Authors

Awethors Event: Interview with James Quinn

Apr 2, 2015 | Authors

Our second awesome author in the countdown until the Get Down With The Awethors Facebook event on April 12 is James Quinn. His giveaway is extra special because his book won’t be published officially on Amazon until May 2015, so you could get the chance to read it early!

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1. What will you be sharing with the group on April 12 at the Get Down With The Awethors event? Free book giveaway, sneak peek, merchandise, holding a competition, discussion?

I’ll be offering a free copy of my new book A Game For Assassins as part of the giveaway bundle. I’ll also be making myself available throughout the day for people to ask questions about who I am (as a new author) and about the background to A Game For Assassins.

2. What is your latest book or work, and where can we find it?

A Game For Assassins is a Cold War thriller that introduces the character of Jack “Gorilla” Grant, a British intelligence officer. He’s a bit of a rough lad who doesn’t pull his punches. Hopefully the readers will take to him. The book is due for release at the beginning of May 2015, so this is a sneak peek opportunity for new readers.

3. What drives you to write? Music, an interest in the human mind, is it cathartic for you?

I love the creative process, and it’s something I always wanted to do since I was a child when I won my first school writing competition. Unfortunately “real life” got in the way, and it’s only now that I’ve hit the dreaded 40 that I’m in a position to make it a reality.

4. What’s your favorite book in the world? One you couldn’t imagine having lived your life without reading.

There are so many, it would be a bit like choosing your favourite son or daughter! Impossible! But probably the biggest influence for me has been John le Carré. The first book of his that I read when I was a teenager was The Honourable Schoolboy, and it’s stayed with me ever since.

5. When will you be at the Awethors event on April 12? All day or at a certain time?

Hopefully I’ll be popping in and out all day (work permitting) but probably afternoon time is when I’ll be focused on the event!

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Author Bio

James Quinn spent 15 years in the secret world of covert operations, undercover investigations and international security before turning his hand to writing.

He is trained in hand to hand combat and in the use of a variety of weaponry, including small edged weapons, Japanese Swords and Hunting Bows. He is also a crack pistol shot for CQB (Close Quarter Battle) and many of his experiences he has incorporated into his works of fiction.

He lives in the United Kingdom and travels extensively around the globe.

Connect with James

Website: http://jamesquinn.webs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Quinn/1558765681046413?sk=info&tab=page_info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ape101Quinn

Awethors Event: Interview with Lisa

Apr 1, 2015 | Authors

Get excited – a brand new book event is coming to town, and you can access it right from your own computer! Get Down With The Awethors is a Facebook event that will take place on April 12 ALL DAY LONG. Whether you want to win giveaways, participate in discussions, or just meet some awesome indie authors, stop by – we’ve got 155 authors coming in and out of the event all day. What could be more exciting than that?

Speaking of great authors, Proof Positive snagged interviews with 12 of the participating authors, and we’ll be posting an interview every day until the event begins. The countdown starts with Lisa, author of poetry and fiction novels alike.

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1. What will you be sharing with the group on April 12 at the Get Down With The Awethors event? Free book giveaway, sneak peek, merchandise, holding a competition, discussion?

I’ll be giving away a copy of my first novel, The Elemental, part I of The Fire Trilogy as well as my second poetry collection, When Words Start To Sing. People can also ask me questions on that day and I’ll try to answer them as honestly as possible. 😉

2. What is your latest book or work, and where can we find it?

My latest is the poetry collection When Words Start To Sing, and right now I’m working on The Empath, part II of The Fire Trilogy. You can find it on Amazon worldwide or ask for it in your local bookstore. They are available as both ebook and paperback.

3. What drives you to write? Music, an interest in the human mind, is it cathartic for you?

Funny you should ask, because it was indeed music. Placebo more specifically. Back in 2009, I saw them live at Pinkpop festival. When they were playing “Come Undone”, it was twilight and we had a beautiful pink-purple sky. Brian, the singer, said the song had come to him in a dream and while he was singing, the outlines of The Elemental popped into my head. For a few minutes, I was in a different world. It wasn’t until much later I remembered that moment. One night when I went to bed, I dreamed about the book and when I woke up, I took it as a sign from the Universe to pursue a career in writing. I listened to nothing else but Battle for the Sun, the Placebo album they had just released at that time, driving everybody crazy. So you could argue it really became the soundtrack to my book. And they’re still very important to my writing. I consider Brian my muse, so let’s hope they go on for many more years. 😉

Also, I write paranormal fiction. I believe there is more between Heaven and Earth. I wanted to show people that being “gifted” doesn’t make you scary or different or abnormal. Yes, it can be dangerous and a burden and all that, but it’s also just another skill. Like some people are really good musicians or carpenters or doctors. My characters are living normal lives, they could be friends of yours. The normality of the paranormal is important to me.

4. What’s your favorite book in the world? One you couldn’t imagine having lived your life without reading.

Oh, terrible question! Just one… Arrggh! Well, if it’s just one book, I guess it would have to be Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. There’s so much in it. I’ve read it hundreds of times and I still discover new things or new emotions when I read it. I mean, Tolkien and more recently JK Rowling certainly changed my life, but Jane Austen is responsible for the hopeful romantic I am today. Yes, hopeful, not hopeless. I believe everybody will find the love they need. It’s finding out what you need that’s the hard part. I feel very blessed in love through life.

5. When will you be at the Awethors event on April 12? All day or at a certain time?

Pretty much all day, assisting DM Cain (author of The Phoenix Project and Chronicles of Chaos), answering people’s questions and making sure nobody gets left out.

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Author Bio

Lisa is the author of the poetry collections Nothing is Forgotten, When Words Start To Sing and The Elemental, part I of The Fire Trilogy. The Elemental is her first full-length novel. She has a background in social services and music, but writing has always been a part of her daily life. One night she dreamed the outline of The Elemental and took it as a sign from the Universe to pursue a career in writing.

She grew up in a small town in the Netherlands where her parents always taught her to think outside the box. She has a degree in social studies and joined the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids as an adult.

