Showing posts with label authors of utopia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label authors of utopia. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2016

Geneva Lee Announces New Release - GILT: By Invitation Only - Win an ARC!




New York Times and internationally best-selling author, Geneva Lee, announces new GILT Series -- described as "Veronica Mars" meets "Pretty Little Liars" --with a provocative cover reveal. GILT: By Invitation Only, which will hit shelves on Tuesday, May 31st, has already stirred a bit of controversy online because of its cover. A close-up picture of the delicate pink petals of a rosebud, it has readers' wondering whether it's symbolic of female genitalia.

While Lee is leaving interpretations of the cover up to the fans, she has this to say about the series: "It has been the ultimate guilty pleasure to write. I think that's because it combines that amazing visceral sensation of first love with scandal and bad boys, lies and murder. With GILT, I've given my wicked side free reign, and honestly, I'm having such a fun time with these characters."

Lee had originally intended the series to take place in the south, but after a recent trip to Las Vegas had her wondering what it would be like to grow up in the dark, gritty, and glamorous place, she was inspired to shift gears and setting to explore the world known as Sin City through the eyes of protagonist, Emma Southerly. Emma, who was raised in Vegas, but is an outsider to its elite circles, will have to discover if she's a pawn or a player in dangerous games.

In addition to the suggestive cover, the marketing of the series promises to be as engaging as the twists and turns contained within it, starting with a Las Vegas-themed casino party at UTOPiA reader and writer con in Nashville, TN on Saturday, June 25th. The sold-out party will entertain 500 guests, including fellow authors, fans, industry influencers, book cover models, and fans, before the Fifth Annual UTOPiA Awards that night.

Lee confirms three books in the GILT series will be released rapid fire in 2016.

 JOIN the sinful cocktail hour hosted by Geneva Lee at UTOPiAcon! Saturday, before the awards, in the Crown Ballroom at the Millennium Maxwell House at 6:30PM CST.

Add it to your Sched here!



About GILT: By Invitation Only: In a world with too much money and not enough rules, anything goes. Welcome to Belle Mère, the most exclusive zip code outside the Las Vegas Strip. It's every sinner's fantasy and every good parent's worst nightmare.

Emma Southerly doesn't belong at Belle Mère Prep despite her new stepfather's money. Not after she shunned her invite to the popular table, and especially not after what happened last summer. So when her best friend begs her to crash an invite-only, end of the year party, she should say no with a capitol H-E-L-L.

It's just a party. What could go wrong?

Getting kicked out to start. Running into the man who destroyed your family.

Everything.

Until she meets Jamie, who's also hiding from the in-crowd. After spending the night with the cute stranger, Emma barely makes it home before news hits Belle Mère's brunch tables. A body's been found on the West estate, and Jamie is the number one suspect. But he couldn't have done it…right?

Emma isn't sure she can trust him or the rest of Belle Mère. After all, no one is safe when everyone is a liar.


 
About Geneva Lee: Geneva Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of the Royals Saga. She prefers fantasy to reality, especially fantasies involving powerful, dangerous, and sexy men. You can find her devouring a good romance while avoiding the laundry and the children. She lives in Kansas City with her family, but she can be found online at: www.facebook.com/genevaleeauthor


Now, enter to win an ARC of GILT: By Invitation Only!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

SEVEN ARCs are up for grabs.

Excited yet? Me too!

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

Jo 

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Meet Two of the Authors of the Official Utopia Anthology - Revolution - and Order Your Copy NOW

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today, I'm all about the OFFICIAL UTOPiAcon2016 anthology REVOLUTION. You remember voting on the entries back in January/February, right? Well, they've finally been packaged together and made pretty! Below, you'll find out how to get a copy. I also have the honor of highlighting two of the participating authors! Read on!

About the anthology:

REVOLUTION
A 5th Year Anniversary Anthology for UTOPiA

A diverse and celebratory collection of stories based on the theme of Revolution.

With eight stories written in a variety of genres, from Paranormal Romance, to Sci-Fi Dystopia, to Magic Realism, to Political Realism, the anthology, ‘Revolution’ is a page-turning, myriad collection of voices from different times and places, but all with a strong positive message about the power each of us hold to make change in the world. 


