Fiction Addiction Book Tours ~ Charlotte’s Restrained By Celia Kennedy

Nestled at the heart of the French Alps, Charlotte Young and her five closest friends ring in the New Year on a ski vacation in Chamonix France.

With the same idea in mind, many of the world’s celebrities are in town. Including the King of Romantic Comedies, Des Bannerman. Charlotte and friends join forces to help her realize her lifelong fantasy, to meet Des Bannerman.

Using bait in the form of her Sophia Loren lookalike friend to blaze a trail to Des Bannerman, Charlotte finally meets her man. His girlfriend, the latest Bond Girl, proves an insurmountable obstacle. Unexpectedly, Charlotte finds herself happily reconciled to an innocent evening of drinking champagne, gambling, and chatting to the celebrity of her dreams.

With the wave of her well-manicured hand, lighthearted banter turns into tabloid fodder. Lewd headlines and suggestive photographs provide worldwide entertainment. It also leaves Charlotte saddled with a restraining order.

Des Bannerman flees, leaving Charlotte to cope with the paparazzi and feeling very wronged! With her entire life impacted, Charlotte sets about dealing with the fallout of her fifteen minutes of fame. The only problem is, how does a mere mortal make contact with a celebrity god?

Girl meets boy. Boy disregards girl. Girl tracks down boy to get some answers! Along the way and with the help of her friends, Charlotte finds the answers to life’s biggest questions!

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Date	Tour Host
4th August	Tome Tender
5th August	Chicklit Club Connect
6th August	Books are my life
7th August	Brook Cottage Books
12th August	Tracy Riva Books and Reviews
13th August	allthingsbookie

 The giveaway on tour is a signed copy of Charlotte’s Restrained plus an Amazon Gift Card £15/$25

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author 

Celia Kennedy was born in Wurzburg, Germany on an American military base. Her parents’ penchant for traveling the world, via a Volkswagen Minibus with a Porsche engine, sparked her imagination. Staring out the window, sometimes through fog and rain, at other times at sunny blue skies, she began to make up stories for the places and spaces they passed by. The in-between time, the most fascinating to her. The imagined world has always fascinated Celia. She has studied Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and pretty much every other subject matter. Like her childhood, it was the ride that was the most entertaining, arrival at a degree, not anywhere as important. Celia published Charlottes Restrained in December of 2012 and Venus Rising in August of 2013. Look for Kathleen’s Undressed, a companion novel to Charlottes Restrained, to be published in 2014. Currently she lives in Washington State with the loves of her life. Find out more at Celia's website – www.celiakennedy.weebly.com and find her on Goodreads, Twitter @KennedyCelia and Facebook.

Guest Post ~ Glancing Through the Glimmer / Teens and Fantasy by Pat McDermott

A homesick girl meets a prince in disguise,
and both run afoul of the fairies…

In the Kingdom of Ireland, few mortals believe in the fairy folk. Without that belief, the fairies are dying. When Janet Gleason’s grandfather becomes the new U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the sixteen-year-old orphan must leave Boston and her friends behind. Lonely in Dublin and unused to her grandparents’ stuffy social life, her life changes when she has to outwit a treacherous fairy king who’s been hoodwinking mortals for centuries...

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Do teenage readers identify with characters whose personal problems help them cope with teen-year trials, or do they simply enjoy escaping into an entertaining diversion?

I asked myself these questions when I first considered writing a “young adult” story. Not only did I used to be a teenager, I also had two in the house for thirteen years or so. Their experiences gave me some razor-sharp refreshers on what it’s like to be a teen. As if I could forget.

I recall my own teenage years well because I disliked them so much. Most teens do, for reasons ranging from embarrassing skin to curfews and cliques, STDs and mental health, body image, peer pressure, bullying, depression, drug abuse and worse. Being a teenager is, and always has been, hard work.

And so, I asked myself another question: With so many issues troubling today’s teens, why do writers have to invent things to create young adult stories?

Answer? Because young adults of all ages love the fantasy.

Many teens find comfort reading about characters who experience problems similar to theirs. Others prefer to bury themselves in rousing adventures that help relieve their stress for a precious while. Those looming final exams don’t seem so desperate when vampires, werewolves, dragons, and aliens threaten the world.

