J.M. NORTHUP's BLOG

Saturday, March 28, 2015

FEARS of DARKNESS and A RIPPLE OF FEAR are only 99¢ each!

FEARS OF DAKOTA

Click on the photo to be redirect to the series purchase link




A RIPPLE OF FEAR is only 99¢ every day,
but for a limited time only,
you can get FEARS OF DARKNESS for 99¢!

FEAR OF DARKNESS is on ‪#‎SALE‬ for only ‪#‎99cents‬ 
through Kindle Countdown Deals until April 2nd!

GET YOUR eBOOK TODAY!
Click on the cover to be redirected to the purchase link for the novel of your choice:

BOOK ONE                   BOOK TWO
       
Amazon UK                   Amazon UK
HAPPY READING!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Craig Gaydas' WIP - Timeless (The Cartographer Book 3)

AUTHOR WIPs and NEW RELEASES


Tell us about your work-in-progress, or WIP, as it’s known as in the industry or New Release…
Ø  What is the story about?
The story is actually the third book to complete a trilogy. It is a coming of age story hidden within a science fiction adventure. The story is about a teenager from New Mexico who was abducted by an intergalactic organization known as The Consortium and thrust into the middle of one of the greatest universal conflicts in recorded history.
Ø  Who is the main character?
Nathan Chambers
2)     What inspired this tale?
Ø  How did the story come to you?
Like a great many things, it just popped into my head. One day, I was sitting at the table having breakfast and I said to myself: “What actually happens during an alien abduction? What about afterwards?”
Ø  Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?
Not really. I just sort of made it up as I went along.
Ø  If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?
The only thing I discovered during my minimal research is there is actually a real Richat Structure in Mauritania.
3)     Do you relate to your character?
Ø  Is your protagonist anything like you personally?
I’d like to think so. I try to put a little of myself into every character.
Ø  If yes, then how?
I was quiet and a little shy as a teenager. I was more into the video games and nerdy movies rather than sports and hanging out with girls.
Ø  What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?
I always wanted to write a series. This was a project I never thought I would start or even complete. To me, this is a great sense of accomplishment.
4)    Is there anything you specific want readers to know about this piece of work?
Definitely. Although this story is categorized as Science Fiction, I wrote it as Science Fantasy. There is some magic, some time travel, and some general hijinks. Not everything is scientifically accurate (I did twist some things to make a more interesting story line). I would like the reader to focus on Nathan’s transformation. It’s a story of turmoil, broken innocence, and hastened growth.
5)     When will the novel be available for purchase?
March 27th 2015.
Ø  Has the book already been published?
No.

Other books in THE CARTOGRAPHER Series
  

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CRAIG GAYDAS SEE THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
     

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

FREE Amazon Kindle APP for Nook!

Now You Can Read Without Limitations!

I have been contemplating how to get my KDP exclusive eBooks so my Nook-owning friends could enjoy them.  I saw no reason why the FREE Amazon Kindle APP for Android or Tablet couldn't be used on the Nook.  My curiosity peeked, I Google'd it and guess what...
What does this mean?
It means you can now buy eBooks from Amazon to read on your Nook!
All you need to do is to download the FREE Amazon Kindle APP for Android from Google's Play Store

So, please be sure to grab yourself a copy of my eBooks, available on Amazon at the follow links:
HAPPY READING!

A PRISONER WITHIN is only 99¢ until March 14th!

A PRISONER WITHIN
On SALE for 99¢ through KINDLE COUNTDOWN DEALS
Until March 14, 2015!


How far would you go to defend yourself... from your own mother?

Tiffany is a seventeen year old girl who’s caught in a battle for existence. As she tries to claim rights to her own life and mind, her abusive mother struggles to maintain control. Pouring her hatred for the world onto her daughter, Tiffany suffers under her mother’s guise of concern as her mother convinces everyone that Tiffany’s wounds are self-inflicted. 
Fighting to prove she's not mentally unstable and seeking escape from her mother’s tyranny, Tiffany must make the ultimate choice as to who lives and who dies. Is her redemption and vindication worth the price of her soul?

This is a story about abuse.
It takes you into the mind of a girl who has been tormented her whole life by the one person she should have been able to count on, but couldn't.
  

Format:Kindle Edition
This is surely Ms. Northup's finest work to date. I found A Prisoner Within to be a shocking, harrowing tale that was so realistic in its portrayal of systematic abuse that I felt it had to be based on true life. It shows just how a clever and scheming abuser can carry out a concerted campaign of fearful abuse over a period of years, often in the presence of outsiders, whist making it appear that what they are doing is a part of the normal discipline of everyday life. To be sure, this is a horrific story that will test the nerves of many, and keep you on the edge of your seat as you wait to discover just how Tiffany's life will pan out. Does she eventually triumph over adversity or does the abuse she is constantly subjected to finally take its toll on her tragic life? Read it and find out for yourself as your hands shake and your heart beats a little faster in the final chapters of, A Prisoner Within!


5.0 out of 5 stars Hard-hitting and Haunting 14 Sept. 2014
By CLynn
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is a unique, extremely well-written story by author JM Northrup.
It is powerful and wincingly real. Basically, it is the recounting by a woman of a torturous relationship between her and her mother. There are incidents that are shattering. There is abuse at the hands of the mother and the stepfather that are really difficult to read sometimes, it is that real.
I happen to love prequels and I would love to read a tale of the mother; if that was possible; of what shaped her and made her the way she is.
I find I cannot stop thinking about the daughter, she is so real. Well-told in the first person, this tale is that much more real in my opinion as it benefits so well from first person intimacy.
Bear in mind, this is not merely a recounting of a hellish mother and a long-suffering daughter—it is a good, psychological tale as gripping as any I have read.
JM Northrup, you penned something that will haunt me forever.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
Available in both eBook and paperback editions.
The eBook is on SALE for only 99¢ until March 14, 2015!

UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisoner-Within-J-M-Northup-ebook/dp/B00JKL4AJC

Sunday, March 8, 2015

99¢ eBooks by Simone Beaudelaire - March 8 through 14, 2015!

HEARTS IN WINTER CHRONICLES
Written by SIMONE BEAUDELAIRE


    

***On SALE for only 99 cents until March 14, 2015!***

Each eBook in The Hearts of Winter Chronicles book series written by Creativia romance writer Simone Beaudelaire​ is 99¢ between March 8 -14, 2015 through Kindle Countdown Deals​!
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When the Music Ends
(The Hearts in Winter Chronicles Book 1) 

When the Words are Spoken
(The Hearts in Winter Chronicles Book 2)

US -  http://www.amazon.com/Words-Spoken-Hearts-Winter-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZC6O96



HAPPY READING!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Life As An Indie Author

CHEERS AND JEERS


I always had the dream to be a writer.
Of course, I didn't think it would ever happen, especially with how insecure and protective I was regarding my writing.
My husband, God bless him, was a huge supporter. It was with his encouragement that I finally returned to my writing after 20+ years.  He believed in me even when I didn't.

I started my debut novel while I was in high school.  I set it aside for 20+ years, waiting until my children were adults, before I refined it and published it.
 
I published myself and then re-published it under Creativia.

I tried to go the traditional route.
I queried literary agents and researched what to do in order to get into a large publishing house.  I had so much to learn and I am certain I did poorly due to my ignorance of the business.  Thankfully, many of the agents I contacted were kind to me, offering advice and encouragement when they didn't need to  It helped ease my disappointment from the rejections and it made me strive to push forward.

There are many rules and each agent is not only looking for a specific genre or style, but they also have their own preferences for querying and how to write your letters.
You have to know your agent/agency as much as the rules.
  
Once you get the letter written, then the wait begins...
 Wait, what's a blurb?
I thought my work sold itself.  Nope, you have to sell the idea of your work before it is even a consideration. Being a consideration just means you get read... not signed.

Bree Ogden was one of the people who made a difference for me.
She helped me to learn how to do things through her advice posts and she was also one of the agents who was very kind to me.  
I really have a lot of respect for her!

I heard from a friend about self-publishing through Kindle and Nook, so I looked into it.  I decided to try it, thinking I could build a portfolio in which to have some credentials.  See, I have a college education, but nothing consistent enough to hold an actual degree and I haven't won any awards.  I hoped this would show my ability to be marketable.
I was wrong.
I discovered that most literary agents don't want you after you self-publish.  As you can imagine, I was crushed. 
I had ruined my career before I even got it started... or so I thought.


Then, I discovered MIIKA HANNILA and Creativia!
Obviously, my signing with them changed my life.  In some ways, it has made things much easier for me.  I have clout having a publisher, even though they are a small independent publishing house and I get professional services without having to sell my first born or chopping off an arm or leg.
What I didn't expect though, was the family of authors and the friendships I received from this collaboration and that was the best part!
I didn't feel a lone anymore.  I could share creative ideas and get advice -about my work, editing, and the business.
I have learned so much in the last year and  I have grown as well.
I think Creativia has given me the means to mature as an author and to really understand what I need to do with my literary career.

I like to try new things.  I try different genres and often I cross genres with each book.  My friends and colleagues have a vast array of style and wisdom.  They are kind enough to share their knowledge with me and I appreciate it greatly!
Simone has taught me how to refine my writing, strengthen my voice, and given me a love for the true art of romance writing.  She is there for me, cheering me on even when I can't find my own pom poms.
Brian  and Doug have both taught me a great deal about the business, both in literature and film.  They are men of integrity and they help me remember to laugh, at myself as much as at the world in general.
Carole has taught me about publishing and how to protect myself.  She has been a good friend to me, reminding me that the most important thing in the world isn't sales, but rather, happiness!
Sahara has taught me so much about promoting and net-working  She is an amazing friend who opens the world to me in ways I never knew possible!
Special thanks to my all time favorite authors, who have also become mentors and friends,
The Gears have given me advice, not only about writing in general, but about my personal writing style.  They have encouraged me and supported me, reminding me that life is about constantly learning and growing.  They taught me to keep challenging myself.

I still have disappointments, stressing over sales and how to promote.
Getting reviews is a constant struggle. I don't think readers understand how important they are - I know I didn't, not until I found my publisher.
Plus, writing is so personal that you cannot completely be separated from your work.  It is an extension of you - whether it is fiction or non-fiction - and you can't help feeling elated by the cheers and hurt by the jeers.
Still, I love to write and I cannot imagine my life without it.
I love my readers and I am so grateful to them.
It is a blessing to share my stories, but to have people enjoy them...
That is a gift beyond measure!

THANK YOU ALL!

Writer's Kaboodle Interviews Andrea N. Carr

Andrea N. Carr is the author of
FAMILY TREE

 Click on photo to be redirected to Amazon for purchasing your copy of the book

She went to jail and found freedom. 

Arrested for driving on a suspended license, Angel Harper was less than prepared to deal with what happened next. Being stuck in jail is the least of her worries when she learns of the emergency her family faces outside, beyond the walls of her jail. Her sister Lady, after struggling with a long history of drug and alcohol abuse, committed suicide. When Angel finds out her young son found his aunt, her mothering instincts kick into high gear – she needs to get out. Miraculously she’s granted a stay of sentencing. In the course of just four days Angel must find a way to grieve and make sense of the mess her sister has left behind, setting the stage for a dramatic snowball of events. From page one Family Tree drops the reader into Angel’s emotional roller coaster of liberation. Not only is she dealing with the death of her sister but faces a lifetime of trials that lead to that very tragedy. 
“Miss Carr’s ability to capture how the mind truly works and divines connections is more than a little startling. Family Tree The Novel is a must read for anyone.” – M.J. Moores, OCT. Infinite Pathways Press 

“I haven’t read an opening scene of a novel this potent since anything James M. Cain ever wrote. Slowly, through the steady hand of a literary surgeon, Andrea Carr reveals the sordid secrets of Angel’s family, and the devastating effect it’s had on her siblings." – Anthony Ewart, Associate Editor HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Click on the link to be redirected

 Click on photo to be redirected to Andrea's website

Find ANDREA N. CARR on social media:



Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Love on the High Plains Series

Love on the High Plains Series
Written by Simone Beaudelaire



I absolutely loved HOLIDAY!
I thought the story was romantic and touching.  It was so well done!
I loved how Simone Beaudelaire not only brought the world of the 1880's to life, using the correct verbiage for that time period, but also reflecting the culture as well!
I loved how she worked in scripture and such musical details!
It made it easy to believe Cody was a pastor and Kristina was a musician.
I was surprised to hear some readers were upset with the book, finding it difficult to accept a pastor with a sexual appetite.  This surprised me because a pastor isn't only a man, but he is allowed to be married.  Further more, Simone Beaudelaire does a wonderful job of showing the Biblical support for marriage and sex by quoting scripture.  Plus, I thought the sex scenes were charming and real.


I loved this story too!  I was thrilled to have the background story to Allison and Wesley from Book 1 and then to find out the fate of Kristina's father, James and is lover Rebecca!
James and Rebecca was very sweet and enduring.  It was a wonderful tale woven in about the struggles of desire and social protocol.  It was a real depiction of what society was once like and how reputation was so important that it caused a lot of heartache.
Wesley and Allison was a difficult and harrowing love story which both angered and impressed me.  I was angry how their relationship was fraught with trials and tribulations, but knowing history the way I do, it was a true illustration of what it was like in the 1880's.  I was pleased by the accuracy and by the enduring love the couple had despite all the crazy obstacles in their way to each other.
I also felt that this book (of the first 3) was the most driving because it took me on more of an emotional roller coaster than the others because of the dual story and the way it was interconnected.  I was also surprised with how the ending unfolded.
WELL DONE!


I actually started this series by beta reading HEARTBREAK.
I wasn't sure what to expect and when I got sucked into the book, and ultimately the series, I was really surprised.  I absolutely loved them!
I grew up with the generation which got home from school to watch LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and I was/am a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books.  That made these books really resonate with me, more than I thought they would.
I thought Addie was a great character.  She was modern and empowering, while Jesse was a strong man, capable of standing beside her.  They're journey to find each other was frustrating, as I just wanted them to profess themselves, but love is complicated and messy, isn't it?
What I found interesting about this particular book was the prejudice described in the tale.  It is something which is still relevant in the world today.

BOOK 4 IS COMING SOON!

NORNS TRIAD PUBLICATIONS' BLOG