Cover Reveal: Wingless Butterfly by Casi McLean

A Transformational Self-help Memoir

"You don't want to know him; he's the kind of man who pulls wings off of butterflies."

Her mother's warning haunted her through a childhood steeped in mystery, and sparked a domino effect reflecting what she perceived was true––until she uncovered secrets and lies in her past that changed everything.

Wingless Butterfly shares a lifetime of secrets like whispers from a best friend and unveils the metamorphosis of a broken child, her struggle to escape a silken chrysalis cocooning her heart, and her desperation to find love, validation, and self-worth. When the mist of a new dawn settled, the fragmented little girl emerged confident and secure with wings to fly in a whole new world––that child was me.

Intimate stories linger within each of us; a unique saga that is ours alone with twists, turns, hopes, and dreams. Some people thrive on messages perceived through childhood; others splinter. But as different as each individual may seem, we all love, hurt, and bleed the same. The distinctiveness of our past develops who we become.

So can we change and, if so, is it possible to erase a lifetime of beliefs? Perspective is reality. When I shattered the broken reflection in the mirror of my past, I finally healed and followed my dreams. This is my story.

****

Casi's powerful memoir, Wingless Butterfly: Healing The Broken Child Within, shares an inspirational message of courage, tenacity, and hope, and displays her unique ability to excel in nonfiction as well. Jedwin Smith, recipient of fifty-nine major writing awards including two Pulitzer Prize nominations, twenty-nine years as a sports writer, columnist, feature writer, and war correspondent said this of Casi's memoir:

"A very compelling read. I continually found myself rereading passages, not for clarification, but to ensure that the author's words stayed seared into my mind. An example: ' . . . but dark shadows lurked in my soul and held it captive.' Wow, powerful stuff. Truly a wonderful writer."

Known for enchanting stories with magical description, McLean entices readers with fascinating hooks to hold them captive in storylines they can't put down. Her romance entwines strong, believable heroines with delicious hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires then fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies.

Ms. McLean weaves exceptional romantic mystery, with suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour. You'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear her time travel could happen, be mystified by her other worldly images, and feel heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.

Author Bio:

Award winning author, Casi McLean, pens novels to stir the soul with romance, suspense, and a sprinkle of magic. Her writing crosses genres from ethereal, captivating shorts with eerie twist endings to believable time slips, mystical plots and sensual romantic suspense.

Amazon Buy Link:

http://amzn.to/2bCkH5c

99 Cent Sale for Awaiting Fate: Will Cain find Olivia before it's too late or will their differences tear them apart?

Awaiting Fate

By J.L. Sheppard

On sale for $.99

Cain Thaler’s lived more than four hundred years fighting rogue immortals, avenging the family he’d lost. It’s all he’s needed, all he’s wanted. That changes the fateful day he lays eyes on his fated mate. Olivia Waden, a werewolf princess, is nothing like him. Unwilling to give her up, he sets a plan into motion: ignoring his need to claim her, he befriends her.

Despite Cain's best efforts at friendship, Olivia has fallen hard for him. It is him she dreams of, him she wants as her fated mate. But she is sure he doesn't feel the same way. In way over her head, she has no option but to run away from the only man she's ever loved.

Will Cain find Olivia before it's too late or will their differences tear them apart?

Excerpt 1

“What?” She managed the strength to mumble.

He drew closer, pressing his chest against hers. The heat of his body caressing hers, she grew warm with craving. Helplessly, her gaze drifted to his thick full lips. Her mind wandered. What she’d give for a kiss, a single mind-blowing kiss?

Cheeks flushing, her gaze darted toward his again. “Why are you…” Her body’s desires overwhelming her, she gasped for breath.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?”

He wasn’t just angry. He was livid, and he was livid with her because she’d left.

She didn’t know what to say, had no excuse, not one she could tell him anyway.

Shutting his eyes firmly, his anger intensified, coiling rapidly against her until she not only felt it but tasted it. Still, she wasn’t afraid. With each passing moment, all she felt was heat, his and hers, and how badly she wanted him.