Lisa loves London, according to her “the city where magic dwells,” and can often be found there. She still resides in the Netherlands, however, with her partner and their dog, Miss Ginger Rogers, and if you’re lucky, you may find her in her favourite coffeehouse, Barista cafe.

Lisa is also a freelance copywriter for CAPSLOC, a music venue in The Netherlands, an editor for Folk Harp Folks, a magazine published by The Dutch Folk Harp society, and she writes a weekly column for her local newspaper.

Connect with Lisa

Website: www.the-elemental.co.uk
Blog: www.themoderndruidess.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theelemental
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Lisa_Elemental
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/628519.Lisa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOoWcrbEWpIm31mP3owna_A

Author Chat: Patrick Elliott

Mar 9, 2015 | Authors

“No one can write their own happy ending.” This complex and intense theme is part of the basis for Patrick Elliott’s debut book, Old Odd Ends. I don’t know about you, but I like a book that can explore even the most powerful person’s inability to control their own destiny. Likewise, Elliott follows through with this theme in his writing planning, saying he can’t plan an ending because it’s very hard to predict ahead of time. Many writers share this school of thought (pantsers, unite!), and seeing just how dark Elliott’s writing can get, I’m not surprised it takes its own twists and turns.

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Old Odd Ends is your first book. How long did it take you to plan it before you began writing it?

I would say that for the most part I don’t really plan my books. The exception to that is the one series I have been working on for so many years I don’t like to think about it. One day I decided I was going to get serious about writing as a career option. I had all of these ideas buzzing around in my head. So I sat down and typed out some working titles and the idea surrounding each one of them. The active planning probably took about a minute. The idea running around was a few weeks for this one. I know that probably sounds cocky but that is part of my process. The ideas are always there. Sometimes I will write out characters and settings for a few hours before I start. With Ends it was a matter of sitting down and keeping track as places and people added themselves to the story.

Is this book part of a series? If so, when can we look forward to the next book being published?

No, Old Odd Ends is not part of a series. It is a stand-alone and was my push to get over a fear of success by actually finishing and publishing a book. The one series I have is an act of love that will come out eventually but other one-shots will precede it and come in between the volumes.

As for when you can look forward to the next book being published. I am striving to put two compilations of shorts up by the end of April. I am also editing another full-length novel that needs a good title as the working title, The Detective, is a bit too bland. That one I will query agents about. So if there are no nibbles I hope to have it published by September, if some amazing agent picks me up…who knows? That will then depend on the powers that be I guess. So I would say September for the next actual novel.

Do you mostly write in this particular genre or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I don’t write in a genre or a style. I write in the story and the characters. I have read many great authors who write in their genre, but it is not my style. I start with the story, add in the characters and see where it goes. So I let what I am writing define its classification that way. To answer specifically, I wouldn’t say I dabble, but I write in all genres, even the ones I would normally exclude because pieces of them will show up throughout the story. My writing does tend to fall mostly into horror, dark versions of urban fantasy, dystopian, and occasionally high fantasy and soft science fiction. I think life might actually be easier if I could pick one.

What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

This is another place where I will have to speak to the genre of horror, as literary fiction of any kind, and genre fiction too, stands apart from itself by being what it is. When it comes to horror what makes my work stand apart is a grounding in classical definition with a vision of the future and a setting based on the present.

Horror has become a parody of itself, with some notable exceptions. This started with movies but slowly moved into the realm of novels. Today what you see are thrillers and chillers, based on the idea of the slasher film and the school of thought that gore and graphic violence are what is truly frightening. I follow a classic train of thought where you should sympathize with the monster. I don’t mean making the monster a hero, which leads to other types of novels that I hope I stand out from, but being able to look at the monster and say, “I get it. This guy is evil, but I can understand what drove him to it. If I had to face that I might go the same route.” Then you are really scared because you think this monster might win, but even more because you understand you have something in common with it. The focus on the cerebral and leaving the really graphic stuff mostly in your readers’ minds are part of what I do. It is an art that has been lost.

Then you have the setting. Much – not all but a lot – of the horror out there is supposed to be modern, but it isn’t. It feels like a campy seventies or eighties movie. We are given props and backdrops that do not feel real to us at all. The feeling is either an idealized society that does not exist anymore, if it ever did, or a place so dark it belongs to the past or the future. Give me gritty, give me believable. I don’t care about real, but I want to believe this could be now if it is set in the present. I strive for that in my own writing.

Last is the eye on the future. Most horror tells a story. They are often good stories but usually there is no connection. You want to scare me? Show me where we are going in the case that whatever your monster represents is not stopped. That nugget of truth, be it fact or your own opinion, will keep me up nights worrying about what could be. Even if I don’t understand what you were thinking when you wrote it, I will make a connection because you wrote based on something important to you. That is something I bring, which horror in general has lost. At least in my opinion.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

No, not in this book. In many others I will take snippets of personality or a look or even one side of a person. In Old Odd Ends there is none of that, though some of my friends think there is. If you want that keep on the look out for future published works and you will find it.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

The ideas come just from my incredible imagination normally. It is like these stories exist inside my head and want to be told, and if I’m not telling them who is going to? Once in a while I will see or hear something in life that makes me think of an idea. However, even with it all being imagination I find pieces of real life and events creeping in. The stories are not about them but they slowly begin to correlate.

Normally I have no problems finding the will to write, but on the occasions that I do, what inspires me to get off my butt can be reading, listening to music, or taking walks – usually while listening to music. That last one gives me such a drive to write that I do it nearly every day before I sit down at the computer. Other art forms also help, but books and music are the most consistent. So I guess all of them inspire me in their own ways.

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

I am part of two currently. One is a group on Goodreads, and I love the support and suggestions. It is my first jump into anything like that. Writing, especially independently, can be a lonely and sometimes terrifying thing. Just being surrounded by others who know that struggle is great, that feeling of not being alone. I am also part of a community of regulars who do writing prompts. While that is not officially a group we are a community in the truest sense. I love that one because it has all of the same things as the first with deeper connections (maybe because I have been there longer) and kind but honest critiques. It has improved my writing exponentially in the time I have been there. I am not part of any groups that meet in person, as the ones I have found are either specific to genres I do not write in often or just not to my taste. I have contemplated trying to form one myself, but most of the people I would start with in my area are rather reclusive and/or shy.

Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

I mostly write as it comes to me. I start with a vague setting and a character or two in mind. I write down the basic idea for the story, which is the beginning and a small kernel of what it is about. Then I add in the description of the characters. As I go I keep track of new traits and important events for those characters and add notes on any new people or places. Characters die in my novels, so the ones that do get turned to red font. I will add notes about the world and snippets I want to happen somewhere to these notes but the snippets are not set in stone I am just afraid I will forget them. Somewhere along the way I realize what the most likely ending is, but I never write that down as the story may change it. Outlining works for many writers, but I find the writers who do not hold my attention better and those that do are dryer. My stories have always defied outlines because of that and the few times I attempted it I had to scrap the outline or the story halfway through.

Did you do any research for Old Odd Ends?

Initially, no. I do Google research as necessary for certain words and terms. How much research I do depends on how accurate I want it to be. For Old Odd Ends I looked up a couple of things as I went, but very little as it is a completely darkly fantastical world that mirrors our own. I know what our world is like.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

Yes and no. I love to read; I will read almost anything fiction. I am rather picky in which entertainment I choose to spend my time on, in all of its forms. I am actually less choosy about books but I do tend to avoid horror for the reasons stated in a previous question. There are some great horror authors out there who focus on the mental aspects of it but many fall prey to the graphic and the simple, so I tend to avoid it unless I know the author or the book calls to me. The same is even truer of movies. There are some great scary movies out there but most I give a pass. On the literary side, one of the things that defines it is the focus on the character. I love character development and deep, deep characters, so in that sense, yes! I read anything that does that and does it well.

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fiction or nonfiction place – where would you write?

I love to travel, I love new places, and I love to write. One of my life goals is to use the money from my writing to travel the world and write in every place I stop. So my answer is everywhere, anywhere, all of them. If I had to choose one I guess it would be Ireland. Still, I’m sticking with everywhere.

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Author Bio

Patrick has been writing for years while stuck in the corporate world focusing on customer service and management due to his love of helping people and touching their lives. After hearing multiple versions of “Why aren’t you published yet?” along with threats of bodily harm from friends and family if forced to read one more novel before he was published, he relented. By being here you are part of the beginning of a new chapter in the author’s life. He lives in the Seattle area, where he is currently enjoying the rain when it is available.

Book Purchase Links

Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
Amazon author page

Social Media Links

Twitter – @patrickewrites
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/oldoddendsbook
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/110963505…
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show…
Ello – https://ello.co/patrick_elliott
Blog – http://patrickelliottwrites.blogspot.com/

Author Chat: Michele Lynn Seigfried

Jan 26, 2015 | Authors

One of the most exciting things is discovering indie authors in your area, and a great way to do that is through book conferences. Recently, I met Michele Lynn Seigfried, author of the Jersey Shore Mystery Series, at the Belmar BookCon. Her series struck me as a great mix of mystery, fun, and timely and relatable current events. Of course I bought the first book in the series. 🙂

The third book in the Jersey Shore Mystery Series, Community Affairs, is coming out tomorrow, but I got the scoop on it from Michele a day in advance. Enjoy!

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Was Red Tape, the first book in the Jersey Shore Mystery Series, your very first book? How long did it take you to plan it (or the whole series) before you began writing it?

Red Tape was about 10 years in the making! One year of actual writing. I have a full-time job and a toddler, so it’s hard to find time to write!

Do you typically plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

I have tried to write with outlines, but I always seem to deviate from them. Sometimes I have to go back to the beginning and write in a character to make the story make sense! I do use character development exercises at times. I find them to be helpful!

Did you do any research for the Jersey Shore Mystery Series? Tell us about how your expertise in municipal government helped you with this series.

Yes, even though I work in government, I still had to do a lot of research. I didn’t know the first thing about guns, arrests, or how a court system works. I wanted the facts to be correct, so a lot of research went into it.

With regard to my position in government, I have 16+ years experience. I am a municipal clerk, so I thought I’d make my character have the same profession. “Write what you know” is advice I always hear. I know how that office operates and how records work. I also have kept up over the years with current events regarding government employees, which became ideas in my book. For example, there was a city in North Jersey many years ago that had an employee stealing birth certificate papers.

Does Superstorm Sandy play a part in any of your series?

Yes. A large part. In the first book in the series, the antagonist, “Mr. Triggers”, is angry about there being no dunes at the end of his street. During the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I had seen a news report on television about a group of residents who didn’t have dunes and how their homes were destroyed. On the streets where there were dunes in that same town, the homes weren’t completely obliterated. I started to think – what if a resident was angry about the dunes and took it out on the government? And what if, after repeated requests to get his dunes, his home got destroyed in a hurricane? I suddenly had a plot (and a subplot with the birth certificate issue).

In addition, I portrayed the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy as accurately as I could. I was lucky during the storm, I only lost power for a week. Many others were not so lucky. I have cousins who were newlyweds living in a basement apartment that lost everything, escaping the storm with only the clothes on their backs.

Give us the inside scoop on what we can expect in the third part of your series, Community Affairs, to be published January 27, 2015. Tell us something no one else knows!

Fans of Bonnie, get ready! Bonnie, the sassy sidekick in the first two novels, is the main character in Community Affairs. She and her neighbor Lyla, or “Lemon Face” (as Bonnie calls her) go head to head in a somewhat immature neighbor battle. It’s a mystery, of course, so that also means a murder, a kidnapping, mayhem, and a little humor.

As for something that no one else knows, I’ll let you in on this little secret. A lot of my fans are wondering what is going on in Chelsey’s love life. She has two suitors, Bryce and Kris. Since this book ended up being a “Bonnie Book” the love triangle for Chelsey isn’t resolved until book 4 in the series. But there is a new development revealed in Community Affairs. Chelsey’s ex, the father of her daughter, is back in the picture too!

You’ve won honorable mention and runner-up awards for your first two Jersey Shore Mystery Series books in the Beach Book Festival. What is that and what does this recognition mean to you?

I was so excited and honored to be recognized for those awards. “Honorable mention” in that particular book contest is like getting third place. “Runner-up” is synonymous with getting second place. I think, as an author, I’m always second guessing myself. Will readers enjoy this? Is this believable? Is this character developed enough? Will people understand my sense of humor? Is there enough conflict? Is the plot moving too slow? Receiving an award for me is having an expert in the field say, “Guess what? Your work is good! Stop worrying!”

Do you mostly write in this particular genre or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I write in this genre (cozy mysteries) and I also write and illustrate children’s picture books.

How do you switch back and forth between children’s books and mystery books intended for adults?

I’ve always enjoyed drawing and other types of art. I was an art minor in college. So sometimes when I feel stuck in the plot, being creative in a different way helps me to clear the writer’s block. I may set the writing aside to draw pictures for a new book, then go back to the writing when I’m ready. Drawing pictures is something that is very relaxing to me, and I tend to become more creative with the written word when I’m less stressed. I also tend to create the children’s books while my current book is with the editor. And lots of times, my husband and daughter give me ideas. Lately, to get my daughter to brush her teeth, we’ve been telling here there’s a monster in her mouth and she has to get it out. Hence the next of my children’s books was born! I wrote the story (in verse) in one day and I’ll work on the illustrations throughout the year, in between writing book 4 in the Jersey Shore Mystery Series.

What do you think makes your mystery series stand apart from other works in your genre?

I think one of the ways it stands out is that I used similarities to current events in New Jersey in the first two books, like Hurricane Sandy and the Seaside boardwalk fire (though I didn’t mention Seaside in the second book). I also don’t know of any other cozy mysteries where the sleuths and criminals are government workers. I was trying to give readers an idea of what it is like to work in government and how government employees don’t all fit that lazy stereotype, especially in local governments.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

Yes! Lots of them. Jose Texidor is based from a real person, retired Lt. Scott Texidor, a former co-worker of mine (with his permission of course). And yes, he is as sarcastic in person as he is in the books!

Uncle Freddy, Giuseppe Frusione, Salvatore Romeo, Kathy Norcia, and Sylvia G. are all real people to name a few.

Chelsey’s Uncle Lou left her a house on a lagoon in New Jersey. My Great Uncle Lou lived in a house on a lagoon at the Jersey shore and I wish he left me a house in his will! Oh well. (I’m living vicariously!)

Also, Bonnie is based on one of my friends (who wishes to remain anonymous). She talks the same way in person as her character does, so it always makes me laugh when a review comes in saying that Bonnie is not a realistic character because people don’t talk that way. I’m here to tell you, oh yes, they do! I find Bonnie absolutely hilarious. Although the real “Bonnie” does not have a rich neurosurgeon husband or beach front home.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

All of the above! Newspapers and the news on TV are a big inspiration to me. Family is as well. There is so much in my books that have some reference to my family – including Mandy, who was modeled after my own daughter. Heck, even the dog! My husband had a Shepherd named “Snickers.”

How do you connect with your audience (e.g. book signings, social media, BookCons, lectures, etc.)?

I appeared at numerous local craft shows last year, where I signed and sold books, and I have plans to attend more this year. I’ve done library talks, seminars, conferences, BookCons, and school appearances. Social media helps me connect with readers a lot as well. Email, Goodreads, and Facebook are easy ways for readers to get in touch with me!

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

I am. I’m a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime – Central Jersey, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the New Jersey Author’s Network. Since I don’t have a formal education in literature or creative writing, networking with others who are writing is helping me to learn as much as I can. Members in these groups are extremely supportive. They also provide opportunities for speaking engagements and book signings.

Who are your writing influences and why?

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of J.A. Konrath. While our genres are a little different, I really like how each of his books in the Jack Daniels series has a unique style. I thought I would try to adapt a unique style in each of my books too! My first book is told in first person with Chelsey being the main character. Tax Cut is told in first person from Chelsey, but each chapter has sections where you get the insight from the “bad guys,” told in third person. In Community Affairs, not only did I change the main character, the beginning of each chapter is told in present time, a time when Bonnie is being held captive. Then she tells the story of what led up to her being captive over the past few weeks in first person.

I also have been reading a lot of Gemma Halliday and the authors that she publishes. I enjoy their work, and in my third book, I tried to adopt a tighter writing style like theirs.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

Yes, all the time! I do book tours and reviews about cozy mysteries for Escape with Dollycas. I learn about so many new authors that way and have the pleasure of reading books I may not have thought to try. I love cozies, regular mysteries, and thrillers. Yes, I also watch movies and television that pertain to the genre. I love watching CSI and Law and Order reruns. Now that I have a toddler, movies are more of a luxury for me! I never get to go!

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or non-fiction place – where would you write?

On the island of St. Maarten, watching the pelicans, listening to the ocean, sipping exotic cocktails made with guava or passion fruit, eating the best chocolate in the world (The Belgian Chocolate Box), listening to island music, being on island time. Ah, so relaxing! And as I mentioned earlier – I’m much more creative when I am relaxed!

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Buy Community Affairs here!

Connect with Michele:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Which Book Challenge is Which?

Jan 12, 2015 | Authors, Genre Talk

Ever wish you read more in a year than you do? Ever wish your reading list was more diversified? Look no further, book challenges are the thing this year. Never have we seen so many book challenges of different types or so many readers participating.

Here are some great ones to join:

Book Riot’s 2015 Read Harder Challenge

This is an extremely diverse list that will have you reading all over the world, all genres, and even some different age ranges. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, this is the book challenge for you. 24 challenges included.

