Category: Giveaways

ABOUT FARZANA

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Farzana Marie is PhD candidate in Middle Eastern Literatures at the University of Arizona’s School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies. Her research focuses on Persian literature, especially Afghan women’s poetry. She also writes and translates poetry. She holds a B.S. in the Humanities from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an M.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She served as an active duty officer for over six years, including two consecutive years of deployed service in Afghanistan (2010-2012), where she previously served as a volunteer teacher in Afghanistan orphanages (2003-2004). Farzana is the President of Civil Vision International, a non-profit charitable organization focused on positively influencing international relationships through connecting, informing, educating and inspiring citizens. (Photo Credit: Eric Hervey)

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Farzana Marie for participating in the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Celebration.

Blogiversary | Carrie Cross Giveaway Winner Announcement

March 14, 2015March 17, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ Leave a comment

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY WINNER

The winner of the Carrie Cross Giveaway is Heidi Burns! Heidi won an e-book copy of Carrie’s first book, Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills.

THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS BUY LINKS:

THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN JEWELS BUY LINKS:

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

Carrie Cross is an avid reader who fell in love with books as a little girl after reading Goodnight Moon. She wrote her first “book” at age four: Blackie the Little Black Dog and the Flying Washing Machine. Carrie discovered her love of mysteries reading Nancy Drew books and The Happy Hollisters series, and after writing THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS, she continues to look for clues in unexpected places to this day.

Carrie Cross’s influences include Judy Blume, Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and Lee Child. In addition to writing Skylar Robbins mysteries and reading, Carrie loves to cook, hike at the beach, go boating, and travel.

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Carrie Cross for participating in the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Celebration.

Blogiversary | Guest Post by Carrie Cross – The Publishing Experience

March 13, 2015March 9, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 1 Comment

THE PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE

GUEST POST BY CARRIE CROSS

My experience getting published has been a long, winding, bumpy road. I had been writing for many years when I finally submitted my first manuscript, an adult novel called The Dark File, to several agents. While many had positive things to say, or provided constructive criticism and an invitation to resubmit, none of them ever offered to represent me.

I’ve always loved to read Middle Grade and Young Adult, so while The Dark File was being shopped (it takes months for agents to reply) I started to write my first draft of a Skylar Robbins MG mystery. This early version of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills was called Magic Summer, and while I tried patiently to land an agent, I started writing the sequel, entitled Skylar Robbins: Secret Agent. Magic Summer never got a bite, but Secret Agent landed me…an agent.

I was picked up by Writers House, and had high hopes of getting a deal with a traditional publisher. However, after months of shopping my manuscript, all I had was a pile of apologetic rejection letters. Some were complimentary but said their house had another teen detective series which was too similar, and didn’t want to bring in a competing novel. Others contained excellent constructive criticism, which I implemented in my revision. This novel ultimately became The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels.

Most agents specify that authors should not “simultaneously submit” to more than one agent. They don’t want to waste their time reading a manuscript that might get snapped up by a competitor. It was my experience that agents typically take three months to read a submission and respond. So I did the math. If I wanted to try to get another agent, and then wait for that agent to submit my manuscript to various publishers (who also take months to reply) it could take many, many years before my books were ever in print. So I decided to self-publish.

My experience with Amazon’s Createspace has been excellent. Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills and The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels are now in print, and have gotten excellent reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I would heartily recommend aspiring authors to self-publish, as long as they are willing to do their own marketing. Traditional publishing houses no longer have the budget to spend on advertising, so authors will end up doing their own publicity anyway. I offer more Advice for Aspiring Writers on my blog: http://www.skylarrobbins.com/

Thanks so much for the opportunity to talk about my experience as an author. I hope this helps fellow writers complete their journey to publication.

THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS BUY LINKS:

THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN JEWELS BUY LINKS:

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

Carrie’s influences include Judy Blume, Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and Lee Child. In addition to writing Skylar Robbins mysteries and reading, Carrie loves to cook, hike at the beach, go boating, and travel.

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. Tomorrow is the last day to enter this giveaway.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with the announcement of the giveaway winner.

Blogiversary | Interview with Author Carrie Cross

March 12, 2015March 9, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 1 Comment

AUTHOR INTERVIEW | CARRIE CROSS

Q: Would you like to start by introducing yourself?

My name is Carrie Cross, and I’m the author of the Skylar Robbins mystery series. My first book, Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills, introduces thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins. Stuck at her bullying cousin’s Malibu estate for the summer, Skylar faces the challenges of starting a new school, making new friends, and dealing with her mean cousin Gwendolyn while feeling abandoned by her parents.

When an interesting classmate introduces her to witchcraft, her summer takes an exciting turn. But is Kat a true friend, or is she more interested in Gwendolyn’s cute stable boy? When the spells Skylar and Kat perform in an abandoned garden actually begin to work, Skylar has a much more terrifying mystery to solve.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book and the inspiration behind it?

My latest novel is book two in the series. Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels, is the sequel to Shadow Hills, and Skylar is a bit older, wiser, and more interested in boys.

As one reviewer wrote, “The adventures of teen detective, Skylar Robbins are sure to entertain you in Carrie Cross’s new book. I loved her first novel, Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills, but enjoyed this book even more! The risks are greater and the stakes are much higher. Clever and brave Skylar becomes involved in an intriguing new case while also dealing with the issues that face most girls in her age group. The story includes an awesomely creepy mansion with hidden rooms and clues to an exciting mystery. You’ll be rooting for Skylar as she battles bullies at school and dangerous outlaws who will stop at nothing to get those hidden jewels.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I knew I wanted to be an author since I was four years old. My first “novel,” Blackie the Little Black Dog and the Flying Washing Machine, was written in crayon on huge sheets of paper, complete with illustrations. Blackie flew to exciting places in, yes, a washing machine, and had some exciting adventures once he landed. Fluffily.

Q: What inspired you to start writing and what continues to inspire you to write now?

Reading inspired me to be a writer. I’ve loved books since hearing Goodnight Moon at bedtime when I was little. My favorite reading memories are from my middle school years, reading Judy Blume and others as rain thundered down on the roof above me. Those coming-of-age novels spoke to me. This is why I decided to write for that age group.

When I was six years old, my parents decided we needed to buy a bigger house. We looked at a creepy two-story in Santa Monica Canyon, and I played hide-and-seek with the little girl who lived there. There were closets and secret hiding places with doors that opened into other rooms. Later, I wondered, “What if there was a clue hidden in one of those closets, or a secret message written on the wall in invisible ink?” I never forgot that house, and it inspired me to write a mystery series with a smart, funny teen detective. That quirky sleuth is Skylar Robbins, and that creepy house inspired the abandoned mansion in The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on the third Skylar Robbins novel: The Mystery of the Missing Heiress. Each novel sets up the next mystery and provides the first clues for Skylar to figure out. At the end of Hidden Jewels, Skylar finds a note written in secret code, which is her first clue to decipher in mystery number three.

Q: Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals?

Nothing superstitious or ritualistic, but I have to be “in the zone.” If I’m not feeling creative, I don’t force it. When I’m in the mood to write, it can be anywhere from a comfy chair in my living room, to propped up in bed against pillows, to sitting in my car at a stop light. Once I got inspired in an airplane and was without paper, so I wrote a page and a half in tiny print on a barf bag!

Q: Where is your favorite place to read?

Anywhere and everywhere. I’m usually in the middle of three books at once: One in my car to be read in restaurants or anywhere I need to wait for more than a few minutes. Another for lunch hour reading, and one on my bedside stand. And that doesn’t count my Kindle!

Q: What are some of your favorite books to read?

I love YA, so some of my favorite authors include Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and I recently discovered Jessi Kirby. I also love Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels and Robert Crais’s Elvis Cole series. Judy Blume and Zilpha Keatly Snyder were my childhood faves. There are too many other good authors to mention.

Q: How do you keep yourself motivated to write?

There isn’t anything I need to do to keep myself motivated to write, as I love it. I just wish I had more time to devote to it. I have a full-time job and also own my own business, so writing hours are precious. I love to be able to close my eyes, picture Skylar in a precarious situation, and let my imagination run wild.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring authors out there?

I write a column on my blog at www.carrie-cross.com: Advice for Aspiring Writers. My first post advised:

Enjoy the writing process and revise, revise, revise. Get as many people as possible to read your manuscript and give you constructive criticism. Don’t just rely on family and friends for feedback. They love you and will tell you your book is great, even if it isn’t.

Find beta readers in your target age group who you don’t know personally. For instance, I asked my account base at work if they had children who would be willing to read my book, Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills, before publication, and emailed the manuscript to those kids. Their feedback was invaluable.

Finally, don’t let rejections from agents deter you from getting published. Self-publish if you don’t get a contract; you’re going to do most of your own marketing anyway. Calvin Coolidge said it best: Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent!

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with her guest post.

Blogiversary | Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels by Carrie Cross – Excerpt

March 11, 2015March 9, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ Leave a comment

EXCERPT | SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN JEWELS

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels

PUBLISHER:Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

My mom obviously hadn’t noticed Ms. Knight’s strange reaction, because when she looked at my dad, she smiled. She was an American history professor at UCLA and loved anything “with a history”. My dad loved anything classic, antique, or just plain old. He’s a chemist and an inventor, but with his short, light brown hair and his wire-rimmed glasses my dad looked like he could be a college professor himself.

No one would suspect the laboratory he worked in looked like a mad scientist’s and that he’d almost blown off his eyebrows when I was in first grade. Faint pink scars still speckle his forehead from when one of his concoctions exploded. If he hadn’t been wearing his goggles he could have ended up blind. Whenever I want permission to do something my mom thinks is dangerous she brings up my dad’s accident and asks me if I want to “follow in the risk-taker’s footsteps,” or “think it through more carefully first,” like she would.

I usually end up taking the risks.

After finishing my detective notes I looked out the window trying to catch my mom’s eye, hoping they’d hurry up and get in the car so we could get this over with. I didn’t want to move in the first place.

The house I grew up in is in Santa Monica, real close to the beach. I’ve investigated every square inch of our neighborhood, and I know its woodsy streets by heart. My best friend Alexa O’Reilly lives right around the corner. We’ve been BFFs since second grade when she moved here from Texas. She still has a tiny bit of a Southern accent. Like she calls cement, “SEA-ment.” Then I’ll say, “Sea-ment?” and Alexa’s green eyes look surprised. Then her freckled cheeks will bunch up and she’ll laugh at herself.

I’ve never had a friend as good as Alexa. Her excitement always makes everything fun and she cracks me up. This summer I got stuck at my cousin Gwendolyn’s house in Malibu for eight weeks while my parents toured Europe. That’s when I realized the meaning of true friendship. I went to summer school in Shadow Hills, and met a girl in art class named Kat who claimed to be a witch. She passed me notes in backward writing and thought up all these cool art projects we could do together. After casting dangerous spells with Kat in an abandoned garden and getting to know her better, I wondered if she just liked to trick everyone for her own benefit. Hanging out with Kat made me realize what a good friend Alexa really was. What real friends would do for each other, and wouldn’t do to each other.

When my parents got back from Europe they had huge news. My dad finally sold the formula for a non-alcoholic cough syrup he’d invented, and while they were in Paris a major drug company paid him a huge fee. Suddenly we were in the market for a much bigger house, and my mom couldn’t wait to move out of our small one. I didn’t care that we suddenly had more money than we used to have. The only thing that mattered to me was that my family was about to move. If my parents buy a home very far away, Alexa and I won’t be able to go to the same middle school, and we’ve been looking forward to going to Pacific together forever.

My mom climbed into the backseat beside me and I quietly closed the cover on my iPad. Ms. Knight turned around and gave us a big smile. “I’m excited about the next house.” She sounded like she was acting. “I can’t wait to see how you like it,” she told my dad. He was sitting next to her in front because he was too tall for the back seat. We drove for a couple of blocks and I watched the ocean while we waited for the light to turn green so we could turn onto Pacific Coast Highway.

The white water rushing toward the sand churned messily, like each swirling bit couldn’t decide in which direction to go. The dark blue water near the horizon looked calm, but between the deep water and the shore there was a threatening, shifting movement. It made me nervous. Like something was welling up and heading toward us. Something dangerous that couldn’t be stopped. One wave after another loomed slowly in the distance, rising higher and building power before rolling steadily forward. Then each one crashed down onto the sand, exploding into bubbly white froth.

We’d lived a few minutes away from the Santa Monica pier since I was born, so I know its roller coaster and game booths like I know my backyard. Looking out the window, I imagined the smell of buttered popcorn and corndogs as we drove up the coast with the windows rolled up. I remembered how good it felt to ride the Ferris wheel, like I was soaring over the sea. My favorite car was the pink one. I didn’t mind its rusty sides or the cracked leather seat. When you rode that Ferris wheel up into the sky and looked out over the sparkling ocean it felt like you were on top of the world.

BUY LINKS:

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with an author interview.

Blogiversary | Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills by Carrie Cross – Excerpt

March 10, 2015March 17, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ Leave a comment

EXCERPT | SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills

PUBLISHER: Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: January 17, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

Kat headed toward the ocean and I followed, relieved when she stopped at the dark wet sand. The white water rushed toward us and we ran backward before it wet our shoes. Kat pulled a big shell out of her pocket and set what looked like a sunflower seed in the center. The clouds shifted and the moon appeared, lighting the sand around us. Standing behind Kat, I watched her kneel down and place the shell on the sand. She drew a triangle around it with her finger.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“A symbol of our desire,” she murmured, so softly it sounded like she was talking to herself. “So that the sea powers will receive the spell.” I had to strain to hear her over the roaring of the waves. She looked up at me over her shoulder. “So we find the gem seeds?”

I nodded. To let her know I got it.

Then she pulled the pearls, white pebbles, and flower petals out of her pocket and set them down in a circle around the shell with the seed on it. “The tide has to bring the waves across the shell,” she said, as the white water sizzled forward, but not close enough. “And now the words of enchantment.” Kat cleared her throat and began to speak slowly as the sea welled up in the distance.

“Goddesses of Moon, Earth, and Sea, my wish in thy names must come to be.
Powers and forces which tides do make, I summon your waves, my spell to take.” She stood up and we backed up into thick, dry sand just in time. A powerful wave broke, sending white water splashing across the wet sand and over the shell and back, carrying the seed and her other offerings out into the dark ocean.

Kat brushed sand off her hands. “OK, we’re done here. Now, to the caves. We’re looking for the third one.”

I tried to keep my voice from shaking. “The third cave?” Another huge wave slammed the shore and I felt it vibrate beneath my feet. The water hissed and rumbled as it moved down the beach like a train escaping down a track.

“Yes,” she called over her shoulder. “The map shows a series of caves, and we need to look inside the third one for the gem seeds. We just have to be careful that the tide doesn’t come in while we’re inside a cave. Or we’ll get trapped.”

She walked faster. I followed with my heart pounding, imagining cold water flooding into a cave and drowning us. I wished that I had brought my pepper spray—or a life jacket. Something that would protect me. From what, I wasn’t sure. Looking back the way we’d come, I hoped to spot Kat’s house up on its stilts so I knew how to get back. But the coastline had curved and I couldn’t even see the staircase any longer.

“Sky,” Kat cried suddenly, pointing across the black sand. “Look. There they are.” I was more concerned about the rising tide, and looked out over the dark rumbling ocean. White spray flew up in the air as another huge wave crashed nearby. So loud it sounded like a refrigerator fell off a tall building and landed right next to us. I hurried after Kat as the water rushed forward. “This is it. Three caves.” Moonlight cast shadows behind the boulders that guarded the entrance. We darted around them and climbed under the rock arch.

The dark cave stunk of washed-up kelp, dank and rotten. I shuffled forward on the damp sand with my hands out in front of me like a sleepwalker, hoping I wouldn’t stumble over a rock or bash into a wall. I pulled out my flashlight and turned it on. As soon as its beam lit up the cave, heavy flies woke up, buzzing around the seaweed and bonking into my face. I ducked, swatting them away. Kat hurried past me and rushed toward the back of the cave, peering at the ground. Suddenly she cried, “Skylar—here they are. I found the gem seeds!” Hidden between the boulders, disguised as wet pebbles, shining gem seeds winked up at us.

Bending down with my hands shaking and the flashlight beam bobbing, I picked up seedpods as fast as I could while the icy water crept closer and closer. I had a handful of pods when it became too late to stay another minute. A huge wave exploded on the beach and cold air poured into the cave. Seconds later seawater soaked through my tennis shoes, freezing my feet.

The tide was coming in. “Kat—we have to leave. Now!”

She looked outside the cave and the shock showed on her face. White water covered the rocks and sand that separated us from the ocean. “You’re right. If we stay here any longer we’ll get trapped.” Kat rushed past me and I hurried behind her out into the freezing air. I dropped a gem seed but I didn’t care. Kat tore across the sand so fast I could barely keep up. If she lost me and another huge wave broke, I was dead. My feet churned through the wet sand and my calf muscles started to ache but I kept on running. It was so dark I wasn’t sure we were even heading toward her house. I just followed the sound of her feet crunching the sand, gulping air as I ran, afraid I would suddenly feel someone’s hand on the back of my neck or a freezing wave breaking over my head. It was so dark I couldn’t tell if I was getting closer to Kat’s house or if I was about to stumble into the sea.

Then I saw it. In the distance a tiny light flashed on and off, like it was trying to guide us home. My heart sped up. Kat and I ran toward it and it got brighter. I turned my flashlight on and off, signaling back. Strong waves smashed the shore as we plowed across the sand. It felt like we ran for blocks before finally reaching the back staircase. Devon stood at the bottom. The flashlight was so heavy it was straining his fragile wrist. He clicked it off for the last time.

“We made it,” Kat said triumphantly, like it was her accomplishment. She shoved past her brother, heading up the wooden steps.

“Glad you did,” he said, looking me in the eye as he dropped the heavy flashlight to his side.

“Thank you,” I said, panting. “How did you know?”

“She always sneaks out at night,” Devon whispered. “I figured she wouldn’t wait for you and you might get lost.” He held out a small fist to bump my knuckles and I grabbed him in a hug instead. Then I staggered up the creaky stairs behind Kat, holding the gem seeds tightly in my fist.

BUY LINKS:

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copy of Cemetery Tours and Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with an excerpt of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Hidden Jewels.

Blogiversary | Carrie Cross Bio & Giveaway

March 9, 2015March 3, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ Leave a comment

This week I’m featuring another Women’s National Book Association – Los Angeles Chapter member, Carrie Cross. Carrie Cross is the late Sylvia Cross’s daughter. Sylvia was the past national president of WNBA.

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills

PUBLISHER: Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: January 17, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

“Thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins is horrified to learn that she’ll be stuck at her bullying cousin Gwendolyn’s creepy mansion for the summer. She has no idea how much excitement and danger awaits her in Malibu’s Shadow Hills. As soon as Skylar arrives at the estate, unexplainable events begin to happen. She discovers a hidden garden in the huge back yard, and her new friend Kat pronounces it the perfect place to perform spells. Practical Skylar is skeptical, until the magic appears to start working.

Is Kat a real middle school witch and a true friend, or is she just interested in the cute stable boy? Did she use magic to control Skylar’s body, or was it all part of a complicated hoax? Who or what is making those terrifying noises up in Shadow Hills at night?

Rumors are flying and the locals are afraid. Kat challenges Skylar to take increasingly dangerous risks while she tries to solve the mystery. Armed with her detective tools, brains, and a huge dose of courage, Skylar will face her deepest fears to find the truth.”

BUY LINKS:

TITLE: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of the Hidden Jewels

PUBLISHER:Teen Mystery Press

PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2014

GENRE: Teen Mystery

“A deserted mansion perches on a steep hillside, overlooking a rocky canyon. Tattered curtains hang behind broken windows, and a turret stretches toward the sky. Three years ago the wealthy owner disappeared suddenly, leaving behind a house full of secrets: A mysterious note, tantalizing clues, a hidden floor, one piece of a treasure map, and a missing fortune in diamonds.

Thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins moves into the mansion with her parents and embarks on a new and dangerous mission. Armed with her detective kit, and with the support of her BFF Alexa and a team of secret agents, Skylar sets out to decipher the clues and find the diamonds. Can she outwit a gang of aggressive bikers and find the hidden jewels before they do? Or will the perils of middle school–like battling ruthless bully Emelyn Peters for the attention of class hottie Dustin Coles–get in her way?”

BUY LINKS:

ABOUT CARRIE CROSS

CARRIE CROSS GIVEAWAY

Carrie Cross has generously provided (1) e-book copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. This giveaway will run until March 14th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carrie Cross week continues tomorrow with an excerpt of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills.

Blogiversary | Alva Sachs Bio & Book Blurbs

March 8, 2015March 8, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ Leave a comment

Today, I’m featuring a fellow Women’s National Book Association – Los Angeles Chapter member, Alva Sachs. While I don’t read Children’s books at this time, I know that some of my followers do have children and might appreciate a little change of pace. That’s why I decided to share Alva’s four children’s books during my Blogiversary Celebration.

TITLE: Dear Master Dragon

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: September 19, 2013

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Danny Dragon decides to write a letter to the Master Dragon for help. Why would Danny need help?

Will The Master Dragon write him back, or will he have to solve his problems by himself?

Join Danny on his adventure as he discovers what it is like to be REAL dragon.”

BUY LINKS:

TITLE: I’m 5

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2011

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Julie is turning “5” and celebrating with delicious cake, colorful balloons, best friends, and fun games.

The party is over and Julie is ready for school, but school is NOT ready for her!

How could this happen? How can this be?

Join Julie on her adventure as she waits for the BIG day to arrive. Hurry, you don’t want to miss the big yellow bus!”

BUY LINKS:

TITLE: On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2009

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Justin, Mario, and Marcus are
best friends.

Saturday is their favorite day!

They wait all week to hang out together, but this Saturday is different.

What happened? It takes all three of them and their dads to make this Saturday the
best ever!”

BUY LINKS:

TITLE: Circus Fever

PUBLISHER: Three Wishes Publishing Company

PUBLICATION DATE: April 28, 2008

GENRE: Children’s Books

“Jessica has a BIG imagination, and an even bigger love for clowns. The circus is coming to her town, and she can’t wait to go.

There are lots of surprises waiting for her and YOU!

What happens to Jessica under the big top is an adventure she will never forget!”

BUY LINKS:

ABOUT ALVA

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN

My life has been one “serendipity” after another!

I was born and raised in the “Windy City,” Chicago. I moved around quite a bit with my family over the years when I was younger. I always loved going to school, making friends, doing homework, and reading Archie comic books with my sister, Bonny. I landed back in the Chicago area and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, however I never intentionally wanted to be a teacher! I say, “Serendipity!”

It was the most exciting and rewarding “accident” that I had ever had. After teaching for 16 years and continuing on with my education, I received a Master of Education degree from Northern Illinois University and kept enjoying all the children who entered my classroom over the years.

Meeting my husband, Paul, and having my three children are all part of my serendipity experiences. I am such a lucky girl!

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogiversary | Cemetery Tours by Jacqueline Smith – Book Review

March 7, 2015March 7, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 7 Comments

BOOK REVIEW | CEMETERY TOURS

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Some secrets are best kept laid to rest.

At least, that’s as far as Michael Sinclair is concerned. At twenty-seven, he has spent his entire life perfecting the art of pretending that the ghosts he encounters on a daily basis do not exist. Now, if only the dead would let him rest in peace.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely, especially after Kate Avery and her ailing brother, Gavin, move in next door. Kate and Gavin are haunted, and not by a dearly departed loved one. This spirit is aggressive, menacing, and harboring a dark resentment toward Gavin. In spite of every instinct advising him to walk away, Michael finds himself seeking to uncover the mysteries of Gavin’s past, and falling for the bright and lovely Kate. Yet competing for her affection is Luke Rainer, television’s hottest celebrity ghost hunter and the only (living) person to know Michael’s secret.

But the dead have secrets, too. Some will go to any length to withhold what should have gone with them to the grave, while others will risk everything to make their voices heard, even if that means putting another’s life at stake. Now, for the sake of friends and strangers alike, Michael must choose between preserving his cherished anonymity and lending his aid to those for whom all hope seems lost.”

MY THOUGHTS

I’m not the type of person who believes in ghosts. I was telling my fiancé this the other day. I told him that I would essentially have to see it to believe it, but Kate Avery is the complete opposite. She believes in ghosts even though she can’t see them and Michael Sinclair can.

I never thought that I would like a book about ghosts, but I throughly enjoyed it. There were a lot of twists and turns in Cemetery Tours and the way Smith portrayed Michael’s ability reminded me of the movie Sixth Sense (if the boy was older).

While I was reading it, I started thinking about what I would do if I had the ability to see ghosts. Would I use my gift to help ghosts find peace or be like Michael and completely ignore them. I don’t blame him for ignoring them, especially after what happened to him as a teenager (I won’t give it away).

In Cemetery Tours, ghosts are people who have died and have some sort of unfinished business, at least that’s what I got from the book, but then Michael mentions that he talks to his grandmother and unofficial roommate all the time. Both seemed like they didn’t have any unfinished business. These two elements got me thinking, perhaps the ghosts had a choice about whether they stayed on earth or moved on.

I really admired Michael. He’s essentially keeping a part of himself locked up from everyone and can’t fully be who he is because of it, but I do understand why he would keep his ability to see ghosts a secret. Considering how cynical I am about ghosts, I personally would think that Michael was crazy and I wouldn’t believe him. Then Michael meets Kate and everything changes for him. She makes him want to open up about what he can do, but it takes a little push from a pseudo-celebrity and an angry ghost to finally admit to it.

Now let me tell you a bit about the character Kate Avery.

Kate was in a tragic car accident that left her with a lot of questions and left her feeling like a fragment of herself. Her family was keeping something important from her and I couldn’t put the book down when I realized what it was. I just couldn’t wait for that reveal.

Jacqueline Smith really keeps your attention and keeps your imagination flowing throughout the book. Each time I thought the book was ending something else smacked me in the face, but it was tying up loose ends I was questioning.

I honestly don’t want to give away any of the juicy details because I believe this is a great book to read and be surprised by the ending, but I can tell you that I was yearning to find out what happened. I will admit that there were a few parts that got me wanting to sleep with the lights on, but it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t sleep (let’s just say I can’t sleep after reading Stephen King books).

Overall, I loved Cemetery Tours and it made me excited to read the sequel, Between Worlds (which I finished in two days). I would recommend this book to anyone who’s open to reading a story about ghosts.

FAVORITE QUOTES

“It was amazing, the effect that the simplest sentiment from the right guy could have on a girl’s entire day.”

“Illuminated only by the light of the waning moon, the headstones of the graveyard seemed far more sinister and ominous. If she didn’t know better, she’d have sworn that the eyes of the angels perched atop several graves were following them as they made their way to the center of the cemetery.”

“Michael had always thought that he wouldn’t fear death. He’d been wrong. The idea of death didn’t bother him. The act of dying, however, was a whole different story.”

OVERALL RATING

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | B&N

PUBLISHING COMPANY: Wind Trail Publishing

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2013

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Jacqueline E. Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Performance in 2010. Two years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Humanities.

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature. (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Jacqueline has generously provided (3) e-book copies of Cemetery Tours and (3) e-book copies of it’s sequel, Between Worlds. There will be (3) Winners who will receive one copy of each book. This is your last chance to enter this giveaway as it ends today. I will announce the winners tomorrow morning.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Jacqueline Smith for participating in the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary!

Blogiversary | Guest Post by Jacqueline Smith – The Publishing Experience

March 6, 2015March 3, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 2 Comments

THE PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE

GUEST POST BY JACQUELINE SMITH

When I first decided I wanted to publish Cemetery Tours, I had no idea how I planned to go about doing so. First, I thought about pursuing the traditional route: query agents, sign contracts with the big publishing houses, etc. For a while, that sounded like the way to go. After all, I knew nothing about copyright, barcodes, ISBN, or how I could turn my piddly little manuscript into, you know, a real BOOK. The whole idea was actually really overwhelming.

But then I did a little research. I went to the library and read every book I could find on publishing. I met up with a friend who had independently published his own novel and who also happens to be a lawyer. He gave me a run down of all the pros and cons of independent publishing. The cons being, of course, less publicity, less resources, and you had to do all the work yourself. But the benefits, I realized, were substantial. For one thing, I would be in total control over my books. Not only that, all the legal rights would remain with me. I wouldn’t be bound to any contracts or any bottom lines. I would be free to do with my books whatever I wanted.

As it turned out, making the decision to independently publish was the easy part. I didn’t realize that there would be a hundred more decisions to be made. For example, did I want to purchase my ISBN in bulk or did I want to buy them one at a time? Did I want to design my own book cover or did I want to hire an artist? I will spare you the gory details of every decisions I made and how I made them because, to be honest, it will probably bore you. Also, I’m a firm believer in what works for one person will not necessarily work for another person (however, I did buy in bulk and I did hire a designer).

The biggest piece of advice I can offer to any aspiring author is to go for it. Make your dreams come true. We’ve all heard that old saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” That is 100% true. You can do anything you set your mind to. Fear and self-doubt are incredibly powerful, and they will try to get you down. Don’t let them. Persevere. Work hard. And most importantly, believe in yourself and in your abilities. Most of us are capable of so much more than we attempt.

I’d like to thank you, Danielle for this week and for everything you do for the literary and blogging community. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for you next! I’m sure it will be great! Happy Blogiversary!

CEMETERY TOURS BUY LINKS:

BETWEEN WORLDS BUY LINKS: