"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Monday, June 29, 2015

Indie Author Opportunities

Indie Author Pride Day is July 1st 2015 on Social Media! For details, visit Lyons Book Promotions.

Great opportunity for self-published authors – Self-E. Get your books into libraries. Visit Elizabeth S. Craig for details.

Reading Alley is now open! This site helps authors deliver their books to readers for reviews. They are having a grand opening special, so check it out.


www.indiewritersupport.com is where you can interact with 1,000s of bestselling authors and download freebies daily through our website. Create your Book/Author's profile with our social media network

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Photo Sessions

About a month ago, I talked about my plans to create an author website - you can read that post here. In the article I mentioned using your photo, an idea that is very difficult for some of us introverts to get used to. My husband and a friend have both taken some photos of me, and I thought I would let you choose which one(s) I might use on the official website. Below are eight nominees. The first two are the ones I use on this blog and the others are new shots. Please comment below with your choice. Thank you for your help!


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Monday, June 22, 2015

CassaSeries Release Day

Release date - June 22 2015

 
CassaSeries
By Alex J. Cavanaugh 
ISBN 9781939844118
Price - $5.99 eBook boxed set
Science fiction/adventure (FIC028010) and science fiction/space opera (FIC028030)
 
The Amazon Best-Selling Series!
 
CassaStar - Few options remain for Byron. Slated to train as a Cosbolt pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth to his instructor, Bassa. As war brews on the edge of space, Bassa must make a decision that could decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission destined to stretch their abilities to the limit?
 
CassaFire - Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters behind him, the detection of alien ruins sends him to the planet of Tgren. Forced to train a Tgren named Athee and deal with an eager young scientist, he feels invaded. Tensions mount as the ruins reveal a potential weapon, plunging him further into the chaos. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
 
CassaStorm - Commanding the base on Tgren, Byron watches as a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the planet. When the war hits Tgren, it triggers nightmares in his son. The ancient alien ship begins transmitting a deadly code and the probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago returns. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
 
Find it here:
 
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Summer Book Giveaway!


There is a huge giveaway of adult and young adult books happening this week! It starts today, and a couple of gift cards are included. See Jessica Therrien’s site for a full list and to enter. Open until June 30.

What great reads are you enjoying so far this summer?

Sunday, June 7, 2015

As You Wish

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read! As a long time fan of the movie, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this one. I worried it might be an actor just trying to cash in on a fan favorite. However, my kids gave me a copy for Mother's Day, and I'm so very glad they did.

This is no "tell all" book where an actor airs dirty laundry, or complains about others involved in the production. If you're looking for that, search elsewhere.

Instead, these pages are dedicated to the memory of a unique time in the authors life. Cary Elwes takes your from Rob Reiners' casting ideas through the 25th anniversary celebration of the film. He offers the reader a sense of humility, an obvious gratitude for the adventure, and a love and respect for those whose journey he shared in this creation.

In addition to his reminiscence Elwes has shared the thoughts of his costars, producers, and even the tales original author throughout the chapters. Photographs are shared, and references to other works by the entire cast offer a deeper understanding of what this production has meant to so many.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to any fan of the movie. And if you've never seen the movie, or read the book, do it soon!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Reevaluating the Plan

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page

A string of negative results lately has me reevaluating my publishing plans. Obviously, we all get rejections, but I’ve recently received several of them back to back. Then, a couple articles that were set to appear in different magazines this month didn’t make it to publication. One has been pushed to a later issue. The second, the editor has not returned my call/email explaining why.
This series of disappointments have led me through a version of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I actually have an additional step in my personal process: “chocolate” - the consumption of which doubles during the grieving process, but it’s ok because I balanced it by drinking lots of diet soda. Your mileage may vary. The key is to get to that last step as quickly as you can.

As I mentioned before, I am now reevaluating my publishing plans:
1)      What makes me happy – I realize I have been spending a lot of time writing for some publications just to receive a paycheck, or to keep my name in print. I’m sure this has affected the quality of my work. I need to return to the reason I got into writing in the first place. I need to stay true to what I enjoy pursuing.  

2)      Earning an income – obviously, I never expected to get rich off my writing. But, as I have gained experience I need to pay attention to what brings me the most return and eliminate pursuits that may have become a waste of time and energy. There are some pursuits I have to STOP. I’m fine earning less money in order to grow readership. My fans and students need to come first.

3)      Self-publishing – anyone with a blog self-publishes to some extent, but how do you know if you’re ready to take the leap with your book? Indicators will eventually surface if your work isn’t suited for commercial publication. For example, one of my manuscripts has been rejected several times now with comments such as “It has narrow appeal”, “I don’t think there is a big enough market for that topic”, “this sounds like a niche market”, and a flat out “You might want to consider self-publishing that.” 
My point is, we all reach a time where we have to reevaluate our goals. When have we had enough? Do we keep going? Do we change gears? (I shared one rejected story HERE if you wouldn’t mind offering your feedback.)
I’d love to hear your advice and experiences with anything similar.

Monday, June 1, 2015

The Watchers Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Hidden Fire Blog Tour and $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway



Finding your own unique strength and courage is a major theme of The Watchers. The characters in this series are as diverse as they come: different nationalities, male, female, dwarf, human, dragon, pixie, noble, peasant orphan, young, aged. Yet, no matter the situation, whether tragic or triumphant, they find ways to grow and develop into something stronger. 

The main character, Auriella (Aura), is born and lives in a society and time when girls, especially of her social status, didn't have opportunities for education or growth, let alone a chance to be a hero. The Watchers must learn to work together, despite differences, to defeat Erebus and the Shadow Legion, just as we, no matter our gender, race, age, circumstances, etc., are capable of great things. 

Strong men and women grow in all situations and become heroes when one is needed. They don't think about it, they just do what's right. 
-Deirdra Eden, author of The Watchers Series

Book Summary
Auriella’s new life as a royal protector is in shambles. The new king ignores her warnings of a Shadow Legion invasion and he is determined to marry her off. Ghosts from her past, the discovery of other Watchers, and a handsome Scottish warrior throw her off guard and weaken her emotional defenses. Caught in a web of secrecy and betrayal, Auriella struggles to control and protect the devastating power of Starfire. A terrible truth and a fateful choice will lead her to her destiny as the fabled Lady of Neviah, or could shroud the entire world in eternal darkness. 

Filled with action, romance, drama, and comedy, Hidden Fire is an addicting read that you won't want to put down. 

“Deirdra Eden has surpassed her earlier achievement in this daring tale of struggle between good and evil forces that exist in every universe.” Mark F. Cheney, author of MARK OF THE JAGUAR 

“Thought provoking and full of action, I didn’t want to put the book down! I really loved the symbolism and it was a fantastic read.” Mary G. – age 15