Novel News: June 2016

Another month has come and is almost gone. June was pretty much a blur for me with so much going on: my son’s birthday, Father’s Day, my anniversary, another bout of weather-related illness, and tons of fun with the kids. And here we are, ready for another Novel News update!

 

New Releases

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Acolyte by Keven Newsome

This is the 3rd book in the Winter series, a series that has been surprisingly enjoyable, packed with action, demons, and an insecure prophetess (a la Old Testament prophet-style). Keven did not disappoint in this 3rd leg of the journey. Winter struggled with her powers while trying to protect her friends and the villain’s target. I can’t wait for the final book!

 

 

 

Bellanok4Bellanok: The Paladin’s Hope 

The final novella in my Bellanok serial. It has not come out yet, but it comes out on TUESDAY, JUNE 28! That’s right. More dragons. More demons. More fantasy fun. Are you ready for the final battle? Good. Because I’m not sure Brian and Fauna are. If you haven’t caught up on their journey yet, check out My Books.

 

 

 

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The Circumnavigation of Shatterworld

by Lelia Rose Foreman

I have not read this book yet, but it is by a fellow Realmie. It looks like quite the interesting sci-fi adventure tale, though, with new earth species, storms, and monsters of all sorts.

Writing Update

Now that the Bellanok serial is done, what’s next for me?

Well, I will be compiling Bellanok into one novel that will be available both as an ebook and paperback. I hope to release that in mid-July. No exact date yet.

After that, I will be revising Aletheia, the first book in a trilogy based on the premise question, “What if the armor of God were real?” Hopefully, I’ll have that finished before I head off to Realm Makers at the end of July.

 

Other News

The Silmarillion Awards: An interesting new set of awards. Click on the link to find out more!

If you write fantasy, should you read it? Great article on the Faith & Fantasy Alliance blog.

 

It’s the start of my conference season! Today, I’m at the KY Christian Writers Conference in Elizabethtown, KY. A small, intimate conference that is so inspiring.

Next month, I head up to Villanova, PA, for the Realm Makers conference. And in August, I’ll be at the ACFW conference in Nashville. Yay!

I hope I’ll get to see some of you at one of the conferences!

 

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Do you have any big summer plans?

Writers, did you have a novel release this month?

Please feel free to share in the comments!

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss any of the updates! Coming in July, we have more goals, more confessions, and lots of book fun!

Bellanok 4 Title & Cover Reveal!

Yes, my friends. The story is coming to an end–slowly but surely.

If you’ve been following Bellanok’s story, you know there’s going to be some kind of action-packed ending! Or is there? I guess you’ll have to find out by reading the final part of this fantasy novella serial when it comes out on

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016!

That’s right, people! Only 11 days to go–start spreading the news. But before you do, you might want to see the new cover.

So I present to you . . .

 

Bellanok4BELLANOK: THE PALADIN’S HOPE

After the heartache of The Dragon’s Oath, Brian and Fauna try to recover their shaken faith amid the gathering storm of demons.

More and more of the inhabitants of Bellanok are being turned, and they have no way of knowing if the demon army outnumbers them yet or not. Brian and Fauna turn to the dragons for help. But it still might not be enough.

Brian and Fauna must both embrace their place in the upcoming battle or they are sure to lose it all. More than just the future of Bellanok is at stake.

 

What do you think? I love the unicorn in the mirror for the final cover. 

If you haven’t checked out the first 3 novellas in the serial, head over to MY BOOKS to get your copies so you’ll be all caught up!

Also, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the latest updates–like when the book finally releases!

Novel News: May 2016

Welcome to my new end-of-the-month posts! In Novel News, I’ll be sharing new releases, quotes from books, author highlights, and whatever else my book nerd heart desires.

Sounds fun, right? Don’t miss any of the news, sign up for my newsletter!

New Releases

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Bellanok: The Dragon’s Oath

The first book that came out is . . . MINE! Ha! You knew I had to share that, right? The 3rd part in my novella serial came out earlier this month. As Brian prepares for his new role as the Creator’s chosen paladin, Fauna struggles with her inability to communicate with the Creator anymore. An unexpected turn of events will rock the faith they’ve worked hard to build. Will they be able to rise above their struggles? Find out in Bellanok: The Dragon’s Oath.

