all disappear, but it wasn’t working. It never helped, ever.

Gabe had a trick he had learned long ago from his mother. She told him when he was little if he ever was scared of something count to a hundred and somewhere along the way the object of his fear would disappear. As a child the fear would usually subside around fifty. He found after his parents death though he would often exceed a thousand before he could regain his composure. Gabe stayed hidden and counting, completely losing track of time. Under that bench, counting his safe numbers, Gabe was leaving the world behind. The world was filled with a wicked darkness and that was a fear he could not count away.

As Gabe lay there, hoping to go unnoticed he felt the bench rock. Glancing to his left he saw a pair of combat boots planted firmly on the ground. He wondered with all the screaming and running around what kind of person would have a seat to watch the havoc unfold. “Are you just going to sit under there all day?” asked the cool calm voice from above. Gabe decided staying quiet and playing possum was the best solution and he continued his counting. A few moments passed and the voice asked again, “Well?” Suddenly an open hand reached down in an offer of assistance to Gabe.

The black mesh fingerless glove on the hand was unique but what caught Gabe’s eye more was the silver jewelry perched proudly on the ring finger, over the glove. On it was a serpent coiled around a tree with a dagger piercing through the serpent. The ring looked old and worn, hundreds of years old, if Gabe had to guess. Realizing this person was not going away Gabe took the hand and allowed himself to be pulled from his safe and secure hiding spot out into the open chaos of the subway tunnel.

Gabe pushed himself up from his knees to a standing position while studying the stranger in front of him. This stranger wore faded and distressed jeans - they were a straight leg cut that had been gathered and tucked into his boots. He wore a black v-neck shirt, the type that looked old even when they were new. Over his t-shirt was a heavy green military jacket, but the name badge had been ripped off.

Looking at the boy’s face Gabe realized that this kid couldn’t be much his senior. He had thick sandy blonde hair that twisted and fell in large chunks all around his face. There was also some slight stubble on his cheeks and chin. The boy smiled up at him from the bench and Gabe noticed his almost glowing blue eyes. Gabe’s eyes were eerily similar in color which he found unsettling since he had always been told how unique they were. Gabe was overcome with a feeling of peace and serenity, not something he was used to feeling at all. The boy motioned for Gabe to sit down next to him on the bench. It was like he didn’t notice all the people around them screaming and crying for help. Gabe hesitated.

“Look, it’s not like we’re going anywhere anytime soon.” The boy said motioning over to the cluster of cops streaming down the stairs. “You might as well have a seat. We have a lot to talk about.” The boy’s voice was calm as he stared directly ahead at the back wall across the subway tracks.

“Do I know you?” Gabe asked anxiously.

“No, but we know you Gabe Harwood.” The boy replied with a mysterious tone as a mischievous smile flash across his lips. Glancing all around him nervously, Gabe wondered if he should make a mad dash for the nearest police officer. He had to give plenty of witness statements in the past and the thought of spending the evening at a police precinct did not sound like anything he particularly wanted to do. Rethinking his strategy Gabe turned and sat next to the boy. He stared at the floor in front of him as if he were studying the detail in the dirt stained tiling. He focused all his energy on resisting the urge to climb back under the bench to his hiding place.

“Look, I know this is hard and it doesn’t make sense but all I ask is you listen to everything I have to say and then you can make your decision.” The boy’s voice cut through all the chaos around Gabe and suddenly he realized it was as if a volume knob in his head had been turned down on all the background noise. The chaos had become muffled and distant. Gabe stared at the boy with a look of disbelief, not knowing if he were even real or just another figment of his imagination like the girl on the train.

“My name is Uri and I am like you.” Gabe looked up at Uri’s face.

“What do you mean you’re like me?” Gabe asked.

“I understand where you are in your life right now because years ago I was at the same place.” Uri answered.

“Look no offense,” Gabe started. “But I doubt you could understand anything about my life or where I am at.”

“Oh really?” Uri smirked. “Let me take a wild guess. You feel like you’re cursed. Death follows you wherever you are and you feel completely abandoned. You wish it would all end for you, you think about how death is a release yet something compels you forward.” The blood drained from Gabe’s face as he listened to Uri speak. “You’re not alone Gabe, there is so many more like us and we want to help.” There was silence for a moment as Gabe processed what the boy said.

“So what, my social worker sent you? She was worried not being able to place me in a home would send me into a suicidal downward spiral?” Gabe scoffed as if the suggestion were humorous rather than the truth that it was. “Well tell her not to worry, I’m fine. I don’t need anyone.” Gabe started to get up from the bench but before he could Uri reached out and grabbed his wrist. Suddenly Gabe felt an ache in his chest and a shortness of breath. He looked back at Uri who was no longer smiling but staring intensely at him.

“Gabe, I was not sent here by your social worker. I was sent here by someone more powerful than you can imagine. There are so many things we need to show you to make you understand. Just listen to me when I tell you we are here to help. Please, you must come with me.”

Gabe felt caught in Uri’s gaze and seemed unable to move. He stared at him, trying to make sense of the conversation when he caught sight of a glimmer of white glowing light flash in Uri’s eyes. Startled Gabe jumped back in his seat and Uri’s hand fell from him. Gabe had seen the red glimmer before but this was new. Who or what was this guy he wondered.

“I don’t know who you are, you could be an axe murderer for all I know. How am I supposed to just trust you and follow you? For that matter, follow you where?” Gabe asked.

“Gabe, search your soul, what do your instincts tell you?” Uri asked.

“That you’re a crazy nut job and freaking me out.” Gabe snapped back.

