J.M. NORTHUP's BLOG

Saturday, November 25, 2017

How To Gift An eBook

GREAT FOR ANY OCCASION


Whether it is for a holiday, birthday, or just because,
eBooks make great gifts.
You can use them for stocking stuffers
or insert them into your greeting or holiday cards.
Amazon makes it easy to either send the gifted eBook
directly to the recipient's email address
or you can have a certificate generated by sending it your email instead.
  
Unfortunately, not all countries have the ability to gift an ebook from Amazon.
Here are instructions to help you to do so from these specific countries:


AMAZON UNITED KINGDOM
  
CNET also offers additional instructions for gifting ebooks
from other vendors and platforms:

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Meet STANFORD CARTER from The Killing Collective

MEET MY CHARACTER

 

1.  Who are you?
Stanford Carter
o   Are you a fictional or historical character?
·      Fictional.
o   What should we know about you?
·      I am a homicide detective from Boston now working for NYC’s FBI office.
2.  Tell us about your story:
o   When and where is your tale set?
·      In NYC.
o   What is your personal goal?  I mean, what do you ultimately want?
·      I want to bring closure and peace to families who had their loved ones murdered.
o   What is standing in your way?  What conflict(s) do you face?
·      I sometimes box too much of my life into my mind warehouse and then close off to people, even my fantastic wife, forensic scientist Jill Seacrest.
3.  How do I get a copy of your book?
o   What is the title or working title for this piece?
·      The Killing Collective is a stand alone novel, available now in paperback and print on Amazon.
o   Is it available now or when can we expect to see it released?
·      Please check it out now!


Sunday, November 19, 2017

Casey Bartsch on "Character Descriptions"

Character Description and Why I Don’t Write it


His hair was as brown as Mississippi mud, and though she couldn’t see them well, his eyes shined with light from an unknown source. He was a foot taller than her, and she couldn’t help but stare into his well sculpted chest…..blah, blah, blah.
I hate character description. At least, as it is often written. When I start a new book, I am inevitably given a list of features for the protagonist. Hair color, level of attractiveness, shoe size. Then, I immediately forget all about all of those details, because the character isn’t created in my mind by details of appearance – the character forms around what they do and see. How they react and think. My mind will then give the character a look of my choosing.
Maybe they take on the guise of someone I know or an actor that I think of. Maybe I make them up from scratch, but the point is – they never look the way the author wants them to.
So, I avoid it in my writing. Instead of trying to describe my protagonist as old and rundown, I have him inspect an old rotary phone and comment on how things used to be. I have his knees crack as he sits in his recliner. His thoughts and reactions will be that of an old, rundown man – leaving the reader to create his visage far better than I ever could. Because he is theirs now, not mine.
I think writers often put a little too much ego into what they write, and forcing a description of a character is a form of this. It may not seem like it, but denying the reader the chance to envision their own scene is a bit narcissistic. As we write our stories, the words unfold in a way that is surprising to us. Twists and turns that we never expected just ooze out our fingertips. It is the closest thing to magic that I know.
Why deny the reader that same magic?
Details that are vital to the story have to be told, but all else can be hinted at by other means, and the reader will appreciate it. How better to get into reading a book than with a character that you built, rather than one you have to keep trying to remember? It’s a bit of trickery, but any time you can fool the reader into believing that they have envisioned the scene or character themselves, the more you reel them in to your story - and the story is all yours.
The exception to this, is tertiary characters. Those few people that pop up here and there that have their 15 minutes of fame in your book, and then vanish in a puff of smoke. I like to make these characters stand out, and will describe them. I don’t give a full rundown, but I like to give each one something that the main characters can notice. Those little details don’t so much describe the unimportant character, as they describe the world in which your protagonist lives.
In short, character description is NOT character building, and in most cases is just a waste of time and space.

My novel, Strawberries, is available now on Amazon. I am nearly through with the follow up, Behind the Red Curtain – so please look out for that!

Please visit my website, and if you sign up for my newsletter, I’ll send you a copy of Strawberries for FREE! My blog, Full Blown Panic Attack, is there with all sorts of reviews and news regarding all things horror.

You can find me on Facebook, and also a group I manage called, Readers, Writers, and Watchers of the Thrilling and Horrific.


Friday, November 17, 2017

Connect with Author RICHARD ANKERS

RICHARD ANKERS

Author of The Eternals Series


Writing Credits
Novels
The Eternals:  Published by Creativia
Hunter Hunted: Book 2 In The Eternals Series: Published by Creativia
Into Eternity: Book 3 In The Eternals Series: Published by Creativia
Authonomy Gold Medalist: The Snow Lily
Short Fiction
Once Upon A Broken Dream: Creativia Anthology: Sapphire Heartbreaks
Phantaxis Issue 1: In Glass
DailyScienceFiction.com: Android One 
The Fable Online (June 2016): Phoenix Burned 
Specklit.com: Cold Freedoms / Racing the Dead / Mermaid’s Tears
Devolution Z (April 2016): Nocturne
Nonlocal Science Fiction Issue 4: Filtered Blue
Third Flatiron Publishing ‘The Time it Happened’ anthology: Armada Of Snow
Leap Books ‘Fright Before Christmas’ anthology: Clockwork Christmas
Litbreak.com: Primal Actions / Lost Lights / Glass Spiders
The New Accelerator Issue 4,  iTunes digital magazine: Iced Hearts At World’s End
The Tophat Raven issue 2 (issuu.com): Hope
Quaterreads.com (now defunct) : Hush, Little Darlin’ / In The Arms Of A Dream / Spectral Nazis & The Empress Of Steam / Washed Away
Poetry
fÄ“lan Issue 1: The Heat (poem) Not Quite (prose poem)
fÄ“lan Issue 2: Nightly (poem)
fÄ“lan Issue 3: Beautiful (poem) Smile (poem)
fÄ“lan Issue 4: Wetted (poem) Melancholy Moon (poem)
fÄ“lan Issue 5: NO! (poem) & Guest Judge
fÄ“lan issue 10: Ignition (poem)
The Tophat Raven issue 1 (issuu.com): Lacrimosa (poem)/ My Angel (poem)/ Lost Gulls (haiku)

   
   
   
***Click on photo to be re-directed***

IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE - Young Adult Version

Book Spotlight

1)      What is the title of your book?
Ø  What is the story about?

MC Romance Young Adult Edition

·     Jade had been sheltered most of her life. Living in an isolated village with only sex and drugs to entertain. Her mother is an alcoholic and her father doesn't give a damn.
·     Her only way out is to beg her Aunt to allow her to stay as a guest in their London house.
·     Jade meets fate head on in the form of Marcus, president of the Tyrants MC. She finally finds a family that loves and respects her and they are not BLOOD. Nothing comes easy to Jade and she is forced to fight to keep her title and status. Then, just when life starts to go right, one-night changes everything.
READER COMMENTS:
>>>A raw emotional story about love, betrayal, and sacrifice.” <<<
"In Times of Violence had an addictive storyline. I actually got up in the middle of the night to finish reading it. I loved Jade, although I don't fully understand her or her motives."
"Do not miss this book. Jade, Marcus and Dylan will bring out the feels."
"Remember it's not always blood relatives that make a family!"
Ø  Who is the main character?
·     Jade. She’s a sheltered teen. Who feels as though she’s suffocating?  Arranging to spend the summer with an aunt and cousin she doesn’t know very well, could be the answer to her prayers.
2)     What inspired this tale?
Life experiences.
Ø  How did the story come to you?
·     I wrote ITOV as a short 18 page story, when I broke up with my first love.
·     I’ve loved S.E.Hinton’s The Outsiders and always had the thought to write a book.
Ø  Did you have to research for this novel, and if so, why?
·     Not really. My first love was a biker. I used to sing in a rock band and gig in biker pubs, so I was always around the lifestyle.
3)     Do you relate to your character?
Yes, a lot of what Jade experiences, I went through. And what else I put my character through; I’ve been with her all the way.
There’s always a part of me in all my books, but ITOV is very biographical.
Ø  Is your protagonist anything like you personally?
ü  If yes, then how?
o    She’s stubborn and naive. I’m still stubborn now and I suppose back then I was a little naive only because everything was a new experience. But I quickly grew up and knew my role.
Ø  What made you write this character; were they based on a real person or something that inspired you?
·       I had a story to tell. It is fiction, but also a little biographical
ü  What should readers know about this character?
o    The shit she puts up with and why?
ü  Why is this character important to you?
o    It tells a relevant love story. It’s not hearts and flowers. Life is dark and love is not an easy thing to find or keep.
Ø  Do you consider the main character of your story to be good or bad, and why?
·     She good. All Jade wants is to be loved and respected.
Ø  What’s the objective of your character?
·     She’s never felt like she fitted in; with her role in life and so she’s searching. And she finally finds a family even if it is an unconventional family.
4)       Is there anything you specific want readers to know about this piece of work?
In Times of Violence is an entertaining novel, exaggerated in parts to keep the entertaining factor. But I’m also not afraid to tell the truth. I don’t stretch it too far. I tell it like it is.
Ø  Is there a particular idea or morale you are trying to convey?
·     Don’t settle for less than you think you are worth.
5)       Is this novel a standalone?
In Times of Violence YA Edition is a standalone. But the adult version is the first book in a four book series.
Ø  If it is the first in a series, when can we expect to see the next book published?
·     OUTLAW is published and has been out for a few years. It was my fans that asked for a YA standalone and an adult version of In Times of Violence. I am still working on ITOV adult to complete the series again.
Ø  If it is a part of a book series, can it be read as a standalone or do you need to read the entire series to experience the full realm of the tale?
·     No. They are all standalone novels. They all have the OUTLAW connection and are about outlaw MC clubs.
6)    Where can readers connect with you and purchase your book?  If you have a universal link, please provide it here.
My books can be found HERE.
You can connect with me HERE.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Meet Abby Cox From author J.M. DAVIS' Book STRUCK!

MEET MY CHARACTER

1.  Who are you?
o   What is your name?
·     Abby Cox.
o   Are you a fictional or historical character?
·     Fictional.
o   What should we know about you?
·     I’m a librarian who simply wants to lead a quiet life, but when the weather gets weird because of my moods, a quiet life just isn’t possible.
2.  Tell us about your story:
o   When and where is your tale set?
·     Most of the story takes place in a little town, called Mepelo. However, through Elemental Travel, I’m whisked away to the Underworld, where I’m forced to fight not only for love, but also for my very life. 
o   What is your personal goal?  I mean, what do you ultimately want?
·     To find love.
o   What is standing in your way?  What conflict(s) do you face?
·     Well, the pesky problem that my kiss is deadly is a real bummer, and tends to scare men off.
3.  How do I get a copy of your book?
o   What is the title or working title for this piece?
·     Struck
o   Is it available now or when can we expect to see it released?
·     It’s available now on Amazon

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Celebrating Indie Authors Event

Facebook Author Takeover Event

Hosted by GoIndieNow,Fiction-Atlas Press LLC, and A Novel Connection

November 9th through November 12th

FRIDAY, November 9, 2018 LINE-UP
ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

9AM-10AM Joe Compton LIVE
10AM-11AM Heather Lang
11AM-NOON 
Cindy L Schneider
NOON-1PM Julie Northup
1PM-2PM Sarah Buhrman
2PM-3PM 
Karina Kantas
3PM-4PM
Joe Compton LIVE
4PM-5PM Anita Stewart
5PM-6PM 
A. E.Lowan
6PM-7PM Marnie Cate
7PM-8PM Patty Fletcher
8PM-9PM 
Joshua Robertson
9PM-10PM Free to Post Links Hour
10PM-11:30PM EST GoIndieNow's LIVE PANEL DISCUSSIONSHOW with CREATIVE EDGE PUBLICITY
MIDNIGHT -1AM EST After Show with 
Joe Compton
1AM-2AM EST Tom Fallwell
2:05AM Bye, Bye with Joe Compton

Be sure to join us for fun games, raffles for amazing giveaways, and so much more!

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