 

 

Also out this month . . .

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Darkened Hope by J.L. Mbewe

This is the second book in the The Hidden Dagger trilogy. (Secrets Kept is the first.) The author is a good friend of mine, and I’ve had the honor of helping her proofread her books. Darkened Hope is even better than the first book, full of interesting cultures, unexpected twists, and well-rounded characters. I definitely recommend reading Darkened Hope this summer.

 

 

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Rebirth by Amy Brock McNew

This debut release by Amy is one of the best stories I’ve read in 2016. The emotional depth and realism in this story kept me up late at night. The kickbutt heroine and battles with demons didn’t hurt either. Amy often talks about “guts on the page” in her Facebook and blog posts, and you can tell her guts are on the page in this story. Definitely add this one to your list!

 

 

Progeny

 

Progeny by Tosca Lee

I just started reading this story. It’s in first person, present tense, which I don’t usually enjoy, but Tosca just sucked me in. She doesn’t drop much backstory in the first few chapters, so you feel like you’re right there with the main character (who doesn’t remember who she was), and it opens so many natural questions. Yay!

 

 

 

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The Beautiful Pretender (A Medieval Fairy Tale) by Melanie Dickerson

For the fairy tale lover in all of us! I haven’t started this book, but I’ve enjoyed other novels by Melanie Dickerson. I look forward to trying this one out. (I just love her covers though!)

 

 

Writing Update

Bellanok 4 is well underway. I was hoping to release it the first week of June, but it looks like I might have to push it to the second week. The tentative release date is June 10. Are you ready for the epic ending to our urban fantasy tale?

In Other News . . . 

Huge Giveaway of several different books from Amaze-ing Hats!

I’m reading an ARC for another fabulous book to read this summer, the 3rd in a trilogy. I’ll be sharing more in June.

Quotes

I found this meme while I was reading Rebirth (above), and it fit so perfectly with the story as well as with some things I’ve been going through. What do you think?

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A Book Date with Amy!

Author Head Shot Amy copyThis is Amy. Amy likes to write. Amy wrote a book. You should buy the book.

Okay, okay, I suppose I can give you a little more. First of all, I will not be providing a complete review today. I meant to read Amy’s book this week, but as many of you know, I have been practically bedridden since last week. Reading only made me feel worse.

But I am SO excited to read this supernatural fantasy romance. Why?

  • Kick-butt female
  • Demons getting their butts kicked
  • Drool-worthy romantic interest
  • Secrets, twists
  • Amy rocks
  • NYT Best-selling Author Tosca Lee sums it up well: “An action-packed tale of classic good versus evil from the depths of human despair and heights of God’s grace. Filled with romance, betrayal, love, loss and ultimate triumph.”

So, I’m a few chapters into the book, and I love it so far! It really did frustrate me when the migraine would take over and my husband made me go to bed. *sigh*

Back Cover Blurb:

 

9781943788040-Perfect.inddLiz Brantley has a gift she wants to return. Able to see and fight demonic forces, she has spent her life alone, battling the minions of hell bent on her destruction, running from the God who gave her this curse. Drawn to her abilities, the demon Markus unleashes havoc on her hometown and pulls Liz further into the throes of battle.

She’s desperate for a normal life. When she meets a mysterious man who seems unaware of the mystical realm that haunts her, the life she’s always wanted moves within reach. But her slice of normal slips from her grasp when an old flame, Ryland Vaughn, reappears with secrets of his own. Secrets that will alter her destiny.

Torn between two worlds, Liz is caught in an ancient war between good and evil. And she isn’t sure which side to choose. Bio: Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just

 

Are you ready to run out and purchase it? Well, it doesn’t come out until May 24, BUT you can PRE-ORDER.

 

Want to know a little more about Amy?

0807152142Well here is Amy and I at the costume awards banquet at Realm Makers last year.

Amy2Here is Amy with her publisher at a more local writers event.

