New Releases in the Othala Witch Collection - Red Magic, Savage, and Dark Elements

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today, I have yet another release in the Othala Witch collection series! All the books available for purchase are linked at the bottom of this post. Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

Restating once again: Get the newsletter for all the Fallen Sorcery collection novels here. Follow FS on Twitter here. Like the page on Facebook here.

Follow the entire Othala Witch Collection on Amazon here, and get more awesome Fallen Sorcery release news by following that author page on Amazon here.

Now, on to the info!

About the Othala Witch Collection:

Many years ago, the Original Sixteen witches were able to contain an outbreak of demon-like creatures from overtaking the earth. But doing so came at a cost. For the human race to survive, the world had to be divided into sixteen sectors, trapping the Ravagers to the Outlands beyond, and trapping the humans in.

The Original Sixteen served as Regents over each of these sectors, and when they died, the strongest of witches took their place, using their own personal enchantment abilities to protect their sector. In the process, communication was lost. The only solace that remains is the knowledge that if another sector fails, their own may still survive.

But what happens when your sector is the one to fail? What happens when the world inside your walls is just as bad as the one outside them? In this collection of sixteen adult dystopian paranormal romance tales, each and every one of the sixteen sectors is about to find out.

Red Magic - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 6

Author: J. C. Andrijeski

Genre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance

Length (print): 230 pages

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99

Blurb:

"You're not white magic at all. Not a bit o' ye. You're red magic... like me."

Born to be successor to the Regent's throne, and the highest-ranked witch in the holy lands of District 6, Maia sees her birthright as little more than a genetic practical joke, and a source of constant worry. Unlike every other witch Maia knows, and certainly her mother, Maia is a hopelessly, terrible witch. She can't do magic at all, no matter how hard she tries.

Faced with the looming humiliation of being replaced as successor to the throne, Maia is on the verge of giving up when a chance meeting on a lonely pier changes everything for her.

A lone, angry warlock makes a deal with her that morning: he'll tell her who and what she really is, if she agrees to set him free. The fact that he's handsome, frustratingly familiar in some way she can't pinpoint, and seems to know more about her than she knows herself, causes her to take his questionable deal.

In doing so, Maia learns things about her perfect, idyllic kingdom that she never wanted to know, and nothing in her life will ever be the same again.

Savage - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 7

Author: Conner Kressley

Genre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance

Length (print): 138 pages

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99

Blurb:

USA TODAY bestselling author Conner Kressley's SAVAGE is the seventh in the dystopian paranormal romance collective, The Othala Witch Collection.

When the truth is hidden, sometimes love can be SAVAGE!

When reluctant witch Starla goes to the Outpost to join the the band of border marshals known as the Roamers, she thinks she's doing the right thing. After all, keeping the Savages outside the confines of the Sector is the most important issue facing any of them, and besides, her unique ability to gleam flashes of the future will almost certainly come in handy in her fight to keep her homeland safe and pure.

But when a series of misadventures leaves her stranded in the Savage and Ravager filled jungles surrounding the Sector, Starla finds herself at the mercy of the Savage's stern and eye-catching leader Asis.

Things get complicated when- captive in the Savages' lands- Starla begins to see sensual and stark visions of a future where she and Asis are definitely not sworn enemies.

Truths are revealed, secrets are exposed, and hearts are on the line when fate and circumstance throws a witch and a Savage down a sexy rabbit hole that will change their lives, and the lives of all those in and surrounding the Sector, forever.

It's time to get SAVAGE in the latest edition of the epic Othala Witch Series!

Dark Elements - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 8

Author: L. J. Swallow

Genre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance

Length (print): 236 pages

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99

Blurb:

If I marry this man, I will die within a year.
If I leave, death will follow me.
There is nothing I can do.
I am a Scion and my life belongs to the Othala.

USA TODAY bestselling author Lisa Swallow's Dark Elements is the seventh in the dystopian paranormal romance collective, The Othala Witch Collection

In Sector Eight, each Othala witch in the ruling Senate must marry a human girl from one of the old aristocratic families. This year, one of these Scions must marry the Regent and produce an heir.

Cora is a Scion who wants nothing to do with the world she's forced to be part of. On the night she tries to take control of her future, she puts herself in danger and a stranger steps in and takes control. The evening Cora thought would lead to her freedom instead makes her a pawn in a battle she wants no part in.

Alaric is the new Regent and wants absolute power over the Sector. His brother, Mattias, is the only witch powerful enough to stand against Alaric's increasingly savage rule and the Senate want him to step in. Alaric fears he'll be deposed but Mattias's plans lie elsewhere.

Mattias was born and raised in the ruling Hyland family. Now he's stepped outside of his role and has another life nobody knows about. Keeping up the pretence works with everybody except Cora; she has seen a different side to Mattias and is determined to discover the truth.

Cora is pulled into the brothers' lives and her fear of the sadistic Alaric matches her desire for Mattias. Mattias's secretive behaviour and attraction to Cora places them both directly in a paranoid Alaric's crosshairs. But the last thing Mattias wants is somebody interfering with his plans. Especially a human girl -- one he's falling for and will do anything to protect.

Politics and magic vie for control as Sector Eight crumbles in this dystopian paranormal witch romance from USA Today bestselling author LJ Swallow.

All books in the collection (if they're linked, you can buy* or preorder now):

*Sector 1: Origin by Rebecca Hamilton
*Sector 2: Mystic Storm by Bella Love-Wins
*Sector 3: Hybrid by Apryl Baker
Sector 4: Immortal Winter by N. R. Larry and Rainy Kaye
*Sector 5: Under by Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton
*Sector 6: Red Magic by J. C. Andrijeski
*Sector 7: Savage by Conner Kressley
*Sector 8: Dark Elements by L. J. Swallow
Sector 9: Alchemy by Noree Cosper
Sector 10: Winter Souls by Angela Fristoe
Sector 11: Star Crossed by J. E. Taylor
Sector 12: Forbidden by Shannon Eckrich
Sector 13: Sea Cursed by Amy Lee Burgess
Sector 14: Forgotten by Heather Marie Adkins
Sector 15: Wildfire by Jaret Martens
Sector 16: Faye Magic by Jo Michaels

You know you want to read them all! :)

Here's a teaser for Faye Magic, just in case you were curious.

Gonna check 'em out?

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

Jo

A Little Something Personal - My 2016

Hey there, everyone! I know you've probably been missing the heck out of me, but it is what it is. Figured I'd share...

I'm not usually a public person, so these things won't be easy for me to click publish on. If you're reading this, I did it, and it was scary, but I did it. Enough lead in, you're all aware I hate too much description, so let's just dive in and get to the root of the issue. This post will be long (you've been warned). Feel free to leave now if you're not in the mood to read some author's raving ramblings.


Here we go...

So, this year has sucked in so many ways. Don't get me wrong, there were AWESOME times to be had (and you've seen the pictures, so I have proof), but those posts have been done, and this isn't about those things that have been keeping me sane. This is about the other side of life, the dark side, the side I don't ever want you to see and try to shield you from.

But perhaps you should see and understand. Understand why I didn't give up, have a full grasp on exactly what it was I was fighting through, and perhaps walk away with a different outlook on things.

Back in the earlier parts of this year, my vision started to go crazy. My eyes were jumping all over the place, and I couldn't understand what the heck was going on. So, I went to the optometrist and got new glasses (I had an astigmatism before, but it was very slight). They didn't help. Nausea, memory loss (seriously, it was bad), and fatigue were becoming my best friends. Maybe not best friends, but you know the those folks that hang around, and because you can't get rid of them you kind of accept them for those quirks that drive you nutso? Yeah...

Anyway...

I'm the lady who gets my butt out of bed at 6am every day and refuses to go back until it's time to sleep. This was a life and schedule altering experience for me, to say the least.

Also, around this time, my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. That, in and of itself, was a journey, but it's not my story to tell, so I'm not going into it other than to say he's okay for now, and the doctors are keeping a very close eye on him. It pertains to my story only because it was near the end of his whirlwind of crazy that things with me got really bad.

One of my sons graduated high school this past May. We flew to his home, took him to dinner that night, attended the ceremony the next day, and got on an airplane later that day to come back to Georgia. While we were on our trip, I kept falling asleep. In the plane (NEVER), in the car (also NEVER), and I could barely hold my eyes open by the time we got back home.

About twelve to fourteen hours later, the vertigo hit me. It was the worst feeling I've ever had, and it took me down hard. I could barely get off the couch, I had extreme nausea, and all I wanted to do was...

You guessed it! Sleep.

So, to the doctor I go. First one tells me it might be BPPV, but she's not sure because I was on a plane and could just have a twinge of inner-ear crap from the pressure, and the feeling should clear on its own if that's what it is. I super hydrate and take a lot of Dramamine. A week later, I still feel reallllly bad, so I go to another doctor. This one also tells me it's probably BPPV, but to keep an eye on it and see if it doesn't clear up in a few days. He also does some blood work. Nothing alarming, so I'm really confused at this point.

Allow me to interject: I can't look at a computer screen or book for more than five minutes without wanting to hurl. Got that? Okay. Moving on!

I finally email him and ask what to do now, because it's been weeks, and I still feel like I'm on a tilt-a-whirl.

He says, "You should consult a neurologist."

Okay. I've got this. After a search of my insurance company's database, I find a neurologist close by and make an appointment. She can't see me until July. Great. Ugh.

I also can't travel, and my step-daughter gives birth June 28 to a gorgeous baby girl. I have to freaking miss it. All of it. Damn.

Finally, I get my appointment, my neurologist and I go through the story, and I tell her all my symptoms. She seems chipper, and does a billion tests in the office before sending me to an audiologist to make sure there's nothing going on with my inner-ear.

I'm also scheduled for an MRI of my brain.

By this point, I feel a lot like a pincushion, because everywhere I go they seem to want to stick me with something. I'm also freaking out because I want some freaking answers.

I'm interjecting again here because you gotta understand needles are one of my biggest fears (next to cockroaches--shivers), and that I'm still feeling dizzy as hell and unable to focus.

I have a release deadline coming, and I'm working on the new F5 project (when I'm able) while all this is happening. Words to describe my level of frustration don't exist.

I am an author. I want to work. I need to work. My work is my sanity.

And I couldn't work because I couldn't focus without getting sick as a dog.

Now, by that point, I'm stressed, but I have things I have to do on top of things I want and/or need to do. And I fell behind. But not once did I give an excuse, and I fought like a tiger to finish things I'd promised--and succeeded. Other things that weren't as important as business dealings were let go for a while. You blog readers probably noticed, eh? *grin*

Anyway, once I saw the audiologist, I was prescribed physical therapy. Oh, man! Sick upon sick upon sick every time, but things started to get better. I was able to read again without yakking or getting dizzy.

Results time comes around! Yay! I went back to the neurologist, and she tells me there are several lesions on my brain, but she wants me to have an MRI of my cervical spine and a spinal tap done to confirm her suspicions. Pages of instructions are given to me, and the lumbar puncture is what seems rather terrifying.

Gah!

But I do it, and as always, since everything kicked up, my husband was right there by my side, giving me encouragement, taking care of me and the kiddos when I couldn't do it myself.

I know I've said it before, but he's the best husband in the world. Seriously.

I digress...

So, on to the spinal tap results (which take for-e-ver, if you didn't know). When my doc gets them, she calls and backs my appointment up quickly.

Alarm bells...

I did my research (after all, I'm an author, and I look everything up), and I know what she's looking for, and all signs point to YIKES!

From May to September, I was sick, and I had no idea what was happening to me. Keep that in mind. While all this is happening, I'm still forcing myself to work as much as I can, do the things I can do, and trying to stay positive.

September 13, 2016, my neurologist gave her official diagnosis. I have Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Treatment: an injectable drug.

Could've been worse, but even thinking about sticking myself with a damned needle freaked me the hell out. I'm faced with three times a week, every week, for the rest of my life.

Now, I'm feeling much better, though there are still things that aggravate my situation. My medication is kicking its way into my system with gusto, and my head is a helluva lot clearer. I can read again. I can write again. Most of all, I can think again.

