Book Tour--RANGE: I AM NOT JUNCO

Goddess Fish Book Tour

RANGE: I AM NOT JUNCO (Book 4) by J.A. Huss
A new adult/dark fantasy

BLURB
Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain. Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot.

Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences. Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control.

There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to.

Junco is tired fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.

EXCERPT
Selia comes out of the bathroom, her eyes darked up, her lips glowing and pink, and her golden hair flowing down her back in large bouncy ringlets.

She’s beautiful.

And I’m jealous of how easy she fits into her own skin, at how she can make small talk with strangers - even the guards in the elevator and downstairs in the lobby. And most of all, at how her face always seems to be smiling.

No wonder Ashur fell in love with her while I was away being morphed. She looks happy.

I have a permanent frown, I’m afraid to talk to anyone except Gid and Sel, and I feel like my brain has been forced inside a body I’ve never met before. Even when I came out of the tank with wings back on Amelia I never felt this awkward about myself. My replaced fingers and missing scars just make it worse. When a nightdog eats two of your fingers and a psycho slices a SEAR knife down your jawline, you’re supposed to have to live with the consequences of those things forever.

And when you cut yourself in half to save the man you love, there should be evidence of that.

But my scars have all been erased. Every bite from the mutants in the Stag, every prairie lion claw mark, every battle wound I’ve ever had inflicted on me is gone. Even the one I inflicted on myself.

Just gone.

On the outside anyway.

ABOUT J.A.

J.A. Huss writes new adult speculative fiction, contemporary romances, and an entire line of science non-fiction textbooks that cater to home learners. She also runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads book Blogs. She has an undergraduate degree in equine science and a graduate degree in forensic toxicology. She adores everything science and considers herself a major geek! Her first series is called I Am Just Junco.

Check out J.A.’s website, her author blog, and her book blog.

Like J.A.’s Facebook page. Follow her on Twitter, and connect with her on goodreads.

Other books in the series
-Book 1: CLUTCH
-goodreads
-trailer

Book 2: FLEDGE
-goodreads
-trailer

Book 3: FLIGHT
-goodreads
-trailer

---
Hey readers,

Junco has certainly been through a lot. Best kind of protagonist.

Follow the rest of this tour here.

And don’t forget to comment for a shot at a pretty cool prize.

J.A. will be awarding a $25 gift card to Amazon or PayPal cash, winner's choice, plus a custom angel necklace, plus swag (Book marks, stickers, postcards) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. (USA ONLY)

I am an Excited Writer

Good Monday,

To those who celebrate Easter, I hope you had a wonderful holiday.

To those who don’t, I hope you ate lots of chocolate bunnies anyway. 

---
I had a very exciting idea a couple of days ago. If I write my A** off this month, have no life, and decide not to sleep, I could possibly finish the rough draft of my thesis this semester. That is particularly exciting because next semester I will be a 4. (We number are semesters. It’s like Hogwarts.) As a 4, we take Teaching Popular Fiction. The general consensus is that this is the toughest, if most useful, class in the program. One person described it as “real adult academic work.” Feel free to hold this moment in time. I may never say the following sentence again.

I think that B.A. in psychology might actually come in handy.

I don’t say this because I believe the Teaching Popular Fiction course will involve psychology. In fact, I believe it will involve nothing of the sort. I say this because “real adult academic work” is no stranger to me, where it might have been had I done my undergrad in creative writing. All in all, I’m feeling considerably less frightened of the teaching course. I’m not so confident, however, that I will push off my thesis.

Which brings me to the point of this post. If I go missing a bit this month—two posts a week instead of three—do not fear. It’s just the thesis. Because, believe me, I will be very excited if I can finish my rough draft next month.

In other exciting news, Scooby Doo is a television middle grade off-and-on paranormal mystery series. I write what could be considered paranormal mystery. It is always an exciting day when one realizes they could someday write the next Scooby Doo type thing.

Carry on.

Author Interview--Susan Whitfield

Good Friday,

Welcome to my first interview in a couple of months. Today, I have Susan Whitfield in the hot seat. Please give her a warm welcome.

