Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tentative Blurb for Corruption

Corruption, the third installment in the Diversion series is currently making the beta rounds, and now is time to create an oh-so-important selling point. Here's the tentative blurb. Comments? Suggestions? 


Just when you think you know a man…

Former drug trafficker turned narcotics agent Simon “Lucky” Harrison is the best, always has been, always will be. The Southeastern Narcotics Bureau puts his beliefs to the test with inner-division cooperation, new policies, new personnel, and a tough new case involving designer drugs capable of turning mild-mannered people into violent criminals. When the call for undercovers comes, Lucky’s raring to go—and never expects to get passed over for a rookie.

Having a partner like Lucky, both on and off the job, isn’t easy, but Bo Schollenberger sees the man behind the arrogant façade. But now he must step out of his mentor’s shadow and stand on his own. He didn’t know the time would come so soon, or that his first big case without Lucky would require months away from home. Knowing one false move could end his life, he immerses himself into an Athens, Georgia motorcycle gang to stop a smuggling ring.

The case gets sticky and Lucky’s called in. He has no clue what to expect, but it isn’t finding a man he thinks he knows totally enmeshed in being someone else. Lucky knows the difference between Cyrus Cooper, outlaw biker, and Bo Schollenberger, mild-mannered SNB agent...but does Bo?

The 2013 Rainbow Awards

2010 was a year of many firsts for me, my first novel with a publisher, my first reviews, and learning what it meant to be an author. I met many wonderful folks, and one of the high points of that year was receiving a Rainbow Boy postcard in the mail from the fabulous Elisa Rolle, for my book, The Wish, having earned third place in the Contemporary Gay Romance category at the 2010 Rainbow Awards. What an incredible honor.


And the journey didn't end there. Each year I watch closely for award announcements, tell everyone who'll listen to enter their books, and vote on the cover contest. Awards night is totally awesome, watching favorite books win honors. 

The time to enter the 2013 Rainbow Awards is drawing to a close, and I'd like to encourage each author with a novel length GLBT story to enter. I wouldn't miss it. This year is extra special for me, for I've made the leap from entrant to jury. Yes, this year I'm reading awesome books and weighing in. 

So if you've not taken the time to enter yet, hurry. There's not much time left, and based on my own experiences, you don't want to miss this.

What? You've not heard of The Rainbow Awards? Then hurry here and find all you need to know. Enter your books, vote on gorgeous book covers, and cheer for your favorite authors and books.


Monday, July 29, 2013

It's Finally Over...

Amazon has taken down the plagiarized version of The Telling. It took a while, but it's done. The ordeal is finally over.

I want to thank those who alerted me to the matter, who cheered me on, gave me a shoulder to cry on, and who supported my local PFLAG chapter by buying the book from Amazon, even though it's free elsewhere.

Y'all rock. (((HUGS)))

Now to go write more stories.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Fabulous Review for Collusion

Just as I'm putting the finishing touches on Corruption, the third installment of the Diversion series, in comes a lovely four and a half star review for its big brother, Collusion, the second book in the series.

Reviewer Lydia had this to say:

The author brings the readers another great mystery with this newest case that could have been taken from the headlines. The case has a few twists and turns, keeping the reader entertained. It brings to light some hidden parts of our heroes that help flesh out their characters. As the author wraps up this story, I was surprised by how everything comes about, but not by the way Lucky ends up taking things into his own hands.
This was a great follow up, and I love the way the author has these two declare their feelings for each other. Fans of Diversion need to make sure that they pick up Collusion, while those who have not yet read anything by Ms. Winters should give her stories a try.


Dead men can’t love.

Former drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter “died” in the line of duty while working off a ten-year sentence in service to the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau, only to be reborn as Simon “Lucky” Harrison. The newbie he trained, former Marine Bo Schollenberger, is now his partner on (and maybe off) the job. It’s hard to tell when Lucky doesn’t understand relationships or have a clue what any sane human is doing in his bed. Bo’s nice to have around, sure, but there’s none of that picking-out-china-together crap for Lucky.

While fighting PTSD, memories of a horrid childhood, and a prescription drug addiction, Bo is paying for his mistakes. Using his pharmacy license for the good guys provides the sort of education he never got in school. Undercover with his hard-headed partner, Bo learns that not everything is as it seems in the world of pharmaceuticals.

When a prescription drug shortage jeopardizes the patients at Rosario Children’s Cancer Center, it not only pits Bo and Lucky against predatory opportunists, but also each other. How can they tell who the villains are? The bad guys don’t wear black hats, but they might wear white coats.

Read entire review here:

Find Collusion at Amber Allure  (and conveniently on sale!):


Excellent Reviews for The Telling and Night Watch

Now that life is somewhat returned to normal after a few very tense weeks, I'd like to share with you some really wonderful reviews for The Telling and Night Watch, from MM Good Book Reviews.

Reviewer Tams awarded The Telling five hearts and writes:
At its heart, The Telling is a moving story about the healing power of love. This book is also available as a free read, so there’s no reason why you can’t grab a copy and fall in love with these characters as I did!



I will be honest with you. The Telling is available in ebook form free from All Romance Ebooks. At Amazon you'll pay .99 cents, because they still haven't price matched. However, all proceeds go to my local PFLAG chapter. 

The edition at those links is the second edition, so if you're thinking the cover has changed, it has. Same story, with a bit more editing and a new, print friendly cover. The print version is also available at Amazon, and yes, profits go to PFLAG. This book was intended as a free gift to readers, so I didn't feel right keeping accidental earnings. 

It seems Tams was also impressed by the short sequel, Night Watch, awarding it five hearts and saying:
Short, Sexy and Steamy………….. and what is that? My three favorite colors!




Thursday, July 25, 2013

Plagiarism Update

It's been a while since the horrible, sinking-gut feeling of seeing someone else's name on my book, and thanks to so many wonderfully supportive folks, I'm learning to deal with what happened. I'd love to be able to tell you that justice prevailed and all is right in the world again, but I cannot.

Despite my having sent three takedown notices, Amazon has not removed The Telling by Micheal J.  Wagner, though they've given me no reasons as to why they've not acted, other than their posted warning that it could take up to three weeks for a response. The other affected books came down quickly. At least the book is listed as unavailable. For now. To me it's a ticking time bomb. 

It seems that on a discussion thread Michael J. Wagner explained his side of how books by other authors wound up with his name on the cover. He blames his ghostwriter. He also says he's contacted all authors involved and explained. No, he hasn't. I've not heard a word from him, and I'd very much like to know if his ghostwriter was also the one who claimed to be his editor and accused ME of stealing The Telling, a book that a loyal following of readers watched me create and revise online, not to mention that my dear, sweet betas never trash anything and have the very first drafted paragraphs on up to the latest revision. 

So the wounds are healing but still there. It appears I'll get no closure on this matter. But make no mistake, Micheal Ritter and Javier (Jay) Ortiz are mine, in The Telling and in Night Watch, the short sequel. 

On a happy note, The Telling by Eden Winters is making money for my local PFLAG group (it hit number 2 for Gay Romance on Amazon!), and readers' responses are prompting me to finally finish the Ryan/Terry sequel. 

I want to thank you all for your support. Good didn't necessarily triumph over evil in this case, but it's not down for the count either. 

Hugs, 
Eden

Friday, July 19, 2013

Enough Sad News

I've posted very sad news lately, so I think it's time for something a bit more positive, don't you? Although they have been out for a while, I've received some lovely reviews for The Angel of 13th Street, and its sequel, Fallen Angel at Rainbow Book Reviews.

Here's some of what reviewer Lena Gray had to say about The Angel of 13th Street:



'The Angel of 13th Street' is a complex story about an unpleasant, but seriously important issue, one most of us aren't aware of. There are young people out on the streets right now who need our help and we can't ignore them. Knowledge is, indeed, power and leads to change. I'd recommend this story to anyone who wants an honest look at life on the streets and how much these kids need help.

