A letter to my lovely and awesome readers.

Dear Readers,

I want you to know that I appreciate everyone who stops by this blog. I know I've been slacking lately, but things have been busy.  My lack of posts isn't what I want to talk to you about today. I want to talk to you about an issue that has recently showed it's face. Apparently, some writers out there think that readers are a machine that needs to be fed and right now readers want erotic romance and that is what everyone should be writing if they want to make money.

Well, I don't have any problem with erotic romance. I read it, but I don't write it. I'm not going to write it just because it's popular right now. I don't think I'd be any good at it and I won't subject you to that kind of torture. Regardless of genre, I will always write what I feel like writing. Some of that may find it's way to you. Some of it might sit on my computer for years and years. The point is, I'm not going to publish everything I write just because I want to make money.

I do not see you, the reader, as a wallet waiting to be emptied. I have great respect for you and the only reason I write is to connect with you. Anyone who picks up my books or stories is likely to have something in common with me. The communication may be one way, (Me talking to you through the story) but I do love talking to many of you on social media sites, through this blog, and sometimes via email. Honestly, your support is all I need.

If you only enter giveaways because you can't afford to buy your books, I STILL appreciate you, because you are putting in an effort to read something that I wrote. I would be very honored to meet anyone who read something of mine whether you won it in a contest, borrowed it from a friend, or paid for it with your hard earned money.

I've been a little down in the dumps lately, because I didn't think anyone was buying my book. The other day I got my royalty statement and I was surprised to see that I'd sold more print books than I did ebooks. I couldn't believe it. My print books are fairly expensive compared to others and there were people out there who wanted to spend that money to read what I wrote and own a physical copy of it. If you are one of those people, or even if you are just reading this post, I want to thank you. You are not part of a machine. You are all living, breathing individuals with opinions of your own and you deserve the best.

I started this blog because I want to connect with other people who like the paranormal genre, not because I want to shove my book down your throat. I would really love to know how YOU think I can improve this blog before I post anything else, so please tell me what you want to see in the comments. I want to make this blog about you, not me.

With much appreciation,
Kayla Curry

New Release Alert! Frostwalker by Brandon R. Luffman

New Release Announcement:

Frostwalker, By Brandon R. Luffman

A Survival Horror Novel

There’s something in the woods behind Jake Marsden’s house – and someone wants him to find it. A strange dream shatters his sleep, night after night, and a compulsion to find the dark presence in the forest wars with his logical and ordered nature. What’s a geek to do?

When his small hometown of Wynn, North Carolina falls under an ancient curse, Jake will find himself in a battle against creatures worse than any he’s faced in a game. Playing for keeps, it will be geek versus god in the fight to stop an evil force bent on destroying everything he holds dear.

The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth – If They Live Long Enough.

Read excerpts posted on Brandon's blog:
Excerpt #1 - Dreams Of Smoke 
Excerpt #2 - The Pit
Excerpt #3 - Opening Scene: Jake Walks The Field 
Excerpt #4 - Deputy Fallon Gets Busy

Read the first third of the book for free at the Smashwords link below!

Grab Your Copy Today!

Paperback - $7.99:

CreateSpace 
Amazon

Ebook/Kindle - $3.99:

Smashwords
Amazon

More Retailers To Come!

About Brandon R. Luffman

Born in Statesboro, Georgia in 1976, Brandon Luffman was raised in rural North Carolina from the time he was old enough to walk. In the sixth grade he discovered “The Chronicles Of Narnia”. Soon after that, he was on to Stephen King and Arthur C. Clarke. At the same time, he was making his first forays into writing fiction. After creating a series of short fantasy pieces for a class assignment that were received with praise, he was hooked on writing fiction for the entertainment of others. Now Brandon writes supernatural horror as well as fantasy, science fiction, and other genres. His short fiction is available online in various formats. Brandon still lives on the family farm in northwestern North Carolina with his wife and family. Taking inspiration from his homeland, he brings southern sensibilities and a modern flair to these classic genre themes. His first novel, Frostwalker, was released in May of 2013.

