Saturday, December 6, 2014

My First Vlog Post!

So. Kelly Martin, one of my very bestests friends, does these cute videos where she chatters in her cute accent and everyone loves her. She talked me into doing them, too. So here you go :)
 


So apparently this is a weekly thing. Got any questions you want me to answer? Leave me a comment or send me a message!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

One Hundred Word Wednesday!

It's Wednesday and I remembered to do my post! Woot Woot! Also, something to keep in mind...Banshee at the Gates and all the Atlantis books are on sale for .99 until Sunday!


Find it HERE


And now, for the fun stuff :) 
This week's prompt: 


Raising the phone to his ear, he growled, “She’s loose. Stop her before she shuts down the whole U.S.”
“They’re looking in all the wrong places,” she purred behind him. “You’ve heard of Robin Hood, I’m sure. Think of me as the modern day princess of the thieves, here to take the throne back, Prince John.”
“Don’t ever call me that!” He whirled, gun ready.
She wasn’t there. No one was there. His phone rang angrily as he snatched it up. “What?”

Monday, November 3, 2014

Raif and Me: Part 5

It's my turn again! I love the twists and turns this experiment takes, each of us adding our own unique style--Kelly's mystery, Leah's wit, and my super-powerful, paranormal girl :) Every time I get a chance to write, I get more and more excited about this story!

In case you'd like to catch up:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4


It was so dark wherever I was being held that I wouldn’t have been able to tell my eyes were open except for the burning—like someone had set my eyes on fire with overachieving gasoline. Or, you know, something less crazy. My groan echoed, telling me I was somewhere cavernous. And I was freezing. And the smell…inhuman. Intoxicating. It almost lured my eyes closed again.
Yeah. Raif had brought me home—his real home, not the nondescript brownstone townhouse I’d been stalking for the last six years while he pretended to be a regular human with a massive case of OCD. I hadn’t been here since…
My mind revolted. No. The last time I’d been here, I’d almost lost my soul. And I would not let it happen again. He’d been ever so polite when he’d brought me here—apparently thinking I was obedient enough that I didn’t need to be tied up. The only thing stopping me from walking right out was the blasted darkness and my aching head.
My head would require Advil. And Pepsi. Lots of it. But the darkness? That I could do something about.
Raif might be one-of-a-kind, but so was I.  Yeah, I might look human. And act human. But I was a different sort of bird altogether.
Just like Raif.
But also the opposite of Raif. I was good. I was a guardian. Guarding the world from vampires and werewolves and demons.
And Raif.
I closed my eyes, digging around in my own soul until I found the tiny spark way back behind my heart. Wake up, little bird. It’s time to go to work.
Raif thought I wouldn’t try to escape. He thought I was that submissive—that after everything he put me through, I’d still stay like an obedient, furry pet. And six years ago, I would have. But not now. Raif didn’t know it, but in those six years of stalking him, I’d grown a backbone. And no one was going to lock me in the dark and expect me to sit there waiting for him to come home like an overeager puppy. I wasn’t a werewolf, after all.
I was a Phoenix.
I felt the heat consuming me—but not painful. Warm and safe. Strong. I felt my body change, as it had so many times before, felt the wings spread, the bones twisting, lightening.
My burning body lit up the cavern. How nice, he’d even left me dinner. And a blanket. He’d also installed a door since the last time I’d been there, but it didn’t matter. I had tears that healed, a bite that poisoned the soul—
--and wings that shed fire hotter than the sun.
The door and its pathetic little lock didn’t stand a chance.
I knew where Raif was going. I knew the Collection knew. So that’s where I was going, too. I hadn’t decided yet whose side I would be on when I got there. My heart whispered Raif. My mind bellowed Collection. And my soul waited quietly, reserving judgment.
I flew on silent, smoldering wings out of the cavern, through the tunnels that would have been impossible to find my way out of in the pitch blackness. Raif knew what I was. But when we’d been together, on the same side—both fighting for good—I hadn’t had the courage to shift. His kind was my ancient enemy, yet we both had believed in the same thing. Clearly, he thought nothing had changed in all these years.
But to survive him and the devastation he’d caused my heart, I’d had to shift. The first time I’d shifted, I’d sworn never to change back. Being human hurt.
So much.
But I was strong now. And even if I still loved him, I wouldn’t let him win. He’d shattered me once. He wouldn’t do it again.
I shifted as soon as I neared the entrance. Deep, dark caves and winding tunnels were Raif’s thing. He thought they were fun.  I didn’t mind them, but I didn’t have time for his games now. I had a world to save.