Read full review here:


And for Fallen Angel:



This, like the first story, is not an easy read. The subject of abandoned children, left to suffer and struggle to survive, could never be considered light. This book is a powerful message of love, redemption, closure. It's also a re-affirmation that, even though it's an ongoing battle, the fight for right continues, one child at a time. Although it could be read alone, I don't recommend it. There is too much history in the first story and, without it, your reading experience will be lacking and possibly even confusing. For the best effect, I recommend reading them in sequential order, one closely followed by the next. If you would like to read a story of love hard won, a tale that will give you pause, and make you think, then I'd recommend this book.

Read full review here:

Thank you, Lena Gray, and Rainbow Book Reviews. 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Telling 2nd Edition, Now Available in Print

The Telling was my very first book, and I've always wanted a copy on my bookshelf. My wish is coming true. The revamped The Telling is now available in paperback (with my name on the cover this time!) I miss the original cover, but the former art wasn't conducive to print. The new cover was created by my dear friend PD Singer, based on the original art of another dear friend, Jared Rackler.

I can't wait to hold a copy of this book in my hands.

The print book is priced at $12.99, but currrently on sale at Amazon. The ebook at Amazon is 99 cents, because they still haven't priced matched it to ARe's 00.00. But all proceeds of these sales go to my local PFLAG chapter, so you can get a free copy at ARe or pay 99 cents at Amazon, get yourself a sweet romance, and support PFLAG too.


Find The Telling in print here

Ebook here at Amazon

And here at ARe

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Insult to Injury

In case you haven't seen, here is a screen shot of what ripped my heart out this week. The blurb is word for word the same as mine for the first edition of The Telling. This person did not change the book title, blurb, or anything else but author's name and the cover.


To add insult to injury, when readers left reviews stating that the book was mine, this rebuttal was posted:


So you see, not only was my work stolen, I was accused of being the thief! This comment has since been deleted, either by one who wrote it or by Amazon, I can't tell which. 

My personal philosophy does not allow anger, and to be honest, I feel sorry for this person who lacked faith in himself so badly that he took others' work instead of creating his own. He's in a ton of trouble, and what did he gain from his efforts?

I have several more screenshots, how he used my copyright page and paraphrased my dedication, as he did J.P Barnaby's, taking her Aaron and calling it Shane. 

People can be awful at times, but the love and support I've received has shown me that folks can be amazing, too. Thank y'all.  

And yes, this book was written about an actual person--me. That's why it was too personal to sell and I gave it away. I poured my soul out in The Telling, and through the writing found my way back from a lost path. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. No one can take that from me. 

Monday, July 15, 2013

My Heart is Broken

Today friends alerted me to a book called The Telling, published at Amazon on June 10, 2013 by Michael J. Wagner. Here's the blurb:

Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, but now, four years later, he's returning, lugging a duffle full of personal demons. Engineering student Jay Ortiz attends college in a place where his heritage and orientation aren't widely accepted. While adjusting to new surroundings he found a soldier's picture. During lonely times he confided in the image of the somber young man, giving his heart away to a stranger. Now that stranger is coming home.


****

Does this sound familiar? It sure did to me. It's the blurb for my first edition of The Telling, a free gift to readers published in 2009. Even the copyright page looks like mine, down to the paraphrased dedication. 


I'm not sure why someone would want to take my book. To be honest, I'm not a well-known author, and this particular version is loaded with errors. He's offering the story only in paperback, which I've found to not be good sellers, so I'm sure a fortune isn't being made. 


Readers left comments on the book, saying I actually wrote it, to which someone who described himself as Mr. Wagner's editor replied that the book had been written in 2005. He proceeded to imply that I'd stolen the book from Mr. Wagner, and claimed to have an attorney handling the matter. 


I'm heartsick. This book was a gift of love to readers, and a healing process for me during a difficult time. The 2nd Edition is accidentally earning a small amount of money at Amazon, all ear-marked for charity.  Why would someone do this?


From what I understand, he also appropriated J.P. Barnaby's book Aaron, changing the title to Shane, and even appropriated the work of Fern Michaels and Sandra Brown


I'd like to thank everyone who rallied around me during this difficult time. I don't know what I'd have done without your support. 


Although I deactivated the first edition, here's the link to the second:


At ARe:


At Amazon

Friday, July 12, 2013

How Eden Winters Accidentally Sold a Free Book, and What She Plans to Do About It


Yes, folks, I accidentally sold a free book. Sigh. How could such a thing happen, you ask? Well... as you might guess--it's complicated. 

Four years ago I wrote my very first novel, a story of a wounded soldier returning home to deal with PTSD, hearing loss, the death of a good friend (and the resulting guilt) and the dawning realization that he is gay. I poured a lot of myself into that book and, considering it too personal to sell, I gave it away. The novel is The Telling, available in ebook form for free at All Romance eBooks. 

How does that equal selling a free book? There's more to the story. 

Not only is the book offered at ARe, but ReviewsbyJessewave allowed me to post it there, it's on Nifty Archive, on the GLBT Bookshelf, and at CRVBoy. An amazing thing happened shortly thereafter. I received emails, lots and lots of emails from readers, some who were military or former military personnel and identified with the main character's struggles. I made friends, and I don't simply mean a name on a Facebook or Twitter list, but honest to goodness, "something great (or awful) happened, I simply must tell ____" kinds of friends. 

Through this book I met Farmer John. Those who met me at GRL know how dear that man is to me. I also met a man with his own stories to tell who needed a bit of encouragement to bring his great characters to life, new author, Parker Williams. And I met Bruce, a dear, sweet friend. I also met Mrs. Condit, of Mrs. Condit and Friends Read Books, and many, many more wonderful people whom I'd probably never have known without this story. 

And let's not forget Jared Rackler, P.D. Singer, Tinnean, and all the others who gave me encouragement, their wisdom, their beta skills, and the covers. 

Recently an email arrived from a man who wanted a print copy. I'd kinda like one too. That said, my support team and I revamped the story, changed to a cover that is print-friendly, and republished the book as a second edition through Rocky Ridge Books (thank you, P.D. Singer, and your mad books skillz!). In a few days The Telling will be available in print for those who'd like a copy. 

I know, I know, "selling a free book". I'm getting there. 

In order to reach a new audience, I wanted to post the story to Amazon, but Amazon doesn't allow anyone to post a story for less than 99 cents. What to do? Well, I published the book for 99 cents, hoping folks would click that "Tell us about a lower price" link, and point Amazon to ARe. I figured within a few hours the price would be matched. Well, it wasn't, and as of this writing, it still isn't. And I don’t know when that will change.

To be honest, I'm quite embarrassed, for the book is a gift to readers, and now it's earning money, albeit a modest amount. What to do? What to do?

I'm hoping my solution to the dilemma will make everyone happy. All proceeds for these sales of The Telling will be donated to my local chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), of which I'm a proud participant. 

And you know what? When I first announced my decision, folks contacted me and told me that even though they knew they could download the book for free, they bought it at Amazon anyway to support PFLAG. Some people who already had a copy of the first edition bought the second edition, too, to show support. Dang, I love the M/M romance community. 

So that's how I, Eden Winters, accidentally sold a free book. And like all my other stories, this one will have a happy ending. 

Thanks, y'all, for your support. You’ve propelled The Telling into the top ten of Amazon’s Gay Romance category, and raised money for a worthy cause.

Hugs, 
Eden

Release Announcement - Mickie B. Ashling - Horizons


Good morning, y'all (evening, afternoon, whatever it is in your neck of the woods). 

Please welcome Mickie B Ashling to the site today, and help her celebrate the re-release of her novel Horizons. 

About Mickie B Ashling
Mickie B. Ashling is the alter-ego of a multifaceted woman raised by a single mother who preferred reading over other forms of entertainment. She found a kindred spirit in her oldest child and encouraged her with a steady supply of dog-eared paperbacks. Romance was the preferred genre, and historical romances topped her favorites list.