“We must go,” Uri said as he stood and looked towards the exit. Gabe noticed how the boy suddenly seemed mechanical in his movements and he had gained a sense of urgency about him. Uri stood and turning reached his hand out to Gabe. Gabe stared at the outstretched hand, still unsure what to do.

“How are we even supposed to leave? There is no way the cops are letting anyone out of here until they have been questioned.” Gabe asked.

Uri quickly dropped to one knee to look Gabe in the eye, he leaned in close and brought his voice almost to a whisper; Gabe had to strain to listen. “I know you, I know who and what you are. I can show you amazing things that will change your life forever. We are just like you. Gabe it’s your choice.” Uri jumped to his feet again and extended his open hand to Gabe once more.

Taking a deep breath Gabe closed his eyes and took hold. He figured Uri couldn’t bring any worse horror into his life than what he had already seen. Uri pulled Gabe to his feet, whispering something under his breath. Gabe asked him to repeat himself but Uri didn’t reply. He dragged him towards the nearest exit tunnel. Gabe stumbled behind Uri and realized they were headed directly for a cluster of officers. He protested saying “Uri, they are never going to let us through. Wrong place at the wrong time only seems to go so far with them.” Uri didn’t respond and just continued to walk towards the tunnel.

Five to six feet away from the officers Uri stopped, never letting go of Gabe’s hand. Gabe watched and waited for one of the officers to say something but realized they were not even looking at them. Uri studied the men, as if he were looking for a weak point and Gabe worried what Uri might be thinking. A moment later Uri raised his free hand to his left and with fingers spread he tilted his head back and mumbled a word Gabe could not understand. Gabe watched and wondered what type of insane character he had got himself hooked up with. He jokingly thought in his head that this guy fancied himself some kind of Jedi knight, waiting for him to say, ‘these are not the droids you are looking for.’

Just then a woman’s shriek came from the direction where Uri had been lifting his hand. All the officers rushed towards the source leaving the exit wide open. Uri took a tighter hold of Gabe’s hand and led him up the stairs and out of the tunnel to freedom. It was as if the officers had not even seen them, even though they only stood a few feet away. “What was that?” Gabe asked, not realizing his mouth was still hanging open in shock.

Uri shrugged continuing up the stairs to the street, “Let’s get to the manor Gabe and I will explain everything, I promise.”

“Manor?” Gabe asked, clearly concerned but at this point Gabe was in such shock over what he had just seen he continued to follow Uri, replaying the last five minutes and their exit over and over again in his head.

Uri didn’t answer. He led Gabe to a side street where he had an older motorcycle parked. Uri finally released Gabe’s hand and passed him a helmet. “Put it on.” Uri commanded while starting the bike’s engine with a couple stomps. Gabe slipped the helmet on and climbed behind Uri. Within moments they were on their way, Gabe wondered where exactly.

Cover Art

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:14:38 -0400

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 a freelance artist for over five years so it seemed obvious I would do my cover art, right? Nope. The more thought I gave it the more I didn’t want blur the lines between my art and my writing. I have lived and breathed art for so long when I took on this monumental writing dream I made the decision to allow it to be the soul focus. It may seem silly but I felt like doing my own cover was opening that door I wanted closed for now.

I started searching cover designers and found a couple I liked but even still I wanted something special and unique. I have enlisted the help of someone I think will make a spectacular and extremely unique cover that is a lot closer to home. Who is doing the cover you ask? Well thats a surprise but when the cover is released I promise to share. Its an exciting process and I am enjoying every part so far!

Book Worm Becomes Book Writer...

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:34:26 -0400

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 illustrate a story and we were even given small white hardcover books to use.

My love for writing only grew. At age four-teen I wrote what I considered to be my first novel (quite funny considering it was eighty pages) which was about Queen Gwen and the Arthurian legend. The love of writing continued into college where my english and creative writing professors often encouraged my writing and used my work as class samples.

Even with this encouragement life happened and I ended up in an office job doing boring financial stuff. In 2006 when my professional life came to an abrupt end and I took the leap to being a self employed artist and photographer I imagined it couldn’t get any better.

I still was scribbling little ideas for books down here and there and at one point even began writing one of my concepts. Running a full time business as well as a busy household eventually took me away from that.

Every time we watched a movie like firefly or some other fantasy adventure or I read an intriguing book my husband would have to listen to my “one day” dreams of becoming a writer. Finally this past spring he had heard enough! If I had made my art business a success, my photography business a success, then why in the world could I not follow my childhood dream and become a writer. I had no answer other than the absolute terror of putting my work out there paralyzed me with fear.

The decision was made, I would write. My art shop was temporarily closed to allow me to focus on this new adventure. The result? I wrote the novel I had been dreaming in my head for ten years. How long did it take? Two weeks! Thats right, I was a frenzied beast of a writer. My husband quickly dived in, at one point devouring the chapters faster than I could write them. Salivating for the next.

It quickly became clear this book was going to be part of a larger series which I am still working on. A few other select set of eyes were given a glimpse and with glowing reviews my confidence slightly increased. The actual writing may not have taken long but the editing is quite time consuming which is the process we are in right now.

The current plan is to release Book 1 Bloodlines of the series The Guardians in the Fall of 2011. We gave a lot of thought to the route we wanted to take with publishing and decided with our backgrounds in the indie world (my art and my husband’s web startup) it was the best way to go. We are both self starters and with his help I hope to deliver you a book worthy of both your time and praise.

In the coming weeks I will reveal snippets about my new YA Fantasy novel and share the process with you. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventure from the beginning and following along with me on this journey as much as I am enjoying living it.

Not sure why I had a sad panda face on because these gals I got...

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:01:08 -0400

Not sure why I had a sad panda face on because these gals I got to hang out with at the less conf after party were some of the coolest chicks I have ever met!