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Nuttycracker sweet release

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I am so delighted to be hosting the wonderful Megan O’Russell today for her release of ‘Nuttycracker Sweet’. Earlier this year I read her magnificent ‘The Tethering’ so I am always keen to read new works by her. I was lucky enough to interview Megan about herself and this new book.

About the Book

Title: Nuttycracker Sweet

Author: Megan O’Russell

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC

Release Date: December 8, 2015

Pointe shoes, tutus, and a snowy road trip with the man she hates. What could possibly go wrong?

The plan was simple. Get to Portland, dance The Nutcracker, and don’t murder your dance partner. And most definitely, do not, under any circumstances, fall in love with him.

A snowy road trip strands Elle Grant in a tiny cabin better suited for serial killings than rehearsals for two professional ballet dancers. With no one but the incredibly talented, excruciatingly handsome, and notoriously terrible Zachary Benson and a few taxidermy woodland creatures for company, Elle’s Christmas plans are officially ruined. Can she and Zach learn to like each other enough to dance together? And can Elle get home without losing her heart to the Christmas Cavalier?

Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a professional musical theatre performer. I spend most of my time (when I’m not writing) onstage, wearing sequins and fake eyelashes. I spent a lot of time in ballet class when I was little and as a dance major in college, but I never had any desire to be a professional ballerina. Now I’ve finally found a use for all those hours in pointe shoes.

Which books or films inspire your writing?

For Nuttycracker Sweet a lot of the inspiration comes from not only the ballet the Nutcracker, but also the legendary womanizers that filled the ballet world. Mikhail Baryshnikov in the movie White Nights is a great example of how sexy male ballet dancers can be.

Which character from the book would you most like to meet and why?

Ty, Elle’s roommate, just because I think the two of us would have a fabulous time together.

If you could be transported into the world of your story, how would you spend the day?

I would spend my day enjoying Christmas. Either holed up next to the fireplace in a log cabin or enjoying the sights of Manhattan. Either way, I’m a sap for a snowy Christmas.

Do you have any quirky writing traditions or habits?

I make my husband read my manuscripts aloud to me before I’ll even consider submitting them. It really does help with catching mistakes. It could just be the actor in me, but hearing the words read aloud helps me to understand a character’s speech pattern and make sure the story flows properly.

Are you a planner or do you tend to ‘wing it’ when you’re writing?

I know where I’m starting from. I know where I want to end up. But I just sort of wing it in the middle and see where the characters and the story want to go. Sometimes you end up with taxidermy. But that’s what makes writing an adventure!

NuttycrackerSweet1-2

About the Author

Megan is thrilled to be working with Fiery Seas Publishing! Her other published works include Young Adult fantasy novels The Tethering and The Siren’s Realm. Megan is also a featured author in the Athena’s Daughters 2 anthology of women in speculative fiction.

Megan is a professional performer who travels the country living out a thousand lives on stage. Her wonderful husband and frequent dance partner is always by her side.

For more information on Megan’s books, you can visit her website at meganorussell.com

Social Media:

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

Dec 12, 2015 by dmcain84

Dark, psychological dystopian ‘The Phoenix Project’ gets a makeover!

It’s taken many an hour slogging away over the manuscript, making tweaks and changes and tearing my hair out, but the new version of The Phoenix Project is finally here!

This brand new edition of my dystopian, psychological thriller The Phoenix Project will be re-released on December 11th. It was originally published in May 2014, and this new Booktrope edition has had a complete editing overhaul plus a stunning new cover design.

The Phoenix Project Cover - Booktrope

The book will be available to buy from a wide range of digital and paperback distributors, including Amazon:

Nook:

http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/the-phoenix-project-by-dm-cain/2940157645656

Amazon:

US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0195A6AYK – http://amzn.to/1NKjbrt

UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0195A6AYK – http://amzn.to/1QAoJW9

Synopsis:

How can you fight to the death, when you’ve given up on life?

A thought provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice…

A man fights for life—and redemption—in D. M. Cain’s riveting re-released novel, The Phoenix Project.

Britain has descended into chaos as violence and terrorist attacks seethe across this once-peaceful country. Outraged by the steady stream of lawlessness, citizens demand a harsher penal system, and the Phoenix Project is born.

In prisons across the country, inmates fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.

Raven Kennedy, a prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages on within himself, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?

‘The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain is a superbly written debut, soaked in tension and intrigue,’ Jack Croxall, author of the ‘Tethers’ trilogy.

