Thursday, January 31, 2013

COVER REVEAL!!! The new cover for Willow Cross' Oceans of Red Series!!!!

I'm proud to be part of the cover reveal for one of my favorite authors, Willow Cross! She has had new covers for the Oceans of Red series done, and they are amazing! Check it out!
Don't forget to grab YOUR copy from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and where ever fine eBooks are sold <3



Blog tour stop 1/31/13 for Willow Ghost Diaries

I'm proud to present my stop of the Ghost Diaries Blog Tour by my friend, Willow Cross
Blurb
While rifling through her deceased father’s belongings, a young woman named Taija Ford discovered a maze of files filled with journal entries and old letters that mention various claims of hauntings and alleged demonic possession. The oldest dating back to 1881.
This particular file asserts a girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins was attacked by an unseen entity. In an attempt to piece together her father’s previously secret life, Taija opened her own investigation into these Ghost Diaries. This is Case #1-Sarah Beth Hawkins.

Ghost Diaries is a series of episodic short stories.





Mel's Review
Ghost Diaries:
Case #1 Sara Beth Hawkins
4 Penguins
This was an intriguing start to what promises to be an excellent short story series. Willow Cross is a pro at telling a wicked good ghost story and this in no exception. I really found myself feeling for the characters and even though the story wasn't very long it definitely left you wanting more. I am excited to read the next bit of story because I can't wait to see what happens next and how it all ties together in the end. If you are looking to read something that goes bump in the night Ghost Diaries is definitely recommended.
The second book in this series is also available on this purchase links listed below!
Stalker Links
Blog
Website
Facebook Purchase Links
Amazon
Barnes and Nobles
Smashwords
As always, until next time...

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

My Review of Ghost Diaries Case #1 by Willow Cross


Blurb
While rifling through her deceased father’s belongings, a young woman named Taija Ford discovered a maze of files filled with journal entries and old letters that mention various claims of hauntings and alleged demonic possession. The oldest dating back to 1881.
This particular file asserts a girl named Sarah Beth Hawkins was attacked by an unseen entity. In an attempt to piece together her father’s previously secret life, Taija opened her own investigation into these Ghost Diaries. This is Case #1-Sarah Beth Hawkins.

Ghost Diaries is a series of episodic short stories.

My Review
5 cups of expresso
I'm not sure what to say... I'm once again floored at the caliber of writing this Author offers to the Literary community at large. Willow Cross has the ability to weave magic into her words, providing the reader with a real glimpse into her characters worlds. So much so, that you feel like you are there... experiencing it yourself. Ghost Diaries kept me up at night, yet made me long for the next installment! Kudos to Willow Cross and her new hit series,  Ghost Diaries!
Stalker Links
Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Purchase Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Self-Publishing 101 Episode #4 Beta Readers

Welcome to Self-Publishing 101
Today we are discussing the importance of beta readers. Mainly, how to choose your beta readers, why you need beta readers, and when to use beta readers.

And, away we go!
Make sure to tune in next week for our lesson
on print book formatting. 
Jennifer Malone Wright
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon
K.B. Miller
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon
As always, until next time...


Monday, January 28, 2013

1/29/13 Virtual Blog Tour Stop for The Gryphon Series by Stacey Rourke

I'm proud to host of my friends today on the Virtual Blog Tour of her fantastic series,
The Gryphon Series
Please Welcome, Stacey Rourke

Where does inspiration lie? As fantasy authors our usual answers are music, dreams, or simply our imagination. But in the real world where can we hear a whisper from our muse that we may have missed out on otherwise? The answer is a mystical place where the lines of reality and fantasy are blurred and beings you never knew existed roam freely…the airport.

I know that probably seems like an odd proclamation, but bear with me here. Due to missed flights and excessively long layovers I have spent many an hour at airports and the people I’ve seen there…well I couldn’t make them up if I tried. Some of these people are so odd that they are begging for a colorful backstory. Don’t believe me? Well, let me give you some examples of actual people I have encountered at airports. Keep in mind I am making none of this up.

1) The Bathroom Serenader. At an airport in Georgia I walked into a restroom only to be immediately assaulted by the cheerful sing-song melody of, “Come on in! Welcome! Welcome!” A woman had set up a table with a tip jar and was singing to people as they … did their business. I’m not kidding. It was insanely off-putting and I suffered from performance anxiety because of it. But I had to wonder; what got her to this point? What happened in her life that made her think, “You know when people are really alone and need the uplifting of a song? When they’re on the toilet. Yes. This is my calling. I am—the Bathroom Serenader.” And look at that, we just created a superhero … and a very disturbing one at that.