To put it in perspective, that deadline I was talking about has since been met (it's with my editor now--as of Monday), and my project ended up just over 60k words. Before I got my meds? I was sitting at 12k and worrying I was going to have to fight to finish on time. Come hell or high water, I was getting that damned book written!

Along this whole journey, and through my life, here are some things I learned:

• My husband is AWESOME, and I wish everyone had someone like him.
• Never take anything for granted. Just because you can do something you enjoy today, doesn't mean it will be there tomorrow.
• Life is meant to be lived. Take every joyous moment and hold onto it like you'll lose it, because you might.
• Never give up. Fight like hell to have the life you want.
• If something isn't working, find a way to change it.
• Try to look on the positive side of things. My diagnosis could've been much, much worse.
• Tell people how much they mean to you as often as you're able, and try to be kind.
• Don't ever let anyone make you feel less than you are or make you feel guilty for not doing what they want you to do. You're not a puppet on a string.
• Be your own biggest cheerleader.

I've had a month or so to wrap my head around all of this, and I've decided to take every blow as it comes and not wallow in despair or pity. There's no time for that when I need to be living.

So many exciting things are coming, and I feel so lucky I'm going to be able to bring them all to you.

It may take me time, but hang in here while I get back on my feet. 2017 will rock!

No, I didn't owe you an explanation, but I thought it might do someone some kind of good to see that there are people out there who don't give up when things get hard. This isn't an apology for not posting. When things get tough, my blog is what gives. It is what it is.

I am not my disease, and I don't want pity. There are people out there who have it far worse than I do, and I count myself lucky to have had such amazing people (tooooo freaking many to name here) and doctors in my corner looking out for me. This was just my story, and because I'm a storyteller, I told it.

I hope you got something out of it.

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

Jo

New Release - Hard to Resist

Release Blitz

Hard to Resist

by

K.M. Neuhold

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30284825

Purchase Now

BLURB

She’s the one girl I wasn’t supposed to want. But some things are just too Hard to Resist.

Ravi

Since I was five years old I've had two best friends: Chase and his twin sister Hadley. Unfortunately for me Hadley isn't a little kid anymore and I can't stop seeing her as more than a friend. Even more unfortunate, Chase says if I lay a finger on her he'll never speak to me again, so no matter how difficult it is I have to resist her.

Hadley

I fell in love with my best friend Ravi when I was sixteen. Now, I'm eighteen and I've made a decision; before I go to college I'm giving Ravi my virginity.

After one steamy summer together Ravi and Hadley are at odds because they just can't seem to agree on the direction to take their relationship. Hadley wants it all, while Ravi just wants to make sure his best friend, Chase, never finds out what happened between the two of them. When they're forced to live together will Ravi be able to resist the woman he hasn't stopped thinking about for over a year, or will it be too hard to resist?

***Each book in the Sexy Nerd Boys series can be read as a stand alone novel

***This book contains adult language and descriptive sex scenes

Purchase Now

Other Books In the Sexy Nerd Boys Series

Worth the Wait (Sexy Nerd Boys,1)

She’s got issues. He’s got rules for his one night stands.

Can they break through the b.s. and find love?

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple | Inktera

Naughty Angel (Sexy Nerd Boys, 2)

What does a tattooed lothario do with a naive virgin? Teach her everything he knows, of course.

Amazon | B&N | Apple | Kobo

Impossible Girl (Sexy Nerd Boys, 2.5)

The only thing more difficult than catching her, is keeping her.

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo

About The Author

My passion is the written word. Whether I'm reading or writing, I never feel happier than when I have a good book on hand. I love to read sci-fi, fantasy, and romance. However, I typically only write romance (for now at least).

The most important thing to me in regards to my writing is to create strong female characters and men who are secure enough in their masculinity to handle these fiery women.

In addition to strong female characters I have an obsession with nerd culture and can't help but make it a theme in my books

Order Signed Paperbacks

Author Links

Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon | twitter: @kmneuhold | GoodReads

Hosted By

SASS Promotions

Cover Reveal - Red's Tangled Tale

Everyone knows the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Well, at least they think they do. History would have many believe Red was a naïve little girl who brought treats to her grandmother in the dark of the forest. History had it wrong.