FOREWORD by Janet Wallace, Founder of UTOPiA http://www.utopiacon.com/
ABOUT by Carlyle Labuchagne, Founder of Help Build A Library in South Africa Foundation. http://www.carlylelabuschagne.com/

AUTHORS & STORIES:
Raye Wagner: Narcos
Christina Benjamin: Wings Of Liberty
Jessie Campbell: Sacrifice
Kelly Risser: Rise From The Ashes
Desira Fuqua: Rebellion
Caroline A. Gill: All The Good In The World
Tricia Zoeller: The Last Thunderbird
Nooce Miller: Shattering Glass

PUBLISHER: Little Bird Publishing House. London. www.thelittlebirdbookstore.com

As the Anthology is a charity project, it’s important that we don’t over-order copies, so that we can maximise the amount of profit going to the ‘Help Build A Library In South Africa Foundation’. Although there will be some copies available on the days of the convention, please help us by pre-ordering and securing your copy using the pre-order form.



ABOUT THE STORIES


Raye Wagner: Narcos

They are invincible. Words spoken so often they are believed to be true. The Narcos follow their own rules. The people, the laws, even the government bow to the power of the drug traffickers. And they will either pay off or kill anyone that stands in their way. An annual twenty-thousand deaths within the blood-soaked borders of Mexico attest to this fact.

In Xtepal, Rai Madra’s life is interrupted by the arrival of the the Narcos. The drug traffickers invade and subdue the small town, but a young Rai turns a blind eye to the growing parasite. As his friends cross the threshold into adulthood, the Narcos pressure each of them to take sides. When tragedy strikes, Rai will need to risk everything to expose the biggest lie of all.

The Narcos are not invincible.

Inspired by actual events in the city of Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico.

Christina Benjamin: Wings Of Liberty

On a dark and misty night, Paul Revere, Civil War revolutionary, is undertaking what will become his famous midnight ride, only it’s not just enemies lurking in the woods he needs to fear. Beautiful, mercenary witches have aligned themselves with the enemy and are intent on ensuring Paul Revere’s destined dash to the Sons Of Liberty never succeeds.

‘A fun blend of history, magic, love, and revolution.’

Jessie Campbell: Sacrifice

After the nuclear winter wiped out the rest of the planet, the last remaining city is under the dictatorship of the powerful Lord of the Dead. To protect her little brother, a sixteen-year-old girl makes the ultimate sacrifice and volunteers to join the army of dead soldiers. But something goes horribly wrong, and she’s put her family in grave danger. Only a revolution can protect them now...

Kelly Risser: Rise From The Ashes

Over a century and a half ago, a volcano exploded, wiping out life as we know it. A group of scientists and their families escaped to an underground bunker. What had been their salvation is now a prison to Connie, a seventeen-year-old descendent. She longs for freedom, fresh air, and sunshine, and battles the complacency of her friends and family. Like her hero, Amelia Earhart, she will stop at nothing for the sake of adventure.

Desira Fuqua: Rebellion

In an attempt to overthrow a domineering, tyrant-king, Thera and her rebels group together with the hope of returning democracy to their people, but revolution is a bloody endeavor and not without terrible losses. Thera can only hope that the price of freedom is worth it.

Caroline A. Gill: All The Good In The World

Time is running out. Daydreamers, the holders of the portals Between, have always held open the doors of Creation. Now they are all dead - except for Allie, the one woman Joshua, one of the last TimeKeepers, loves more than life. What is the cost of sacrifice? What will he pay for the one he loves?

Tricia Zoeller: The Last Thunderbird

A rebellious girl. An ancient creature. One shot at freedom.

Anna, also known as Little Bird, has experienced terrible loss in her life, but then something triggers a spark in her to question everything she’s known to be true.

As the mining town of Menolark abandons many of its Native American traditions, Anna uncovers a nest of corruption at the heart of their community, which she believes has led to an eternal thunder that threatens to suppress, and ultimately abolish their way of life forever. If anything is to be salvaged, then Anna must defy her elders and undertake a terrifying initiation ceremony.

