Friday, February 27, 2015

Unleash Your Passion in Your Writing

“Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else.” ― C.S. Lewis

I love this quote by one of my favorite authors, C. S. Lewis, because it clarifies what it takes to be an excellent writer. Passion about something, real or imagined, is the key to a “can’t put down” book. You can’t fake passion and you know immediately if a writer/author is passionate about what they are writing about.

Think about some of your favorite books and ask yourself, why do I love these books? Passion.

For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about two things: love and spiritual warfare. Both are the backbone to my faith and both are very much alive. Love is the foundation of many spiritual beliefs and it is love that propels ordinary people to do extraordinary things! Spiritual warfare is basically the eternal battle between good and evil. It has been around since time began and continues to this very day.



I wanted to write a book about both love and spiritual warfare but how? I could write a non-fiction book sharing my personal experiences. I even started to write a non-fiction book but the words didn’t flow. The more I tried, the more I knew I was meant to write a fictional book. I could tell my story, draw people into the world I created and inspire them all at the same time.

Thus, Princess of the Light was born. The more I dug deeper into the story, the more passionate I became. It didn’t matter that parts of my book were real or imagined. The reader would love my story. They would relate to the characters and hopefully be inspired.

I have to be honest here, writing a faith based novel is hard. You have to create the right balance of romance, intrigue, action, inspiration and conflict. It has to appear real for the reader or they will reject it. You have to be inspiring without being preachy. You have to show romance without being graphic. You have to show conflict without being obvious. It’s a balancing act and if you are successful, it will be addicting to the reader. Princess of the Light blends all of these in an intoxicating book.

A final thought... no matter what you write, be passionate about it! Your passion will fly off of the page and will hold the reader captive.

Title: Princess of the Light
Author: N. N. Light
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance, Christian Fantasy, Inspirational Fiction
Blurb:

Gabriel, the Archangel and Messenger of God - yeah that Gabriel, visited Mary Miller. He told her, as the key she is destined to spread the Light and vanquish the Darkness. Her first assignment is to restore the soul of the Walking Man. Sounds simple enough until she’s thrown in the face of evil, and then Joe Deacons enters her heart. This battle just got a lot more complicated. She must complete her mission without losing all she loves.



Buy Links:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469480
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/princess-of-the-light-nn-light/1120170709?ean=9781502438454
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Light-N/dp/1502438453
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Princess-Light-N-ebook/dp/B00N19FDKO
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Light-N-ebook/dp/B00N19FDKO
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/princess-of-the-light-1
Indigo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/princess-of-the-light/9781310880230-item.html?ikwid=princess+of+the+light&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0
iTunes/ iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/princess-of-the-light/id913013798?mt=11
Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/5008419
Author Bio:

N. N. Light was born in Minnesota, lived in Southern California only to move to chilly Ontario, Canada to marry her beloved husband MR N. She is blissfully happy and loves all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports and baking. She has been telling stories since the age of five and her mantra is to spread the Light. Most of the time you can find her on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest. She is a proud member of ASMSG, Independent Author Network and Marketing for Romance Writers.

Part of the proceeds of Princess of the Light will go directly to food banks in order to feed the hungry and help those in need. With only 7,500 books sold, N. N. Light will be able to set up a monthly endowment for the local food bank.

I’d love to connect with you either via email or via these various social media sites:

Website: http://princessofthelight.com
Blog: http://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nnlight
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NNP_W_Light
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nnlight
Email: nnlight@outlook.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrincessOTLight
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/n-n-light/90/1a7/902
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/118060034268079734144/posts
Triberr:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/nnlight
Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/n-n-light.html
iAuthor: http://www.iauthor.uk.com/princess-of-the-light:10294

Thursday, February 26, 2015

In the Rancher’s Care

Sharing an excerpt from Honorable Rancher by Barbara White Daille, which is available as a standalone book but has also just been re-released in the 2-in1 anthology In the Rancher’s Care.

From Honorable Rancher:

Ben felt tempted to toss a coin into the fountain for a wish of his own—that for once, she'd let him make things easier for her. "There's such a thing as working too hard, you know."

"Ben, please." She gathered up her dress and stood. "I have to go inside. Tess will be tossing her bouquet soon. I wouldn't want to lose out on that."

A tear sparkled at the corner of her eye.

Missing the chance to catch a handful of flowers couldn't upset her that much. He knew what she really missed—having a husband by her side. Her husband.

His best friend.

But neither of them would have Paul back in their lives.

Before he could get to his feet, she left, running away like that princess in the fairytale his niece asked him to read to her over and over again.

No, not a princess. The one who took off without her glass slipper—Cinderella.

Dana was no Cinderella. She hadn't left a shoe behind. Hadn't even dropped a button from that pink dress as something for him to remember her by. As if he could ever forget her.

She'd been the heroine of a story he'd once created long ago, a story he'd had to write in his head because he hadn't yet known how to spell all the words.

How did it go? Like in his niece's storybook...

Once upon a time, that was it.

Once upon a time, in the Land of Enchantment—otherwise known as the state of New Mexico—Benjamin Franklin Sawyer had high hopes and a huge crush on the girl who sat one desk over from him in their classroom every day.

No other girl in town, Ben felt sure, could beat Dana Smith, and most likely no other woman in the world could compare to her, either. In any case, without a doubt, she was the cutest of all his female friends in their kindergarten classroom.

Unfortunately, when the teacher moved his best friend, Paul Wright, to the desk on the other side of Dana's, Ben saw his hopes dashed.



The crush, however, continued. For a good long while.

As for Benjamin Franklin Sawyer's hopes...

Well, not every story had a happy ending.

HONORABLE RANCHER

Dana Wright has to shut Ben Sawyer out. She wants him—so much—but if she gives in, she might spill her secret, and the betrayal will hurt everyone she cares about—including her children and Ben. She'll do anything to protect them from knowing the truth about her late husband—even give up her second chance at happiness.

Author Bio

Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom.

When she was very young, Barbara learned from her mom about the storytelling magic in books—and she’s been hooked ever since. She hopes you will enjoy reading her books and will find your own magic in them!

In the Rancher’s Care is a 2-in-1 anthology reissue that includes her full-length Flagman’s Folly novel, Honorable Rancher. Upcoming is a brand-new series, The Hitching Post Hotel, about a matchmaking grandpa determined to see his three granddaughters wed. The series debuts in April 2015 with The Cowboy’s Little Surprise, followed by A Rancher of Her Own in July and a third as-yet-untitled book in December.



Find Barbara at the following locations:
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Harlequin ~ Goodreads
In the Rancher’s Care anthology: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Harlequin

Monday, February 16, 2015

Endless as the Rain

Book one of the Taken series
by M.S. Kaye

When Adriane Graham discovers a city councilman is part of an embezzlement ring, she doesn't realize her life is in danger until Alec Kadan, the son of a mobster, kidnaps her—not to kill but to protect her. But why? And how does he know so much about her, right down to her favorite books? In order to find out, Adriane must get past Alec's anger and secrecy to unravel his past and find the key to her own.

To be released 2/13/15
Author Bio:

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Contact M. S. Kaye at:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Google+ ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ TSU ~ Pinterest ~ LinkedIn



Excerpt:

The thought that was still eating at me was the possibility of rejection. I’d heard women talk about how almost any woman can get a man’s attention once, that men generally have a strong drive and will usually take most opportunities. But Alec was strong-minded. If he truly didn’t want a woman, I was certain he’d reject her.

It was a risk.

One I was willing to take.

I peeked into the hall to be certain no one was around, and then walked silently through the shadows. I turned the corner toward his room.

My mind couldn’t help but to wander. I began to see images—at first his surprise, and then understanding, and hopefully his arousal. I saw kissing and removal of clothes before lying down. I hoped he wouldn’t feel the need to talk or to ask why. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hide my true motivations.

My feet stopped.

I couldn’t do it.

I wouldn’t trick him like that—hide the truth from him just to have what I wanted.

Only a couple feet from his door, I turned, somehow feeling pride, shame, and disappointment all in that one turn.

The click of a door opening—his door.

I managed not to jump.

“Adriane?”

I turned half way to look at him over my shoulder. “I’m sorry I woke you. I was just feeling restless.” It wasn’t a complete lie.

As I looked at him, my resolve wavered for a second. His expression was beyond kind but with a little concern—for my sanity, no doubt. He still wore his slacks and dress shirt but barefoot, and his shirt was untucked and unbuttoned. His hair was a little disheveled, and what absolutely killed me was the slight sheen of his skin, as if I’d woken him from an intense dream. His skin seemed to glow in the faint light, and his eyes took on that deep shadowed effect. Why did he have to look like that? He was perfect in every other way. Why this too?

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

So as not to seem rude, I turned to face him properly. “No. I was just restless. Please go back to sleep.” And please don’t look at me too closely.

He took a step closer. At least it was dark. I ran my fingers through my hair to casually pull it back.

He took a breath.

“Are you sure?” he said.

I crossed my arms, pretending I was cold, but really trying to hide my chest. I worried, though, that I only succeeded in creating more cleavage.

Did his eyes just flicker? No, it was too dark to see his eyes clearly.

“I’m fine,” I said, “just a little cold.” I turned to leave.

He didn’t respond, and I continued my escape. Once my door closed, I pressed my back against it, head leaned and eyes closed. My heart pounded. It shouldn’t be legal to look like that.

Faintly, I heard his door close. Then I jumped at a loud pounding sound, like someone punching a wall, and his voice, though muffled from distance. “Dammit.”

It was only maybe ten minutes later that I heard his footsteps. The sound of his shoes, no longer bare feet, quickly moved down the stairs. It was only three in the morning.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Cover Reveal








Title: Fallen Idol 
Series: Love and Music in Texas
Book number: 4
Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense 
Release Date: March 31, 2015



Blurb: 


What goes up must come down... 

Kyra Sanders had a promising career in country music in her teen years. She gained popularity and fame, riding high atop the the charts. Then one deadly accident changed things, sending her spiraling downward to the point she went into a hiatus from music. 

Six years later, Kyra's making her return to the music scene. With an album in the works and a new song on the radio, her career is back on track, until a call from Texas with news of an accident forces her to halt her plans. 

Matt Greer is working through the aftermath of his ex-wife's abandonment when she chose to leave him and their fourteen year old son to pursue her own musical dreams. He's had enough of troubled musicians and the havoc they bring to his life Kyra surprises him in a good way, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with a singer who comes to town with trouble on her trail. 

It's hard to avoid each other in a small town, especially when their families are close. Matt should stay away from the woman who could lead danger right to their town, and it's possible she already has, but he can't help how drawn he becomes to her. 

The sparks ignite, but danger lurks in the distance, only getting closer as time goes on. For two people who want different things out of life, it's possible to find healing together...


This is the fourth book in the Love and Music in Texas series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. 


Preorder on Amazon for a special Intro price of 99 cents. Fallen Idol will go up to regular price of $3.99 one week after release. 







Fallen Idol stands on its on, but you can get can begin the series with Baby Stetson. It's currently free on all outlets.  









About the Author:



I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

Places to find me on the web:
wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com

FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark

Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/

Nikki's Book Stormers: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/

Twitter: @Stormgoddess925

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett


Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com
I love to hear from readers!






Monday, February 2, 2015

Becoming Somebody

Book Two
Heather D'Agostino - Becoming Somebody ecover

synopsis

What happens when everything you thought you knew suddenly changes with a few simple words?

When Samantha Connelly fell hard for the one person that could rip her world apart she wasn’t prepared for the bomb he would later drop on her. With a few words, Brian completely turned her world upside down and sent her into an emotional spiral.

Forced to leave town once again, she begged him to come with her…pleaded with him to choose her…to love her, but Brian had his own agenda that he couldn’t deviate from.

What happens when two people who are meant for each other are forced apart with no reunion in sight? How do you recover from the reality that you may never see one another again? How do you go back to being a nobody when all you want in life is to be somebody to someone?





TBR

Goodreads

Buy Links

This is a PRE-ORDER LINK