The funny thing about destiny? Everything you did to escape it seemed to lead you right to it. Destiny always wins.


 Stay tuned for Part 6 coming next week from Kelly Martin!


Friday, October 31, 2014

Angie Schroeder's "Love Overcomes" and Giveaway!!!


Angie is one of the sweetest people I know, and I am sooo excited for her and her new book, Love Overcomes. I'm reading it right now and I love it! Scroll through the post. We've got the blurb, an interview, a book trailer and a rafflecopter giveaway!


Coming November 4, 2015. Eeeep!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

WonHundred Word Wednesdays: Was it a Knock That Had Woken Her?

Bwahahahah! I have returned! Well...I haven't really gone anywhere...but I did take an awfully long break from our 100 word stories.

However.

I am back.

At least until next week. I'll keep you posted ;)

This week's prompt:

Was it a knock that had woken her?


She forced her eyes open, mumbling about mornings and how they should be banned.
And then voices.
“She’s done it again.” “She’s skipped another one.” “Poor , poor boy.”
She jerked upright, evil mornings forgotten, and snatched at her clock. “No!!” Not this one. I can’t miss this one.
Her wedding—the real one, this time—started in ten minutes.
She hadn’t even showered…let alone made herself beautiful enough to marry the love of her life. The dress hung on the door, mocking her.  She jerked the dress off its hanger and tugged it over her head.
Dear fear,

Monday, October 13, 2014

Raif and Me: Part 2

So. This happened.
My two favorite friends and I started a pass around writing experiment. Leah Sanders started the story, then passed it on to me. Next week, Kelly Martin will take her turn, and then it will go back to Leah until the story is done. Each week, one of us will post the next section. See how fun?!

For Part ONE, check out Leah's blog post HERE
(Yes. Her blog is way cooler than mine. Mine won't let me change the font. Or the colors. Or...anything. My blog is possessed. And it haunts me.)

"He's moving," I hissed into the darkness. But no, I was not, as I know you assume, talking to myself. I was, in fact, talking to the bosses. The little transmitter attached to my collar made sure they were always listening. Always listening.

And lucky me, the little bug in my ear made sure I could hear them, too. "What? What do you mean, he's moving? He never moves on Friday!"

I rolled my eyes. "No kidding," I muttered. Their sharp intake of breath, simultaneous, as always, told me they had heard that, too. I winced, because I would pay for that little bit of sarcasm. Later.

But not now.

Now, I slid from shadow to shadow, watching Raif do the same. Trick or Treaters were everywhere, little ghosts and super heroes and witches and princesses. And monsters, of course, because what would Halloween be, without monsters?

Little did they know, there was a monster hunter in their midst.

And a real live monster, dressed in black and not carrying his book, set on seeking his own revenge.

"Justice," I heard him saying, over and over, timed with each step. "Justice. Justice. Justice."


Sometime next week, Kelly Martin will post the next installment. Check out her blog at http://www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com/


Sunday, October 12, 2014

Memes!

I've been entertaining myself lately creating memes for my books. I already had some that the fabulous P.S. Cover Design and Author Services created for me, too. I think memes might be my new favorite thing :) Also, I have absolutely no idea how to say meme.









Thursday, September 18, 2014

Shattered Assassin Release Day!

My pretty little assassin book is live!! Here's the deets. Deits. Umm, I don't know how to be cool and spell that word.
ANYWAY


Blurb:
When the royal family is brutally murdered, Princess Kazia alone is left to rule the kingdom. But how can she rule when her home has burned to the ground and at any moment the assassin may return to finish the job?

Under the protection of the Captain of the Royal Guard — her late brother's childhood best friend — the princess must flee to protect herself and what is left of the royal line until the assassin can be found and brought to justice. First to her uncle's estate and then to her betrothed's kingdom, but the assassin seems to be one step ahead of them all along the way.