After the curse of the wolves came to Timbergard, Red’s father was the only soul brave enough to enter Blakx Forest. However, when the wolves claimed his life, his young daughter took up his bow and began hunting the beasts to fill her need for revenge.

When Captain Hook shows up in the village in search of the rare burning ash that lies on the far borders of the cursed forest, Red agrees to help get him safely through the dangerous land.

The trek through the forest becomes precarious when the group is cornered by a pack of wolves. Red is forced to make a decision that will alter the lives of everyone, including individuals she has yet to meet.

The cover of the much anticipated "Red's Tangled Tale," book two in The Untold Stories, has been revealed!

With only two weeks until publication, you can now preorder your copy at Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Smashwords (Amazon will not have a preorder for this title but will carry it on November 1 when it is released).

In addition to the cover, fans will get exclusive teasers as well as a teaser trailer over the next two weeks, building to the anticipation of the release.

If you would like to join in the fun of the release, be sure to join the Facebook Party wherein numerous authors have come together to celebrate the release and will be giving away amazing prizes.

Lastly, you can help spread the word by participating in the Thunderclap campaign which will announce the release to social media on November 1 (link below).

New Release - Devilry - Plus a Kindle Giveaway

"Darkness is Rising"

Release day of 'DEVILRY' 
(Book 3 of The Meadowsweet Chronicles by Katie M. John) 

Hello, and thank you for having me. I'm super excited to be here with you during the release week of my latest Upper YA novel, 'Devilry' (Book 3 of The Meadowsweet Chronicles'. To celebrate both this, and the awesome #OctoberFrights Blog Hop that I currently taking part in, I am giving away a brand new 6"Kindle e-Reader so that one lucky person can spend the next few weeks snuggled up reading a whole host of spooky reads - or paying it forward to a young reader as a gift. 

'Devilry' is the 3rd book in The Meadowsweet Chronicles, which is a dark and delicious mash-up of all those fabulous folktales, horror stories and occult tales that I grew up consuming with an almost insatiable appetite. From ghouls, ghosts, poltergeists, headless hunts, ritual sacrifice, demons, witches, magicians, zombies, black magic and shape-shifting (to name a few), The Meadowsweet Chronicles provides hours of entertaining writing, and reading. It tells the tale of the warring covens, The Meadowsweet Sisters and the Ravenhearts, who are locked in a generational battle over governance of the portal to 'The Ancient Ones'. If their in-fighting wasn't enough, there is also the Chase family, who are both gifted and cursed with the legacy of being Witch Hunters. 

In light of significant chapters of Book 3 being set in Haiti, 20% of profits from all sales of the book (both eBook and paperback) between now and Dec 31st will be going to Oxfams Haiti Emergency Hurricane appeal. 

If you are yet to catch up with the series, then you can download Book 1 'Witchcraft' for FREE on all eBook platforms, all I ask is that if you enjoy it, you spread the word and drop a short review on Amazon. 

So who am I? 

Sorry, I was so excited to tell you about my new book that I forgot to tell you who I am. My name is Katie M. John and I am an author of several bestselling YA series and stand alone novels. You can find out more about me and my books by visiting my website www.katiemjohn.com (there are some lovely free books to pick up whilst you're there). I live in London (UK), am married to a handsome giant and am mummy to two Mud-Puddle fairies. I am also the human slave to a mysterious cat called, Misty, who has a strange love of pipe-cleaners. 

Links to the Books: 
FREE Download: Witchcraft Book 1 of The Meadowsweet Chronicles. 
AMAZON US amazon.com/dp/B00NG5CLTE
AMAZON UK amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NG5CLTE
iBOOKS  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id950645919

DEVILRY Book 3 of The Meadowsweet Chronicles. 
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9RZHN2
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L9RZHN2

The Giveaway... 

Details of the giveaway and the make of the kindle etc can be found on the official blogpost HERE - or if you just want to jump straight on in there and enter the rafflecopter run giveaway, you can enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to you all!

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

Jo 

Utopia Con 2017 - New Ticket Packages Available!

Happy Wednesday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I bring you information! I know you're all super excited about this. Reader only tickets for Utopia Con 2017 are now available. Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going.

