Monday, December 28, 2015

Book review: He said, She said: Beyond the style Manual by Laura E Koons.





He Said, She Said: Writing Effective Dialogue
By Laura E. Koons
Genre: Nonfiction

Dialogue that drones on, clutters the page, or stalls the scene can ruin even the best of novels. Learn to avoid common dialogue pitfalls, balance your writing, and dazzle your readers, editors, and agents with snappy scenes and smooth-as-silk transitions between dialogue and narrative. “He Said, She Said” is packed with innovative instruction, detailed information, and essential exercises to help your dialogue skills mesmerize and impress.

The information offered in “He Said, She Said” is easy to understand and simple to implement. In this guide book you will learn: How to balance realistic dialogue with your narrative style, including addressing accents and learning the 4 things to leave out of your dialogue 5 ways to seamlessly insert dialogue into your scene, such as expressing gestures and employing summary dialogue 7 tricks to getting the most out of dialogue tags: everything from finding the right intensity level to avoiding POV issues 4 ways to improve your dialogue crafting skills, with prompts and exercises included

Don’t waste an opportunity for success by settling for mediocre dialogue in your novel. Let “He Said, She Said” help you craft your characters’ exchanges with ease and skill.

Author Bio 

Laura E. Koons attended Lycoming College and then completed graduate degrees in Creative Writing at both Ohio University and The University of Tennessee. She has worked on several literary magazines including Quarter After Eight, Drunken Boat: an online journal of art and literature, and Grist: The Journal for Writers, where she served as Fiction Editor for the inaugural issue.

She currently edits for Red Adept Publishing. In her free time, Laura can usually be found with a book in hand, but sometimes she puts them down long enough to enjoy swimming, crocheting, and doing volunteer work at both her local library and history museum. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two ancient, snarky cats.

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PgVlUI
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lycomayflower


A 5 Star Book Review

I received the book from the touring host for an honest review. 
This is such a wonderful tool to have for authors that will help you effectively within the writing process. It is practical and useful and it is clear the author has a clear understanding of the subject. The layout of the book gives you plenty of information to be used in everyday writing making your book lively with the insightful instructions. I definitely learned a lot from this book and cannot wait to start writing again to put it to good use.
Short and to the the point this is a book you will go back to time and again making dialogue not a boring inset but a lively conversation that brings color to your book and characters.
A perfect tool in your writing.



Forever Christmas by 4 well known authors...Sweet Romance where the spirit of Christmas never fades.

Through Life and Death by Jennifer Felton

Announcing the release of Hunter deceived by Nancy Corrigan. Read more about the book and enter the Giveaway.

HunterDeceivedRBBanner


HunterDeceived300

GoodReads

He was born to kill her…but he’ll risk all to save her

Synopsis

Wild Hunt, Book 1
Every day, Harley fights the urge to embrace the dark heritage that could turn her Unseelie. Evil. Bad. A nightmarish monster like the ones that wiped out her family. The only thing keeping her on this side of Seelie is a promise made to the ghostly man who saved her that terrible night.
Whenever she’s tempted, she calls up a vision of his eyes. Hears his voice calling her back from the brink of madness. Years later, when she returns to the scene of her living hell, he’s her only hope for salvation.
Calan, the leader of the Wild Hunt, was created to protect mankind from the Unseelie Court, not love one of them. He never expected the rightness he felt with her all those years ago would explode into desire.
But saving her from a fate she can’t escape could damn them both…and leave the world open for destruction.
Warning: Contains a half-fae woman who could really use a Seelie version of AA to stay clean and monster-free. And a rider of the Wild Hunt who’ll take any risk to keep her safe from her enemies. Including himself.
Note: This book was previously published. It has been expanded and re-edited.
Excerpt
A long moment passed where they watched each other, two strangers on the verge of becoming so much more. The full impact hit her, left her a little shaky inside but not anxious. No, excitement sped her pulse. She licked her lips, already envisioning what they’d do together. “So, am I right?” He slid his hungry gaze to her breasts. The points stood erect, and the sheen of her skin betrayed how hot she’d gotten from touching herself. “Oh yes, I’ll fuck you, my Harley. Sometimes hard and fast. Other times so damn slowly, you’ll beg me to fill you up.” He met her eyes. “I’ll take you so often and in so many ways, you’ll want me to be the center of your world as you are now mine.” He released her wrists and covered one breast with his hand. The hard point pushed against his callused skin, and a jolt of electricity raced down her spine. He captured the tip she’d teased minutes ago. The small pinch arched her back. “Do you like that?” She flicked her gaze from his long fingers holding her nipple to his face and nodded. “Do it again.” One corner of his mouth rose. He rolled the tip, and she gasped. Another tug clenched her core. “Beautiful. I can’t wait to watch that look pass over your face when I fuck you.” She whimpered. The smile giving him a roguish look turned wicked. “You do want me to ram my cock inside you and make you come apart around my dick”—he ran the tip of his tongue over his upper lip—“don’t you?” “I…I…” She couldn’t get the words out. He released her hands and sat back so he knelt between her thighs. Her attention shifted from the desire stamped on his face to the long length of his erection molded by his pants. “Touch it.”
Teaser 

  Harley 1

BuyNow

BooksInTheSeries

HunterSacrificed300

Hunter Sacrificed, book 0.5…a free read
Hunter Forsaken, book 2.0…releases 2-16-16. Available for pre-order.
Giveaway
AboutTheAuthor
A true romantic at heart, Nancy Corrigan is convinced there’s a knight in shining armor for every woman (or man), but you won’t find damsels in distress in her stories. She adores pairing alpha heroes with women strong enough to match them and bring them to their knees. She also enjoys flipping the traditional roles in romances because her motto is—love and people should never be forced to conform to anyone’s norm. She holds a degree in chemistry and has worked in research but now focuses on ensuring quality. She considers it the perfect outlet for her as she’s the first to admit she has some OCD tendencies. It carries over into her writing life too. While engrossed in a novel, she has a habit of forgetting to eat and sleep. Fortunately, she’s married to her own knight in shining armor who understands her oddities and loves her anyway. They reside in Pennsylvania with their three children, dog, snake and guinea pigs. Her other interests include tattoos, animals, classic cars and all things spooky and sexy.
AuthorLinks
Website I Newsletter I Pinterest I Facebook Follow/Friend I Facebook Page I Amazon Page I Email
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Saturday, December 19, 2015

It started in Texas by MB Feeney. Now available at Amazon.

Charity Book Blitz: The dark dozen by renowned authors. Available now. Save a life, Buy a book.


The Dark Dozen: Stories for Scarborough
by Travis Luedke, C.N. Lesley, Danielle DeVor, Maer Wilson, Steven Ramirez, Jody A. Kessler, Louann Carroll, Ross G. Homer, M. Joseph Murphy, Robert P. Wills, Karenne Griffin, and Allan B. Anderson
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Release Date: December 2, 2015



***SPECIAL NOTE: SAVE A LIFE, BUY A BOOK*** 

This fund-raising anthology of Horror and Sci-Fi short stories was created to benefit Altoine Scarborough, a man in desperate need of a heart transplant. The stories, cover art, formatting, editing and compilation were all donated. Every penny of the royalties we receive will go to Al’s GOFUNDME project. (MW)

Vampires to ghosts to monsters—and futures we won’t want to see come true—fill this collection of dark stories that are sure to give you chills. This stellar, fan-favorite group, which includes award-winning and best-selling authors, brings a unique voice to some familiar and not-so-familiar creatures. Join Travis Luedke, C.N. Lesley, Danielle DeVor, Maer Wilson, Steven Ramirez, Jody A. Kessler, Louann Carroll, Ross G, Homer, M. Joseph Murphy, Robert P. Wills, Karenne Griffin, and Allan B. Anderson for a trip into the Darkness.


BROWN THE RECLUSE by Steven Ramirez – Ted Brown is a man slipping away from reality. Long estranged from his family and living in Seattle, he works at a job he no longer values and lately appears to be losing his memory. But when he discovers a spider in his apartment, that’s when things get really interesting.

THE RAID by Maer Wilson – Gamers are often loyal to their teammates. When Aelan and her friends tackle an evil dragon, that loyalty goes far beyond what anyone expects.

THE BONES by Danielle DeVor – Sometimes, things leave a residue, like the smell left behind when toast is burned. When a medical student brings a skeleton home to study, her child’s life will never be the same.

THE WHISPERING by Karenne Griffin – The small village of Gorland is horrified as their children kill themselves in what appear to be suicide pacts. But there is much more going on and only one child has the key.

THE DIARY OF A MADMAN by Robert P. Wills – Just because others don’t see the ghosts, doesn’t mean they aren’t real.

THE CALL: AN ANGEL FALLS NOVELLA by Jody A. Kessler – Professional shaman and cranky, anti-social ghost hunter, Chris Abeyta, finds spirits and helps them cross over to the afterlife. In his latest case, he and Juliana Crowson find the ghost of a girl trapped by time and a heart-wrenching tale of a camping trip gone terribly wrong.

THE FOUNDLINGS: JENNY’S TALE by Louann Carroll – Technology meets morality when Jenny loses her only friend. Terrified and alone she must choose between reentering the world or living the rest of her life in the dark.

MUMANS by Ross G. Homer – He found love in the most unlikely place. But could he keep the love he found?

A TALE OF TWO QUEENS AND A FROZEN HEART by Allan B. Anderson – Reily, an experienced troubleshooter, is hired to find two teams who have gone missing in a frozen wasteland. But even his skills may not be enough to survive what he discovers.

THE VAMPIRE AND THE VALIANT WARRIOR by M. Joseph Murphy – A noble thief in search of ancient treasure stumbles upon the den of a sadistic vampire.

HELL IS NEVER FULL by C.N. Lesley – When the seed of hate is sown it puts forth shoots of malice that bear flowers of evil. Time has no meaning for revenge.

DREAMS OF NIGHTLIFE LAS VEGAS by Travis Luedke – An author has an unexpected encounter with one of his most dangerous – and sexy – creations.

For more information about Al’s situation or to donate directly to his GoFundMe project, please check out these links below:

Any support to help save Al’s life will be deeply appreciated.
Al’s GOFUNDME Page – https://www.gofundme.com/l1911s
Al’s Facebook Page – WE HEART AL – https://www.facebook.com/We-Heart-Al-611995988938764/
Amazon – THE DARK DOZEN – http://goo.gl/H8lsPo

To read more about Al's story and how this anthology came about, visit Maer Wilson's website.






http://www.bookpartnersincrimepromotions.com/p/blogger-only-giveaway.html

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Montana Hearts by Darlene Panzera is now on Tour. Darlene Panzera continues her heartwarming Western series with a roughed-up cowboy, the feisty girl next door, and the deal that brings them together. #Excerpt inside.







Title: Montana Hearts: Sweet Talkin' Cowboy
Author Name:  Darlene Panzera
Genre: Western Romance
Release Date: 12/15/2015
Publisher (or Self): Avon Books



Blurb:

Darlene Panzera continues her heartwarming Western series with a roughed-up cowboy, the feisty girl next door, and the deal that brings them together

If it wasn’t for an injury to his leg, Luke Collins would be riding rodeo broncos all day, every day. Until he heals, he’s determined to help his family’s guest ranch bring in money any way he can. But when a cranky neighbor gets in the way of his goal, Luke turns to the only person he knows can help: the gorgeous, rodeo-barrel-racing spitfire next door.

It’s no secret: Sammy Jo’s father is a pain in the neck. But if anyone can persuade him, it’s her. So when Luke asks for help, Sammy Jo is more than willing to make a deal with the handsome cowboy. The cost? He’s gotta get back up on that horse—with Sammy Jo’s help, of course.

As teamwork reveals a deeper connection, Luke finds himself falling for the beautiful girl next door. But to win her heart? He’ll just have to do whatever it takes.




Buy Links





Author Bio:

DARLENE PANZERA writes sweet, fun-loving romance and is a member of the Romance Writers of America’s Greater Seattle chapter. Her career launched when her novella “The Bet” was picked by Avon Books and New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber to be published within Debbie’s own novel, Family Affair. Darlene says, “I love writing stories that help inspire people to laugh, value relationships, and pursue their dreams.”

Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and three children. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her family and her two horses, and loves camping, hiking, photography, and lazy days at the lake.

Join her on Facebook or at www.darlenepanzera.com



Author Social Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188608.Darlene_Panzera





A Collateral Attraction by Liz Madrid. Book 1 in the Fire and Ice Series.






SYNOPSIS:
Billie Delphine has always been content standing in the sidelines while her identical twin sister, Blythe, gets all the attention, including a glamorous lifestyle with billionaire, Ethan Kheiron, who will do anything to wrestle back control of the family fortune from his younger brother, Heath.
But when Blythe disappears with Ethan while Billie is visiting her in New York, the last thing Billie wants is to be mistaken for her sister — or be falsely accused of a crime that Billie knows Blythe did not commit.  So when Heath suggests they work together to find them, Billie agrees.
But a life of luxury cannot hide the years of unresolved differences between sisters, nor the decades of lies that have left the Kheiron family divided. And even as Billie slowly falls for Heath, she knows that until they all settle their differences, they're just pawns on someone else's game of power — where some of them are more expendable than others.



Did you know???

A Collateral Attraction was first titled Collateral when it was being serialized on Wattpad as one of the entries for Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write competition, and RT Book Reviews featured it as one of the top 5 romances to read for July 2015.



EXCERPT:

While Blythe is in the back room having her dress fitted to her measurements, I’m enjoying my second glass of wine when the front doors burst open, and a man strides in. He’s dressed in an immaculately tailored suit that can’t hide a broad chest and slim waist, his long strides emphasizing muscled thighs and long legs. He’s like a Greek god with dark hair and piercing steel blue-gray eyes, a strong jaw and full lips, and the way he moves reminds me of a panther, smooth and stealthy. The wine has probably made me act bolder than I usually am, though when his gaze sweeps across the room and our eyes meet, my confidence falters. I look down into my glass, suddenly wishing I’m invisible, not that it helps, for he’s seen me and now he’s striding purposefully towards me.One of the employees, a young woman with a pixie hair cut that reminds me of Twiggy, meets him halfway. "May I help you, sir?”
“I’m here to speak to her,” he says, pointing his finger at me. I look up at him, startled. Me? 
Do I know him? I struggle to remember if I’ve seen him before, maybe someone Blythe introduced me to sometime between my arrival and right now, but I come up empty.
“I’m sorry, sir, but we’re in the middle of a private event, and I’ll have to ask you to leave,” the young woman says, and just like that, I swear the temperature in the room turns cold as his gaze sweeps along the length of her.
“Obviously you’re new. Do you know who I am?" Before she can answer, Alicia appears next to her, smiling sweetly. 
“Mister Kheiron! I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
"Alicia, how are you?”
“I’m well, thank you for asking. I sincerely apologize for this young lady’s manners. Amelie is new, you see, and isn’t yet familiar with our regular clients. In fact, Blythe recommended her, “Alicia says, before turning to face the young woman, who’s just turned white as sheet. ”
"Shouldn’t you be stocking inventory?"
As Amelie scurries to the back room, the man walks past Alicia and continues to make his way towards me. I set my wine glass on the coffee table and stand up. Based on mean he is, this must be the infamous Heath Kheiron. Then I wonder if we’ve overcharged the Gold Card by mistake. As he stops in front of me, I smell his cologne and my nostrils flare, the hairs at the back of my arms standing on end. Even my belly tightens. Citrusy with a hint of spice.
“Where is he?” he asks, his voice cold and deep.I glance around, as if confirming that he is talking to me. 
“Who?”
“Don’t ’who’ me,” he says through gritted teeth as he draws closer. 
“Where is Ethan?”
“I don’t know,” I stammer, confused and not understanding his anger. 
“We’re meeting him for dinner-“
“When you see him, tell him to call me,” he says just as the realization hits me. 
He thinks I’m Blythe!“No, wait! You’re wrong! I’m not Blythe! I’m-”
“Yeah, right,” he scoffs, grabbing my wrist, and this time his voice lowers as he addresses me. 
"Tell Ethan to give back what he stole, or I’m making sure that everything will be taken away from him — his spending accounts, his access to company properties,” he pauses, lifting an eyebrow as he looks at me. 
“Even you, Blythe.”
 The way he looks at me makes me wither inside. It’s cold and demoralizing, like he’s appraised me from behind his blue-gray eyes and I came up short.
“For your information, mister,” I say as I yank my wrist away from him, “I am not a thing.”Heath eyes me, as if surprised that I actually can speak, and then he chuckles, as if I just said something funny. 
"You’re not a thing, is that it? You’re not this thing for my brother to dress up and primp like some doll on display — like he’s doing now?”
He bites his lower lip, and shakes his head, as if he’s the one who’s perplexed. But clearly, by the words that follow, he’s not. "It’s time to wake up and smell the roses, dear Blythe, because as far as I’m concerned, that’s exactly what you are to me — a thing. Now where is Ethan?”
This time, I’m too shocked to say anything back, but Alicia comes to my rescue.“I need you to leave, Mister Kheiron. This behavior is inexcusable.”
“Don’t worry. I’m done here, Alicia," Heath says before turning his attention back to me. 
"Tell Ethan he’s got till tomorrow to explain himself, or he’s going to end up with a bigger problem in his hands — and I believe you know what I’m talking about, Blythe. And tell him that once I notify the board of what’s been happening, he’ll have nothing to his name — nothing. Neither will you.”
“Mister Kheiron!" Alicia’s voice is shrill now and two men in dark suits seem to magically appear next to her.
“Good day, Alicia,” Heath says, nodding his head curtly, before turning to address me, the bow of his head mocking me. 
“And you, too, Blythe. Enjoy your shopping spree.”
 I can’t even say anything back at him, not when the way he looks at me decimates me into someone who clearly is not worth anything in his eyes. I feel Alicia’s hand rest on my arm as Heath turns away and walks out of the store. “I’m so sorry, dear,” Alicia says. 
“Are you alright?”I nod. 
“I guess when tycoons have a bad day, they really do have a bad day, don’t they?"

STAY CONNECTED WITH LIZ MADRID

Twitter: @lizmadridauthor




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Book Review: Juror Number Ten by Caroline Taylor

Genre: Thriller/romantic suspense Bio:  Caroline Taylor is a novelist and short-story writer who grew up in the mountain west and traveled...