Nooce Miller: Shattering Glass

An eerie plague decimates the world’s population just as a new ice age strikes the globe. Olympic archer Greer Mason is searching the frozen desolation of North America for her lost love, Boone. A note in his apartment leads her to the ruins of New York City, but the amazing high-rise greenhouse and survivor settlement Greer finds there is not what it seems.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

Open to all those attending UTOPiA (Hamper to be collected from the Anthology Stand)

Hamper prize to include; Signed Paperback copy of ‘Flying Away’ by Caroline Gill, and a signed poster of ‘Mango’. A Signed Paperback copy of 7, and special mystery swag pack from Kelly Risser. An Amazon gift card and Mystery Swag pack from Christina Benjamin. A paperback of Dark Heart Anthology Vol I and II and mystery swag pack From Little Bird Publishing & Katie M. John. An eBook of both Curse of the Sphinx and Demigods and Monsters by Raye Wagner & other swag items

a Rafflecopter giveaway

INTERVIEWS WITH AUTHORS:
RAYE WAGNER AND TRICIA ZOELLER

RAYE WAGNER

Bio:
Raye Wagner grew up just outside of Seattle, Washington. As the second of eight children, she was surrounded by chaos and escaped the mayhem by reading. Raye studied the art of medicine long before she had an interest in the Gods or Mount Olympus, and still practices part-time as a nurse practitioner. One sunny afternoon the myth of the Sphinx dropped into Raye’s mind, and she started writing.

She creates young adult fiction for teens and adults.

Raye enjoys Tae Kwon Do, baking, and spending time with family. She and her husband live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with their three children, a dog, and room full of reptiles.

www.rayewagner.com

What is the title of your story in the UTOPiA Anthology?
Narcos

What is your short story about?
It was inspired by actual events in the city of Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico.
They are invincible. Words spoken so often they are believed to be true. The Narcos follow their own rules. The people, the laws, even the government bow to the power of the drug traffickers. And they will either pay off or kill anyone that stands in their way. An annual twenty thousand deaths within the blood-soaked borders of Mexico attest to this fact.
In Xtepal Rai Madra’s life is interrupted by the arrival of the the Narcos. The drug traffickers invade and subdue the small town, but a young Rai turns a blind eye to the growing parasite. As his friends cross the threshold into adulthood, the Narcos pressure each of them to take sides. When tragedy strikes, Rai will need to risk everything to expose the biggest lie of all.
The Narcos are not invincible.

Was this a familiar genre / style for you?
No! I had to do a lot of research on the drug trade/traffickers, and was floored by what I found. By virtue of the subject matter, the story is mostly dark and heavy (although I tried to keep it from being graphically so), and writing it felt at times the same. But the story had to be told. It hounded and persisted in haunting me until it was written. Truth is, it still haunts me.

How did the story come to you?
My husband saw a video on YouTube about a small town in Mexico that kicked out all the drug traffickers. I wanted to tell their story, but I don’t speak Spanish, so I relied on Jason to sum up what Dr. Mireles said in his youTube video. I tried to stay true to the thematic elements of the beginning of their revolution, although everything else is fiction. The characters came to me very clearly, as well as their individual parts. There is a lot more to the story, and at one point I thought I would write two books. Maybe some day I will.

What book / series are you best known for?
Curse of the Sphinx is my debut novel, released August 2015. The second in the series, Demigods and Monsters, comes out April 25, 2016. It is YA urban fantasy/mythology.

UTOPiA and You:
When my neighbor texted me about a writing conference in here in Nashville in 2012 I had just finished my first draft of Curse of the Sphinx. Little did I know how much that conference would change my writing path. I fangirled for the first time, bonded with authors I’m still friends with, and found a local writing group that has provided invaluable feedback for my writing. Utopia is the reason I am where I am today.

Post Script: My Authorly Advice.
Take risks. Take big scary risks. In your writing, in your marketing, and in your relationships. Ask for help. Seriously. And when you can, pay for help. Surround yourself with those that buoy you up, because you’ll need it on this path of writing. Being an author isn’t a solitary journey. Far from it. If it is, you’re probably doing something wrong (or maybe a lot of things).
There’s a lot to say to someone starting the path, but most wisdom comes from experience. So take risks, put yourself out there, find friends. Find editors, graphic designers, proofreaders, critique partners, marketing gurus… But mostly find friends. And take those leaps!

~~~~~

TRICIA ZOELLER

Bio:
Tricia lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Lou, her little yappy dog, Lola Belle, and her big orange mutant cat, George. Her two stepsons, Joseph and Robert, make stopovers as well, making sure to keep life an adventure.

Writing has always been a part of her life—like breathing and chocolate. She tells stories full of mystery, magic, and mayhem. Urban fantasy First Born grips the reader from the first page, bringing him/her on a harrowing adventure, chock full of Chinese mythology.

The Darkling Chronicles, comprised of five novellas, features a portal story for the Young Adult/New Adult audience. Step through the portal to a world full of shadowcasters, dragon lords, nymphs, sprites, and satyrs.

www.triciazoeller.com
https://www.facebook.com/Tricia-Zoeller-Author-439025286173082/
https://twitter.com/tzoellerwriter
https://www.instagram.com/triciazoeller/
http://www.amazon.com/Tricia-Zoeller/e/B00D9FAH8S


What is the title of your story in the UTOPiA Anthology?
The Last Thunderbird

What is your short story about?
A rebellious girl…an ancient creature…one shot at freedom.
Anna or Little Bird has experienced quite a bit of loss in her life.
At the beginning of the story, something triggers a spark in her to question everything she’s known to be true. The more she uncovers, the more she questions.
The mining town of Menolark has embraced the wealth of the mines but forgotten many Native American traditions. No matter the sacrifice, people have become complacent in following their leader, Mayor John, who consults divining crystals for guidance.
Her grandmother, Awenasa, believes Mayor John brought the eternal thunder into their world by honoring those traditions that serve him and ignoring the rest. This perversion of their customs has reduced the values of the people and suppressed their free will. Anna finds herself having to choose between what’s expected and what’s right.

Was this a familiar genre / style for you?
Yes. I love fantasy and things steeped in mythology. I also love strong female characters so the theme of rebellion spoke to me.

How did the story come to you?
I live in Georgia and am surrounded by the history of the Cherokee. I knew I wanted a story with a Native American feel. I started researching mythology. I kept thinking about a creature and a mountain. My husband hikes all the time and has a library of nonfiction books about Native Americans. I asked him if he’d run across anything about a mountain. He brought back his hiking map with information about Standing Indian Mountain. It sparked my imagination, and I was off and running.

What book / series are you best known for?
First Born and The Darkling Chronicles.

What’s your UTOPiA experiences?
I went to UTOPiA for the first time last year. It’s like coming home. Writing can be such an isolating process, but it’s great to commune with kindred spirits and recharge your batteries. I hope I can attend almost every year.

I’m honored to be in this anthology with such gifted authors and to serve such a wonderful cause. When I met Carlyle last year and found out about building a library in South Africa, I was so moved and inspired. I think she represents everything UTOPiA is about—innovation, giving back, and lifting while you climb.

Well, there they are, folks! Wooohooo! I hope you grab yours. You better BET I grabbed mine!

Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Friday, March 4, 2016

UTOPiAcon2016 - Packing and Prepping for Authors

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, we're talking about all the things to help authors get ready to attend Utopia 2016. There will be posts by the other official bloggers to help those of you who are readers get your stuff rocking and ready to go, and posts by the other official author bloggers that'll give different tips than I do below. Since I'm an author, I'm hitting this post from that angle. If you're ready, let's dive in. This will be a longish post.

If you don't have tickets to Utopia yet, get them here. Right now. This isn't a conference you can afford to miss.

You can get your room at the Millennium Maxwell House here. There's a block for the conference, and the discount code is 1606UTOCON. Be sure and mention it if you call.

Transportation to and from the airport is provided by the hotel, but if you want to jaunt around Nashville somewhere the hotel won't take you, you'll want to visit Utopia's partner, Lyft. Use code UTOPIA2016 for a free first ride up to $20!

Now, let's move on to packing essentials.

What to Pack - Clothing
  • Enough shirts/jeans for the duration. You may find you want to change midday, so bring at least two more than you think you'll need.
