Month: November 2014

Book Brief | Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills

SHADOW HILLS FRONT COVERSkylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills
by Carrie Cross
Genre: Middle Grade, mystery
60,650 words

Thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins plans to become a private detective like her grandfather. Stuck at her bullying cousin Gwendolyn’s Malibu estate for the summer, Skylar brings her detective kit, portable spy tools, and her journal for taking notes in secret code. She had no idea how dangerous the summer would prove to be.

On the first day of summer school an odd classmate named Kat passes a note in backward writing, introducing Skylar to the secret world of witchcraft. Practical Skylar didn’t believe in magic  — until the spells they perform in an abandoned garden actually appear to be working.

When Kat tells her that a mysterious group is doing wicked things up in Shadow Hills at night, she can’t help but investigate. The teen sleuth uses the tools in her detective kit and faces her most embarrassing fear to find the truth.

Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills is available at Amazon.com, iTunes, and Amazon UK. Continue reading “Book Brief | Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills”

Self-Publishing Book Expo 2014 Wrap-Up

Screen shot 2014-11-16 at 4.13.54 PMWhat a difference a year makes. New York’s Self-Publishing Book Expo, now entering its sixth year, has followed alongside the evolution of indie publishing, more or less. It’s a unique show designed to help self-published authors network with service providers and learn how to navigate the marketplace to publish and promote their books more effectively. But the most recent show, from the exhibitors to the presenters to the audience, had some huge differences—some good, and some that made me want to punch a wall. Continue reading “Self-Publishing Book Expo 2014 Wrap-Up”

Giving Thanks That I’m a Writer

Giving thanks that you're a writerThis is my favorite time of the year—a time to reflect and give thanks. This season reinforces how lucky I am to be a writer. It doesn’t matter if you’ve published or not. Pause for a moment and think about all that is great about being a writer.

Every day, we have a laser focus on our surroundings. There’s a story behind every bush, building, and mountain. We look at bars, churches, and the kitchen different from anyone else. We look for meaning behind the lost glove on the street. Continue reading “Giving Thanks That I’m a Writer”

Featured Book: The Last Challenge

The Last Challege by Sharon KaraaThe Last Challenge
by Sharon Karaa
Genres: paranormal romantic comedy
Available from Amazon.com and Amazon UK

Lauren Rutherford, the last descendant of the witch, Matthew Bulmer, stands alone to face a challenge to the death by three damned souls. Well. Almost alone. Agnes, her long dead ancestor, and the amazingly sexy male witch Daniel are here to help. Will they succeed and end the curse forever?

Book Excerpt:

“Ahh, you missed me, Lauren?” Satan sniggered, and I felt the familiar tug of attraction at his handsome features, naked chest and bulging loin cloth.

I started to chant, and this time, he changed in front of me, his glamour fading and leaving behind a four-foot-eight balding man with a thin frame. He was so thin and small, the loin cloth now looked like an oversized nappy.

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. Natalia smiled. Agnes, standing outside the immediate eyesight of Satan, waved her hand back and forth, shook her head and mouthed “No!” at us. I realised she was trying to warn us off and I looked quickly back at Satan. He growled and then looked down at himself.

“Awe damn it,” he said, sighing. “All right, you’ve got me,” he muttered, jumping down from the throne and almost losing his loin cloth in the process.

What others are saying:

“Every character has their own lovable quirks and just about jump right off the page with such brilliant personalities.” – Sky, Amazon Reviewer