2) The Traveling Old Couple. We’ve all seen them, and we love them so much we kind of want to hop on whatever plane they are taking just to bask in their adventures a little longer. You know that old couple that no longer has any modesty, personal boundaries, or adequate hearing to know that they are yelling absolutely everything they say. My favorite experience with this couple is when the Gramps walked out of a mens room and the Grandma screamed across the terminal, “Is your fly down? I can’t see from here!” And of course, right there in front of everyone Gramps checked. Awesome. Follow this same couple through the line at the airport Subway and you will get to listen to her informing him of what he does and doesn’t like on his sandwich and what an utter failure he is at ordering for himself. Want to be inspired by some comic fodder? Find this couple and just follow them around for a couple hours.

3. Airport Skanks. They are always there, and I never understand them. The girls that roam the airports in miniscule skirts, stiletto heels and tops they will pop right out of if they hit even the slightest turbulence. Me? I fly in comfort; hellloooo sweatpants and flip-flops! But these girls? I think they are hoping that Mr. Right will happen to be one of the business men scurrying from one gate to another in hopes of making his meeting in time. A whole story could be written about these airport vultures, just don’t forget to add the scene where they have to take off their shoes and accessories at airport security and for a brief moment we all see them for the hot mess they really are. For the strength of the airport skanks lies in their thigh high boots, without them they are—gasp—one of us!

Now I will not take full credit for finding inspiration at airports. I’m fairly certain other authors have cashed in on these treasure chest of material before as well. Take the current literary sensation Warm Bodies for example. Zombies in an airport? I have a sneaking suspicion that was based on the people that get on the moving sidewalk and stop walking. They spend their days riding these fun impromptu rides from place to place, paying no mind but giving the occasional grunt to the annoyed people behind them that are whacking them with their luggage in hopes of spurring them on to move!!!  I have been behind these people and zombieism is the only excuse for their complete lack of brain activity.
So there you have it my friends, need ideas and inspiration for your next literary masterpiece? Forget music, or mood setting. The freaks may come out at night, but you can find them any time at the airport and they are always good for a story. 


Stacey Rourke
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012.
Stacey Rourke is the author of the Gryphon Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects.

Contact Stacey
Facebook
Twitter
Website




Blurb
All 18-year-old Celeste Garrett wants is to head off to college and make those fun, yet ill-advised, choices college kids are known for.  And maybe to spend some time with the hot cameraman she just met.  Instead, because of a pact her ancestors made in the 17th century with a mythical creature, she has to save the world.

While normal kids are slamming energy drinks and cramming for exams, Celeste will get her adrenaline rush fighting a fire breathing dragon.  She wants to meet friends in the quad to exchange lecture notes, but first she must exchange blows with a shapeshifting demon on the rooftop.  Life isn’t always fair for a superhero, but at least she doesn’t have to do it alone.  With her brother and sister as sidekicks, they alternate between saving lives and getting on each others’ nerves.  Together the trio encounters unspeakable odds, mystical forces and comes face-to-face with an image that will haunt them forever—their grandmother in a leopard print bikini.


"Okay, little side note here. If a psychopathic killer asks if you want to see a trick, say no. That’s the smart thing to do. I, on the other hand, responded, 'Bring it'."
-excerpt from THE CONDUIT

Blurb
Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms  with being  the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky,  between intense training  sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know  at what cost it would come. That is,  until a dear friend is harmed by the  malicious forces hunting her. 

Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.

Blurb
Celeste isn't the only member of the Garrett family whose life changed when destiny called. Every sidekick has their tale and in this Gryphon Series short the spotlight is turned on Kendall, Grams and even Gabe. Get an inside look at the hilarious stress that goes along with being a...sidekick.

Sidekicks...ya can't live with 'em and you'd probably die horribly without 'em.

Coming Soon
Blurb
Celeste Garrett has finally found a happy balance in her life as the Chosen One, thanks in large part to a certain hunky Irishman. But if there’s any lesson she should heed since receiving her calling it’s that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Soon a terrible new threat, unlike anything she’s ever encountered, causes her to make a gut-wrenching choice that will strip her of someone she holds dear.  


As much as she’d like to have a pity party for one, there’s no time for that now because wedding bells are ringing in Gainesboro! In between dress fittings and rehearsal dinners Celeste will have to fend off attacking demons and leering pirates. As if the Dark Army wasn’t scary enough our heroine is faced with the horrifying trauma of attending a bachelorette party with her mom and watching Grams do Jello shots. Is a walk down the aisle even possible for a member of the Garrett family when the Dark Army is out to destroy them? More importantly, will the Dark Army Glee Club sing at the reception?   

Raise your glass to the happy couple, and get ready for a wedding…Conduit-style.





Purchase Links

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Self-Publishing 101 Episode #3 eBook Formatting

Welcome to the third episode of Self-Publishing 101. Today, I'm going to give you a lesson on eBook formatting. Below this video, there are links to style guides, images of a fake document showing some of the tricks that I speak about in the video, and a few links for eBook formatters.


The yellow arrow shows the button at the top of your word document that should be using to center your title, chapter headings, and anything else.
The highlighted areas show you the items that I spoke about in the video, on how to set up your document for Smashwords.
The area to the top left of the page shows you where to find the button for page breaks needed for Amazon Formatting.
This image depicts the location of the section breaks button that is necessary for the Barnes and Noble Pub It formatting.


NEVER USE TABS!!!!
Always use the centering tool at the top of the page!!!!
Font Sizes
Title font size -18 point
Author's name font size - 16 point
Chapter Header font size - 14 point
The rest of your book - 12 point
Links for style guides
Barnes and Noble Formatting Guide
Amazon Formatting Guide
Smashwords Style Guide
Links of eBook Formatters for hire
Creative Services by Chris Moyer
e-Solutions Consulting
Ebook Launch
Your Hosts
Jennifer Malone Wright
Website
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads
K.B. Miller
Website
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads
Be sure to tune in next week on Jennifer Malone Wright's blog for her lesson on Beta Readers!
And, as always, until next time... Twitchy Witchy Kisses, K.B., xoxo

Monday, January 21, 2013

Mel's Review of My Boyfriend Merlin by Priya Ardis

Blurb
He was a little older than he was letting on. By a few eons...

In this modern Arthurian, 17 year-old Boston high schooler Arriane, aka Ryan, DuLac just found out the guy she's been crushing on, hot biker Matt, is a little older than he was letting on. In fact, he is really Merlin—the Merlin, King Arthur's Merlin, the greatest wizard who ever lived. Frozen in a cave for over fifteen hundred years, he's woken for a purpose. But Ryan's not impressed. Tired of being a relationship loser, she'd rather kick his legendary behind.

Sure, the world has been crazy ever since the sword and the stone fell out of the sky like a meteor. But despite gruesome gargoyles, a deadly new world of magic, and the guy driving her crazy, Ryan knows that family is everything. Will Merlin sacrifice hers to save the world? Will she be able to stop him?



Mel's Review
4 Penguins
Overall I really enjoyed this book. The beginning of the book felt a little rushed and I would have liked more time to understand the characters before all hell broke lose but within a few chapters everything fell into place and I was hooked through the end. This book was a refreshing change from the usual vampire and werewolf stories that seem to be everywhere now a days. It is a truly fun and unique twist on an old classic tale and I can't wait to see where it takes us next or what other legendary characters this series brings out to play. In my opinion definitely recommended.

Stalker Links
Purchase Links

My Review of Twisted by Jenny Phillips

Blurb
Gianna’s life has not been easy. She’s merely counted down the days until she can leave Fort Miami, with all the stares and whispers behind. However, when her childhood friend Hunter returns, it forces her to face memories she’s tried to forget. But what memories are real and which ones are that of an eight year old’s imagination?

Hunter doesn’t remember anything from that horrific night. Can Gianna trust someone who seems to have forgotten her once before? Can she put the pieces of that night together before it’s too late and she loses everyone she loves, even if that means believing in something that she’s only faced in her nightmares?

Twisted is the first installment in A Twisted Fairy Tale Novella Series.

My Review

5 cups of expresso
This was one of those little gems that kept my attention from beginning to end. It's a short story series, and I really appreciate the fact that more authors are putting these out. Being a writer myself, sometimes I only have time for a quick read and this fit the bill. 
I completely fell in love with the Hansel and Gretel twist on this story. Gianna and Hunter jump from the page and come to life in your mind. One of my pet peeves is a one dimensional or flat character. Jenny Phillips has breathed life into fresh characters and an amazing twist on an old tale.


Stalker Links
Purchase Links

Make sure you pick up the sequel, Distorted. I have it on my kindle and hope to get to it soon <3 
Until next time, Twitchy Witchy Kisses. ~K.B., xoxo


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Self-Publishing 101 Episode #2 -Internet Etiquette


Welcome to Self-Publishing 101 with your hosts K.B. Miller and Jennifer Malone Wright Vlog #2 Internet Etiquette
Today we are going to discuss how social networking and marketing are a must in the self-publishing world. We are also discussing the things you should do, or not do, that could make or break your public image.
In the following year, we are going to give you the tips and tricks that we’ve learned about beta readers, editors, covers, internet etiquette, copyright, marketing, and many, many more topics!

Jennifer Malone Wright

K.B. Miller




***Don't forget to tune in next week for K.B. Miller's Lesson on 


Ebook formatting!

Monday, January 14, 2013

My year in review as a Published Author 2012

Well... here we are, 2012 has bid us a fond adieu as 2013 and all of its infinite possibilities has opened its door to us. Before I tell you what I think the future holds for me, let's take a quick stroll through what happened in 2012.

At the beginning of 2012, I published the first full-length novel in The Moon Coven Series, Compulsion. I couldn't believe that I had accomplished my first goal of the new year. But, I had and to an overwhelming response from the fans. I will be eternally grateful to them. They begged for more of The Moon Coven, and especially Granny's character. I never intended to write the novellas, but it seemed like a great way to give the fans more of certain side characters without detracting attention from the main story line. So, I set off to write Haunted Moon.



Compulsion


Haunted Moon


That proved challenging for me, you see I'm kind of a "long-winded" chick! Have you seen my vlogs? LOL
But, I did it. I was so proud of myself in March when I published my second book, albeit a novella, Haunted Moon. Within days of its release the reviews began pouring in, and they're still coming. 65+ 5 star reviews on Amazon... sent it straight to the Bestsellers list. 
Crying like a baby is an apt description of what I did for at least two (2) weeks. And, again the fans begged for more. So, I began writing Harvest Moon while working on the second full-length novel, Conversion.

In the middle of this journey, I had my first real photo shoot. The picture below is my favorite of all the shots taken that day.

AND, if the year hadn't been a complete success already, in March, I also had my first book signing!


Things were amazing, still are as a matter of fact :) I met some of the most Ah-mazing authors, editors, bloggers, and reviewers in the world... literally! Through the course of the year, I've become best friends with quite a few of them. It was finally time to release my next book, Harvest Moon.

Harvest Moon
It's the second novella, or side story from The Moon Coven Series. I'm so proud of the growth in my writing abilities. Okay, so this wouldn't be a year in review if I didn't talk about my favs of the year, right? That's what I thought! LOL Here we go...



Favorite Movies of 2012
The Cabin in the Woods
Breaking Dawn Part 2
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter
Pitch Perfect
The Avengers

Favorite Songs of 2012
Luke Bryan ~ Country Girl 
Mumford & Sons ~ I will wait 
Taylor Swift ~ We are never getting back together 
FloRida ~ Whistle 

Favorite Books read in 2012
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter 
The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Phoenix Rising by Lisa C. Morgan
Unbound by Cat Miller 
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill 
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter 



A couple of weeks ago, I posed a question on my fanpage;
I'm working on my blogpost "My Year in Review as a Published Author" I'm not sure whether this will be a long or short post ;) Is there anything that you guys want me to answer in the post? If so, send me a pm... we want the questions and answers to be a surprise ♥ ~KB
Here are the questions I received along with their answers!
Okay KB, here's one for a Sunday afternoon while watching the Ravens. Of all of your characters who most resembles you?
I think that each character has a little of me in them. Some have my fears while others have my courage, or snarky personality ;)

What was your best return on investment for marketing, expenses, etc?
I'll have to let you know that one later :)

What was the biggest surprise?
The biggest surprise had to be a tie between Haunted Moon sitting on Amazon's Bestseller list from March till November and the response that it received from the fans <3

What was your biggest regret?
This one is actually pretty easy... not believing in myself earlier. I plunged into the literary world only a couple of years ago. Imagine what I could have done if I had started sooner :)

What was your happiest moment?
Holding my book in my hands for the very first time.

How did you grow your readership?
I'm not really sure how that happened actually... I went to bed one night and no one knew who I was and then the next morning, people knew me.

What does a day in your life look life?
LOL, My life is crazy. I usually wake up with my husband at around 5am. After 2 full pots of coffee I can finally think clearly, and I write, edit, work on graphics, or blurbs until 4pm. (That's when my monkey gets home from school) I cook, clean, and all the normal busy work around the house. At 9pm my son goes to bed, and I jump on the laptop to work on more book related stuff for a while and try to read all at the same time. Then I shut the computer off around 11pm and talk to my hubby and try to sleep. He usually doses off and I'm wide awake, so I get back on the computer and work until my eyes close.

What's your biggest writing struggle?
I think that it varies depending on what I'm supposed to be writing at the time.

And to put the cherries on top of my already beautiful Ice Cream Sunday of a year, 2012 Compulsion, the first book I have ever written was put on the "Best of 2012 Young Adult Books" List on Sabrina's Paranormal Palace!!! And, I was invited back to speak on a panel at UtopYA-- A convention for all female authors!!! Can we say.... SQUEEE!!!!!!!! 

2012 you've been amazing to me, my family, my friends, and my career, but... HELL-O and welcome 2013!!


Don't forget to join me on my new website
www.kbmillerbooks.com


Saturday, January 12, 2013

Mel's Review of Obsessive by Atoya Morris

Blurb
Trevor Collins is quite content with his life as a reclusive vampire. He comes and goes as he pleases, takes blood and finds comfort in the arms of any female he chooses. But that all changes the night a small woman enters his life, near death due to a savage car accident. Set on saving her life and sending her on her way as soon as possible, he ignores the way his mind and body reacts to her. That is, before he inadvertently places her in even more danger. Now he will do anything—including sacrificing his own life—to protect her. Lindsay Peterson, a survivor of many hardships, finds herself saved from one terrible fate only to be thrust within the dangerous jaws of another. She is not looking for love, just survival, but when she unwittingly finds herself the target of a murderous vampire queen—one determined to see Lindsay on the receiving end of her massive fangs—it is a task seemingly more difficult than any she’s faced before. Even with Trevor by her side, will they be able to survive what the vampire queen has in store for them?


Mel's Review

2 Penguins
It was ok. The book was so short it almost shouldn't have been a paperback and there really wasn't enough detail to the characters or their back story to really get pulled in. I loved the idea of the three big characters but as two of them were very old vampires (one a vampire queen thousands of years old) I really would have liked to know more about them and what lead them to the point they were at in the story. It wasn't bad it just felt unfinished but definitely has potential to be really good with a little more detail.


Stalker Links
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Purchase Links
Amazon
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Mel's Review of Erotic Deception by Karen Cote'

Blurb
Her brother was dead. He’d practically raised her and stood by her during a miscarriage that left her barren. He’d been the sole person she’d had left in this world. How had Dr. Lily Delaney with a PhD in Psychology missed the psychotic signs of Anthony Capriccio, the Kansas City District Attorney and her ex-fiancé? Now at twenty-nine she was on the run to hide from the impending threats to her own life. But on the road to a safe secluded lake community, Lily crashes into the path of a new dangerous element, literally. One with deep blue eyes who totes a badge and carries a gun. And would their budding relationship be threatened when Lily finds out her own doctor had lied and discovers she really can have children? How would the sheriff take knowing she’d gotten pregnant when she’d already heartily assured him she wasn’t?

After his experience as a detective in Kansas City, Missouri, Jet Walker enjoyed his life as sheriff of the quiet lake community, Windom Hills. However, when Lily Delaney literally crashes into his car and life, his world disrupts into chaos. Couldn’t the woman do anything normal? Between fighting to protect her and fighting against his growing attraction for her, the previous peace Jet had found was now falling apart. And how could he possibly trust another woman after the trick his ex-wife played in trying to pass off another man’s child as his?


Mel's Review

4 Penguins
I liked this book it got right into the story which definitely had a twist at the end I didn't see coming. Although, contrary to the title it was not overly stuffed with sex and the scenes that had intimate moments were well done, also the Sheriff was the stuff girls daydream about so I have no complaints there. :) My only complaint would be that the story was too short. The characters and plot were so good I really felt like there could have been much more detail in the story, but if you are looking for a good short story with a little heat this is worth a read.

Stalker Links
Facebook
Website

Purchase Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble