Update

I know many of you watch for updates. Lots of times I don't have one. I'm just writing. I never really know when a book will be ready. I don't know how those that have release dates know. At least indie writers. I write, rewrite, wait a month, read it, edit, read it again, edit some more, then send it to a couple of people. If they're happy with it, it goes to my editor. Then I have to make those edits and if I'm not sure about how I did, I send it back to her. Whenever she's done, I send it to my formatter. So the end of publishing a book isn't even something I control.

But I know you. I know you want to know what's happening in my little world. So, here are my updates:

Beyond Earth Series: Book Two - Working on 2nd draft. Up to 77k words. I really hope to have it ready to go to an editor this spring.

Between Worlds: Book SIX - Started a scene or two, haven't gotten far. I really want to, but I need to wrap up the Beyond Earth series first. This goes for the Spinoff of Lena's story as well. Not sure which will come out first. The spinoff or #5. We'll see.

Falling for Fire - I plan on this being a series. I love Aurora and Sorin. So this will be a series someday.

Same for Touch of Death. Definitely a series. Just not enough time to do them all.

Which leaves me with The Gifted Teens. There is a book four. I have written some on it. It takes place a couple years after the third book. I'm definitely not done with Daxton and Kassia, Mira and Zane, or Auralee and Noe.

As far as my other books, they're all basically standalones. I could make Secret Bloodline into a series, but not sure I will. The others have had their story told. Although when I do pay someone to edit Lost and Found, it will be getting a little bit of a makeover.

I do have many other ideas. Some medical ones like a teen diabetic, another about a teen who cuts, and an aliens on Earth (series??).

That's about it. I wish my fingers would type faster. I wish I had more time in the day to write. I wish I had more money to get things done faster. And sometimes life just gets in the way. I thought I would have the 2nd Beyond Earth series book out last year, but I took 2 college classes and was NOT prepared for the amount of work they took. Then I had health issues which are not over yet. Plus teaching the kids, being a wife and mother, and all that comes with it.

I can only promise that I will write until I can't anymore (and the way I love writing means I'll be dead for that to happen). It might take time for the sequels and new books to come out, but they will.

Thank you, fans, for your love and loyalty. I love hearing from you!!!!

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. This giveaway runs March 17-24, 2014. Please fill out the form below to enter. The winner will get a $10 Amazon gift code AND their choice of any of my eBooks. A Smashwords code will be sent.

You have to like my Facebook fan page for your first entry (this is just liking the page, you don't have to friend me). You can get up to 4 more entries by leaving a comment below or following or friending me on the websites below for a total of 5 entries.

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Hosted by I Am A Reader and Books Complete Me

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop. This giveaway runs December 21-31, 2013. Please fill out the form below to enter. Five winners will be chosen. The first winner will get a $10 Amazon gift code AND their choice of any of my eBooks. The other four of the winners will get their choice of any of my eBooks. A Smashwords code or email with file attached will be sent.

You have to like my Facebook fan page for your first entry (this is just liking the page, you don't have to friend me). You can get up to 4 more entries by leaving a comment below or following or friending me on the websites below for a total of 5 entries.

I write YA drama and paranormal. Find out more about them by clicking on the tabs above.

This hop was organized by Mary and Kathy. 

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Friend's New Release - The Angelites

The Angelites

A friend from college, Richard Moran, released his first book today and I am pleased to put his cover and blurb on my blog.

If you like adult paranormal fantasy - good vs. evil type book, you should check it out.

Gina was on top of her game in the world of law enforcement. She graduated with honors from the police academy and was the best detective for the NYPD.

Ten years later, she chose to start her life over and relocated to New Mexico, working as a small town sheriff. One night, Gina confronts a demonic cult and the first steps were taken toward her true destiny, leading a group of special officers named The Angelites, to protect the world and humanity from Satan's largest army known as The Clucifix.

Now Gina must decide will she accept her calling or go back to living the quiet life in New Mexico.