“Answer me,” he demanded harshly. “Tell me why you left without telling me!”

His tone startling her, she jolted against him, her body rubbing his. A desire so powerful rippled through her and spiraled inside her, pooling liquid between her legs. It clouded her every thought and every action, so as she stared straight into his eyes, she couldn’t remember what he’d said.

Clenching his jaw, he ground his teeth in anger, so close to losing it. “Olivia, tell me!”

Excerpt 2

“What do you want most in the world?”

You, he thought but left the truth unsaid.

What could he say? He wanted to seek shelter in her arms and comfort in her touch. He wanted to come home to her face, her smile—her. He wanted her barefoot and pregnant with life they created growing inside her. He wanted her to love him so much she couldn’t fathom living and breathing without him. He was already there.

“I want a lot of things, too many,” he finally said.

A cop-out, so the moment he’d spoken the words, he regretted them. He needed her to trust him, but his situation made it difficult. He couldn’t tell her the truth, only a version of it without revealing too many details.

“I want my fated to love me,” he said it so simply.

He hoped she would respond. More than anything he wanted her to ask him if he’d found his. Because he knew if she did, he’d never be able to lie and, finally, she’d know. He waited for her to say something, but she never did, so he found himself gazing at the stars praying he could magically cure her sadness.

He didn’t get his wish, but he did sit with her for hours. He didn’t speak, only listened to the sounds of their breaths, wishing for more.

It was inevitable to want more, more of her, all of her, but for now, sitting in the dark, gazing at the stars was enough.

Buy Links:

AMAZON

BARNES &NOBLE

KOBO

ITUNES

THE WILD ROSEPRESS

Fate Forgotten, Fated Immortals II

Release date August 26

Valerie Matlock’s life revolves around her coven. Young and naïve, she knows little about the immortal war brewing until the night her coven is attacked. In the blink of an eye, the family she loves is gone. Devastated, she lays eyes on the angry demon warrior, Jacob Rhodes. A Guardian, he means her no harm, but she fears him as deeply as she craves him. She has to stay away. She just doesn’t know if she can.

The pain of Jacob’s losses have hardened him. He lives for revenge and uses anger like a shield, keeping everyone at arm’s length. He can’t risk losing more. Tragedy strikes, again, and he’s left caring for his four-year-old niece, Annie. The bright girl deserves better than him. But he can’t give her up, not ever. When he sets his eyes on his fated mate, the powerful witch, Valerie, his life gets twice as complicated. Will she accept him, a demon she fears and his adopted child?

Excerpt:

A beautiful stranger sleeping on his couch.

His heart pounded faster. His chest heaved. Rubbing his sweaty palms against his jeans, a growl escaped his lips. A sense of possessiveness overwhelmed him.

Taking a step closer, he pulled in a breath. Shivers ran through his body. Holding back a groan, his jaw clenched. 

Breathtaking.

Fascinating.

Marvelous.

And it was no longer a mystery. The haunting scent was hers.

And it wasn’t just her scent, it was her. Striking, everything about her drew him in. His body pulsed, desire to hold her, comfort her, protect her welled inside him. Powerful, confounding, and indescribable. Even now, staring at her he was drawn inexplicably. He couldn’t put it into words, but he couldn’t ignore it. He knew what it was and why he couldn’t control it.

She was his fated mate, the woman granted to him above all others, his other half. There was no question.

He couldn’t help what he did next. Ever so slowly, he drew closer. A mere few feet away, he held his hand over her face, craving with every fiber in his being to feel the softness of her skin against his.

Before he could, her eyes snapped open. Painful jolts shot through him. The pain so unbearable it brought him, a demon, to his knees. The current gone a moment later, but the pain hadn’t faded. Every joint, every muscle ached.

And still, all he could think: her eyes were the perfect shade—honey.

Buy Links:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

THE WILD ROSE PRESS

APPLE

KOBO

GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

J.L. Sheppard was born and raised in Miami, Florida where she still lives with her husband and son.

