Pages

Wednesday, December 18, 2013




Author John Augustine drops in at the desk today. The publishing house is all abuzz about his upcoming book, 'From the Abyss'. He's having a big online party to celebrate the release of his story. A story that is filled with raw honesty that will cause readers to gasp in disbelief, and cry out for an end to the pain that plays out on the pages. This book tugs at the heartstrings and will stay with the reader long after they close the cover over his words.



~~~

Synopsis/Book Blurb:

 24-year-old John Augustine is looking for a lasting, loving relationship and finds one hidden where he least expects it. Knowing that no relationship is perfect, he walks in with eyes wide open but is unable to see the future swirling with hell and heartache. Amidst the struggles of a new marriage, John begins to realize his wife is far different than the woman he thought he married. Her mental illness soon drags the new family past the point of no return. As a man, John struggles to be strong and tackle their problems single-handedly, though the marital foundation is eroding before his eyes. But once his wife files for divorce, he finds himself in a free-fall.


John Augustine's Bio


John Emil Augustine grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and toured in his twenties and early thirties with local and national acts; writing, arranging, and performing with notable jazz, blues, gospel, reggae, post funk, prog rock, and folk groups. John has also been a landscaper, mail carrier, English professor, and forklift operator. He currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four boys.




~~~
The release party for 'From the Abyss' promises to be huge. Authors,
readers and friends will come together to celebrate John's
new release with games, trivia, and prizes. 
Lots of prizes
And, it's happening today! Feed and tuck in the family, and join us on Facebook. 
It's easy to join, just click on the link below and tick 'join' on the event page. 
Then, check back in throughout the day, but especially at 
7-9 PM Eastern, 6-8 PM Central, 5-7 PM Mountain, 4-6 PM Pacific 
when the festivities really start hopping! 

I'll be there along with other Master Koda authors, artists, readers and friends. 


You can also connect with John at the links below. 
He enjoys hearing from readers, and it always open to new friends and followers on social media. 












Wednesday, December 11, 2013

WOW Wednesday - Rebbekah White: All Around Genius


Look who's visiting with us on this week's WOW Wednesday - the incredible, never-say-die Rebbekah White of Advantage Marketing for You and Master Koda Select Publishing. Rebbekah is one lady you won't see online as often as many others. Not seeing her doesn't mean she isn't there, though. She's always there, working behind the scenes for her client's and friends.

 I'm really happy to introduce Rebbekah to those who haven't had the pleasure of meeting her.

So, let's get do that now.

Meet Rebbekah White! Many of you may not know her because she hides behind her wizard geek glasses, but she is the genius who does all of the websites for MKSP and heads up our graphics team (http://www.masterkodaselectpublishing.com)

Rebbekah has been around the internet for eleven years. When she first came online she didn’t even know how to send an attachment in emails – yeah I know, it’s hard to believe because now she is seriously one amazing webmaster and virtual assistant. You can find out more about all the wonderful stuff she does here at this link (http://www.advantagemarketingforyou.com)

Just to tease you a bit I will tell you this lady can customize and design wordpress websites, create marketing strategies for product launches, set up newsletters and format books all while dancing an Irish jig on a pool table. Her nifty graphics win awards, and her work ethic is beyond reproach. Does it sound like I love this woman? Yeah, well that’s because I do! Oh and if that’s not enough, she is a radio personality and owns Heal Yourself Talk Radio. http://www.healyourselftalk.com

She started the radio show about 9 years ago as a way to heal her own body, mind and spirit when she was hit with several life altering events happened one right after the other.

Here is what Rebbekah has to say about her journey of the last decade: “Over the years I have grown in many ways both professionally and personally. I met Kim Mutch Emerson a few years ago, while networking on a popular website called Ryze. Over the years we have worked together on many projects. Last year Kim and I were talking and we both wanted to be able to help authors realize their dreams and become published. Yet we didn’t want our company to be a company without a heart. Both Kim and I love giving, and we love helping. Yet we both had different talents. We are a perfect fit! Kim loves to engage in people and be the mother hen. Kim’s talents in the marketing arena far outweigh mine as far as party planning, and making what seems to be so boring and hard, exciting and fun! I love being creative. I love doing graphics and bringing an author’s vision for their book cover to life. A cover they can be proud of. I also love helping those same authors learn how to brand their websites, and how to take over their websites with confidence.”

So there you have it - the quiet (yet marvelous) half of the small publisher with the big heart (Master Koda Select Publishing, LLC) and owner of Advantage Marketing For You, Rebbekah White.

