Saturday, October 31, 2015

Trick-or-Treat Book Blog Hop! #trickortreatreads



Happy Halloween!

First, a big thanks to Patricia Lynne for creating such a fun Hop for the holiday!

Trick

I have many Halloween memories, but mostly about the candy.

There was nothing like finally getting home and dumping your bucket or pillowcase full of tasty hard-earned loot out onto the carpet!

Then, your Dad would come over and take all his favorites before you could even hide them!

But, so many shiny, colorful packages of chocolate-y and sugar-y goodness would remain and you had to decide which one you were going to have first!

And quick, before your Mom came over and took it away while citing stomach-ache propaganda or worse...combined your haul with that of your two brothers into one big bowl!

The horror!

My son is terribly lucky. He's an only child. However, we do continue the 'stealing of his candy' tradition.

Treat

Please answer these questions in the comments to get your treat! Your ebook copy will come directly from me by email.

1. What was/is your favorite Trick-or-Treat candy? 
2. Already Home or One Good Catch
3. Ebook format preference (PDF/MOBI/EPUB)
4. Your email address

Thank you for participating!

Friday, October 30, 2015

For no mere mortal can resist.... #TrickorTreat

...the evil of the thriller...




Happy Halloween!



Tomorrow, be sure to return for the Trick-or-Treat Book Blog Hop where I will be giving away ebook (PDF/MOBI/EPUB) copies of Already Home or One Good Catch by email to readers that come Trick-or-Treating on Halloween! 



Today, Friday, October 30th, from noon – midnight ESTbe sure to come to my Facebook author page, Heather Writes Romance, for chances to win my ebooks or an Amazon gift card for the #TrickorTreat: Romance Edition Facebook Hop!


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Monday, October 26, 2015

The Listing Fest is here! Come read the crazy!



The Listing Fest Blog Hop celebrating Bish Denham’s eight years of blogging!

Congrats on your amazing milestone!
 
The rules are:
Sign up, grab the banner and make a list.
Keep your list to between 5 and 25 items. You can list whatever you feel like (except for adult type content.)
Post on October 26 and visit fellow participants. That’s it!
Link to the hosts, post the badge, and have fun visiting others!

Host - Bish Denham

My family laughs at my lists.
Honestly. They don't understand.
I've lived for quite a while now and if I think of something important, and I don't write it down, that sucker is gone.
So, I carry pen & paper almost everywhere I go or I text myself so I don't forget all the crap I need to remember.

The easiest way to explain my compulsion is to share with you my list of lists.

So, here they are, in no particular order...

1. List of FD auxiliary crap I need to do for the Holiday Shopping Spree I run in December.
2. List of school crap I need to do for my son.
3. List of work crap I need to do to help out my husband.
4. List of event crap I need to put on/take off the family calendar.
5. List of important crap I need to write blog posts about.
6. List of bits & pieces crap I need to remember to write into my new story.
7. List of research question crap I need to ask my 'experts'.
8. List of football equipment crap I need to return to the league.
9. List of outdoor crap I need to put away before we get snow.
10. List of recipe crap I'm already making for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.


Really. It's pathetic.

But, it's how I keep things going in the Gardner household.

***

Don't forget there is a Trick-or-Treat Book Blog Hop as well!

 
Patricia Lynne is hosting the Trick-or-Treat Book Blog Hop!

Authors: Sign up HERE until October 30th.
On October 31st put one or all of your books up for free and make a post telling readers how they can get your book(s).

How you giveaway your book(s) is up to you. You can give away ebooks and make them free on Amazon/etc. and link readers to it. You can do paperbacks or ebooks, create a giveaway, gift it or hand out a coupon code, or use another social media like Twitter or Facebook. The only requirement is the book must be free.

Any type of book is welcome. Just mention the genre/age group/adult content when offering them.

Readers: Download free books on Halloween.

The goal of this hop is to get books into readers hands. Both authors and readers are free to make posts hawking this hop because the more the merrier. Use the hashtag #trickortreatreads.


Authors you are welcome to go trick or treating, too.

I will be giving away ebook (PDF/MOBI/EPUB) copies of Already Home or One Good Catch by email to readers that come Trick-or-Treating on Halloween!

***

AND...

A #TrickOrTreat Facebook Hop for Romance Readers from Amy Lamont

Let's encourage readers to come trick-or-treating on our Facebook pages and find some new favorite authors along the way!
When: Friday, October 30th, noon – midnight EST.
Where: On our Facebook author pages.
What: Authors post a Halloween-themed post on their Facebook page on October 30th, and include a giveaway that requires trick-or-treaters to comment, like, follow, and/or share. Include a link to the next participating author on the post so readers can continue trick-or-treating.

Interested authors, please sign up HERE
An email will be sent to you with more details on how to participate and how you can help get the word out!

Friday, October 23, 2015

Stormy goes rogue and what have you been up to?

Do you know what that weather gnome did? He went and put up a guest post on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge! He didn't even talk to me about it first!

I suppose you want to go read it now, too!

Fine! I'll wait.

Stormy the Weather Gnome talks holidays & theme opportunities!! 

Right? What the heck! It's a good post, too! Where did he find all those photos?

Wow. How quickly we forget our friends while we're climbing that ladder!

***

Anyhoo...

It's Friday. I've got some writing / networking stuff to do today.

Tonight is the BOY's last football practice of the season and tomorrow is his last game. Then life will go back to quasi-normal around here.

How about you guys?
Big plans this weekend? Did you get your pumpkins yet? Read any good books or watched any great new fall shows?

Monday, October 19, 2015

Meet Hamish the Hairy and some other random stuff!

So, I'm supposed to be writing right now, but I only wrote one blog post last week, so I was feeling pretty bad, and I reckoned I should at least come and say hello, then I found a few pictures that I figured would be fun to share, cause you guys are awesome, so here's some random stuff.
 
Hamish the Hairy of the Cattle Clan MacShortRib.
 This is Hamish, the Highland cow. A friend brought him all the way home from Scotland for me. He's just too darn cute.

 
And fuzzy.



This is where the random stuff randomly starts...


YES! 


I told my husband that one year I would love to do this to the lawn for Halloween. So awesome.

And finally, my cat Ted, snoring.




I hope you all have a great day!

Monday, October 12, 2015

The Re-opening of The X-Files News - NYC Comic-Con

The Re-opening of The X-Files News
 

One day when I'm independently wealthy I will be able to attend all the amazing conventions in the world to see all my favorite actors, writers, graphic artists, geeks, and nerds.

How hard is it to be a huge X-Files fan and not be able to go into NYC to see David Duchovny and Chris Carter? Especially when you literally live just down the road?



It totally sucked.

 
I did see lots of pictures and links to videos from their appearance.



I didn't watch all the videos yet. I'm concerned about too many spoilers :)

If you want to see more...follow these links.

***

Here’s a rundown of the key moments from the 60-minute X-travaganza from Saturday’s X-Files‘ panel at New York Comic-Con on TVLine.


Zap2it was on hand at New York Comic Con for the first showing of “The X-Files” revival. HERE are some non-spoilery teasers just to get your bearings before the January airing.


Gillian Anderson sends cheeky message to X-Files Fans @ NYCC and you can see it HERE!

***

I'm still a few episodes ahead of the global watch, thankfully. I haven't been able to watch any episodes for a few days!

The horror!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends that live in Canada! I hope you're enjoying the holiday.

As for the US, the controversial Columbus Day is upon us.
Found this interesting story about how more cities are recognizing Native Americans ... HERE.

Anyhoo!

Either way, have a great day!

Friday, October 9, 2015

A BIG TY, 2 blog hops & some FB funnies for Friday!!!



Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the blogging community and especially the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

You guys are the best. So many words of encouragement and solidarity this past Wednesday.

Our boat may be full, but we're having a damn blast in it!

Thank you!

***

I've recently joined two blog hops, which is nice cause its been a while since I've done any.


Bish Denham & Alex J. Cavanaugh are hosting The Listing Fest on 10-26-2015. 

The rules are simple. All you have to do is sign up HERE, grab the banner, and make a list between 5 and 25 items long and post it on October 26th. List whatever you feel like (except for adult type content). That's it!

***


Patricia Lynne is hosting the Trick-or-Treat Book Blog Hop!

Authors: Sign up HERE until October 30th.
On October 31st put one or all of your books up for free and make a post telling readers how they can get your book(s).

How you giveaway your book(s) is up to you. You can give away ebooks and make them free on Amazon/etc. and link readers to it. You can do paperbacks or ebooks, create a giveaway, gift it or hand out a coupon code, or use another social media like Twitter or Facebook. The only requirement is the book must be free.

Any type of book is welcome. Just mention the genre/age group/adult content when offering them.

Readers: Download free books on Halloween.

The goal of this hop is to get books into readers hands. Both authors and readers are free to make posts hawking this hop because the more the merrier. Use the hashtag #trickortreatreads.