During my teens, I often sought refuge in stories like Treasure Island, Great Expectations, Peter Pan, and all sorts of fairy tales. At last, I created my own escapes. I love to write and have published six books. My Band of Roses Trilogy consists of three alternate history adventures set in a modern Ireland ruled by the heirs of High King Brian Boru. My young adult books, Glancing Through the Glimmer and Autumn Glimmer, are “prequels” to this trilogy.

The hero and heroine of the Glimmer Books are the king of Ireland’s son, Prince Liam Boru, and Janet Gleason, the American Ambassador’s granddaughter. As all teens do, Liam and Janet struggle to deal with coming-of-age issues. In Glancing Through the Glimmer, their problems  fall by the wayside when the King of the Fairies decides he’d like to dance with Janet—for the next few centuries.

Readers might ask: What would I do if I were Janet? If I were Liam, could I counteract powerful fairy spells to save her? When Liam tries and the Fairy King turns on him, can Janet save him? (I hope so. I need these gallant teens for Book Three, currently under construction.)

Pat McDermott

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About the Author

Boston, Massachusetts native Pat McDermott writes romantic action/adventure stories set in Ireland. Glancing Through the Glimmer and its sequel, Autumn Glimmer, are young adult paranormal adventures featuring Ireland’s mischievous fairies and an Irish royal family that might have been. Both books are “prequels” to her popular Band of Roses Trilogy: A Band of Roses, Fiery Roses, and Salty Roses. Her first contemporary romance, The Rosewood Whistle, features Ireland’s music and myths. Pat’s favorite non-writing activities include cooking, hiking, reading, and traveling, especially to Ireland. She lives and writes in New Hampshire, USA. Find out more at Pat’s Website www.patmcdermott.net and find her on Twitter @Pat_McDermott and on Facebook 

Video Trailer for Glancing Through the Glimmer

Guest Post ~ Two Roads, Self Publishing Or Traditional - The Choice Is Yours, by Jill Paterson

Available on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Amazon Australia 

The world of publishing has changed in recent years in the fact that authors now have a choice whether they wish to be traditionally published or self published.  Let’s look at each option in turn.

Traditional Publishing

If you choose the traditional publishing path, your first step is to:-

• Send off a query letter along with a Book Proposal, three sample chapters and synopsis to a literary agent or publisher who accepts unsolicited manuscripts.  Being accepted is easier said than done so you might have to repeat this process many times.
• If you are successful in being accepted for publication, you will sign a contract and the publication process will begin.  (In all, the process can take between 1-2 years before your book appears in bookstores.)
• Your manuscript will be scrutinised by a content editor, line editor and copy editor.
• A cover will be designed with the editorial board and marketing team’s input (the author may or may not be included in the decision making).
• At the same time, a description (blurb) of your story will be written for the cover.
• ISBNs will be assigned to each format your book is to be published in.
• For a new author there will probably be a print run of 5000 books which will be stored in a warehouse.
• Your book will remain in bookstores for up to 1 year (depending on shelf space) whereupon any unsold copies will be returned to the publisher.
• You will receive royalty cheques twice per year.
• Although your publisher will market your book, you are expected to contribute to this process.

Self Publishing

If you decide to self publish your work, you go through much the same process as described above but whereas in traditional publishing you are guided all the way, with others making many of the decisions, self publishing means just that.  You do it yourself:-

• Make sure that your manuscript is polished for publication.  Employing a freelance editor can help you achieve this.
• If you plan to publish in both eBook and paperback formats, you will need to have your manuscript formatted for each.  The eBook file will be a word.doc file and the paperback has to be a PDF file.
• Find a cover designer to create a dynamic cover.  If you plan on publishing in both eBook and paperback formats, you will need two covers.  One front cover for the eBook and a full cover - back/front/spine - for your paperback.
• Write a catchy blurb that will capture potential readers interest.
• Obtain ISBNs for both your eBook and your paperback.
• Decide who you will publish with.
• If, for example, you plan to publish using Amazon, you will need to go through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for your eBook, and CreateSpace for the paperback.  In both instances, these sites will walk you through the publishing process. (You may be given the option of a free ISBN from Amazon.).
• Once you have uploaded your files to KDP and CreateSpace, your book will appear on the Amazon site within days.
• There is no warehousing of your printed edition because paperbacks will be printed as they are sold.  This is called Printed On Demand POD.
• You are able to monitor your sales on the KDP and Createspace sites and royalties for each month of sales are paid 60 days on.

