Wednesday, October 30, 2013

My NaNoWriMo 2013 Survival Kit

Happy Thursday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I'm talking about NaNoWriMo and what I do to survive a month of writing when I need to crank out 50k plus words and make Thanksgiving dinner. Grab those pens and notebooks and let's get going!



If you don't know what NaNoWriMo is, what planet do you live on? Seriously, if you're an author and you haven't heard of NaNo, you need some edumacation. Click here to find out more!

Now, about that survival kit...

I have:

  • fingernail clippers (you never know when you're gonna have a hangnail)
  • a fingernail file (same reason)
  • pre-written blog posts for the month (self-explanatory)
  • dinners planned out (some frozen already) for the whole month (and groceries bought to fill the menu)
  • Hootsuite (my helping hand for all social media)
  • an iPad (so I can keep up with other commitments when I'm not writing)
  • a warning sign on the door (so people won't be knocking while I'm trying to write)
  • a blanket (for those freezing cold days)
  • an outline of my novel (hey, I want to jump right in with both feet)
  • a cover designed for my novel (why not get that out of the way now? Winner below!)
  • a plan to take every weekend and three weekdays off during the month which leaves me 18 writing days
  • my super awesome writing schedule which outlines how much time I have to dink around with other things that includes solid time slots each day to write no less than 3k words in order to meet my goal of 50k (I had 6k word days last year)
  • my family on high alert
  • a ton of amazing writing buddies

What I need now is an emergency button! When I'm stuck or overwhelmed, I need something I can push that will call for help. Haha!

Here's the winning cover design for I, Zombie (image only, text may change):


Let the insanity commence!

In case you missed the special posts from this week, check out my interview with UtopYA author Tania Penn and get on over to the Mystic~Coralie release post to enter to win copies of the awesome fifth book in the series!

Are you participating in NaNo this year? What's in your survival kit?

Add me as a buddy and let's support each other! You can find me here: Jo Michaels on NaNoWriMo

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

New Release Mystic~Coralie

Happy Tuesday, good people of the blogosphere! My official book release is today and I'm hopping up and down with joy! Book five of my Mystic series is live and ready to order. Plus, you have a couple of chances to win a copy. All part of the Fall into UtopYA Party! Without further ado, I give you Coralie:


About the book:
Title: Coralie (Mystic #5)
Author: Jo Michaels
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Length: 121 Printed Pages
Buy Links: $3.99 Kindle $8.99 CreateSpace

Synopsis:
Coralie Meyers is struggling to find her footing as an actress in New York. A malicious attempt to thwart another girl's career ends in catastrophe and Coralie soon finds herself in a precarious situation.

As the fifth and final member of Women Save the World, a company created by Markaza Turner, Coralie possesses all the cunning the young ladies will need to defeat the evil that's rising under Central Park. If the women fail to save her, evil will rise and destroy the world.

Now that Markaza has gathered four of her chicks: Bronya, Lily, Shelia, and Melody, all that's left to do is bring in Coralie, train her, and go to war. But the ladies are struggling with their powers and their personal demons. Will they find the power within themselves in time to destroy the monster and save the world? Only time will tell; and that's one thing they're short on.

This fifth installment of the Mystic series is a lesson in what lies, hate, and judgment can do to the world when left unchecked.

Other books in the Mystic seriesBronya  ~  Lily  ~  Shelia  ~  Melody  Those links will take you to the Amazon Kindle pages. *NOTE* Prices on these books have been reduced. Many are $0.99

About the author (that's me!):
Jo Michaels is a writer who's really had a taste of life. She's lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia; but visited states from coast to coast. Michaels, a high-school dropout, put herself through college while her husband was deployed to Iraq and still managed to come out on the other side with all five of her children still breathing. On top of that wondrous feat, she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

After her fourteen year marriage ended cataclysmically, she took to the keys to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Using the degree she obtained in school, Jo set out with tools in her belt not many writers possess: a strong design eye, the skills necessary to format her books, and the ability to use her artistic talents to create stunning covers.