BUY THEM HERE

I'm going in order via price, least expensive to most expensive, I'm not getting into vendor table costs, and I'm just giving you an overview of the details. For more in depth explanations and the refund policies, please visit the official Utopia website ticket page here:

Exhibitor and Signing Hall ONLY (Choose Friday-June 23 OR Saturday-June 24)
Sales end June 22
Access to the Exhibitor and Signing Hall ONLY from 11AM-5PM
Price: $15 plus fees

One Day Admission (Choose Friday-June 23 OR Saturday-June 24)
Sales end June 22
Access to all official events. Does NOT include access to Master Classes, private events, or any other event that is listed for an extra charge on the website.
Price: $55 plus fees

Silver Ticket Package (Includes admission Thursday, June 22-Sunday, June 25)
Sales end December 31
Includes a welcome bag (while supplies last) and access to all official events. Does NOT include access to Master Classes, private events, or any other event that is listed for an extra charge on the website.
Price: $105 plus fees

Titanium Ticket Package (Includes admission Thursday, June 22-Sunday, June 25)
Sales end December 31
VIP Registration/Badge. Includes a welcome bag (while supplies last), t-shirt, lunch Friday and Saturday, early seating for the awards, and access to all official events. Does NOT include access to Master Classes, private events, or any other event that is listed for an extra charge on the website.
Price: $180 plus fees

Master Class - Revising Like a Pro (Thursday, June 22 at 4PM)
Sales end June 22
Bestselling author C. J. Redwine will teach pacing, character development, conflict arcs, prose, and more.
Price: $50 plus fees

Master Class - Save the Cat! (Friday, June 23 at 10:30AM)
Sales end June 22
Jose Silero teaches authors how to give their stories a strong "spine" and create a transformative journey for the protagonist.
Price: $75 plus fees

Master Class - Improv for Writers (Friday, June 23 at 2PM)
Sales end June 22
Two improv professionals (who are also authors) will teach writers how to get out of their chairs and get moving to create dynamic worlds and action for their characters.
Price: $75 plus fees

If you want information on promotional opportunities, those are also listed on the official Utopia Con website.

In case you need that link again:

BUY THEM HERE

What do you think? Will you be going?

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

Jo

Why I LOVE Being Indie - #PoweredByIndie

Happy Tuesday, everyone! An impromptu post today, brought to you by a fantastic event being held over on Amazon. As you know, I love celebrating the Indie author by reviewing, sharing their bookish things, and doing interviews and readings and such. Because I'm also an Indie, I know how difficult it is to find the support you need anywhere in order to get your books out.

Huge shout out to Amazon for doing this: POWERED by Indie

How amazing is that?

So, what they've asked us authors to do is tell everyone why we love being Indie authors and use the hashtag #PoweredByIndie in our social media shares. I'm in. It's a beautiful thing.

You need to get on that right after you read my lovely post below. HA! Seriously, keep reading.

Why I LOVE Being Indie

I published my first book back in 2012. When I started, I didn't know up from down, where to go, or what to do with what I'd written. I've made mistakes along the way, but because I'm Indie published, I learned what to fix and how to fix it. Then, I went on to write a book about those very things, hoping others wouldn't have to struggle as I once did. I pay it forward.

• I don't live under deadlines other than the ones I self impose.

I have the creative freedom to unleash my design prowess on my books (and covers) and make them something unique. Not only in the pretty I put on the interior pages (did you know I was one of the first Indies to add imagery to my print books?), but also in the stories I write.

• I write for myself first. All my books are stories I want to read. If other folks enjoy them, that's the cream on my pudding.

Self-publishing is FUN! Writing, designing, being a leader in so many new ideas that are emerging... It's all rather exciting. I get to try new things, like my Ferocious 5 projects, and watch others follow in those footsteps.

• There's only one rule in this world: Produce the best book you can each and every time you publish. That's it, and that's so amazing!

If I need to take a day off to do something for myself, I can. No one is breathing down my neck to get anything done. When I finish a book, if I don't think it's ready, I can push the publishing date out--unless I've announced it, of course (that would be rude). But it's really and truly up to ME.

I love that freedom.

• My royalties are my own. I don't have to share a darn thing with anyone. Any money I spent getting my book ready to hit the hands of my readers can be recouped more quickly, and I can start making a profit pretty early on.

Self-publishing platforms are amazing. They're the reason I can do what I do without having to jump through gigantic, flaming hoops while riding a one-wheeled bicycle that's also aflame, without sending out a million query letters only to end up cowering under a table in the corner, sucking my thumb, gripping my blankie at the form letters declining my submissions.

But there's one thing I have to say about being Indie that takes the cake over all else. Stay with me here!

I LOVE THE COMMUNITY.

I bet most of you are scratching your heads at that, huh? Well, allow me to explain!

Indie authors, whether best-sellers or those just starting out, understand the struggles of being Indie authors. Several, if not most, of them reach out, offering help when and where they can, helping others avoid the red spot of shame we get from banging our heads into our desks too hard.

They read. They share. They lift you up when you're feeling down. It's an amazing thing to be a part of such a vibrant, creative community.

Dedicated readers of Indie-published works throw themselves into their work, reading, reviewing, and loving the thing that brings us all together: books.

Most Indie folks are just nice people.

I can't begin to tell you about all the amazing people I've met by being Indie. Folks I'm not sure I would've ever had the opportunity to get to meet in real life if I were traditionally published. Authors, readers, bloggers, superfans, booktubers, editors, designers... The list goes on and on! Each one of those people are cherished (probably more than they know), and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

So, there you have it. This is why I love being Indie.

I want to hear YOUR stories! Post them in the comments below so I can read and visit your blogs, and don't forget to share them all over the web with #PoweredByIndie.

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

Jo

Cover Reveal - Fraud (Frenzy #5) by Casey L. Bond

Title: Fraud

Author: Casey L Bond

Genre: NA Paranormal

Cover Model: Ashley Caruso

Cover Designer: Cover Me Darling

Cover Photography: Nadege Richards of Vellum and Wing Photography

Editor: Stacy Sanford

Expected Release Date: Oct. 31, 2016

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

Every curse has a beginning.

Every curse has an end.

But no curse is fulfilled without sacrifice.

Someone has been lying to Porschia Grant—someone she loves. And the secrets withheld might spell disaster for her and the world.  Much like curses, lies can hurt. They can ruin everything.

When everything falls apart, is happily ever after even a possibility?

Hunger is deceitful.

Award-winning author Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction. You can find more information about Bond’s books via the following links: 

Website: www.authorcaseybond.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorcaseybond Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212486.Casey_L_Bond Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007 Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PmE0pg Buy Link: Frenzy: http://amzn.to/1mtcfnF

Frantic: http://amzn.to/2dBLXMW

Frequency: http://amzn.to/2dkjoWU

Friction: http://amzn.to/2dBJ66S

New Release - Under - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 5

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today, I have yet another release in the Othala Witch collection series! All the books available for purchase are linked at the bottom of this post. Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

Restating once again: Get the newsletter for all the Fallen Sorcery collection novels here. Follow FS on Twitter here. Like the page on Facebook here.

Follow the entire Othala Witch Collection on Amazon here, and get more awesome Fallen Sorcery release news by following that author page on Amazon here.

Now, on to the info!

About the Othala Witch Collection:

Many years ago, the Original Sixteen witches were able to contain an outbreak of demon-like creatures from overtaking the earth. But doing so came at a cost. For the human race to survive, the world had to be divided into sixteen sectors, trapping the Ravagers to the Outlands beyond, and trapping the humans in.

The Original Sixteen served as Regents over each of these sectors, and when they died, the strongest of witches took their place, using their own personal enchantment abilities to protect their sector. In the process, communication was lost. The only solace that remains is the knowledge that if another sector fails, their own may still survive.

But what happens when your sector is the one to fail? What happens when the world inside your walls is just as bad as the one outside them? In this collection of sixteen adult dystopian paranormal romance tales, each and every one of the sixteen sectors is about to find out.

Under - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 5:

Author: Rebecca Hamilton and Conner Kressley

Genre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance

Length (print): 204 pages

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99

Blurb:

We were soldiers in a war that could never take place, and our focus had to stay there.

