Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Woot! Release Day!

Join me in celebrating the release of Butt Riders on the Range! If you're shaking your head at the title, allow me to explain.

On year a group of writer friends accepted a challenge at Outlantacon to write a humorous M/M anthology, called Butt Pirates in Space. They had such fun that they came back the next year with Butt Ninjas From Hell (I got invited to the party!)

Then came the Christmas offering, Butt Babes in Boyland.

How can you follow up concepts like those?

Butt Riders on the Range! Featuring the works of Kage Alan, JP Barnaby, Ally Blue, TC Blue, Shae Connor, Jevocas Green, Kiernan Kelly, and yours truly!



Do you imagine blazing gun battles, bandits, and saloons with watered-down drinks when you think of cowboys and the West? We don’t. Our minds go right to horse shifters, bull shifters, were-leopards, urban wannabes, an interrupted journey along Route 66, a man of mystery named Dr. Feel-Good, and high noon at the edge of the galaxy! The fourth time’s the charm as the Butt-Thology authors saddle up, ride their men hard, and put ‘em away wet.

Butt Riders on the Range…the bulls aren’t the only ones being grabbed by the horns!

Pick up your copy today from Wilde City Press!

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Eden Winter's Writing Process (or Why I Only Release One or Two Books Per Year)

I'm about to share a secret to my work, what makes me tick, and how I go from an idea in my head to a finished novel (and why it takes so blooming long!)

First off, I do a lot of research. For each book in the Diversion series I began gathering data as far as a year in advance. The story writing process itself  usually takes about three months. Why so long, you ask?

Because of my work schedule, I only have about three or four  hours each day to devote to being an author, and Facebook, Twitter, and E-mails eat a huge chunk of that time. Then there's the fact that I like to help other authors, so I'm a crit partner, beta, editor for an average of ten books a year. I also do a lot of coaching for brand new, first book authors, that requires going over the whole story with them seven or eight times, layering the skills needed to present the story in the best light, and get the details out of the author's head and onto the pages. This leaves me with weekends to write, take care of house, run errands, etc.

Speaking of crit partners, the folks I critique for return the favor. Some authors send their books chapter by chapter, but as I do not write linearly, this only wastes my time and theirs. I may write chapter six first. Or the chapter that was number two today is number eight tomorrow, or no longer a part of the story at all. It's easiest to complete the first draft before showing my work.

Once I've finished my draft, I let it sit for a week or two, then self-edit. Finally, the manuscript is ready to hand off. I've tried sending it to my crit partners all at once, but for me that doesn't work too well, so one at a time. Depending on how busy they are, reviewing the work and handing it back to me can take two weeks to two months. I use at least four crit partners per book. After each one finishes, I make edits and forward to the next person on the list. If the book contains a lot of crime or medical details, I also have a former cop and/or a nurse, depending on the subject matter, help me get my facts straight. Oh, and did I mention the forensics expert that says, "You can ask me anything"? Love them all.

While the words are bouncing through cyber-space, I'm contacting the uber-talented L.C. Chase for cover designs, if the work will be a Rocky Ridge Books offering, or I'll submit query letters to publishers.

When the last crit partner has had their say, the story goes on to my editor, Jerry L. Wheeler, who is totally awesome for getting the work back to me quickly, or to the publisher, if I'm submitting the story to an entity besides Rocky Ridge Books.

Rocky Ridge manuscripts are then polished, proofread, formatted and uploaded, ready for sale. Publisher's schedules vary, but usually the book is out eight months to a year after submission.

Sounds complicated, doesn't it? Scary sometimes, but I take it one step at a time in my attempt to bring readers the best researched, written, and error-free novel that I possibly can.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Announcement About the Diversion Series

Collusion, the second installment in the Diversion series, is currently out of print, and Rocky Ridge Books will soon announce it's re-release. New cover, a bit of brushing up of the text, but same story.

Redemption, the fifth book in the Diversion series, is currently with my crit partners, gaining their valuable input, then the story will be polished and sent to my editor. Before it publishes though, there's going to be a change to the series' look.

When I wrote Diversion, I'd envisioned a stand-alone, one-time telling of Bo and Lucky's story, but Lucky, insufferable jerk that he can be, didn't let me stop there. Book five will publish this year, and I've already planned out three more books, for eight. And still ideas come by the bucketful. That means eight covers (at least), and I'm just not a designer. Finding images to depict each installment was beyond my scope, even with a totally awesome artist who listened to me and gave exactly what I asked for. Even when using a friend on covers, with his busy schedule and mine, it's hard to get pictures.

So, for the announcement. The series will soon be sporting new, thematic covers. I've seen them, and they're gorgeous.

Stay tuned for a cover reveal.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Welcome Andrew Q. Gordon

Good morning (afternoon, evening...) y'all. Today I'd like to turn the blog over to Andrew Q. Gordon, To tell us about his new release, The Eye and the Arm.

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ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Eye And The Arm

Series: Champion of the Gods Book 2
BLURB:
TheEyeAndTheArm-Front-Preview


After defeating Meglar at Belsport, Farrell returns to Haven to recover from his injuries, but Khron, the god of war, has other ideas. He gives Farrell a new mission: free the survivors of the ancient dwarf realm of Trellham from their three-thousand-year banishment. To fulfill Khron's near impossible task, Farrell will need the help of his distance ancestor, the legendary wizard Kel. But Kel has been dead for a thousand years.

Farrell finds information hinting that Kel is alive, so he moves his search to Dumbarten, Kel's birthplace. To reach Dumbarten unannounced, Farrell and Miceral disguise themselves as mercenaries on board a merchant vessel. Their journey is disrupted when pirates attack their ship. While attempting to subdue the attack, Farrell is struck down by one of Meglar’s minions.

Unconscious and trapped in his own mind, Farrell's only chance for survival rests with Miceral and the peregrine king Rothdin entering his thoughts and helping him sort fact from illusion. To reach Farrell, they will need to rely on an untested spell from one of Kel's spellbooks. If they succeed, Miceral can guide Farrell home safely. If not, Farrell will destroy not only himself, but Miceral, Rothdin, and everyone around him.

DSP Publications

Length: 99,775 words/296 Pages

Release Date: April 14, 2015

Video Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk6OfKOU6nc&feature=youtu.be

EXCERPT:

“Relax, my friend.” Klissmor’s presence calmed Miceral’s growing anxiety. “You won’t feel my presence.”

Miceral took a deep breath. “Will I be able to hear?”

“Every word. Ready?”

“No, but let’s do it.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“I need your eyes open for everyone to see.”

He snapped his lids open, blinking several times before could focus again. “Sorry.”

“Master Teberus.” Miceral knew the words came from him, but as promised, he didn’t feel anything. “I have Masters Erstad and Wesfazial as well as Wizard-Priestess Glendora. Ask your questions to Miceral and we four will also hear you.”

“Astounding.” The elder Arlefor glanced at the high priestess. “All four at once?”

“Wizard.” Miceral had heard that tone enough to know Klissmor’s mood. “Maintaining this link, this far away with this many minds, is a strain. If we are to save Farrell, you must focus on him.”

“Of course. My apologies.” Teberus bowed deeply. “My examination of the one who did this to Farrell confirmed that he is no wizard.”

“Then how in the eight gates of Neblor did that man defeat Farrell?” Even though Teberus couldn’t know, Miceral recognized the voice as Wesfazial’s.

“The obvious answer is the correct one. A wizard gave this man the weapon.”

“But Farrell could defeat all four of us and all the other wizards you brought with you and not be tested.” Erstad’s steady temperament sounded tested. “No weapon used by a nonwizard should be capable of this.”

Teberus raised the crest of his hairless eyebrow. “But since that is what happened, we must use it as the basis of our search for a cure.”

No one answered. As the silence dragged on, Miceral’s anxiety slowly returned. If Haven’s senior wizards didn’t know what to do, who could?

“Tell us what happened.” Erstad’s request almost didn’t register with Miceral.

“No,” Klissmor said. “Show them. Let them see the memory.”

Miceral closed his eyes and focused on reliving the attack. The clarity of the image caused his chest to tighten, making it hard to breathe. He knew the result, but watching it again, almost in slow motion, added to his agony.