Now, Michaels writes full-time in her garage while imbibing copious amounts of coffee to keep her motor running from son up to son down (and daughter, too). Her inspiration for her books comes from relationships, life, friends, passion, and her own incredible imagination. A fight for achieving her dream (along with her super duper boyfriend) is what drags her out of bed every morning to do what she does best: spin tales laced with high-octane emotion for readers worldwide.

Jo has written eleven books, all of which are self-published.

You can find me on the web here:

Here's the Rafflecopter entry form:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, you can enter to win a printed, signed copy on Goodreads here:


Goodreads Book Giveaway


Coralie by Jo Michaels

Coralie

by Jo Michaels


Giveaway ends November 05, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win


Good luck, everyone!

Are you excited about this next installment?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Monday, October 28, 2013

Tania Penn Author Interview

Happy Monday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I bring you another interview with another of the lovely ladies who's planning to attend UtopYA Con in June of 2014. These authors will be a weekly feature on my blog until the con happens. If you don't have your tickets for the event yet, click the name to be taken to the purchase page. Tania Penn was so much fun to interview! I'm sure you'll love reading this as much as I loved writing it.


Go pour a cup of coffee, strap in, and let’s meet this lovely lady! We’ll wait…

Are you back yet?

How about now?

Awesome! Let’s get going! Ms. Penn will be featured on the blog for the next two weeks; today with her interview and next Monday with a guest post. Without further gabbing…

Jo: Hello, Tania! Welcome to the blog. Good to have you here.
Tania: Great to be here, Jo!

Jo: My readers are probably frothing at the mouth, dying to know what kind of questions I’ll ask you. I love to find that interesting bit of information about the authors visiting my blog that not many people know. Are ya nervous?
Tania: *Chewing fingers and biting off nails* Me, nervous? Naww!!!

Jo: You're so brave. That's an admirable trait. *evil grin* Well then, no fear Tania, let’s jump right in with both feet. Tell me about ninja-training and how many hours a day you spend on it. Does it get in the way of your writing schedule?
Tania: LOL. Well, I was training at a kickboxing studio, and we lovingly refer to ourselves as “ninjas.” Because we kick ass!! I do it for about an hour. I’ve been practicing martial arts and kickboxing, teaching and training, for about 25 years now. It doesn’t get in the way at all, in fact, it’s a great time to think of ideas whilst beating the crap out of a bag!! I love it so much that I’m currently looking/researching/trying to get funding to open my own iLoveKickboxing.com studio, which is a franchise here in So. Cal.

Jo: That sounds like an awesome venture! Good luck. I hope it all lines up for you. Now (loaded question time), tell me about your favorite book (not written by you) and why you love it.
Tania: Hmm…tough one!! I just finished reading City of Bones and I must say, the movie did not do the book justice at all. Cassandra Clare writes so descriptively, I could see the story in my mind. It inspired me to revisit The Morning Star and beef up a few things. :)

Jo: I don't do a lot of rewriting after the final book goes out. Not sure why but there's a point where I have to let it go or I'd go crazy. I noticed you’re on Twitter and Google+, but you aren’t super active on either one. Do you have a plan to change that or are they the “back burner” social media platforms for you? Why?
Tania: Well, when I was abducted by aliens, they didn’t allow me access to a computer… Kidding! I had some personal and health issues go on the past few months, as well as having to move from Washington back down to California. So, sadly, I haven’t been as active. As soon as we arrived in California, it was unpacking boxes, getting my son acclimated and ready for a new neighborhood and school, and just trying to get back into the swing of things with writing, which has been difficult, I’ll admit! I haven’t been as active yet, because I feel I don’t have much to offer or say, even though I know I should continue to make a presence regardless. I need to work on that!

Jo: Yeah, well, we all have things that happen in our lives. It's good to hear you're still trudging along though! Tell me about Penn Pal Productions. How did you come up with the idea? Please tell my readers what it is you do.
Tania: Well, I discovered I had a knack for making book trailers and covers, so I made a few free ones for some author friends to get my portfolio built up. Then I had the bright idea that I could make some money doing this. I researched what other companies charged, and thought I would go a little bit under with my prices. I made my website and thought that magically the requests would just roll in – umm, not quite what happened. (hint, hint!)

Jo: It does take a lot of work to get a business name out there. I'm sure things will pick up! I see you live in Seattle! What a great city. I visited there earlier this year and got the worst cold of my life (I think it was from lack of sunshine lol). What’s your favorite and least favorite part about living in Seattle?
Tania: Up until August 1st, I did live there *sniffle*. Yes, it’s an amazing city (Go 12th man!!). So much culture, nature and beauty. We still own our home up there, and I have a brother that lives up that way, so I will still visit from time to time. I love how close it is to so many wonderful things – Vancouver, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic mountains, Portland, etc. It was fun getting up and going on daytrips to those places. In the 5 years I lived there, there was so much to see and explore. My least favorite thing? Whoever designed the city wasn’t very bright when it came to putting in SB 5fwy onramps! That was always a pain in my keester, trying to find a way to get back on the freeway!

Jo: I have to give the city that much; terrible roads. A driver's nightmare! Ha! I read that your husband worked on the movie Turbo. That’s awesome. What is it he does and is he a huge supporter of your writing?
Tania: He’s been with Dreamworks Animation since 1996. He Art Directed Shrek 4, and while finishing that film, we moved up to Washington, where he was able to work from home. He worked on Turbo from his home office the past 4 years, doing Visual Development. But then, the studio wanted him back and offered him a promotion as Production Designer – having his own film, how could he turn that down? So upward and southward we went, back down to Los Angeles. He supports my writing, but he’s a busy man and doesn’t have much time for reading!

Jo: I understand that. My man is busy, too, and rarely has time to sit and read. You recently signed with Tiger Dynasty Publishing. How did you submit to them and have you read the information here? What are your expectations with them?
Tania: I’m very excited to be a part of the Tiger Dynasty family!! They are a new company run by authors Megan Parker and the Literary Dark Emperor himself, Nathan Squires. I feel that great things are going to come our way – the company as well as all of the authors. It’s exciting to be a part of something new and fresh, and up and coming. I was submitting The Morning Star to various agents and publishing companies, and they loved it! I feel like we are all simpatico, they get me lol. I can’t wait to meet them in person!

Jo: That's great! I hope it works out for you. Keep us posted, okay? Tell me a little about the Cincy Author Event and give folks some dates in case they want to come meet you.
Tania: As far as I know, the details are still being ironed out! I’m very excited about it though, especially to meet all the wonderful authors I’ve met on Facebook!

Jo: I love meeting other authors. They totally "get it." Tell me about your first two-star review. How did it make you feel?
Tania: Like I wanted to bury my head, all the ideas contained within my mind, and my book in the sand! I felt just awful! I thought, “I’m a crappy writer, why am I doing this?” Of course you want everyone to like something that you created, gave literary birth to. But then you realize that you can’t please everyone, we all have different tastes, likes and dislikes. So now, I don’t let it deter me. I love to write. Period! If you love it, it’s all you can do, right? If it’s a constructive critique of the book, that’s great, I can learn and grow from it, and hopefully improve with my next story. If it’s just some keyboard jockey knucklehead hiding behind the comfort of their computer screen to be a bully because they can, best to ignore it.

Jo: I agree. Bad reviews can hurt; but they can help, too. What’s your favorite genre of movie?
Tania: Definitely Action/Adventure and Sci-Fi. My all time favorite movies are Raiders of the Lost Ark, and original Star Wars trilogy (Young Harrison Ford – swoon!). My current favorite that I keep watching with my son is Star Trek Into Darkness – I’ve been a trekkie for years! I’ve never been a chick-flick/romance kind of girl.

