Off the Beaten Path: The Giveaway!

September 30, 2013October 1, 2013 Monica La Portaamazon gift cards giveaway, horror anthology, horror books giveaway, horror shorts, indie authors anthology, off the beaten path, paranormal anthology, paranormal shorts5 Comments

Before the summer, Jason T. Graves asked several indie authors if they were interested in collaborating to a horror/paranormal anthology. I was one of the lucky indies who were asked and having never written in those two genres, I immediately said yes. Fast forward a few months later and Off the Beaten Path: Eight Tales of the Paranormal was published.

Beside yours truly, who had serious fun writing a paranormal short, these are the intrepid writers who co-authored the anthology:

Sharon Sant, author of Sky Song and The New Moon
Angela Roquet, author of the Lana Harvey series and Crazy Ex-Ghoulfriend
D. R. Johnson, author of The Phoenix Curse saga
Jason Graves, author of On the Bridge, Blood Roses, and Morning Stars
Chip Putnam, author of The Reason Why Grandmothers Should Not Be Allowed To Read Vampire Novels and Prairie Zombies

To win Amazon gift cards and books, try your luck and enter the Off the Beaten Path Giveaway!

And the Winner of The Griffin Cryer’s signed paperback is…

March 31, 2013March 31, 2013 Monica La Portabeagle chooses the winner of the giveaway, julia hughes's signed paperback giveaway, the griffin cryer signed paperback7 Comments

We needed someone attuned with the magic in The Griffin Cryer to select the winner of Julia Hughes’s giveaway. Who better than Nero?

What do you want me to do?

Are you sure? It’s a lot of responsibility!

Let me think about it…

Okay, I’m exhausted… Sean wins!

May I put the badge on now?

Behind the Scenes of Angela Roquet’s Covers

March 9, 2013 Monica La Portaangela roquet, books covers, indie book covers, indie giveaway, judge a book by its cover, the art behind a cover, what goes into making a coverLeave a comment

I’m always impressed by the amount of work that goes into creating a successful cover. Angela Roquet is here today to talk about the making of her covers. For a chance to win her urban fantasy novel Graveyard Shift enter the great Indie Giveaway.

I still have a day job as a graphic designer, so that experience came in handy when I designed my covers. Of course, the covers I usually design are for real estate guide books. I used photoshop for all of them, and I decided from the beginning that I wanted to use really vibrant, bright colors to draw the eye. The first cover is green, and the image is one that I drew by hand and scanned in. It’s a picture of Lana, my main character, from the backside, holding her scythe over her shoulder. I sharpened the image in photoshop and injected some color. Then I used a few fun yet legible fonts to add the title and my name. I used some beveling and shadowing features to enhance the text. I used a more basic font for the cover blurb and subtext. The cover for book two is purple. I took a photo of a boot and applied some artist brush effects to make it look more like a cartoon, and I used the same special brush tool to add the red blood splotches that I used on the scythe for the first book cover. I threw a few daisies in the background to tie-in with the title. The third book cover is a sky blue. I used the silhouette of a crow and added the red blood splotches again. I really like how it turned out. I think keeping it bold and simple is key when it comes to covers.

About Angela

Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet is a great big weirdo. She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. She no longer collects paperback books, because she can’t fit any more in her office, however she does collect ebooks. She has an unhealthy obsession with television shows created by Joss Whedon and fantasizes about him directing television or film versions of her novels. Angela’s favorite book/movie is The Wizard of Oz. She likes a little coffee in her cream, and her favorite food is sushi, even though it’s takes her FOREVER to make. Angela is a peace loving, tree hugging hippy who tries to buy organic and local as often as possible. She’s a fan of renewable energy sources, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone, she’s a fan of you, too. Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she’s not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows. You can find Angela online at http://www.angelaroquet.com

Angela’s first two novels GRAVEYARD SHIFT & POCKET FULL OF POSIES are now available in select stores and on Amazon.com in print and for the Kindle!

http://www.angelaroquet.com
http://www.facebook.com/adroquet
http://www.twitter.com/angelaroquet
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Roquet/e/B0030CVZ72
http://www.goodreads.com/AngelaRoquet
http://www.youtube.com/angelaroquet

Clare Davidson

March 8, 2013March 8, 2013 Monica La Porta8 questions 8 answers, clare davidson, fantasy novel, indie books giveaway, trinity2 Comments

Clare Davidson is a delightful British author I had the pleasure to meet on the tweetverse. She introduced me to the wonderful world of Friday Snippets, and so I find it rather fitting her interview is out today. She is also the mind behind this great Indie Giveaway I’m proud to be part of. Her fantasy novel, Trinity, is filled with mystery, creativity, great characters, setting, and suspense. It could be yours by entering the Indie Giveaway.

When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
A teacher. A show jumper. A teacher. A yard manager. A teacher… can you see a theme here? Now I’m an adult and I AM a teacher, all I want to be is a writer 😉

The first book you read was…?
I honestly can’t remember. Probably one of the Peter and Jane primary school reading books. My Mum frequently tells me that I’d struggle through Peter and Jane and then sit and read comics fluently. The first book that I remember reading and having a strong impact on me is The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander. Although come to think of it, Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat probably came first! Both lovely books for very different reasons.

You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
When I got high marks in creative writing during my GCSEs. Although in hindsight, I’m not sure how much of that depends on true creative flair, rather than jumping through curriculum hoops.

As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
I should say fantasy, as that’s mainly what I write, but my reading tastes are actually very eclectic. I’ll happily read most things, as long as the blurb catches my interest, I enjoy the writing style and get on with the main character.

No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
I don’t think I’m hiding any dubious titles in my kindle! I have quite a bit of YA fiction in there, including Rick Riordan and Anthony Horrowitz. I’d have been embarrassed to admit to either of those in the staff room in my old job, where all the English teachers used to read quite high brow stuff or popular literary fiction.

You write…?
Fantasy, mainly, although I’m dabbling in some science fiction as well. I’ll broaden that out–I write speculative fiction 🙂

The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
That people enjoyed it at all. Maybe that’s a little trite! I love it when people specifically say that they enjoyed the world and characters I created. I’m especially pleased to hear/read praise about the magic in Trinity. I spent a lot of time agonising over how it was all going to work.

What’s next…?
An urban fantasy novel, titled Reaper’s Rhythm. I’m not sure when it will be out, as it’s in my editor’s hands at the moment, but stand by for more information when I have it! Reaper’s Rhythm is the first of a series and I’m already working on the second book. It’s quite different to Trinity and also darker in tone, but still aimed at a young adult audience, albeit the older end of the range.

Thanks for having me over, Monica 🙂

My pleasure, Clare!

About Clare:

Clare Davidson is a character driven fantasy writer, teacher and mother, from the UK. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter and a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten. Clare juggles family life with writing, teaching and a variety of fiber craft hobbies.

Where to find Clare:

https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson

https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson

Ruth Ellen Parlour

March 7, 2013 Monica La Porta8 questions 8 answers, earth angel, fantasy novel, indie author interview, indie books giveaway, ruth ellen parlour2 Comments

I’m pleased Ruth stopped by to answer my 8 questions. She is one of my Friday Snippet’s partners in crime and the author of the fantasy novel Earth Angel. Epic, entertaining, and fast-paced read, Earth Angel could be yours. Just enter the Indie Giveaway.

When you were a kid you wanted to be…?

A few different things. I wanted to live on a farm so I could have lots of animals. But I’ve also always wanted to be a writer.

The first book you read was…?

No idea what the very first book was. Possibly the very hungry caterpillar. I was very fond of a book called My Zoo and The Big Blue Balloon.

You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?

I used to write stories about horses going on adventures with a typewriter when I was about 8 years old and make my own illustrations. I’ve always loved to write whether I was good at it or not!

As a reader, your favorite genre is…?

I love fantasy and always have. I don’t mind reading other genres if the story is good. I’m a fan of strong characters

No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?

I have my own book on my Kindle. Nothing unsavoury though.

You write…?

I write fantasy mainly but recently I’ve written two sci-fi short stories. I love writing about flawed heroes and strong women. I like my characters to change and develop through the story.

The praise about your writing you like the most is…?

I love when people ‘get’ my characters and when they say how much they loved them, and want to know more about them. Mostly I just love it when people enjoy my stories.

What’s next…?

Well, I’ve just now entered one of my shorts in a competition. I’m going to try and enter another competition but need to chop 1,000 words of my story to fit into the parameters of the competition! I’m writing some short stories based in the world of Earth Angel and eventually, I’ll get back to work on my new novel waiting in the wings.

Thanks again for having me!

