Showing posts with label self publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self publishing. Show all posts

Friday, 24 October 2014

Astral Bodies 2

NaNoWriMo is starting very soon, so I thought I would post the synopsis + title for what I'll be working on!  As stated before, I'll be writing Astral Bodies 2, the continuation of Tess's journey with Adler as she solves supernatural crimes in Arrowood.  I have quite a bit outlined for this, so I'm hoping I'm able to get a lot done between school and other things.

The current title (it could change) for Astral Bodies 2 is...

Misled Souls

Arrowood was a quiet city, or so Tess thought.  Until she met Adler she never thought much of murders, warlocks, or ghosts; not in real life at least.  But now that she knows what’s out there she’s more determined than ever to develop her skills and help those that can’t be helped by normal means.
With the Arrowood Vampire gone, Adler brings Tess to their next case; finding the missing bodies of Arrowood.  Over the past week dead bodies have been disappearing from graveyards and morgues, and the police believe they’re being stolen.  Adler thinks they’re breaking themselves out.
Evidence shows that a man dug himself out of his own grave, and a woman walked herself out of her own autopsy.  The undead are rising all over the city, and it’s up to Tess to figure out why.


I am ridiculously excited to start working on this.  I've gotten the beginning outlined and ready to go, and I'm dying to begin!  You can read the first part of Tess's journey in Astral Bodies, which has multiple free parts to it (or preorder the full version which is available this December).

Saturday, 11 October 2014

NaNoWriMo 2014

So the past two years I've been doing NaNoWriMo, and this year will be no different.  Though it does come at a time when I'm in the middle of a project!  Phasing is starting to wrap up, so I thought I would follow the actual rules this year (to work on something you have written absolutely nothing on).  It's a difficult rule for me to follow, since I usually write the first couple of chapters to everything I think of and then put it aside for quite a while.  But I realized that I hadn't started one project, and NaNoWriMo was the perfect excuse to divide my attention! YAY!

My serial novel Astral Bodies completed this year, so for NaNoWriMo I will be working on Astral Bodies 2!  I've written nothing for it, other than a few brief notes on the plot so I look forward to seeing what I can come up with in the heat of the moment.


I don't have a title yet, so I'm just going to be calling this one Astral Bodies 2, and it will be the continuation of Tess's journey with Adler.  I'll post the temporary blurb closer to NaNoWriMo!

Sunday, 7 September 2014

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.



Tuesday, 12 August 2014

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.

Friday, 11 July 2014

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!


Wednesday, 28 May 2014

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.” 

Friday, 9 May 2014

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 :)

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Spring is finally here!

Spring has finally arrived in Canada! It's about damn time, too.  And I think the warmer weather has helped to reignite my writing mojo--I'm doing a lot more writing than I was over the winter.

I'm wrapping up Astral Bodies, and it looks like it might have seven or so parts to it.  Have you checked out Tess's story yet?  Part three will be coming out at the end of this month, and it's going to be free!  Here's an update on the scheduled release dates for upcoming parts...

Part 3 - April 24 (FREE) Read an excerpt here!
Part 4 - May 29 ($0.99)
Part 5 - June 26 
Part 6 - July 31

As for Glenbrook...it's going.  I'm relatively on track for a summer release, but I'm not too sure.  Updates as I go, I guess.  For now I have started posting pieces on Wattpad, so check it out!

As for my Camp NaNoWriMo project, it's going surprisingly well.  Phasing is just a little bit behind schedule, but I already have most scenes planned out on cue cards or just in my head--I just need to find the time to sit and write it now!  Chapters are also being posted on Wattpad for you to read.

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

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!


Thursday, 27 March 2014

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!


Thursday, 20 February 2014

New Release - Astral Bodies

It's finally here!  And by finally, I mean I've been dying to hit the publish button for like three months...and I'm still hitting it early.  It's only about a week early anyway...right?  So here it is on Smashwords!  It'll take a few days to get to other retailers.
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 use her unique ability to help 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.