Popsugar’s Reading Challenge 2015

This challenge will get you well read in no time. You’ll read something from every category you can think of. It’s not as culturally diverse as Book Riot’s challenge, but it concentrates heavily on book settings, plots, and conversation pieces. You’ll have lots to talk about with your friends. 50 challenges included.

Goodreads’ Yearly Challenge

Every year, you can challenge yourself on Goodreads to read a certain number of books in 365 days. You can pick 20, you can pick 200, but the great thing is that it measures your progress for you. If you have an account, just enter the number of books you’d like to read throughout the year. Every time you finish a book you’re reading and enter the info into Goodreads as usual (you don’t have to do anything special, just make it as read), your count for the year will increase automatically. It plans how many books you should read per week/month/whatever makes sense for your chosen number and tells you if you’re on track or behind schedule. What kinds of books you choose to read is up to you.

Bingo Challenges

There are Bingo book challenges all over the Internet. Goodreads groups have them and so do many book blogs. The idea is to fill out as much of a card as possible and, of course, try to fill out a row to make BINGO. Many of these are themed. For example, some revolve around Victorian authors and books, so you’ll have to read books from certain years, certain authors, and about certain subjects, all from the Victorian era.

For tons more challenges from some blogs you have and loads you have not heard of, visit You, Me, and a Cup of Tea’s 2015 Reading Challenges page.

Proof Positive’s challenge to you is to make 2015 a year of indie reads, whether you read on your own, as part of a group, or as part of a challenge. Support your indie authors throughout the year, and don’t forget to leave reviews for them in as many places as possible. It helps them out a lot.

Happy reading in 2015!

Your Holiday Gift Shortlist: Books Worth Giving

Dec 1, 2014 | Authors

Books are the gifts that keep on giving after the holiday season is over, and what better present can you give than to support indie authors (that’s a gift to them!) and introduce your friends and family to brand new writers? Plus, you can feel good that you contributed to a writer’s dream.

Before you turn to the major publishing houses, pick out some books from these self-published authors, who are just as excellent as mainstream authors.

By genre:

Action/Thriller

Against The Clock by Charlie Moore
The Phoenix Project by DM Cain

Autobiography/Inspiration

White Bees by Amy Wilde

Erotic Romance

Bound Series by Hanna Peach *The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews top pick*

Fantasy

Activation Series by Joseph Murphy
Dark Angel Series by Hanna Peach *#1 Amazon Fantasy Bestseller*
Finding Me by Dawn Brazil
Secret of the Last Born by TC Michael
Sword of Kassandra Series by Joseph Murphy

Literary

Crazy, Mixed-Up World by Kevin Zdrill
Just Like a Musical by Milena Veen
Parasite Girls by Tory Gates
Quiver of the Pure Heart by Burnita Bluitt

Mystery/Suspense

Her Lying Eyes by Susan Wilson

Paranormal

The New Mrs. Collins by Quanie Miller
Shifty Magic Series by Judy Teel

Romance

Fate Accompli by MM Jaye
– Clean version
– Spicy version

Romantic Comedy

Cinderella Heiresses Series by Judy Teel
– Kindle Edition
– Paperback Edition
It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy by Quanie Miller
The Between Boyfriends Series by Sarka-Jonae Miller *Best Books of 2014 on Amazon*

Women’s Fiction

Indiscretion by Dahlia Savage
Graduation Day by Dahlia Savage

Book Tour: The Second Coming: A Love Story

Nov 3, 2014 | Authors

Here’s a spin on Armageddon: two messiahs emerge and are taken on as leaders of the liberals and the conservatives. Politics mixed with the end of the world? It sounds likely. Which of these saviors is God and which is Satan? Find out in Scott Pinsker’s book, The Second Coming.

~~~

Book Description:

Two men claim to be the Second Coming of Christ. Each claims the other is Satan in disguise. But only one is telling the truth.

In The Second Coming: A Love Story, the devilish new novel by Scott Pinsker, the culture war between Red America and Blue America turns shockingly real when two self-declared saviors appear on earth. The first “messiah” attracts legions of liberal and secular-progressive followers with his message of New Age brotherhood, quickly becoming the darling of the left. The second “messiah” preaches fire-and-brimstone traditional Christianity, gaining a grassroots army of conservative worshippers ready to battle to the death. It’s finally happened: Red America and Blue America are headed for Armageddon!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KT6B3G0

Book Excerpt

The only two things Nate Konrad feared were indifference and anonymity. As America’s preeminent radio personality and/or loudmouth, he figured out long ago that he who cultivates crowds stays on the air; he who blends into crowds fades away.

Nate Konrad refused to fade away.

Many moons ago, as a longhaired radical with a penchant for rabble-rousing, he dropped out of Yale to pursue his dream of becoming a wacky, irreverent disk jockey. Many moons later, despite leaving every radio station on rancorous terms (or with litigation pending), he always landed in a slightly larger market, until Konrad inconceivably emerged atop the radio food chain.

He began his career by attracting an audience the easiest way possible: saying outlandish, offensive things, but veiling these diatribes with just enough witticisms to deflect criticism. Konrad referred to supermarkets in the inner cities as “Negrocery stores,” and demanded that pro-life listeners add nine months to their date of birth when people ask of them their age. He recommended solving the homeless problem by providing the homeless with complimentary camels—so we could then refer to them not as “homeless” but as “nomads” (and if that didn’t work, he explained, the homeless/nomads could eat their camels and at least get a good meal out of it). When a famous Mexican-American actress was photographed breastfeeding her baby, Konrad sparked a mini-boycott (and lost the El Pollo Loco sponsorship) when he called her a “Lactino.” Of course, when anyone took offense, the longhaired radio rebel would silence the offended by claiming they “lacked a sense of humor” or “just didn’t get it.” But as his articulation increased, along with his knowledge of all things political, he found himself moving steadily to the ideological right. Basically, he developed the ability to shock the public with ideas rather than insults, and became one of America’s most trusted—and polarizing—authorities on current events.

His world view was simple: The government that governs best governs least; empower the military and police to the utmost possible; feminists are fat and ugly; and finally, if you don’t love the United States of America with every inch of your red-blooded heart, then get out of this country, you ungrateful socialist scumbag.

Tanning salons and Marlboro Reds rendered his boyish features a thing of the past, replacing the rosy hue of innocence with a cantankerous scowl and scaly contours. He still donned a shiny leather jacket and jet-black sunglasses, as if trying to overcompensate for his advancing age and eight-figure income. All in all, Konrad was desperate to demonstrate that he’s still the same unpredictable madcap rebel who’s always ready to humiliate the establishment, despite becoming a corporate icon and political kingmaker in his own right.

“Greetings across the four corners of Americana,” growled Konrad through his gold-plated microphone. “I am the living legend of talk radio, the Deacon of Democracy, the Golden Angel of the airwaves. My name is Nathan F. Konrad and I can run faster, jump higher, dive deeper, stay under longer and come up drier than any man, woman, or animal on God’s green earth. And that’s all before my morning cup of Colombian coffee! But let’s dispense with the catch-phrases for a moment. Normally, I don’t allow guests to sit in the booth with me. You see, I view my radio booth as sacred territory, the birthplace of freedom for modern America, and I’m careful about corrupting its purity with outsiders. But for the first hour of today’s program, I’m making an exception. Just like the rest of you, I’ve been following the nonstop media coverage of the two men, Joe and Israel, who both claim to be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—and perhaps more interestingly, also claim that the other is Lucifer.

“Now, as you know, when these, uh, men first began appearing on the television dial, I predicted that it was a publicity stunt of one kind or another and the two, uh, entities were working in unison. While I still believe such a possibility exists, I’m starting to hedge my bets. Despite the widespread media coverage, nobody anywhere has been able to uncover any photos or documents that ‘outs’ them as being human. Isn’t that strange? One would have expected that a graduation picture, a birth certificate or even a mug-shot photo might be unearthed. Now, this dearth of evidence doesn’t necessarily mean that Joe and Israel are actually God and Satan; the absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of an absence. But it does add circumstantial credibility to their claims.

“But even if they’re both liars, they’ve raised an interesting question: How do we, as mere humans, differentiate good from evil? We’re deceived by leftwing evildoers with such regularity—and most of the time, the lefties aren’t even that smart! Yes, you and I can smell ‘em out, but over 50 percent of our countrymen cannot. So think about it: If we can’t even fend ourselves from the deceivers of earthly origins, what prayer do we have against deceivers of unearthly origins?

“And I’m not trying to be an alarmist here, but let’s face facts: Every election day, millions of Americans vote for anti-Christian secular progressives. And I’m guesstimating that the S.P.s’ median age is, oh, maybe 50 to 70. You compare this to Satan himself, who’s spent thousands of centuries perfecting his message, and you see that we’re facing a serious experience-gap. Realistically, what hope do we have?

“To answer these questions, as well as many more, let us welcome Miss Margaret Magdala—the apostle of the, uh, entity she believes is the one true Second Coming, Joe. Margaret, I’m glad you could join us.”

Margaret the Apostle grinned like the Cheshire Cat. “Thank you, Nathan! I’ve listened to your show for so many years now—I’m a super-big fan!”

Konrad motioned for the engineer to lower Margaret’s microphone while scanning through his notepad. “And we’re delighted as well, Miss Magdala. My opening question for you relates to my monologue. Assuming that Joe and Israel are both of supernatural origins, how do you know that you’re following the Son of God and not Satan? As you may or may not be aware, according to the latest poll numbers, a greater percentage of Americans believe that Israel is the Second Coming, and by a wide margin—a whopping 17 percent. What do these numbers say to you?”

Margaret was unfamiliar with those statistics. Still, she knew her heart and she knew her faith. “They say I need to become more forceful at communicating Joe’s message to the world—and appearing on influential programs such as yours is an important first step. Joe’s message is perfect, even if my presentation, evidently, is not. You know Nathan, there’s a reason why Christianity caught on like a wildfire and spread throughout Europe, the Americas and the entire world, becoming the dominant religion on the planet. Islam, Judaism, Hinduism… none of them comes even close to matching the success of Christianity. And it’s not a coincidence that the greatest scientific achievements of the past 500 years can all be traced to Christian nations. Christianity succeeds because Christianity is right! Eventually, Joe’s message will prevail because his message is truth. Lies are momentary; truth stands forev—”

Konrad jackhammered his gold-plated pen on his desk, distracting Margaret.

“Yes, yes,” interrupted the radio icon. “Of this we are not in conflict. I’m not one of those pandering relativists who preach that all civilizations are of equal moral worth, for I believe in the superiority of the American way of life and our Christian system of values. Take Islam, for example. That religion silences intellectual debate by labeling free-thinkers as heretics. As a result, I can’t think of one Muslim philosopher over the past thousand years who’s worth a damn. Can you?”

Before Margaret could answer, Konrad continued: “Now, I’m not saying that Islam is of no moral worth—you Arab listeners, don’t take my statements out of context and start blowing stuff up again. Sheesh. You people have to learn how to accept criticism better. I’m simply pointing out that the Islamic faith, as interpreted by its radicalized Imams, does not promote rigorous debate in an open marketplace of ideas. As a result, its philosophy has stagnated, with the majority of Arabs lacking flush-toilets and a military that makes France look like a nation of Rambos.”

Now Konrad was really rolling: “My friends, I’ve noticed that these Arabs like to declare ‘Holy Wars’ against America, Israel and Europe. They never actually win these Holy Wars; they just like declaring Holy Wars. Can you remember the last time an Arab nation actually defeated a Christian—or even a Jewish—nation? I think you have to go all the way back to the Ottoman Empire—a kingdom so pathetic, its name is used to describe furniture we rest our feet atop! Worst kingdom ever! But while we’re not in conflict on this point, fair-minded individuals can differ on matters of faith, and in my humble opinion, therein rests the key dilemma between Joe and Israel: How do we know which of the two is speaking the word of God and which is deceiving mankind? As Shakespeare wrote long ago, ‘Even the Devil can quote Scripture for his own purpose.’”

A bright bulb herself, Margaret decided that the best way to handle Konrad and convince his audience of her message’s authenticity was to speak a bit bolder than the host—for while the meek might inherit the earth, only the assertive wins control of the microphone. (But just to hedge her bets, she allowed her top blouse button to slip out of place.)