  • Socks, underwear, and pajamas. Again, bring a couple more than you think you'll need. *I feel like I'm obligated to explain myself, so here goes. It gets hot. We're in Nashville, TN, in June. You sweat. It's gross. Enough said.* 
  • Comfortable shoes. You'll be on your feet all day. Trust me. Heels are cute, but if you can't stand up in them for more than a few minutes, leave them at home.
  • A fancy dress or outfit for the awards (don't forget shoes).
  • A light sweater or hoodie (it gets cold in the panel rooms).
  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hair stuff, deodorant, smelly good stuff, mouthwash, makeup (if you so choose). Good news: If you forget any of these things, the hotel has a sundries shop!
  • Bathing suit! Yeah, the hotel has a pool!

What to Pack - Exhibitors
  • Your Transient Vendor's License. Get more info here.
  • Books. How many should you bring? Well, for any convention of this kind, there's a business formula. I wrote a blog post about it here. Utopia had well over 800 people attending last year, to give you an idea. It's always wise to do a pre-order form, too. The lovely Maria Pease created a walkthrough for you on how to do that. See it here. You can also bring out-of-stock order forms (if you choose).
  • Something to put your books on. This can be a stand, a box, or something of that nature, but you want to show them off and make them look pretty.
  • Pens. For the love of all that's holy, don't forget your pens! Sharpies, too!
  • Swag. If you made it, bring it! The hotel has a rule about homemade food (you can't give it away), so be sure anything is store bought and wrapped properly. There's a contest for best swag, so be sure you kill it!
  • Your Author Banner. Yeah...
  • Table Decorations. While the hotel will cover the table with a standard cloth, you may want to bring a runner or banner to make it yours/pretty. 1/2 table = 3' and a whole table = 6' There are contests for best UTOPiA2016 REVOLUTION themed table, best solo table, best table decoration, and best shared table, so be sure you discuss with your table mate.
  • Your Smile. This might be the most important thing on the list.

Remember to transport your books in a way that prevents them getting banged up or damaged in any way. I usually put mine back in the packing material they came in after I check them over for defects. No problems yet.

If you need to find a roommate or need to ship your books to Nashville ahead of you, here are a couple of resources:
We Are Going to Utopia. This is an unofficial Facebook group for the folks attending the conference. Just post in there that you're looking for a roommate, and you'll get responses. Same for shipping your books ahead. Several folks are willing to accept the shipments and store the books until the conference date arrives.
If you want, the hotel will also hold your books for you until you arrive. There's a fee for this, but you can find out more about it here. It's on the bottom of the page.

Leave bad attitudes at home, please! Ain't nobody got time for drama.

If you'd like to go ahead and plan your schedule out, visit the sched website here. Confused about how it works? That's okay! The bloggers will be discussing it next month.


Be sure and pay all the other official bloggers a visit this month! You don't want to miss a thing!

Week 1: Jo Michaels and Maria Pease
Week 2: Shana Benedict and Delphina Miyares
Week 3: Toni Lesatz and Ren Reidy
Week 4: Ashley Bodette and Kathryn Grimes

Sorry this was such a long post, but they're gonna get longer! I hope you're ready.

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

Jo

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Vote in the Utopia Short Story Contest and Ask Justin Zagri a Question

Wow. Has this been a crazy month, or what? Happy Monday, everyone! There was a smallish snafu with the Utopia Con short story contest, but I'm happy to report it's been repaired! So, now my post for the month of December (hang in here, it's a long one, but OH SO worth it).
If you haven't heard about UTOPiAcon, the amazing conference for authors in Nashville, you're missing out. Not only are there great authors there speaking, teaching, and hobnobbing, but there are truckloads of books for you to browse, buy, and read. Plus, you get to meet the authors of said books (which is uber cool by itself, right).

If you don't have tickets to the conference yet, you need to get them before prices go up! Go here. Now. You can't afford not to. There are several levels of entry available. Prices range from $55 to $190 for attendees, and from $130-$260 for exhibitors.

Now, let's talk about that short story contest.

Utopia partnered with Little Bird publishing to bring you the #FightForYourWrite anthology contest. All entries are now in!

Why should you care?

Because YOU are the one voting for the winners! That's right, it's all up to the people. Go here to see the submissions and vote for your favorite stories! Each entry is only 1k words, so get to reading.

Time for the information about the film stuffs!


If you didn't already know, there will be a short film screened at Utopia 2016. Harry Potter fan fiction writer Justin Zagri, of Broad Strokes Productions, has put together what looks like an amazing short film based on his writing. Here's the first film that was screened at the first Utopia (when it was still called UtopYA):



And here's the trailer for the newest film:


As an added bonus, you can ask Justin questions he'll answer live on the air on A Daily Cup of Jo! Just fill out this form:



There's a second film being screened, too! I know, right? This one is a documentary about romance authors titled Love Between the Covers.

Find out more about it here or watch the trailer here.

For information about the awesome Idea eXchange speakers and other Utopia stuff, visit the other official bloggers this month:

Week 1: Jo Michaels and Maria Pease
Week 2: Shana Benedict and Delphina Miyares
Week 3: Toni Lesatz and Ren Reidy
Week 4: Ashley Bodette and Kathryn Grimes

Oh yeah!

Will I get to meet you at the conference?

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

Jo

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Utopiacon Runs Black Friday Week-long Blitz Party

Happy freaking Tuesday, everyone! There's a HUGE party going on over on the Utopia Con 2016 event page on Facebook all week! TONS of authors have donated books, gift cards, swag, and more!

Up for grabs right now:
Signed paperback of Hear the Crickets by BJ Sheldon
Signed paperback of M and e-book of Fractured Glass by Jo Michaels (plus 4)
E-copies of the entire Tala Prophecy series by Tia Bach
Signed paperback of Always Remembered, a necklace, and lots of swag by Kelly Risser
Signed paperbacks of the entire Forces of Nature series by Elizabeth Sharp

Those links will take you directly to the giveaways.

What are you waiting for? GOGOGO!

Today, there will be another blogger giving things away, and Janet Wallace is popping in throughout the week with things like TICKETS to the con and SIGNING SPACE!

Plus, there's an amazing sale happening FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY ONLY for tickets to the conference. Check this out:






Regular/general admission tickets will also be on sale! But you won't know if you don't join!

I do hope you entered to win some amazing books.

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

Jo

Friday, November 20, 2015

Romance Author Chelsea Fine on A Daily Cup of Jo

Happy FRIDAY! Hey, it's the weekend! Quick post today! I had the amazing Chelsea Fine on A Daily Cup of Jo yesterday as a Utopia Con Veteran. It was AMAZING!

You have to listen!

Do so here.

In other news, Chelsea recently gave a TedX talk on Why it's Okay to Throw Like a Girl.

See it here:

Isn't she inspiring?

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

Jo

Monday, October 12, 2015

Meet the Utopia 2016 Bloggers - Jo Michaels

Happy Monday, everyone! Wow. I totally blanked on this post last week. Why? Because I was in the throes of interviewing all the awesome people like Stacey Rourke, Christina Benjamin, and BJ Sheldon over on the radio show. *squeals* But here I am, and I've got a bunch of awesome Q&A for you. If you're ready, grab a cup of Jo, sit back, relax, and let's get our interview on!

Get tickets for the event here!


What you do for work outside of blogging?
Wow. I do so many things! I'm a wife, a mother, an author (of course), the Utopia con blogger coordinator, a radio show host, and I own INDIE Books Gone Wild (an editing company that caters to Indie authors).

I find, in each of those roles, I learn a different facet of the book world. Being a wife, I understand what it's like to want to do all the bookish things while also wanting to spend more time with my husband. It's the same with being a mom. So, I can identify with all those authors who feel like they're being pulled in two different directions by life.

Being an author, I feel the struggle other authors go through to produce a great book, get it out there in the world, and market. That's why I'm a blogger, and it's why I hold my big blog event each year. We all need help, and I try to pay it forward as much as I can.

As the Utopia con blogger coordinator, I get a look at what all people have to balance in order to make things happen in their worlds and help where I can/when I can. Because I understand how life can get in the way, I try to make a schedule and give information way before it's needed/due.

A Daily Cup of Jo forces me to relax for half an hour or so each week and just talk with my peers. I've learned so many things from them!

Owning IBGW, editing, and formatting novels has given me a whole new perspective when reading and a great appreciation for a well edited novel.

What you do besides blogging in the literary world (editing, book reviewing, etc…)?
I'm a book reviewer, formatter, and editor.

What's the one thing you feel you've gained by doing the above?
I didn't gain one thing; I gained all the things. Most importantly, the people I've added to my tribe that have changed my life in profound and interesting ways. I've created bonds with other authors that (I feel) are unbreakable unless I choose to break them. That alone is worth more than gold.

How did you find Utopia?
Interestingly enough, it was my best friend, Tia Silverthorne Bach, who introduced me to the conference. She asked, "Hey, Jo! Whaddya think about this? Wanna do it with me?" I looked over the website, read all the pertinent information, and agreed to take this leap off the Cliffs of Terror with her. I dove right in and started interviewing authors so I wouldn't feel so dang out of place when I arrived. I haven't looked back.

What did you learn or gain at Utopia that you don't feel you would've gotten anywhere else?