About Earth Angel

Eardesha is protected by the twelve Gods and their Earth Angels. Fighting against her destiny as an Earth Angel, Faith is returning to the temple for her lover who she had to leave behind. Gabrielle, a criminal, escapes from prison only to be guided back by the God’s to help Faith stop a war. Threatened by invasion from the Krieger, Eardesha’s military trains convicted criminals into a brutal and disposable army. Gabrielle and Faith discover a power the Gods have kept secret for thousands of years, a secret that would change the future of Eardesha, and use it to stop the war.

About Ruth

Ruth is an independent author of young adult fantasy. She is in training to be a crazy bunny lady, currently owning one chubby lop called Bandit.

Blog

www.ruthellenparlour.com

Twitter
https://twitter.com/RuthEParlour

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ruthellenwrites

Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6466109.Ruth_Ellen_Parlour

Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Earth-Angel-Series-ebook/dp/B008PHPGKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362047643&sr=8-1

Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/208830

Angela Roquet

March 6, 2013 Monica La Portaangela roquet, graveyard shift, indie boks giveaway, indie life, indie stories, urban fantasy novelLeave a comment

Urban fantasy author Angela Roquet has stopped by my blog to answer a few questions. Her Graveyard Shift is a darkly comic and imaginative read. Enter the Indie Giveaway to win a copy.

When you were a kid you wanted to be…?

I wanted to be an animation artist for Disney or Cartoon Network. I doodled little picture stories all the time.

The first book you read was…?

The first book I remember reading was “The Cookie Monster and the Cookie Tree.” It was one of my favorites as a child. I still have it, although the spine is duct-taped together now.

You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?

When I was in grade school, a lot of my friends enjoyed my illustrated stories. In high school, an English teacher saw a script I was writing for an animated show and suggested that I write it as a novel instead. So I did, and I’ve never looked back.

As a reader, your favorite genre is…?

I really enjoy a lot of different flavors of literature, but my favorite is Urban Fantasy. I can’t get enough of MaryJanice Davidson, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, and those like them.

No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?

Umm, I intentionally read books that raise eyebrows, so I can’t say that any of my books are hiding. I’d say that the book in my library that freaks people out the most is “The History of Hell.” My “Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc.” series is set in the afterlife, so that was a good research book.

You write…?

Urban Fantasy. I have an overactive imagination and a scientific nature about me that enjoys making fiction as believable as possible.

The praise about your writing you like the most is…?

Well, I did receive a great cover blurb from MaryJanice Davidson, my favorite best-seller. I’m pretty sure I will squee about that until my dying day. Other than that, I once received a constructive critique from a competition judge that was full of praise, which thrilled me to no end, especially considering the judge was anonymous. One of the things the judge suggested that really made me smile was that I should omit my disclosure page. The page insisted my writing was not meant to offend, that it was merely entertainment. The judge said that I should never apologize for my work. That really stuck with me, and I did omit it from later versions of the book.

What’s next…?

Oh boy, so much! I’m working on book three of my Lana series, due out in April, and I hope to complete the fourth by the end of the year as well. I’m also working on a standalone YA novel, and I have another adult series in the works too. I can hardly keep up will my imagination, but I try.

About Angela

Angela’s first two novels GRAVEYARD SHIFT & POCKET FULL OF POSIES are now available in select stores and on Amazon.com in print and for the Kindle!

Jason T. Graves

March 5, 2013March 5, 2013 Monica La Portablood roses, indie authors interview series, indie giveaway, indie life, jason t graves, original YA vampire novel, the same eight questions, YA vampire novel, YA vampire novel giveawayLeave a comment

Jason T. Graves

Today, I’m pleased to have on my blog author Jason T. Graves who playfully accepted to answer my eight questions. His Blood Roses is an original and intriguing take on vampire and biblical mythologies with multiple twists and turns. Enter the great Indie Giveaway for a chance to win a copy.

1. When you were a kid you wanted to be…?

Honestly? I wanted to be an astronaut… I always was a bit of a space case.

2. The first book you read was…?

I have no clear memory of this, but it was probably Go, Dog, Go by P.D. Eastman. I still love that book, although my kids keep stealing it from me. The first novel that I read was Melor, King Arthur’s Page by Catherine Owens Peare.

3. You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?

I have written fiction for 35 years, but never finished anything beyond a few thousand words. Writing my Master’s Degree thesis in 2011 taught me the discipline to sit down and write a large body of work, and rewrite, and rewrite. It was shortly after graduation that I started working in earnest on my first novel, which I finished in 25 weeks and published in 2012. I am uncertain if I am “good” at writing, but it makes me happy and people enjoy reading what I scribble.

4. As a reader, your favorite genre is…?

I don’t have a favorite, although I favor science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. I read pretty broadly—as time permits—in both fiction and non-fiction. A writer friend inadvertently introduced me to urban paranormal erotic romance, which was an eye-opening experience.

5. No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?

The Daemon Whisperer by Candice Bundy. It’s a great read, so long as you’re not squeamish about blood and sex.

6. You write…?

Whenever I can, on whatever topic seizes me at the moment. I am a disordered writer in many ways. I’m quite certain I’d be a greater success at this endeavor if I could be more disciplined about writing a certain number of hours every day (and recognize that social media doesn’t count).

7. The praise about your writing you like the most is…?

“When is the sequel coming out?” is always a good one. It’s a nice vote of confidence that someone likes your stuff enough to spend more money on it. Also, having my work compared to well-known authors is thrilling, but it is a lot to live up to.

8. What’s next…?

The sequel to Blood Roses is Morning Stars, and it is scheduled for release in late summer 2013. If people like the first book, they’ll like Morning Stars even more. The plot is tighter, there are new people and places, and things just get weirder and more beautiful.

I am also working on a paranormal thriller/horror novel set in the forested mountains of North Carolina, a dark and gritty near future urban thriller/romance, and a children’s novelette. That should keep me busy this year, although I have fans clamoring for more about Gretchen Thyrd, the heroine of my On the Bridge novella. Having too many ideas is a tough problem to live with 😉

About Jason

I live in North Carolina with my family and a menagerie of small animals. When not spousing, parenting, and teaching, I listen to the voices in my head and write down what they say. I think that cheese is one of the top ten things ever created by humans.

Where to find Jason and his novels

http://jasontgraves.com Website

https://cleverfoilhat.blogspot.com Blog

https://www.facebook.com/Gravesbooks

https://twitter.com/JasonTGraves

https://goodreads.com/cleverfoilhat

Blood Roses on Amazon: http://goo.gl/YwkKA

On the Bridge on Amazon: http://goo.gl/Ww7jq

Elisa Nuckle

March 4, 2013March 4, 2013 Monica La Portadominant race, elisa nuckle, indie author interview, indie books giveaway, indie giveaway, scifi novella author, talking about writing and readingLeave a comment

The sun shines over Seattle and its suburbia, birds sing on trees, and I’m pleased to start the week by interviewing Elisa Nuckle, the author of Dominant Race. For a chance to win her scifi novella about genetically altered humans, enter the Indie Giveaway.

1. When you were a kid you wanted to be…?

A musician or a pro volleyball player. Then I started reading like crazy and started writing at around 11 and knew I didn’t want anything but that. Been actively pursuing a career as a fiction writer ever since.

2. The first book you read was…?

Oh gosh, that’s a tough one. The one I remember that had the most impact was Julie’s Wolf Pack by Jean Craighead-George. From there I started gobbling up chapter books really quickly.

3. You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?

I liked writing journal entries. When I was 11 I figured, hey, why not make a fanfic of this one anime I like? A year later I hand wrote, in bright pink gel-pen, 50 pages of a fantasy story involving shapeshifting lion-wolf-ish creatures from another world. Haha.

4. As a reader, your favorite genre is…?

Fantasy. As a writer, I’ve found myself leaning more towards science fiction, which surprised me at first. I still do both, but right now more scifi than fantasy.

5. No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?

I admit I read some romance books I wouldn’t want to name because, well, the people I know would embarrass me about it to no end. Haha.

6. You write…?

Science fiction and fantasy. Sometimes they have heavy romance subplots, other times it’s pretty bleak.

7. The praise about your writing you like the most is…?

I think the fact that a reader once told me I could make them care while still making it an easy read was a good compliment.

8. What’s next…?

Dominant Race is the book available in this giveaway. Its sequel, New Fate, is almost finished. Then I plan on tacking the third and final book in the Modified Trilogy. Afterward, on to my fantasy series!

About Elisa

Elisa Nuckle is a twenty-something aspiring fantasy and science fiction novelist. It’s always been her dream to chase ideas down and put them into concrete words. Currently, she’s undergoing enlightenment at a community college in Houston, Texas, and plans on getting an English major in the hopefully-not-too-distant future.

