Tuesday, October 8, 2019

A Storm on the Horizon ~ Cover Reveal


Good Morning!!
I am FINALLY releasing my pirate young adult novel!! I have been saying it for years, and it is finally happening! Prepare yourself because I LOVE this cover! How amazing is this cover? I might have to just print the image and put it somewhere in my house. That wouldn't be weird or anything would it? I am going to be releasing this book for all ebook readers, and paperback readers on November 1st, but you can preorder it now!




Book Blurb
Her responsibilities and poverty trap Elizabeth. All she wishes for is to know what freedom feels like, but that always seemed out of grasp. However, when Elizabeth's father dies, she is left without any money or a roof over her head. She has only a few options. Taking a deep breath, she decides to take the plunge, cut her hair off, and join a pirate ship. Holes are poked into Elizabeth's plan when two guys whom she knew in her old life are also on board the vessel and could expose who she is.

Chapter 1 Elizabeth



The air surrounding me was saturated with the refreshing scent of salt, which seemed to awaken my senses. Keeping my eyes shut, I took in a deep breath of what I knew was freedom. A vast sea outstretched towards the unknown, full of adventures. However, when I opened my eyes, all I saw was the dock — my trap. The smile faded as I watched some ships bobbed ever so lightly in the tide as they were tied up against the dawn sky. I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees as a breeze swept through my window. From my room, I could faintly see figures moving around on one of the ships. I was never going to get off this island.
“Elizabeth,” a raspy voice called through the curtains.
“I’m coming Papa,” I responded with my eyes still on the horizon.
I took one last gulp of the fresh air before I uncurled myself from my bed by the window. Grabbing my worn dress and corset to exchange with my nightgown, but I wished that I could have done without the dreaded corset. What I wouldn’t give to be a guy and not have my ribs crushed under the wretched corset. I yanked on the strings one at a time. The material was shabby, but my bones still felt some restraint. Glancing around the room, I wondered where I had put my shoes. While I brushed my long red-brownish hair to put in a bun, I tried to remember what I did with my shoes. I only ever went to work, the market, or home. I gave up on fixing every stray strand knowing whatever I did to it wouldn’t last and started to crawl around on my hands and knees. I smirked, this was not the most lady-like behavior, and I was sure half the women in town would faint at the sight of me in this position on the floor. I gave up on being a lady years ago. We were poor, and I was not in a situation to play a lady.
“Aha!” I yelped once I found them under my bed and put them on.
My dress was hiked up to my knees as I put my shoes on. When I was little I never really cared to play dolls with the other little girls in town. I would watch the boys between their lessons would play with swords pretending that they were members of the guard or a pirate. I would go over there to ask them to play, and they would ignore me purely on the fact that I was a girl. They would go into their homes for their lessons, and I would never be able to get either. My Papa never learned to read and was unable to teach me. My Papa made it up to me, though by teaching me sword fighting; he said he might as well show me how to defend myself.
I have been helping out at the docks where my Papa worked for years. It did make the owner a little uneasy about a little girl working there. He got over it quickly since he realized that I was cheaper to hire than any man and got the work done just as well as one. I loved learning about the ships to the point where I could tell a person every part of a vessel and what it did. I could fix any part of the boat blindfolded. After that, I learned more as the people would dock their ships at our port. I could not get enough of the sailing life.
My true love though was pirates. The fact that they could jump onto their ships and sail all over whenever they could, I was jealous beyond all reason. To go from one port to another, to take what they thought what should be theirs. Never to have to worry about anything in life and no real responsibly. That sounded amazing to me. I would love having all the advantages since my Papa taught me how to swim when I learned to walk since I was always by the dock; not many knew how to do so. The best thing about being a pirate would be that I wouldn’t have to worry about being forced to marry anyone.
Fixing my dress, I pushed aside my curtain to reveal the common room. This building was the old office for the marina, so it was one room, but when my Papa started to work for the owner, he let us rent it. My mom had put up the sheets to create the illusions of rooms. I remember being little and running through all the layers of fabric. The laughter had died a long time ago, though; it was almost like the happy spirits were ghosts in our home.
Loud, ear curling coughing greeted me. Papa was standing at the table, both hands gripping the edges with white knuckles. My stomach dropped, and I instantly felt nauseous.
“Papa-”
He held up a hand, causing me to stop me from finishing that thought. I went around him to take the pot off the fire before the bubbles boiled over. He sat down but kept his eyes on the table as I poured what looked like the last bit of last night’s broth into the bowls he had out. After putting the pot aside as I pushed the bowl in front of him, and Papa only nodded his head. Holding back a sigh, I started to sip on the liquid, and the warmth seeped through every part of my body. I couldn’t help peering over my bowl at my father.
“I’m alright you don’t have to worry about me,” he finally spoke, his chest heaving profoundly almost like he was trying to catch his breath.
“Papa, you should stay at home,” I whispered.
His face scrunched up. He hated me taking care of him when I was the child in the relationship. Deep in his eyes, though I could tell that a part of him was pleased that he’ll be with my mother soon enough, it was that last bit of bliss in him. That acknowledgment killed me to think that I was going to lose him too. He was all I knew and had. Why couldn’t he hold on a little bit longer for me?
“I’m alright honey, come on, you and I need to go to work.”
I just shook my head, knowing he wouldn’t listen to me anyway. His stubbornness might lead to his death. He had slowly been putting up a guard against me when his health took a turn for the worse a year ago. My Papa drank quickly. I didn’t know what tonight’s dinner was going to be. We ran out of food, and I didn’t know when we were going to receive our next payment. When I was younger, the men would give me food out of pity. Seeing a child small and underfeed would make them feel empathetic. Now they wanted something for the food, so I just ignored them and the pains in my belly. On a rare occasion, the dock’s master’s wife would give us food when they had extra, but it was far between the times she did that. They had children themselves to feed.