Jo: Oh my. I'm a chick-flick/romance kind of girl when it comes to movies. Eek! *grin* How many books would you say you’ve read in your lifetime and what led to your love of reading?
Tania: Oh probably hundreds of them. My dad was a big reader – he had all kinds of factoid type books, encyclopedias of history and anatomy. But he especially loved salacious celebrity biographies! I remember as a young girl, sneaking into his cabinet and reading those books. Across the street from my elementary school was a small library, and back in my days, the Judy Blume books were all the rage, so I began devouring those, as well as all the V.C. Andrew’s Children in the Attic books. From there, my childhood best friend and I started to write our own stories and swap with each other. That was when I first started to write little novellas, when I was 10 years old. They were horror/mystery and thrillers back then :) I remember the title of the first book I wrote, The Mystery of Mayfield Mansion. I even drew my own cover design, haha!

Jo: I know of another author who loves Judy Blume *grin* and she'll be at UtopYA Con! I've read every V.C. Andrews book out there, I do believe. What a twisted mind she had! Do you use any kind of social media management tool? If yes, which one is your favorite and why?
Tania: Well, I’m semi, kinda, sorta active on Facebook – although I really should be a little more (Hides head under the blanket in shame….)

Jo: You'll figure it out, I'm sure. Check out Hootsuite or Buffer. Your life will never be the same. What’s your favorite alien abduction movie?
Tania: Oh definitely Close Encounters, that’s a classic! Who hasn’t tried to carve out the Devil’s Tower out of mashed potatoes after seeing that?

Jo: I haven't seen that one. I'll have to check it out! Now, tell us why you wrote the featured book for the week, The Morning Star. What spawned the idea?
Tania: I’ve had the idea for The Morning Star since about 2006. I wanted to write a love story that involved Lucifer as a loving father, who had a daughter that fell in love with an angel. But I couldn’t figure out what was his motivation, what would be hers, what would they be doing in our lifetime right now? Then Twilight came out, and I kind of put in the back of my mind. I needed a love triangle, but with who and how? I started to read passages from the bible, and realized that since Lucifer was once the most beautiful angel, there was technically good in him. So I thought, well, what would drive a man insane, but being rejected by the woman he loves? So I decided on a little back story/love triangle between Lucifer, Ramiel and Michaela, a lone female archangel. A fictionalized reason as for why he was banished from Heaven. I was worried that I might offend some really religious people, but so far, it seems to be that I haven’t. I started thinking about Romeo and Juliet, and added the aspect of Dawn falling in love with a boy, except she doesn’t yet realize he is the son of her father’s rival. Add in a little Cinderella element with the wicked stepmother, Lilith, and stepdaughter, Venus, and I had my story! I am now working on book 2 – Equinox with a third in mind, tentatively titled, Ascension. I may also do a novella on Lucifer, Michaela and Ramiel, and go more in depth into their relationship. When I originally self-published it in January of this year, it wasn’t very successful from a monetary point of view, but my ratings and reviews were good. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a great salesperson/marketer, when it comes to getting my name out there! I just love to write. I really do love this story, and am excited that Tiger Dynasty Publishing is going to re-release it (and I’ve added about 10k new words to it), November 19th. My birthday, what a great present! I also can’t wait for readers to read book 2!

Jo: That’s all the time we have for today. Thanks for stopping by and visiting with us! Do you have anything to add?
Tania: It’s a cookbook and don’t feed them after midnight – wait did I just age myself with the Twilight Zone and Gremlins reference?

Jo: I look forward to meeting you at UtopYA Con in June!
Tania: Can’t wait!!

Here’s the information for Tania’s featured book of the week:

Title: The Morning Star
Author: Tania Penn
Genre: NA Paranormal
Length: Unknown

Synopsis:
Being the daughter of Lucifer keeps seventeen year old Dawn Belial busy. For almost her entire lifetime, she has been trying to think of a way to free her Archangel mother, Michaela, whom her father has held captive for centuries. She's also attending high school - balancing trigonometry, history, and recruiting souls for her father along with her wicked half-sister, Venus.