~~~

About the Author:

A nationally-recognized marketing expert, Scott Pinsker has worked with a vast array of sports stars, Grammy-winners and entertainment icons, managing everything from crisis communications to film properties. His analysis of publicity trends has been showcased multiple times on FOXNews.com, where he occasionally contributes as a marketing expert.

Official Website: http://secondcomingishere.com/

Tour Schedule

http://irresistiblereadstour.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/tour-the-second-coming-a-love-story-by-scott-pinsker/

Just in Time for Halloween: The New Mrs. Collins

Oct 27, 2014 | Authors

Quanie Miller made a great first impression with her hilarious romantic comedy, It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy. Her second book is considerably different – Southern Paranormal genre – and she proves that her writing is both versatile and consistently engaging. Her characters, whether funny or intense, are unforgettable, her creativity knows no bounds. This is not only an exciting read, but one you’ll want to talk about.

~~~

Book Info

Title: The New Mrs. Collins
Author: Quanie Miller
Genre: Paranormal
Release Date: October 13, 2014

Book Blurb

In the small town of Carolville, Louisiana, no one knows that Adira Collins inherited mystical powers from her great-grandmother. All they know is that she’s beautiful, poised, graceful, and ruthless — especially when it comes to love. And no one knows that more than Leena Williams, who was all set to marry the man of her dreams until Adira swooped into town and stole the man’s heart.

Being left at the altar is bad enough, but Leena and her ex share custody of their son, so she has to see the new Mrs. Collins on a regular basis.

And it burns every time she does.

But soon, Leena starts to suspect that there is more to Adira Collins than meets the eye. And it’s not because she owns some kinky lingerie shop or allegedly insulted the pastor’s wife — it’s the strange way she can make a door close without touching it, or take one look at something and make it drop dead at her feet.

Leena starts digging for answers and soon discovers that, unlike her public persona, Adira’s true nature is somewhere on the other side of grace. She also learns, a little too late, that some secrets are better left buried.

Excerpt

Even though Johnny’s house was a good ten miles away, it did not occur to Leena to put on a pair of shoes, or to comb her hair, or wash her face. She walked along Elmer Drive until she got to Stoney Way. She ambled along, not paying attention to anything in particular, when she looked up and saw a woman in a white nightgown walking towards her. There was nothing really remarkable about her except for the fact that her face was on fire. Leena stopped and pointed at the woman. She was going to ask her if she knew her face was on fire when the woman smiled at her. To Leena’s horror, the woman’s face transformed into her face. The woman was her. She looked at her reflection in a store window and saw that it was true: her face was ablaze.

Leena looked down at her fingertips and noticed that they were on fire as well. She wondered — if she touched something, would it burn? She turned her attention to a mailbox on the corner and winced when it blurred, went back into focus, disappeared, and then returned. She walked towards it, stuck her burning finger out, and was shocked to discover that the mailbox wasn’t real. Her finger went right through it as if the mailbox were made of clouds. She was stumped. She looked at her hand again when it dawned on her what she had gone to the kitchen for that morning — to cut the tips from her fingers.

She turned around, headed back to her house and wondered who left her front door wide open. When she got to the kitchen, she laid her hand on the cutting board and took the biggest knife from the cutlery set. She would start with the pinky first. She laid the little finger there, raised the knife high in the air, and just as she was coming down to slice, heard the whisper once more, and this time, it was as clear as a blue diamond sitting in a shallow pool of water: Go to McCullens Bridge.

McCullens Bridge! Well, that made sense. Her face was on fire so it was logical that she should go to McCullens Bridge and stick her head in to put the fire out. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? She walked outside and noticed that the sun was hanging lower than usual, almost on top of her neighbor’s house. She wagged her finger as she walked past it, thinking that if it fell on her head, she’d be in a world of trouble. She looked at it one more time to make sure it would stay put, then she continued walking.

Author Bio

Quanie Miller grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. She fell in love with reading at an early age and spent most of her time at the Iberia Parish Library discovering authors like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike (she was often found walking back home from the library with a stack of books that went up to her chin). She holds degrees from Louisiana State University and San Jose State University. She has been the recipient of the James Phelan Literary Award, the Louis King Thore Scholarship, the BEA Student Scriptwriting Award, and the Vicki Hudson Emerging Writing Prize. She is the author of The New Mrs. Collins, a southern paranormal novel, and It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy, a romantic comedy. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and is currently, as always, working on another novel. To find out more about Quanie and her works in progress visit quanietalkswriting.com.

Book Purchase Links

Amazon (US) http://www.amazon.com/New-Mrs-Collins-Quanie-Miller-ebook/dp/B00OAC362I

Amazon (UK) http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Mrs-Collins-Quanie-Miller-ebook/dp/B00OAC362I

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/483357

Social Media Links

Twitter: @quaniemiller
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuanieMillerAuthor
Blog: http://www.quanietalkswriting.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/QuanieMiller
Website: quaniemiller.com
Email: quanie@quanietalkswriting.com

Quiver of the Pure Heart Released Today!

Oct 1, 2014 | Authors

I’m happy and proud to introduce a new author whose work is sure to grab readers’ attention for her smart, relatable writing – Burnita Bluitt. Burnita creates characters and situations that are not only believable, but also engaging and engrossing. In her debut novel, Quiver of the Pure Heart, we find ourselves fighting the good fight with Blis Dumas on both emotional and moral levels while exploring the depths of friendship, love, and the difficult but oftentimes necessary need to let go. I highly recommend Quiver of the Pure Heart to anyone who enjoys a good read.

~~~

Granddaughter of a loving but roguish businessman, Blis Dumas can’t escape a legacy of lies. The year is 1989. The place is San Francisco, where painful stories of gentrification, eviction and relocation still echo within its limits. Clinging desperately to the Victorian home she inherited, she is confronted by a stranger who brings her a life filled with revenge, corruption, and murder. In an unparalleled twist of fate, she discovers that her predicament may have roots buried much closer to home.

Blis’ world starts to crumble as she fights the Bureau to save the home she adores; fights the temptation of an incorrigible former lover; and fights the perils threatening the tender passion of a new budding romance. QUIVER OF THE PURE HEART will appeal to readers who appreciate a social setting that illuminates the universal themes of desire, forgiveness, revenge, and letting go.

San Francisco is one of the loves of Blis’ life, and like any love relationship, it is where her emotions will be tested, where romance will live and die, and where people are not always as they seem. Burnita Bluitt offers a spirited and passionate story of love and corruption in the city by the bay.

~~~

Check it out on Amazon!

Meet Author Susan Mills Wilson

Sep 29, 2014 | Authors

Here at Proof Positive, we’re huge fans of books that have something for everyone. Susan Mills Wilson’s latest book, Her Lying Eyes, has it all: suspense, romance, mystery, murder, politics, and lies – lots of them. If you’re looking for a book you can convince all your friends to read before you get together for lunch, you’ve found “the one”. Something tells me a lot of book clubs will be starting up once you discover this book. Be sure to check it out, but first read on to find out more about Wilson herself and how she develops characters and storylines that will have you reading far past your bedtime.

~~~

How long did it take you to plan Her Lying Eyes before you began writing it?

I worked out the plot in my head about two months before I began writing a single word. I knew which direction I wanted to take it and who would be the main characters to carry the plot. Crazy as it sounds, I feel it’s important for me to develop a relationship with my imaginary characters so I will know how they will interact with each other and how they will react to situations, good or bad.

Do you mostly write in this particular genre or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I also like to write romantic short stories. They’re always feel-good reads where the boy gets the girl or vice versa. Also, every Christmas, I write a holiday short story that I send to family and friends just for the fun of it. I write a weekly blog on my website that satisfies the nonfiction writer in me.

What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

Many romantic suspense books are cozy, but I like to write gritty. However, some topics are off limits for me. I don’t write about torture, child abuse, diabolical killers or erotica. What really makes my work stand apart is the complex relationships of characters where they are torn between decisions that could have dire consequences. Everyone, including my main characters, have flaws that sometimes take them over the edge. For example, Kirkus Review said this about my debut novel, GOOD GONE BAD: Like the best noir, this story puts its characters through an emotional wringer and makes the reader feel their desperation, too.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

None of the characters are based on real people; however, they are a composite of certain traits I have seen in others. A minor character, newspaper editor Stu Blackmon, talks nonstop, and I feel we all know someone like that. In this novel, the head of the Reynolds empire is a rich, powerful person who abuses his wealth and influence, similar to real people we all read about in the news. Main character Jamison Jackson is an investigative reporter, a career I always wanted to have. I guess I’m living out that dream through her.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

My first novel (not yet published) was inspired by a Toby Keith song, “That’s My House.” Most of my inspiration comes from real life events that readers can identify with. My next novel, MELTDOWN, was inspired because I was at a concert in a park and saw a church tower across the street. I thought, “Wouldn’t that be a great place for a sniper to take shots at a crowd?” What can I say? Suspense writers are twisted.

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

One of the most important things I have done, which I recommend to other writers, is to get involved in a critique group. I am coordinator of The Mystery Critique Group in my town. Their advice has been invaluable to me. I listened to what they said and accordingly made changes in writing HER LYING EYES.

Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

The outline for my story is in my head. Sometimes I will mark up a calendar to get a timeline of when the action is to be played out. I write mock interviews with characters so I can get inside their heads and write from their point of view. I also write a personal profile of all main characters that includes their weaknesses, strength, goals, habits, how they dress, and even what their favorite drink is.

Did you do any research for this book?

The subplot of this book involves a toxic spill of chemicals, either accidental or intentional. I had to read a lot of articles and documentation to get it right. Also, I have attended three police citizens academies so that I have a clear understanding of police procedures and investigations. If there are mistakes with that part of the story, it’s on me and not the officers I consulted with.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

Yes, I read mostly suspenseful books, but not necessarily romantic suspense. I like a book that is a good page-turner. I enjoy movies that keep you on the edge of your seat. I sometimes visualize certain actors in the roles of my characters.

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or nonfictional place – where would you write?

If I could write anywhere, it would be somewhere on the coast. I love the Carolina coast because it’s close to home and I know it well. Of course, laying low in a bungalow on a Caribbean island doesn’t sound like a bad gig either.

~~~

Connect with Susan Mills Wilson:
Twitter
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook

Check out Her Lying Eyes:
Amazon

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Author Chat: Patrick Elliott

Author Chat: Michele Lynn Seigfried

Which Book Challenge is Which?

Your Holiday Gift Shortlist: Books Worth Giving

Action/Thriller

Autobiography/Inspiration

Erotic Romance

Fantasy

Literary

Mystery/Suspense

Paranormal

Romance

Romantic Comedy

Women’s Fiction

Book Tour: The Second Coming: A Love Story

Just in Time for Halloween: The New Mrs. Collins

Quiver of the Pure Heart Released Today!

Meet Author Susan Mills Wilson

Our Website Got a Redesign!

How to Choose Comp Titles: Mix and Match Multiple Aspects of Your Novel

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Book Launch: The king of medieval TV is dead, and the game is afoot

Book Launch: Is Daphne crazy, or is the Brotherhood of the Raven real?

Book Launch: She’s risking her dream of joining the FBI for four gorgeous criminals

Book Launch: Coming home 11 years later was the worst thing she ever did

Book Launch: Can reality TV turn pretend lovers into true love?

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