An interesting fact about The Phoenix Project: The horrifying ‘dark room’ in The Phoenix Project (a pitch-black sensory deprivation cell) was inspired by D.M. Cain’s visit to the Terror Haza in Budapest—a museum dedicated to the fascistic and communistic regimes that operated from the building. In the cellar of the Terror Haza are the old cells used to imprison and torture inmates. D.M. crawled inside a very low cell and shut the door, casting herself into total darkness. It was terrifying and claustrophobic, and she only lasted five minutes in there!

Extract from Chapter One:

This is the opening, which throws us straight into Raven preparing for his first fight to the death
Cold, dark terror trickled through Raven Kennedy’s veins, freezing him on the spot. There was a thunderous drumbeat echoing around his skull and it took him a while to realise it was the relentless, agitated pounding of his own heart.

As he became more nervous, more afraid of his looming fate, his breath came quickly, sticking in his throat and choking him. A cough threatened to burst forth from his lips, but he held it in, afraid it would bring with it the contents of his stomach—the bland, tasteless meal he had been given in his cell.

It was the worst possible time to feel weak, but Raven felt like he could hardly lift his arms, his exhaustion was so great. He hadn’t slept a wink last night. How could he with today hovering over him?
The time for his first fight had come around quickly. He’d hardly been given time to think about it at all. Raven looked down at his hands and was not surprised to see they were shaking.

His opponent’s name was Wilson. Raven knew nothing else about him. He’d never spoken to him, had never even met him. Had they passed one another in the dining hall and never even looked up? If he had spoken to him would that make what he was about to do any easier?

He heard heavy footsteps in the corridor and his heart jumped into his throat. They were coming for him.

Dec 11, 2015Dec 11, 2015 by dmcain84

The Phoenix Project Thunderclap!

Hi everybody! I need some help with my release of The Phoenix Project through US publisher Booktrope. I have set up a Thunderclap campaign to try and get the word out. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/35467-the-phoenix-project-release

Thank you so much!

The Phoenix Project Cover - Booktrope.jpg

Dec 3, 2015Dec 3, 2015 by dmcain84

‘Nuttycracker Sweet’ – a contemporary Christmas romance

Around six months ago I was lucky enough to read ‘The Tethering’ by Megan O’Russell. this fantastic YA fantasy blew me away with its engaging storyline and likable characters. Well, here she is again with another cracker (pun thoroughly intended!)

Nuttycracker Sweet by Megan O’Russell

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC

Pre-order/Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Nuttycracker-Sweet-Megan-ORussell-ebook/dp/B018DDKLR2/

Release Date: December 8, 2015

Book Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/JtCwOu8QT58

Pointe shoes, tutus, and a snowy road trip with the man she hates. What could possibly go wrong?

The plan was simple. Get to Portland, dance The Nutcracker, and don’t murder your dance partner. And most definitely, do not, under any circumstances, fall in love with him.

About the Author:

Megan is a professional performer who travels the country living out a thousand lives on stage. Her wonderful husband and frequent dance partner is always by her side.

For more information on Megan’s books, you can visit her website at meganorussell.com

Social Media:

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

Nov 24, 2015Nov 24, 2015 by dmcain84

Awethology Light and Dark countdown – 1 day to go!

Tomorrow, a completely FREE set of anthologies by the writing group the #Awethors will be released! 49 authors from all over the world have come together to bring out a pair of anthologies of all genres. The anthologies have been split into two volumes – Awethology DARK and Awethology LIGHT – the difference being the content and age rating of the pieces included. (I’m the Dark volume – no surprises there!)

The most incredible thing about these Awethologies is the dedication and commitment of the authors involved (who truly do earn themselves the title ‘Awethors’. Many of them have created banners or postcards promoting their stories within the books, and they look fabulous! So here are a few examples of the incredible designs I’ve seen the past few days:

The End postcard 1

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Oct 17, 2015Oct 17, 2015 by dmcain84

Cover reveal for The Elemental by Lisa Veldkamp

I am delighted to be revealing the absolutely stunning new cover for paranormal fantasy ‘The Elemental’ by Lisa Veldkamp. Just look at those gorgeous eyes!

Time is running out, and only the Elemental can save the world.

“My name is Catherine van Dyk. I run a private massage and coaching practice in Shoreditch, London—nothing special, you would say, and you would be right. Except something terrible is about to happen to our planet, and I’m the only one who can do something about it, so no pressure. Am I going to succeed? This time I might finally be able to control the elements. I have to. To save my life. To save all our lives.”

Catherine van Dyk is an Elemental, which means she can control earth, air, fire, and water—sort of. Catherine is trying to leave her darker days behind her, but she and her friends, who have similar abilities, must try to restore balance to our world. Whether her new neighbor Tristan can help her in that has yet to be seen. Is Tristan who he says he is? With disaster on its way and only one week to go, time is running out. For Catherine, for her friends, for all of us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa is the author of the poetry collections Nothing is Forgotten and When Words Start to Sing, and The Elemental, part I of The Fire Trilogy. This is her first short story for teenagers, The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow. She has a background in social services and music, but writing has always been a part of her daily life. One night she dreamed the outlines of The Elemental and took it as a sign from the Universe to pursue a career in writing.

She grew up in a small town in the Netherlands where her parents always taught her to think outside the box. She has a degree in social studies and joined the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids as an adult.

Lisa loves London—according to her, “the city where magic dwells”—and can often be found there. She still resides in the Netherlands, however, with her partner and their dog, Miss Ginger Rogers, and if you’re lucky, you may find her in her favourite coffeehouse, Barista cafe.

Lisa is also a freelance copywriter for CAPSLOC, a music venue in The Netherlands, and an editor for Folk Harp Folks, a magazine published by The Dutch Folk Harp society.

www.the-elemental.co.uk

RELEASE DATE: HALLOWEEN, OCTOBER 31 2015

Sep 21, 2015Sep 21, 2015 by dmcain84

Cover Reveal for ‘Gravedigger’ by Michael-Israel Jarvis

Today is the cover reveal for fellow Booktrope author Michael-Israel Jarvis’s new novel, ‘Gravedigger’. Here it is. Enjoy!

Dead or alive. Good or evil. Hero or fugitive.

Valo needs a specific solution to a grave problem. The human Claimfold and prigon Torzsi draw apart. War is promised in the West. Worst of all, the magi of Nagyevo are meddling with the dead.

Perin is an apprentice Gravedigger: uneducated, unwanted, unsure. He may be the answer Valo needs, if he doesn’t get killed before he works out what’s going on. But of course there’s the chance that fate hasn’t called him after all. The gods are nameless and silent and the best laid plans have a way of going badly wrong.

Enter the spade and sorcery world of Valo.

Gravedigger subverts the expectations of that oldest of foes in fantasy, the dead that walk, in a fast-paced adventure through a world of culture, intrigue, magic and blood.

This stunning cover was designed by none other than Amalia Chitulescu who I am delighted to announce is also designing the beautiful new cover for my upcoming re-release ‘The Phoenix Project’.

Sep 6, 2015Sep 6, 2015 by dmcain84

#Writestorm – a concept that changed my entire philosophy about writing

Yesterday, I downloaded the book ‘Writestorm’ by Andy Mengel and I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I was so inspired.

Andy’s experiences with writing his early books were exactly the same way I wrote The Phoenix Project. It took me ten years and I would write huge amounts one day, then literally leave it for five or six months, doing nothing at all. My next book, A Chronicle of Chaos, only took 3 years, and my latest – The Shield of Soren, 1.5 years. So it’s getting better.

But since Andy introduced the concept of Writestorm into our group, my whole writing ethic has been completely transformed. In two months I have written 30,000+ words – all entirely through Writestorm sessions.

Something he talks about in the book really resonated with me. I want to be a doer now, not just a dreamer. I’m ready to stop this being a little hobby and make it into a proper career now.

If you haven’t read Writestorm yet – do it. NOW. I promise it will revolutionise the way you look at writing a novel.

U.S. – http://www.amazon.com/Writestorm-Create-Novel-Conception-Publication-ebook/dp/B0139V15T6/

U.K. – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Writestorm-Create-Novel-Conception-Publication-ebook/dp/B0139V15T6/

Sep 5, 2015Sep 27, 2020 by dmcain84

Launch day for ‘In Shadows Waiting’ by Stewart Bint

Today is the day of the official release party for one of the best creepy horror stories I have ever read. In Shadows Waiting had me jumping at every noise, but it isn’t just a mindless horror. It is a touching and fantastically well-written tale of love and loss too. So, here it is – the Booktrope re-release of In Shadows Waiting!

In Shadows Waiting Front Cover — Young Simon Reynolds lives a bucolic life at his family home, White Pastures, surrounded by a loving family and a charming community. Simon finishes his A levels and looks forward to unwinding while his sisters work on their tans. Meanwhile the tiny community of Meriton has been plagued by a spate of burglaries, and White Pastures seems to be next. A shadowy figure stalks the house, but the police can find no signs of an intruder. Inspired by the author’s real-life experience with the supernatural, In Shadows Waiting recounts a summer that changes the Reynolds’ lives forever. As the summer progresses, the shadows take on an altogether more sinister implication, and White Pastures begins to reveal a terrifying secret. The epicentre of an event that has scarred an entire community, White Pastures grows more and more dark, possessed by a shadow that yearns, a shadow that will not be denied. At White Pastures, someone will die – but love never will.

This is my favourite excerpt:

The creature’s triumphant laugh was something that would be with me until my dying day. And something I never wanted to hear again.

It was the strongest memory to stir as I looked at the photo whose colours had dimmed with age. Thirty-two years ago it was vibrant and full of life. Just like the faces staring back at me from the time before shadows. From the time before torment. From the time when we were happy.

It all reminded me of when the world was young and innocent—hell, when I was young and innocent. My two daughters both started sleeping with their boyfriends as soon as they turned sixteen, probably before then if the truth were told. If they had, it was something both they and my wife kept from me. But it was a different era when my sisters were that age. Helen and her Mark. Sarah and the succession of boyfriends she brought to our home, White Pastures.

I rarely smile now. Even after thirty-two years, the memories are painful. Fifty now. A half century. I was eighteen then. Yet in some ways it still seems like only yesterday.

Time plays tricks.

A tear rolls down my cheek.

Here is my review of In Shadows Waiting:

As an avid fan of Stewart Bint’s work I knew I was going to love his latest release, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would suck me into the story! I read this book in mere days because the writing was so good I couldn’t put it down.

The book follows Simon, a young man barely out of college, and his family. They are an ordinary family with an ordinary life, until they begin to see flashes of movement and shadows passing the windows. Simon begins to feel a dark and mysterious presence in his house as an unwelcome presence manifests. The haunting begins as merely mischievous, but rapidly escalates into menacing, and eventually downright terrifying. This malicious spectre is no longer content to remain in shadows waiting…

I was dragged along by this book, desperate to read each page, and my mind worked furiously, trying to pull together the clues and threads that ran throughout. I love a good creepy horror story and this one had me jumping at every noise and shadow. A thoroughly enjoyable read and another triumph for Mr Bint’s literary career.

Sep 5, 2015Sep 5, 2015 by dmcain84

Kelly Hall day!

I am delighted to be hosting the fabulous Kelly Hall as part of her book tour for the release of ‘The Secret of Strange Waters’. Kelly is here today to talk about her top ten young adult paranormal books:

Hi I’m Kelly Hall, author of The Light Keeper Series. When I’m not writing I’m busy reading. I love going on a journey in the pages of someone else’s mind, and this is a list of my top ten favorite YA paranormal book series and why I love them!

The Mortal Instruments- Cassandra Clare – This series is my absolute favorite of all time and I read it at least once a year, including the infernal devices because, well, it’s that good. I am also super happy that ABC family is going to release the TV show, Shadowhunters, in 2016! I can’t wait!
The Morganville Vampires- Rachel Caine- I just love Shane Collins so much and I adore this series. This is one that I read over again as well! It needs a TV Series too. I do hope the web series continues on Geek and Sundry.
The Infernal Devices- Cassandra Clare- This series is so much fun and I love learning more about my favorite characters from The Mortal Instruments. I can’t get enough Shadowhunters.
Bloodlines- Richelle Mead- I know that technically I should be naming this series AFTER Vampire Academy, but I kind of liked it more and I will admit that is probably because it has more Adrian. All books need more Adrian.
Vampire Academy- Richelle Mead- This series was so good I have read it a few times too. I even loaned out a copy of the last book and then never got it back, so I had to go out and buy it again because I refuse to not have the complete set. I also learned a valuable lesson about loaning my babies out!
Vampire Diaries- L.J. Smith- I honestly love many of L.J.’s early books, but this one is my favorite and mostly because of Damon and Bonnie! How cute are they? If you haven’t read the books and only watched the show I encourage you to read them. It’s a whole different experience.
Sweep- Cate Tiernan- This series was so good that— as I would finish one book, I’d go to the book store and buy the next. I read them so fast that after the third trip in my husband said to just start buying them two at a time. It helped a little. Instead of going every day, we went every other day. I devoured this fifteen book series!
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children- Ransom Riggs – Aside from the awesome photos, this book is full of interesting characters that come together for a great tale.
Evernight- Claudia Gray- I really enjoyed this series and its take on vampires. I love Balthazar and the fact that Gray used the name Balthazar. He’s a great character and I loved his book too.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan- I found this book at my local library at a time where I had hit a reading slump. I just didn’t feel like reading and so I didn’t want to buy a book series and then not read it, so I found this and told myself I was going to try to read, thinking I would just read a bit and put it down, but I couldn’t. I read it all night then went back for the others the next day. It’s really a creepy fun story and it takes you through all of your emotions. Plus, all the books in this series have really awesome names. I’ve now added it to my personal library.

On top of that, take a look at these gorgeous character profiles from ‘The Secret of Strange Waters’. (I LOVE Talon!)

Aug 5, 2015Aug 5, 2015 by dmcain84