Sunday, December 23, 2012

Beyond Books Blog Tour-Kerri Williams

banner by Frankie Rose

NOTE: there are some major prizes to be won.

So the question on your lips is....
is there really any other hobby beyond the books in my life?
Surprisingly, yes. (although, I'll admit, it still involves books in some way. LOL)

When I read or write, but especially when I read, I love listening to music and finding songs to suit.
It may be a song for a character, scene or even the whole essence of the story; I feel it.
Since I drive 30 min to work and back everyday, I tend to do this. I love my music, but LOVE picturing the current book I'm reading as well.
For example, I read my awesome author mate, +Katja Millay 's book The Sea Of Tranquillity and  thought of Josh while I listened to Breakeven by The Script. (click on song for youtube song and lyrics)
Massive fan of Avett Brothers January Wedding even though there's a banjo in it. Thanks to my bud, Colleen Hoover.
And don't laugh or sigh, but for Twilight when it first come out and there was no soundtrack, I actually  thought Taylor Swift Love Story was going to be on it. LOL The lyrics really didn't really reflect the story, but what it made me feel did. Customers would catch me singing it at work. I was addicted.
With my novels, for example, in The Moore Justice Trilogy- I have a playlist which inspires me and keeps me in the mood of the book. The songs and lyrics get right into my heart and I can feel my characters.
I guess when you put two pieces of of peoples souls (a persons music and another's words/book) in one thought, it bleeds right into you.
Check out some of the play list below to see what I'm getting at and maybe try it out yourself.

Matt Corby really gets to my soul

Anyhow, I think you get my point.
Try it with what you're reading now. Put some music on and see if any of them have you thinking of what your reading or writing.
I've decided that I'm going to give away a copy of my playlist cd or itunes that inspire me with The Moore Justice Trilogy to some lucky winners or winner + a playlist of a book of your choice +
a kindle copy of the first two novels from The Moore Justice Trilogy + a copy of my wingman Karly Blakemore-Mowle's latest book, Blindsided + but wait there's more...bahahahaha) a spot on my blog to post whatever you want.
To enter simply follow the links below and good luck!


Rafflecopter code a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 21, 2012

$1.99 Christmas Sale, 12 Authors selling


Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everybody!
Do you have a kindle?
Are you getting one for Christmas?
YES!
well, grab some of these books, hell, grab all of them for this price.
12 awesome authors, including me (LOL) have brought their novels down in price for three days only. Jump over to

An Indie Affair blog to grab your bargains on the

 24, 25 & 26 

of this month.

(I'll remind you on the days, too. So don't panic that you have the mind of Dory and will forget like me)

The Moore Justice Trilogy
Hunger For Justice&
Heart For Justice
Blood of Justice will be available January 2013
Happy Reading and writing
Kez


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

HEART FOR JUSTICE #2- It's out, it's here, it's hot and available to download.


It's out, it's here, it's hot and available to download.
That's right, HEART FOR JUSTICE the second novel in The Moore Justice Trilogy is on the virtual shelf and already making great sales and reviews.
With more twists, turns, suspense and lets not forget the irrevocable love between Claire and Talon, Heart For Justice is the read for any reader above 15 years of age.
I'm thinking, readers truly enjoyed the first novel, HUNGER FOR JUSTICE.




A lot’s happened since Claire’s world turned upside down. No longer alone and now an enrolee in the NSW Police Academy, things are finally turning around. Claire hasn’t given up on her quest for justice; she’s allowing herself to share her life while perusing it. But when a call for help comes in from her friend Jess whose been attacked and isn’t the first victim, her plans are placed on hold. With her officer boyfriend, Talon by her side Claire’s set on a new quest to find out who the serial rapist of Lakes End is before he strikes again and Jess can finally feel safe. But what happens when Claire is forced to face some truths she had hidden long ago? 
Can her heart let go of the need for vengeance to make room for love of her life.


Happy Reading
Kez

Thursday, December 13, 2012

to wait or not to wait when publishing a series


Alright, for those who don't know (I believe you might be leading a sheltered life) I have a trilogy in the process of publication.
Now I had painstakingly bled my life  into these three novels for the last year and a half (yeah, yeah. Quite possibly a exaggeration there) with the idea of releasing them all at once merely because I'm an impatient woman when it comes to reading a series and love reading them back to back. I thought that, surely I ma not alone in this. However an awesome Beta reader asked me why I had decided upon this action and suggested I ask my friendly online book club. So I did and low and behold, they say I should hold it off.


Really?
Some even said three-six months. I was very much shocked by this and thought to myself that I couldn't hold back for that long. In the end I held on for six weeks. LOL. 

It's killing me!

But it's only one week and one day and twenty six minutes away so I'm gritting my teeth.


Now saying all this, let me add here that since release, some of my readers have changed their minds and after reading the first novel, HUNGER FOR JUSTICE, they would like me to release the second novel of the trilogy, HEART FOR JUSTICE, because they can't wait.
So, this leaves me quite unclear as to what to do with the last novel of the series, BLOOD FOR JUSTICE. I would really love to release it earlier and if I could bribe my editor to let me I would have it out within the week of novel Two.
What do you think?
Kez




Wednesday, December 12, 2012

DAZZLE blog tour- Amber Garza.






I'm quite delighted to be the host today for Amber in her blog tour for her latest novel, Dazzle.
Check it out!


Sixteen-year-old Delaney Scott possesses a special gift. Ever since she was a child she has known about her calling and the duty she’s expected to fulfil  However, all Delaney wants is to be normal. That’s why she is drawn to Sam. He can offer her t
he life she’s always desired. Only Sam has secrets of his own. Secrets that are deadly. Secrets that can change everything.



Genre
Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Recommended Age Group
13 and Up

Length 
355 Pages

Publisher
Amber Garza

Average Rating
5 of 5 Stars

What The Characters Are Saying
I stay with Sam even though I know it's all wrong. No one else makes me feel the way he does. It's as if when I'm with him something dormant in me comes alive. -- Delaney

Falling for Delaney would completely ruin everything. But there's just something about her, you know? She's different than I expected. She has a way of getting under my skin, despite my best efforts to keep her at a distance. -- Sam

She can help him find redemption. He can give her the life she wants. But falling in love will change everything. -- Sam and Delaney



Links
Website
Smashwords
Barnes & Nobles

The Author
Amber Garza

Biography
Amber Garza has had a passion for writing since she was a little girl, making books out of notebook paper and staples. Other than writing she is addicted to coffee, candy and reading. She lives in California with her husband, and two children.

Links
Barnes & Nobles Author
The Schedule
December 1
A Little Bit of R&R
www.alittlebitofrnrreviews.com

Happy reading
Kez

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Bound Together- Author spotlight with Marie Coulson and giveaway


 BLURB Layla Jennings is a fiery, independent and level headed nineteen year old. Always playing by the rules and doing what’s right, she has been the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s treasure. But moving to college in Long Beach is about to turn Layla’s world upside down. With the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver living across the hall, Layla finds herself thrown into a world of music, money, torn friendships and blood simmering sexual tension.
But on taking a job in a local coffee shop she meets the deliciously handsome Jared Garrett. Convincing herself that he is a waste of oxygen she tries to put the young successful business man out of her mind. But when he continues to show up she finds herself constantly thinking of him. Dazzled by his boyish good looks and discovering a whole new world of carnal and erotic pleasures, Layla finds herself falling head over heels in love but with Jared hiding a vital secret can she ever truly trust him?

Please welcome the fabulous and maybe a little naughty, Marie Coulson.
This is her first novel, and what a bang it is.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer.
Born and raised in England I’m trainee therapist by day. But by night I’m Marie Coulson. Writer. I’ve always been the creative type. Painting, cooking, poetry and even writing songs, but it wasn’t until I left my job in August 2012 that I actually sat down and wrote. Bound Together was a story I had plotted over 3 years before and with time on my hands, it was begging me to write it.

Are you an Indie author or traditionally published?
I’m a self-published indie author.

How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy?
I would have to say a little of both. There are even some aspects of truth there. Mostly its fiction. The story and the characters are all their own but the erotica? That maybe a little fantasy on my part.

Lol, it has to be one of the top ten questions I’m asked. Where I get my sex scenes from? I still blush, Marie.

Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure?
I’m a ‘go with the flow’ girl. I know roughly what’s going in and where but the rest just comes. By the time I got half way through Bound Together, the characters were practically writing themselves! They did things I loved and hated and it felt very real. They were a big part of my life and still are.

Have you always wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?
I started out in Childcare and Education. I then worked in caring for the elderly before I embarked on my career as a therapist. Writing has always been something I loved though and to call myself an author is amazing to me.

There are times where I think people actually don’t believe me when I say I’m an author. I love it too.

What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?
I belong to an incredible top secret Facebook group. The BA. They are amazing. Talked me off the ledge and supported me through the writing and they continue to do so as well as promoting the book. I also have some amazing blogs on board. I’m pleased to call their owners my friends.

God bless their cotton socks. The BA are some of the most a-mazing peeps I know.

How much marketing do you involve yourself in and with the mass consumption of social media, does this play a part in your marketing choice?
Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and I also have a merchandise shop. I don’t really use it as marketing, more connecting with my readers. I have a great P.R rep. Karen is amazing.

Ooh, I need one of those. Karen > wink wink.

Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why?
A cat. Well, more importantly, my cat. She has a great life. Double beds to lounge on and she’s spoiled rotten.

What would you say is your inspiration to write in general or writing a particular scene?
Music plays a BIG part in my writing. There are hundreds of songs on my IPod and all have inspired some aspect of the writing I do. The rest can be drawn from life, experience and even watching people around me.

Dear god, you’re my twin. I totally know where you are coming from there.

Tell me about how you came up with your title and cover?
The title was something I played with a lot. But in the end it seemed fitting. I chose three different titles and got a group together. I asked them to pick which they liked best. Bound Together was the winner. Considering the bondage in the book it also seemed fitting. It has a practical and emotional sense. The cover was designed by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations. She’s a genius.

True that! Sarah did my covers too and many others I know. Freaking genius!

Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?
Write. Even when you think you suck and cannot write another word, write. But write what you want to read. Don’t write for others. It’s your story to tell.

So, I think we’ve gotten to know you a little now. How’s about we step it up a notch. Are you panicking? Lol. Do you have any dirty little secrets or confessions you’d like to share with us- what’s on the blog stays on the blog, right guys. (wink)
Dirty confessions. Hmmmm. There’s a scene in the book that is all truth. I won’t say which but I do love my heels.

Insert hand over mouth here> Now I wont be able to read it without thinking, is this the scene? bahahahahaha

Where’s your favourite place to write?
My bedroom. I prop myself up on the bed and get the laptop out. I get cosy under a blanket with the cat asleep at my feet. Bliss.

Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?
Bound Together is available now on Amazon both in paperback and Kindle. You can also purchase from Smashwords.
The sequel is set to release Spring 2013.

In one word, how would you best describe yourself?
British. (enough said) Lol.

Yup. Lol. I love you Brits, Stephen Fry is freakin awesome. (hmmm, I hope he is British)

Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment?
When I was in high school I got caught making out with the lead guitarist of our band…by his mother. She was working there and caught us in the band practice room. I never did find my bra. I should ask him about that…..

Bahahaha, crack up. I’m sure his mother had probably seen worse.

Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?
Not at this time. Being in the UK it’s harder for me but I am hoping to visit the states next year.

Oh, I’d love to do that.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
Just that I am so amazingly grateful to all the readers and bloggers who have helped make my dream a reality. I am truly blessed to have them all.

<3

Well Marie, thank you so very much for sharing all that with us and I wish you well on your blog tour.
If you would like to learn more about Marie and her work, go to her website or facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/subclubbers/info#!/authormariecoulson?fref=ts
http://authormariecoulson.wordpress.com/


Happy reading 
Kez












a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A Song For Julia- launched today

I just got my copy and I am absolutely pumped.
Now you remember my loving rant on how awesome Just Remember To Breathe, well this is by the same author.



Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.


Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy. 

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.


Charles will give a lucky commenter a digital copy of his first book JUST REMEMBER TO BREATE. Both books are stand alones, however some of the characters from JRTB are in A SONG FOR JULIA.  
Winner will be selected 12/07/12 via rafflecopter.


Click here to enter



 I didn't want you to miss the reveal and launch that happened today.
Happy Reading
Kez 






Monday, December 3, 2012

Publication by a microwave minute kills Kerri Williams

Urban dictionary definition of a Microwave minute:

Microwave minute

July 1, 2010 Urban Word of the Day
When time slows down while waiting for you food to heat in the microwave. Known side effects are increased hunger, slowing of all the clocks in your house and walking around aimlessly trying to kill time. The microwave minute has the ability to slow time turning one minute into what feels lime an hour.
Kus(9:00 pm): dude when are you gunna get here??
Ryan(9:00 pm): I'll be there in a microwave minute.

Kus(9:00 pm): aight g. Ill see you at 10:00!

Oh how true is this. Although I must say that when i decided to go indie with The Moore Justice Trilogy I couldn't believe how fast and in control it felt opposed to the traditional path I took with my previous novels.
Nevertheless, now as I not only wait for approval over my print version to come through (which I might add was the most frustrating hours of my life, no thanks to text that can not be embedded into create a space books and formatting. Grrr) Back to it- but I am also tapping my foot waiting for the second novel in the trilogy to come about. 
Who thought six weeks would feel like forever. NOT. ME
So I keep checking my email for the illusive go ahead on my print version and checking my counter above for release day of Heart For Justice and I swear it is getting longer. I can almost build a god-damn house in this time. Okay, maybe not ME, but I could direct someone. I could have written another book (albeit a novella) I could have gone around the damn world.  
Freakin microwave minute x six weeks feels like pregnancy for a bloody elephant.
Now Dr, Carl has an explanation for the microwave minute and apparently it's all in our heads, but I'm telling you right now, time has slowed down.
I'm going nuts waiting!

What else can I do in a microwave minute? 
edit.


Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Edge Of Never Review

I had to wait 24 hours before I could review this gut wrencher. No Joke.
Now, please don't give up when you think the beginning is a tad slow- believe me, it gets better. Like, WAY BETTER.
I have a new boy book crush in Andrew and I must say that I now need a new tat.
The sexual tension is high-man is it high and when it's on it's H.O.T!
Now this is where the peak of my emotions step in because there was a time I text a friend who had read it already and I asked in a panic if .........was going to happen and she said to just keep reading, so I did.
Then the next epic moment happens and the tears begin and peeps they didn't stop.
I couldn't even see the freakin words and I was wiping my face like it was heavy rain.
My father in-law pops in at this stage and there I am in my pyjamas still with a tangled mess in my hair and my eyes are blood shot. "What's wrong?" he asks in concern and I do the lip quiver and say, "it's this book I'm reading." It was like I grew another head was the look on his face. He's not a reader so he doesnt get it.
Anyway, he leaves and I jump right back into the gut wrenching pages and begin to sob again to a point where (and I'm sure once you read it , you will know) I have to put it down and I think I will never pick it up again, go online and post to my BA bookgroup and An Indie Affair facebook group that I hate them all for recommending this read. But my intrigue does me in and I pick it up and continue and I am so very glad I did. SO. GLAD.
The Edge Of Never was a roller-coaster ride of emotions and I loved it. LOVED it.
I called my said friend and confessed my forty minute cry and she laughed at me. She didn't cry but she did love it so I know you will love it too.
Thank you J.A Redmerski.

Happy reading
Kez