Monday Mishmash 3/13/17

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Gifted: A Paranormal Collection  The boxed set I'm in with six other Limitless Publishing authors releases tomorrow! You can preorder Gifted now for only $.99 on Amazon. 
   
2. Out of the Ashes FREE Today  Limitless Publishing made Out of the Ashes free this past weekend. The price will go back up sometime today though. Grab it here while you can.
   
3. Entangled Souls by Dorothy Dreyer  If you haven't heard about the Runes Kindle World, I'm not sure where you've been hiding. ;) I love the Runes series, and yes, I do edit it as well. Today I want to share the cover of Dorothy Dreyer's title in the Runes Kindle World. 

   

   Her whole life, Lexi has known that the voices she hears in her head—omens and harbingers of important things to come—are part of being a witch. But what she doesn’t know is that a soul has escaped its reaping while on her family’s property. When handsome stranger Caden shows up on his motorcycle to tour the vineyard she grew up on, she isn’t aware that he is a Valkyrie searching for the lost soul. All she knows is that the deep attraction she feels for him is undeniable. 

   
   

   When Caden finds out Lexi is a witch and asks her to help him track down the soul, Lexi must come to terms with the fact that Caden is immortal and decide if her feelings for a soul reaper are worth the risks.

4. Snowstorm  We are expecting a big snowstorm tonight through Wednesday. If I go quiet, it means I lost power.
5. Editing  I'm busy editing for a client this week.
6. YA Fest  I'll be at YA Fest on Saturday. If you're in the Easton, PA area, come see me.
   

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Up In Flames Release Day!

It's here! Up In Flames is the final installment in the Into the Fire Trilogy. Wow, three books in three months was a busy but fun experience. If you're reading the series now, thank you so much for taking this crazy ride with Cara, Logan, and me.

Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s worst nightmare has come true… 

She’s been reborn as a Phoenix and has forgotten everything from her first life—including Logan Schmidt. He’s handsome and protective, but with no recollection, he can’t be trusted. 

Accused of being a Hunter, Logan’s mortality is put to the test… 

Logan isn’t willing to admit he and Cara are over—not even after he watches her rise from her own ashes. 

While the other Phoenixes are convinced Logan is a sworn enemy, a group of deadly Hunters are sure he is a Phoenix. Only being guilty of loving Cara, he must prove them all wrong—and convince Cara she loves him. 

However, a magical link may be the demise of Logan’s devotion… 

With the Hunters hot on their heels, it’s up to Logan to save Cara. But when the dagger calls out, Logan is drawn to its power. 

Cara’s missing memories may not be the only obstacle standing between her and Logan. Their relationship isn’t just complicated—it’s deadly. And when Cara finds herself at a crossroad, she is forced to choose… 

She can plunge into the darkness of her treacherous fate, or use her Phoenix instincts to once again rise Out of The Ashes.

Grab your copy on Kindle or in paperback.

Out of the Ashes Is Here!

It's here! I think I'm even more excited for the release of this book than I was for the rerelease of Into the Fire because this one is new to everyone. This trilogy just gets better as it goes along in my opinion. Don't take my word for it though. Read it and decide for yourself.

Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s worst nightmare has come true… 

She’s been reborn as a Phoenix and has forgotten everything from her first life—including Logan Schmidt. He’s handsome and protective, but with no recollection, he can’t be trusted. 

Accused of being a Hunter, Logan’s mortality is put to the test… 

Logan isn’t willing to admit he and Cara are over—not even after he watches her rise from her own ashes. 

While the other Phoenixes are convinced Logan is a sworn enemy, a group of deadly Hunters are sure he is a Phoenix. Only being guilty of loving Cara, he must prove them all wrong—and convince Cara she loves him. 

However, a magical link may be the demise of Logan’s devotion… 

With the Hunters hot on their heels, it’s up to Logan to save Cara. But when the dagger calls out, Logan is drawn to its power. 

Cara’s missing memories may not be the only obstacle standing between her and Logan. Their relationship isn’t just complicated—it’s deadly. And when Cara finds herself at a crossroad, she is forced to choose… 

She can plunge into the darkness of her treacherous fate, or use her Phoenix instincts to once again rise Out of The Ashes.