Also, here's a reminder that part two will be available March 27, and the preorder is set up and set to go out to Kobo, Apple iBooks and B&N!  The covers are the same (just a different colour), but here it is anyway:

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Cover Reveal - Glenbrook

I had the cover for Glenbrook: Book Four of The Ethereal Crossings made up a while ago with the other new covers for the series.  I thought I would reveal it, since it's already up on my website anyway and I will be setting it up on Goodreads later :)

I still do not have a set date for the release of Glenbrook!


*Cover design by yocladesigns.com*

Luke is trapped in Shadeland, and there’s supposedly no way to get him out.  Everyone is keeping their mouth shut, since something’s happening within the Eidolon world that they don’t want the humans knowing about.
Liv is determined to find out, even if it means going against all warnings, and travelling to Shadeland herself.

Monday, 27 January 2014

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

Saturday, 4 January 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.


Monday, 23 December 2013

Happy Holidays!

It's almost Christmas, so for the next couple of weeks I don't think I'll be able to post much of anything.  I thought I would post a bit more of Glenbrook, and in the new year will come Astral Bodies!

“How far is the…castle?” I asked, still feeling awkward about that.  We were heading into vampire territory according to Eyre, and it was to see the Lord of Vampires.  It sounded ridiculous, even after all I’d seen.  
“Not far,” Arick told me.  “Once we’re out of the forest we only need to cross the moat, and we’ll be there.”
Of course there would be a moat.  I didn’t reply, and it made him look back at me.  He repeated, “Once we’re out of the forest we only need to cross the moat!”
“She heard you,” Eyre growled, swatting Arick on the back of the head.  
Arick was baffled.  “But she didn’t say anything.”
“Because she did not want to,” Azazel replied.  “Liv Burnett does not speak often.”
I didn’t like this conversation much.
We continued to walk through the trees, the dirt path kicking up dust as we moved over it.  It was a little pink, similar to the smoke that I’d seen on the airplane.  It made me miss Luke even more.
Liv?
I stopped and turned towards the woods, wondering if I’d actually heard that.  I could have sworn he called my name, in the real world and not just in my head.
When he called again I realized it was just in my head.
Liv, how are you here? Luke asked.  It isn’t safe.  Someone is—
I grunted and fell to my knees, holding my temples in hopes of stopping the pain.  It had never hurt so much before to communicate with Luke—why did it now?  I thought it might have to do with being in Shadeland, but that didn’t make complete sense to me.
“What’s wrong?” Arick asked, instantly in front of me.  He kneeled down to my level and helped me up.  It was hard to stand.
“Nothing,” I said, “just a headache.”
I glanced at Azazel and he nodded, as if knowing the truth.  Eyre only pursed her lips; maybe she knew as well.  How either of them could know I wasn’t so sure.
The pain began to subside, and I was able to stand up straight.  I brushed off Arick’s hands, despite how determined he seemed to be.  When I nodded again he took a step back.
“Is someone—”
“She isn’t a case,” Eyre said, “not anymore at least.”
“You don’t know for sure,” Arick sniped.  “How do you—”
“She.  Isn’t.  A.  Case,” Eyre said, her voice low.  “Now let’s get to the castle so that I don’t have to bother with you or him anymore!”  She crossed her arms, and Arick did the same.  Their backs were to each other, and neither of them moved.

I stared, baffled.  Siblings? I thought.  They shared the same eyes and nose, hair colour too.  I was a little surprised Agent Eyre had a brother, and by the looks of things a younger brother.  I decided it isn’t something I’m going to ask about.

Reminders: 
1. Glenbrook is still in progress and does not have a release date yet.
2. My novella With Cross & Charm comes out in a month!  You can preorder on Smashwords, Apple iBooks, B&N, and Kobo!
3. Astral Bodies will be out around March, with some parts available for free :)

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

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*

Friday, 13 December 2013

New Murder Mystery!

Today I'm announcing a new murder mystery series, which I think the fans of The Ethereal Crossings will enjoy :)

It will start in the new year, and be published as a serial novel.  For those that aren't familiar with what a serial novel is, basically it's parts of the story published over time (say, one part a month).   So if the novel ends up being 70,000 words long, and each part is 10,000 words, it will finish in about seven months.

So, here's a small introduction to the novel...

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.


Cover reveal coming soon!

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

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 :)