About Susan
Award-winning multi-genre author Susan Whitfield lives in Dudley, North Carolina where she sets her novels. She is the author of four published mysteries, Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp and Sin Creek. She also authored Killer Recipes, a unique cookbook that includes recipes from mystery writers around the country. Brand new Slightly Cracked is her first women’s fiction, set in Wayne County where she lives with her husband. Susan’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Carolina Conspiracy, Coastal Carolina Mystery Writers, North Carolina Writers Network, and National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Her books are available in print and ebook formats. Learn more at her website. Susan is currently writing her fifth mystery and researching a medieval ancestor for an historical mystery.

-What book and/or experience made you want to be a writer?

I’ve been reading since I was 4-years-old and couldn’t wait for the Bookmobile to come each month so that I could get the maximum number of books allowed. The writing bug struck some time in high school, but I never got serious about it until I raised two sons and completed three college degrees. After a busy career as a teacher and then a principal, I finally put pen to paper in 2004.

-What genre(s) do you write?

I’ve been known as a mystery writer since 2003 but last year I decided to write a women’s fiction, Slightly Cracked, about two aging lifelong friends and some hilarious antics they get themselves into. I also authored a unique cookbook, Killer Recipes.

-Works in progress?

I’m currently writing Sticking Point, the fifth Logan Hunter Mystery, set in Beaufort, NC. I’m also researching an ancestor with intentions of writing an historical mystery.

-What’s your favorite book/genre to read?

While mystery (both graphic and cozy) is at the top of my list, I also enjoy a romance once in a while.

-What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?

I’d have to say that all my babies are special but I really enjoyed writing the women’s fiction partly because it was a nice change of pace from the graphic mysteries I usually write.

Thanks for the interview, Mary!

---
You’re very welcome, Susan!
---

Want more from Susan?

Visit her website and check out her blog. She is also on Facebook and on Twitter @Swhitfield.

Book Tour--SOUL SUCKER

Goddess Fish Book Tour

SOUL SUCKER by Kate Pearce
A paranormal romance

BLURB
Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement empath Ella Walsh sucks memories from people's heads. The job fills her mind with others' nightmares and leaves her with little time for love, but if she doesn't pair off with a mate of the government's choosing soon, the psychic blowback will destroy her powers and her sanity.

The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. He worries about taking on another partner, but helping Ella track down an empath killer might be his only chance to save his career.

Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.

They resist at first, but they can't deny the simmering heat between them. As the killer's strikes grow closer to home, their bond gets tighter. And when the murderer finally traps Ella, her developing link with Vadim might be the only thing that can save her.

EXCERPT
Ella stopped walking and faced him. “Look, are you programmed to disagree with everything I say, or are you just totally obnoxious?”

“Probably a little of both.”

“Then get over it. I’m already tired of having to argue with you all day.”

“You could try agreeing with me for a change.”

She started walking again. “Right. Like that’s going to happen. We’re obviously not meant to be best buddies, okay? So let’s do what Feehan said and try to get along at least on a professional level.”

“You prefer to keep things professional?”

“Of course.”

“You don’t date your colleagues?”

“Why, are you trying to summon up the courage to ask me out?”

He laughed, displaying a dimple near his chin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners and he looked so damn sexy Ella almost wanted to smile back.

“For the record, Morosov, I don’t date.”

“Why not?”

“Because...” She glared at him. “I don’t owe you an explanation, do I?”

“Not yet.”

“Wow, you really are over-confident.”

“Not at all. As your colleague, I’m just concerned about your well-being.”

“I have men, I don’t date them.”

He nodded. “So you’re afraid of commitment.”

“My life will probably end at twenty-seven.” She looked up at him. “Would you subject someone you loved to that?”

Ella regretted the words the moment she said them. She didn’t want him feeling sorry for her.

He let out his breath. “Probably not.” He reached out and took her hand. “I apologize.”

She flinched as his magic shot through her. “I knew you weren’t quite human.”

He shrugged and released her hand. “I’m many things.”

ABOUT KATE

Award winning author, Kate Pearce was born into a large family of girls in England, and spent much of her childhood living very happily in a dream world. Despite being told that she really needed to 'get with the program', she graduated from the University College of Wales with an honors degree in history.

A move to the USA finally allowed her to fulfill her dreams and sit down and write her first romance novel. Kate is published by Signet Eclipse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Ellora's Cave, Carina Press, Cleis Press and Virgin Black Lace/Cheek.

Kate can be found at her website, on Facebook, and on Twitter @Kate4queen.

SOUL SUCKER can be purchased online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

---
Hey readers,

Just my personal preference, but I’d take the shapeshifting over the memory sucking any day. 

Want more from SOUL SUCKER? Follow the tour.

And don’t forget to comment for a chance at one of two prizes.

Kate will be awarding a $25 Amazon or BN GC, winner's choice, to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

Book Tour--THE ANGRY WOMAN SUITE

Goddess Fish Book Tour

THE ANGRY WOMAN SUITE by Lee Fullbright
A historical psychological mystery

BLURB
Raised in a crumbling New England mansion by four women with personalities as split as a cracked mirror, young Francis Grayson has an obsessive need to fix them all. There’s his mother, distant and beautiful Magdalene; his disfigured, suffocating Aunt Stella; his odious grandmother; and the bane of his existence, his abusive and delusional Aunt Lothian.

For years, Francis plays a tricky game of duck and cover with the women, turning to music to stay sane. He finds a friend and mentor in Aidan Madsen, schoolmaster, local Revolutionary War historian, musician and keeper of the Grayson women’s darkest secrets. In a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three different people–Aidan, Francis and Francis’ stepdaughter, Elyse–adding layers of eloquent complexity to a story as powerful as it is troubling.

While Francis realizes his dream of forming his own big band in the 1940s, his success is tempered by the inner monster of his childhood, one that roars to life when he marries Elyse’s mother. Elyse becomes her stepfather’s favorite target, and her bitterness becomes entwined with a desire to know the real Francis Grayson.

For Aidan’s part, his involvement with the Grayson family only deepens, and secrets carried for a lifetime begin to coalesce as he seeks to enlighten Francis–and subsequently Elyse–of why the events of so many years ago matter now. The ugliness of deceit, betrayal and resentment permeates the narrative, yet there are shining moments of hope, especially in the relationship between Elyse and her grandfather.

Ultimately, as more of the past filters into the present, the question becomes: What is the truth, and whose version of the truth is correct? Fullbright never untangles this conundrum, and it only adds to the richness of this exemplary novel. —Kirkus Reviews

"A very human story . . . a fine read focusing on the long lasting dysfunction of family.” -the Midwestern Review

"There is something fascinating in labyrinthine plot twists, which is what we have here, and I must applaud Fullbright for her keen and magical ability to pull it off with such aplomb."-Norm Goldman, Montreal Books Examiner and Bookpleasures.com

EXCERPT
“I’ll tell you what I’m ready for, Aidan. I’m ready for the top floor.” His eyebrows shot up.

“I beg your pardon?”

“The third floor of Grayson House. I’m ready for it. I’m really ready.”

“I don’t think I understand—“

“Please, Aidan.” I emphasized each word: “I’m ready to meet Jamie.”

I turned and walked out of that parlor then, and into the foyer and up the ten steps to the landing where the grand staircase turned direction. I ran up the first flight, then paused at the second landing, waiting for Aidan. When I glimpsed him behind me, I turned and ran up the next flight, to the third floor, straight for the door at the end of the hallway, next to the door that opened onto the outside stairs.

I’d been able to pinpoint this door as the one by the soft thumps I’d heard when I’d sneaked into Papa’s room on the second floor—things nobody thought I’d hear—and by watching from my spot across the road: the quick deliveries and arrivals, the things and people nobody thought I’d see.

I hesitated, not feeling anything, I was now so empty. No more anger. Instead I was in tune with senses: the steady tick-tock of the clock at the end of the otherwise soundless hallway, the wallpaper’s perfectly vertical stripe, even an aromatic odor reminiscent of the appendectomy I’d had when I was six—was it ether? And then, finally, Aidan’s ragged breathing when he caught up with me. We were ready, in position—and it was understood I’d assumed leadership: I’d go first.

I turned the doorknob. My opponent had just run through his resources.

ABOUT LEE

Lee Fullbright, a medical practice consultant in her non-writing life, lives on San Diego’s beautiful peninsula with her writing partner, Baby Rae, a 12-year-old rescued Australian cattle dog with attitude.

The Angry Woman Suite, a Kirkus Critics’ pick, 5-starred Readers Favorite, and a Discovery Aware winner, is her first published novel.

"Secrets and lies suffuse generations of one Pennsylvania family . . . in a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three very different people . . . a superb debut that exposes the consequences of the choices we make and legacy's sometimes excruciating embrace." –Kirkus Reviews

Visit Lee’s website, and connect with her on Facebook.

Find THE ANGRY WOMAN SUITE and Lee on amazon and Goodreads.

---
Hey readers,

Oof, intense.

For more from Lee and THE ANGRY WOMAN SUITE, follow the Goddess Fish tour.

And don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance at a prize.

Lee will award a $50 Amazon card to one randomly drawn commenter.

Book Tour--DYLAN'S SONG

Goddess Fish Book Tour

DYLAN’S SONG by P.M. Terrell
A suspense/thriller

Midwest Book Review says the Black Swamp Mysteries series is “page-turning action, unforgettable characters, breathtaking descriptions and unexpected plot twists.” And syndicated reviewer Marcia Freespirit says the series is “riveting, spell-binding, sexy and intense!”

AN INTERVIEW WITH P.M.
-What book and/or experience made you want to be a writer?

When I was in grade school, my father (an FBI Agent) was transferred from New Jersey to the Mississippi Delta and I experienced quite a culture shock. The principal of my school encouraged me to write. I don’t know if I ever would have begun writing had it not been for her influence. My first “book” was about 13 pages long, and I was hooked. In the 1980’s I was asked to write several computer software books when the personal computer industry was in its infancy. But it would take another twenty years for my suspense/thrillers to get picked up and launch a full-time writing career.

-What genres do you write?

I have written in four genres: computer how-to books, a how-to book for authors, historical adventure and contemporary suspense.

-Blurb for Dylan’s Song?

In Dylan’s Song, Dylan Maguire must return to his native Ireland with psychic spy Vicki Boyd in order to find and extract a missing CIA operative. But while he is there, he finds himself confronting the past he thought he’d left behind forever—and which is now on a collision course with his CIA mission.

-Spoilers?

The bogs were no place to be during the witching hour.

Dylan had grown up with stories of the bogs at night. The ground percolated; it lived and it breathed. There had been many a time when he was harvesting peat in broad daylight that he’d heard a whisper at his ear or felt hot breath on his neck, only to find there was no one near. Now as he rode his horse in silence, he felt that presence tenfold; there were eyes watching them. The intermittent tuffs of heather swayed in the growing storm and he found himself watching them with narrowed eyes, waiting for the plants to morph into sinister creatures that claimed this land after the sun went down.

A mist began; a slow, fine spray that he knew well. One moment the air was still and dry and the next, as though they’d passed through a curtain, the air swirled around them, the moist haze further inhibiting their ability to see. It was said many a man lost his internal compass in the Irish mist; it taunted as it grew into monstrous shapes, turning the landscape into something foreign and active.

-For aspiring writers, any tips?

Yes. Take your ego out of your work. I’ve seen a lot of writers who wrote decent books but they resisted any editor’s attempt to make it better. Some of them could have been great works and some of these authors could have been experiencing successful careers. Instead, their inability to remove their egos from their writing stopped their forward progress.

Also, always try to hone your skills and improve your craft. There is always something to learn that will make your books better.

-What’s your favorite book/genre to read?

I enjoy romantic suspense. I want a plot to sink my teeth into but I also want to experience that push-pull between two people that adds an additional layer to the story. I also enjoy true adventure; placing ordinary people into extraordinary situations is something I find very interesting.

-What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?

It’s a tie between Dylan’s Song and The Tempest Murders. Dylan’s Song takes place almost entirely in Ireland, and I loved weaving that landscape into the suspense—especially the bogs. The Tempest Murders I loved writing because of the relationship between the Irish detective and a woman he is convinced he knew in another lifetime. I loved the time travel element.

ABOUT P.M.

P.M. Terrell is the internationally acclaimed, award-winning author of more than 16 books in 4 genres. Her most recent series includes four suspense novels; Vicki’s Key, the second in the series, was a finalist in the 2012 International Book Awards and 2012 USA Best Book Awards and Secrets of a Dangerous Woman has been nominated for an IPPY Award. Suspense Magazine says her books are “powerfully written and masterfully suspenseful; you have to hang on for the ride of your life.” And Midwest Book Review says, “This author has effortlessly set herself at the top of the ranks of suspense writers.”

River Passage, an historical work based on her ancestor's migration to Fort Nashborough in 1779-1780, won the 2010 Best Fiction & Drama Award. The Nashville (TN) Metropolitan Government Archives determined it to be so historically accurate that they entered the original manuscript into their Archives for future researchers and historians.

Prior to becoming a full-time author in 2002, Terrell founded and operated two computer companies in the Washington, DC area. Her clients included the United States Secret Service, CIA, Department of Defense and federal and local law enforcement. Her specialty is in the areas of computer crime and computer intelligence. Her experience in these areas have greatly influenced her books' plots.

She is also the co-founder of The Book 'Em Foundation, whose slogan is "Buy a Book and Stop a Crook" and whose mission is to raise awareness of the link between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. She founded Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair, an annual event to raise money to increase literacy and reduce crime. For more information on Book 'Em North Carolina, visit the website and the blog.

More about P.M. Terrell and her books can be found at her website. Also visit her blogs: P.M. Terrell and Vicki’s Angelfish.

Follow P.M. on Twitter @pmterrell. Like her Facebook author page, and connect with her directly on Facebook.

---
Hey readers,

I have a special place in my heart for all things Irish. Thank you, P.M., for that great interview and awesome excerpt!

Want more? Follow the rest of the tour here.

And of course, don’t forget to comment for a chance at an amazing prize.

P.M. will be awarding a Celtic Knot Necklace to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Getting Unstuck

Hey folks,

Today’s post is a short one. I’m feeling pressed for time. Between school and keeping up with my various writing groups, it’s as if the ceiling’s caving in and the walls are shrinking. In reality, this is not the case—or else I’d be writing my life as a novel…or trapped in a novel someone else wrote—but man does it feel that way.

One of the reasons I’m living in an increasingly dwindling space has to do with that thesis I’m writing. While I’ve gotten past my intense dislike/hatred of the project, I’m stuck on one of those points where I’m not sure what’s happening next. I need to fill out story before my final battle, but I’m not sure what to fill it with. I had a small breakthrough yesterday, but that was, as I said, small. I need better than small.

You know those moments. Even if you’re not a writer, you know that feeling of being “stuck.”

For the writers, here’s how I get unstuck. If your usual methods for unsticking fail you at some point. Here are two more to try.

-Talk to readers

While talking to writers is invaluable, sometimes I need the other perspective. So I hunt down people who like to read and yammer at them about my thesis. They tell me what would interest them. I take that and pull something out of it. That’s my audience. I want to satisfy them. Please note that I know these readers. I don’t corner helpless people on the street and demand inspiration.

-Wander around and talk to yourself

I’m not crazy. All writers talk to themselves. Some do it quietly. Me, I prefer to wander around my room/condo—depending on the status of others being home—and talk to myself. I did this yesterday and got 1200 words out of it. Must be working.

So the next time you're stuck, find some readers who are people you know (or people you don’t know—your choice) or walk in circles and talk to yourself. One method is bound to work.

Thanks for reading, and now I’m back to the writing board.