Find Brandon Online

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

Tiger Dynasty Publishing - Are you ready to roar?

Are you looking to publish your work? Well, there's a new publisher in town, and that's Tiger Dynasty Publishing. I asked one of the owners to tell us a little about the company. His name is Nathan Squiers and he'll tell you what Tiger Dynasty is all about.

Well, for starters I, Megan J. Parker, and our partner, Kristina Gehring, founded Tiger Dynasty Publishing because we wanted to provide both authors/artists and the public with a quality source for what they were looking for. We don't operate in an exclusive genre because the company was founded by a trio that, in some way or another, embraces all forms of literature. These are the branches of TDP and what they encompass:
➢ “Bobcat Press” – Young Adult & children’s
➢ “Cheetah-Print Press” – Erotica
➢ “Jagged Jaguar Comics” – Comic books
➢ “Lions’ Pride Press” – Romance
➢ “Lurid Leopard Press” – Adult fiction (fantasy, supernatural/paranormal, (dark) urban fantasy, occult, mystery, horror/thriller)
➢ “Lynx’s Paradox Press” – Non-fiction/poetry
➢ “Panther Nebula Press” – Sci-fi
➢ “Serval’s Secrets Press” – Spirituality/occult

We are not a vanity press nor do we charge our authors/artists for any of the publication process (with the exception of outside expenses that they personally choose to incorporate into their work). We cover editing, formatting, marketing/promotions (authors are, of course, encouraged to do what they can to self-promote, as well, but we don't force them to travel that road alone), as well as costs associated with publishing (ISBNs and whatnot).

We are currently open to submissions and signing new authors/pieces, so our list of future releases is limited to what I and the staff are currently releasing/re-releasing:

• Books #1 & #2, "Noir" and "Sins of the Father", of the Crimson Shadow series by me (re-releases). Limited Edition pre-orders are available HERE (a Limited Edition copy includes exclusive cover art, several short stories/prequels tied to the novel, the novel itself, and never-before-seen notes/research that I used when writing the original work), and all pre-ordered copies will be autographed. The Limited Edition copies will be out in June and the official re-releases will be out later in the summer.
• "Curtain Call: A Death Metal Novel" (book #1 of the series) by me.
• "Scarlet Night" (a re-release of book #1 of the trilogy by Megan J. Parker).
• "Crimson Rose" (first book in the series by Gabrielle Franchetti).

We also have some poetry collections, anthologies, and non-fiction books coming out in the future.

Information (as well as submission guidelines) can be found at Tiger Dynasty's website.

New Release Alert! Embroiled by Darlene Jones

The forth installment of Darlene Jones' series is here. You may remember my post a few months ago about her first book. If not, you can see it here: http://paranormallounge.blogspot.com/2013/03/embraced-by-darlene-jones-excerpt-and.html

BLURB:

What if I could go “up there?”  Why does this obsession drive Emily’s life when she doesn’t believe in heaven? Even the wonderful Dr. David can’t help her find the answers she needs.

Learning that she has lived other lives shocks Emily. Then Yves takes her to his world. There she meets gods and Powers and people rescued from doomed planets—living the perfect heavenly life. She knows she belongs “up there” with Yves, but all is not as idyllic as it appears. Emily is the only one who sees the danger. Will she be able to save Yves and his world?



LINKS:

Amazon: http://ow.ly/kqKOc

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/307726

Website: http://ow.ly/9qn3S

Blog: http://ow.ly/btyYZ

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/darlenejones47

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

Goodreads author page: http://ow.ly/azeWd



About Darlene Jones:

A long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart-wrenching poverty. The story line of my books reflects my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place. If only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the requisite romance.

I've always believed we can't be the only beings existing in the vastness of the universe. There must be others “out there somewhere” and I brought some of them along for the ride.The setting stays, for the most part, within the realities of our world, but I've found that I love the magic the sci-fi element of other beings can bring to the story.

Cover Reveal: The Warrior's Code by David James

Live by the Code. 

Die by the Code. 