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Sharon Sant

March 2, 2013 Monica La Portafascination with the night sky, guest blog post, indie giveaway, sharon sant, sky song, the story behind the story of a novel, what inspired an author to writeLeave a comment

I am pleased to have Sharon Sant on my blog today. Her debut novel, Sky Song, is one of the great books in the Indie Giveaway and it could be yours! The second book in the series, The Young Moon, is soon to be released, so hurry up to read the first. But now, have a little taste of it and read what inspired Sharon to write the Sky Song Trilogy

Sky Song

An unknown past. An unwanted destiny. A fight for survival.
A strange-eyed boy with no memory of his true identity or real parents, Jacob could have no idea of the mortal danger he has been in every day of his fifteen years. Now that danger has found him and suddenly he doesn’t know who he can trust and what is real anymore. All he knows is that his new identity is almost as terrifying as the peril unleashing it has brought. Caught in the universal power struggle of an ancient race of beings and a destiny demanded of him that he does not want, he must fight to protect his own life and everyone he holds dear. But when the time comes, will he be strong enough to make the sacrifices that saving them will demand?

Sky Song – How a tiny idea can grow into a complete trilogy.

Sky Song started off as a younger children’s tale about a girl whose dad watched the skies every night for something. I don’t even remember now what sparked off the initial idea. Sometimes it can be a throwaway comment, a song lyric, a seemingly innocuous thing. Only the other day an idea came to me from a random comment made on Twitter!

The little girl in my story didn’t know what her father watched for, but it soon became clear to her that whatever it was, it didn’t belong to the world she was familiar with. As I thought about it, though, the idea seemed to morph independently, into something completely different. I started to think about what could come from the starry heavens. My first answer was aliens, but, for me, that was too obvious. Then I got to thinking about all the various belief systems that have stuck with humanity over the years of its evolution, and the one recurring theme was that the stars are linked with our destinies. But what sort of destiny could come from the sky? Cue aliens again! And what would you do if your destiny called but you didn’t want it? That’s the story at the heart of Sky Song.

As I worked the story out in my head, the little girl became a fifteen-year-old boy named Jacob. Then came his friends and family. They had to be awesome, ties so strong that there would have to be a really compelling reason for him to accept his new life. So I built him a near-idyllic childhood and a perfect school record with amazing friends and devoted family. Then I made him fall in love before I dropped the bombshell. When you see a story begin to show its shape like this, it’s so exciting, and the story of Sky Song from there almost told itself. It’s at times like these when being an author rocks!

The tale became more and more complex and epic as writing progressed and pretty soon I knew there would have to be more than one book to tell it. So The Young Moon (release date March 8^th 2013) followed, then Not of Our Sky shortly afterwards (release date TBC). I plan for the entire trilogy to be available by summer 2013.

To find out more you can catch up with me on my website: www.sharonsant.com or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharonjsant?ref=hl

Friend me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6888220.Sharon_Sant

Tweet me on Twitter: @sharonsant

Or you can find out more about the books themselves on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sky-Song-The-trilogy-ebook/dp/B00B0CQWV8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362222379&sr=1-1

Storm Dancer by Rayne Hall

February 28, 2013March 2, 2013 Monica La Porta#indiegiveaway, dark epic fantasy blurb, great cover, storm dancer by rayne hallLeave a comment

I’m pleased to have on my blog author Rayne Hall, the creator of the polarizing character of Dahoud. Read the following post to understand why I can’t wait to read Storm Dancer or simply be mesmerized by the great cover*. Then, enter the Indie Giveaway. Storm Dancer is one of the books you could win.

WOULD YOU TRUST THIS MAN?

Dahoud is a troubled hero with a dark past. As a siege commander, he once razed, raped and killed… and he enjoyed it. Now he needs to atone.

He has sacrificed everything to build a new identity and a life of peace, and he devotes himself to protecting women from harm.

But Dahoud is not alone. Inside him lives a devious demon, a djinn that demands he subdue women with force. It torments him with pains and tempts him with forbidden desires.

When the women in Dahoud’s life repay his kindness with betrayal, his hard-won control over the djinn breaks.

Would you dare an alliance with this man? Could you forgive his evil past? Could you trust him with your freedom, with your life, with your love?

Storm Dancer is a dark-epic fantasy novel. It deals with dark issues and may not be suitable for young readers.

Don’t forget to enter the Indie Giveaway for a chance to win this book! a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Dahoud, art by Paul Davies and Erica Syverson. Copyright, Rayne Hall.