Anew

Hello lovelies!! It has been quite a month for me. I was very sick for two weeks, so sick in fact that I could do nothing but Netflix binge for about ten days. Doesn't seem so bad except it was an impromptu vaca that I definitely would have rather taken on a beach somewhere without the feeling yucky part. I guess it's just that time of year.

So, I've been pretty busy this week. Not only have I started finishing Fiery Secrets, but I've begun story boarding the remainder of the series and putting together my marketing package for the rest of this year. While I've started out slower than intended, I think things are finally picking up! I'll have more updates and information over the next few weeks. I'm expecting (if the planets align just so) to have Fiery Secrets completed before the end of June. I know I've said this like a BILLION times, but the difference this time is that I've changed the plot! I was trying to include too much into the story and it was driving me insane. After the decision to cut some of it out, I have been able to write without the anxiety. Guess I should have done that months ago, huh?

I'll leave you all with a new FS sneak peek. Catch you all soon!

xoxoxo
Lisa

Stumped!

So I've been having a difficult time finishing this book. I find myself writing a few hundred words and feeling like something is missing. I'm not sure if this is normal, but I hope I am just being my own worst critic. I've heard good things about the parts I've let some of my friends read, but they are my friends so I always feel like they're just being nice :). It could all just be in my head, though. If you want to take the time, here's part of an excerpt that I'm thinking about trashing. If you could leave some comments telling me what you think, that would definitely help me feel like I'm moving in the right direction. Pweeeeeaaaasssseeee? :D

More nonsensical ramblings

So it's 11pm and I should be in bed, but I've decided to get some last minute work in. Truthfully, I should have done all of this hours ago, but I was watching The Hobbit with the hunny and kids. Who can work while one of the best movies of the last year is playing next to their head? Anyway, I'm kinda excited about the serial project I have been working on. Initially, I was only going to post it in one spot, but I figured it would be better to post in numerous places for the added exposure. I also wish I knew a really good artist who could draw sketches for me, but I'm not so lucky. 

The serial is a mix between Supernatural (the show on CW that I <3 oh so much) and maybe the X-Files. There is A LOT to this story that I don't even know yet, but I'm willing to show you all a little sneak peek. Follow the jump for the opening to Chasers!

Bit & Pieces & A Sample!

So for the billionth time, I'm trying to write this blog post. I have probably erased and rewritten this about five times now, trying to figure out what exactly I want to say. It's so funny how I can write for three or four hours straight without so much as a hiccup, but writing a blog takes days. But I digress.

I've been toying with a few ideas in my head, mostly some dreams that I've realized could make pretty good stories. I think I might start posting some bits and pieces in between major writing on LoS. It seems once I started writing, I haven't been able to stop! Of course, that's not a bad thing. I'd rather have too many ideas than not enough. Also, I'll be debuting the cover for Fiery Secrets and Soul Covenant soon which I'm super excited about.

Speaking of Soul Covenant, I promised a preview like last week and unfortunately I had been too busy to deliver. So, I've decided that now is better than never. This is the first draft, a very rough one, so please be gentle!

Face Palm...

Again, I've been a bum and forgotten to write my blog that I, yet again, promised at a certain time. One of these days I'll learn to schedule things a bit better so they don't overlap. (I'm really bad about that!) 

So, here I am at 1:22 AM trying to find the right scene to include. There have been so many "deleted scenes" it's almost impossible to pick one that is polished enough to post without being embarrassed! Most of my scenes are extremely rough, as I write things down before I forget, and I hate to put unedited work out there. However, sometimes you just gotta do whatchya gotta do!

So here's a deleted scene. I'm not sure which book it was from or what changed to make me exclude it. When the characters talk, I listen...

Guest post by Doug Simpson- MY SOUL AWAKENING

MY SOUL AWAKENING

Interesting title, some of you are probably thinking, but what does he mean? My personal soul awakening provided me with the knowledge and courage to write my first novel, appropriately titled Soul Awakening. Here is my story.

Guest post by Melynda Price- Her Journey!

I’ve been doing several interviews lately, and would like to take the time today to talk a little about my journey from unpublished to published author. Everyone has their own story to tell and I love hearing about other author’s success, but even more, I also want to hear about their failures. No, I’m not sadistic, lol, but I believe there’s a lot to be learned in these failures—my own and others. 

Exerpt of MJ Kane's Debut Novel!

~Heat Wave~

The heat must be getting to me! 

Life is just simply crazy right now. There's really no other way to explain it. I'm one of those people that is normally really laid back and comfortable in any environment, but lately I find myself restless and my anxiety is through the roof. Some personal issues have factored into this, but also I'm struggling to get back into the groove.

For about two months I was cracking out some good stuff, but lately my enthusiasm has been lacking. My characters are begging me to write their story almost as much as I'm begging them to finish it for me. I suppose, at some point, I'll have to hike into the wilderness and retrieve my muse from wherever she may be hiding. Maybe an upcoming vaca can cure it for me!

The little bit of news I do have is I'm definitely releasing the Cursed Secrets 2nd edition very, very soon. Fire & Ice will follow soon after. Once these are out and about, I will be (hopefully) finishing up Binding Secrets to publish by the end of the fall. Again, the timing for the sequel is tentative. I don't want to get myself into a bind with that, but I don't want to rush it either. You all, and the characters, deserve better than that. I refuse to rush perfection!

Unfortunately, I have no previews to post for you tonight. I know, I know, I'm lame! BUT...you can check out some samples on Scribd. I have some stuff up from Legacy of Secrets (LoS) and also a different story I was working on a few years ago. I don't know if it will end up going anywhere, but it's there for you to read anyway. 

Thanks for tuning in to my ramblings! You know where to find me...

:-) Lisa

Excitement runneth over!

 I've got some big news! 

I've decided to release a second edition of Cursed Secrets to include some bonus material and a brand new cover! This has been in the works for a while, but just recently it was decided to go ahead with the project. Part of the reason is that as my first novel, there were obviously mistakes and things I need to fix along with the fact that I hadn't a clue where the story was going when I finished. Now that I know, it hardly seems fair to keep it to myself! :)

I'll be releasing Fire & Ice within the next few weeks on Amazon, then remaining platforms thereafter. There is a new cover and the prologue is available to read here. I've been working hard to bring you all the best possible experience with these characters and I think you'll be pleased :). While Fire & Ice isn't technically part of the series, the characters are the same and follows closely to the storyline. While some have been desperate to know what happens between Christian & Lia, I can't say for sure what you'll find in this installment.

Binding Secrets is still currently set for release in Fall/Winter of this year. This is tentative and may change depending on where the story takes me. You can't rush perfection and I surely don't want to try! I can tell you that there will be some surprises in this installment. Characters you thought were bad may end up good and so on. As it turns out, Lia isn't the only one that has secrets...(wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

So, I shall leave you with a little taste of Binding Secrets to pique your interest. Check my website often for updates on Legacy of Secrets and releases. Also, a great community called Indie Author Network has been kind enough to showcase my work. Feel free to pop over and give them a shout and look around at some cool stuff. There are plenty of authors and books to choose from, not just the Fantasy types!

'Till next time!....

Change isn't always bad, right?

Sorry to have stayed away so long! I've had my fair share of craziness attacking from all fronts lately. Sometimes personal matters get in the way of my writing, and while I hate it, it is necessary. On the upside, I'm about to make some pretty exciting changes in the coming months that will be revealed as they unfold. (Sorry, folks! I can't give away all secrets just yet!)

In case you didn't know, the cover vote for Binding Secrets is currently going on until next week. There are four to choose from and since it's difficult for me to pick, I'm leaving that decision up to you all! The artwork is amazing and I promise you won't be disappointed! 

Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella will be released very, very soon. So soon, in fact, that I'm putting on the finishing touches before it goes to editing and beta readers. I'm extremely excited for this installment as I've been wanting to delve more into this part of the story for a while now. Undoubtedly, there will be more novellas to come as the story unfolds. 

In celebration of the new changes and impending release, I'm throwing in a tasty little morsel from Fire & Ice. If you want to know more, please keep in touch by going to my website. All my social connections and highlights are listed on the main page. If you want to know more, you can always contact me via my website and I'll respond as soon as possible. I love my fans!!!!

Busy, busy bee!

Life is never dull in my corner of the world! School is almost out for the kiddos, so I can only assume it will get busier. Sleeping has become something of an afterthought as my imagination runs wild, but I can't say I'm complaining. Well, aside from the fact that I'm a walking zombie. I enjoy when the juices are flowing. I was worried there for a while because I'd draw a blank every time I sat down to write. I'm happy to say it was a short reprieve (if you could call it that!). 

Writing is now back in full swing, along with current promos and outside projects. I'm currently working with a great group of Indie Authors to get some content to our fans that isn't currently available. Cool, right? It's amazing what you can do with technology nowadays!

One major goal over the next few weeks is to finish Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella. I want to have the release scheduled for the end of June, but as of the moment I'm only about 1/4 of the way finished. But, I'm confident I can get it done. I've been getting some great feedback from some of my friends about the content and I'm excited! 

You know I can't completely leave you guys hanging, so here's a little nugget to sleep on! :)

A breath of fresh air

I've been buried in work lately! From school to writing and my "real" job, it seems I stay glued to the internet. As the days tick on, I still struggle with time management, but I don't think I'm doing too badly as I'm reaching my deadlines pretty steadily. I'm working on the first novella from the LOS series called Fire & Ice with the hope that I can release it by the end of June-ish. I still have a bit to do to polish it up, but I'm hoping it will be a good way to hold all of you over until Binding Secrets comes out. At least that's what my hopes are!

My graphic artist is still working on compiling some great cover samples for you all and as soon as I get them I will post for everyone to vote on their favorite! This is a big step for me as I'm usually super protective over my work, but I know you all will choose the right one ;). 

Follow the jump break to read a sample of Fire & Ice and let me know what you think! Remember, you can find out about all my books and work from my website as well as following me on Facebook and Twitter. See you in a few days!

What dreams feel like...(with special preview)

With one book giveaway down, one ongoing and a few more to come, I'm honestly feeling good about this new career thus far. I've had the pleasure of working with the wonderful people at BookRix and they've been incredibly kind in helping to promote Cursed Secrets. Whatever events occurred that ended up bringing me down this path, I am truly thankful.

I've been steadily watching my Amazon stats rise, gaining a better following on Twitter & Facebook and connecting with so many readers on Goodreads. I am humbled by the kind words and excited that I'm sharing something I love with the world. Each day, I delve further and further into my dream.

It's definitely surreal to start from nothing and end up being a bestseller, no matter which platform it may be on. I wouldn't have thought in a million years that things would have happened this fast. I can't say I'm complaining, though!

As a means of saying thank you, I'm going to include a small excerpt from Binding Secrets, the sequel to Cursed Secrets that will be out later this year. The book cover is currently in development and will be released this summer for all of you to see and comment on :). 

Just breathe :)

With Cursed Secrets finally being published, I've been taking a bit of a break. I'm trying to concentrate on school and a bit more time with my family, but I can't help when I'm bitten by the writing bug :). Recently, I've had a story churning in my mind. I've written a small part, literally the only piece of this story that is available, and I figured I'd share it with all my people! Follow the break to read!

New website, new possibilities

So my new website has been completed. I've also given the opportunity for other writers to partake in advertising their work and themselves on my site. I know how difficult it is to get the word out as an indie author, so I've decided it's worth my while (and theirs) to help out my people. Publication is so close I can almost taste it, although it is sometimes bitter from the many tribulations my fellow authors have had with gaining a fan-base. Much luck to all of my friends and I hope you'll check out my site!

Click for Writer's Forum!!!!

It's here! It's here!

Yay! Preview finally available! Please click the cover below to read. Updates coming soon folks, so stay tuned! Thanks!!!!

Extra Extra!!!

     Whew! What a year! 2011 is gone (finally) and 2012 has thundered in. Never have I had such a positive outlook about a new year. I can't say that 2011 was absolutely terrible since I finished my novel, but it wasn't exactly cookies and cream. Between layoffs, moving, life drama, and school I have to say it's been nothing short of insane. But that's okay- I'm still here. More excited than I've ever been! Let's do this people!     

     Within the next month, I will have a 10 chapter preview available for Cursed Secrets. As soon as I get the information about the release date, I will roll out the preview for everyone to sample. Right now I'm finishing up the editing and getting the cover matter situated. Completing this project has been amazing. So much happened so quickly, but I have to say I probably wouldn't change it. 

     Book 2, currently untitled, will probably be released late fall this year. I'm not sure how many books are in this series yet. The journey is still young for my characters as it is for me! I do know that right now we are at three in the series, possibly four. I guess it depends on where the secrets lead me! Stay tuned, folks!

Second edit down!

So after about two weeks of editing, I finally finished the second round tonight. I've sent it off for review and hopefully I will hear something in the next few days. All that's left (if nothing else needs editing) is the chapter formatting. Other than the manuscript there are some little ins and outs that need to be completed and of course my cover art. All of these things are coming together in such an awesome way it's mind-blowing! I've included a short excerpt from Cursed Secrets after the jump as a special treat. Enjoy!

Other Goodies

    Before starting Cursed Secrets, I posted a few things on BookRix. I don't know if anyone has heard of this site, but it's incredibly awesome for those who are amateur writers and of course those who just like to read. It is completely free to partake and soon will be rolling out a publishing feature. Books will be available over several platforms in eBook format. Click the covers below to check out some of my poems and a short story I started. Maybe it will turn into something? Let me know what you think!