As a special gift for all my readers, Rebbekah has offered to give you a special ebook! 365 Social Media Tips. It’s filled with ideas and easy ways to market yourself in a fun and exciting way. Easy to follow! Just go to http://advantagemarketingforyou.com/gifts/365-social-media-tips/

Once you grab your 365 Social Media Tips eBook, be sure to go to the page and sign up for the Advantage Marketing For You Newsletter where you will receive MORE FREE Gifts, to include a video that will walk you through how to use Pinterest in your business! http://www.advantagemarketingforyou.com/newsletter

Testimonial from Nadia Kilrick and the Cover created by Rebbekah White for her book Escape: Rough Hewn Book II


Rebbekah White created the cover for my latest novel, (Escape (Rough Hewn II). Without reading the book, and with very few words from me about the story, she interpreted it as if she’d written Escape herself. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the reaction from readers. They love the cover, and agree that it captures the evil of the nefarious Jim. [Nadia Kilrick]







Testimonial from Marni Spencer Devlin on the work Rebbekah White did for her author website:

Bekah makes it possible – it’s as simple as that. Before Bekah I had all these ideas about how to grow my business but no way to apply them. I kissed a lot of frogs before I found my Bekah.

Now I just dream it up and sometimes seconds later I can view it on my site. She knows everything about everything, and there’s something she doesn’t know immediately she learns it and can apply it be the next day.

She is the most responsive VA I have ever worked with. Even if she is buried under other work she responds immediately and let’s me know why she cannot do it right now and when she can do it. Then she completes is ahead of her own schedule.

I often ask myself – is this heaven? No – it’s Bekah!

Marni Spencer-Devlin
#1 Bestselling Author & Mentor
www.marnispencerdevlin.com


More about Rebbekah White:

Rebbekah White of Advantage Marketing for You prides herself at staying on the cutting edge of technology and marketing that works in today’s fast changing world.Some of her specialties include
podcasting, audio and video marketing, customized WordPress websites, compelling graphics for eBook covers, Social media integration, mobile website integration and applications.

She continually tests and studies new techniques in order to propel her clients to a greater level of success on the internet.

Rebbekah takes great pride in every project she undertakes and knows what works! She will never suggest a product or marketing technique that she has not used with success herself.




Let Rebbekah White help you make your dreams come true today!

Visit her website at http://www.advantagemarketingforyou.com or come chat with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/advantagemarketingforyou or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/rebbekahwhite



.


Friday, November 29, 2013

Scott Wyatt New Release - "Dimension M"


Today, I'm proud to introduce my readers to author Scott Wyatt and his new political thriller, “Dimension M”.

~~~

REAL-LIFE HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE ANIMATES POLITICAL THRILLER

When I traveled to the former Soviet Union in 1985, I had no idea that my experiences would inspire the founding of a global initiative. Nor could I have imagined that the companion flag project—dedicated to the celebration of all that human beings have in common—would find its way into my second novel, an international political thriller that I would pen twenty-eight years later. 

Enter Dimension M.
Idealists Alden Frost and Fatimah Ibrahim break into a school in Uzbekistan (part of the former Soviet Union) to raise the companion flag, but this is more than just a school. It’s the secret repository for the Şahin Diary, an exposé on the Armenian genocide. The diary has been held under seal since the end of World War I, not to be opened for 200 years. If its contents are publicized, the government of Turkey could fall, destabilizing the Middle East. After Alden’s and Fatimah’s arrest, it’s discovered that the diary is missing. Forces and interests around the world are mobilized to find it, either to return it to hiding, or to publicize its contents. Alden and Fatimah find themselves squarely in the crosshairs.

Praise for Dimension M:

Readers are in for some exciting chase scenes, a cast of well-developed and diverse characters, and a mystery that unfolds at a pleasingly tantalizing pace. Yet, at the center of all the action stand Alden and Fatimah and their passion for the concept of the companion flag.” —Compulsion Reads Book Review

While there’s plenty of the action you’d typically find in a political suspense novel — bombings, abductions, and high-speed motorcycle chases — the heart of the story is a message of shared experience, empathy, and the importance of trust in an uncertain world.” —The Literary Lawyer (NWLawyer magazine)
Additional reviews at www.amazon.com/dp/B00GIC3PX8. Release date: Nov. 6, 2013.



About the Author:
Scott Wyatt, a native of Sandpoint, Idaho, earned degrees at Stanford and the University of Washington before entering the practice of law in 1976. He founded the companion flag project in 1999 “to elevate and sustain public awareness of all that human beings have in common, without speaking to, or diminishing the importance of, our differences and diversity.” 

Wyatt has traveled throughout the world on behalf of the initiative, and the companion flag has been adopted at schools and universities in over fifteen countries. In 2012, Wyatt released his first novel, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, which follows the experiences of Chinese immigrants building the Northern Pacific railroad through the Idaho Territory in 1882. Read more at www.scottwyattauthor.com, and follow the author at www.facebook.com/scottwyattauthor.


What motivates you to write?
My interest in creative writing predates the start of my first novel, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge (2012), which was thirty years in the making. At present, I’m pleased to be riding a robust wave of creative energy. It has been a long time coming, but it’s here now, and I feel blessed to have the time and capacity to make the most of it.

As passionate as I am about writing, I’m even more passionate about an idea that came to me out of the blue in 1985, following a trip to the former Soviet Union. This is the notion that the moral dimension in human interactions and behaviors—how we treat one another—is shaped as much by the content of our awareness of other as by those rules, mores, symbolical thoughts, religious tenets, and prescriptions that we call our own, or that we embrace throughout our lives. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful! At its core, though, is this idea: that human beings—all of us—are both different and the same (in materialistic terms, we are made up of both human differences and human “samenesses”); that, when we encounter one another, we are drawn to and mesmerized by the human differences we see in “other”; and that, for a whole host of reasons, we formulate our moral commitments to other based exclusively on difference awareness: my family/your family, my tribe/your tribe, my ethnic group/your ethnic group, my nation/your nation. The content of our awareness of other, in other words, which gives rise to the moral impulse, is difference awareness alone, not a combination of difference awareness and sameness awareness. The compassionate impulse, which is the fruit of sameness awareness, is lost.

This is more than can be conveyed adequately in a paragraph. You’ll find this theme developed in attorney Jason McQuade’s closing argument in Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, and again in “The Sanori Flag Debate,” the appendix to my just-released Dimension M (2013).


And what about you?
I have four children and five grandchildren. My wife, Rochelle Wyatt, is a talented Seattle-area actress. Since 2009, we have lived in a beautiful cabin-like home overlooking Lake Sammamish, fifteen miles east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Master Koda Black Friday Big Book Bash


An open invitation to all my readers to the Master Koda Black Friday Big Book Bash.


Instead of my normal WOW Wednesday post, where I focus on one author, I'd like to share a huge Facebook event that is happening this Friday through Monday of next week. That's 11/29 at 10:00am until 12/2 at 9:00pm in PST. Better known as, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Kim Mutch Emerson, publisher extraordinaire, of Master Koda Select Publishing is sponsoring an event so large that even the participants are astonished by its reach.

Here are the thirty-five authors who will be your hosts over four days filled with hundreds of games and prizes. Times listed are Pacific Standard Time.


FRIDAY 11/29/13
10:00am - Noon:    Adam Gaffen & Laurie E. Boris
Noon - 2:00pm:      Linda Bolton & Kim Kim Mutch Emerson
2:00pm - 4:00pm:   Brenda Perlin, Jane Carroll & G Mitchell Baker
4:00pm - 6:00pm:   Tammy Novak & Jerrid Edgington
6:00pm - 8:00pm:   Jacqueline Cross & Lisa Day

SATURDAY 11/30/13
11:00am – 1:00pm:    Sherrill Willis & Sarah L. Wallace
1:00pm – 3:00pm:      Tamy Burns & Stephanie Brown Myers
3:00pm – 5:00pm:      Douglas Davis & Tellulah Darling
5:00pm – 7:00pm:      Allison M. Cosgrove & Laci Paige

MONDAY 12/2/13
8:00am – 10:00am:      Barbara Robinson & Martin Crosbie
10:00am - Noon:         Greta Burroughs & Vickie Johnstone
Noon – 2:00pm:          Jennifer Loiske & Doug Simpson
2:00pm – 4:00pm:       Kim Emerson & Arlene R. O'Neil
4:00pm – 6:00pm:       Lynne Cantwell & Kimberly R Hughes
6:00pm – 8:00pm:       J Kelly Accinni & DeEtte Beckstead 

The authors will be dropping in throughout the day on Sunday to chat, however times are not scheduled as on Friday, Saturday and Monday. Please do drop in on Sunday, though. The fun keeps going right through the entire weekend and you never know what my publisher will get up to!

I did mention prizes, didn't I? The way it works, host authors will post games, guests who play those games will be entered into the drawing to win the stated prize. Each host will choose the winner. For instance, they'll use random.org, count 'likes' to a comment, or in some other way that they'll post along with the game. Prizes include gift cards, all sorts of swag and lots of books. The grand prize is a Kindle Fire HD provided by Kim Mutch Emerson. She has set up a rafflecopter for entries that will be posted on the event page throughout the event.

Every author on this list will be discounting their books for the event. Imagine how many books you can purchase for .99 - that's right, under one dollar! The Master Koda Black Friday/Cyber Monday event is perfectly timed for Christmas shopping right from the comfort of your home. Why fight the crowds of Black Friday when you can sit at home and purchase books at a huge discount. You're sure to find something from this list of authors for everyone in the family and all those hard-to-buy-for coworkers. Too, your church family will enjoy stories like DeEtte Beckstead's, Victory and The Christmas Visitors.


I can't say goodbye without mentioning how excited I am about hosting, along with Lisa Day, on Friday night from 6:00 – 8:00 PST/8:00 – 10:00 CST/9:00 – 11:00 EST. I hope you'll drop in and have some fun with us. We have six games planned, and maybe even a surprise or two!

You can join any time before, or during the event. Here's the link to join in the fun.

Hope to see you there!


~~~







Wednesday, November 20, 2013

WOW Wednesday with DeEtte Anderton


It's WOW Wednesday again here at the desk. Today, DeEtte Anderton visits with us. She's not only an author and editor, I consider her one of the sweetest friends I've had the pleasure of connecting with in the wide world of the internet. A Christian, inspirational author, she lives her message. Her stories are deep, thought provoking and filled with hope and love.


We're going to get a look at Victory , a town where the people love their country and their neighbors, but what happens when two visitors come to town? One comes with fear and control, slowly taking away the freedoms the people love. The other comes with faith. When darkness overtakes the town who will have Victory? 



It's Christmas Eve - A blizzard and a paranormal sighting cause an accident on a country road. Sam and Ellen seek refuge at a nearby farmhouse. Their experience with the elderly couple that live there will change their lives forever.






It's the perfect time, too! DeEtte's stories will make a nice addition to any Christmas gift list. Why not pick up several copies and spread the love this season? 

~~~

Got freedom? Want to keep it? Victory.
They love freedom but forgot its cost. Will they remember before too late? Victory.



Victory is the story of a little girl, and the town where she lives. The town of Victory has a history of patriotism, faith, and friendliness. The little girl, Brown Eyes, orphaned when her missionary parents were killed in a fire, lives with her only known relative who does not want the girl. When The Guest comes to town, the people open their hearts town to him, without knowing who he is or what his motive is. Shortly after his arrival, The Stranger appears, much to the discomfort of The Guest. Slowly, the town loses its freedoms as one of the men takes over little by little. When there is a face to face showdown on the mountain, the life of the child and the future of the town are at stake. Who will have the Victory?  


~~~

Author and blogger, DeEtte Anderton started writing in 2007 when her son challenged her to get involved in NaNoWriMo. The manuscript sat untouched with several others until January of 2012 when a good 
 friend encouraged her to seek publication. The Christmas Visitors is her first short story, and her current novel, Victory is also her first.


DeEtte spent much of her childhood playing the piano, clarinet, and guitar, reading, and making up stories. She was active in Girl Scouts, which gave her a wide variety of experiences. While in college, she was on the University of Utah Synchronized Swim team, and taught year-round camping and survival skills for Girl Scouts. She has spent many years working with people with disabilities.
            

Originally from Utah, currently DeEtte lives in New England where she writes full time and works on the editing team of Master Koda Select Publishing. Her other interests include swimming, crocheting, reading, traveling, history, and her grandchildren. In addition, this devoted mother of six and grandmother of twelve (thirteen, come January 2014!) has been a concerned participant in dog rescue services for many years.

~~~

DeEtte Anderton enjoys hearing from her readers.Connecting with her is easy.
 Check out her links, below.










~~~

Thank you for stopping by today. 




.
.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

WOW Wednesday with Arlene R. O'Neil


Once again, it's WOW Wednesday. I'm honored to have Arlene R. O'Neil here at the desk today. She's an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with. Her strength and determination is evident in the sojourn that is her life. Her kindness to people and animals is unmatched by most. Arlene not only shares her story, but along the way, she shares her heart with all who have an ear to hear its softly beating whispers.

We're going to spotlight Broken Spokes today.





Broken Spokes is more than a well-written, interesting read. It is an inspirational collection of the memories of a courageous child who, in spite of physical and emotional suffering, grew into a compassionate, loving and valiant woman. Crippled at age six, the author begins an odyssey which will consume her entire life. Through her sufferings, she finds a way to heal others, and in doing so, saves herself.




"Writing is what lights me up," states Arlene R. O'Neil. "Being a visual writer, I love seeing my work come to life: to take the reader with me on a journey word by word: to touch a reader whether through laughter or tears." Her current book, "Broken Spokes," refers to broken bones, broken bike, and broken spirit. It
speaks to the reader of determination, of survival, of inspiration.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Mrs. O'Neil moved to South Carolina to work on her second novel, which will relate the roller coaster life of being the parent of a Soldier on active duty. O'Neil says, "My son, SGT Tanner O'Neil, is a member of the United States Army and the joy, pride, and love of my life. After five tours of duty to active war zones, I feel the need to share my experience with other parents in hope of lessening their fears." SGT O'Neil recently returned from his 5th combat tour.

Currently Arlene lives with her two Labradors, Holly and Bruno, and her adorable pet goats, Paxton, JaeJay, Rupert, Patches, and Frosty. "These amazing characters have helped me through some incredibly difficult times and I love them dearly."

Aside from writing, supporting her son while deployed, and caring for her animals, Arlene lives on 3 ½ acres of land that she and her beloved animals enjoy.

An author, editor and proofreader, Arlene R. O'Neil may be contacted at arleneoneil@aol.com

~~~

If you'd like to get in touch with Arlene, you'll find her at the links below.


~~~

Typically, this is where I'd say goodbye, but today, I want to add a little extra to WOW Wednesday. 
What could be more WOW than to celebrate the selfless contributions 
made by one of our own? Arlene's son, SGT Tanner O'Neil,  serves the 
United States and her people by devoting himself to 
the cause of freedom around the world. 



I want to take this opportunity to thank him personally.
I applaud your dedication, loyalty, heart and giving spirit.
My gratitude and prayers are with you, Tanner, 
and all those, who, like you, serve others.  
Thank you will never be enough.
But, thank you.




.








Tuesday, November 12, 2013

S.L. Wallace Brings Us Dante's Day Off

At the desk today, I once again pound my head on the desk for letting this post get away from me. It was my intention to bring S.L. Wallace’s new story, Dante's Day Off to you before now. 

If the name is familiar, it's because this wonderful author has visited with us before. For a look at that post, which includes several of her books, jump over to this page. 


Let's get a closer look at S.L. Wallace's new story, shall we?



In early July 2013, the following news article made headlines: "Possibility of First Head Transplant Fraught with Ethical and Medical Dilemmas." Are head transplants really in our near future, and what will that mean for mankind? Dante Marando understands that the human body is fragile. With recent medical advances, he's certain scientists will soon be able to keep healthy people alive for longer stretches of time, and he is determined to be a part of history in the making. Is Dante interested in helping mankind thrive, or is he only looking out for himself?





                                   




S.L. Wallace is an upper elementary Montessori teacher and lifelong writer who is a descendant of the famous William Wallace. Like him, she believes in freedom and independence. Unlike him, she fights her battles with the pen. S.L. has a quirky family and prefers quirky friends. If you see her out and about, she is likely looking for some fun.

                          


~*~

To purchase your copy of Dante's Day Off, check it out on Amazon at HERE


~*~



.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Laurie Boris & Sliding Past Vertical

Good morning friends. Today, I am slamming my head on the desk. Figuratively, of course. I intended to have Laurie Boris at the desk two weeks ago. I completely missed the window that included her .99 sale. I apologize to her, and to my readers who missed the opportunity to grab this book at a reduced price. Even at full price, this is a great read. It comes highly recommended by everyone I've spoken to about it. It's on my own must read list. Fifteen five star, and two four star reviews make it an  average 4.9 star book. You can't go wrong with that sort of praise!

Here's a little about the author, and the book, Sliding Past Vertical.

~~~


Sliding Past Vertical is a literary love story. It's about Sarah Cohen, a young woman who rarely looks before she leaps, and Emerson McCann, her old college boyfriend, always a phone call away with a metaphorical mop to help her clean up the mess. To Sarah, now living in Boston, it’s a comfortable, long-distance relationship. But Emerson’s feelings for her are a little different. He’d stayed behind in Syracuse and never stopped loving her, even when he could only watch and offer comfort as she dated loser after loser, even when he wanted her set upon by the Seven Plagues of Egypt—especially the boils. When the latest boyfriend du jour puts Sarah in deep trouble, Emerson again rushes to her aid. Cleaning up this mess puts Sarah too close for comfort when she decides that to correct the crooked trajectory of her life, she needs to return to Syracuse, where it all started going wrong. But with Sarah the walking disaster in town, is anyone really safe?



Laurie Boris
Laurie Boris is an editor, proofreader, and former graphic designer who wrote this story in part because she missed the “old days” of drafting tables and hot wax. Also an award-winning author, she’s been writing fiction for almost thirty years. She’s previously published three novels set in her home base in New York’s Hudson Valley, all contemporary fiction, including The Joke’s on Me, Drawing Breath, and Don’t Tell Anyone. Sliding Past Vertical is Boris’ first fictional trip back into the past, which, according to many authors below the age of thirty, represents anything that happened before the invention of Twitter. When she’s not playing with the fictional people in her head, Laurie enjoys baseball, cooking, and helping aspiring authors as contributing writer and associate editor of IndiesUnlimited.com.


You'll find the ebook 'Sliding Past Vertical' HERE.
The paperback, HERE.

~~~


Watch for another head to desk post tomorrow. 
That's right, I'll be doing this again, as I also missed a post for author, S. L. Wallace. 


.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Rough Hewn II: ESCAPE Cover Reveal


I can't tell you all how excited I am to finally share this book with you. And, the cover is fantastic. Rebbekah White captured the story in teeny-tiny pixels and fitted them together to come up with this wonderful cover that represents Jim and Carolyn Breckenship.

~~~
The Book

Rough Hewn II: Escape picks up the lives of Kilmservy Village's most well-known citizens almost two hundred years after the village was settled by the Stuttshire and Breckenship families.

Life has changed a lot in the small mountain village since Oliver Stuttshire, Yule Breckenship and their families made the journey from the shores of North Carolina to the mountains of Tennessee. Some things never change, though. Good people tend to pass on their way of life to their children and grandchildren. All of whom go out into the world and try to make it better in their own way. The same can be said for people who are not so good. Those with evil in their hearts pass on that evil to the young ones. And if they are not strong enough to fight it, these children mimic the behaviors they've learned at home.

Some say it's in the blood; that evil passes from generation to generation. In the case of the Breckenship blood line, it seems to be true. Each new generation of Breckenship men seem more monstrous than those who have gone before. If it's true that evil endures in the blood and is passed on, than this family is the epitome of such evil. And, Jim Breckenship is the worst of the lot.

Jim's wife, Carolyn, learns too late that whispers of her husband's crimes are more than rumors. She must reconcile within herself the reasons she stays in the house with a monster. Additionally, she must alter her escape plan as Jim's actions grow more abhorrent by the day, nay, the hour. Will she escape in time to save herself and her secret, or has she waited too long?

The Cover

Now, as promised, the cover for Escape.

I'd like to thank Rebbekah White of Advantage Marketing for You and Master Koda Select Publishing for a job well done on this cover. You've truly captured Jim in all his 'glory'.

Book Launch Party

I'd like to invite everyone to the online book launch for Escape on Facebook. There will be games with prizes awarded, authors, readers, and friends. I'd love to have you stop by. The date is November 8 and the time is 3:00 PM CST. Please join us while we celebrate another release from Master Koda Select Publishing. The link for the party is here.


~~~

It's always good to see you. Thank you for stopping by the desk today. 


.










Wednesday, October 30, 2013

KD Emerson - WOW Wednesday & Special Birthday Wish


Yes, it's that time again and I have an extra special treat for you today on WOW Wednesday. I'm spotlighting author K.D. Emerson. Not only is she a fantastic YA author, she is my publisher. The woman who took a chance on my debut short story, and trilogy.

We'll chat with her and get a closer look at her book, Digitus 233, soon. First I'd like to share that today is her birthday!


Happy Birthday, K.D.!
I love your sweet heart. A heart that speaks softly, and with gentle love to all. Your kindness is like an Artesian well - there seems no end to the flow. May God continue to bless your life in ways you could never dream of, and may you continue to grown in His love.






Today is your day to dance lightly with life,
sing wild songs of adventure,
invite rainbows and butterflies out to play,
soar your spirit, and unfurl your joy.
~Jonathan Lockwood Huie






~~~
Would you like to know more about the woman behind the book? She's fascinating, to be sure.

I first met K.D. Emerson on Facebook. She and I had mutual friends, which led to my 'friending' her. I have to be honest, she surprised me. The one thing that stood out in my mind about her was the consistency of her sincerity, because one seldom runs across people who are sincere in all their dealings with others - every day of their life.

Since that time I have discovered that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to K.D. Emerson. Today, just for fun I would like to expose some of the weird and wacky things I discovered about her. I am posting this pop quiz to see if any of you can guess the three things on this list that K.D. Emerson has NOT done in her life. I’m sure you will agree the things left on the list equal a pretty interesting life.

Here is a list of possible facts about K.D. Emerson. What three things are false?
  1. Ridden a wild horse 
  2. Ridden an unicycle 
  3. Worked at a bank 
  4. Worked at a carnival 
  5. Got expelled from school a week before high school graduation 
  6. Never got expelled from school 
  7. Sold her first story at age eight 
  8. Was in a moving traffic accident with a truck that had no driver 
  9. Won a dance contest in high school 
  10. Lived at the top of a mountain with a pack of wolves 
  11. Her first published work was three lines long 
  12. Received a 5 star review from her ex-husband after they were divorced 
  13. Loves cotton candy 
  14. Acted in and directed live theatre 
  15. Tore the finger board off a grand piano while performing on stage 

We asked K.D. Emerson if she could go back in time to when she was seven years old, what wisdom or advice would she pass on to herself?

Don’t you dare put that pen down! No matter what anyone says, no matter how impractical it might seem, don’t put the pen down because when you get older there will be people that love your style and your writing will make a difference in their lives.

What is your favorite genre to read on a rainy day?
No matter the weather or the genre, three important aspects must be present. 1. It can be a romance, thriller, fantasy or sci-fi, but the author has to make me believe it’s possible. 2. The plot must be intriguing and tightly written. And 3. The characters have to be three-dimensional. No card-board cut-outs for this girl.

What brings you the deepest sense of happiness?
Knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life. I have an ability to feel deep joy when I watch others succeed.

What is the meaning of life?
To leave the earth a better place for having been here

While we've got you cornered here, we'd like to hear more about the book. 
From the horse's mouth, so to speak. 


What is a short synopsis for Digitus 233?
A group of teens are caught in a web of deceit. Will they break free of the world’s controlling power or are they doomed to die trying?

One thing I have been dying to ask, why did you end Digitus 233 with such a horrifying cliff hanger? It made me want to scream! I sat and thought about possibilities for a long time after finishing the novel.
Well, you just hit the answer to your own question right on the head. I wanted my readers to scream out and then I wanted them to use their own imagination to come up with their own possible ending. In book two I will share my conclusion with them and then we can compare how close we came in to having the same resolution.

My favorite character from Digitus 233 is ______. How did you come up with that character?
All my characters are created from the dark corners of my mind with a little snippet of their personality inspired by a real person. So no matter whom your favorite character is in one of my books you will know there is someone real hidden in there somewhere. It’s up to the reader to figure out what that snippet is.

We'll untie and turn you loose after this one, Miss Emerson. Then, you can get back to work on the second book. We are all dying to find out what is happening to the teens.


You are the owner of Master Koda Select Publishing, LLC. Is it the first business you have ever owned?
*Laughter* Nooo. I was just a kid of six or seven when I first ventured into the land of entrepreneurial adventures. I was always hunting around for something to sell. One summer it was candy out of the back of a little red wagon (my venture into door to door sales), one summer it was a carnival in my back yard, one summer I gathered all the neighborhood kids and made them memorize lines and dress in ridiculous costumes and we charged all the adults to suffer through our off-off-off-Broadway plays. The one on-going business I had was selling my stories on the playground at school, so I guess I was an indie publisher way back before it was popular.
~~~


Now that we've let Miss Emerson go, we'll have a look at what readers think about Digitus 233

Although, it is a YA novel, I've read Digitus 233 and found it engaging, enlightening and thought provoking. It's filled with adventures, and fast-paced enough to draw in and hold the attention of the video game crowd. The good news is, this is only the first novel in Miss Emerson's Digitus Series. Oh yes, there are more coming. I, for one, can't wait to see what Zeph and the rest of them get up to in the next installment. ~Me
Available at Amazon

~What Readers are saying ~
  • This book has a fascinating storyline and great characters with hidden talents. When I got to the end, I kept trying to flip to the next page before I realized it was a cliffhanger. No! I MUST know what happens next! ~ Laurie Boris 
  • Looking for fantastic characters and a breath-holding, heart-pounding, hair-raising edge of your seat good time? Then look no further, Digitus 233 has it all ~ Maria 
  • This knocked The Hunger Games right out of the running for me (and that's one of my favorites!) ~ Dominique 
  • This sort of tale-spinning takes TALENT! All I've gotta say is this: KD - you'd better get the sequel written pretty darn quickly...!! ~ Liberty 
  • Digitus 233 is an excellent example of an author whose characters look and sound real, and whose behaviour - while not always exemplary - rings true to me ~ Lynette 
  • If you're a teacher, this is a book that is sure to capture the interest of your entire class! If you're a parent with a reluctant reader, I'd definitely suggest downloading this book to get him/her interested in reading! ~ Anne 
~~~


Author Bio and links:

K.D. Emerson loves writing thought provoking and action filled stories that bring her readers back for more.

Although her writings deal with the evils of the world, she dishes out healthy doses of laughter and fun along the way.

K.D. spends her free time wrangling wild horses, rafting down the Amazon, hang gliding on a toothpick and when she's awake you will find her working on her next adventure or assisting other authors in creating their dreams.








Before she ran out of here earlier, K.D. Emerson wanted to say a little something to her readers.

K.D. Emerson has this to say to her readers.
Thanks to all the readers of my work and for your precious input. I don’t think you realize how much it means to me. Each one of you has given me a gift with your kind words. May God bless you in every step you take and may your life be filled with that glorious peace that passes all understanding.

Would you like to connect with K.D. Emerson? It's as easy as clicking on any of the links below. She's always happy to make new friends.


~~~


I hope you've enjoyed our visit with K.D. Emerson. I know I've talked her up a bit here, but every word is true. She is an amazing woman. Don't take my word for it, go ahead and connect with her on social media and find out for yourself.

Thanks for visiting the desk today.


.



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

WOW Wednesday - T.M. Novak and 'Lilly'

It's WOW Wednesday again. At the desk today, we visit with another Master Koda Select Publishing author, T.M. Novak. She is the author of The Abduction of Lilly Waters, a psychological thriller with a surprise ending that sneaks up on the reader before they realize what's happening. If you haven't read it, now is the perfect time to grab a copy for the weekend.

~~~

The Abduction of Lilly Waters by T.M. Novak

 Beth had never anticipated her life would end up like it did. The last beating she received at the hands of her boyfriend threw her over the edge. She had to escape him, so she fled taking her daughter Lilly with her. She didn’t know where she’d go, but she didn’t care. All she could manage to think about was her unborn child and her daughter Lilly.

The frequent stops the mother and daughter had to make were uneventful until Beth pulled into a Diner in Moore, Oklahoma where her daughter Lilly was taken by unseen hands.

Detective’s Daniel Prescott and Frank Martinez head the investigation trying relentlessly to solve the case before it’s too late. These days, when children are taken it’s a unified frenzy to find them. In this case, every lead turns up empty and every turn they take reveals a clue they couldn’t have anticipated. The detectives aren’t quite sure where to turn or who to trust; even the mother herself is a prime suspect.

The Abduction of Lilly Waters is a fast paced child abduction thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat in anticipation until the end where you’ll discover the deepest and darkest secret waiting.


“Detective Frank Martinez scanned the scene. He was looking for something more, something 
that would spiral the case in the right direction. As of that moment, nothing seemed right.  
There were no leads, just the words of a pregnant woman that didn’t add up, 
some witnesses that didn’t see a damn thing, and broken glass. 
He felt sure the mother was hiding something, and he was determined to figure out what.”

~~~
Who is the lovely T.M. Novak? Let's find out!
Tammy was born in Waterbury, Connecticut eight minutes before her twin brother. She comes from a large family with seven brothers and sisters, and eleven nieces and nephews so far. She grew up in Southern California and currently lives in Prescott, Arizona. 

Tammy married her high school sweet heart Gary in 1994 and they have four sons’ together. She received her teaching degree from Northern Arizona University in 2010 and is currently a teacher in Mayer, Arizona. 

The Abduction of Lilly Waters is her debut novel and there are several other works in progress; she has a Y.A. series in the works called Butterfly Lake, and a children’s book series called, The Big Green Dinosaur which will be published under Tammy Moore. Her sister Latisha Wood is expected to illustrate them for her. 

The things that inspire Tammy the most are family and she always keeps her family at the forefront of her thoughts. She gets her story ideas from her dreams and her children where she takes a simple moment and turns it into a world all its own.


Follow this link to purchase a copy of The Abduction of Lilly Waters.
~~~
It's easy to connect with Tammy. She enjoys hearing from her readers. 
Drop her a note today at one of the links below.

~~~









Wednesday, October 16, 2013

WOW Wednesday - Vickie Johnstone Visits the Desk


It's WOW Wednesday again. It's hard to believe another week has  already come and gone. Where does the time go?

We are lucky to have Vickie Johnstone with us at the desk today. She has written something a little (okay, a lot) different this go round. I do so love to read an author who steps out into different genres. And, with her new release, I Dream of Zombies, Vickie has certainly done that! You might say she has dived head first into a new genre with this horror tale.

If you are a lover of horror stories, this vivid story will not let you down. Wipe out of your mind all the zombie tales you've seen on late night television and read in countless novels and horror magazines, because this story is well thought out, well written and will leave you wondering when her next horror tale will be released. So, without further ado, I introduce to you, Vickie Johnstone's newest book.

~~~

A zombie novel set in London over six weeks in 2013, with a strong female lead character.

Did I mention the book cover? It's, to die for...

It starts with a dream and then the nightmare takes over.

It all begins on a summer’s day with the media reporting with some hilarity that people are dreaming of the dead coming to life, but those who have dreamt them are convinced they are a warning of things to come. Marla takes it all with a pinch of salt until she experiences the nightmares herself. Cue paranoia and disbelief until reality shows its new face.

All over London there are incidences of people becoming sick and aggressive. As the attacks mount, the media is forced to take the matter seriously, but what is causing it? Is it a virus, and is it natural or man-made, and is the government responsible?

Marla, her sister, Ellen, and friend Tommy find themselves fighting for their survival as their sense of reality is smashed. Will the army and police maintain control or will the country find itself in lockdown, isolated from the outside world?



And as an extra special treat, here's an excerpt from 'I Dream of Zombies'.

"A sickening sense of dread ravages him as fear drifts over the surface of his skin like fingers, icy cold and unrelenting. He turns again and sprints towards the exit, his pace becoming increasingly slower as if something is pushing him back. Yet still he finds himself in the exact same position, his feet rooted to the spot, his arms sweeping, useless. His hair blows in the breath that the creature now turns on him, sickening in its putrid scent of death and putrefaction. There is not a word he can think of to describe this thing in front of him. Fear creeps, regardless. Twisting, crawling, the maggots swarm across its bloodied face as it opens its mouth wider. Something rips. The yawn seems to swallow him whole into this darkness of despair as a jagged, ripping pain overwhelms him; the sharp teeth chafing, gnawing at his neck, seeking to pierce the jugular vein within. From far off in the distance comes the ripple of laughter."


You can purchase the book at Amazon in the UK and US.

AmazonUS     AmazonUK 
~~~



Hi, I live in London and have a thing about fluffy cats. I work as a freelance layout sub-editor on business magazines and editor/proofreader on books. I love reading, writing, films, the sea, art, animals, nature, rock music, Milky Bar and travelling. I have self-published 14 books.


I also edit indie books for a living, so you might see other books alongside mine in the UK bookshop when you do a search. The only ones I've written bear the author's name of Vickie Johnstone or V Johnstone. I edited the others.






Vickie Johnstone has an impressive list of titles on Amazon. 

Titles published in 2011:
  • Kaleidoscope (March) - 119 poems, divided by chapter themes;
  • Travelling Light - a free book of 38 poems;
  • Kiwi in Cat City - the first in a series about a magical cat and her human pals (April);
  • Kiwi and the Missing Magic (June);
  • Kiwi and the Living Nightmare (October).
Titles published in 2012:
  • Day of the Living Pizza - a comedy horror for ages 10 up (May)
  • Life's Rhythms - a collection of 316 haiku (June)
  • 3 Heads and a Tail - a romantic comedy with walkies, written for NaNoWriMo (June)
  • Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle (August)
  • Day of the Pesky Shadow - book 2 in the Smarts & Dewdrop Mysteries series (October)
  • Kiwi in the Realm of Ra (November)
  • Kiwi's Christmas Tail (December)
Titles published in 2013:
  • The Sea Inside - Cerulean Songs, book 1
  • I Dream of Zombies - book 1
The Kiwi books have illustrations by Nikki McBroom.

Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle was a finalist in the children's books category of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards 2013.


Connecting with Vickie is as easy as clicking the links below.



Blog 


Facebook Author Page

Facebook  Kiwi in Cat City

Facebook  Kaleidoscope Poetry

Facebook  Vickie Johnstone Editing

~~~

Thank y'all for dropping in today. I hope you've enjoyed learning a little more about Vickie Johnstone and her books. Feel free to leave a comment for her below. And, if you read I Dream of Zombies, don't forget to jump on over to Amazon and leave a review. Even a couple of sentences can make an authors day. 


.