And then there is the captain. With every mile they travel together, Princess Kazia must fight the feelings for him that she thought she had left behind long ago.

Surviving until her coronation seems like an impossible task. But survive she must…

With both her life and her heart at stake, the weak and seemingly helpless Princess Kazia still bears a secret. One that can either save her and her kingdom or take everything she has left.


Links: 
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Sneak Peek:
They were almost across the village when a little girl with dirty blonde hair and a gray dress stopped them. She held up a hand while she stood in the middle of the dusty road, the other pudgy fist on her hip. Heath and Benjamin both stepped closer to Kazia, looking warily around the houses for a trap.
“Are you an angel?” The girl tipped a dirty little face up to Kazia.
Kazia smiled, stooping down so they were face to face. “No, I’m not an angel.”
“You’re beautiful like an angel. And your skin is white like an angel.”
Kazia started to laugh, but the little girl’s impish grin turned to terror and her eyes got big and round.
“Yes, she looks like an angel, but she has the common sense of a goat.”
Kazia stood and turned, a little too quickly, and half-fell over before Heath caught her and uprighted her. Luke was storming down the center of the village path, his face as dark and angry as the incoming clouds above. “You two are relieved of your duties. Pack up and go home immediately.”
Benjamin and Heath both paled simultaneously. Snapping their heels together, they saluted him. “Yes sir.”
“Oh no they aren’t!” Kazia snapped. She rose to her full height — all five feet six of her, and glared right back at Luke.
“You have no say in whom I relieve of their duties in my unit, your Highness.” He snarled the last word and Kazia wanted to flinch. But she did not.
Inside, her heart was screaming please don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me, but she hid it well. “You forget, Captain, who you answer to — the one who wears the crown.” Luke’s jaw dropped in disbelief, and Heath and Benjamin both froze in their tracks. “They protected me and they did it well. There is absolutely no reason for you to reprimand them.”
“They disobeyed a direct order.” Luke crossed his arms over his chest, clenching and unclenching his fists.
“Yes, by obeying my direct order, which takes precedence over yours, does it not?” she growled. Nakomi, now at her side, bared her teeth. Luke stared, first at Kazia and then at Nakomi, and then back at Kazia in bewilderment. Kazia sucked in a breath, trying to level her voice. No need to let Nakomi eat the captain of her guard right here in front of the adorable little girl. “They were only doing what I asked. If you’re going to be angry at someone, be angry at me, but leave them alone.”
“If I may speak, Captain?” Benjamin asked, stepping up to her side. Luke glared at him, but he spoke anyway. “She was protecting you, sir. She was afraid you were too tired and wanted you to get your rest.”
Luke’s eyes softened and he looked back at Kazia. “Is this true?”
“Of course it’s true, you idiot. Why else do you think I didn’t wake you?” She crossed her arms over her chest and stared back.
He sighed and ran a hand over his face. “We’ve been scouring the estate looking for you. I thought I’d lost—” He trailed off, shaking his head.
“You thought what?” Kazia asked quietly.
“I thought I’d failed in my duties as Captain of the Royal Guard,” he snapped, the gentleness in his eyes hidden, but barely. Kazia could still see it.

10 Reasons I love being a writer

Being a writer is my dream job. Ever wondered why? Ahem.
I give you:

Top Ten Reasons I Love Being a Writer
1.  Nightmares? They’re not so scary when I make them into stories.
2.  Non-nightmares can be scary once I bring them to life. Bwahahahha.
3.  Covers. Sometimes I create a whole story just because I found a picture I love and can already envision my cover.
4.  If I didn’t write, I’d probably be considered insane and locked up in a padded room for life.
5.  Two words: Battle. Unicorns.
6.  I love writing super tough heroines. I’m showing my daughters that girls can be the heroes of their own stories—we don’t need boys to save us. Hopefully, that message will reach other girls, too.
7.  I love talking to readers who love my books. It’s like they can see into my head and still like me!
8.  The writing community is amazingly supportive. All my best friends are writers. We help each other through the bad days and celebrate together on the good days.
9.  Writing gives me a reason to play on Pinterest. Er, research. Research on Pinterest.

10.  I give all the people in my head a life of their own, and then I let them go. Except Ari. She’s pretty stubborn and even after five books, she’s still there.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Rone Awards

Earlier this year, Feudlings and Warrior Beautiful were both eligible for a Rone award--given out by the fabulous In'Dtale Magazine. Feudlings made it to the final round with five other amazing books, but Warrior Beautiful did not.

SO.

The awards were a couple weeks ago. Adorable Husband's best friend lives in Arizona, so we made a fun weekend out of it--we drove down and he drove up and we met in the middle and spent all weekend playing in Vegas.

Also, the awards.

Feudlings won!! I didn't expect it to happen. I was totally unprepared--I hadn't written a speech or anything, so of course I sounded like a dork when I went up to accept my award. Still, it was a blast, and I was so honored!


The awards theme was Paris Nights

It's Marti! Another AP author :) 


Adorable brother and Adorable Husband

Random adorable mime
Me with my award. My boots make me happy

My award. Eeeep!

OneHundred Word Wednesday-The Pink Glove Lay on the Ground, Almost Covered

So, I thought I was taking the summer off, to focus on writing and family. But this summer has been insane, and I've gotten very little writing done. Fortunately, I've spent a lot of time with family, but most of it has been nursing the sick.
HOWEVER
However, we are all better. Oldest is safely off to camp, and my two little ones are playing tag in the living room (not so safely). In between crying spells when they inevitably crash into the wall or the table, here's my 100 word story for the week!

The prompt: The pink glove lay on the ground, almost covered

My take:
The pink glove lay on the ground, almost covered by all the luggage—everyone was going home. He recognized it immediately. It was hers. The girl he’d been trying to talk to all week. But she was shy, and all his attempts to impress her had gone unnoticed.
He dug the glove from under the pile and looked desperately across the courtyard for her. She was standing by a car, staring at the ground, her other glove in her hand. He jogged over, heart in his throat. “You dropped this.”

She smiled shyly at him, taking the glove. “Thank you.”

Now see how everyone else did it!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Banshee at the Gate book trailer

Hey there!! The Gates of Atlantis series releases in a week and a half, so to celebrate, here's the book trailer! What do you think?


Wednesday, July 9, 2014

OneHundred Word Wednesday--It was Just for One Night

OneHundred Word Wednesday time again!! This week's prompt is:

It was just for one night

It was just for one night. A lifetime of memories were made in those short hours, but now I can only watch him from a distance. He’s as beautiful as ever—the accident didn’t scar him, except for the pain in his eyes. I wish I could tell him that he’d given me a gift, that I could protect him now in a way I never could before.
But I can’t tell him. Guardian angels aren’t allowed to talk to their charges. All I can do is spread my wings and block him from the pain of a dark world.

Now see how everyone else did it!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

100 Word Wednesday--Reluctantly, he handed over the key

I have been MIA for about a month because I've started these awesome new meds for my lupus, but they make me super sleepy. So...I slept. For about a month ;) BUT I'm back and here's my post for 100 word Wednesday. Don't forget to check out how the other authors did it!

The Prompt:

Reluctantly he handed over the key

Here's my take: 
Reluctantly he handed over the key. “Are you sure you want to know what’s on the other side of that door? It hasn’t been opened for centuries.”
She nodded grimly. “This tomb holds my ancestors. That means it might hold the answers to saving my son. I don’t care if there are demons on the other side of that door, for him, I’ll face them.”
She didn’t know he loved her. It didn’t matter—for her, he would face demons, too. Or whatever else might be waiting for them.

Raising his holy water, he nodded as she turned the key.

Now see how everyone else did it!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

In all the years I’ve lived here, I’ve never once called this place my home.

It's WonHundred Word Wednesday!!! I missed last week because I was gone, like, 99.99999 percent of the time and when I was home, I was trying desperately to sleep. BUT. But it's a new week and I was determined to not be a slacker. Without further ado, here is our prompt:

In all the years I’ve lived here, I’ve never once called this place my home.