Authors you are welcome to go trick or treating, too.

I will be giving away ebook (PDF/MOBI/EPUB) copies of Already Home or One Good Catch by email to readers that come Trick-or-Treating on Halloween!

***



My husband had a work event at Hershey earlier this week. I asked that instead of him bringing home all those little bottles of shampoo from the hotel, could he please bring me some chocolate.

He brought me this. (It's 5 lbs!) Such a nice guy. Guess I'll keep him a little longer. :)


***



Stormy is looking a little under the weather here. :)


***

Facebook funnies.









***

Have a great weekend!

The BOY only has 3 football games left and one is this Sunday! GO D2 GOLD WILDCATS!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

#IWSG - October edition & One Stop For Writers is LIVE!

Hi. My name is Heather and I'm insecure.



Alex J. Cavanaugh
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!


The IWSG Anthology Contest is open until November 1. Go HERE for details.
You MUST post for either October or September to be considered for the anthology!

The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are TB Markinson, Tamara Narayan, Shannon Lawrence, Stephanie Faris, and Eva E. Solar!


To me the pinnacle of getting published was seeing my title/cover/name on Amazon.

I figured once it was there, it wouldn't be long before all matter of wonderful things happened.

But, it's a false hope.

Being on Amazon, or any other ebook outlet, doesn't equate to instant sales.

And, I can't help but feel low about it. I can't help but wonder why my books sit there while other books are soaring.

I'm happy for them, but jealous as all hell, and completely unsure of what to do to fix it.

Write more? Market more? Give away more? All of the above?

Yes. It's D. All of the above.

Crap.

I have no inspiration, no marketing budget, and I've tried to give my book away and let's just say there isn't a line waiting.

Crap.

There you have it. The tiny inner workings of my psyche have just come to a screeching halt.

If you need me, I'll be rocking. And muttering. In the corner. Bring chocolate.


***

From the creators of The Emotion Thesaurus comes a brand new writing tool.


A New Library In Town: One Stop For Writers

If there's one thing all writers agree on, it's that writing is TOUGH. The road to publication twists and dips as we learn the craft, hone our abilities, create stories we're passionate about, fight discouragement, educate ourselves about the industry...and then start the process all over again as we realize there's room to improve. But you know what? If you are like me, you wouldn't have it any other way.

Yet, sometimes it's nice to get a helping hand.

Finding a good writing book, a helpful blog, a mentor or critique partner to share the journey with...these things are gems along the writing path.

And guess what? Maybe there's another resource waiting just up the road called One Stop For Writers. One Stop For Writers is not writing software, but rather a powerful online library that contains tools, unique description collections, helpful tutorials and much more, brought to you by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, the authors of The Emotion Thesaurus and Lee Powell, the creator of Scrivener for Windows.

Could One Stop For Writers be the writing partner you've been searching for? Visit Writers Helping Writers this week and see, where Angela, Lee and Becca are celebrating their venture with prizes and some pay-it-forward fun.    

Monday, October 5, 2015

Jam-packed with InkSpell Publishing Authors today! Don't miss it!

I've got some books to share with you, all from my fellow InkSpell Authors!

At the bottom of this post is some info about what's coming up on Wednesday!


***

First up...a cover reveal!



Acclaimed author Kristy Centeno, and Bestselling author of The Star Child series, Stephanie Keyes, bring you two stories that prove love and light can overcome the pain and shadows.


With secrets hidden in the night, and dangerous creatures prowling the woods, trusting the enemy can mean either life or death.

Two dark worlds...One night that will change their lives forever...Where evil lurks, only goodness can prevail.

Featuring Shadows by Kristy Centeno and The Boy In The Trees by Stephanie Keyes.

And here’s the cover!


  


Blood in the Shadows
Kristy Centeno -- Stephanie Keyes
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Cover Design: Najla Qambar Designs
Release Date: 11-3-2015



Excerpt From Shadows
By Kristy Centeno

“But don’t you see? They can make you forget me.” Tears slide down my cheeks. “And they will.” I love him. It dawns on me fast and hard. I love Mason. Loved the warrior before me. This man of power was my one true love. The only man I ever coveted. However, in allowing myself to love him, I committed the ultimate sin by falling for the human I was sent to earth to guard and protect. “They know about us. It won’t be long before we are punished, but I’m not afraid for myself. I worry about you. I can live a life of solitude and servitude if I have to, but I can’t go on if something happens to you.”



Excerpt From The Boy In The Trees
By Stephanie Keyes

"I'm going home."
"You can't." Owen shakes his head. "He's not going to stop, Jemma. He'll follow you. He'll kill anyone who gets in his way. He'll make you think of nothing but him. Just like Molly."
My face heats. "How do you know about her?"
"I told you, Jemma. I know things."
"No. You're a stranger. You're probably way more of a threat than he is."
Owen shakes his head and stalks toward me. Impatient, gray storm clouds build in his eyes, reeling me in. Once again, I find myself unable to turn away. Then he's close, so close. This guy has no concept of personal space.
"Look. I don't want to do this, Jemma, but you're leaving me no alternative."
Owen leans in, brings his lips to within an inch of mine. Is he going to kiss me? Better yet, do I want him to? Instinctively, I part my lips, his intense eyes holding mine hostage.




About the Authors
Kristy Centeno is the author of the Secrets of the Moon saga and Keeper Witches series.
She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

Stephanie Keyes hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which includes The Star Catcher, the first place winner in the 2014 Dante Rossetti Young Adult novel competition (Mythological Category). Steph is Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible rock star of a husband. She also an active member of SCBWI






***

Next...Release Day for Connie L. Smith!!
Tail Lights & Teardrops
Connie L. Smith
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Cover Design: Najla Qambar Designs
Release Day: 10-5-2015


Bruised and battered hearts can keep beating. But can they heal?

Preston and Nick endured the breakup of all breakups when Nick accused her of cheating on him. He insisted, and she denied while the rain pounded against her driveway and thunder roared in the distance. Then they both ran—Preston to a life of Rock & Roll, and Nick to a career in the Army.
Four years later, they’re damaged and broken almost beyond repair. He’s carrying baggage from his military days, and she bears the scars of living a lifestyle she’s grown to hate.
When Preston’s label forces her to take time away from music, their paths cross in a parking lot not twenty-four hours after her hometown return, anger and sparks flying in a confusing blend. But regardless of the feelings neither has been able to shake, too many lies and secrets stand in the way of the one thing they need in order to recover.

Each other.

 


About the Author:
Connie L. Smith spends far too much time with her mind wandering in fictional places. She reads too much, likes to bake, and might forever be sad that she doesn’t have fairy wings. And that she can’t swing dance. Her music of choice is severely outdated, and as an adult she’s kind of obsessed with Power Rangers. She has her BA from Northern Kentucky University in Speech Communication and History (she doesn’t totally get the connection either), and is currently working on her MA.

***
And finally...a book just right for the season!!!
Freaksville
Ashley Brooke Robbins
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Cover Design: Najla Qambar Designs
 
Welcome to Westera, here you’ll find the most amazing views. This is the mountains, of course. If you look to your left you’ll find a nice couple cuddling on the park bench. It is chilly today, oh, wait…why is there blood coming from her neck?

Yes, here in Westera you do get those interesting views of the beautiful landscape. The waterfalls, the nice people. It’s a wonderful place to reside.

What most people don’t know is…that it’s also where the freaks reside.

Hello all, my name is Nessa and I’m a witch. My friends are vampires. We’re not evil, at least I’m pretty sure we’re not. And I do like people…for the most part.
AMAZON  
B&N 
Kobo  
Ashley’s favorite thing to write about is basically anything to do with myths, supernatural, paranormal…but upon occasion she’ll write about normal teenage life. It comes somewhat naturally to her considering she’s nineteen herself.
If the vampires or other supernatural beings still haven’t claimed her, you’ll most likely find her with her computer, working on whatever story plots invaded her mind at that time. Like most teenagers, she’s still unsure of what all she wants to do with her life. Become a marine biologist, graphic designer, editor, fashion designer? Or maybe just stick to writing, we might find out one day.
She hopes to one day travel the world, take her mom to swim with the dolphins, and let her sister finally visit Graceland. She currently lives in North Carolina with her mom, sister, and three crazy dogs who think they’re human.

You can find her on her website: http://purpleunicorns174.wix.com/talknerdytome, or on pretty much any other social media site as AshKat174. You can probably find the links to those on her website.

***
So much goodness! I want to read them all!
***
You know, Wednesday's post will also be amazing!
Why, you ask?
Wednesday is Insecure Writer's Support Group posting day ...
and

Elevate your storytelling and write efficiently using an arsenal of descriptive thesaurus collections, tools and worksheets!
What is this awesome-ness, you ask?
Check out this short VIDEO to find out!