There has been no time for love until she meets mysterious Gabriel, a British exchange student. As they fall in love against their will, she discovers a startling secret about him, and a shocking connection to her mother that changes everything.



You can't get a copy of this book until after it re-releases in November. So add it to your Goodreads shelf and keep an eye out.

Remember, next Monday will be Tania’s guest post, so be sure you come on back for that!

Give this lady a follow on social media!

Twitter: @Twistedtanita
Facebook: Tania Penn - Author
Pinterest: Tania Penn Hernandez

Leave Tania some love or ask her your own questions in the comments!

Well, that’s all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Announcing - Masked Encounters by Felicia Tatum

Happy Saturday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I bring you a special announcement post from Felicia Tatum. Grab a latte and get to reading!

all 5 banner

Book: Masked Encounters, Intoxicating Passion Book 1
Publisher: Felicia Tatum
Editor: Shaner Media Creations
Cover Image: Rene Folsom

masked encounters

Masked Encounters Book #1

Korah Daniels has been through a lot in her nineteen years. Broken hearts, abusive relationships, and horrid dates have caused her to doubt love. When her friend talks her into attending the local frat house’s Halloween party, will she find the one person who can change her outlook on life?
Dane Davidson is the worst kind of playboy. The ultimate frat boy, drinking and ending up with a different girl every night. When his frat house throws a masked Halloween party, a certain angel catches his attention and may just turn his life upside down.
Masked Encounters is the first in a five part novelette series.

Masked Encounters
Purchase Links

 
Felicia Tatum
About the author:
Felicia Tatum was born and raised in Tennessee. She always loved reading, and at the age of twelve began writing. Her passion for creating stories grew and in May 2012, she finally wrote her first novel, The White Aura.
She still lives in Tennessee with her daughter and her kitty. She loves cooking, books, and animals are some of her best friends. She watches a lot of Disney channel and often dreams up new book ideas. She's currently working on various projects, including the rest of the White Aura Series, the Scarred Hearts Series, and a novella series. Her dream is to write as many books as possible while entertaining as many people as possible.

Where to find Felicia

Happy reading, everyone!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Friday, October 25, 2013

Fall into UtopYA Weekend Post Four

Happy Friday, blogospherians! Today, I bring you another Fall into UtopYA post with lovely giveaways! I do hope you all have your tickets for the awesomeness that's UtopYA Con for 2014! If you don't, click the name to be taken to the event page. Get your clickin' finger ready! Let's GO!

Last Call by Michele G. Miller 

LAST CALL Balck and White EBOOK
The Blurb:
“You are cordially invited…” Four words that spark the fear of God into any gently bred, single southern woman. When Savannah Guthry receives an invitation to her cousin’s wedding back home in Charleston, South Carolina, her first thoughts aren’t of flowers and dresses. Instead, she's reminded of the groom: her first love and the reason she ended up at a college 500 miles away from home. Determined to show up and dazzle not only her ex but her spoiled cousin too, Savannah allows her friends to set her up on a series of dates looking for Mr. Right.
Wrapped up in her memories of the past and the drama of her new romances, Savannah doesn’t see the dangerous threat to her life coming…
She might not land her Prince Charming before her Last Call.
**This book is a New Adult Romantic Suspense. It is intended for mature (17+) audiences due to sexual situations and mild language

Excerpt:
Date number three in as many days. All I really wanted to do tonight was veg out in front of the television and read a good book. Two bad dates in a row was enough for one week. To make matters worse, it was seven-fifteen before my date showed up. He was forty five minutes late. Then he waved at me and pointed to the restroom. What the hell? I seriously contemplated just walking out of the bar, and went as far as to slide off the stool, when a husky male voice stopped me in my tracks."Tom Collins?"Sigh. That accent could melt the panties off a girl. I was sure it had happened many times. Surprised, I met his warm brown eyes and asked, "You know my drink?""It's my job to know what the regulars prefer."I shook my head immediately. "Oh, I'm not a regular."He chuckled. That same deep chuckle I remembered hearing the night I left Mark at the bar. "My apologies, three nights in a row…I mistakenly assumed you made this a habit."

"Whoa, what do you mean this?" I asked. I felt my cheeks begin to burn. He actually thought I was trolling for men! I suppose it did look like that to the casual observer. Oh, snap. I didn't want to look easy.

"This? Picking losers for dates - that's what I meant," he stated smoothly, his arm waving about the bar. He turned his back and grabbed a glass and ice. I watched as he made his way around the bar and effortlessly poured the gin, lemon and simple syrup into the glass.

"On the house." He winked and walked away.
About the Author:
Michele is the author of the Amazon bestselling Coming of Age Fantasy- Never Let You Fall, The Prophecy of Tyalbrook Series and the New Adult Romantic Suspense, Last Call. She is currently working on the second book in The Prophecy of Tyalbrook Series, Never Let You Go.
Having grown up in both the cold, quiet town of Topsham, Maine and the steamy, southern
hospitality of Mobile, Alabama, Michele is something of a enigma. She is an avid Yankees fan, loves New England, being outdoors and misses snow. However she thinks southern boys are hotter, Alabama football is the only REAL football out there and sweet tea is the best thing this side of heaven and her children’s laughter!
Her family, an amazing husband and three awesome kids, have planted their roots in the middle of Michele’s two childhood homes in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Email: authormichelegmiller@gmail.com
Goodreads

The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne

6x9
Blurb:
Ava knows much more, and feels much more than she is allowed to. When she starts questioning her origins and the destruction of Earth, things go horribly wrong for her. She is saved by a Minoan boy from an attempted kidnapping on her life – the perpetrators are evil Zulus and their dark ancient magic. Humans and Minoans are forbidden to interact with each other, and as she is taken back to their village she finds out why – they know of her, her kind and her destiny to save a dying race. Ava must rid them from the Council’s ruling and free the galaxy of The Shadow. Her destiny is to rise above the fall, because within her soul is the key to an archaic weapon that has been missing in the mix of a genetic code since the time of the ancients. As the prophecy unfolds she learns of her bloodline – a bloodline that makes her less human than she could ever have imagined. She alone has the power to destroy or save, but the mind-shift is a horrible thing. Ava will become what she hates to save the ones she loves. Beaten, poisoned, possessed and betrayed by her own emotions, she has no choice but to rise above it all… for that is her Destiny.

Quote:
“You cannot know what light is
if you have not experienced darkness.
How could you know what happiness feels like
if you know not what it means to be sad?
Right does not exist without wrong
Hate exists because there is love.
You are either driven by fear or love.
To love is not to fear.
It is to be godly.”
Carlyle Labuschagne, The Broken Destiny

“With him I couldn’t be anything but myself and that scared the crap out of me, because I had never existed like that before.”
Carlyle Labuschagne, The Broken Destiny


About the author:

smallCarlyle Labuschagne is a South African debut author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her first young adult dystopian novel "The Broken Destiny". Evanescent book two in the Broken Trilogy set to release November 2013. She is not only an author, but works as a sales rep and marketing manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at College SA.
Carlyle loves to swim, fights for the trees, and is a food lover who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle also writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the first annual book drive – Help Build A Library in Africa Project.
“My goal as an author is to touch people’s lives, and help others love their differences and one another.”
Links:

The Sisters (A Reaping Chronicles Novella) by Teal Haviland


The Sisters Front Final
***Not yet released***
Blurb:
Gabrielle, the Angel of Karma, isn’t happy about a lot of things that have happened since she came to Earth to learn more about humans. She’s especially not happy that the Book of Barabbadon has fallen into her enemy’s hands, that demons are becoming significantly more powerful, and because of the dark changes in Lucas since the attack on him. And her anger is beginning to show.

Her superior and her brethren—even Lucas—thought she was handling everything pretty well until they learn she wants to go after a human trafficker so she can see him face karma. It’s something she does only when compelled to do so because of a human’s particularly good, or, in this case, heinous acts. But their concerns aren’t from her desire to be more involved with her duties, or even because of the human she wants to see reap what he’s sown with her own eyes. It’s because of whom she wants to use to carry out what she has in mind—a trio of demons called the Sisters. They possess troubling powers, thought to still be strengthening, and were locked away by Gabrielle many years ago. Gabrielle, and those who care for her, know the Sisters are more than a little dangerous even for the Angel of Karma—they also know the Sisters will be looking for vengeance of their own.
Add The Sisters to your Goodreads shelf.


About the author:
TealTeal Haviland grew up with a love for anything fantastical or outrageous. As a teen she spent much of her time writing poetry and children’s stories, but set it aside for two decades before allowing her passion for it to take root (or, as she describes, take over her life). After years of dreaming of worlds where fairies, angels, demons, and shape shifters (to name a few) exist, she finally decided to begin writing her stories down. Inception, book one in her series The Reaping Chronicles, is her first published novel. Nowadays she happily spends her writing time penning urban fantasy novels and is testing out her horror/suspense writing abilities. In addition to completing her debut series, Teal is also working on the first book in her second series, The Silver Rift, her first horror/suspense, Whispers of Stacey Glen, and several other works-in-progress.
Residing in Tennessee with her daughter and her four-legged friends, Teal enjoys photography, travel, reading, music, cooking, daydreaming, writing (of course), and above all spending time with her family and friends.
Author Contact Links:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck everyone! I hope you all enter to win some fabulous prizes!

While you're here, don't forget to check out Allyson Gottlieb's YA book Darkest Legacy (link in in the sidebar).

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON! 

Jo 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Book Review - The House of Hades

It's Thursday, everyone! Yay! That means tomorrow is Friday and there are just two more days to slug through until the weekend. I can hear your cheers! Keep it up! Today, I bring you another book review. This one I read in a little more than one day. It's a YA book so it was easy to read. Plus, Riordan writes in a way that keeps your eyeballs glued to the pages. Of course, it may be my overwhelming love of Greek and Roman gods that keeps me engaged. Grab your coffee and comfortable couch and let's get going!

About the book I'll be ripping apart today:

Title: The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus Book 4)
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: YA Greek and Roman (Mythology)
Length: 608 Printed pages
Buy Links: Hardcover $11.32 Kindle $9.99

Synopsis:
At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy''s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea''s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape? They have no choice. If the demigods don''t succeed, Gaea''s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

 On to the juicy stuff!

I took my daughter to Barnes and Noble to get her some books for her birthday and saw The House of Hades on the table near the children's section. Of course, I grabbed it because I've been waiting for it to come out for a year. That cliffhanger at the end of Mark of Athena made me crazy and I was salivating to find out what Tartarus was like. Riordan really hit the nail on the head with that lead-in. Without blabbering anymore, here's my review!

From a reader's perspective:
I love Percy and Annabeth, Hazel and Frank, and Jason and Piper; but, my favorite character by far is Leo. For some reason, he and I click. I was so happy when he got shot off the Argo and into oblivion in this book because what happened to him is something he's deserved for a long time. Making me care about a character is something I look for in any book I read. Riordan does a great job of helping me connect with these kids. I've read about them all for so long, they feel like friends. Pacing in this book was excellent and the tension was so high, I turned the page without even thinking about it. I blew through it in just over 24 hours. Gaea, one of my favorite goddesses, is becoming one of my least favorite. She has such an evil side! At times, I want to slap her earthy face. I loved the re-introduction of Bob. He provided much needed comic relief in times of extreme stress. World building was off the charts amazing and I felt like I was right there with the teens as they fought.

