I have created this blog to reach more people. The main website is http://www.selfpublishordie.com and you will find reviews, author interviews, and exciting guest posts there. Here you will find my book reviews. I will put all of the reviews from my other site, as well as some that I read for leisure if I have the time!! Thanks for visiting!!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post #3 - Interview with Bryan Smith
What inspired your new release? The Late Night Horror Show was originally going to be my ninth novel with Leisure Books. But Leisure went belly-up and I got out of the contract. Couple years later I revived it for Samhain Publishing. At this point I don’t really recall the initial inspiration. Probably as some sort of ultimate homage to B horror movies, I’d guess.
Tell us about any WIPs you have: I’m working on a crime novel called 68 Kill.
How many people ask you to read their books? Way too many. It’s why I’ve reverted to a blanket NO to that question.
In a word sum up your writing style: Visceral.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most? Either Jessica Sloan from Depraved, Kayla Monroe from my Kayla series, or Roxie from The Killing Kind.
Is there a genre you would like to try? I’ve been trying most of the ones I’m interested in, particularly with my recent forays into crime and urban fantasy fiction. Horror, crime, and urban fantasy will probably always be my main genres.
Could you live without coffee? I don’t like coffee. Beer’s another story. Try to take my beer away and you are in serious trouble.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes: Q: Why did the monkey fall out of the tree? A: It was dead. It’s not a very funny joke. I tell it to new people I meet just to annoy them.
What's your favorite thing about the writing process? Those moments when you’re so lost in the act of storytelling that you lose awareness of the actual physical process of writing, when it feels as if you’re witnessing real events and are simply transcribing them as fast as you can.
Three facts about you: 1. I sold my first mass-market novel at the age of 38, long after I should have given up and done something sensible with my life. 2. I’m agnostic. 3. I believe dogs are superior to cats on virtually every conceivable level.
Do you believe in UFOs? I would like to believe in UFOs, but I do not. Life certainly exists throughout the universe, but if we truly had been visited—and visited often—the proof would not be so elusive.
What was your favorite snack growing up? The hell if I know. I’m old. I can’t remember that far back.
Would you rather have fame or fortune? Fortune. Fame is overrated.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite? The Stand by Stephen King
Embarrassing guilty pleasure - Those midnight sacrificial offerings in the name of PRAISE HAIL SATAN.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert.
Favorites:
Muppet - Stabby
Cartoon growing up- Bugs Bunny.
Color- Red, the color of gore.
Type of Monster- Zombies
Do you speed when you drive? Always.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Brains.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing: I’ve put out my own digital editions of all my old Leisure Books titles, and they’ve done reasonably well. So based on that alone, I have a pretty favorable take on it these days. This is a marked contrast to when I was younger and self-publishing was referred to as “vanity” publishing. Back then it had a huge stigma and it was the last thing I ever wanted to be associated with, but times change.
Your thoughts on Zombies: They’re swell.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster? No. But I do believe in the Easter Bunny. And one day I’m gonna corner that fluffy little bastard and stab him and stab him until there’s nothing left but bloody fur and bunny guts.
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter? I don’t use Twitter much.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile? I’d rather go hiking with a flamethrower and a case of beer.
Your favorite type of music: Punk rock, psychobilly, hard rock, metal
Your favorite color of Skittle: Red. The color of murder.
Your favorite memory: I don’t remember, I blacked it out.
Your favorite quote: "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me."--Hunter S. Thompson
Your favorite way to spend an evening: Drinking, listening to vinyl records, hanging out with my dogs.
Tell us what you are working on now!: A crime novel called 68 Kill. There’s not a lot of screwing around in this story. It’s just action, action, action from the get-go, sort of a synthesis of Quentin Tarantino and Duane Swiercyznski filtered through my own skewed sensibilities.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog? Major in business. Because, really, if you hope to become a full-time writer someday, it will require total commitment and sacrifice at virtually every level of your life. Just about any other path you could choose will be easier. But if it’s really in your blood to do it, then by all means go for it, but know what it takes and that you can’t do it halfheartedly.
Summer of Zombie Blog Post #2 - Interview with James Cook
JAMES COOK SUMMER OF ZOMBIE BLOG TOUR
What inspired your new release?
I wanted to explore the psychological aspect of what happens to the two main characters in the wake of the zombie outbreak. The strain of it, the weight of their decisions, and the trauma that fighting and killing inflicts on the human mind. I also wanted to take the plot beyond just a survival story and weave it into the larger tapestry of world events. In Warrior Within, the two main characters begin to understand what their role will be in a large, imminent conflict. The story delves into not only how this affects the characters, but how it affects the people in the characters’ lives.
Tell us about any WIPs you have
I’m currently working on a standalone novel set in the Surviving the Dead universe. I am co-authoring it with Joshua Guess—author of the Living With the Dead series—and we expect it to be released sometime in July.
How many people ask you to read their books?
I used to get quite a number of requests, but in the last year or so, people have stopped asking. I get the impression that there is sort of an unwritten rule against doing so these days.
In a word sum up your writing style
Direct.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Lincoln Great Hawk. He is a new character introduced in Warrior Within. He’s a Navy SEAL of Apache descent, and is a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. Thankfully, he’s on the main characters’ side. His role in WW is a small one, but he will become very important in future novels.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
I have plans to write a dark urban fantasy series titled Jeremiah Cain: Vampire Hunter, and a traditional fantasy series titled Gladiator of Corsryn. I’d also like to dip my toes in the military or supernatural thriller waters, but I have a lot on my plate for the time being. That might have to wait.
Could you live without coffee?
I had to give up coffee. High blood pressure. I won’t lie, it’s been hard. But I’m managing.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes
Every circle of friends has that one person in it that’s a douchebag. When that person isn’t around, everyone else kind of looks at each other and whispers, “Why do we hang out with that person? He/she is a fucking douchebag.” And if you’re sitting there thinking to yourself, my circle of friends doesn’t really have anyone like that, then guess what, genius. You’re the douchebag.
What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
Being at home. I always hated office work. Now that I’m a full-time writer, I get to decide when, where, and how much I will work. My living room is a pretty great place to spend the day.
Three facts about you
I have a bachelor’s degree in finance from UNC Charlotte.
I hate broccoli with the fury of a thousand suns.
I once hit an opossum with a wiffle-ball bat. (It was threatening my Chihuahua.)
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
Fortune. Fame is for insecure Hollywood debutants whose parents didn’t love them enough. They can have it. I like my privacy.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert. I hate crowds. Extroverted people make me a little stabby.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing
I think ebooks, print on demand, and audiobooks are the future of publishing. There are a lot of great resources out there now for people who want to self-publish. Amazon, obviously, is leading the way on this. I don’t think traditional publishing is going away altogether, but the publishing houses that want to survive—and compete with Amazon—are going to have to change the way they do business. Drastically.
Your favorite type of music
I like lots of different music, but Heavy Metal will always hold a special place in my heart. When I was twelve, my cousin gave me a bootleg copy of Metallica’s Master of Puppets. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Your favorite quote
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
-Mark Twain
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Keep at it, don’t quit, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Most importantly, never stop trying to improve your craft. If you’re not trying to get better, you’re getting worse.
Summer of Zombie Blog Tour Post 1 - Interview with Armand Rosamilia
ARMAND ROSAMILIA SUMMER OF ZOMBIE
What inspired your new release?
After the first two Dying Days zombie books, I wanted not only the survivors to progress but the zombies themselves, or else they would simply rot away to nothing and we'd be done wit the story. I thought about it and (hopefully) came up with a great concept.
Tell us about any WIPs you have
I am currently working on about 19 projects (not a lie!) but the next zombie one will be Dying Days: Origins, a prequel to Tosha Shorb, a character introduced in Dying Days 2.
How many people ask you to read their books?
Too many, unfortunately. I don't have nearly enough time to read everything offered. If it's something that interests me I will try to read it, but if I don't like it 100% I won't bother to blurb for it. I let them know ahead of time. I have read some brilliant books this way, though.
In a word sum up your writing style
Sexy. Wait, that describes me. Written.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Darlene Bobich, most definitely. She's the star of the Dying Days series, and I am really happy with the way she's progressed and let's me tell her story.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
Hmm… I've written horror, thrillers, erotica, contemporary fiction, fantasy… I think a romantic comedy or a solid science fiction story at some point, just to see if I can do it.
Could you live without coffee?
Without coffee there is no real reason to live.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One of them asks the other 'does this taste funny to you?'
What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
Reading along as you write with great characters, just writing out their stories. When they come to life it is amazing.
Three facts about you
I hate the sight of blood… I am not a big fan of extreme horror movies… I once ate 37 White Castle cheeseburgers in one drunken night…
Do you believe in UFOs?
I believe there has to be something out there, but the chances so many have landed without anyone knowing, except Bigfoot and Elvis, seems odd.
What was your favorite snack growing up?
Anything chocolate. Chocolate rules.
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
I'd prefer both, but if I had to choose… fortune is always nice, plus then I can go to McDonalds without being swarmed.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?
Watership Down is my favorite book of all time.
Embarrassing guilty pleasure -
Singing 80's Hair Metal at the top of my lungs while I'm driving. And last week I was singing "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" from Judas Priest and was pointing at the lady in the car next to me (true story)
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I can be both, but once I get to know you I am an extrovert.
Favorites:
Muppet - Animal.
Cartoon growing up- Star Blazers
Color- Green
Type of Monster- Zombie (obviously!)
Do you speed when you drive?
Nope. I actually drive like an old man.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?
Ziti. But Spaghetti with meatballs is a close second.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing
Without it, who knows where we'd all be. I've accomplished more in the last 3 years than the 20 before trying to get my work out.
Your thoughts on Zombies
They are neat-o. I love zombies, especially in literature when the author can do something unique with them.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?
No. It was a hoax, remember? I also hate polar bears. (Totally unrelated)
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn't care less about Twitter?
I love Twitter. I have over 38,000 followers, and I love each and every one dearly.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn't your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?
I would rather drown on the sweet tea (which I love) rather than hike more than 22 feet.
Your favorite type of music
Thrash Metal old school dude.
Your favorite color of Skittle
I hate Skittles. They aren't chocolate.
Your favorite memory
The first time I saw Shelly getting out of her car. (I know, cheesy, but I can't help it)
Your favorite quote
Anything Morgan Freeman says, such as 'You can't handle the truth!'
Your favorite way to spend an evening
With the TV off, reading a good story on my Kindle and eating a pound of M&M's.
Tell us what you are working on now!
My contemporary fiction stories for the Flagler Beach Fiction Series, which are different from anything I've written before.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
My token advice should be taken to heart: start drinking heavily. And read great blogs, like this one. And mine at http://armandrosamilia.com
Thanks so much again!
No, thank you!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Silk and Scandal Promo!
Cassandra Dean
“Good with words
and stuff.”
http://cassandradean.com
SILK & SCANDAL – book 1 of The Silk Series
Release Date:
May 8, 2013
May 8, 2013
Blurb:
|
Eight years ago… Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.
All
things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.
But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him
ignore her.
|
Historical Early Victorian Romance
Review Copies
Available!! E-books
Type of stops include
guest blogs, interviews, excerpts, character interviews, etc.
Excerpt:
Thomas took a breath, knowing he
had to phrase this just right. “Lady Nicola, while I am cognizant of the honor
you do me, I don’t believe it appropriate you visit me in my chambers. Shall we
arrange a time that suits us both, perhaps for a walk about the park?”
China-blue eyes laughed at him.
“Oh, pish. Don’t be such a fuddy-duddy, Thomas. We never stood on such ceremony
before.”
Didn’t she know he couldn’t
be her friend? Not since their ways had parted and she’d become who she was,
while he had become who he was. “Our situations were different before, Lady
Nicola. It is not appropriate for a lady of your standing to visit a bachelor
in his chambers.”
“Who is going to comment? No one
knows I’m here.”
Was she serious? “My clerk knows
you’re here. By now, the senior clerk undoubtedly knows you’re here. Before ten
minutes have passed, everyone in the building will know you’re here.”
“Well, then, they are a bunch of
shocking gossips, and I should not like to know them any better.” She folded
her hands in her lap.
“Not the point, Nicola.” Bloody
hell, but she drove him mental. She tore at him and picked at him until he
didn’t know where he stood. Always she’d done this, taken what little sense he
had and driven it right out of his brain.
“I should say it is the point.
Our visit would not distress you, if it weren’t for them.”
“It should distress me in any
case. You should not be here.”
“Do you know what I’m hearing,
Thomas? I’m hearing a vast amount of negativity, when you’ve not even greeted
me properly. Why, you’ve yet to kiss my hand, or perhaps give me a h-hug.” Chin
up, she looked at him with eyes brimming, and he saw right through her facade.
She was truly hurt he’d not yet greeted her as he should.
Helpless, he stared at her. How
did she do it? How did she turn his brain to mush? She’d been here less than
five minutes, and already she had drawn him back in.
But she was right. He hadn’t
greeted her as he should.
Standing, he went to her and drew
her to her feet. “Welcome home, Nic.” And he hugged her.
Authors Bio:
Cassandra grew
up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she
learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never
without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous
adventures.
Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories,
gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered
Romance and a true passion was born.
So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of
finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror,
she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell
head over heels.
The love affair exists to this very day.
Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Review of Ghost Hand!
Ghost Hand
Olivia Black just discovered that her ghost hand, a rare birth
defect, can do more than light up a room. It can reach into people and pull things out. Things from the darkest depths of the human psyche never meant to exist in this world.
Olivia can pickpocket the soul.
But she can’t control her ability, or the strange items it extracts, and the only thing between Olivia and the men bent on taking the power of her hand is a boy she barely knows and doesn't trust.
Olivia can pickpocket the soul.
But she can’t control her ability, or the strange items it extracts, and the only thing between Olivia and the men bent on taking the power of her hand is a boy she barely knows and doesn't trust.
*****
Wow, did I love this book! I didn't get to devour it in one sitting, but I wanted to. Bravo, for an original story in the paranormal genre. I thought it was well written, and unique. I was angry at certain characters, and wary of others. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be entertained, because that is what this book gives you, a lot of entertainment. Can't wait for the next one!!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Heather Van Fleet Reveals Resisting Fate!
Her boyfriend’s been shipped out of town to some boarding school four states away. Her step douche is constantly drunk and badgering her. And then there’s her good-ole-mom… The lady is nothing more than a miserable shell of a woman. She’s turned off all of her feelings and her ability to be a good mother as well, leaving poor Emmy and her four year old brother Jamie to suffer. Life couldn’t get much worse, right?
Enter the elusive, cocky, and oh-so-broody Jack Hartman…
The jerk cousin of her boyfriend becomes Emmy’s worst nightmare…times ten. He’s cruel. He’s insensitive. But he also has this strange little ability over her – he makes her weak in the knees with the single touch of his hand. But no matter how miserable or amazing Jack makes her feel, Emmy can’t seem to deny him, especially when he takes on the role of her protector –her pseudo-knight in a black leather coat. A knight who also just so happens to ride in on his black Harley, instead of a white horse…
And to make a bad situation worse…
Werewolves and teens shouldn’t mix! But what can Emmy do when she finds herself thrown head first into the center of it all? Can she handle the supernatural mess her life rapidly becomes or will she fight against the inevitable fate her heart desires?
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