Publishing Contract

This has been a long journey and I have reached the point where I had to make some hard decisions. I love being an Indie Author and that part is changing to a point. I signed a contract with an Independant Publisher for my thriller, The Bone Extractor!

It's a hard decision for many reasons, but unfortunately I just don't have the time and resources to continue to go it alone, maybe one day. I wouldn't make this move unless it's for the greater good of my books and my writing career. I owe it to my readers to put out quality books.  

What is different with this Independant Publisher is that they are including a promotional package that is out of this world. I'm very excited and hope you'll all be here to cheer me on! 

Smiles :)

OUTRAGEOUS BOOK SALE

OUTRAGEOUS BOOK SALE

Us http://tiny.cc/aelhjw  UK http://tiny.cc/xglhjw

Outrageous book Sale begins today thru Labor Day! Get your copy of Armed and Outrageous for 99 cents, £0.75 for the UK!

This is your chance to get you copy of the #1 Senior Sleuth on Amazon! It's more than the bang for your buck.

Senior sleuth — Grandma Mazur meets Murder She Wrote — cozy mystery.

Agnes Barton is not your typical senior citizen living in Tadium, MI, on the shores of Lake Huron. She drives a red hot Mustang, shops at Victoria's Secret, rankles local police officials, and has a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong.

What does a murder that happened forty-three years ago have to do with missing tourist Jennifer Martin? Agnes makes it her personal mission to find out, and she's not letting the fact she's seventy-two get in the way. Butting heads with Sheriff Clem Peterson is something she's accustomed to, but lately Clem seems to be acting even more strange, making Agnes wonder what he may be hiding ala the Martin disappearance.

Agnes’ partner in crime, Eleanor Mason tags along, Watson to her Holmes. 

Together, they unearth clues. If only Eleanor would behave, as although lovable, she has a knack for getting into trouble by tangling with her rival, Dorothy Alton, or flirting with anyone—male or female—and gossiping! She's incorrigible, but she does carry a Pink Lady revolver in her purse, one that has proved useful at times.

Life for Agnes and Eleanor is shaken up when Agnes' former boss and secret crush comes to Tadium. Before long, the lady sleuths have more on their hands to contend with as goons roll into town and bullets begin to fly.

Six Sentence Sunday

Sequel to Armed and Outrageous:

This is a bit over six sentences, but I think you get the idea. In this scene Agnes Barton and Eleanor Mason are where else, but the scene of a crime. 

"I'm Agnes Baron PI and this is my assistant, Watsin here." I thumbed in El's direction.

El's eyes narrowed. "That's fine, Watsin is way smarter than Sherlock Holmes ever was."

"Are you Miss Marple?" a woman dressed in a maid uniform asked me inquisitively. 

I smoothed my hair back. "I fancy myself more of a Jessica Fletcher."

"She's such a know-it-all Aggie, you don't want to be her." Eleanor laughed.

"I'm certainly not trying to be Miss Marple or any other fictional character. I'm the real deal." I made an elegant stance like I was posing for a magazine. "I have never even read an Agatha Christie book before." I insisted.

Celebrating Michigan Authors ~ Gabriel Rheaume

In the first of the series: Celebrating Michigan Authors, I'd like to introduce  you to Author Gabriel Rheaume.

Bio: Gabriel Rheaume is from Detroit, Michigan, born in 1982. He is a graduate from Wayne State University concentrating in English, Spanish, and Africana Studies. He has spent time on the shores of Lake Huron, and traveled extensively across the United States as well as Canada. He currently resides in Michigan and is 29 years old.

How I came to write: I came to write The Shores We Walk from a statement I made to my girlfriend, who is now deceased. I told her that her family was so dysfunctional that someone should write a book about them. As time passed I became more interested in the idea and pursuing it myself. When she took her life at the age of 19, I made a vow to myself that this book would transpire. So I had a creative writing class in college and it all started from there.