Grab it on Amazon.

Monday Mishmash 3/21/16

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Drafting  I'm trying to finish up the first draft of my Ashelyn Drake romantic suspense sequel before my daughter is home for Easter break.
2. School Visit  I'll be visiting Blairstown Elementary School on Thursday and doing three presentations. Wish me luck!
3. Out of the Ashes Releases Tomorrow!  Book two in the Into the Fire Trilogy comes out tomorrow! I'm a little excited. ;) Because of that, there will be no Writer Wednesday this week since I'll be posting on release day instead. 
   
4. Into the Fire Free Promotion Success!  I was so happy to see all the free downloads of Into the Fire last week during the free promotion. 
   
   
   
5. Easter  Hoppy Easter to all if I don't "see" you before then.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash 3/14/16 With a Whole Lot of FREE Books!

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1.  Into the Fire Trailer Reveal  If you are a newsletter subscriber, you already saw the Into the Fire trailer. For those of you who aren't, here it is! 

      
2.  Out of the Ashes Is Up For Preorder  Book two in the Into the Fire trilogy is now available for preorder. Preorder your copy here.

3.  Drafting Again!  I'm so excited that I have two weeks (free of client edits due to a rescheduling) to draft the sequel of my romantic suspense (written as Ashelyn Drake). Book one is with my editor now, which means I might be able to release it before my original fall release date!

4.  Into the Fire Will Be FREE for 5 Days!!!  Yes, you read that correctly. Limitless Publishing will be offering Into the Fire FREE for 5 days beginning March 15 to celebrate the upcoming release of Out of the Ashes. That means, if you haven't checked out Into the Fire yet, you'll want to grab it during this free promo because the price will go back up at the end of the five days. You can grab it for FREE here on those dates.

5. Review Into the Fire And Get Out of the Ashes for FREE!  I'm all about giving you guys free stuff lately. :) If you grab Into the Fire and post an honest review on Amazon, I'll give you Out of the Ashes to review for FREE. And then if you post a review of that book on Amazon, I'll give you Up In Flames for FREE. Yes, that means you can grab book one during the free promotion, review it, and get the other two books in the series for free as well just for reviewing them. Three books for free! I'm not crazy. I just love my reviewers. How do you get this amazing deal? Fill out this form with your review link and your preference of ebook (PDF or Kindle). That's it!
That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash 2/29/16

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Out of the Ashes Cover Reveal!  I seriously can't decide which cover in the Into the Fire Trilogy I love the most. This one is just as gorgeous as the first. Check it out.

   

   Add the book on Goodreads

2. Leap Into Cash Giveaway  I'm a Reader Not a Writer is giving away $250 and I'm one of the authors contributing to that prize money. Be sure to enter here: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
3. Editing  I have two client edits on my plate this week, which is pretty typical. ;)
4. Writing Adult  Lately, I'm getting all these ideas for adult series. One is a romantic suspense, which will be written as Ashelyn Drake, and the other is a paranormal series that I'm really excited about. Am I finally growing up? Nah. Let's not get crazy. ;)
5. Giveaway Winner!  Over the weekend, I had rafflecopter select winners for my Diary of a Wimpy Kid giveaway and my Dork Diaries giveaway, and rafflecopter decided Beth Ellyn Summer should get both! Huge congrats to Beth!

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Writer Wednesday: Into the Fire Street Team Revealed!

Applications have been carefully reviewed and the official Into the Fire street team has been selected. Before I share the list of people who made the team, let me just say that this experience was very surreal for me. I was amazed at how many people submitted applications and how excited people were at the prospect of being selected. I want to thank everyone who applied, and know that even if you weren't selected (because we committed to only taking 20 people to keep the group small—and I still took one extra because narrowing down this list was SO hard!), you made my day and have my gratitude for wanting to help me promote this series.

Okay, without further ado, here is the official Into the Fire street team!

Keren Hughes ~ Gothic Angel Book Reviews
Jennifer Helms ~ @JenBibiHelms 
Shieka Doctor ~ Doctor's Notes
Stephanie Belden ~ @smbmar 
Veray Carter ~ @pinkladyroses 
Michelle Willms ~ Michelle Willm's Blog
Janera Holt ~ Booknut101: Once Upon a Time
FSMeurinne ~ Book Enticer
Rachel Andrews ~ Rachel's Book Reviews
Elizabeth Thiele ~ Crazii Bitches Blog
Maghon Thomas ~ Happy Tails and Tales
Jessica Porter ~ Crossroad Reviews
Denise Cayetano ~ I Am Shelfless
Beth Consugar ~ @eaconsugar
Stephanie Faris ~ Stephanie Faris
Kat Romeo ~ Living in a Fictional Reality
G. Donald Cribbs ~ G. Donald Cribbs Books
Kristen Chandler ~ Shelf_Life
Rachel Gunter ~ Bookish Wonderland
Ashley Kemp ~ Mama Reads

Brie Chelton ~ @Chapter_Break

Some of these amazing people have supported my other books and some are completely new to me, but they are all equally incredible for wanting to be part of this series. I thank them all immensely.

First up for promo of Into the Fire is the cover reveal happening this Saturday through Monday. And guys, it's so GORGEOUS!!!!! I can't wait for you to see it. So, that means my usual Friday Feature post will actually be on Saturday so I can share the cover. Be sure to stop back on Saturday. :)

*If you have a question you'd like me to answer from the other side of the editor's desk, feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll schedule it for a future post.

Monday Mishmash 12/21/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1.  Into the Fire Trilogy Release Date Changes  Limitless Publishing has decided to space my releases out just a bit. All three books in the trilogy will still release in spring 2016. Here's the new schedule:                    

INTO THE FIRE (book 1) February 16, 2016 

OUT OF THE ASHES (book 2) March 22, 2016 

UP IN FLAMES (book 3) April 12, 2016

2.  Countdown to Christmas Has Begun!  I'm hosting 5 days of giveaways on Instagram. If you don't follow me there already, go here to follow and enter each day to win prizes. Good luck!

3.  Drafting  I went back to working on my adult thriller. I hit the 50K mark last week. I'm hoping to draft more this week. I've had to put this book aside three times now to work on edits. Maybe I'll finally finish it. I am expecting more edits though. ;)

4.  A Very Merry Jamberry Christmas  My Facebook Jamberry party was very successful and I got great rewards. Check these out! 

5.  Christmas  We are hosting Christmas again this year. I'm excited to see my daughter open her gifts. She always has such a smile on her face on Christmas morning. If you celebrate, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. 

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Writer Wednesday: Does SWAG Sway You to Read the Book?

I have three books releasing in spring 2016. Three! And while I'm talking about my Into the Fire trilogy, my release dates have changed. Here is the new release schedule:

INTO THE FIRE (book 1) February 16, 2016

OUT OF THE ASHES (book 2) March 22, 2016

UP IN FLAMES (book 3) April 12, 2016

I'm planning for the releases now. And that of course means thinking of SWAG ideas. But it makes me wonder: What do readers love to get as SWAG? What SWAG really grabs your attention and makes you interested in the book? Or is SWAG just fun to win and it doesn't really make you want to read the book?

SWAG can be so different depending on the book. I've given away necklaces, bracelets, pins, bookmarks, trading cards, charms, stickers, folders, pencils... Personally, I like SWAG that people can actually use. But does actually sway you to read the book? I think just like with everything else related to reading, it's subjective. A pretty piece of SWAG or a really different piece of SWAG might get your attention and make you curious about a book. Or you just might really like the SWAG. ;)

So why do authors put time and money into SWAG if it might not lead to readers? Like anything else, it's a way to potentially reach more readers, who may turn into fans. For that reason, I'll ask you, what is your favorite type of SWAG? What kind of SWAG makes you want to win the SWAG and maybe even read the book?

*If you have a question you'd like me to answer from the other side of the editor's desk, feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll schedule it for a future post.

Monday Mishmash 12/14/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Editing  I have a client edit and an edit for Leap to work on this week. I think I'll be getting edits on Up in Flames as well very soon. Eek!
2. Countdown to Christmas Giveaways!  I'll be counting down the last five days to Christmas by hosting a giveaway a day. Check my Instagram for more info. 
   
3. Reading  I've been forcing more reading time into my schedule. Yes, forcing. It's tough to find time to read for pleasure when you are constantly reading for your job. I'm doing it though. lol
4. Writing Fever  I've been editing a lot lately, and while I love editing, I miss writing. I was driving home last Friday and all I could think about was drafting. I really want to get back to my adult thriller that I've had to put aside several times now.
5. Into the Fire SWAG  I'm getting my SWAG together for the Into the Fire series, which will release in its entirety in February and March 2016! I'm so excited. I may have gotten some Bird on Fire Jamberry nail wraps for SWAG as well. ;)

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash 12/7/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Editing  I'm editing for a client this week. I did the first edit last week and now I'm on to round two, which is backward.
2. Working the Holiday Sale at My Daughter's School  Today and Wednesday I'll be helping out at my daughter's school with their Holiday Shop. It's cute to watch the kids shop for their family members.
3. My Birthday  I'm not big on birthdays, but mine is tomorrow. I guess getting older is inevitable.
4. Christmas shopping  Other than my daughter's gifts, I'm finished buying and wrapping gifts. Yay! I got some really great deals too, which makes me very happy.
5. Into the Fire  Into the Fire and Out of the Ashes are fully edited. Only one book in the trilogy left to finish, Up in Flames. I got to see my blurb for Into the Fire and now I'm dying to see my cover.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Writer Wednesday: Go-To Words

Today I want to talk about go-to words. You know, those words we ALWAYS use in our manuscripts even though we know we shouldn't. When I'm editing for a client, I cut these words, change them out, or mark them to be changed by the author. The thing is, I use these words in my own writing.

I'm working on edits for my Into the Fire trilogy and my editor kindly pointed out that my characters LOVE to smile and shrug. Not together, obviously, but you get the point. When I did a search for these, I was blown away. I'm talking head to desk, wondering how book one was ever printed this way. I was embarrassed to be honest. The good thing is that I know this book is so much better now. The writing is tighter, there are added scenes, and the pace is faster.

I'm going to share some words you should look for in your own writing and then cut. Here it goes:

shrug

nod

smile

that (This is the word I cut the most for my editing clients.)

just (This word is a close second to "that" as far as what I cut most for clients.)

almost

adverbs (Okay, it's not an exact word to look for, but you know what I'm talking about. Opt for specific verbs and ditch those adverbs.)

turn

So (I'm very guilty of this one. Cut it.)

really

very

but (Nothing wrong with this word, but—see what I did there?—be mindful of how often you use the "He did this, but…" sentence structure.)

too

only

well (Another personal favorite)

Here are three others, I'll caution you about:

feel

hear

see

These are telling words. If you're using them, you are distancing your reader from the story. Let the reader experience these senses instead of being told about them.

*While this list is in the present tense, ALL tenses apply. ;)

Do you have any go-to words that aren't on my list? Feel free to share them in the comments.

**If you have a question you'd like me to answer from the other side of the editor's desk, feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll schedule it for a future post.

Monday Mishmash 11/30/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Out of the Ashes Edits  I'm working on my edits for Out of the Ashes, the second book in the Into the Fire trilogy, which comes out in February. :)
2. Client edit  I have a new editing client and I'll be working on her book for the next two weeks.
3. Free Monthly Newsletter  My newsletter goes out tomorrow. If you aren't signed up to receive one but would like to, click here.
4. Jamberry FB Party  I'm hosting a Jamberry FB party this week. There are tons of nail wraps to be won. If you'd like to be added, let me know.
5. School Visit  I'll be visiting a fourth grade class on Friday to talk about how an idea becomes a book. I'm really looking forward to it.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash 11/23/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Editing  I'm editing for Leap this week. I'm forcing myself to take breaks to give my poor eyes a rest and hopefully cut down on the eye strain and headaches.
2. Into the Fire Trilogy  I got my release schedule for the Into the Fire Trilogy and ALL 3 books will release in spring 2016! I couldn't be more excited about this. This means no waiting to read the next book. The entire trilogy will be in the readers' hands in a matter of weeks! Here's the official release schedule: 
1. INTO THE FIRE February 16, 2016
2. OUT OF THE ASHES February 23, 2016
3. UP IN FLAMES March 22, 2016
3. Jamberry Facebook Party  I'm hosting a Jamberry nail wrap party November 30th-December 7th. I fell in love with Jamberry last spring and now I'm addicted. If you'd like to party with me and possibly win free samples, let me know and I'll add you. No pressure to buy. Just come join the fun.
4. Drafting  As part of my attempt to save my poor eyes, I've decided to reinstate my balanced schedule of writing and editing each day. When I write, I don't stare intently at the screen like I do while I'm editing. So I'm drafting a few thousand words a day now on my WIP, which happens to be an adult thriller.
5. Fright Before Christmas  Have you pre-ordered your copy of Fright Before Christmas yet? It's only $1.99 right now on Kindle. It's a scary fun Christmas read for middle grade and up.
   
6. Happy Thanksgiving  I hope you all have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. Be careful traveling, and if you go out on Black Friday PLEASE stay safe. People get crazy when there are sales. I'll be waiting for the much safer Cyber Monday. ;)

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash: 1/12/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Editing  I've been very busy with edits, which I love. I've gotten to work on some really great manuscripts.
2. Revisions  I finished up revisions on Out of the Ashes, and I really love this book.
3. Drafting  Campus Crush fans have demanded politely asked for another book for Mike. ;) I couldn't say no. Mike needs his HEA. So last night I began drafting his book. And yes, I believe it will be a full-length novel instead of a novella, but don't quote me on that just yet.
4. Balance  This month is all about finding balance as I edit, revise, and draft at the same time. Eek!
5. Kelly's Coven Giveaways  I have an awesome street team and this month I'm rewarding them in two ways—with the opportunity to beta read Out of the Ashes AND with a giveaway for a signed book (of mine) of their choice. I've gotten several new members this month. Will you be next? You can join us here.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash 10/20/14

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Curse of the Granville Fortune Releases Tomorrow!  I can't believe tomorrow is the big day! My middle grade fantasy will be available 10/21.
   
2. Out of the Ashes on Goodreads  You can now add Out of the Ashes, book two in the Birth of the Phoenix Series, on Goodreads.
3. #IntotheFireChallenge  Halloween will be here before you know it, so get your review of Into the Fire up on Amazon to be entered for a chance to become a phoenix in the third book in the Birth of the Phoenix Series. You could also win signed copies of all three books in the series.
   
4. Beth Fred's Writing Class  My friend Beth Fred is teaching another class through Colorado Romance Writer. It's called The Art of Blurb Writing. Sign up here.
5. Witches Three Tour  I signed at Books-A-Million in Exton, PA last Saturday along with Jennifer Murgia and Molly Cochran. Jen and I will be signing at BAM in the Stroud Mall in Stroudsburg, PA this Saturday from 1-3pm. Come see us if you're in the area.
   

Here are some fun pictures from last Saturday.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Monday Mishmash 4/7/14

1. Revising  I'm working on revisions for Perfect For You and Out of the Ashes this week. The first is off of editorial notes, and the second is a sequel under contract that I have to submit to my editor by the 15th.
2. Editing  I'm also editing for clients, which always makes me happy.
3. Family Expo  I had a blast at the Family Expo yesterday. It's always fun to talk to people about what I do for a living.
   
4. Home Improvements  We are prepping for an addition and buying lighting and other fun stuff. I'm dreading the construction but really excited to have it finished.
5. Prepping a Giveaway for The Monster Within  We're almost two months away from the release of The Monster Within. I'm planning a giveaway with a gift card and lots of goodies. :) Stay tuned!

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

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