Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue - After the Ending - Guest Post

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Guest Post

Excuse me, someone put some romance in my science fiction!
by Lindsey Fairleigh

As readers turned bookstore clerks turned authors, Lindsey and I have been in the somewhat unique position of being able to watch genre trends develop…and then use those observations to choose what genre(s) to focus on when writing. Okay, no, we didn’t meticulously check sales numbers, make spreadsheets comparing genre trends, and then decide which genre(s) to write in. But our choice to write After The Ending, an adult post-apocalyptic tale with a hearty sprinkling of romance, was definitely influenced by conversations we had with customers on what they liked to read and by our own gravitation toward YA dystopian and post-apocalyptic books like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Shatter Me, and Across the Universe mixed with our love of the adult Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance genres.

Really, we love romance, but not just the standard, girl meets boy, girl and boy are drawn to each other, girl and boy lose each other, girl and boy find a way to be together, HEA. We adore romance when it shares the plot with another, equally dominant storyline, or even when it’s secondary to a main, non-romance storyline. Beyond that, we tend to shy away from books that openly proclaim a lack of romance…to us, they just feel like they’re missing something essential. Our preference for such an element in books is what first sparked our friendship back in our bookstore days, and we’re determined to stay true to ourselves and include it in our own books…without fading to black ;)

Like many other UF/PR readers, we’ve noticed the shift in the Urban Fantasy genre toward including steamy bits along with the magical and sometimes gruesome bits. The lines between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance have blurred, with many UF books containing some delicious romantic scenes, like Kim Harrison’s Hollows series and Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. While some UF readers are irked about the trend of including a smattering of hanky-panky, we two Lindseys are tickled pink. And, based on the extreme love being showered upon YA books that mix Science Fiction with Romance, we thought readers might be interested in an adult version of the same thing—a little bit of steamy, sexy frosting on their post-apocalyptic cupcake. Because, really, who prefers a frostingless cupcake? Oh…that guy does? And her? Well…er…I guess frosting’s not for everyone.

There are definitely some great books that fit into the Science Fiction avec romance category, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s The League series being one of the most notable, but the Romance/Science Fiction mash-up isn’t nearly as popular or prevalent in adult fiction as it is in YA fiction…yet. We think readers of books like Veronica Roth’s Divergent and Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, will be eager to jump into the adult version of the Science Fiction/Romance cross genre in the same way that many Twilight fans made the leap to adult Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy.

So how does this romance come about in our post-apocalyptic series, The Ending? In After The Ending, Dani and Zoe, young but grown women, have to deal with the unthinkable—a viral apocalypse. They’re young, only in their mid-twenties, and they’re used to problems like juggling multiple jobs, dealing with the pressures of grad school, and trying to find someone worth dating. When their world comes crashing down around them and most of their loved ones are gone…and they start developing unbelievable abilities, they cling to what good they can, one of those good things being squishy feelings for studly men. Sometimes we need a little love to keep the end of the world from breaking our spirits…

We sincerely hope readers enjoy our take on the Science Fiction and Romance combo as much as we enjoy writing it. Happy reading everyone!


About the Book

The Virus spread. Billions died. The Ending began. We may have survived the apocalypse, but the Virus changed us.

When people started getting sick, “they” thought it was just the flu. My roommate, my boyfriend, my family…they’re all gone now. I got sick too. I should have died with them—with the rest of the world—but I didn’t. I thought witnessing the human population almost disappear off the face of the earth was the craziest thing I’d ever experience. I was so wrong. My name is Dani O’Connor, I’m twenty-six-years-old, and I survived The Ending.

The Virus changed everything. The world I knew is gone, and life is backwards. We’ve all had to start over. I’ve been stripped of my home, my dreams…all that is me. I’m someone else now—broken and changed. Other survivors’ memories and emotions haunt me. They invade my mind until I can no longer separate them from my own. I won’t let them consume me. I can’t. My name is Zoe Cartwright, I’m twenty-six-years-old, and I survived The Ending.

