Tuesday, December 29, 2015

New Release Alert: Enslaved by N.W. Harris - Excerpt & Giveaway





Enslaved by N.W. Harris
Genre: YA, post-apocalyptic
Publication: Coming December 29th, 2015 by Clean Teen Publishing


If he loses her, he’ll lose his will to fight.

Shane and his friends survive the first major attack against the enemy, destroying the alien ships that came to harvest the children of Earth and turn them all into slaves. However, one ship escaped, and the aliens have captured Kelly. Shane will do whatever it takes to save her, but turning his back on his friends could jeopardize the whole mission.

The enemy invades Kelly’s mind, turning her into a slave soldier. She’ll follow their orders, even if it means murdering her friends, including her little sister and Shane. She is helpless, trapped inside her body while it performs heinous tasks under the direction of her new masters, while her sanity and desire to live fade.

Shane returns home to make a rescue attempt, only to find Kelly commanding an army of human slave soldiers, and she’s determined to make him join her ranks. Will Shane save Kelly before she gets to her sister, or will she help the enemy enslave the rest of humanity?

Purchase

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-- Excerpt --


A buzzing sounded in her left ear, the same noise she heard when her earbud activated and took her into simulations. Terror surged through her. If it shut off, she’d be taken over by her slave gene. She managed to keep still. The noise grew louder, heat developing deep in her ear and spreading across her head. Sharp tendrils of pain whipped through her body, and she clenched her teeth to keep from screaming. Her knees grew weak. She was going to collapse, and, seeing the movement, a soldier would pull the trigger and kill her before she hit the floor. She thought of Nat, focusing all of her attention on memories of her sister smiling up at her and giving her one of those random hugs that made her heart seem to grow wings and flutter about in her chest. If she were going to die, it was the last thought she wanted to have.
            Just as her legs threatened to fold, the symptoms vanished. The buzzing was gone and all seemed to return to normal, except she had the strange sensation of being disconnected from her body.
            She sensed the soldiers’ nervous scrutiny of her and the other humans, but the Anunnaki didn’t react. Whatever went on with her hadn’t raised any suspicions. She tried to move a finger on her right hand, the side that was toward the other slaves, hidden from view. It didn’t respond, and panic swelled in her. Although she could still feel the cool air swirling past the bare skin of her face and arms, she seemed paralyzed.
            Far ahead, the line moved forward, apparently going into the next chamber where they’d be scanned. Anxiety tightened its grip on her. How would she walk when it was her turn? She tried to move her fingers and wiggle her toes inside her shoes, but nothing happened. She was about to be discovered. The wave of movement swept down the line toward her. Putting every bit of intention she had on her legs, she tried to get them to shift slightly, anything to let her know she was in control. They wouldn’t move. She couldn’t even turn her eyes to see left and right.
            If she had control of her lungs, she would’ve stopped breathing when the boy ahead of her stepped forward. Kelly cringed, waiting to be shot for not complying. She felt her leg lift, and as if something controlled her remotely, she walked after the boy.
            Her momentary relief faded into terror. How did her legs operate without her command? It was nightmarish, like she was trapped inside someone else, able to feel and see everything, but unable to control any part of her body. She tried to relax, to assess this new development. Her lungs didn’t respond, so the deep breath she took was purely a function of thought. 

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- Book #1 -


The Last Orphans by N.W. Harris


DOWNLOAD FOR FREE!
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- Book #2 -


The Harvest by N.W. Harris


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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Thanks & Merry Christmas!!

The Twisted Sisters blog tour has come to an end. Thanks to all of my wonderful hosts who took the time to spread the news during the busy holiday season!

I won't be posting for a few days, so I leave y'all with this:


Wee fish ewe a mare egrets moose
Wee fish ewe a mare egrets moose
Wee fish ewe a mare egrets moose
Panda hippo gnu deer!

Sung to the tune of We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Saven: Deception by Siobhan Davis - Excerpt & Giveaway

Saven Deception banner

Welcome to my stop during the book blitz for Saven: Deception (The Saven Series #1) by Siobhan Davis. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 15 till 28 December, you can view the complete blitz schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

Saven DeceptionSaven: Deception (The Saven Series #1)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: December 15, 2015

Blurb:
I’ve fallen hard for an alien, but he’s harboring secrets.
Massive secrets that threaten the very essence of humanity.
How can I give him my heart when his race plans on taking my future?


Sadie Owens has been slowly dying inside. Bit by bit, piece by piece, day by day. Trapped in a life she hates, she relies on only one person—herself.

Despised by her family and betrayed by an unscrupulous government, Sadie dreams of a different life. When she is chosen to participate in the government’s new social experiment, she is ecstatic at the prospect of spending six months in Thalassic City, the shiny new city under the sea.

Immediately drawn to Logan Chandler, Sadie is captivated by the beautiful boy with the ocean-blue eyes. Logan seems to embody everything that has been forbidden, but he isn’t all he appears to be.

Confused over Logan’s true intentions and concerned when best friend Jenna starts transforming in front of her eyes, Sadie partners with newcomer Jarod in a bid to uncover the government’s real agenda. The truth is more shocking than anything she could ever have imagined.

When Sadie finally understands why the Saven walk among us, will it be too late to save her heart and the human race?

Teaser Saven Deception - Sadie


You can find Saven: Deception on Goodreads

You can buy Saven: Deception here:

Teaser Saven Deception - Couple Teaser 1

Excerpt

I maneuver around him and start sprinting. I’m never going to make it now. Mom will be furious. I’m mentally preparing myself for a tongue lashing when the latest government news bulletin blares out from the Commi-Reel.
The announcement is typical. Updates on the political talks between the Sovereign Northern States of America—our ruling government—and the newly Unified States of West and South America. The Independent Republic of Central America and the Eastern Seaboard States have yet to throw their hat into the ring.
I zone out. Same old, same old.
None of the proposed reforms will do anything to change my life or alter my fate. I’m stuck right where I am until I die. Unless …
My mind wanders and I drift off into La-La Land. I dream about Thalassic City. About opportunity. And second chances. About actually living.
The sound of gunfire breaks through my reverie, and my eyes dart to the screen. Screeching to a halt, I blink twice in case my eyes are deceiving me.
PRISON BREAK.
The words flicker in and out on the screen, and I stand there with my mouth agape as I watch the recording of the daring convict escape.
Six men. Five days on the run. All orchestrated by one prisoner.
Something like this has never happened before. At least not in my lifetime.
Wow.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS. WATSON MANLY ELEVATED TO NO.1 ON MOST WANTED LIST. IF SPOTTED, DO NOT APPROACH. CALL 1-899-201-304. REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO HIS CAPTURE.
I wonder what this Watson Manly person did to deserve a spot in the penitentiary and how he managed to escape. Although I don’t know him, and I’ve no idea what crime he’s committed, I’m already rooting for him.
Not sure what that says about me.
A loud peel of laughter travels up my throat. Something out of the ordinary has finally happened, and it sends a spark of electricity directly to the dull lump in my chest.



SiobhanAbout the Author:
I write young adult science fiction fantasy romance books, and I’m the author of the Amazon bestselling True Calling series. The first book in my new Saven series will be released in December 2015.

A self-professed teenager forever—at least when it comes to books, music, and films, I am totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. I love baking, shoes, bags, makeup, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).

Before pursuing a full-time writing career, I forged a successful corporate career in Human Resources over the last twenty years.

I live in the Garden County of Ireland with my husband and two sons.

You can find and contact Siobhan here:
- Website
- Blog
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Google +
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Newsletter

Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website

Teaser Saven Deception - Available-Now-Teaser


There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Saven: Deception. Below are the prizes the author is giving away:
- a 10$ amazon gift card
- 3 e-copies of Saven Deception by Siobhan Davis

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Monday, December 21, 2015

E-Book vs Print Books by Mya Robarts, Author of The V Girl + Giveaway


Welcome to Mya Robarts, author of The V Girl, a YA dystopian romance. 

E-book vs. Print Books
by Mya Robarts

Hello! I’m Mya Robarts and today, I wanted to share with you my opinion about a dilemma that every bookaholic faces once in a while. It’s the never ending debate of e-books vs. print books.
Some believe that e-readers are going to dominate the reading world.  A more conservative group of people think that the traditional book will remain the favorite choice among a huge portion of book lovers. 
As recently, as four years ago, I was an enthusiast of the latter. I used to believe that a book, to be “real”, had to come to life in print form.  The flipping of pages, the smell, and the texture were all irreplaceable for me and a huge part of what my reading experience has to include. Who doesn’t love to take a look at shelves full of books?
Eventually, I discovered the advantages of e-readers. They are portable, you can get more books, pay less money,  and you can read covertly when you’re supposed to do something else, let’s say a boring lecture. E-books have advantages that I never thought I’d enjoy since I was so reluctant to change the way I have always read.
You are not less of a book lover if you prefer eBooks over print books. I saw a video in which Kat O’Keeffe  from  Katytastic admits she prefers e-books. Kat owns the most beautiful shelves I’ve ever seen, and even so, she prefers e-books. Plenty of booklovers , who have a kind of physical impediment prefer e-ooks, too. And carrying a thousand books with you wherever you go has its advantages.
Why not combine the two? I read the books that I think won’t be among my favorites in electronic format. When my favorite authors have a new release, I end up buying the same book twice. I order the eBook the day of release and even so, I order the print version.
As a book addict who enjoys her addiction, I’ll always want more books in whatever format I can get them, whether electronic, audio, paperback, hardcover, etc. I want them all.
A great book will always be great not matter what format meets our eyes. And whether your book collection is nicely stacked on shelves or available to you with just a few clicks on your e-reader, the very fact that we have options to choose from is something to be grateful for. It means more reading opportunities to discover our next favorite reading.


The V Girl

Mya Robarts

YA/NA Dystopian Romance
V Press
June 2015
Amazon     Kobo

In post-apocalyptic North America, rape and sexual slavery are legal. Lila Velez, desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town, and can take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend, Rey, the most attractive man in her town. Lila does not love him, but he is the only man who has shown her true affection, an affection she is willing to take as a substitute of love.

Lila’s coping mechanism to her mother’s violent attack is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey Fürst, a foreign, broody man that she distrusts because his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. He offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her…and tempts her in spite of herself.

All the while Lila will have to find a way to live in the constant company of death, slavery, starvation, sexual abuse and the danger of losing the people she loves the most.

Due to strong language, violent scenes and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.



About the Author

Mya Robarts is a bookaholic who regrets nothing.

She spent years trying to become a contemporary dance choreographer. Eventually she realized that she enjoyed writing her stories rather than dancing to them.

Robarts is obsessed with books that present damaged characters, swoon-worthy guys, controversial topics and happy endings.







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Sunday, December 20, 2015

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop


I cannot believe it's almost the end of 2015. I swear it seems like I just posted this giveaway hop a couple months ago not an entire year. It was an exciting year, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store for me!

After entering my giveaway, be sure to hop on over to the other blogs for some more great giveaways :)

I want you to get yourself that book or books you've been eyeing at Amazon, so I'm giving away a $15.00 gift card.


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Friday, December 18, 2015

Meet Arwan from Mayan Blood by Theresa DaLayne + Giveaway


I love character interviews!! Enjoy :)

Character interview with Theresa DaLayne

Character Name: Arwan
Character Bio:
Orphan and gifted Riyata, Arwan grew up at Renato’s estate in Belize after his mother was murdered by an underworld enemy. For years he has denied his Mayan ancestry and shunned his bloodline. Now that Zanya—the Stone Guardian—is back and bonded with her stone, he must face the darkest part of his soul in order to find the revenge he continues to seek.
I don’t have a photo of Arwan, nor do I want to assign one. He is a unique looking twenty-something year old with tan skin, dark eyes, sharp cheekbones, long-ish dark hair, and a keen talent for martial arts. He also has a very rare ability called timebending, which he does not often use in fear of changing the course of history and affecting the future in negative ways that he cannot undo.
Me: Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?
Arwan:
Focus. Normally that would be a good quality, but I tend to be overly focused on a goal and do not stop perusing it until I’ve accomplished it.  Maybe that’s how I earned Zanya’s affections. Once I knew I wanted her, I couldn’t stop until I made my best effort to earn her trust.
Me: Have you?
Arwan: It’s a work in process.
Me: Do you think you deserve her trust?
Arwan: No. Not in the least.
Me: Why?
Arwan: Can we move to the next question please?
Me: Why?
Arwan: Because I’m not entirely comfortable telling you something I haven’t told her first.
Me: Fair enough. What about your best quality?
Arwan: I would say patience. I need patience while training—especially with Peter due to is lack of practice. He spends far too much time with Tara and not enough time in the dojo.
Me: It sounds like you’re angry with him.
Arwan: Angry? No, I’m not angry. Just…concerned. I don’t want him to fall behind. But knowing Zanya now, I can’t blame him for being hesitant to leave Tara. It’s hard to be away from the person you care about.
Me: What are you most afraid of?
Arwan: Failure. I’ve worked my entire life to prepare for the moment I can finally avenge my mother’s death. Plus, now I have more than just myself to protect. There’s no one else to lead the rest of the group, and I have to be there. It’s my job, and I can’t fail.
Me: What do you want more than anything?
Arwan. Peace.
Me: What kind? There are a lot of kinds of peace.
Arwan: All kinds. For too many years I’ve struggled to achieve inner peace, but that’s not possible because of who…what, I am. Maybe someday I can find a balance. That’s about the best I can hope for.
Me: What is your relationship status?
Arwan: It’s…complicated.
Me: You’re not going to improvise, are you?
Arwan: No, I’m not.
Me: Okay then. How much of a rebel are you?
Arwan: I think that’s more of a question for Jayden. Me? I prefer structure. Though I suppose Renato wouldn’t completely agree with the current events.
Me: What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?
Arwan: Taking control of my darker side. Commanding it. That is by far my greatest achievement to date.
Me: What is your current state of mind?
Arwan: I’m nervous.
Me: Why?
Arwan: Because I’m not used to people probing into my personal life. Into my head. Marzena, the young dreamwalker, gives me space. She doesn’t intrude into my thoughts. This interview feels a lot like when she reaches into my head.
Me: What is your most treasured possession?
Arwan: Does it have to be an object?
Me: Yes.
Arwan: My glaive.
Me: What’s that?
Arwan: It’s a weapon I use in both training and fighting—a spear with a long, curved blade at the end.
Me: You don’t have anything more personal you cherish?
Arwan: I don’t have many personal items. I’ve never needed them. I live with Renato, have the dojo at my disposal, and the jungle as my refuge.
Me: Which living person do you, most despise?
Arwan: I suppose it would be wrong to say Jayden. *grins *
Me: I don’t think Zanya would be thrilled to hear you say that.
Arwan: No, she wouldn’t. And in reality it’s not the truth.
Me: So who is it?
Arwan: Sarian—and my father. Both of them equally and as fiercely. The end.
Me: What is your greatest regret?
Arwan: Existing.
Me: Why?
Arwan: I’d rather not elaborate. Are we almost finished?
Me: Yes, we are. Lets change things up. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Arwan: Stubbornness and self-confidence.
Me: Most men dislike a stubborn woman.
 Arwan: Not me. It tells me she knows what she wants. I like that.
Me: Which living person do you most admire?
Arwan: My mentor, Renato. He is like my father, and I have great respect for him.
Me: What is your motto?
Arwan: You always have a choice.
Me: We’re all finished up. Once again, Arwan, thank you for the interview.
Arwan: Great. Thank you.



Mayan Blood (Stone Legacy #1)
by Theresa DaLayne
Release Date: December 29th 2015
Limitless Publishing

Summary from Goodreads:


Their empires have fallen, but their mythology lives on…

Zanya Coreandero is a seventeen-year-old orphan with only a single friend and no hope for a normal life. Diagnosed with anxiety and night terrors, no one believes her cuts and bruises are a result of an evil entity, and not a brutal case of self-harm.

With the only home she’s ever known being the isolated institution—where breakfast is a handful of medications, the psychiatry sessions are mandatory, and her every move is watched—the only relief is her red-haired roommate named Tara, who’s more like a little sister than her best friend.

Free will is strong, but destiny is stronger.

When Zanya is kidnapped, she meets a group of gifted Mayan descendants, each with a unique ability. Gone from a nameless castaway to the only hope of mankind, Zanya is forced to make a grueling decision: bond with an enchanted stone and save humanity from rising underworld forces, or watch helplessly as Earth falls victim to a familiar dark deity from her dreams. This time, he’s playing for keeps.

A wicked secret hides behind a handsome face…

When Arwan, a dark-eyed timebender, takes interest in Zanya's mission, it's unclear if his intention is to help, or if he's on a hell-bent mission for revenge. Wary of falling for another guy with major secrets and a tainted past, Zanya fights to keep her distance. If only her heart gave her a choice.




Pre-order Link:


About the Author

Theresa DaLayne is a north-south-east-western kind of girl with a quirky personality to match her nomad life. Born in California, she migrated to three different cities in Washington State, a tiny island in Alaska, North Carolina, and finally to the suburbs of Ohio where she currently lives with her husband, three kids, vegetarian cat, and her ungrateful fish.

Always on the lookout for a new story, Theresa is a shameless eavesdropper and will take anyone who provides inspiration and mold them into a character without a second thought. She enjoys writing both paranormal and contemporary stories, considering her mind wanders between worlds of fantasy while she’s forced to live in the real world, very much against her will.

Author Links:
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Interview with Laney Smith, Author of The Time Capsule Series


I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Laney Smith, author of The Time Capsule Series! She was kind enough to join us for an interview today :)

Tell us a bit about your books. What do you like writing about?
I like writing about things that inspire reactions from the readers. I want to make them feel like they’ve had an experience when they step out of one of the worlds I put in pages. No one wants to read a book and walk away feeling as though they gained nothing. I want the readers to walk away from their time with me and feel like they really experienced the story. So, I like to write about anything that will “check in” with the reader and remind them that they are having an experience, not just killing time. I want them to crave more.  Therefore, I write about things I would want to read.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written or a favorite character?
This is tough. I love all of the books for their own reasons. Each one has pushed me in some way that made me better than the book before it. I like One Year’s Time because I did it! I finally finished a book. But, I also love that one because it is falling in love. I wanted to write it so that the reader could get to fall in love, right along with the characters. I like In Their Own Time because there are several clever revelations in that book that are so much fun, I envision the reader to be laughing, smirking, feeling surprised, and definitely feeling amused. That one feels like so much happens that it makes me realize this whole journey has been a gift, handed to me. I’m so proud of how well that all came together and answered so much, yet opened so many doors at the same time. By the time readers make it to the end of this book, there is a definite passion for this story and these characters. I absolutely love this book for that bond it has afforded for me to share with the readers. I love Derrick’s Time because it is almost like sitting in a confession booth with Derrick Decker, the main male character of the Lock Creek: Time Capsule Series. He’s not perfect, but he’s loveable. He’s made mistakes, but he’s learned from them. This book shows that we almost lost him to the wild side, but he found his way back to us. Then, the fourth one, Time of Death… There are no words to express the passion I feel for this book. I have never experienced anything like this in anything I’ve ever written. It is a darker look at Lock Creek. There is a scene in this one that I thought would kill me. I cried for two weeks. It may sound crazy, but if I think about it too much, I cry still. It pulled my heart out of my chest. I love it because this was the most challenging book to date, for a number of reasons. It was emotional. It was intense. It was daring and bold. The writing process for this one was entirely different than any of the predecessors. This one is my pride because I know the torture it put me through in every way. I love it and this one is just unreal. I can’t wait to see what the follow up for this one will be. But, I have a hunch that it will be a more relaxed, less emotional sequel this time.

As far as a favorite character, I love Derrick Decker with all that I am. I laugh as I say that. But, he’s an amazing character. I use this metaphor all the time because it’s the best way I can relay how it works for me. When I write, what happens in my mind is like a vacant room with a desk by a window. There is a door to the room. Beyond the door, there is a hallway where people mingle and pass in transit from point A to point B.  Every now and then, one of those “people” sticks their head in the doorway to talk to me. They are a character with a story to tell. So, I listen to them, and write what they want to tell. Sometimes, they butt in front of each other, interrupting the story in progress. So, I work with whichever story has the pushiest character. When Derrick Decker wants to tell a story, he’s far more subtle and polite about it. He’s got a cockiness about him, I’m pretty sure that is because he knows he’s my favorite. He doesn’t have to push and shove. He’s the king of my character world. So, he strolls up with a cocky smirk, he usually leans against the doorjamb and I stare at him for a second, excited that he stopped by. He says some random, ornery comment and then we get to work. I love those days because I don’t have to try to fight for a storyline. After Derrick Decker makes his grand entrance, the story starts playing in my head like watching a movie. So, the struggle, then, becomes capturing it all as fast as I can. I love when I see Derrick in my metaphorical doorway. I know that sounds nutty. But, that’s why he is my favorite character.

Where do you find inspiration for the next story?
Honestly, it usually just happens. My mind is like a stack of papers that got placed in front of an opened window on a windy day. They just swirl around all the time. Some play out, and some are short lived. Sometimes it is a great idea today. Tomorrow, I may roll my eyes and try to figure out what I was thinking. I just try to grab what I can and let go of those things that just don’t develop. But, I think you feel it when it’s something tangible and I think you know when it happens.

What/Who influenced you to write?
My friends and family have told me for years that I need to write. I usually shook my head and went on about my business. I love writing. I just never thought writing a book was anything I would ever do. There were signs all throughout my life, trying to tell me I should be a writer. I just ignored them. It is kind of surreal when everything lines up just right and you finally get all the things you had missed before. You feel something unlike anything else. I felt it and I wish that feeling off on every person that walks the earth. It’s pretty amazing!

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what kind of music inspires you?
A lot of times I do. I can’t say any particular type of music inspires me. I can be anywhere in the world and hear music from various sources. Sometimes it happens where I hear a song somewhere, somehow and mental images start popping in my head. I try to capture the song that inspired those flashes, and I listen to that song over and over again until I’ve written the scene that song inspired. In terms of picking a song, or songs to listen to while I write, it doesn’t work like that for me. If there isn’t a song inspiring a scene, I’d rather have silence. 

What are you reading right now?
This week I’m reading Ebony Sea: Origins by Marc Meiner and Elderberry Croft The Complete Collection by Becky Doughty.  I was looking for a passage in one of my favorite Stephen King books a couple of weeks ago and ended up watching the movie and now, I’m also re-reading that book, too. So, my eyes are going to fall out pretty soon.

If you could travel anywhere in the world—without worrying about the cost—where would you go?
My friend lives in Canada and she posted a picture of Banff, Alberta. I’d go spend a snowy weekend there. Seems like it would be a beautiful place to sit by a cozy fire, watch the snow and feel small in the big old world. I’d also go to Keystone in Colorado for the same reasons. Then, I’d probably round out the trip on a warm, sunny beach where I could listen to the earth breathe.

Is there anything you’d like your readers to know about you or your novels?
I hope you’ll all check out the Lock Creek: Time Capsule Series. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you when I’m out there, signing your books. I hope reading it is as much fun for you as writing it was for me.   

Where can readers find you online?
Twitter: @OYTLaneySmith
Instagram: www.instagram.com/author.laney.smith/


Lock Creek: One Year’s Time is the first book in the Time Capsule series. This book is anything but your typical love story. This romantic mystery will keep you guessing with unexpected twists and turns, making this lively story fun and engaging. With realistic characters, a charming setting and an intriguing story, you will find yourself longing to escape with your “friends” in Lock Creek. This first book will introduce you to these characters and allow you to have a bond unlike any other. You will be excited, mystified and entertained as this story plays out in vivid color! And, remember, this is only the beginning! Welcome to Lock Creek!



Buy the series here

About the Author

Laney Smith has enjoyed writing her entire life.  She had her first poem published in 1995.  Since then, she has written multiple stories for local newspapers.  She is the proud mother of two wonderful, brilliant and talented young men and has two younger brothers. Though she currently resides in California, she has lived in places such as Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Colorado.  This has given Laney an exciting opportunity to experience aspects of life that she uses to create settings, characters, and even ideals.  Through the encouragement of friends and family, Laney has now decided to pursue her hobby on a more serious level.  Thus, “One Year’s Time” was born (the first book in the Time Capsule Series) and it is with great pride that she brings this fun story to you.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Sunset Rising by S.M. McEachern - Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway




The Research Behind the Sunset Rising Trilogy
By S.M. McEachern 

Believe it or not, the first novella I ever wrote was a non-fiction well-researched essay titled, Natures Revenge: Fishing Troubled Waters in the Philippines. Much of my background in writing is academic in nature, so when I made the transition to writing fiction, my love of research came with me.  In fact, the concept for Sunset Rising first came to me when I researching ocean-atmospheric interaction, and the role its absence played in an experimental biodome’s inability to produce adequate oxygen. The thought that we might one day need a biodome intrigued me, and led me to wonder how life as we know it would evolve in an enclosed space with finite resources.

In creating my fictional biodome, the first question that came to mind is how could the inhabitants take advantage of the earth’s resources without leaving their safe haven. Obviously, they could drill down into the earth without exposing themselves to the outside world, but how far could they go down? I found my answer in the Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa. At already 2.5 miles deep, the mining company is continuing to drill down to reach a depth of 3 miles. The closer they get to the earth’s core, the hotter the rock face becomes with temps reaching as high as 140 degrees at a 2 mile depth. Ice slurries are used to keep the tunnels at a barely tolerable 85 degrees. And with 236 miles of tunnels, a literal underground economy of armed “ghost miners” has developed, complete with families and even prostitutes living in the mine for extended periods of time. If you’re intrigued, you can read more on my blog with links to some pretty cool video footage of the mine: http://smmceachern.com/the-real-pit/

In imagining a post-apocalyptic world outside of my biodome, I spent a fantastic afternoon, in person, with Chris Kratt of the Wild Kratts brainstorming about which creatures could survive a nuclear winter. We talked about everything from available food sources (mostly meat since plants would die in a nuclear winter) to a creature’s ability to adapt to colder environment. By the end of our brainstorming, I was able to imagine what I think is a pretty cool and accurate post-nuclear holocaust creature world. You can read more about our conversation here: http://smmceachern.com/chattin-with-chris-kratt-about-a-post-apocalyptic-creature-world/

And the last bit of research I think is worth sharing is the technological future my fictional society may be headed toward: nanotechnology.  Exploration of the nanoworld is completely changing our understanding of the laws of nature. It has the potential to revolutionize everything from medical science to how we consume resources.  It’s a broadly applied science that’s developing at such a rapid pace that it’s difficult to keep up.  When writing Worlds Collide, I reached out to the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) in Canada, and Dr. Adam Bergren was generous enough to talk to me over the phone, supply me with current research, and even read over my nanotech parts in my manuscript.  Click here to read my interview with Dr. Bergren: http://smmceachern.com/interview-nanotech-expert/

To me, research is one of the more interesting aspects of writing science fiction. I find that when it comes to igniting my imagination, I usually find inspiration in reality. 

Cheers - Susan



Sunset Rising Trilogy
S.M. McEachern
(Sunset Rising #1-3)
Publication date: December 25th 2015
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult
Limited Time Preorder price of just $4.99! Have it delivered December 25th!
Special edition of the ebook set of the Sunset Rising Trilogy, which includes: Sunset Rising, Worlds Collide, New World Order, and—available in ebook format for the first time—all seven satellite stories!
Sunset Rising: Born a slave inside a government biodome, seventeen-year-old Sunny O’Donnell becomes a pawn in a political plot that sparks a rebellion. Accused of treason and facing execution, she escapes with a man she considers an enemy and discovers she not only has to work with him to survive, but also lead the revolution.
A Readers Favorite 2015 Book Award Gold Medal winner!
Worlds Collide: Sunny and Jack must continue a life of subterfuge in order to stay alive and find a way to free the Pit. But in their attempt to save the urchins, they uncover the horrifying truth about President Holt and the evil he could unleash on the world.
New World Order: While Sunny and Jack struggle to find each other in the lawless post-apocalyptic world, tensions between the Pit and the Dome escalate. In the action-packed conclusion of the Sunset Rising Trilogy, friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends on a journey that will lead to a new world order.
Satellite Stories: For the first time in ebook format, the seven satellite stories are included with the trilogy. Find out what’s happening in the Pit between books one and two, and get a closer look at some of the other people in Sunny’s life.

The Sunset Rising Trilogy ebook boxed set is up for the special pre-order price of $4.99 and includes seven satellite stories.

EXCERPT BOOK 1 – Sunset Rising:

(Sunny O’Donnell and Jack Kenner on starting a rebellion)

I went at him as fast as I could, and when I saw the nose of the gun come up, I pushed it down and used it to give me balance. I raised my leg and kicked him in his side. His grip on the gun loosened for a second, and I grabbed it with both hands while swinging my leg in a backward arc that brought me behind him. I brought the gun up under his throat and held it there. I heard people clapping and looked up to see them staring at me.

“You do catch on quickly,” Jack said, smiling.

I loosened my grip on the rifle, and he lowered it. “Am I scaring you, Jack?”

Suddenly Jack’s hands were on me, and he threw me over his hip. I hit the floor with an ungraceful flop.

“A little bit.” He stepped away and left me to pick myself up. “It’s going to be lights out soon, so we should wrap it up,” he said to the room.

“Can we try again tomorrow?” Raine asked.

Jack looked around the room to see if anyone else was interested. Most people wanted to come back. Jack asked the guards, and they agreed as well.

“You were amazing tonight,” Jack said once we were alone. “You blew me away.”
“I guess it went well.”

“You were great, but we only had maybe fifty people in that room, not nearly enough to take on the few hundred guards that patrol down here. I told you before, power comes with numbers, and we don’t have numbers.”

“I don’t think we stand much of a chance anyway. I expect someone in that room will gladly turn us in for the four hundred credits Holt is offering.”

When we arrived at our apartment, I scanned my hand across the lock and went in.

“I know. I think that too.” Jack shut the door behind him. Then he picked up one of the chairs and put it under the doorknob. I gave him an inquisitive look. “At least it will give us a little notice if someone comes.”

“I’ve always known we’ll be caught eventually, but now that it might be real, I’m scared.”

I didn’t want to die now that I had found a reason to live. I wanted to see this rebellion through and free Summer from Holt; have the chance to find my father if he was still alive; help liberate the Pit from centuries of slavery. I wanted time to finish what we started.

“You’re scared?” he asked in surprise. “I can’t believe the girl who stood up on a chair and convinced an entire room to start a rebellion is scared.”

“And you’re not?”

“Terrified. Hey, what was wrong with Raine’s wife? She seemed a little out of it.”

“Women get that way after they’re sterilized.”

“After they’re what?”

“Sterilized.” He had an odd look on his face. “You must know about the Sterilization Program. Your government came up with it ten years ago. If a couple doesn’t qualify to have a child, the woman is sterilized, and whatever they inject her with makes her go… blank. The injection changes a woman. She’s not as full of life as she used to be.”

Jack was staring at me with a horrified look on his face when the lights went out, leaving us in darkness. Maybe he didn’t know about that program.

“We should get some sleep,” I said.

“I’ll take the chair.”

“No. We shared last night, we can do it again tonight.” Considering the way I responded to his kiss this morning, it probably wasn’t a good idea. But we both needed a decent sleep. Jack was exhausted from sleeping in the chair, and I couldn’t afford to be tired and sloppy with Madi as my supervisor.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Just stay on your on side of the bed.” But I didn’t really mean it. I walked toward the bedroom.

“That bed isn’t big enough to have sides.” He stumbled after me, knocking a chair over.

“You really can’t see, can you?”

“And you’re surprised? It’s pitch black in here.”

I took him by the hand and guided him toward the bedroom. He took off his t-shirt and flopped down on the bed. Since he was blind in the dark, I stripped off my vest and put my t-shirt back on before I climbed in.

“It’s not pitch black in here. The guards use nightlights, and it leaks into the apartment.”

He opened his eyes as wide as he could and looked around the room. “I guess you have to born in the Pit to find light where there isn’t any.”

I rolled that thought over in my mind and realized just how true it was.

Author Bio:
S.M. McEachern (also known as Susan) comes from the rocky shores of Canada’s East Coast. As a resident of Halifax during her early adult years, she attended Dalhousie University and earned an Honors Degree in International Development Studies with a focus on ocean development. Throughout her academic studies and early career, Susan had the privilege to study and work with Elizabeth Mann Borgese (daughter of nobel prize winner, Thomas Mann). An author in her own right and a political activist for world peace, Mrs. Mann Borgese played a significant influence on Susan’s view of the political world stage.
Sunset Rising is Susan's debut novel, which was published in November 2012. The second novel of the series, Worlds Collide was released in March 2014 and she is currently working on the third book of the series titled, New World Order, due to be released January 2015. For writing inspiration, Susan likes to go on long walks with her iPod (Keane and Moby are among her favorites). A few fun facts about Susan: she loves lattes, red wine, snorkelling, hiking and talking about herself in the third person.
If you'd like to read some satellite stories on the Sunset Rising series, visit her website: http://smmceachern.com/category/satellite-stories/

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