Oh, and here is Amy’s bio:

Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. Exploring the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird, Amy pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off-limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities. Visit AmyBrockMcNew.com to learn more about this intriguing author.

Social Media Links:

Here’s a little more about Amy (I had to pry it out of her!):

~I have a drawer full of those plastic silverware/napkin packets in my kitchen. (Why?)

~I love the beach and like to wade in the water, but I don’t really like swimming in the ocean because I have an irrational fear of sharks. Because I snuck and watched Jaws when I was way too little. (I’m not a fan of the ocean period!)

~Sometimes, I wish I’d been born like 200 years ago. I think I’d make a good Annie Oakley type!

~I had a huge crush on Jonathan Frakes (Will Ryker) in high school!

~I can’t whistle to save my life! (Could you whistle to save MY life?)

You’re ready to get ahold of this book now, aren’t you? Here are the purchase links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Sm5pNZ

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1So45GY

iBooks: http://apple.co/1So4l8S

Kobo: http://bit.ly/213uz67

 

Do you have any questions for Amy?

 

Amy has 2 unique interviews scheduled for tomorrow at H.A. Titus and Lands Uncharted.

Oh, and don’t forget about the Facebook Launch Party–good company, good fun, good prizes!

Cover Reveal: Rebirth by Amy Brock McNew

One of my favorite new friends that I met at Realm Makers in 2015 is Amy Brock McNew. She is such a wonderful person to get to know–funny, lots of good stories, exceptional mom and wife. Yeah, good friend. AND now she has a book coming out! Rebirth is slotted to be released by Love 2 Read, Love 2 Write on May 24. (Just a few days after MY birthday–Happy Birthday to me!)

Here’s the blurb . . .

Liz Brantley has a gift she wants to return.
Able to see and fight demonic forces, she has spent her life alone, battling the minions of hell bent on her destruction, running from the God who gave her this curse. The demon Markus, drawn to her abilities, unleashes havoc on her hometown and pulls Liz further into the throes of battle.
She’s desperate for a normal life.
When she meets a mysterious man who seems unaware of the mystical realm that haunts her, the life she’s always wanted flits within reach. But her slice of normal slips from her grasp when an old flame, Ryland Vaughn, reappears with secrets of his own. Secrets that will alter her destiny.
Torn between two worlds, Liz is caught in an ancient war between good and evil.
And she isn’t sure which side to choose.

 

Author Head Shot Amy copyAuthor bio:

Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. Exploring the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird, Amy pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off-limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities.
Visit AmyBrockMcNew.com to learn more about this intriguing author.

 

 

 

And now for the cover . . .

 

9781943788040-Perfect.indd

 

What do you think of the cover? I find it mysterious and intriguing! 

Cover Reveal: Darkened Hope (by J.L. Mbewe)

 

I am so excited to share the news with you all! My dear friend and fellow fantasy author, J.L. Mbewe, is FINALLY getting ready to release the 2nd novel in her trilogy. Today, we’re doing a cover reveal.

I’ve read the first book, Secrets Kept, some time ago, and really enjoyed it. The world of Nalu is well thought out and the story engaging. There’s also quite the interesting spread of characters. You should check it out (link at the bottom–only 99 cents today).

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00038]Darkened Hope Blurb:

Ayianna is a cursed half-elf betrothed to Desmond, but her heart belongs to another. After discovering the cure for the Sorceress’s curse, she and her companions embark on a dangerous quest to retrieve the ingredients.

When dragons descend upon their party, Ayianna realizes the Sorceress is searching not just for the corrupted dagger, but a human sacrifice that will open a portal to the underworld. Battling deadly creatures and natural disasters, Ayianna is forced more and more to confront her insecurities and conflicted heart.

Now she must decide whether to be true to her family or true to herself. As the nations rally for war, betrayal threatens to destroy them all, and it’s a race against time to return before the curse devastates the plains people.

Coming in May 2016

 

Author bio:

Writing as J. L. Mbewe, Jennette is an author, artist, mother, wife, but not always in that order. Born and raised in Minnesota, she now braves the heat of Texas, but pines for the Northern Lights and the lakes of home every autumn. She loves trying to capture the abstract and make it concrete. She is currently living her second childhood with a wonderful husband and two precious children who don’t seem to mind her eclectic collections of rocks, shells, and swords, among other things. Here, between reality and dreams, you will find her busily creating worlds inhabited by all sorts of fantasy creatures and characters, all questing about and discovering true love amid lots of peril. She has two short stories published in The Clockwork Dragon anthology, and four short stories set in the world of Nälu. Her debut novel, Secrets Kept, was nominated for the 2014 Clive Staples Award, and its sequel, Darkened Hope is coming May 2016.

Stay up-to-date with all things Nälu and her journey as a writer mama at JLMbewe.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Pinterest.

 

Extras

FB ad 403x300 SK saleSecrets Kept, the first book in the Hidden Dagger Trilogy will be on sale for .99

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Kept-Hidden-Dagger-Book-ebook/dp/B00WBV3WU6

 

The short story, A Princess No More, will be free.

http://www.amazon.com/Princess-More-Tale-N%C3%A4lu-Book-ebook/dp/B00JWA3CWM

 

 

Bellanok: An Urgent Quest is Here!

I know, I know . . . it’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here. The next installment of Bellanok is now on Amazon. The same characters you enjoyed in The Reluctant Savior, but with a whole new set of obstacles and dangers on the island of Bellanok.

Ralene Bellanok 2 an urgent quest final coverHere’s the blurb for Bellanok: An Urgent Quest:

Brian made it to Bellanok alive, but he’s not sure he’ll get out that way. From the time he arrives, things are not as he expected. The demon’s influence is everywhere. And then there’s the drums that only he can hear.

Fauna brought Brian back like she was told, but now what is she supposed to do? Bellanok is succumbing to evil, her link to Father is severed, and she fears she’s set everyone up for failure. A recurring vision may turn out to be the first clue as to the next step.

I’m really excited to share An Urgent Quest with all of  you. Enjoy!

If you haven’t read the first installment, The Reluctant Savior, you can also check it out on Amazon.

If you haven’t already, sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss each installment as they come out. There’s 3 more to come! You’ll also enjoy writing tips, story insiders, encouragement, and other fun stuff in your Inbox a couple of times a week.

What are YOU reading in the last week of 2015?

Bellanok is Free!

In honor of Cyber Monday, Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior is FREE today and tomorrow (Nov. 30-Dec. 1). If you haven’t got your copy yet, now’s the time!

Currently, it is still only available on Amazon, but don’t let that hold you back. Remember, you can always get the Kindle app for your phone, your tablet, your computer . . .

Releases October 16 (1)

Now, I know many of you were expecting the release of Bellanok: An Urgent Quest sometime today or over the last weekend. However, due to many things going wrong at the same time, I was unable to get the novella done in time. So . . . be on the lookout in December for the new release date. I’ll let y’all know as soon as I do!

In the meantime, get your copy of Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior if you haven’t already. And let’s enjoy some reading this week!

What else are you reading?

Bellanok Part 2 Cover Reveal!

I know you’ve been waiting for it, folks. And here it is . . .

 

Bellanok: An Urgent Quest

(Part 2 in Bellanok serial)

Brian has finally arrived on the island of Bellanok. But everything is not as Fauna, the fairy queen, had described it. As he explores his new surroundings, danger lurks around every bend in the mountains, every tree in the forest, and even in Brian’s own mind. 

Something is calling to Brian from the vast wilderness, and it won’t let him rest.

 

 

Yeah? Who’s ready to read it? Only a couple more weeks. The plan is to release the story either on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Decisions, decisions . . .

 

Now for the cover!

 

Ralene Bellanok 2 an urgent quest final cover

Again, thank you, J.L. Mbewe of Master Design Solutions. I love the cover designs she’s done for Bellanok.

 

What do you think? Are you ready for the next part?

If you haven’t read Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior, it’s only 99 cents on Amazon, or free for Kindle Unlimited. Catch up while you can!