By the time Mickie discovered her own talent for writing, real life had intruded, and the business of earning a living and raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing and the inevitable emptying nest, dreams were resurrected, and the storyteller was reborn.

She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world.

Her novels have been called "gut wrenching, daring, and thought provoking." She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.

Mickie loves to travel and has lived in the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East but currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.


Links to Buy:




Horizons-Book One in the Horizons Series
Twenty-three-year-old Clark Stevens, a popular wide receiver with a potential NFL contract, has a few problems. He's got a jealous girlfriend, a narrow-minded and controlling father, an attention problem, and an unexpected and powerful attraction to the trauma doctor—the male trauma doctor—who treats him for a broken bone.

Dr. Jody Williams is getting some really mixed signals. He can't ignore how much he wants Clark, because it's obvious Clark feels the same way. For the out and proud doctor, the solution seems very simple. For Clark, it's not! His world is not gay-friendly, and the obstacles he's faced have led him to deny his sexuality for years.

It's the Super Bowl of disasters, no matter how you look at it. In the end, Clark has to decide if he's going to stick with the only life he's ever known or take a chance on a new one with Jody.
  
Excerpt

JODY and Lil sat on the patio of the Yank Sing restaurant at the Rincon Center in San Francisco. The empty plates, piled high on their table, created a testament to the mountains of dim sum they had consumed.  They finished their meal with the delectable buns stuffed with a sticky,
sweet yam concoction.

Jody sipped his cup of black tea, sighing with satisfaction. “That was amazing. Thanks for talking me into this.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie. We need to do this more often.”

“I don’t think my stomach can handle this on a regular basis.”

“Oh, you know we’ll be hungry again in an hour.”

“This will have to hold me for a while. I’m meeting Clark at five for another session.”

“Of what?” Lil asked pointedly.

“Of tutoring,” Jody answered, doing his best to keep his face from revealing anything.

“Honey, I’ve known you for a long time, and that look can only mean one thing. When did he cave?”

Jody rolled his eyes, annoyed at being found out so soon.

“Tell me!” Lil squealed, jumping up from his seat. “Was it bliss? Who made the first move?” Lil bent forward and whispered, “Is he hung like a horse? I want details!"

“Lil,” Jody barked, looking around to see if anyone was observing them. “Keep your voice down.”

“Come on! Stop acting like a prude and talk to me.”

Jody fidgeted, uncomfortable under Lil’s gaze. They’d always shared information in the past, but somehow, this was different.

“This is more than just sex, isn’t it?” Lil asked.

“I don’t want to discuss it.”

“You’ve really fallen for him,” Lil exclaimed. “I can’t believe it.”

Jody sipped his tea in silence.

“Sweetie,” Lil said, switching persona instantly from raging queen to serious architect and friend. “You need to forget about him.”

“Why?”

“You’re doing this to yourself again.”

“What?” Jody sighed, knowing exactly where the conversation was headed.

“It’s Rick, all over again.”

“Don’t compare this relationship with the other one.”

“Why shouldn’t I? You’re going into this with your eyes wide open, knowing he’s a closet case with major issues.” Lil’s normally cheerful face looked troubled. “Jody, this will not have a happy
ending.”

“It’s not the same at all, Lil. Clark’s not going to die on me.”

“But he’ll deny you and walk away, eventually. Once he’s gotten the itch out of his system, he’ll go back to being Berkeley’s number one het stud.”

“He’s not like that. He’s really struggling with his sexuality.”

“And you want to be his first experiment? You’re fucking nuts!”

Jody bit his lip and squeezed his eyes shut, determined to stay cool.

“You need to walk away!” Lil implored. “Now, before you’re in too deep.”

“Too late,” Jody answered.

“No.”

“I’m in love with him.”

“Fuck!”

“I know,” Jody whispered, shaking his head. “I’m fucking crazy about him.”

Lil sat back in his chair and gaped at his best friend.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re all out of advice.”

