In His Own Words - Kevin Anthony, Author of Mad Moral - Guest Post

Release Notes is honored to feature Kevin Anthony,author of Mad Moral, the first book in his Mad Series, in this "In The Author's Own Words" segment.  I hope you will enjoy his guest post on his thoughts behind his novel.

No Vampires or Werewolves Allowed

The moment I started writing my Urban Fantasy novel Mad Moral, I made the decision not to include any vampires or werewolves. I know vampires and werewolves play huge roles in many Urban Fantasy novels and many other genres and that’s the main reason I didn’t want to include them in Mad Moral.

I’m a big fan of vampires and werewolves, but I didn’t want to travel down a road that had been explored so many times. I decided to give a new set of beings time to shine in more humanizing roles, horror movie characters.

I’m aware the word “horror” instantly causes many to lose interest. My novel isn’t a horror, just inspired by the many elements and characters of horror movies.

 Imagine as I did, horror movie villain Michael Myers dropping his children off at his parents’ house for the weekend and heading out on his first date post-divorce. After a disaster date, to blow off some steam he decides to head to the nearest college campus and slash some sorority girls. He spends the morning after sipping a cup of coffee as he watches the tragedy coverage unfold on the morning news.

That visual sparked my series about a mad world where others like the horror movie villain mentioned are your friends, neighbors and lovers.

My first main character I created was a young adult named Ford Fischer. He’s a slasher, unemployed and does his best to live a straight and narrow lifestyle. I was raised by a single mother and I consider my sister my best friend, so I had to have strong female presences in my story. Ford’s mothers play huge roles and both are bystanders or victims in this mad world I created.

 Another main character is an exorcist named Sidnee Vincent whose romantic life is constantly sabotaged by pesky demons. I’m sure we all have a bit of evil in us all and she just happens to have the ability to communicate with it. My final character I included was a dreamer named Milo Amos. His identity is questioned the most by readers who haven’t started the series yet. His character enters dark nightmares every time he sleeps and must fight for his survival or risk death not only in his fantasy existence, but reality. 

This novel faced the toughest set of critics yet, teenage girls. I posted it on website mostly used by those in that age range. It sometime took a lot of convincing and me constantly explaining it wasn’t entirely about blood, gore and things that go bump-in-the-night. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from these young readers who instantly started to root for my characters to overcome the madness in their lives. I encourage putting all pre-judgments aside and giving my novel, Mad Moral, the opportunity to entertain you.

Feature Novel and Giveaway - Mad Moral by Kevin Anthony

Release Notes is happy to feature the novel, 'Mad Moral' by Kevin Anthony.  I hope you enjoy the excerpt and Kevin is giving away free copies on smashwords!  Just see the link below the excerpt and click to get your free copy!

Book Description

Mad Moral is the world of Ford Fischer, where in murderous stuffed animals, demonic possessions, gigantic creepy crawlers, knife wielding slashers and much more madness are common place. Fischer, coupled with a romantically conflicted exorcist and a dreamer who redefines night terrors, leads us through a twisted world that can be best defined as one of a kind.

The 80, 000 word, urban fantasy novel is only the beginning of the Mad series.

Mad Moral Excerpt

Chapter 4 - Comedian: Ford made his way down a narrow hallway decorated with plaques awarded to the community center, turning into the second door on the left. Inside waited familiar faces, a few socializing, few occupying themselves with their cell phones, and a pair at the snack table.

 Ford approached the low-cut, dark haired girl at the table. “Hello Lu.”

The narrowed eyed Lu faced him. “Luke brought his famous pizza bites.”

 Ford scanned the room again. “Shit, which one is Luke again?”

 Lu laughed. “He’s the youngest slasher here.” She nodded toward a corner. “That’s him.”

 Ford met eyes one the young, dark haired slasher and smiled at him.

 Luke nervously returned the gesture and looked away.

 “I wish I had his smarts to attend these meetings when I was his age,” Ford said.

 “Me too,” She stuffed her mouth with more food “But we‘re here now.”

 Ford browsed the room for the group’s leader. “Where’s Miriam?”

 Lu shrugged. “She’s not here.” She stuffed a few mini-candy bars into her jeans pockets.

 “How long has everybody been waiting?”

 “Half an hour.” Lu glanced at a wall clock near the entry door. “A few left. I’m about to leave myself.”

 “It’s not like Miriam to miss a meeting.”

 “Maybe she’s tired of the bullshit,” Lu scanned the crowd. “We all come here, sit around and lie about how we haven’t slashed in years or how we fight our will to harm others. This is all an act. I slashed a young couple three weeks ago. Be honest Ford, you’re only here to rid yourself of the guilt. Who did you slash?”

 “Nobody,” He quickly answered, hoping to create false surety.

 “You’re lying, but it’s common in this room.”

 “If this place is such a waste, why are you here?”

 “The free food and the cute guy,” She softly nudged him. “I’m talking about you.”

 “Thanks for the compliment.”

 “But now it’s mainly the food since we’ve already done the dirty.”

 Ford tasted one of the pizza bites and spit it out. “It tastes like beef jerky.”

 Lu ate a few more. “I fucking love beef jerky.”

 “How about we go check on Miriam? She would do the same.”

 “Because she’s a lonely old woman.”

 “Yes, but she lives close by anyways,” Ford dug his keys from his pocket. “I’ll drive.”

 “I suppose it’ll be more entertaining than sitting home alone petting my kitty.”

 “I thought you were allergic to cats?”

 She winked. “I am, now let’s go.”

 As he followed her, he realized what ‘kitty’ she was referring to. He played with it once, nearly a year ago. Since that moment, they remained distant friends. It was odd dating somebody who possibly had the urge to stab you in your sleep. He loaded her pink and silver bicycle into his back sea and they drove to Miriam’s house.

 The woman lived in a small trailer park that was a short drive from the downtown area. Many nights Ford skipped meetings only to receive a phone call from Miriam questioning his whereabouts. She was a kind woman even though it was rumored she slaughtered an entire sorority house back in the seventies. They arrived at the woman’s trailer, the front yard decorated with gnomes dressed as businessmen and women. The streetlights weren’t operational, the neighborhood nearly ghost town like.

 Ford and Lu exited the car and headed up to her front door. He raised his clenched fist to knock only for Lu to notice the trailer door was half-ajar. It creaked as she pushed it open, Ford stepping in first. The front yard theme continued inside. No matter where they looked, a gnome was visible. There were photos, miniature figures, dishware, and plush gnomes on her couch. Ford resisted greeting them, not accustomed to silent stuffed animals.

 Lu passed the kitchen area and headed to the bedroom door knocking. “Miriam, you here?”

 Ford stood close behind Lu. “You missed the meeting, Miriam. Are you okay?”

 Lu grabbed the door handle, sliding it sideways into the wall. Miriam’s body lay sprawled out on her bloodstained mattress, multiple stab wounds in the woman’s chest. The average person would have reacted wildly to the scene in the bedroom. Her withering face was pale, her light blue eyes opened. Ford and Lu found themselves admiring the murder scene first, mourning the loss of their group leader second.

 Lu shut the door. “The slasher has been slashed.”

Available on Smashwords – No Charge

http://tinyurl.com/MadMoral

Twitter: Mad_Moral    Email: svrkev@gmail.com

Promo Post - The Priest and The Peaches by Larry Peterson

The Priest and the Peaches Book Summary

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, uncharted and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Larry Peterson's Bio:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.

Larry Peterson's blog:
http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com

Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

eBook
ISBN: 978-0-9837418-4-8
ISBN: 978-1-4658-6327-0
Pages: 285
Release: January 1, 2012

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P0EYI8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006P0EYI8

Nook buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches-larry-peterson%252F1108051518%253Fean%253D2940013858190%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Dthe%252Bpriest%252Band%252Bthe%252Bpeaches

iBookstore buy link (coming soon)

Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116166?ref=tributebooks

PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1538819

"Last Way Station" Mega Virtual Book Tour and Giveway- Featured Authors, Melissa Smith and Lynn Hubbard

 

  Two Romance Authors Dish ... on Romance Writing

What's this "romance" thing about, anyway? Sex or love? Vampires or Six-shooters? Busty heroines or lusty heroes? What drives authors to write romance novels? What's the difference between a "good" romance novel a "great" one?

Join romance writers Lynn Hubbard and Melissa Smith, featured authors in "The Last Way Station" Mega Book Tour, as they discuss and explore these topics and more, shedding light on the story behind their romance novels.

Then, visit our tour site and enter your name in our Mega Book Tour Sweepstakes. Grand prize: a Kindle Fire!

Release Notes is thrilled to feature The Mega Virtual Book Tour.  Today features an interview with Romance authors Melissa  Smith and Lynn Hubbard.  Melissa's novel "Cloud Nine" is availalbe at smashwords.  Along with her interview, Melissa has been thoughtful enough to offer a FREE copy of her novel!  Lynn's novel "Run Into The Wind" is also available.  Take time to read the interview then make sure to visit the website to see other stops and make sure to visit those blogs to earn chances to win great prizes and purchase new reads!

Bloodstone Heart - Author Interview With T. Lynne Tolles

Release Notes is thrilled to have CBLS featured author T. Lynne Tolles as guest author interview.  I found her words to be interesting and inspiring!  I hope you enjoy!

RN: When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

TLT: I’m not sure. It certainly wasn’t my goal in life. I was actually trying to make a point with my teenager and it all kind of fell into place.

RN: On average, how long does it take you to write a book?

TLT: I would guesstimate somewhere between three to six months.

RN: Where do you find writing inspiration?

TLT: Everywhere, but if you want to get specific, most of my writing seems to happen in that pre-dream state just before I fall asleep.  I work out most of my plots and problem areas in this state. I guess it is when my mind is the most open to ideas and doesn’t have the stress of life ruling it.

RN: When did you write your first book and how old were you?

TLT: I didn’t enjoy writing in school. I guess I didn’t like being told what I had to write about even if it was very general.  It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I even had an inkling of stepping up to the task.

RN: What do you think makes a good story?

TLT: Real People…I like to think that if you make your characters as real as possible with feasible conversations and plausible reactions, than the characters can carry the story. Using life experiences in your writing helps you to connect to your readers.  A great story helps too, but if you can’t connect with the characters in the book than you’re probably not going to like any story that involves them.

RN: Does your family (and/or close friends) know that you write and are a published author of romance fiction? If so, are they supportive of your efforts? 

TLT: Yes. My mom and step-mom are beta readers and have no problem telling me what I could improve on.  My daughter has read some of the series, so yes all in all everyone has been very supportive

RN: Is there another sub-genre aside from your primary sub-genre that you would like to write for and why?

TLT: No, at least not at the moment, of course, that may change in the future, but for now I’m very happy in the genre I’m in.

RN: Is there a main genre besides romance that you would like to write for? 

TLT: If I were to ever venture out of the Young Adult genre, I suppose it would still be paranormal romance, just a little spicier. (giggles)  As it is I get embarrassed writing the love scenes even with them as tame as they are. That would be a pretty big leap for me.

RN: Aside from romance, are there any other types of fiction/literature that you enjoy reading? 

TLT: Classics I suppose…Dickens, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austin, etc.

RN: How important is reader feedback, good or bad, to you?

TLT: It’s all good. I try to look at everything as a whole and that it is all a learning experience. I’d be insane to think that no one would hate my books, after all the world is filled with different personalities and we all don’t like the same things. Think how boring the world would be if we all like the same things. I love getting letters from people and try to take their questions as a priority. As for reviews…well I think they are important, but I try not to take them too personally.

RN: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

TLT: Love jigsaw puzzles, computer games, knitting, sewing and napping. (Yes napping – it’s my favorite past time)

RN: What advice, if any, do you have for aspiring authors?

TLT: Hold fast to your dream and it will take you where you need to go. It may not take you in the direction you think it will but you’ll never know unless you try.

Feature Author AND Giveaway!!

Writing today's blog post is author Kathryn Lively, the author of "Little Flowers" and "Pithed".  I am so thrilled to feature Kathryn AND to offer a copy of her latest mystery "Dead Barchetta" as a free gift to a lucky blog reader!  Check out the post and giveaway details follow!  ENJOY! 

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The Men in My Writing Life - Kathryn Lively

Every time I agree to guest post on a blog about my latest mystery novel, DEAD BARCHETTA, I feel I should insert an apology somewhere. This work represents about six years of my life. I began outlining the story sometime in 2005, and while attending a RushCon - the largest annual gathering of Rush fans in the world - I offered up for their charity auction the opportunity to become a "guest character" in the book. The winning bidder, thankfully, was very patient with me, considering I had told him I expected to have a draft for him within the year. Six years later...

The draft I had promised him, too, was to have been markedly different from the book that is available now. In the early stages of planning DEAD BARCHETTA, I had a different title in mind...and a different character. Since my last mystery, PITHED featured a male protagonist/sleuth, I wanted a female character for my next work - specifically a female musician. Around this time I'd read so many kick-ass, tight-pants wearing heroines that left me awed, and I wanted to create a persona readers would enjoy along with the likes of Stephanie Plum. I'd cross Joan Jett with Anita Blake and really turn the mystery genre on its back!

Problem was, I'd get a chapter or two into the first draft and...nothing. I'd hit walls and blockades, I'd fine something on television, then the baby would need my attention and I set Kick-Ass aside to pursue other ventures. Yet for years, the book remained in the back of my mind and I'd occasionally jot down a line of possible dialogue in my work notebook, and keep sticky notes that reminded me to steer the plot in this direction and that.

After a few years of this procrastination (and thankfully that winning bidder never checked up on me), I came to accept that the reason I could not get the book off the ground was because the main character didn't suit the story. More than that, the character's gender didn't suit. Now, this is not to say that I have trouble writing female characters, but I find perhaps I have an unconscious tendency to take on challenges. I am not male, therefore I find more comfort writing male leads because I enjoy learning from readers whether or not I did it correctly.

After my first novel, LITTLE FLOWERS was published, an interviewer remarked to me how well I had personified a supporting player, a detective investigating the crime that happens in the first chapter. I thought at first he had complimented me on getting all the procedural activity correct, but he implied that the character seemed real to him, and he was surprised that a woman had written him so well!

Same with PITHED. Granted, the sleuth Andy Farmer is based upon my father, so I had 30 years of knowledge base to work with there, but again people let me know how much they loved Andy.

As for DEAD BARCHETTA's Lerxst? He is probably the son I never had. He emerged slowly from my writing subconscious and came into character as I began working with younger men in my day job. Having the environment to inspire me helped shaped Lerxst as a man, while conversations with my closest friend (a sometime musician, who is also male) took care of the nuances. Once Lerxst came to life, the story followed rather quickly.

Does this mean I should only write male sleuths? I don't know. I do find, however, it is getting easier to do, and that means the next challenge in my writing career is to write a lead female. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Kathryn Lively is an author of mystery. Please visit her online at http://www.kathrynlively.com or view her author page at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Kathryn-Lively/e/B004FW06U8/) and friend her at Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/kathrynlively).

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Contest!! Rules & Details: Dead Barchetta by Kathryn Lively! 

1. Post a Comment below with your Email Address for entry to win a copy of Dead Barchetta

2. One entry per person.

3. Contest is open worldwide; you just need computer access to receive the e-book.

4. Each winner will receive an electronic copy of Dead Barchetta. This is an e-format from Amazon Kindle. You do NOT need to own or use a Kindle ereader; simply download the Kindle Application on your phone, computer, iPod or other compatible device.

5. Contest will be open through Sunday, May 1, 2011.

6. Winners will be chosen randomly through Random.org.

7. Must include email address in comment so that I can contact you should you win. (I will NOT use your email for any other purpose.)

To read my review of "Dead Barchetta", just click HERE.