We’ve been inseparable for most of our lives, and now our friendship is all we have left. The aftermath of the Virus has stranded us on opposite sides of the United States. Trusting strangers, making sacrifices, killing—we’ll do anything to reach one another. Fear and pain may be unavoidable, but we’re strong…we’re survivors. But to continue surviving in this unfamil-iar world plagued by Crazies and strange new abilities, we have to adapt. We have to evolve.

And more than anything, we have to find each other.

Prices/Formats: $2.99 ebook, $14.95 paperback, $27.95 hardcover
Pages: 494
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: L2 Books
Release Date: February 21, 2013
Buy Links: Amazon


About the Authors

Lindsey Fairleigh lives her life with one foot in a book—as long as that book transports her to a magical world or bends the rules of science. Her novels, from post-apocalyptic to time travel and historical fantasy, always offer up a hearty dose of unreality, along with plenty of adventure and romance. When she’s not working on her next novel, Lindsey spends her time reading and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in the Napa Valley with her loving husband and confused cats.

Lindsey Pogue has always been a little creative. As a child she established a bug hospital on her elementary school soccer field, compiled books of collages as a teenager, and as an adult, expresses herself through writing. Her novels are inspired by her observations of the world around her—whether she’s traveling, people watching, or hiking. When not plotting her next storyline or dreaming up new, brooding characters, Lindsey’s wrapped in blankets watching her favorite action flicks or going on road trips with her own leading man.


Links to Connect with Authors:
Lindsey Fairleigh's blog
Lindsey Pogue's blog
Web site






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Leonard Clifton - The Last Prince of Atlantis - Author Interview

Author Interview 

1. How did you come up with the title?
I came up with the title after I remember from traveling to Brazil, the Dominican and after I met my Australian Greek muse in Vegas. I remember Leonard Nimoy had a show called in search of. I remembered the lost city Atlantis vividly, I played around with many titles and when I googled and checked with yahoo if the name existed on any websites. I knew the name was perfect. I bought and created the website and the book title was created after that.

2. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The message I wanted to reach my readers is by letting them know theirs other great fantasy novels out there with diversity and positivity.

3. How much of the book is realistic?
The book is very realistic, it has modern day pop culture in it with Atlantian and Greek mythology. I added historical references like Blackbeard, Charles Vane (pirates). The teens listens to music like Justin Bieber, Rhianna, The Doors etc.

4. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your book?
I have made quite a few changes but nothing out of the ordinary. I took care of editing errors, things like that. I did have a literary agent in Los Angeles in love with the story and he immediately knew that the book was original and he could sell it to a studio if I changed the main character who is an African American biracial. I didn't want to change the main character to a white character. That already exist, so with that being said. I am happy I didn't change anything in regards to character descriptions.

5. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I thought writing was actually the easy part, even for a 424 page novel. The hard part was doing the editing and proof reading. I made many mistakes and in a two year period. I had the book republished several times just to get it where it is now. Fans love it and the fan base is growing daily.

6. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I have learned that when you write and market the book, you have to be careful how you mention it to people who doesn't know your work. I have received a few people who thought I was bragging about the novel which wasn't the case. I just loved the book and the concept. Some people who may have read something when I promoted it, saw it as me being pretentious which wasn't true. And you have to be humbled even with bad reviews. The bad reviews is what made me restructure the book to make it better..

7. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It originated after my travels to Brazil, the Dominican, Miami and just living in California. You see the most beautiful people from mixed races. I wanted to create something for people who didn't see themselves in a positive light in fantasy novels. And I was enamored by my Australian Greek muse. So I created a love story between the Atlantian teen warrior and a beautiful Greek goddess.

8. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love J.R.R Tolkien, it was amazing how Tolkien took his time writing, years to put his masterpiece together starting with The Hobbit. He experienced a lot in his lifetime during World War I and II. He is amazing with his imagery. I pay homage to him in one scene of the novel when I mention a beautiful firework display that looks real and life like showing dolphins swimming in the night sky.

9. Tell us your latest news.
The latest news, I have been working on doing an anti bullying charity event at a Barnes and Noble in Los Angeles. I hope that works out. I recently have given a signed copy to Steve Harvey at his star ceremony in Hollywood. I told Shaun Robinson from Access Hollywood about it. Ryan Seacrest, Good Day L.A. host Steve Edwards, Jillian Barberie and The Young and the Restless soap star Christopher St. John has a copy. I'm working on giving it to Usher and Ellen DeGeneres.

10. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I sincerely appreciate ever person who took the time out to read the novel and post reviews. Even taking pictures with the book cover so I can post them up on the book web pages. I hope to inspire and be an inspiration for future writers and readers. I love to inspire people. I hope I have by creating this novel. My ultimate goal is to create a creative writing and literacy foundation.


About the Book

Allen King is a 15 year old African American male teenager living in a blue collar family in Miami, Florida. Allen immediately discovers after finding a crystal necklace that he's an alien hybrid prince of ancient royalty. Suddenly things change as this shy teenager becomes a strong leader by having the power of telepathy and teleportation besides communicating with sea animals. Allen is aided by a beautiful young Greek goddess, two orphan teens and his boisterous uncle. Together while keeping the earth safe they fight Allen's immortal enemies as they try to restore his kingdom, the lost city of Atlantis.

Prices/Formats: $3.79 ebook, $23.99 paperback, $34.99 hardcover
Pages: 422
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
Release Date: January 20, 2012
Buy Links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble



About the Author

Leonard Clifton started out as an actor and model. His first major movie was in Steven Speilberg's 'Amistad' which was co-produced by Debbie Allen. Leonard was also in the movie 'Bring It On' and Morgan Freeman's produced television movie 'Mutiny.' He's modeled in various hip hop magazines and for fashion mogul Karl Kani besides being in Tupac Shakur's 'Temptations' music video and Young MC 'On and Poppin.' This is Leonard's first young adult novel written for the urban market. It's the first of it's kind creating strong positive African American,biracial and diverse characters in a fantasy genre.


Links to Connect with Leonard:
Web Site
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
YouTube
IMDb







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Vickie Hall - Journey of Promise - Author Interview

Author Interview 

1. How did you come up with the title?
This was an easy one - it's the second book in a series. The first book was called All That Was Promised, so this book became Journey of Promise, which fulfills the desire for the characters to emigrate to American from Wales.

2. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, that we can overcome our trials. No matter what obstacles are put in our paths, we can find a way around, over, across, or through them!

3. How much of the book is realistic?
Quite a bit as it's inspired by the journals of my great-great grandparents.Many of the things they experienced really happened.

4. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your book?
I don't think so. I'm pretty happy with the characters and their stories.

5. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I think it was trying to imagine what it was like to leave everything behind to start a new life in a strange, new country. I'll probably never really know that first hand, so it was challenging to put myself in my characters' shoes.

6. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I really did. I learned how faith can get us through so much in our lives. We just need to trust in God a little more.

7. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I was always interested in writing stories and plays as a child, but my real passion came in high school. I had a wonderful English teacher who encouraged me and thought I had talent. I owe her a real debt of gratitude.

8. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I enjoy Kristin Hannah quite a bit. She has a flare for realistic dialogue and displaying human emotion.

9. Tell us your latest news.
I just completed a new manuscript that's with my editor now. It's about a fake medium in 1910 Baltimore who is visited by the ghost of a murdered man. He won't let her rest until she finds out who killed him. It's been so much fun writing this book and has a lot of humor and mystery. It's called A Small Medium at Large and I hope to have it out this fall.

10. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I'd like to share my favorite quote by George Eliot: "It's never too late to be what you might have been." Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you'll visit my author page on Amazon.com


About the Book

When converts Richard and Leah Kenyon leave Wales and heed the call to Zion, they are unprepared for the toll exacted by the journey. To face the incredible odds mounted against them they call upon the Lord’s tender mercies to see them through and strengthen their love for one another. Their story will remind you where to turn during your trials.

Prices/Formats: $7.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback
Pages: 272
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Buy Links: Amazon



About the Author

Vickie is a native of Utah, but growing up, lived in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. When she’s not writing, she’s composing music, or shopping with her sister. She loves animals of all kinds and camping with her family. Her favorite pastime is watching old movies on TCM, and unashamedly has a crush on Cary Grant.


Links to Connect with Vickie:
Blog
Facebook
Web site
Goodreads







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Cindy Cipriano - The Circle - Excerpt and Giveaway

 

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The Circle
Calum Ranson is sure of three things:  his cousin Finley is alive, Calum will find him, and no one knows Calum and his family are Sidhe.  No one until Laurel shows up at his mother's bookstore wearing a dark clan's mark.  When Calum learns the details surrounding the disappearance of Laurel's brother, he suspects the evil Hobayeth clan.  Calum and Laurel work together in the Realm of Man and the Otherworld to rescue her brother - revealing a connection between Calum and Laurel that may cost Finley his life.

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Goodreads

Praise

"The Circle is full of magic and mystery. Readers will be engrossed in faerie realms, charming characters, and a state of wonder and imagination. The Circle is for those who delight in reading fantasy and exploring mystical worlds."

--Kathleen Fox, LibraryGames.com

Excerpt

Calum drummed his fingers on the desk as he watched them

leave the store. He wanted to know more about Laurel and her

interest in faeries. Or maybe he just wanted to know more about

her. Calum wondered what Laurel thought about him, although

he didn’t know why it should matter. He hid between the stacks,

quietly following them through the bookstore, listening to their

conversation.

“Well?” asked Andrea, as they approached the door.

“He seems nice,” Laurel said in a hushed whisper. “Not at

all weird like John Phillip said. And he doesn’t seem to mind

that Dad’s going to be the assistant principal. Maybe I could be

friends with a boy.”

“Imagine that,” said her mother as they closed the door.

“Imagine that,” said Calum. He watched through the window

as a car rolled to a stop in front of the bookstore.

“Imagine what?” asked Kenzie, stepping from behind a

nearby stack.

Calum jumped at the sound of her voice, knocking several

books to the floor. “Geez Mom, don’t sneak up on me.”

“Especially when you’re sneaking up on someone else, right?”

A wave of Kenzie’s hand returned the fallen books to the shelf.

“You’re right to be curious, though. I’m sure you saw it hanging

around her neck. I wonder how that girl got a token from one

of the darkest of faerie clans.” Kenzie squinted as she watched

Laurel climb into the backseat of the Stanton Realtor car.

“I don’t think she knows what it is,” said Calum.

“Either way, we’d better keep an eye on her.”

My summer just got a lot more interesting, thought Calum.

Author Cindy Cipriano
Cindy Cipriano lives in NC with her husband, son, and 27 pets. Okay, more like one cat, three dogs, and many, many fish. Cindy is an award winning science teacher, who this past August celebrated her 12th first day of sixth grade.

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Ednah Walters - Runes - Spotlight and Giveaway

About the Book

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her fatherís disappearance, her motherís erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. Jamesóa mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torinís dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she canít stop thinking about him. Half the time, sheís not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

Prices/Formats: $0.99 ebook
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Firetrail Publishing
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Buy Links: Amazon, Smashwords


About the Author

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, sheís at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. Sheís working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN.

Ednah also writes New Adult paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. She is presently working on book 2, IMMORTALS.

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series.

Link to connect with Ednah:
YouTube
Web Site
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads


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