I'm Not Dead I'm Just Writing

Although sometimes writing can feel like being dead (brain dead at least).  Over the past few days I've been somehow writing about 5000 words a day, and by the end of it I'm just very out of it.  I'm getting a lot done though :)  On things I probably shouldn't be focusing on :(

Anywho, Astral Bodies is still on track (and going well I might add), while Glenbrook is slowing down.  I'm having a bit of writers block on this one, which is why it's taking me longer to write, I think.  Liv is giving me trouble...but I'm trying to write at least a little bit on it every day.

The giveaway for The Warden in the Gates ended a few days ago, and I'm going set up another Goodreads one soon!  Most likely for Shadeland.

But that's all I have for now.  More news about Astral Bodies/giveaways in February!

My Writing Resolutions

It's 2014, and that means it is time for me to make goals for myself.  I probably should have done a post like this sooner, but oh well.  My writing goals for the year are...

• To finish Glenbrook (I'm already about halfway there! YAY!)
• To finish Of Noble Blood: The Second Fable (Ventori Fables, #2)
• To continue writing/possibly finish Astral Bodies, my new serial novel :)

I would very much love to add more "To finish" to that list, but that would be a bit too overwhelming I think.  Sadly I can only do so much now with my current schedule.


So that's what's going on on the writing front, and on the publishing front I just put out With Cross & Charm a couple weeks early!  It's still being loaded and checked on Smashwords to go out to all retailers, but it's available on Amazon for $0.99.
If you aren't sure about it, a good chunk of it is posted on Wattpad to read for free!

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!

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 :)

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*

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!

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 :)