After her parents die in a mysterious fire, Razz discovers that her sister had been the intended target. Now Razz must find a way to keep her sister safe in the Circle…but the Circle is no place for little sisters wanted dead by the Regent herself.

When the same mysterious magic that took her parents’ life follows on her sister’s trail, it becomes evident that the only hope of survival is accepting the help of Razz’s arrogantly attractive coworker to escape the Regent’s army.

But what if saving her sister means risking the lives of everyone else?

 

 

Alchemy - Othala Witch Collection - Sector 9:

Author: Noree Cosper

Genre: Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance

Length (print): 194 pages

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99 (preorder)

 

Blurb:

Zoe Delarey has been hiding her entire life.

She's not a normal girl, even by witch standards. Created by her father with forbidden experimental magic, Zoe is an alchemical child.

When the Regent suspects her father has broken sector laws, he hides her away in a secret stasis chamber protected by powerful magic.

But it isn't her father who wakes her. Instead, Bastian, a handsome stranger after her father’s secrets, releases her from the chamber. With her father arrested, Zoe finds herself on the run from the Witches Council. She has no choice but to accept Bastian's help, even though she doesn't trust him. He might be rescuing her; he might be using her... Zoe is not sure.

Thrust into the real world for the first time in her life, she needs to learn to control her magic and, at the same time, get a handle on her feelings for Bastian. Neither of which is going to be easy. Especially when Zoe turns out to be the key to saving the sector from the savage beasts that prey on the lives of the people.

Will she fulfill the secret destiny that runs through her blood?

All books in the collection (if they're linked, you can buy* or preorder now):

*Sector 1: Origin by Rebecca Hamilton

*Sector 2: Mystic Storm by Bella Love-Wins
*Sector 3: Hybrid by Apryl Baker

Sector 4: Immortal Winter by N. R. Larry and Rainy Kaye

*Sector 5: Under by Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton

Sector 6: Red Magic by A. C. Andrijeski

Sector 7: Savage by Conner Kressley

Sector 8: Dark Elements by L. J. Swallow

Sector 9: Alchemy by Noree Cosper
Sector 10: Winter Souls by Angela Fristoe
Sector 11: Star Crossed by J. E. Taylor

Sector 12: Forbidden by Shannon Eckrich

Sector 13: Sea Cursed by Amy Lee Burgess

Sector 14: Forgotten by Heather Marie Adkins

Sector 15: Wildfire by Jaret Martens

Sector 16: Faye Magic by Jo Michaels

If you'd like a peek at the other covers, visit the Othala Witch Collection page on the Fallen Sorcery website here.

What do you think? Gonna check them out?

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

Jo

Utopia Con 2017 - Ticket Prices are Increasing FRIDAY! Get Yours NOW, and Get Your Freak ON!

HA! I bet you all took that title as something entirely different than it means. But hey, you're here, you're reading this, and you're engaged! Win for me. *grin* So, now that you're all in, let's get to it.

Here are the guests coming to Utopia in 2017:

Ann Aguirre, NY Times bestselling author of YA and Adult books, such as Razorland series, Immortal Game series, Jax series, Dred Chronicles.

Isaac Marion (Author), NY Times bestselling author of WARM BODIES

Abbi Glines, #1 NY Times bestselling author of romance and YA books

Vilma Gonzalez of Vilma's Book Blog, Austin Book Fest and USA Today columnist

Daniel Errico, NY Times bestselling children's book author and creator of original animations on Hulu

Get your tickets or tables HERE.

The 2017 theme? FREAK SHOW! Here's a glimpse of some of the amazing graphics:

But wait! There's more! Come on, you knew that was coming, right? *grin*

Check out these awesome panels!

Did I mention that you can get tickets at earlybird prices through Friday? Well, here's that link again (you know, in case you missed it the first time).

Tickets HERE!

Oh man! I forgot to mention this one other cool thing that's happening in 2017. Remember back at the beginning of this post when I said Isaac Marion (Author), NY Times bestselling author of WARM BODIES will be attending? Well, he'll also be doing voiceover commentary for a screening of the WARM BODIES movie! You DO NOT want to miss it!

Yep, I know. Amazing things are happening. You clicked that ticket link, right?

What do you think? Will you be there?

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

Jo