Book Tour: RUN by Glenn Haggerty

One of my clients, Taegais Publishing, just released another book last week. I’m really excited for this MG adventure novel by Glenn Haggerty. I’m even more excited to have him on my blog today! Stay tuned after the interview for more information on Run.

11120914_2056760277796270_878304415549739269_oWhat inspires you when you write?

Several things: Reading books that I really like by other authors—Andrew Klavan has had a big impact on me—but there are so many great books out there, I’d leave too many out if I started listing them! Exercise. I often get some great ideas and insights as a ride my stationary bike. A quiet comfortable place. No phone and no to do lists. And prayer. Definitely.

What is your current work in progress?

Working title, Hyde. This is a fun adventure set in Boca Raton Florida which is by the way my first non fictitious setting. I’ve researched the Spanish Gold Fleet of 1715 that was destroyed by a hurricane leaving the wrecks of 12 ships scattered from the Florida Keys to the Sebastian Inlet on Florida’s east coast. Two of the ships are unaccounted for . . . So we have modern day pirates, a couple of nosey oceanographers, and of course some fun loving teens who are yet again in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

Tell us about RUN.

Run is the story of a thirteen-year-old boy from a Christian home trying to find his way. Wanting to hang with the cool crowd caused Tyler to make some bad choices that mushroomed into a huge mess. A family relocation gave him the opportunity to start over, but he’s not a fast learner . . . Everything seems stacked against him, including a nasty run-in with some very bad men. But Tyler still wants to do things his way. Slowly he begins to trust in God again, and things begin to change. And it’s a good thing, because he’ll need God to make it through what lies ahead.

How’d you get your idea for Run? 

Abandoned houses in the woods have always fascinated me. Such mystery! My imagination just runs wild, especially when I remember those times I was brave enough to poke around in the ruins. This was the germ for the story.

So Run’s target audience is mainly boys age 10 to 14?

Yes and no. It’s true that the protagonist and most of the secondary characters are boys, but I’ve received a number of rave reactions from tween and teen girls as well. In book two of the series, one of the girls from Run, Audrey, is a main character. And both women and men enjoy RUN, it brings a certain nostalgia I think.

 

For fear of reprisals, kids are often reluctant to tell parents about bullying. When should parents suspect their children are being bullied?

  1. Emotional, depression, withdrawal,
  2. reluctance to go to school or other social venues
  3. marks of physical violence

How can parents coax their children into discussing possible bullying?

Tap into your own experiences with bullying, or that of “a friend” (hypothetical or real). Paint a picture of what it was like and how it was resolved. Then ask if your child has ever experienced anything similar.

My protagonist’s dad wheedle the truth from Tyler when he caught him practicing martial arts. He then gave some good and godly advice that helped the protagonist work his way through. The results were still less than ideal.

What are the most important things for kids to realize when faced with bullies?

First, they don’t deserve it and it’s not ever right. Second, their parents and most adults (school authorities) are on their side. Parents will do whatever it takes to help children work through it. School teachers and officials want to eliminate bullying.

 

How can kids find healthy friendships?

Kessler used to say “if you want a friend, be a friend.”

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (Philip 2:3 NLT).

This is the “lesson” Tyler learns throughout the book—his character arc.

 How can parents help their kids find healthy friendships?*

Connect to good church youth and children’s groups. If they don’t have one at your church, find one that does. Get involved with the programs. Create opportunities for your children to meet people of like mind and interests. Other ideas are, Home School groups, athletic, music, drama, and other social organizations for kids.

Tyler’s parents immediately connected to a local church with an active youth group.

 What specific things can kids, or parents for that matter, do to help newbies feel welcome?

print front cover smallWhen you see someone you don’t know and alone, walk up to them and introduce yourself! It sounds simple. But yeah. Ask them questions about themselves, like “How long have you been coming here?” That way if they’ve been coming a long time it still wouldn’t be awkward. Then “How do you like it?” etc.

Second, include him or her with your friends. Invite him or her to sit with you. Etc.

 
Thanks for hanging with us today, Glenn! I look forward to reading the book, as I’m sure ALL my kids will too.

If you’d like to purchase Run by Glenn Haggerty, visit Amazon.

You can visit Glenn on his website or Facebook!