When the two of us finished with what we were calling breakfast, he took the bowls and washed them with a towel quickly. He gave me a tight smile which I returned and held my hand to start our walk to work. When we got to the docks, my Papa was instantly pulled aside to talk to the port master, leaving me watching and trying to figure out what was happening. My Papa just kept nodding his head before shaking the master’s hand. The master went back inside, and Papa headed back towards me. My chest shook as my heart raced with what my father could be directed towards me to say. I had a feeling what the news was going to be, and it worried me.
“Looks like there’s a job that they need me to go on.”
“But.” I paused and glimpsed over at the office before back at Papa.”But your health.”
He rolled his eyes and shook his head.”It’s a job, and we need the money, so there’s no discussing this. I leave four days from now.”
He brushed by me to head to his station, never looking over his shoulder. Nothing was unusual about him going on trips, but despite what he told people about his health, he was getting worse. The last thing he should be doing was going on a long journey with a cough that shook his whole body, and that made throat scratching noises. Davy Jones himself would hear it at the bottom of the ocean. I tried to hold back the scared nerves by holding my breath for a moment, letting it out slowly. I could not say a word to get him to stay at home. I loved my Papa, and this trip would surely kill him, yet the master could not see that. The owner had a business, things needed to be shipped, and we needed the money. There was nothing I could do. Maybe if I had been born a son, he might have listened to me.
I helped move some of the ropes on the docks to get things started for the upcoming trips. Working kept my mind busy. No one was out on the boards of the port. I guess we were earlier than we were supposed to be. I started to tie the knots for the sails as the sun shined brightly on this beautiful day, the sky losing the other colors leaving a crisp, blue shade behind. I could feel the sun starting to hit my face, warming me to my core. I couldn’t help, but smile. It didn’t take me long to do the ropes; knots were simple. My fingers became nimble over the years. I drifted a bit on the ship since no one was looking and I did all that I could’ve without anyone there.
I headed towards the Quarter Deck, where the steering wheel was. I let my fingers drift over the railing of the ship. The wood felt so smooth under my fingertips. Oh, I just wished that I could sail out and leave my problems behind. Taking a glance to make sure that no one was watching me, I picked up the skirt of my dress and ran the rest of the way. Each foot fell was light and rapid as I tried to keep the wooden planks from squeaking, and I wished that I was barefooted. Once I made it to the Quarter Deck, my fingers shook a little as I went to touch the wheel. With quivering hands, I put my hands on it real fast. My heart seemed like it would not stop from beating too fast, even though the anchor was in the water I felt like I was already on my way sailing towards the horizon to lands that I’ve only ever heard about from the sailors. I wanted to see if the stories were true for myself.
“You look like a natural up there,” a soft deeper voice spoke.
I jumped back and took my hands off with them in a surrender position in front of me. My eyes went wide as a guy around my age was close by chuckling at me. I hadn’t even heard him get on the ship. He had thick, raven hair that was just below his ears glistening as the sun shined brightly on him. He had these piercing green eyes that were smiling at me, or were they smirking? His clothes were tattered and frayed.
“Sorry, I hadn’t meant to scare you,” he spoke while strolling onto the same deck that I was on and continued to close the gap between us.
“You hadn’t scared me,” I tried lying hoping he didn’t see the fear that had to be showing through my eyes.
He had taken another relaxed step closer to me and another until he was finally standing next to me. I tried to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest; my feet never moved. I wasn’t running away from him. Why wasn’t I moving away? Even though I wasn’t trained to be a lady, I knew that when a strange man came up to me, I was not to be alone with him.
“I hadn’t?” the guy raised an eyebrow to match his smirk. His voice though was still charming.”Then why did you jump?”
“You just surprised me, that’s all,” I snapped straightening my shoulders.
He smiled and pushed his hair back from the wind blowing it. That was when I saw the earring. Definitely a pirate! That was not a slave trait because it glistened like gold. I jumped up and squealed as my eyes grew real wide. My hands flew to my lips, hiding my smile at the discovery. He scrunched his dark eyebrows, causing his grin to disappear.
“You’re a pirate,” I shrieked.
I was so excited I must have said it too loudly because he covered my mouth with a calloused hand. He glanced around agitatedly then back at me. His eyes narrowed at mine.
“Why would you say that?”
“Your clothes, the earring, and the fact that I can see an outline of a tattoo through your shirt,” I could hear the enthusiasm with every word. Quickly I was losing restraint that was stopping me from jumping up and down just before.
I couldn’t believe I was meeting a real pirate. I was getting overexcited. There were so many questions I wanted to ask. I wanted to know everything. I had dreamt of meeting a pirate my w life, whole life. However, with a pirate in front of me, I couldn’t think of what to ask first. My mind was a swirl of blanks though unable to process a single query.
“You’ll not rat me out?” he asked as his eyes locked onto mine narrowed.
“No! Tell me what it’s like to be free.”
He raised an eyebrow again.
“You’re not like any other girl I’ve ever met,” he spoke slowly.
My gaze fell to the deck floor, nervously as I shuffled my feet a little. I was not like a normal girl if I had any girl in me at all. He guided my chin up so that I could meet his eyes. They were softer this time.
“That isn’t a bad thing love,” his voice gentle as his thumb rubbed my cheek.”My name is Sly.”
“Elizabeth.”
When I went to the market, the women there talked about how they got flustered when they got a peek of any of the upper crust. I felt just as restless and enthused about the guy before me.
“You aren’t afraid of being near a pirate?” he questioned in hushed tones, and I didn’t know why he had to ask again.
Couldn’t he see the bliss just seeping out every pore?
I leaned against the edge of the ship, and he followed my led. Smiling slightly, I couldn’t believe someone was talking to me like an average person. I wasn’t getting made fun of or harassed. Sly genuinely seemed like he wanted to speak to me, curious about me. I felt the butterflies coursing through me. He was very at ease about this situation as his shoulders were not squared off. I didn’t think I’ve ever really been alone with a male like this before.
“No, actually they fascinate me. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a pirate. However, two things have always stopped me from becoming one,” I spoke with the words flowing out of me effortlessly.
“What are they?” He requested liked he cared.
“First, as much as I’d love to be out there, my Papa’s health keeps me here. The second is the most important; I’m not a man if you haven’t noticed.”
“Aye, I have,” Sly chortled.
I laughed a little anxious then he bent over to my ear. I could feel his lips touch the shell of my ear as he talked. Shivers shot through my spine.
“Would it fancy you to hear what it’s like?” his voice was husky.
“Everything, everything you could tell me.”
Sly laughed from deep within his chest and stood up fully to walk a little more in the back of the ship, leaving me to pursue him. I didn’t take much time as I jumped to shadow him.
“You would rather listen to me talk, than anything else?”
He raised an eyebrow. I pretended to ignore what he was hinting; I was not going to let him ruin my chance of asking him questions.
“Yes. It would mean the world to me,” I beamed.
He sat down on the deck floor, so I copied, and again he stared at me oddly hopefully for my boldness. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of his green ones that were unlike any eyes I have ever seen, such a daring shade of green. There was just the familiarity and comfort around him even though I had only met him.
“Why are you so different from every other girl I’ve ever been near?” there was a playful tone in his voice.
I blushed. That was the one problem I had with pirates, the way they were with the woman. The fact that pirates tried to charm their way into bedrooms to spoil any reputation of a woman just for a moment of mischievousness.
“I never had a Mama to raise me, just my Papa. He jokes around that I should’ve been born a son. That he had always wanted a daughter and never got one. He taught me the sword and about ships. I feel like I’m being imprisoned by staying here on this pile of dirt.”
Sly sighed. I can’t believe I told him that. I just met him. No one else knows about any of these fantasies. I glanced away from him and pushed back some lose hair.
“That’s why I love the sea. I’m free.”
“I’m jealous,” I let go a deep breath of air.
“Ladies such as yourself should want to get married and to have children. Not be trying to roam the waters.”
“That has never been a dream of mine. I never pictured any of those things.”
He smiled big.
“Come with me for a walk.”
I couldn’t say no to those eyes. Getting up we climbed down the ship before we slipped off, hoping not to get noticed. I could not be seen leaving work. Sly took my hand as we ran off towards the beach away from the docks. Using my free hand, I picked up my skirt to lift the material to around my knees. I giggled finally feeling loose, and he smiled at me. I didn’t care about the girly laughter escaping me around him. I didn’t know if it was from the sneaking off or the sea air, but for a brief moment in my life, I felt away from everything in my life. My hair came out of its bun and flew, just as liberated as me from its ribbon. We finally stopped with us trying to catch our breaths. I bent over to take off my shoes which were already practically dead. Walking in the sand with shoes on was not fun or an easy task.
Sly interlaced our fingers and pulled me over so that I was embraced tightly in his arms. He let a hand drift to my cheek and pushed the now windblown hair behind my ears. Being held by Sly was all going too fast, but Sly was a pirate after all. He started to lean forward a little while I was inclining my neck, his lips headed for mine. My knees nearly buckled, I was about to get my first kiss. I snuck out of work with a pirate and was about to get a kiss. My eyes drifted shut as he did the same. We both paused, though when a high pitched voice broke the silence over the sounds of the waves. His forehead was against mine as he paused, his jaw clenched.
“Now Elizabeth, I really could have sworn that you’re supposed to be at work right now,” the voice echoed in my head making me want to die, or to kill her, whatever would keep me from hearing that voice again.
Angeline was the richest girl in the region. Her father was the Governor. There was talk of her marrying a man high up in the ranks of the military. I could care less as long as she was not around me. She was part of the elite, so there wasn’t supposed to be much of a sighting between the two of us, but she still managed to make sure that we ran into each other every few days it seemed.
Everything about Angeline bothered me. Her hair color was opposite of mine, a light blond shade, and hers was clean in tight curls around her shoulders. She always wore the most elegant clothes; I don’t know if I have ever seen her wear the same thing twice. Her eyes were such a vibrant shade of blue that everyone loved under the thick, dark fan of eyelashes. Being around her made my blood boil. I could sense her before I saw her usually. She had a twin brother, Henry. He was a big problem for me. He was searching for a bride, and I always felt his eyes on me despite the class difference. I didn’t know which of the two urchins I wanted to see dead more at times. I was not lucky enough to lose them both in a tragic accident.
“It wasn’t busy,” I tried lying as Sly drew his face away from mine to look at Angeline.
I could feel the joy drain from my body.
“Elizabeth darling, you’re acting very rude by not introducing me to your friend,” her voice had a sharp tone; making sure to let me know that she was above me.
This woman was such a tart. My heart broke. Why did she always try to stomp on the little happiness I had in life. She sought out to make sure no other female was happy. She didn’t care who she flirted with or if the man was available. Angeline strolled upon the beach with such grace I knew I never had a chance because I wasn’t such a ‘lady.’ The layers of silk made the sand even clear smoothly. I wasn’t like the other girls.
“I’m Angeline.”
She held out her gloved hand. Angeline used her charisma, and little was said yet. Sly left with her. I hated that siren. I was left alone standing on the beach with the wind blowing wildly. Off in the distance, I could see a ship that Sly was probably a crew member on that vessel. I sat in the sand, making sure my feet were well into the sand. My toes were in the cool sand as the sun warmed up the top light-colored grains. I had my knees brought into my chest, and I stared out into the ocean. What might have been the best morning of my life was turned into rioting fruit. The rich won over the poor yet again.



Release Day is November 1, 2019, ebooks are available for pre-order!
Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes&Nobles, iTunes, and more!

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Interview with Diana Nixon

Good Morning!
It is a cloudy Sunday morning by me. It is a morning that I totally wish I had some doughnuts as I was editing on the couch tonight. However, I don't have doughnuts and I have a bridesmaid dress I have to fit into in less than two weeks. I am also releasing a young adult book this week and revealing the pirate cover tomorrow!

However, we are here to gush over Diana Nixon's newest book cover and to get to know her before its release. Out of this series, this might be my favorite cover. I will say on a dork note, her favorite book that she has written is my favorite of hers. I have a good portion of her books to still to have read, but I have read several. Love Undone is probably my favorite so far. Sorry for the preview of an answer! Now get ready to get to know the author I talk a lot about.


Interview:

Interview questions
1.       What is your favorite genre to read?
-          The one I'm writing – contemporary romance :) I can read fantasy at times as well.

2.       Do you have a favorite out of your characters?
-          My heart in this case will always belong to Evan Murray from Love Lines: he's smart, good-looking, with a good sense of humor, and he's a friend to die for. I think a lot of my readers, especially those who read Love Lines series, will choose Evan over everyone else.

3.       Which one of your books was your favorite to write?
-          Love Undone – for being a truly touching story, and Serene – for being a book that shows that life is not always easy, but if you just find the right person to spend it with, everything will be different – much brighter and happier.

4.       Do you have a writing routine?
-          I try to write at least 3k words every time I open my laptop to work on a book. I hate leaving my chapters unfinished. I don't like distractions when writing, that's why silence is my best helper :)

5.       Do you have another project in mind after the Shattered series?
-          There are actually two books that I'm going to write in the near future. One is romance for a box set that will include 23 more stories from various authors. And the second book is also going to be a romance, but with a very interesting and unpredictable plot. I don't want to give away too much at this moment. But stay tuned and follow my bookish news to learn more about both projects :)

6.       What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
-          Chocolate, that's for sure. If there's not a single piece of chocolate in the house, I can't think straight :) Especially if I'm in the middle of the writing process.

7.       Do you have any advice for other authors or aspiring authors?
-          Write stories that you want to tell. Let them be the reflections of who you really are. And never give up on your writing dreams, even when it feels like there's nothing you can do to succeed. Oh, and one more thing – ALWAYS start promoting your book even before you start writing it! :)

8.       What is your least favorite part about the publishing/writing process?
-          Advertising. Sometimes I feel like I spend a lot more time on promotion than on writing. It's a bit irritating, I must say. But that's the price you need to pay if you choose to be an independent author :) I like having everything under control, so I'd better spend more time making posts, then let someone else decide how my book cover should look like, or what kind of a story I should write next.

9.       Fall has started, what is your favorite fall activity? Or what is your favorite thing about fall?
-          I like fall for many things – but most of all, for the colors. It always amazes me how beautiful everything around you looks in fall. As for my favorite fall activity – I can't say it's an activity – but I like spending cold fall nights with a cup of tea with lemon and a good book in my hands, candles and music on the background.

10.   Can you tell us anything about the newest book in the Shattered series?
-          Faded is the 4th and the last story in the series. It tells a love story of Jeffrey – the guy you should know from the previous Shattered books. This story is divided into two parts – past and present, and it's being told from two POVs so that the reader could see the events through the eyes of both leading characters. To be honest, I like changing POVs :) It was a little sad to finish the series that I had been working on for a couple of years, but I think Faded is a perfect finale. It has a scene where all of Shattered main characters are together and it makes the end both nostalgic and happy. I hope you guys love Faded and add it to the list of your favorite reads ever :)



So are you now interested? I hope so! So keep your eyes open her newest book and apparently some upcoming projects!

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Finished Christmas Lites

Hello!
I submitted my Christmas Lites story just now! I think this project has been going on for nine years now, and I've been part of it for most of those years. I just sent my short story in for this year. It is a short and sweet story. I hope that everyone who reads it likes it. Now as my last day of freedom I have to wonder what I will be doing. I know last night I was working on turning Beneath the Scars into a screenplay. I doubt I'll do anything with it once it is done, but it's nice to have on hand. I will say the formatting difference is a bit of a pain. I give a lot of credit to those who do it on regular bases. It's pretty gross outside today so I'll probably spend my last day writing, but we'll see!

Monday, August 19, 2019

End of Summer

Hello!
I know that there is pretty much another month of summer, but for me as a teacher, I go back to work in two days. So summer is pretty much over. As always I had a mental list of things I wanted to accomplish this summer, and I'm pretty much sure I did close to none of it. Oops! At least the batteries are recharged? I also finished another Christmas Lites story today! It's been 9(?) years since it has started and I've had a story in almost every edition! It's crazy and I love being part of this big project every year! It is a short sweet story this year. I try to change it up every year. I think I already know what I want to do next year!

I did a Facebook take over the other day and I got asked what my next project is. It made me think. I did put out a few stories this year after a little hiatus. If you all could see my computer folder you'd know that I do have plenty in the works. However, editing fees does slow things down. I do have a few things in the works and I might try something new editing wise to help be able to put more stuff out quicker, without breaking the bank. As you know I got married this summer and the hubby and I have some financial plans for the future. He supports me and my writing, but I want to make sure that help out with those plans.

So what am I working question that got me thinking. Number one, Pirate story, I have been saying this for year, but I will be making this happen and I am looking at covers so it is real! I will just have to come up with a better title and edit it and that will be out late this year, early 2020! Who doesn't like pirates? Number 2, Invisible Bond (Family Ties 2), another title that I've been saying that would be coming out soon. I need to beef it up a little and edit it, but that will be released 2020 as well. I'm currently working on a titleless story that is a little different than my other stories. I am enjoying it, but I am not 100% sure if it will be a full-on novel or a mini novella series like Mistakes is. I did write out a small outline for them, but I am leaning towards a novella series for that. Oh, and I do have my clone story that I will go back and scan through before beginning the editing process. I am sure there are others that I'm not thinking about that I want to work on, but I'm sure more new ones will pop up!
Happy Readings!

Thursday, August 1, 2019

World Wind

I can't believe it has been a little over a month since I wrote last! I'm so sorry, but this summer has pretty much felt like I've blinked and now I'm only a few weeks away from going back to work! Crazy....

So I got married this month which is where most of my MIA has gone. I got married in Maryland and I can't wait to share the photos with you. However, I'm here pretending like I'm being patient and not sitting here praying that they'll come soon. Then went to Mexico for a week. It was beautiful and I was not ready to come back. I haven't done much writing this summer. Then I kind of been itching to do some stuff around the house all the while running around to get my name changed.

I am not changing my name which I write under, just my legal name. I did write the ending of that untitled work that I've been working on. Does that count? PS look me up, I'm on Instagram!

Sunday, June 30, 2019

New release ~ Off the Beaten Path

Good Morning!
It's a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon and I think this heat is crazy. Apparently no gradual process to summer we went straight to into the oven. So yesterday Off the Beaten Path was released! I had released the paperback a couple of days early. Now it is available for every ereader.
It is finally released after what three or four years of me saying it was coming? It went through a lot and a couple of editors, but we made it!

Off the Beaten Path
After a couple of years, things almost seem calm again. There is almost a sense of home and security. However, something they thought would never happen does - a group of people finds them. Once the crowd comes, everything they know changes. Their pack order and relationships are questioned as things are thrown for a loop. After everything that Mother Nature had thrown at them, can their group survive other people.
Kindle
Amazon paperback
Barnes and noble
Smashwords

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Off the Beaten Path and a Freebie

Good morning from New Jersey!
I'm visiting my family in New Jersey for another week then it is back to Virginia for me. I'm down to 24 days until my wedding! It is getting to the crunch and I've been so calm through this whole process I'm trying to keep it up! It is all the little details now and I'm not the best with that stuff so it's interesting. However, you are not reading this to hear about my wedding planning process.

So as I have said previously End of the Line 2 is being released this month! It has been a long journey and has gone through multiple editors, but it is being released next week! Off the Beaten Path takes place a couple of years after the first story. I've been torn if I will write a third. I did come up with another idea, but we'll see if I can do it or not. I do not want to force an idea. If you have no read the first, it is currently free through Barnes and Nobles and Smashwords. I will share the link. You can also check out the details for the upcoming release!

After a couple of years, things almost seem calm again. there is almost a sense of home and security. However, something they thought would never happen does - a group of people finds them. Once the crowd comes, everything they know changes. Their pack order and relationships are questioned as things are thrown for a loop. After everything that Mother Nature had thrown at them, can their group survive other people?







FREE - End of the Line

When so much is lost how does one to have the strength to move on? At seventeen Lauren was prepared for yet another year of school. Then asteroids hit, killing all of those she knew except for a few other teens from her neighborhood. Joining forces with her classmate Aaron, they work together on the journey in the hopes of finding more people that are alive. On the way, threats of starvation, illness, and freezing to death compare to the danger of Dean Manson. Manson is an ex-con out for revenge against Aaron. With so much working against them these teens fight for everything even if it means denying their feelings just for the chance to see a new day.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Mistakes Anthology Cover Reveal

Hi!
So I am finally sharing the details for the Mistakes Anthology that will be released NEXT FRIDAY!!! You can preorder the ebook copy now, but the paperback will be available next Friday! I am also sharing that I'll doing an event July 27th from 6-10pm. I'll have several copies of each book including the new books. I'll be doing this even in Colonial Heights Virginia. There are more details to come.


There is a world that lives in the shadows of the moonlight that watches us. These creatures observe people from their past, remembering all of their wrong doing towards them while they were humans. Yet there seems to be trouble brewing in this hidden realm when one wolf challenges the leader. That one person causes a spiral of chain events that might put all humans at risk and the world that they know.

Now here is the full cover for the paperback. I hope that you all still like it as much as the others!


BN
Amazon
Smashwords

Saturday, June 1, 2019

TWO upcoming releases

Good Morning!
I'm currently taking a break from cleaning/laundry. I mean I live an exciting life full of adventure... Can't you feel the sarcasm this morning? Currently, my internet is trying to upload the cover for one of the upcoming releases for June. You did read that right, there will be two releases this June. The pressure is on! I would have put one in July, but I'm getting married in July and I can picture myself working on minor details and completely forgetting to market a release. At least I'm honest right?

The first release will be on June 14th. This release is a kind of new release. I put all the Mistakes novellas together to create an anthology. I prefer paperback books myself, and if there is an in-between book only available on ebook format I tend to not read it. It is terrible, my kindle spends most of its time collecting dust if I get a book for review that's pretty much when I use my kindle, otherwise I could go on and on about how much I prefer paperbacks. I wanted to let my readers who are the same way to have a way to read the Mistakes series. So I put the whole collection together as a collection. The collection will be available for ebook users AND paperback users. I have had some financial stuff going on lately so I couldn't afford to do a big cover, but I wanted it to go along with the other covers in the series. I hope that you all like it! I'll share that in a day or two ;)


The other release is FINALLY happening! I've been talking about this release for YEARS. End of the Line's sequel, Off the Beaten Path is FINALLY being released next month! I wasn't sure if I would rewrite a sequel to my first book, but a few years later I wrote one, I did have to take a little break because I almost felt like I wrote myself into a corner. Once it was written I had one editor take it. She had it, edited it, then her computer crashed. Unfortunately, some other factors happened and she couldn't edit the piece again. That in itself was a couple of years. Then this past December I gave the story to another editor that I've worked with and she sent the final piece to me this past week! I will not share this cover quite yet, but keep an eye out for ebook details for End of the Line so that you are prepared for the sequel! June will be a busy month and I hope that you all are ready!

Friday, May 31, 2019

Cover Reveal ~ Faded by Diana Nixon

Good Morning!
It is a Friday and it looks like the sun is trying to come to join us this morning! To all those out west I hope that you all are doing alright with all the tornados that are being thrown at you all. I can't imagine what you all are going through, we've just had warnings and that was scary enough. I do not know what is going on with all this extreme weather lately.

I'm using Grammarly on my Chrome, can you tell that I'm on my computer using it rather than my phone? I hope so! I get to share Diana's newest cover reveal. It is gorgeous and I could gush over it for a while if you let me. I'll try to contain myself. See for yourself! This is a series that I plan on catching up on this summer. I'll be in Mexico on a beach this July so I am sure that I'll get some reading done!

I hope that you're excited for the next installment in her Shattered series, so keep your eyes out for more information!



About the Author
Diana Nixon is an International bestselling author of contemporary and fantasy romances. A Master of Law, she never thought she would betray the world of law and dive into fiction. But once her first book – Love Lines – was published, she realized that writing was her true passion. Since then, she has written 20 more books. She can’t imagine her life without her fictional characters and she never stops thinking about the new storylines that haunt her dreams. She’s married and has two daughters - her biggest source of inspiration. She loves music, traveling, coffee and chocolate. She believes that writing is the best cure for everything that can be healed with words. 
Diana Nixon's books are being translated into Spanish, German, Russian, French, Portuguese, Italian and Greek. 

Diana Nixon is the founder of Inks and Scratches, a literary magazine intended to help authors of all genres find readers and spread the news about their writing all over the world.

Follow Diana Nixon on her social media:
2.       Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianaNixon9
3.       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordiananixon/
4.       Goodreads: https://www.instagram.com/authordiananixon/
6.       Sign up to D. Nixon’s newsletter: www.diana-nixon.com

***COMING SOON***
FADED ( Shattered Series, # 4)
Our love was hopeless. Our future - nonexistent. Still, we let the attraction win.
Two young hearts, too naive to believe that love was just a game. We let it consume us, we let it destroy us…
And then, there was nothing but the pain, endless, burning.
For years, I've been trying to forget about Jeffrey Coleman's existence. The son of my worst enemy… Falling for him was a mistake from the very beginning. I did my best to cross him out of my life. And now, I'm standing at his door, ready to beg him to help me…
"There are only two times that I want to share with you: now and forever…"





Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Mistakes Anthology

Hello!
It's a Tuesday night and we're outside enjoying this beautiful night. However l started the process of turning all of the Mistakes series into an anthology. That's right, all five stories in one spot, both in ebook format in addition to paperback! So if you've been waiting to read these werewolf story, but didn't have an ereader your chance is coming next month!

All of the stories have been edited, but I'm combing through them all again anyway just incase there is a typo or what not. I am also formatting them all to match for the paperback version. I'm hoping it'll come out nice.

However, the cover is making me over think. I love the eyes and would love to work that into the cover of the anthology since each book had it. I had a couple holding hands that I was going to use, you only see their hands. Looking at it again I don't know if I want to go in that direction. I'm going to have to play around with that. I'm up for suggestions 😁😉

As usual I'll keep you all in the loop!

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Weekend away

Good morning from Corolla North Carolina!
My fiance and are down for a friend of ours wedding this weekend. We took it as a chance to go away for the whole weekend. We have someone watching the dogs. This is my first time using Airbnb but I'm ready to move into this condo. The view isn't great, but we are in walking distance of so much. Like I said, I'm ready to move here.

I can't see the beach, but I already feel more relaxed. The beach relaxes me and I just feel calmer when near it. I love it, and if I could I'd live on the beach. Well people are waking up I'll talk more later! Have a beautiful weekend!

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Funfetti and Writing

Hi!
Yesterday was a rainy Saturday and going to the vet in addition to doing laundry were the only things on my agenda. How adult right? So I decided to treat myself to some homemade cookies even though I'm trying to get back to my healthy habits. I'm good all week so I decided it was time to enjoy life a little. It doesn't help that I wanted to use a few things that I had gotten from my bridal shower. Now, a bridal shower when you're opening up plates, towels, and knives and getting exciting for those stuff makes you realize, 'Oh gees, I have hit this point'.

I got this spatula from my bridal shower. How cute is that? I love it! It is a little embarrassing to say I love that little spatula when I got expensive stuff too. I was able to use some of the other cooking/baking stuff yesterday. There is something nice about new stuff.

Okay, you don't want to hear about me and spatulas. This week the last installment of the Mistakes series will be released! This series has been in the works since I was in high school. I think I started it when I was a sophomore. Actually Moonlit Eyes was originally going to be a novel by itself and it was the book that I was working on. Its title was Mistakes. I got about a quarter through it then wrote myself into a corner. Then a couple of years later I wrote Shadows from the Past which was suppose to be in a collection. The collection ended up not happening, but then I thought of a way to connect that story with the one I started in high school.

I had the chance to write in a Halloween collection, but I didn't get the Whispers in the Woods done in time so again this story was put aside. Finally I was decided to write the whole series on its own. Little by little I was able to get each story added to the series. It is a little embarrassing that that the first one was published in 2013. Oops! I had finished the last one in the fall and was prepared to publish it for Halloween like I normally do. However, the ending just felt flat to me. A couple months later I figured out how to fix the ending. I hope that everyone enjoys the ending and that it has been worth the wait! :)


Moonlit Eyes (5)
Aidan doesn't have the best home life, but with his friends makes things worth it all. He doesn't want to tell his friend Gemma that he likes her more than a friend at the risk of losing the only real stable thing in his life. Things start to spiral when she starts dating someone from her math class. Walking home one night he gets bit by what he thought was a large dog. Little does Aidan know that he's being dragged into a war that could determine the fate of the world.
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Nobles


Shadows from the Past (1)
Children fear what lurks in the shadows. After the tragic loss of her best friend, Renee learns that what stalks the shadows wants her. She will have to choose the darkness or die.
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Nobles


Whispers in the Woods (2)
The ranks are being questioned in the shadows. No one is truly safe. Kylie is unsure of herself as she doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. However, one trip into the woods will drag her into a war.
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Nobles


Footsteps in the Alley (3)
Children are taught to fear what may lurk in the dark. All Nathan wanted was a night away from boredom. However, when he got out of the theater he got a night he wasn't expecting. A night that leaves him running for his life.
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Nobles


A Howl for a Resistance (3)
It's easy to hide in the dark, but living on the run has Ivy on edge of what might be searching for them. She knows the consequences, but she takes the risks anyway. A werewolf revolution is in the works, but is the support there? However, new secrets are revealed that could change everything.
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Nobles

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Ready to go

Good Morning,
I'm currently visiting my family in Jersey this week. I'm on spring break so I came up for some wedding planning with the family. I had my bridal shower the other day. It was great seeing my family and friends. I'm getting a lot of wedding related stuff ready, writing, not so much. However, I did get the last installment in the Mistakes series ready to go for pre-orders! Keep your eyes out because Moonlit Eyes will be available for all ebook users soon! It will be released April 18th though!
Happy Readings!

Friday, March 22, 2019

Another draft down

Hello!
It is a Friday night and I'm not in the mood to clean the house. I'm usually dull on a Friday night. I accidentally burned my hand when I was making dinner, nothing unusual. Fridays are usually casual at work so I can wear jeans if I wear a school related shirt.

Today was career day for the kids.the kids were told to wear someone related to the career they wanted. I dressed like myself and called myself a writer. I wished I could dress as I usually wear while writing, yoga pants. However I had a meeting with a parent, yoga pants not recommended.

I finished my young adult novel Beaker to Life today!! It is a scifi novel about a human clone. I'll be sharing more soon, but it is nice to get back into the swing of things. I'm actually accomplishing things and it feels good!

Friday, March 15, 2019

Audio Books

Hey!
It's Friday night and I was recording audio for my kids for their upcoming tests. I subject the kids to my voice on an mp3 player. I keep meaning to do YouTube videos so you all can see and hear me. I keep getting sidetracked and it doesn't happen. It will one day!! Hopefully...

So how many people listen to audio books? I personally don't like them because I tend to zone out. Honestly when I listen to music I don't really even listen to the words, but really just the music part. I hate to admit I think I listened to Lips of an Angel by Hinder over 10 times before I realized what I was humming to. Oops!

However, looking at the prices and what the process I'm like "I record all the time for the kids, why would I pay someone for something I already do?" Is that crazy? Would you find it fun to hear the actual author doing the audio book? Would you even want to hear my books as audio books? I am thinking I might start with Beneath the Scars and see how that goes over.

Yet as I was mauling it over one of my kids today was laughing at my voice. Apparently one second I sound like I'm 100 years old the next I sound like a baby. Got to love third graders...

It would be a big project to take on. It might be a great project for the summer when I have more free time. However, whenever I have something on my mind project wise I am usually pretty determined to figure it out. So keep your eyes and ears open for more news.