From an editor's perspective:
I found a number of dropped words in this book. This is something I'd expect to find more in non-traditionally published books. It threw me out of the story more than once. Other than that, the writing was spot on.

My rating:
1 Star for awesome world building
1 Star for making me laugh out loud
1 Star for giving me characters I could care about
1 Star for keeping me engaged and great pacing
.5 Star for writing
- .5 Star for so many dropped words.
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars. Of course, I round up when clicking the stars on the review so this one will get a 5. Recommended to anyone who loves Mythology and is looking for a fantastic series.

I hope you all enjoyed reading that review.

While you're here, check out the guest post from Monday by Allyson Gottlieb and learn why having a playlist for your books is a great idea. She's a clever one!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Book Review - Red Hill

Hello, lovely people of the blogosphere! It's Hump Day already. Can you believe it? Today I'm bringing you a book review of a zombie apocalypse novel. Yes, I know I have a couple of Indie titles to write reviews for (and I'm about halfway through each of those), but when I get hold of a book by one of my favorite authors, all else becomes obscure. I read those as though they're gonna disappear any moment if I don't. Case in point: Tomorrow, you're getting a review for the latest Rick Riordan title. So, be patient, those Indie reviews are coming! Grab your comfy chairs, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let's get going!

A little about the title on the chopping block today:

Title: Red Hill
Author: Jamie McGuire
Genre: Horror
Length: 369 printed pages
Links to buy: Kindle $7.36 Paperback $11.67 Nook $7.99

Synopsis:
When the world ends, can love survive?

For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.

When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.

Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?

Red Hill grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until its stunning conclusion. This is #1 New York Times bestselling author Jamie McGuire at her unforgettable best.

On to the gnarly stuff!

I saw this title was released when it appeared in a weekly meme on Heather's Book Chatter and just knew I had to pick up a copy. I loved Beautiful Disaster and couldn't imagine a book that held my attention as much as that one did. Obviously, Ms. McGuire could. I ran out and grabbed a copy of Red Hill from Amazon, only to devour it in one sitting. Time to move on to my review!

From a reader's perspective:
Holy moly, what can I say? This isn't your typical squishing of zombie heads kind of novel. Rather than focusing on the terror that would consume the planet if zombies rose, this one looked at the human element and the fallout of a disaster of this magnitude. When the whole world goes to crap, what are people thinking? What would they do for survival? Red Hill delves deeply into what makes people tick during a crisis, and shows how they can rise up and be more than they ever thought they could. Some of the horrible things that happen during times of upset are brought to light, and the evil that lives inside some people is waved under your nose like a smelly rag. I found myself punching the air a number of times, and wondering how in the hell Ms. McGuire could describe two people in the story I could relate with so strongly (Scarlet and Nathan). I was kept sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and sobbing like a little girl. One of the things I love about Jamie McGuire's writing is her ability to not go on tangents with description; there's just enough so I can paint the scene and the characters in my own head.

From an editor's perspective:
One or two misused words (peak rather than peek), but everything else was brilliant.

My rating:
1 Star for giving me awesome zombie action
1 Star for those well-rounded characters I felt for
1 Star for great pacing and perfect word painting
1 Star for making me cry and showing truth
1 Star for the level of most excellent editing found in this book
Overall, 5 out of 5 stars! I'd give it ten if I could. Recommended to anyone who loves a nail-biter that will leave them with a book hangover because they were sad it came to an end.

I hope you all enjoyed that review! I really hope you all pick up a copy of Red Hill. Yeah, I know it's pricey as far as e-books go, but it was totally worth every penny.

While you're here, please go enter my giveaway on Goodreads for your chance to win a printed, signed copy of Mystic~Coralie, book five in the series. Here's the link:


Goodreads Book Giveaway


Coralie by Jo Michaels

Coralie

by Jo Michaels


Giveaway ends November 05, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win


Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo