Happy Release Day Glenbrook!

I probably should have posted this earlier, but Glenbrook is officially out!  The fourth book in The Ethereal Crossings series, ah that's so weird to say.  I hope everyone that has followed Liv this far enjoys the next adventure.  And thanks again to everyone who has bought/downloaded the books!  You're the reason I've come as far as I have as a writer!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SERIES!

Astral Bodies is now complete!

If you didn't know, my serial novel Astral Bodies completed at the end of last month!  Part seven is out at retailers and available for you :)  So I hope you check it out and like the ending.

I've set up a giveaway of Goodreads for a copy of Fenridge: Book Two of The Ethereal Crossings (link here).  It's open to the US and Canada, so go enter!

I'm still working my way through Phasing, and you can read the first few chapters of the first draft on Wattpad.  Or if you like, you can read the first two books in the trilogy!  These books can be read in any order...(Click on the photo for links).

The Dark Origins

Read the stories of three girls as they discover who they are, where they come from, and where they’re going.  Each book is the tale of one girl, their life, and how different events lead them to the same place at the same time.

Igniting

Grace has finally escaped her past of foster homes and mall-cop jail cells. What she hasn’t escaped is her deadly temper, if she loses control black flames lash from her at high velocity, causing fires that can’t be put out by anything but time.

When a boy named Noah drags her through a magic portal after getting attacked she realizes she isn’t the only one out there with bizarre powers. But can she really trust someone with her biggest secret?

Shimmering

Ember Reed is a fifteen-year-old shape-shifter, a creature with the ability to transform into any animal, despite it’s shape or size. At least, she should be able to; Ember can’t quite change her entire form, only bits and pieces. This has earned her the nickname “sucky spook” at the Sagefall Recreation Center, a place where supernatural beings go for training.

Living the life of an outcast, Ember pretends to be content with only having her cousin Jayd as a friend and keeping her nose buried in fictional stories. But when she goes to the bookstore downtown and finds a girl going through her first Shift, Ember realizes that she might have the chance to make a friend.

Ember also realizes that this girl may be in trouble, because the most powerful people of her community have been starting to disappear. After she witnesses the kidnapping of her classmate she decides to do whatever she can to save her new friend. But while trying to keep this girl off the kidnappers radar she seems to have fallen right onto it when her new power is discovered.

With Cross & Charm is Complete!

It's complete on Wattpad, that is!  Go read the final two parts here.  I hope you like the ending!

As for other news, the coming months you might notice I'm not posting a lot, or even what I publish is going to dwindle a bit.  I did have plans to put certain things out early next year, but I'm not certain if it will happen on time; I've gone back to school.  Again.  This whole "life career" thing is difficult! But this time I've survived past day one, and have even managed to go for over a week now.  So far it's pretty good, and I think it will lead to a good career that will allow me to do writing in my free time still.  Also, it's not in retail!  So that alone is pushing me though.
And I want to do well, so I'm trying to stay focused, which means less writing.  But I am still writing!  Just not as much as I used to.  Soon I think I'm going to start doing some posts about a new project, just put a small excerpt out there to see what people think (I just need to get a working title for it and a few more chapters done).

Don't forget to check out the pre-order for Glenbrook!  It's set to release November 4 and you can read the unedited beginning on Wattpad.

Glenbrook Pre-order

I've set up an early preorder of Glenbrook, Book Four of The Ethereal Crossings at a discounted price!  The release date is set to November 4, 2014, which sounds far away but actually isn't.  That's only a couple months!  Geez, it feels so close to me.  Click the photo for the link.

As with other pre-orders, it will be going out soon to Apple iBooks, Kobo and B&N, so I'll be sure to link to those as soon as I can.  (Follow my Facebook for most up to date info).

Glenbrook First Draft = DONE!

Yesterday I typed the final words to the first draft of Glenbrook!  Can you believe it?  I can't!

I didn't quite make my goal of 70K words and it ended up at about 65K.  But I still have to revise and edit, so it might manage to get there (or at least another thousand!).  I'm so excited that this book is done, and I hope you guys like the ending ;)

I'm still going to be posting some chapters onto Wattpad, though not too many more.  News and updates about publishing dates will be posted pretty much everywhere in the coming month or so.

But yeah, I just wanted to do a post about this!  It took about a year and a half, and there were some hurdles in there, but I got to the end.  YAY!

Day 16

Only about 10K words to go and I meet my goal of 25,000 words for Camp NaNoWriMo.  Glenbrook is quickly coming to an end!  I've been tweeting a lot about it lately, so be sure to follow me @somethingofdev for updates and such.  Once I have the first draft of Glenbrook done and I've gone through it a couple times I'm going to set up the preorder through Smashwords (which sends out to B&N, Apple, and Kobo).  So be on the lookout for that most likely mid-August :)

As for Glenbrook excerpts, I have up to chapter four posted on Wattpad, so if you wanna get an early read of it, it's there for you (and more to come!  I'll be updating it about every ten days with new half chapters.).

In other news, Astral Bodies part 6 is out soon!  Only two more weeks, and the preorder is already set up for you to get from Smashwords and Apple (and soon B&N).

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks my two year anniversary of publishing!  Two years ago today I hit the publish button on Smashwords and sent Shadeland out into the digital world.  Within the first night I had just over 80 downloads and I thought that was crazy!  Little did I know I would soon be getting thousands of downloads across different retailers.

When I put out Shadeland I wasn't sure if people would like Liv; she was so apathetic and unromantic about everything, I didn't know if the YA genre would embrace her.  But you guys did!  You truly encouraged me to continue with The Ethereal Crossings, as well as inspired me to work on new projects (sorry I jump around so much though haha).

And I couldn't have done it without the support of my lovely readers :)  So thanks for supporting me! I am nothing without you, which is why I'm giving away Fenridge and Northcliffe for free until the end of today.  www.dlmilesbooks.com

Thanks again!

Camp NaNoWriMo and Special Anniversary Giveaway!

(Happy Canada Day!)

And happy start to Camp NaNoWriMo!  This month I plan on getting Glenbrook done, or at least very close to done.  My goal is 25,000 words, which would bring me to my entire word goal for the book.

Liv has gone through a lot in this one, too, and has been visiting old friends and making new ones (or enemies).  I'll be keeping up with excerpts each week, along with word count updates on Facebook and Twitter.  I'll also be posting facts about what happens in Glenbrook every so often, so check out those :)  Here's one now...

Azazel's true form will be revealed!  

Oh, and remember how on Facebook I said be on the lookout for a special announcement?

WELL HERE IT IS

To celebrate my two year anniversary of publishing, I'm going to giveaway The Ethereal Crossings series for free until July 11!  The prices have just been changed at Smashwords, so it might take a day or two to reach other retailers.

Shadeland

Fenridge

Northcliffe

*Note about Amazon: I can't set books to free at Amazon, but if you download the free .mobi file at Smashwords, that can go on your kindle :)

I'm going to do a "Thank You!" post on the 11th, but I'll say it here too.  

THANKS FOR READING!

Are you ready for Camp NaNoWriMo?

Because I sure am!  Glenbrook is well on it's way to getting done, and even though I won't have it published by my anniversary (July 11), it'll at least be done for a release this year.  I can't believe June is already coming to a close...what the heck happened?  I'm never going to make my reading goal at this pace >_<

Astral Bodies 5 was released earlier this week and is already on all retailers.  The next two parts will each be $0.99, making the total for the book $3.99.  Upcoming dates are...

July 31 - Part 6

August 28 - Part 7 (the final part!)

I hope you guys are enjoying the story as much as I did rewriting it.  Astral Bodies actually started off as my attempt to write a mystery without a supernatural element, and after about 40K words I decided that I didn't like things without a supernatural element.  It was very boring.  So, I changed almost everything.  The only thing that stayed was the fact it opened in a hotel lol.

One last things; the giveaway for Igniting on Goodreads is ending in about a day, so enter while you can!

July Camp NaNoWriMo 2014

There's only two more weeks until Camp NaNoWriMo 2014, and I'm not sure what I should work on!  This is the problem you get when you have too much on the go.  I need to find a way to make my brain slow down and focus on one single project at a time...

I'll most likely work on Glenbrook, because it kind of stalled a bit while I focused on finishing up Astral Bodies (Part five is out soon by the way!).  I only need about 25K more words until I've reached my word count goal, so that'll be my NaNoWriMo goal! :D  I'm excited for you guys to find out more about Shadeland, and what happens between Liv and Jared.  You can actually start reading the first draft of it on Wattpad!


As for publishing updates, part four of Astral Bodies came out!  Find out what Tess saw that will define the future of the case, and learn what a family member has been hiding for her for some time now.
Part five of Astral Bodies will be out the end of June, and is going to be a free instalment :)

I can't believe how quickly this serial novel is coming out; I feel like I just started publishing it and it's almost time for the end!  I've really enjoyed putting it out in this format though, and I think I'll be doing it again, although I might try to shorten the timespan.  Maybe every two weeks or so?  I'll figure it out once I actually start book 2.

Of Noble Blood - prologue

On a whim I thought I would share the prologue for Of Noble Blood: The Second Fable, the sequel to Of Noble Chains.  I'm still working on getting a cover for it, and it's nowhere near done, but lately I've just felt like writing some harder fantasy :)

Prologue

“What do you mean she has everything to do with this?” Nari questioned, wondering how this Specter could have spotted her.  Even standing in the open Nari the Unseen was able to hide; yet this woman had found her within seconds of leaving Aeryn’s home.  It was more than a little unnerving, and the only thing keeping her from attacking was the fact that Zia’s name came up.

The woman’s raven hair shimmered, even in the darkness of the alley.  Sharp features did nothing to hide the brilliant mind that hid beneath.  The woman laughed.  “Do you, or do you not, want the Ark gone?”

“The city would fall without the Ark,” Nari answered.  As a member of the Light Guard she was supposed to support everything her government did, and never question it.  But recent events had her wondering about her leaders.

“Kehzia Noble has begun to shake the foundation,” the woman said, “and she will remain the key to bringing in a new era.  But it takes time.  For now, she needs a little help.”  Her eyes flicked away for a moment, not a movement of fear, but one of curiosity.  She met Nari’s gaze once more.  “She will need someone to…look after her.”

Nari’s jaw clenched.  It had been her job to watch Zia’s movements after Donataen had died, but she’d shirked her duties.  Now it was coming back to haunt her.  “What are you saying?” Nari whispered.

“That if someone doesn’t start keeping Kehzia safe, then she won’t be breathing much longer.” 

Sorry I've Been Gone!

I feel like I don't post anything at all lately!  I've been spending so much time on other aspects of my life that blogging just isn't on the top of the list anymore.

Recently I've also started giving more attention to my photography.  Two years ago when I first started publishing my books writing took over my life--everything was about it, how I could do better, sell more, get more reviews, etc. etc..  Photography just sort of go pushed away, and my poor little camera started to gather dust (literally).

One of my new years resolutions was to take more photos.  Normally I just post them on websites like Flickr or Deviant Art, but last week I decided that I wanted to start selling them.  So I made an account on Society6 after checking out all my options, and started posting!  I do mainly macro and nature photography, and if you like you can check it out here: www.society6.com/openfire !
I also realized that Society6 has AMAZING fan art of everything I love, and have been forcing myself not to buy everything (although I did buy this and cannot wait for it to arrive).

Now, back to writing.  Astral Bodies part 4 is available as a pre-order from Smashwords, Apple iBooks, and soon Barnes and Noble.  Don't forget to check out part 3, which is free!
If you're wondering, there will be seven parts to this serial novel, so here's the release dates for it...

Part 4 - May 29 ($0.99) [Read an excerpt on Wattpad]

Part 5 - June 26 (free)

Part 6 - July 31 ($0.99)

Part 7 - August 28 ($0.99)

The final two parts are going to be a bit longer than previous ones as well, and prices might change.

In other news, I've posted more excerpts of Glenbrook on Wattpad, and With Cross & Charm is also being completed there!  It's free now after all :)

Astral Bodies (Part 3) - Released!

Last week was the release of Astral Bodies (Part 3)!  This part is free, so download now!  Links below :)

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

Apple iBooks

Scribd

Cover Reveal - Phasing

I'll be working on Phasing (The Dark Origins #3) this April for NaNoWriMo!  Here's the cover reveal.  You'll also be able to read excerpts and longer chapters on Wattpad/my blog.  And don't forget to add it to your "to-read" shelf on Goodreads!

Release Day - Astral Bodies Part 2!

Astral Bodies part 2 is officially available!  Thanks to all who emailed me about part one :)  The winner has been chosen and contacted.  Don't despair if it wasn't you though, because you have another chance this month!  (See my website for details).

Find out in part 2 how Tess reacts to Dr. Adler's offer, and more about the murder!

Monthly Giveaways + Release Date for Astral Bodies!

So with the release of Astral Bodies coming up (part one will be available on Smashwords and Kindle in February and hopefully make it to retailers quickly), I thought I'd try something with it.

Every month a new part of Astral Bodies will be released, and with it you'll have a chance to win one of my other books in eBook form!  :D

Here's how it'll work:

1. I post new part.
2. You read said part.
3.  You comment on my Facebook, blog, or even send me a tweet about what you liked/disliked about this part.  It could be a full review, or simply a "LOVED/HATED IT!" comment by the time the next part is released.  There's a full month for you to comment!
4. One winner will get to win one of my books in eBook form through Smashwords!

*Please note that the winners will be random picks, and that when you get the eBook it will be through Smashwords coupon (meaning you need  a Smashwords account, which is free).  When you download the book you can then put it onto whatever eReader you use.
*Another note: I will need an email address to contact you at; if you do not wish to disclose your email we can do a private message on twitter/facebook :)

So get ready this March!

RELEASE DATE SCHEDULE

Astral Bodies will be released on the LAST Thursday of each month.  Here are the dates for the first four parts:

Part One - February 27, 2014

Part Two - March 27, 2014

Part Three - April 24, 2014

Part Four - May 29, 2014

Astral Bodies - Sneak Peek

Here's a look at Astral Bodies, my upcoming serial novel.  This paranormal murder mystery will be out on or at least around March 1, 2014!  So be on the lookout for it :)

I jumped up, throwing my book across the room and knocking my tea over.  There was a scream trying to crawl out of my throat, but I managed to choke it down and breathe again.

“What the hell?” I questioned.  I searched my memory but everything began to blur together.  All I knew was that I found a body in the Arrow Woods, and the killer was still there.  Ignoring the spilt tea, I jumped from bed and grabbed my cell phone, ready to call the police.  But I had to stop myself.

How would I explain seeing that to them?  Another idea struck, and I headed from my dorm, not even bothering to put my robe on.

The university still had a couple old pay phones hidden in it’s shadowy corners.  Nobody used them anymore, and I prayed they were still functional.  As I approached them I searched the lobby for anyone that might notice me, but found myself alone.  I was behind the front desk, the woman there busy playing some game on her cellphone.

I picked the phone up quietly, keeping my eyes on the front doors, and dialled 911.

When they picked up I interrupted them and said, “There’s a body in the Arrow Woods, near the falls.  The killer made a fire and they’re doing some sort of…ritual, I think.  You should hurry.”

I felt sick.  Every inch of my good natured being was ordering I answer the operator as they asked my name, but instead I hung up the phone.  I licked my lips and closed my eyes a moment, allowing my hands to shake.

I took a deep breath.  It was over now; I’d done my part.

Add it on Goodreads today!

Cover Reveal - Astral Bodies

Astral Bodies

There’s been a murder in Arrowood with only one witness, and she can’t come forward with any information because she technically wasn’t there.

Twenty-year-old Tess has the ability to astral project, and while going for a midnight walk in the woods she stumbles across a ritual murder.  Not only that, the killer was actually able to see her when nobody else could.

After leaving an anonymous tip with the police, Tess thinks her life can return to normal, until Jonas Adler contacts her and offers her a job she just can’t refuse.  He wants her to become his apprentice and work with the FBI using her unique ability to find the killer.

Tess is soon thrust into a world that both terrifies and excites her, and into a job she never knew she wanted.

*Astral Bodies is a serial novel, with new parts out every month.  To keep the price of the total eBook under $3.99, some parts will be free!  Estimated release date of part one is March 1*

Importance of Covers

I can't remember if I've blogged specifically about how the new covers for The Ethereal Crossings has helped sales or now, so I'll just do it now!  When you publish books yourself, one of the first tips you'll get from any experienced writer is to make sure your book is properly edited, then next is getting a damn good cover.
Because the cover is what people see first.

Since I changed my covers for The Ethereal Crossings, sales have been better--I've gotten twice as many downloads for Shadeland specifically, and for Christmas I'm expecting Fenridge and Northcliffe to really pick up.

They went ...

See the difference?

While I quite liked my original cover, I didn't think it said "I'm a mystery, PICK ME UP NOW".  I think Shadeland is now much better off, along with Fenridge and Northcliffe :)

As for more specific sales numbers, normally I would get around 400-500 downloads a month for Shadeland, and with the new covers it is now well over 900 for the month between various retailers.  So if you're going to publish your book, I suggest you get a professional to do it (it's worth the price) especially if you're getting print copies done through Createspace.

My other covers were...

And...

*New covers designed by www.bookcoversale.com*

That was all, just thought I would share how changing the covers has increased downloads/sales :)