 I’m not supposed to be here. My doppelganger tricked me. When she died, she dragged me straight to hell. She’s the evil one. Not me.
I stare around me at all the misery, grief, regret. Everything that was wrong on earth is wrong here, but here there is no joy, excitement or hope. They feed on each other, these demons with no love. I hide in the shadows and wait until I can fight my way back to earth. Because I still have love, hope, faith. As long as I hold on to those, I will never belong here.

Now see how everyone else did it!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

WonHundred Word Wednesday

It's the time again. One prompt. Seventeen Authors. One-hundred word story. Here's this week's prompt:

The Truth About Love Is...

And here's my take on it:

“Do you really have to go?” he asked as she slid out of his embrace and backed away from him, her hand trailing feather-light along his arm, her touch like frozen air. Her eyes were sad as they turned toward the window, toward the rising sun. That look told him all he needed to know.
She faded slowly from sight, until there was nothing left of her, and he prayed with everything he had that she’d escape hell the next night and find her way to his arms. The truth about love is—it’s more powerful than even death.

Now see how everyone else did it!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

WonHundred Word Wednesday

I've been slacking this week. I forgot to post my Meet the Character--and it was a good one (hint: ARISTON!). And I totally forgot about our 100 word story until late last night, when my sweet Angie reminded me. Thank goodness for Angie! SO. Here is my story, right on time :) 

The prompt: There's a box in the attic that isn't yours.

My take:

We buried my grandparents that morning, and since the rest of my family is highly dysfunctional, I was left to go through their things and see if there was anything worth saving.
Memories. Memories are worth saving.
My sweet boyfriend came to keep me company. He wiped away my tears as I sobbed over memories. Memories worth saving.
“Hey, what’s that box?” he asked.
“It isn’t mine.” I said.
He got down on one knee to retrieve the box, then held it toward me. The diamond sparkled. “It could be, if you say yes.

Now go see how everyone else did it!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

WonHundred Word Wednesday

It's Wednesday!! And somehow, despite Amazon trying to kill my release day yesterday, I STILL got my 100 word story done. I soooo deserve a treat. Or Pepsi. Or new boots.

Ahem.

So! Here's my story!


I slid under the car, working quickly to tape the bomb to the undercarriage. I could hear footsteps—one of the most dangerous men in the world walking straight toward me. I escaped  from under the car and dove for the cover of the bushes.

Too late, I realized the man getting into the car was the wrong guy. The man I was supposed to blow up stood next to him.  Now I’d have to build another bomb. You know what they say—if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Now see how everyone else did it!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Warrior Everlasting Release

Finally!! I'm so excited about the next installment in the Riders of Paradesos series, and it's HERE!!!!

Ahem.

I am calm.

Check out my newest book baby and ps-isn't this the prettiest cover EVER?

*is not calm*

OH! And I'm having a giveaway! It's at the bottom :)


Blurb:
Fighting alongside the boy you shouldn't love is hard enough. Doing it while riding a unicorn who would gleefully fly to her death with you on her back is worse. What makes it insane?

Doing it in hell.

Scout and her unicorn, Ashra, risked everything just to make it into Aptavaras. Their plan is to free Scout’s family and the stolen souls, and seek vengeance on the man who took everything Ashra had once lived for. What they hadn’t counted on was Trey and his unicorn, Torz, following them.

It might be the only thing that will save them.

Because in Aptavaras, the soul stealers are many and the chances of survival are slim. Even if they can get past the demons, trick the demon master, rescue the souls and escape with their lives, there’s only one person who can open the gate, and he’s on the outside defending the world. But Scout, Trey, Ashra and Torz have one thing the soul stealers don’t—


A reason to live.

Teaser!
“You’re mad.”

She sighed. “I’m too tired for this right now, Trey. If you want Kylin, then—”

He glared at her. “You lose faith in me that quickly, Scout? I’ve been in love with you since I was eight years old. See these?” He held up his arm with the leather bands tied around his wrist. “Nine of them. One for each year I’ve loved you. I loved you when you hated me. I loved you when you were dancing for some other guy. I loved you when I watched you throw yourself off your unicorn eight billion feet above the ground.”

Scout opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Instead, tears trickled down her cheek. Finally, she knew what those leather bands meant. And her heart swelled.

“Just because I talk to Kylin doesn’t mean I’m going back to her. What have I ever done to make you doubt me, Scout? And if you say the hospital—” His glare was more fierce than she’d ever seen it. Clearly, he’d heard enough about the hospital.

Scout smiled, scrubbing at her tears. “Nothing, Trey. You’ve done nothing to make me doubt you. I’m sorry. I’m just tired and insecure.”

His hand shot out, circling her waist, and he pulled her into him, so close she could feel his heart pounding inside his chest, and he kissed her like he would literally die if he didn’t. There was pain and fury and hope and love in that kiss. Scout rose on her toes and slid her arms around his neck, kissing him back, hoping he could feel that she felt the same way.

Find it here!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

AND! I'm giving away an ecopy of the first book, Warrior Beautiful, as well as a swag pack! Go forth and enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 5, 2014

Meet the Character Monday--Ashra!!

So, somehow in my search for characters to write about (I'm running low), I completely forgot my unicorns. AND since Warrior Everlasting releases tomorrow everywhere ebooks are sold, what better day to introduce Ashra?

Ashra is sarcastic and annoyed. She's not very nice and she doesn't like humans. But she's also fiercely loyal and willing to risk death to save others. And Scout somehow weasels her way into Ashra's heart, so the two form a tight bond that even Ariston can't break--created through their shared pain. And when Scout needs her most, Ashra comes through in a big way.

Okay I realize she doesn't have a horn. So just pretend, yes?
Meet Ashra:

Name: Ashra

Age: 633 years old

Book/Series: Warrior Beautiful/Riders of Paradesos

Hometown: Athens, Greece

Family: She has none. Her mate was killed by Ariston, his rider. When he died, the entire Corste line of unicorns died with him, which meant her foal died, too. She's very close to Havik and Torz, and Iros is like a human brother to her, but her pain of loss makes it difficult for anyone to get close.

Appearance: Bigger than a Clysdale, black as night. Wings with silken black feathers and a glowing horn. Her mane and tail are made of mist. She's smaller and sleeker than the other Irwarros, which might explain how she's so fast. When she fights, she wears terrifying armor with spikes and dark metal, but when the armor is off, she's beautiful. 

Best Friend: Torz. He's the third in command under Havik in the Irwarro army, and one of the few that Ashra will tolerate. However, Scout comes in a close second, despite everything Ashra does to keep her out.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Wonhundred Word Wednesday--I stared at the flames that had...

It's Wednesday again! Which is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week :) This week's prompt was super fun, since, if you've read my books you realize I have a thing for fire (ironic, since I'm afraid of it in real life). So! Here it is:


Here's my take:

I stared at the flames that had just tried to swallow me whole. They’d leaped right out of the fire place and chased me around the room, slowly growing smaller until they were just little now—and they looked distinctly people-like.
They stared back at me, sparks dripping from their mouths and scalding the rugs.
“So…yeah. You should probably get back in the fireplace before you, like, extinguish or something.”
“We’ll die either way.”
“Then what’s with the chasing?” I asked.
They grinned, flames leaping from their heads. “We’re taking you with us.”

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Storymakers Recap--Warning-tons of pics!

This past weekend, I went to the Storymakers Writer's Conference here in Utah. Utah has a HUGE writing community, and we have a few really awesome conferences a year. I like them all for different reasons--some are more for networking, some are for learning...speaking of--I took a horror writing class from J. Scott Savage that was SO AWESOME, and a creating an author brand from Ali Cross that were both phenomenal. They were my favorites.
But.
But for me, the best part of these conferences is getting to see my writing friends. We talk a lot online, but it's more awesome to see them in person. So, despite my fear of cameras, I take lots of pictures :)
Four Astraea Press Authors in one place!

Dauntless girls. We are spectacular

Isn't she cute? Mindy Holt was in charge of the Whitney Awards

Rebecca Rodes, Marcia Mickelson, me, and Jaclyn Weist. We were signing table buddies

Um, yeah, so that's Jaclyn and I with Brandon Sanderson. He's thrilled at our fangirling, obviously

Me, Donna Weaver, and Amber Argyle. We're super cute.

So glad Tara came to find me. It was awesome to meet her!

Some of my most favorite people ever. We're only missing Lindzee Armstrong. Someone photoshop her in!