The Angelites is a paranormal thrill-ride that is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page. If your looking for a supernatural drama, with action and a touch of horror, then you'll enjoy taking a journey into this new epic saga.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

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YA Paranormal Hop Giveaway

YA Paranormal Hop

Welcome to the Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hop. This giveaway runs February 21-27 2013. Please fill out the form below. Five winners will be chosen to receive a copy of one of my paranormal eBooks. Winners can choose from the vampire themed, Secret Bloodline or the teens with powers, The Gifted Teens series - book one AND two (The Ultimate Sacrifice and Roots and Wings).

You have to like my Facebook fan page for your first entry (this is just liking the page, you don't have to friend me). You can get up to 4 more entries by leaving a comment below or following or friending me on the websites below for a total of 5 entries.

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Guest Post With Heather Marie Adkins

A Bad Halloween

            Five years ago, I had the worst Halloween ever.

            I ran away from home at twenty.  That sounds funny, seeing as at twenty years old you’re supposedly an “independent adult”.  But, I wasn’t.  I relied solely on my mother and stepfather to support me and I was quickly reverting to childish pettiness and immaturity.

            A wrong decision about a boy got me thrown out of my parents’ home on Halloween.  It had always been my favorite holiday.  On this particular Halloween, I had plans that night to hang with friends--to have a good time.  To continue my existence as a worry-free girl who drank too much and partied too hard. 

            So that Halloween is burned into memory as the evening I had a final blow-out with my mom.  When she told me if I couldn’t stop seeing this boy, then I just needed to pack my things and leave.

            And it wasn’t the boy, folks.  It was never TRULY about the boy.  It was about being 20-years-old and being told who I could or could not date.  It was about having to check in with my mother every few hours to let her know where I was.  It was about a complete lack of freedom--freedom I had been given while away at college for two years.  The boy was the straw breaking the camel... and he didn’t last very long after the incident, anyway

            I left.  I rented a U-Haul.  I enlisted the help of a couple friends.  We packed my things while my parents changed the locks on my home.  We steered that truck away and I cried.

            Fast forward a couple of weeks and I was penniless, waiting tables at Outback and making coffee at Starbucks more hours than I was sleeping.  I bounced from place to place as I realized I couldn’t live with anyone because everyone drove me crazy.  I ended up moving to Nashville where I only spiraled even further into despair, poverty, and unhappiness.

            I remember vividly the next Halloween.  I think I was compensating for the lack of celebration the year before by carving 6 pumpkins in various patterns--a vampire, a witch, a scaredy cat, etc. etc... They sure looked fantastic on our little front porch but they didn’t give me back the Halloween I lost.

            It’s been 6 years.  Life has returned to a state of normalcy--my relationship with my mother is stronger than ever.  I’m dating a wonderful man who is not only a police officer, but works for my stepdad--instant success in the boyfriend department from my mother and stepfather.  And my Daddy and stepmom love him too.  I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but that fateful Halloween was the worst. 

            I’m just glad it didn’t turn the tide on how I felt about the holiday.  Today, I have two boxes full of Halloween decorations that usually go up an entire month before.  I look forward to it just like I used to--and I remember the bad one with fondness.

            Because that decision ended up shaping the woman I have become.  And this woman understands one crucial thing...

            Her parents are ALWAYS right.  It just took a little bit of maturity to figure it out.

Heather Marie Adkins is an independent fiction novelist and avid bibliophile with the library to prove it.  She writes across genres and began self-publishing her work in June of 2011—much to the chagrin of her mother.  Heather has five published books and two more coming out this year.  She loves to garden, cook, and travel, and would give anything to live in a cottage in Ireland.  She currently resides in Kentucky with the love of her life and 15 pets.

Find me online!

http://heather.bishoffs.com

http://www.facebook.com/heathermarieadkinsauthor

http://www.twitter.com/hmarieadkins

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2564411-heather

Check out my paranormal romance novels:

The Temple (ebook)

A girl with supernatural powers against a supernatural foe she doesn’t believe exists.

• Amazon
• Amazon UK
• Barnes & Noble
• Smashwords

Abigail (ebook)

A half-fairy, half-human girl who must unite with the fairies she has long denied to save the humans she loves.

• Amazon
• Amazon UK
• Smashwords
• Barnes & Noble  

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

I am participating in the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop. I am giving away your choice of my eBooks. Any one that you choose. I will give you a Smashwords coupon code where you can download whatever format you'd like (mobi for Kindles, epub for Nooks, or a pdf, etc). I have 6 eBooks released, you will get your pick. You can check them out on this blog, there are links for each book at the top.

There will be 2 winners.

Giveaway Details:

To enter giveaway, please follow this blog, then fill out the form below.

Last day to enter is 10/31/11.

To enter giveaway, please fill out this form.

Paradox - The Angels Are Here

Check out this book by Patti Roberts before book 2 comes out in November 2011! Only .99 cents!

A little girl's world is turned upside down by a visitor, the Angel of
Death. She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her
paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief.
Haunting visions and the untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away.

She eventually befriends the unusual little girl who moves in next
door with captivating violet eyes and a profound knowledge of things
that far exceeds her tender years.

"Masks camouflage the faces of both good and evil. Keeps hidden what is a truth and what is a lie."

Lives - bound together by blood - forge an unforgettable trail of
heartbreak, loss and betrayal spanning over centuries to the present
day.


Buy it from Amazon now!

Secret Bloodline

My fifth book, Secret Bloodline, is now live on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. I'm still looking for five more people to review it. If you'd like to be in on that, please let me know!

Cover & Blurb Release

Secret Bloodline should be out this week. Here's the cover - designed by Streetlight Graphics! They did an awesome job, as usual.

What sixteen-year-old Kairi doesn’t know is that vampires do exist and she’s one of them. She was left in foster care when she was very little and grew up away from her world. Then she began to change. Feeling out of place and confused, she ran away from her foster home.  A coven takes her under their wings and trains her. When she is told her parents didn’t just abandon her, but died protecting her, she sets off on a mission to find their killer.

And then she meets Aiden…a vampire hunter.

I will be gifting free copies on Amazon to the first 10 people who respond and agree to leave a review. Please respond in the comments section with your Amazon email OR email me at taliajager (at) att (dot) net OR message me through my author Facebook page. Once it is live on Amazon, I will gift the 10 copies. Thank you!

Guest Post by Heather Adkins

There is nothing quite like your first time.

The tension of the moment is overwhelming. A beautifully formatted ebook, a cover, a blurb, and the platform...all culminating in that scary "Save and Publish" button.

My first novel has been uploaded.

What a wild ride. Two years ago, I "attended" my first Nanowrimo with nothing but a recent dream and the idea that evolved from it. In thirty days, I pounded out a rough draft of The Temple while moaning and groaning about how hard it was (it wasn't.) When the last mug of coffee had been downed and the story had been clocked at Nano for over 50 thousand words, I wasn't really happy with it. After celebrating my achievement, I threw it aside.

I started some new projects after that Christmas season. A couple ideas for new books were penned, several short stories were finished; whatever I could do to keep my mind off the finished novel, I did. By some brilliance of procrastination, I didn't return to The Temple for a year.

When I did return, it was a mess. While reading over it, I alternately wanted to cast it into the flames and pet it lovingly (like everything I write.) It took a lot of rewrites and revisions to make it the story it is now. In true form of any neurotic writer, it's still not as perfect as I want it to be. My dad says, though, sometimes it just has to be "good enough."

The publication of my first novel has been delayed numerous times. The product I've uploaded isn't actually the final one--the real cover isn't finished. I'll be releasing a "second edition" before the end of the summer with a unique watercolor by my sister. Until then, I wanted The Temple out there instead of hanging out on my flash drive where it was giving me sullen looks.

That's where I stand right now. My decision to be a self-published author has officially become an actuality. It will be touch and go from this point as I learn how to promote, how to handle the bad reviews (and live through the adrenaline of the good ones), and move forward into publishing future novels. There's no right way to do things; if there were, this self-publishing thing would be a lot easier! I'm extremely thankful to have the support of the Indie Writers Unite! group on Facebook; they are an amazing group of people. I'll be chronicling my successes and failures over at my blog, so stay tuned. I don't know what the heck I'm doing, but I'm doing it anyway.

The wheels are in motion.

Blurb:

Vale Avari has a mysterious past and a laundry list of super-powers, but that's nothing compared to what she finds upon moving from small town U.S.A to jolly-good England.

A chance dart throw lands her in Quicksilver, an off-the-map place with a big problem - people are dying, and word is, it's supernatural.

At her new place of employment, a temple dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess, Vale learns something even more shocking - women guards are disappearing at an alarmingly patterned rate; women who possess special gifts like her own.

Supernatural powers aside, Vale isn't ready to believe in the Wild Hunt as the culprit, and she's determined to prove the deaths are acts of human violence.

Plagued by a brute with a history of domestic violence and lusting after a dark-eyed man with a secret, Vale has a limited amount of time to discover the killer before he strikes again. In the process, she'll learn things aren't always what they seem and the supernatural might not be so extraordinary after all.

The Hunt could ride for her.

The Temple is published at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for 99c.

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Temple-ebook/dp/B0057XOQ1E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1308971717&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-temple-heather-marie-adkins/1031704624?ean=2940012874009&itm=1&usri=the%2btemple%2bheather%2badkins

My blog: http://heather.bishoffs.com

Facebook: facebook.com/heathermarieadkinsauthor

Superstar!

This is what it must feel like to be awesome!! I got 4 sales in less than an hour. I usually don't check my sales that much. But, for some reason, I did, and one book jumped up in sales. I was elated!! I'm sure famous authors get much more than 4 sales in AN HOUR, but this must be a fraction of what they feel!! I'm skipping around the house, I let the kids have ice cream, nothing is going to get me down now.

I feel like Jack on the Titanic... I'm QUEEN of the World!!! (At least for another 5 minutes!)

So, to you, my fans... Thank You!

Summertime!

It's been a long week. The end of school came last week and with it a bunch of parties. I love summertime. It's a time to stay up late and sleep in late. It's a time to be flexible and free! I love not having a schedule to follow. It opens up my day to write a little more - and that is always welcomed.

Summer is definitely here to stay... it's been like 100 degrees outside. I don't bother going out during the day unless I have to or I'm going to the pool. Any shopping I have to do, I do at night. And I love summer nights. It's hot, but not too hot. I like swinging on my back porch, listening to the crickets, and enjoying some ice cream. Although, the mosquitoes are getting bad - I don't love them nearly as much as they love me.

This Week in Talia News

Hey all! Lots of reviews happening this week. I'll link to all those who reviewed my books, please check them out.

Two of my books are listed on Diesel now. Still having trouble with Apple iBooks. I think that'll be a separate post when I figure out how to fix it, in case other people need help.

All four of my books got either a 4 or 5 star review on Tracy's Treasure of Books.

If I Die Young was reviewed at Writings, Musings and Other Such Nonsense.

The Ultimate Sacrifice got another great review at C.S. Dorsey.

A 3 star - but very good - review of The Ultimate Sacrifice on The Bornean Bookworm.

I had a great sale day yesterday, Friday, I sold 5 books between 7pm and midnight on Amazon. Made up for the rest of the week being blah.

I'm up to 34,000 words on the vampire paranormal I'm writing. And the characters from The Ultimate Sacrifice were yelling for attention in my head again, so I wrote about 2000 words down so they'd be quiet a little longer :)

I wanted to mention some Facebook writer groups I belong to. Please check them out:

Indie Writers Unite!

Editing For Writers

That's it on the author front.

It's a holiday weekend. We're staying put, but we'll be swimming down here in the 95 degree weather and having a BBQ with some neighbors. The kids have two days of school left. So, they're very excited. In between swimming, shopping, church, and taking care of everybody, I hope to reach 40,o00 words on my vampire book. Wish me luck! Hope everybody has a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Writing Is For Me

Did you ever get that crazy 'is this really worth it' feeling? Sometimes I get depressed - I admit it. It's hard doing this all myself. Maybe I expect too much? I know I'm just starting out. It's only been a few months... no, it's been longer than that, in July it'll be one year since I put my first book out there for the world to read.

I do get sales. Usually about two a day. Some days I get nothing and there have been days where I have had six sales. So, it's not like I'm not getting anything. But, then I read about people selling 100 a day. It blows my mind. To sell that many every day would be awesome! How do I get to that point? I know I don't always write about easy things. I don't always write about what people want to read, but I do think that there are many people out there who would like my books if they gave them a chance. My husband has convinced me to write a paranormal and a vampire book. I'm only 30,000 words into the vampire one. I'm kind of stuck in the middle, so I figured I'd take a few days to think.

I put my books out there to a bunch of book bloggers, so far the feedback has been positive. Although, I'm trying to prepare myself for that bad review that will ultimately come. I can't please everybody. But, I'm sure when it does come, I'll pull the covers up over my head and decide never to write again... for about a minute. LOL!

I keep reminding myself that the reason I write is for me. I love these stories. I want to see them get written. I want to read them. Selling them is just a perk :) So, I will keep writing as long as characters keep yelling in my head - and hopefully someday I will see sales as high as 100 a day!

Looking For Reviewers

I'd love to have some reviews on any of my books, but especially If I Die Young or The Ultimate Sacrifice. They are both YA. Anyone interested can click on the links above to read the blurbs. They only come in eBook format. I can send a pdf or generate a coupon on Smashwords. It would be great if I could have reviewers who can do it within the next month.

Please email me at taliajager (at) att (dot) net

Thanks!!

Blurb and Cover Reveal!

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Within our world exists a much darker world only known to a select few. Some are identified as “gifted” and brought to a special institute where they develop their own unique talent and understanding of this world within our world.

It is here Kassia finds out her talent is both dangerous and difficult to control. She has the ability to inflict pain on an individual within her sight. It is only after a friend is being attacked that she realizes her talent is much more powerful when she brings death to the attackers. Little did she know that use of such a powerful talent alerted demons to her existence.

Suddenly she is on the run with her best friend, who ironically is immune to her power, and a new kid at school she was falling for. Realizing she can’t outrun the demons, she seeks the guidance of a local shaman. The shaman explains the only escape is through her own death. In order to protect her friends and institute, she sets out to do just that.

The Ultimate Sacrifice is being uploaded right now! It will soon be on Amazon and B&N for $2.99.

Fourth Book

I got some really good feedback on my fourth book, The Ultimate Sacrifice. Being my first paranormal, I've been really nervous about it. But, the people who have read it have loved it so far. I'm finishing up some edits on it and I hope to have it out this month.

This Week in Talia News

Teagan's Story: Her Battle With Epilepsy got reviewed on David Cleinman's Works and Writings

If I Die Young sold over ten copies so we met our goal and sent the proceeds to The Children's Heart Foundation.

Teagan's Story got a new cover... see other post about that.

I started a new paranormal and am about 20,000 words in.

Writing and Facebook

Hello blog readers! Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful May weekend. Of course, it might not be beautiful everywhere.

I have been concentrating on a new story idea. I'm trying to break into the paranormal world that is so "in" these days. It's been hard trying to come up with ideas for something other than normal teenage drama. But, it's fun at the same time. I look forward to doing both paranormal as well as the regular drama.

For those of you who are authors, I belong to a Facebook group for indie authors. They are a wonderful group of people. Please join us.

My weekly update will be up soon!