Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Gannon Family Series on sale for Cyber Monday!

I'm proud to announce that I am participating in a huge book sale event taking place on Facebook today, November 29, and tomorrow, November 30th. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1014444925232830/
Click photo to visit the official FB page for the event

There are many authors taking part, and it promises to be a spectacular sale. I will be posting live at the event tonight from 10 to 11 EST, but both books are available right now through midnight on Monday on Smashwords for $0.99!!!!


Alabama Skye is sporting a brand new cover and has been reformatted, (but the story has not been changed.) Eventually it will be republished on Amazon as well, and the paperback price will drop significantly. I am about to celebrate 40 reviews for this first book in the Gannon Family Series!


There has been so much positive feedback on A Skye Full of Stars. Don't miss this chance to get this series for less than $2.00!

There is something for everyone on your Christmas list here; women's literature, erotica, thrillers and horror ... and all at discounted prices. Best thing about it is, you can do all your shopping from your couch in your pajamas!

Happy holidays, everyone!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Author Spotlight: S.L. Shelton

S.L. Shelton is a passionate, fact spouting former techie and soldier who is constantly at odds with his need to kick the legs out from under those who abuse their power (Political, Economic or Super). He lives on a tiny little farm on the banks of a tiny little river in the northwestern part of Virginia, where his semi-secret identity is somewhat protected on three sides. Despite deep misgivings about writing on subjects close to his own life, he has penned a series of books about a similarly broken, similarly gifted young man who similarly doesn't have a clue when to stop and re-evaluate life decisions.

Before building his career in the computer field for nearly two decades as a developer, designer, trainer, and a CEO, he had the honor of serving in the US Armed Forces in several roles, most involving explosives of some sort. After selling his successful micro empire in 2011, Shelton retired to his study which he hasn't left since. On most days he writes, but when left alone and to his own devices, breaks his troll like existence long enough to sneak into the sunlight and fire a weapon or two, snap a few pictures or pick some vegetables from his wife's prized organic garden beds.

Though his climbing days are behind him due to injuries (several to the head), he was an avid rock climber, having climbed for decades since his teen years. His three children are grown and living very adventurous lives of their own.


Predator's Game, the sixth book in S.L. Shelton's action thriller Scott Wolfe Series will be released on November 17th on Amazon. Pre-order it here.


Author Interview


1. Predator’s Game is the sixth book in your Scott Wolfe Series. Can you give us an overview of the story so far?

Scott Wolfe starts the series as a seemingly normal twenty-something. There are hints he is different, but those hints don't start forming a cohesive image until midway through the series. Then it becomes clear he's very different. His personality is one that won't let things go, even if those things are a danger to him. That allows the CIA to pull him in, entangling him in a conspiracy he helps uncover. Each novel builds on the last, showing more of the real Scott and hinting at his potential. In the 4th novel, there is a major setback for Scott that begins a slow degrading of his talents, leaving him more and more with only what he has learned through the CIA. It's a tense situation and frankly, it has been hard to write. I've found my own mood in the same downward spiral, as if I'm linked to Scott emotionally. Wow.

2. Without giving anything away, what can your readers expect from Predator’s Game?

Scott comes away from his last trauma feeling more confident and cocky than he should. He doesn't know what's waiting for him. Nothing he has learned and none of his training have prepared him for what will happen. Answers to old mysteries will clarify his past to a larger degree and he will have to face, unprepared, something that could only be described as a sociopathic force of nature.

3. What does your writing process look like? Do you have any strange writing habits?

I write at odd times, sometimes running to my study at 2 a.m. to pound out a scene. When the draft is cooking, there is nothing else in the world for me. I ignore everything including food and sleep. I usually get a good ways into a story before I look up and start picking it apart. At that point, I will walk away, pacing, sometimes for days, until I can get my head around the story flow. When it finally pops, it doesn't matter what time it is, day or night, I will sit back down and pound it out.
  
4. If you could cast your characters in the Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play your characters?

I've thought a lot about this and only have a few answers. I haven't a clue who would play Scott. He's the hardest.
Kathrin: Katheryn Winnick, or Evan Rachel Wood for their pure fighting/acting skill combo. I don't know if Kelley Alice Jakle (Pitch Perfect) can fight, but if she can, she would make a great Kathrin.
John Temple: Michael Biehn (Terminator, Navy SEALs, Aliens) or Don Johnson
Nick Horiatis: Whoever plays Nick is going to have to know how to fight. But comedian, actor (and friend) Kirk Fox looks the way I imagine Nick to look. I think if Scott is made into a movie, we're going to have to get Kirk into some Krav Maga classes and drop him in that role.
Storc: Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland, The Social Network, 30 minutes or less)
Heinrich Braun: Gary Oldman (Every movie ever made)
Mark Gaines: Chris Hemsworth (Thor)

5. Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?

I do read my reviews. All authors do even the ones who don't, do. I don't respond to them, good or bad and I think that's the hardest part of reading them. The best thing an author can do is to read objective reviews as a painting rather than individual comments. If one or two people really rake you over the coals, you may just be reading a review from a real asshole. If 90% of your reviews say the same thing, or allude to a problem, then you might want to consider making alterations to the story. I have. If the review is just nasty for the sake of being nasty (sometimes happens when readers disagree with your character's politics or social stances), you might consider those reviewers names when you are thinking of names for disposable bad guys. :)

6. Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write? What is your favorite kind of scene to write?

I like the belligerent back and forth between a pair of people, male or female. It's also the hardest to write for me because I have to embody two personalities simultaneously. The conversations often get deep and show hidden personality traits of the participants, so keeping that separated while having them go at it is hard. I dislike writing love scenes. Not because I'm not good at it, but because my name is on these books and my family reads them leaving me self-conscious as I write. Don't be surprised if in a decade or so, when I no longer have to worry about my image as a new writer, someone discovers I've penned a series of erotica as well...not saying I have, though. Only that I could.

7. Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?

My early go-to authors are my biggest inspirations. Clancy, Cussler, Frank Herbert, Ann McCaffery, Arthur C. Clark. Bigger than life, and written to draw you in, these are my "comfort" authors and the ones I will reread over and over again. I aim to be as prolific as Stephen King but would be happy with any number of books I write as long as my readers are happy as well. 

8. What is your least favorite part of the publishing/writing process?

Self-promotion.  Uhg. That sucks big sweaty... eh hem. Nothing makes a bestselling author feel like a fraud faster than having to go on social media and convince everyone he/she is a bestseller because they are so super fantastic great. I know there's better ways around this, but honestly, I'd rather be writing than trying to figure out the magic formula of social media. Sadly, when you stop the self-promotion, the sales suffer, and let's be honest; if you can't support yourself writing, you can't be sitting around all day writing...you need to get a real job. So I do both and try to navigate that narrow way between ego and artist.
  
9. What writing advice do you have for other aspiring writers?

Keep writing. Write as often as you can and if your story isn't giving you chills as you reread it to yourself, slice that sucker up and write some more. You will get the thrill as your reader does. Too many writers think they are too close to the work to feel anything when they reread it...not true. If you aren't feeling it, neither will your reader. Punch that sucker up....feel it.

10. Your main character, Scott Wolfe, appears to be a pretty normal guy at first, but he does some extraordinary, heroic things throughout this series. If you were a superhero, what would your name be? What super power might you possess?

My Super Hero Name: uhhh. hmmmmm. The Orator. My Super Power: To sway the masses with only my voice. I doubt I'd have a costume. If I had this power, I'd probably dress in a suit and tie, and run for office. :)

11.   What are you working on now? Can we expect to see Scott return for a seventh book?

I'm working on Splinter Self; the 7th and final book in the Scott Wolfe Series. And yes, you can expect to see Scott in it (it's still called the Scott Wolfe Series). As for what comes next, it would be impossible to describe without giving away a massive number of spoilers. I suspect readers will see more of at least some of the cast from Scott Wolfe, though I couldn't say who without also giving away spoilers.


To learn more about S.L. Shelton and the Scott Wolfe Series, visit his author page on Amazon and his website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Author Spotlight: Beau Hall

Beau Hall is a Booktrope author. His novel, Snapshot was released in October. Here's what he has to say about himself:

Beau Hall is an authority on procrastination. With over a million unfinished projects to his name, it’s a wonder that he remembers to tie his shoelaces. Or at least the second one. A 7th-generation Atlantan, Beau juggles writing with the finer things in life; his family, friends and cheap guitars.

You can find out more about him on his website



Author Interview


1. Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower?)

When I'm writing, I need total quiet; I'm not one of those who can kick some jams on the radio to get me going. Since I've got a chaotic family, I use earplugs to cut everything out. The pros to this is that I can get going in peace. The con is that I've got no clue what's happening around me… house on fire, visitors, maybe a home invasion, I have no clue. Now that I think about it, maybe that should go over on the pros column.

2. Characters often find themselves in situations they aren’t sure they can get themselves out of. When was the last time you found yourself in a situation that was hard to get out of, and what did you do?

When I think about "a situation that was hard to get out of", I think of jail for some completely random reason that has nothing whatsoever to do with my own personal history. Without giving too many details, I found myself, eh, well, in that very situation. I called my daddy to save me. He reminded me (again) that if I was going to do stupid things as a teenager, there would be consequences. Indignant and shocked, I hung up on him. Sometime after 2 AM, the police released me from the situation-I-could-not-get-out-of. I called my father again, very very apologetic, and begged him to come pick me up. As I climbed into his Honda an hour later, he suggested that I think twice before hanging up on somebody. I'm sure I've been stuck in other situations since my teen years, but that one stands out.
NOTE: I want to point out I was never convicted, I have no criminal record, it was all just a misunderstanding. My agent told me to say this.

3. What literary character is most like you?

The character David Wong from David Wong's book titled, "This Book Is Filled With Spiders, Seriously Dude, Don't Touch It." He captures the essence of the 90's beta male: Sarcastic, defeated, determined. Or maybe it's because the guy is a jackass.

4. How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?

To keep my character's voice consistent, I'll use the name of the person who reminds me of my character, for the first draft at least. Once I'm done with the draft, I'll change the names, but never too much. For instance, in my book Snapshot, the grumpy old lady, (Mary Frances) was influenced by the story of Vivien Maier, a photographer whose photos became headline news a few years ago. As I wrote, it was easier to visualize my character's actions if I used Vivian as the name. When the first draft was complete, I picked a name similar to Vivien Maier, something that hinted at mid-20th-century, plain-jane, wasp, possibly European but maybe not. Mary was the plain jane part. I chose Frances because, (I think) it had "France" in the name. I'm not even kidding. I try to avoid picking a name to match the character; that's not how it works in real life. I pick the names based on when and where they came from. Maybe in this next novel it'll be different because most of the characters are circus clowns.

5. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I'll plot as much as I can, but allow for constant detours. I'll try to map out the landmarks, (Guy starts here, ends there, stops off mid-way to sell cow for magic beans) and I'll sprinkle some character's secrets and motivations to keep them multi-dimensional; (bean merchant hates kids, cow loves cigars but has cancer). And THEN I'll start writing, trying to get my herd of players from scene to scene. Quite often - TOO often - the characters become something else entirely. Sometimes it's good, but more often, I end up writing aimless conversations, trying to find the pony under all the horse poop. Last night for instance, (day one of NanoWrimo) I wrote 4,000 words that I KNOW I'm going to have to go back and re-do. The characters were just finger puppets, shoving the story to the next point. But, to be fair, I'm rusty with this writing thing; I've been too busy hyping my published novel, and haven't spent enough time out in the story-telling playground.

6.  Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others?

I stop dead in my tracks when writing single-character action scenes, where one person does stuff, but there's little or no dialog. On the one hand, it's easier because directing one actor is easier than four, but after awhile I worry that both of my fans will get bored, wanting to hear more about the rest of the story. Kind of like those Walking Dead episodes that give you a very in-depth one-person episode, and you're all "I DO NOT CARE ABOUT CARL EATING PUDDING; WHAT HAPPENED TO CAROL AND DARYL?" Now, I realize that my A.D.D. runs at full speed, and most people probably enjoy a little quiet time before Jason jumps out with the axe. But me? Just get to the guitar solo, man! I don't care how Johnny became a shooting star.
(And yes, I just mixed The Walking Dead, Friday the 13th and Bad Co's Shooting Star to make my point. Did I mention the A.D.D.?)

7. Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?

I love a review that gets what I was trying to do, whether they liked it or not. What matters is that I was able to convey what I was trying to say. If they didn't like it, then it's because they didn't like the story or the characters. If they didn't get it though, (or didn't finish it), it's because I didn't write it well enough. Bad reviews sting, but it's pointless to respond to them. That person took the time to write about my work; the best thing I can do is learn from what they had to say, and decide to improve, or maybe just google their address and swing by with two dozen eggs and a few rolls of toilet paper.

8. What book do you wish you could have written?

NOS4A2. Holy hell it's the best book Stephen King never wrote. For a while I wondered if Joe Hill was just another Richard Bachman. The story is massive, the characters are deep, the good and the bad ones, the action, the pacing, the descriptions - it's just so much what I hope to be like one day.

9. What do you want your tombstone to say?

Oh, it's going to say a lot. My tombstone will have a hand-cranked record player, with the words WIND ME UP somewhere on there. Upon turning the crank, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Freebird will play. But not the entire song, just that part where he says "Won't ya flyyyyyy-a-hyyyyyy my freeee-heee-bird yeah" and then the solos kick in. (You DID read question 6, right? Get to the good part?) At that moment, flames will shoot out the sides of the tombstone, and my skeleton hand will rise up, spring loaded, with the devil horns. I'm not a redneck, but I love the hell out of Freebird.

10.   What are you working on now? What is your next project.

It's 11/2, day two of NanoWrimo, and my next story is tentatively titled Killer Clown / Clown Killers. It explores people's irrational fears of clowns, and has a lot of clown tomfoolery and beheadings. A water-squirting flower in the lapel, a voodoo doll made from rubber noses and fright wigs.



Intrigued? You should be! You can pick up your own copy of Snapshot here.

You can visit Beau's blog Write Wrong, or catch up with him on Facebook