As a child, her greatest aspiration was to become a writer. She read often, kept a journal and wrote countless poems. She attended Florida International University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors in Communications. During her senior year, she interned at NBC Miami, WTVJ. Following the internship, she was hired and worked in the News Department for three years.

It wasn’t until 2011 that she set her heart and mind into writing her first completed novel, Demon King’s Desire, which was published in January of 2013.

Besides reading and writing, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Other Books by J.L. Sheppard:

Demon King’s Desire, Elemental Sisters I: January 2013

Burdened by Desire, Elemental Sisters II: January 2014

Heavenly Desire, Elemental Sisters III: September 2014

Running Wild, Hell Ryders I: June 2016

Contact:

www.JLSheppard.com
www.facebook.com/JLSheppardAuthor

https://twitter.com/JL_Sheppard

https://www.instagram.com/jl_sheppard/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6894176.J_L_Sheppard

http://pinterest.com/jlsheppard5/

https://www.tsu.co/JLSheppard

Follow Your Passion No Matter How Weird

Check out my newest fan.

The man behind the mask is Steve Vaughn, aka, the Dark Stilter. He was getting into his gear next to my table where I sold books at a comic con this past weekend.

As you can see, he doesn't use a ladder,but simply balances one leg at a time to put on the stilts. He has about 60 different silicone heads and an assortment of costumes that he changes several times a day.

Steve has a remarkable ability to scare and charm people at the same time. He'll goof on adults, but is very gentle with children.

Those who are leery at first are soon shaking his hand and posing for pictures. Out of costume he's not scary at all, but a perfectly nice guy. Steve practices his monster trade and is in great demand at conventions, haunted houses, festivals, and wherever else 8 foot tall freaks are in demand.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY

Find your passion, no matter how weird, and run with it. You may be able to make a living like Steve someday.

Today is Bad Poetry Day

A haiku in honor of Bad Poetry Day

Title: Dawn of the Evil Shoe

Aglets are angry

A tongue speaks but no one hears

The sole lost its soul

Tricube Poetry

I learned a new poetry technique called Tricube at my writers' group this weekend. Three stanzas, each with three lines, each with three syllables. Here's mine:

Big fat cat

Belly drags

On the ground.

Diet time.

No more snacks.

Just cat food.

Fear fills me.

Cat's glare hints

Revenge planned.

Book Review: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Jason Dessen is an ordinary college physics professor and happily married family man until one very bad day. He’s kidnapped and then rendered unconscious by a mysterious hooded attacker who seems to know the most intimate details of his life. Then Jason wakes up, surrounded by strangers who claim to know him, but his life has been mysteriously altered and his wife and son are gone.

Crouch has written an imaginative novel encompassing quantum physics and how it affects the choices a person makes in life. At times sweetly romantic for a science fiction story, Dark Matter explores how even minor decisions serve to eventually define the person we become. Jason is literally offered an infinite number of escape paths, but only a finite number of choices. One wrong decision can separate him from his family forever.   

The novel is written in Jason’s first person perspective. I don’t have a problem with first person, but the author uses a flat writing technique with short choppy paragraphs that are oddly jarring.

“I watch my blood pressure rise on the monitor.

I don’t want to set off the alarm again.

Closing my eyes, I breathe in.

Let it out.

Take another shot of oxygen.

My levels recede.”

The style permeates the book and doesn’t sound like a real person speaking or any kind of plausible internal dialog. People. Don’t. Think. That. Way.

While Jason is likable, the weakest parts in Dark Matter concern secondary characters. The villain in the alternate world attempts to keep Jason from returning to his ‘real’ life, but his motivation is irrational. Other than the fact that the story needs a protagonist, I didn’t see a logical reason for him to be so determined to separate Jason from his family. He’s rotten, but pointless.  So is the woman who plays an important role in Jason’s escape attempt. She disappears halfway through the story. You learn little about her, her character is barely developed.  Considering her pivotal role, nothing about her stands out. She’s more like a tool for Jason to use rather than a real person.

All told, Dark Matter is an interesting read that goes quickly, and explores questions about reality and choice not usual in science fiction.  I’ve read that Crouch is writing the screenplay and actually think a movie will minimize the flaws and improve on the book.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review.

Moon, Mist & Magic Facebook Party Winners Announced

Thanks to everyone who dropped by to the Moon, Mist & Magic Facebook party. My list of winners is below. A complete list of all the winners is on the MM&M Facebook party site.

Sarah Fisher: Amazon GC

Miranda Bly: ebook

Kim Brown: ebook

Patricia Way: ebook

Marie Helfrich Shovlin: ebook

You're Invited to a Facebook Party

What?

 Facebook Party to celebrate the launch of Moon, Mist & Magic!

Where?

Facebook Party Page

When?

Friday, August 12, 6-8:45 pm EDT

All are invited to celebrate the launch of our new paranormal anthology, Moon, Mist & Magic with a Facebook party. Come meet the five authors and learn about the World Wildlife Fund. (We're donating all royalties.) We have giveaways galore, and every visitor who leaves a comment will be automatically registered to win the Kindle Fire grand prize. 


Here's the party schedule. Hope to 'see' you there.

(Friday, August 12: ALL TIMES EASTERN)

6:00 ~ Kickoff & Welcome
6:15 ~ Abigail Owen
6:45 ~ J.C. McKenzie
7:15 ~ L.A. Kelley
7:45 ~ Sharon Saracino
8:15 ~ Maureen L. Bonatch
8:45 ~ Thanks & Farewell

Get ready to be enchanted by mythical beasts, magical creatures, and moonlit night. Enjoy your favorite author, or discover someone new, in these five fantastic tales of paranormal romance woven with moon, mist, and magic...

What is an Author Service?

Abigail Owen, co-owner of Authors on a Dime, talks about the benefits of using an author service.

What is an author service?

An author is really the owner of a small business with an employee of one. A lot drudge work is involved in producing and marketing a book, but an author service can eliminate some of that so a client has more time to write. A variety of functions are available such as brainstorming, editing, self-publishing assistance, development of social media platforms, and publication graphics. A good service can also be tailored to any level of writing from novice to published author.

What should a writer look for when deciding on an author service?

You want to find the best service for you, so it’s important to set a budget and priorities. Authors on a Dime is an all-purpose agency, with a broad spectrum of services in areas such as proofreading, webdesign, graphics, and social media, but other companies may have a narrow platform. To choose a cover designer, for example, examine the artist’s portfolio (examples of that designer's work). Choosing an editing service is more difficult. How can you determine the quality of work? A good method is to see if they offer a free sample. We edit for free the first chapter (or 10 pages, whichever is longer) giving an author a good feel for the level of expertise.

Last but not least, compare prices. Does the agency have an all-in-one package or can you pick and choose what works for you? Our services have a tiered level, giving authors a variety of options.

So it’s not just editing?

No, an author service can encompass many different aspects of publication.  For example:

Beta Reading - Instead of editing, this is reading for content with focus on plot, conflict, character development, etc. Sentence structure and grammar are addressed in so far as they affect the story’s flow.

Copy Editing / Proofreading - The editor tightens up the mechanics, with attention paid to wrong words, misused punctuation, and grammar to eliminate errors and make the manuscript shine.

Blurb - A blurb is the description on the book jacket or Amazon page used to attract a reader’s attention. Many writers find them difficult, and a second set of eyes is often helpful.

Synopsis - Torture to many authors, the synopsis is a short (1-3 pages) description of all the major plot points and characters in the book. Most editors and agents require them with manuscript submissions. Marketing departments often use them to determine book cover designs.

Graphics - It’s not just book covers, but banners or social media posts to incorporate cover elements and build an author platform.

Brainstorming or Consulting - Sometimes you just need to ping an idea off someone.

Developing a Social Media Presence - A lot of sites are out there. Which ones will work the best for you? An author service can present options.

Self-Publishing - Agencies like ours can walk a client through the process, including editing, book cover, blurb, formatting for ebook and/or print, and even publish the book via Amazon, Smashwords, and/or Create Space.

How should an author select an agency?

Ask around for references. Check out services online. Visit our website at Authors on a Dime and compare our services to others. Try our10 page free editing sample. Can’t even get started on that novel? We also offer a free online workshop for NaNoWriMo participants. We naturally hope authors will choose us for publication needs, but the most important point is to find a comfortable fit with an agency who matches your style, needs, and budget.

Abigail Owen is the co-owner of Authors on a Dime, a boutique author services agency. Employees’ credentials include MBAs, Masters in English, and 20+ years in web design, project management, business analysis, and editing.

                                                                                                                                     

The First Two Books in the the Rimrider Adventure Series are Here

The first two novels in the the Rimrider Adventures Series are here. Both are enrolled in Kindle Select, so if you're an Amazon Prime member the ebooks are free. Print versions will come soon. 

Rimrider (Book 1)
99 Cents

Teenager Jane Benedict is awakened by her father and ordered to memorize a mysterious code. Hours later, Mathias Benedict is dead and Jane and her brother, Will, are wards of United Earth Corporation. To evade the company's murderous clutches and uncover the meaning of her father’s last message, Jane leads Will on a desperate escape across the galaxy aboard the Freetrader smuggler ship, Solar Vortex. Tangled in the crew’s fight against UEC, Jane saves the life of young smuggler Maclan Sawyer and learns her father’s code identifies a secret cargo shipment that can spell destruction for the entire Freetrader cause and the extinction of an alien race.

Piracy, intrigue, romance, and a daring rebellion from Earth wait on the planet Rimrock. Will Jane answer the call to adventure and find new purpose on the galactic rim or will death for high treason be her fate?

Outlaw Jane (Book 2)

$3.99

New friendships are forged. Old enemies emerge and Jane Benedict’s life takes a surprising turn.

With barely time to celebrate the victory at Golgotha, the Freetrader Council tasks Jane to find the leewits and forge an alliance to destroy the company’s hold over Rimrock. With Gem at her side, Jane journeys to their secret enclave only to discover hidden dangers and a less-than-warm homecoming for Gem. Forging an alliance will be trickier than expected.

With the leewit alliance temporarily on hold, duty summons Jane and Gem back to the Solar Vortex. Jaden Solis has stepped up harassment of the colonists, forcing the Freetrader fleet to stay on the run from UEC cruisers. To combat the growing threat Mac, now a captain with the rangers, accepts a risky assignment near Golgotha. Meanwhile, restless Jane searches for a new challenge and is offered an unexpected apprenticeship. 

Battling both perils in deep space and a horrific plot to crush the colonial rebellion on Rimrock, Jane and her friends dive into new adventures on the galactic rim. 

A little background about the series. 

The Rimrider Adventures series are science fiction novels about a girl from Earth who joins a planetary rebellion on the galactic rim. While set in the future, the story’s roots are firmly in the past, influenced by my first relative to come to America. She left home in 1900 at the age of fifteen with no knowledge of American language, customs, or culture. She carried nothing more than a few beat-up suitcases held together with twine and a burning desire for a better life. It struck me that travel across the ocean in 1900 had similarities to interplanetary travel. For most immigrants, the trip was one-way. Return visits to the old country were too expensive and political unrest often made them impossible. If space travel ever becomes feasible, the people who have the courage to face the hardships of colonizing a new planet will be made of tougher stuff than those too settled in their comfortable armchairs to shoot for the stars.

My heroine, Jane Benedict, has that adventurous spirit. She is suddenly orphaned and threatened with separation from her younger brother, but chooses instead to lead him on a desperate escape from Earth. Little does Jane know, the planets on the galactic rim are the hotbed of a budding rebellion. Rimrider is a loose parallel to the American Revolution, but with space colonists as the Yankees and Earth as the redcoats. Expect humor, sweet romance, space battles and conflict, but no gore. If I kill off a character it’s to advance the story and not add cheap melodrama.I prefer to write smart female characters more comfortable with thinking rather than shooting their way out of a tricky situation.