When the image played over again, he realized Klissmor must have been guiding his thoughts.

“My apologies, old friend—the need is great.” Klissmor’s voice didn’t interrupt the stream of images.

“Do whatever you need. Just find a way to save Farrell.”

“Your friends are doing all they can. Have faith that Lenore will send us what we need.”

When the memory started for the third time, he didn’t find any comfort in Klissmor’s assertion. The Six wouldn’t—couldn’t—help. He needed something that didn’t exist—a great wizard like Heminaltose or Kel.

“In theory, I recognize the magic.” Erstad sounded confused. “But I’ll need to find a reference to be sure.”

“What about Farrell?” He knew he shouted, or at least what Farrell told him passed for shouting, but he couldn’t prevent it. “He could be dead before you find that.”

“It can’t be helped, Miceral. I need to be sure before I suggest a counterspell. If I’m wrong, whatever I try might kill him.”

“He is in no immediate danger.” Teberus put his hand on Farrell’s forehead. “But my fear is the number of spells that draw on him for power. I can only give him but so much. If he doesn’t wake, his body will burn out.”

“Do what you can, Master Teberus. We’ll begin searching immediately and contact you when we find the answer.” When Erstad stopped speaking, Klissmor’s presence left with him.

“Hurry. Please.” Miceral knew no one heard him.

BUY LINKS

DSPP Link: http://www.andrewqgordon.com/2015/04/champion-of-the-gods-books-one-and-two-available-now/

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Eye-Champion-Gods-Book-ebook/dp/B00VGZB6SS

Amazon UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Eye-Champion-Gods-Book-ebook/dp/B00VGZB6SS

Are Omnilit Link: https://www.omnilit.com/product-theeyeandthearm-1773344-234.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

086

Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.

He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of eighteen years, their young daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day and not get the shakes.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Website: www.andreqgordon.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon,

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.andrews.7568

On Twitter: @andrewqgordon,

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewQGordon/posts

Email: andrewqgordon@gmail.com

GIVEAWAY

FIVE Winners will win one e-copy of ANY book* each from DSP Publication’s backlist.

*Giveaway is of any currently released DSPP book, which excludes the books that are on pre-order and “The Eye And The Arm”.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thank you for joining us today, Andrew!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Books on Sale Today!

Today, as part of All Romance Ebooks' Book Blast,  my titles are discounted 25%. Get your copies today!


Thursday, April 9, 2015

A Matter of When - On Sale Now

Although I normally can be found with my Kindle in my purse to take advantage of a few spare moments to read, I still collect print copies of books. There's just something about holding a paper book in your hands, isn't there?

Well, for the month of April, Dreamspinner Press is offering certain print titles at 50% off, including my latest Dreamspinner offering, A Matter of When, featuring a rocker whose feeling a bit lost and the dedicated opera tenor who helps him find his way again.

Pick up your copy today!



Wealth. Fame. Gold record. Hookers and Cocaine front man Henri Lafontaine has it all…including a control freak manager, band members who smile as they sharpen blades for his back, and last but damn well not least, a fan out to steal his heart. Literally. Trying to write hit songs and plan a comeback in the midst of the hi-fi white noise of LA feels more like watching his world implode, until he’s offered a month in the Colorado Rockies for vocal coaching.

Sebastian Unger’s rich, classically trained tenor inspires wicked thoughts. More than a pretty choir boy, he cracks the whip without hesitation to drive tattooed bad-boy Henri to give his all to his music. Working, fighting, and finally establishing a fragile peace, they find inspiration and perhaps more in each other. But the clock is ticking. Time will pull Henri back to the grit and gold of LA’s mean streets and fame machine, while Sebastian must return to the opera circuit, where a mysterious man known as “the patron” holds far too much sway. Only the trust they've built on a handful of notes bridges their two worlds...and shields them from malice.
 

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Coming Soon! Bo and Lucky Speak French!

Exciting news, y'all! Bo and Lucky will soon be speaking another language, courtesy of MXM Bookmark. Look for the French version to release in May, and I'll definitely keep you posted.

Until then, allow me to Introduce MXM's cover.

Ain't it purdy?


And the page is up!