“I’m astonished at your eagerness to get your heart broken again,” Lil remarked. “You’ve always had a penchant for lost causes, but this is too much."

“You’re overreacting, Lil.”

“Sweetie, you really need to think this through. He’s not only in the closet; he’s got a father who’s demented, according to the rags.”

“I know he’s sort of an ass, but demented?”

“You know how I love football.”

“Yeah, yeah, you jerk off to the pictures.”

“Really, Jodes, give me some credit. I actually watch the games and read all the commentaries. Then I jerk off.” His queen-voice returned.

Jody grinned. “And the point of this is?”

“Many articles about Clark have mentioned his father. They say he’s controlling and rules his son’s life. A lot of teams who would normally be interested in signing him up are shying away from him.”

“That sucks.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. There are still a lot of people interested and willing to overlook his dad. However, I don’t think they’ll overlook daddy and  the gay factor—that would be a lethal combination.”

“Lil, this is 2003, not the eighteenth century. Gay is very fashionable right now.”

“Not in football, and not in his dad’s world. You’re opening yourself up for a massive dose of heartache.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

“Oh my God! Has he even talked about coming out? Did he say he loves you?”

“No!” Jody snarled. “It’s way too soon. I haven’t even told him how I feel.”

Lil shook his head. “Jody, get away from him while your heart is still in one piece. It’s taken you years to get over Rick. I don’t think I have the strength to do that again.”

“It won’t be like that. Now, stop being a drama queen and ask for the check. I need to go.”

“Wait,” Lil reached out and stopped Jody from leaving. “Throw me a bone at least?”

“What?”

“You know…. How was it? Is he hung?”

Jody paused for several minutes, knowing the suspense was killing Lil.

“Let’s just say that he’s… magnificent.”

“That good?” Lil asked almost reverently.

“Better.”

***

Thank you, Mickie, for joining us today, and congratulations on your new release!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Enter to Win a Copy of Fanning the Flames

Chris, Chaos and Mayhem of Stumbling Over Chaos are now settled into their new home (YAY!) and offering up a copy of my recently re-released Valentine's Day novella, Fanning the Flames, sequel to The Match Before Christmas. Hurry over there and get your name in the hat.

(Lovely new cover by Jared Rackler, of Jared Rackler Designs.


The man of Barry's dreams has gone from a sugarplum fantasy to sweet reality, thanks to the GLBT dating site GetaDate.com. Introducing a new boyfriend to the family and settling into coupledom aren't the easiest things in the world for a man with little dating experience, but the romantic demands of Valentine's Day are beyond Barry's imagination. His piteous cry for help brings all kinds of suggestions from family and friends.Fully believing he's found the perfect ways to charm his sweetheart, Barry isn't prepared to hear "Achoo " at every turn. Adam's allergic to what? And will sneezes and welts wreck Barry's painstaking plans for Fanning the Flames?

Fanning the Flames, now available at All Romance eBooks, Amazon, and other ebook sellers. 

Friday, July 5, 2013

Fanning the Flames 2nd Edition, Now Available at All Romance eBooks


Fanning the Flames 2nd Edition, the sequel to The Match Before Christmas, is now available at All Romance eBooks. The title should be available at Amazon tomorrow.

Same comedy of errors Valentine's Day story featuring Barry and Adam of The Match Before Christmas, with a lovely new cover, courtesy of Jared Rackler, of Jared Rackler Designs.


The man of Barry's dreams has gone from a sugarplum fantasy to sweet reality, thanks to the GLBT dating site GetaDate.com. Introducing a new boyfriend to the family and settling into coupledom isn't the easiest thing in the world for a man with little dating experience, but the romantic demands of Valentine's Day are beyond Barry's imagination. His piteous cry for help brings all kinds of suggestions from family and friends.Fully believing he's found the perfect ways to charm his sweetheart, Barry isn't prepared to hear "Achoo " at every turn. Adam's allergic to what? And will sneezes and welts wreck Barry's painstaking plans for Fanning the Flames?