Her death led me to alcoholism and drug addiction. As my addiction became worse my writing style transformed into surreal and delusional accounts of memories and life itself. As time progressed my best friend died of a heroin overdose in my apartment while I was sleeping, and another one of my close friends passed away due to unexplained causes. All of these factors continued to come out into my writing, so I decided to write the book as a tribute to all of them and write it in a way that way that feels like being on drugs as well as bouts of psychosis, and visits from beyond the grave. The book grew as I was in and out of rehabs, but not until I got my own addictions under control was I able to wrap up the story, get an editor, and self-publish The Shores We Walk. Although it is a tragedy, there is also a ray of hope. I recommend it to those struggling with addiction, families of addicts, and those just curious about the lifestyle of a junkie. It is a fast paced read, that is brutally honest and painful, but also written in a lyrical prose.

Synopsis: 

When all the people close to Francis end up dying, a lot of questions are left in the air while Francis falls into a deep psychosis. It is written through a veil of drugs and visits from beyond the grave. It is a love story, a tragedy, a struggle with faith, and brief moments of hope. Through all of the darkness there is also so much beauty. "In the book, The Shores We Walk, Francis, based on a postmodern St. Francis of Assisi, narrates the story of four people as they slowly self-destruct and battle drug addiction, homelessness, and poverty. While Gabriel attended Wayne State University he saw such tragic things every day.  He was inspired by the fact that even though these people had nothing, they never lost sight of what really mattered to them. He realized that life has more joys than sorrow and wished that more people would recognize that simple fact. When asked about his experiences in downtown Detroit he simply says, “When you see a homeless man with a larger smile than a rich man you have to question what’s actually important in your life” (Sandusky Tribune).

Excerpt: 

"If the weathered barns along the road did not reveal their age, it would seem like going back in time. He had not visited her cottage since the snow had fallen. It is off one of Michigan's Great Lakes with a beach that has a coast with no near end. There is no view beyond the lake and sky. Sometimes freight ships sit near the horizon, slowly drifting in time with the clouds. At times the sky and the lake become indistinguishable. There is not a better easel for the sunset than the framed sky above this vast oasis. To sit afloat in the center of any large mass of water has an unfathomable magnificence. It is like analyzing the one infinite living second that is recognizable as life. The horizon can be divided by two shades, that of the water, and of the the air. There is no end to this one-second as there is seemingly no end to the polar vision of the water and the sky.

     

Each season is equally enchanting. Lake Huron in winter is deep blue with waves frozen to the white beach. The barren rolling, snow-covered hills are like a desert. The wind forms drifts that are small cliffs.

     

The spring is a time of new life. The green is so vibrant that plants glow in the daylight. Blossoms decorate trees like white and pink ribbons. The air is as fresh as rich, black, soil.

     

In the summer, the purple chicory grows in fields of grass. Queen Anne's Lace makes groups of wild plants flowers look like bouquets. The breeze from the lake is cool and comforting.

     

The colors of the leaves in autumn are almost unnatural. A rainbow falls from the sky and the land becomes a palette of trees."

Links: E-store https:www.createspace.com/3523749

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shores-We-Walk-Gabriel-Rheaume/dp/145644431X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343859333&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shores+we+walk

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Shores-We-Walk-ebook/dp/B006GCD82I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343859370&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shores+we+walk

Facebook book page: www.facebook.com/theshoreswewalk

Article and review from the Sandusky Tribune: http://sanduskytribune.com/?p=3258

Book review Outsider Writers: http://www.outsiderwriters.org/2011/the-shores-we-walk-a-review-by-dawn-graves

Twitter: OscarOptimism

Thank you Madison!

Gabriel Rheaume

The Shores We Walk

Book Review Contest

Lazy days of Summer beach reads and review contest ~ prize $25 Amazon gift card! 

Brought to you by that wild and zany Author Madison Johns!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wow Wednesday

It's been awhile since I have done a wow Wednesday, and I think today is a great day for it to make an appearance on my blog. 

Today I'm featuring Shoe Marks by Karen Vance Hammond, someone I call friend. We have chatted online, messaged each other, and talked on the phone, but that's not the reason I want to feature her on my blog. It's because of her amazing paranormal Shoe Marks. We had swapped links and I blew her off on a few occasions, but finally bought her book. I could talk at length about what Karen has overcome, but I want to wholly focus on the book Shoe Marks. Oh did I mentions that Shoe Marks was a #1 bestseller at her publisher Synergy? 

An unsuspecting young family moves into their dream house or is it? The realtor left out an important detail like that it's haunted! When they first came to the house the door mysteriously opened before Jeremy even inserted the key. 

Excerpt:

After the kids came home from school, Laura grabbed a knife off the kitchen table, opening a cardboard box. Inside, she smiled as she lifted Meredith and Robert’s baby books. She pulled back the kitchen drapes, watching her children play with a ball and stick. She couldn’t believe how fast time had flown since they were born. 

Inserting the baby books in the living room bookshelf, she smiled back at her sweet baby, who slept soundly in his playpen, and covered him up with his blue-and-white blanket. 


“Mama, Mama, Mama.” Laura cocked her head to one side. She thought she heard Meredith calling her, and once again she pulled back the drape. She could see Meredith and Robert playing down by the pond. Then she heard the small child’s voice again: “Mama, Mama, Mama."

Knowing she and James Collin were alone in the house, she felt sweat bead on her upper lip and forehead. Her chest tightened, with her heart pounding out of control. Laura closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. Try to ignore it, she said to herself. She cut her eyes toward the stairs as she heard the child’s voice again. “Mama, Mama, come here Mama."

My take

This is not my usual genre, but I must say that this story is so riveting that it will hook you from page one. It sure did me. I highly recommend Shoe Marks for anyone that loves a good scare or for those that don't. It's just a great book and would make one heck of a great movie. Thanks Karen for writing Shoe Marks and I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Please check out Karen at Synergy, Amazon, Smashwords or check out her website.

I messed up some of the quotation marks, and take the blame ~ Madison

Madison's Words of Wisdom

~ When life throws you lemons, throw them back ~

~ Sometimes even with the best of intentions, things go to shit ~

(I hope you wasn't expecting a picture for this one).

~ With age comes great wisdom ~

~ You never forget how to ride a bicycle, but stopping is a whole other matter ~

~ When faced with adversity, try harder ~

~ There are days that life will bring you down ~

~ There will be days that you'll bounce off the walls ~

Smiles and have a great weekend ~ Madison

Book Launch ~ Prizes

Hello again I wanted to again remind you that on July 19th at 7 p.m. EDT I'm sharing the stage with Jane Carroll, who is the author of Bertha Size You Life. This is a unique way to do a book launch party, one that I hope will continue in the future. This way guests have the opportunity to get know two authors instead of just one, in a very fun way. 

:)

There will be plenty of games and prizes ~ who doesn't like prizes, right?

Prizes ~ Madison

Bath and Body Works gift set

I'm also giving away four $5.00 gift cards

Juicy Couture Viva La Juice perfume 

Signed copy of Armed and Outrageous

I'm also giving away a signed proof copy of Armed and Outrageous. What author do you know that does that?

Pink Purse

People that can't qualify for this coveted prize want it!

Outrageous Feather Headband

Authors have lined up to give away books too.

Jane Carroll is giving away plenty of prizes too, feather boas and way more. I hope you all will attend! Please check out more about the event on Facebook.

You'll also get the opportunity to win books by the following authors.

Karen Magill: The Bond and Mystique Rising (The Bond in PDF, ePub or MObi Mystique Rising is in Kindle and I will have to get the person's email addy and then gift it to them)

Raymond Frazee: Captivate and Control

Catrina Taylor: Book one of her series: Birth of an Empire: The Beginning and two related shorts; Surface and Change by Design—to be given as a set or separately—Kim’s call. Catrina can’t be there that night because her brother is getting married the next day.

What She Knew: Kindle version — T.L. Burns and K.R. Hughes

Ed Griffin: Veto The novel Veto is an ebook, a Kindle book. It's on Amazon. If I find out the winner, I can just email the book, attaching it to an email. I have it in epub and in mobi(kindle) Ed

Beverly Mahone: "Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie"

Laura Clark: Music Speaks

Wendy Siefkin: Kai’s Journey…paperback and Kindle…


David Bishop: The Blackmail Club

Sample Sunday Redneck Romance

I wrinkled my brow as my Corolla began to jerk. Oh no! I can't be out of gas? I rocked my body toward the wheel and back, as if I could rock the car further than the gas would allow. 

I spotted a truck filled with what I'd call rednecks passing me. They were hooting and hollering like they had just escaped from the law. Their faced dirt covered and hairy, their grimy fingers gripped 12-gauge shotguns.

That's all I needed. To be taken hostage by a bunch of Bubbas. 

I shook my head.

Stop it Kelly, you're losing it.

I could just hear my mom now. "I tried to tell her, but oh no, what does a mother know, right?"

I felt sweaty between my legs but not in a good way. I noticed just ahead there was a gas station. The small oval sign with an emblem of Pegasus looked rusty, but I saw cars parked along the road including the truckload of rednecks.

My car chugged to a stop ten feet from the driveway.

Book Release Party July 19th

I'm teaming up with Jane Carroll, author of Bertha Size Your Life for a book release party to celebrate the recent releases of our books. We both write about outrageous characters and it's fitting that we join together for this special event. It's both Jane Carroll's and my way of giving out prizes for the attendees. This will be a virtual party in the online conference room over at Master Koda. Dress for the event can be whatever you want. I'm dressing up in old age apparel or my version. I can be as loud as you want or nothing at all, lol. July 19th 7pm EDT click here.

Bertha:

If you crossed Lucy and Oprah and dressed her like Peg Bundy you might just get Bertha…a zany redhead in lime green spandex and high-heels…she’s always up to something…positive that is…as she flings downhome wisdom and perky advice to anyone who will listen. She is frequently found standing on a soapbox or going head to head with the cat. But for all her Pollyanna ways Bertha does have a nemesis…Rita…who can and occasionally does bring her down quicker than a new daddy passes off a baby with a dirty diaper. Bertha is more than a book character…she’s a…character!

Agnes:

72 year-old retiree turned sleuth after the disappearance of her granddaughter and now another young tourist. The widow of a State Trooper, Agnes formerly worked as a private investigator and is no stranger to danger…or love…for that matter…and she certainly finds both without any difficulty…reconnecting with her former boss, Andrew. If Agnes had a motto it just might be…why should I act my age when there’s so much fun to be had?

Eleanor 

82 years old but not forgotten…Eleanor is definitely up for adventure and refuses to let Agnes go it alone as she sets out looking for clues. Being plus sized doesn’t squelch Eleanor’s appeal to the gents which lead to altercations with a disgruntled wife or two…but nothing that a pocketbook swung in the right direction can’t handle. Also known to shoot a bad guy in the butt…Eleanor is definitely a force not to be reckoned with!

Prizes

Jane:

         Feather boas with a matching canvas bag

     Hot pink jeweled trinket box

     Pink and green balloons and markers

      Mardi Gras mask

     High heeled picture frame thing

     Purse picture frame

      Bertha ink pen with matching note cards

     Pictures of Bertha with flamingo and on the car

     Paperback copies—signed

Madison:

    Pink purse

    Juicy Couture perfume

      Signed copy of Armed and Outrageous (Proof Copy) Also will be signed by artist. (Grand prize winner).

     Pink lipstick

     Bath and Body works gift set.

  Four $5 Amazon gift cards.

 Another signed copy of Armed and Outrageous, not proof and ebook copies, please specify if you'd prefer Amazon or Nook formats.

Other Free books:

Karen Magill: The Bond and Mystique Rising (The Bond in PDF, ePub or MObi Mystique Rising is in Kindle and I will have to get the person's email addy and then gift it to them)

Raymond Frazee: Captivate and Control

Catrina Taylor: Book one of her series: Birth of an Empire: The Beginning and two related shorts; Surface and Change by Design—to be given as a set or separately—Kim’s call. Catrina can’t be there that night because her brother is getting married the next day.

What She Knew: Kindle version

Ed Griffin: Veto The novel Veto is an ebook, a Kindle book. It's on Amazon. If I find out the winner, I can just email the book, attaching it to an email. I have it in epub and in mobi(kindle) Ed

Beverly Mahone: "Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie"

Laura Clark: Music Speaks

Wendy Siefkin: Kai’s Journey…paperback and Kindle…

David Bishop

The Blackmail Club

Kindle