Official Synopsis: "In the magical world of the Order, Warriors fight for justice, freedom, and peace. Becoming a Warrior is an honor given to few, and twelve-year-olds Zackery Solts and Kate Black will do anything to have a place among the elite. Zack and Kate must compete against eighteen others and pass three deadly tests of courage and skill. Above all, they must be strong because while the dangers of the tests are unknown, one thing is clear: not everyone will survive."

Available 5.14.13

The Warrior’s Code (Book 1.2) is an e-format prequel short story in the Legend of the Dreamer series that can be read before or after Light of the Moon (Book 1) and The Witch's Curse (Book 1.1). 

David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer series, as well as the companion novellas, THE WITCH'S CURSE and THE WARRIOR’S CODE. The sequel, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in late 2013. Living in Michigan, he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. He enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Be sure to visit David’s blog and facebook to learn more about his various addictions and novels.

Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Amazon  Blog

A to Z Challenge - Day 26: Z is for Zaratan!

Well, it's the last day of the A to Z Challenge. I made it!! I feel so awesome right now.

Let's jump right into the paranormal beings for today. They are the Zombie and the Zaratan. The zombie is, of course, an undead human who usually feeds on flesh or brains. I am actually working on a book with zombies in it. I don't know if it will ever see the light of day, but maybe.

The Zaratan is a sea turtle so big that it is sometimes mistaken as an island. You can see this creature in the third Aladdin Disney movie. How cool would it be to see a turtle that size? I think I might write about it. Short story? Novella?

Now for some "Z" characters:


Zap from Foreign Identity by Becca J. Campbell

Zee from What Kills Me by Wynne Channing

Zephaniah from Gateway to Reality by Becca J. Campbell

Wow. Thank you all for visiting my blog during the A to Z Challenge. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed talking to all the people who commented. I'm not sure if I will do it again nest year. If I do, it will only be one blog, not two! I didn't have any Z books or authors. Do you know any? Have a great day!!

On this day in Moonstone . . . #5

I'm preparing my second book of the Mystic Stones Series for release, and the story just happens to begin on April 26, 2013! So, until the 30th I'll be releasing an unedited excerpt of Moonstone each day. Each excerpt will take place on the same day it actually takes place in the book!

So, on April 30, 2013 in Moonstone, this happens . . .


“No, Aila. It’s not a joke. I drink blood. I wanted to drink yours. Andrei will want to drink your blood. I’m a vampire and I can prove it, but I don’t want to scare you. That’s why I’m telling you now. He’ll try to tear us apart, but I know you are the one to break my curse.”

“How would you prove it?” Aila asked reluctantly.

“There are a few ways, but the easiest would be if I showed you my fangs, but that’s not a good idea. Don’t worry—I have sworn to myself that I would not drink from you. I don’t want to drink human blood anymore, but it’s the only way I can survive right now.”

Aila seemed to think it over for a moment. She hadn’t suspected anything. Her whole point of view on everything was changing. Dorin didn’t know if it would be in a good way or a disastrous way, but her words came out calmly when she said, “I think I want you to show me. Not because I think you are crazy, but to prove to myself that I am not crazy for believing you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m ready.”

Dorin opened his mouth and tried to bring out his fangs as slow as possible to show her that he had control and to try not to scare her. Two sharp, white teeth slowly descended from the spot his canines were in. Aila’s curiosity peeked as she stared at them for a long moment with her mouth wide open.

“I felt it,” she said.

Dorin retracted his fangs and asked, “Felt what?”

“I felt the ring push you away. First at the desk . . . and then again in the elevator . . . and when I went to your room to help you with the thermostat. I didn’t wear it on our first date. Then I felt it when you picked me up for our second date. You had me take it off at the museum . . . Oh, my.”

“Yes, I did, but I returned it to you.”

“Yes, but you had so many chances. Why didn’t you . . .”

“I wanted to, but I just couldn’t. You were too perfect. You are too perfect. I can’t ruin the one thing that has brought me humanity in the last 250 years,” Dorin replied.

Well, if you liked the excerpts, sign up to be notified when the book is released!