I gained my people. That first year, I sat down with these four amaaaazing women, and made lifelong friends as we brainstormed Fractured Glass. Without Utopia, it would've been an online relationship where I knew them by name and face, but not by the grip of their arms when we hugged, or the way they each light up a room when they enter it. No stories of our lives would've been shared, and we may not have gotten together the second year we were there to create our new novel, 7. It was the energy at this particular conference that fueled our imaginations, and I know it wouldn't have been the same had we been anywhere else. Plus, we did karaoke together that first year, which broke the ice in unbelievable ways. *grin*

What's one thing you’d like to see folks in the literary world do (together or separately)?
I'd like to see more of them get together and help one another. Not just by sharing advice, but by sharing things socially, meeting face to face and sharing ideas, and finding a way to pay it forward more. There's a lot of that going around, but I feel there could be more.

How do you feel you contribute to the writer world at large?
I hold my big 12 Days of Review Requests event on my blog each year to help Indie authors get sales and reviews for their books. I'm also going to start soliciting other authors for backmatter material in the way of previews and buy links for their books in the ones I have that are along the same lines (zombies, fantasy, historical fiction, etc...) so I can (hopefully) help even more.

What's your ultimate blogging goal?
I've already met it. *grin* It was to have that one person who learned something here message me in some way and say, "Your post was exactly what I needed. It saved my forehead from the red mark of shame." I've now heard that numerous times, and it never fails to make me smile. I remember starting out and struggling to find my own footing. All the content on this blog is here to help others navigate the twisty roads of publishing without getting too lost.

If you don't have tickets to this event yet, you need to get them right now!

Go here! Go, go, go!

Be sure and visit the other bloggers this month!
Week 1: Jo Michaels (who actually posted on week two) and Maria Pease Week 2: Shana Benedict and Delphina Miyares Week 3: Toni Lesatz and Ren Reidy Week 4: Ashley Bodette and Kathryn Grimes

Have you found your happy here on the blog? Ever run across a piece of information that made you have an ah-ha moment? Tell me about it below!

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

Jo

Friday, October 9, 2015

Cover Reveal - Abby and the Mystic Dancers

Happy, happy Friday! Eep! Time for weekend awesomeness. So glad you all made it this far so you could join me for an amazing cover reveal! This time, it's for a brand new author!

Please welcome into the blogosphere, L. C. Miller!

I just know you're eager to check out the cover, but how about a little info on the book first? Uh hu, you know I tease you just a smidge before we get there. Here we gooooo!

Title: Abby and the Mystic Dancers
Author: L. C. Miller
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Release Date: November 9, 2015
Blurb:
As the product of a forbidden alliance between the elemental Mystics and the wand carrying Wielders—two distinct, often feuding, magical realms—acceptance is something fourteen-year-old Abby has fought with for the last four years. When an alliance is formed between the Mystic Dancers and the Wielder’s, Abby is given the chance to live with a Wielder’s family and attend Wielders Academy of Magical Arts. In order to do so, she first has make three promises to the Mystic Dancers leader … Tell no one she's half Mystic, that her father is a Wielder who is also a wanted criminal, or that she can transform into anything she wants.

Her day-to-day life of secrets, school work, and dancing is interrupted when her mother’s murder case goes to trial. The Mystics believe they finally caught the killer, who happens to be the father of one of Abby’s new friends. Abby has a choice to make – reveal her secrets, or let a man she knows is innocent go to prison.

How amazing does that sound?

Are you ready for the cover now? Oh, you want to know more about the author first? Okay!

Bio: L. C. Miller is the UTOPiAcon event manager, mischief maker, fantasy writer, and ninja extraordinaire.

Follow her!
Twitter: LCMiller04
Facebook: L. C. Miller Books

Now are you ready for the cover?   I thought you might be! Okay, here you go!



Isn't that creepy and intriguing?!

What do you think? Do you plan to check it out?

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

Jo

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Fabulosity on A Daily Cup of Jo

Happy Thursday, everyone! A quicky post for you all today!

Over the last four days, I've had the intense pleasure of speaking with some amazing authors over on the radio show about UTOPiAcon and how the conference changed lives.


I urge you to give these episodes a listen. Every time I do this, I'm stunned by the responses given to me by my guests.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll get this funny feeling in your guts that you're missing out on something you need to be a part of.

Listen to all episodes here or search for A Daily Cup of Jo on iTunes podcasts.

Janet Wallace said it best over on the Utopia blog:

You are a dreamer.
You are a doer.
You are a reader.
You are a creator.
You are a storyteller.
You are a teacher.
You are a student.
You are a friend.
You are flawed.
You are perfect.
You are powerful.
You are a hero.
You are an icon.
You are tribe.
You are UTOPiA.

That's what I'm talking about. So listen, learn, and #FightForYourWrite.

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

Jo