Once you have your book published it is time to think about marketing.  This is an ongoing process if you wish your book to be visible to potential readers.  One of the ways that can help you is to:-

• Build an author platform.  This can be done with social media through sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and perhaps a blog.
• If you have published on Amazon create an Author Central page.
• If you are with KDP, you can join KDP Select and take advantage of their Countdown Deals.
• Advertise through web sites such as The Kindle Book Review, eReader News Today, Bargain Booksy and Book Goodies.

Like everything, there is a lot to learn whether you are traditionally published or self published.  Whatever you choose, I’m sure that you will find it a great experience.

If you would like more detailed information on self publishing along with links to helpful sites, you will find it in my book, SelfPublishing-Pocket Guide.

Jill Paterson

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About the Author

Jill Paterson was born in Yorkshire, UK, and grew up in Adelaide, South Australia before spending 11 years in Ontario, Canada. On returning to Australia, she settled in Canberra. After doing an arts degree at the Australian National University, she worked at the Australian National University's School of Law before spending the next 10 years with the Business Council of Australia and the University of NSW, ADFA Campus, in the School of Electrical Engineering. Jill is the author of three published books, The CelticDagger, Murder At The Rocks, and Once Upon A Lie which are all part of the Fitzjohn Mystery Series.  Her non-fiction books include Writing-Painting A Picture With Words as well as her Self Publishing-Pocket Guide. Find out more at Jill's blog http://www.theperfectplot.blogspot.com and find her on Twitter @Jillpaterson2, Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon.  

World-Wide Blog Tour

I was nominated for this blog tour by Mari Christie, a professional writer, editor, and graphic designer in Denver, Colorado, whose creative work includes three mainstream historical fiction novels, one Regency romance, and innumerable poems. Visit her website
http://marichristie.wordpress.com/ and find her on Twitter @mchristieauthor

There are four questions to answer on this blog tour, so here are mine:

1) What am I working on?

I am now half way through my new historical fiction novel The Secret Diary of Eleanor Cobham. Lady Eleanor was falsely accused of witchcraft and necromancy and imprisoned for life in various castles - if they really beleieved she was guilty she would have been burned at the stake. Instead, she found time to write her secret diary... I am really enjoying the research, particularly the visit to Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, North Wales, where I found Eleanor's chapel still exists! 

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I try to find subjects that have never been covered as historical novels - which seemed a great idea at first but of course there is usually a reason.

3) Why do I write what I do?

I was originally a non-fiction author and had an Amazon best-seller on Project Management. My first novel, Queen Sacrifice, took a year to write and my fourth is taking even longer, although I do enjoy creative writing more as I gain experience.

4) How does my writing process work?

I like to have a good outline before I start and do as much research as I can, including visiting places mentioned. (My second novel The Shell took me to Mombasa.) I try to have at least 4,000 words per chapter. These are often changed around in several steps of revision, before I pass it on for editing.  

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I'd like to nominate best-selling fiction author, blogger and podcaster Ani Alexander as the next person on this blog tour. You can find out more about her at her website
www.anialexander.com, where you can also get free resources for authors (www.anialexander.com/free). Her popular Write 2B Read podcast is available on iTunes at www.anialexander.com/itunes and Stitcher at www.anialexander.com/stitcher. You can also find Ani on Twitter @Ani_LifeProb

New Book Review ~ A Lonely Magic‏ by Sarah Wynde

Nothing is what it seems in a glittering new fantasy

by best-selling author Sarah Wynde 

New on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Prepare to be amazed: A world without any books? A place where Google is unheard of? I should mention that Sarah Wynde's new fantasy A Lonely Magic is also set in a secret location deep under the ocean, from where 'watchers' visit the surface to check out human progress.

It is really when we take the plunge to the mysterious underwater world that we see Sarah's creative imagination notch up a gear, with a whole civilisation to get your head around. Rather than take the easy option and slip into complete fantasy, I liked the way Sarah has gone to the trouble of providing the 'magic' of the title with an almost plausible quasi-scientific explanation.

Well paced and easy to read, with a great cast of characters, I'm sure we'll hear more of in the future. Recommended!

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About the Author

Sarah Wynde graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English. She worked as an editor for magazines and books, including ten years with Pearson as a senior acquisitions editor, before her love of writing pushed her into independent publishing. She writes unexpected fiction, stories that bend, blend, and occasionally break genres. Find out more at her website http://sarahwynde.com/ and find Sarah on Twitter @Wyndes

Guest Post: Writing is for the Dogs (and Cats…) or What’s Your Writing Style? by Ben Starling

What’s your writing style? 

The way I see it…there are only two. Yup, that’s it. Only two writing styles in the whole wide blue and green world. Dog writers and cat writers. That’s it. So which kind of a writer are you?

Dog writing is a spontaneous, rolling and playing in the grass, stream of consciousness kind of writing. It’s for all those who toss planning and literary road maps in the air and then gallop forward in their storytelling, gambolling willy-nilly up a hill and down the other side to a climax. Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Anne Lamont, Isaac Asimov, James Joyce, Doris Lessing, Douglas Adams, Jennie Lawson are all great dog writers to my way of thinking.

Cat writing on the other hand (or paw), is meticulous, methodical, and insists on years of research and planning in the foundation of every book. And cats do exactly what they are going to do and that’s it. Their work stands as it is. And it stands very well indeed. Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Yann Martel, Jodi Picoult, Veronica Roth, Melanie Benjamin, John Grisham have all put years of research and planning into their art. They’re all famous cats.

And then there’s the marvellous Maeve Binchy who has incredible structure and method but makes it look like dog writing – free and flowing, running four feet off the ground with the wind in her ears.

Quick Quiz:

1. Do you research or brainstorm?
2. Do you make lists of themes and symbols … or let lightning strike?
3. Do you make a map of where you’re going before you start writing?
4. Do you know your ending before you begin?
5. Do you make character bibles (backstory journals) for your heroes and heroines? Or do you channel your characters as you write?
6. Do you know your characters or do you discover them?
7. Do you know your settings or do they come as a surprise, appearing around unexpected corners?

So…what’s the answer? Are you a dog writer or a cat writer?

And what am I? In the end, I don’t actually like cat-egories at all. Or being dog-matic. My ultimate goal is to go with the flow and try to use the best of whatever style that works. In fact, I’m probably a dog that aspires to be a cat.

And hopefully, maybe in the fullness of time, one day when I’m not looking, I’ll start to write like a fish. Or a rabbit. Or a panther. Or a capybara. Or a budgerigar… And it will feel like I’ve finally come home to the comfy cushion by the hearth with my name on it and the dent that fits my tail just right. Then I’ll know that at last, I’ve found the real style in me.

What kind of writer are you?

Ben Starling

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About the Author

Ben Starling is passionate about marine conservation and boxing, both central themes in his upcoming novel, planned for release in 2015. He is currently Writer in Residence for Mirthquake Ltd., a production company that advocates for ocean health and welfare. His interest in marine life has taken him across four continents in four decades. He is Oxford’s only ever Quintuple Blue (varsity champion five years running), was Captain of the university boxing team, and coached and boxed competitively until about five years ago. He is 6’2”and 195 lbs. Ben graduated from Oxford University with a Master of Arts and M Phil. He was born in the USA but has lived in the UK since childhood. 

Find out more about Ben’s writing and sign up to be the first to know when his book hits the stores at www.ben-starling.com. You can find Ben also on Twitter @benstarlingauth, on Facebook and on Goodreads. He looks forward to seeing you there!"

New Book Review ~ The Cold Cold Sea by Linda Huber

Preview on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Publication date 1st August 2014

I was already reading one book, with at least two others in my ‘to be read’ pile when I picked up Linda Huber’s chilling new novel The Cold Cold Sea. The idea had me hooked from the first page - and I couldn't put it down until I was past the point of no return, as you just have to know how it ends.

A skilfully told story of every parent’s nightmare, Linda Huber explores how grief and guilt can ruin an otherwise idyllic life.  The sheer normality of her character’s world make it all the more shocking, as we realise the appalling truth of what has happened.

I shouldn't have been surprised that Linda had an unexpected twist, just when I thought I knew it was going to turn out. I try to spare my ‘five out five stars’ for books that really deserve it. The Cold Cold Sea is one of those books. Highly recommended!    

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About the Author

Linda Huber lives in Arbon, on the banks of Lake Constance in Switzerland. She was born in Glasgow and left to work as a physiotherapist in Switzerland for a year. She says, 'That year has stretched – I’m still here, but now I teach English as a foreign language in a castle dating from around 1250.' With over fifty short stories and articles printed in women’s magazines, Linda's first novel The Paradise Trees was published in September 2013 and her second book The Cold Cold Sea, will be published by Legend Press on 1st August 2014. Find out more at Linda's website http://lindahuber.net/ and follow her on Twitter @LindaHuber19 and Facebook.