Tag: Giveaway

Interview With Author Terrie Lynn Birney

By way of introduction, here is Terrie Lynn’s bio:

T.L. Birney is a children’s picture book author who has Cerebral Palsy. When she was born, the doctors told her mom she would be a “vegetable” her entire life.

She’d love to say to those doctors, “Ha, take this!” Not only is she pursuing a career in writing children’s books, but she also graduated from college with an associate degree in computer science.

Since she can remember, she has enjoyed writing. At first, she focused on expressing her feelings. Now, she’s following her dream of becoming a children’s picture book author. 

Giveaway 

$10 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/Abby-AbilityTour

Hello Terrie Lynn, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for spending time with us.

Thank you for having me.

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

 I met my husband in a country nightclub in 1993.

Where were you born/grew up at? 

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but I grew up in North Carolina where I still live with my husband.

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day? 

I would spend my last day with my family. I mostly write at night after dinner.

Who is your hero and why?

 My mother is my hero because she raised me and didn’t put me in a “home” when I was born. 

What are you passionate about these days? 

Nowadays, I’m passionate about writing children’s books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy.

What do you do to unwind and relax? 

I enjoy watching T.V. shows and movies to relax.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

 Five words that I’d describe myself are caring, loving, funny, a survivor, author.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

I began calling myself a writer when I started focusing on writing my books and I signed up for a coaching program in 2022 which I still take to this day.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

 I can see my series. The Buddies’ Adventures made into a TV series.

What inspired you to write this book? 

This book was created after meeting the mom of a little girl with CP, named Abby.

Her mom asked if I could help her answer questions Abby asked about having Cerebral Palsy.

To help Abby and other children like her understand, I wrote a book called Abby-Ability.

What can we expect from you in the future? 

I’m working on a children’s book that has ASL signs for the text.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Abby-Ability?

 Abby has Cerebral Palsy. Kahlan and Lexi are her older sisters who help Abby. 

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

 I titled this book, Abby-Ability because Abby is the real girl’s name, and I picked Ability to tell kids that they can do anything that they want to do.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

 I enjoyed the fact that I noticed some God-winks while I was getting ready to release my book, Abby-Ability.

You might be wondering “What Is A God wink”? Well, A God wink is what some people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an experience so astonishing that it could only have come from God.

My Illustrator made Abby’s walker purple and then, I found out that purple is Abby’s favorite color. #abbygodwink.

My Illustrator also put Abby’s sisters in shirts that are their favorite colors without our knowledge. #godwink. I’m taking the Godwinks as signs that God likes what I’m doing.

What is your favorite part of this book and why? 

My favorite part of Abby-Ability is the fact that it’s based on a real girl. 

Have you written any other books that are not published? 

My books, The Gaming Buddies will be available for pre-order in December 2024 and Does Anyone Know ASL? will be on pre-order next summer in July 2025. 

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

 I enjoy reading books from Nicolas Sparks, Karen Kingston, Lolly Winston, Judy Blume, E.L. James, Danielle Stelle, Nora Roberts, Jane Austen, Francine Pascal, and Laura Ingalls Wilder

How long have you been writing?  

I started seriously writing in 2022. But I wrote a novel loosely based on my life.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I researched the type of Cerebral Palsy that Abby has- Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy

What do you think about the current publishing market?

 I think it’s crazy that anyone can write a book with AI. 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

 I read romance.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?

 The Baxters Series.

Pen or type writer or computer? 

I write on a computer.

Advice you would give new authors? 

I  would tell new authors that they can do it and I can help, email me at author@terrielynnbirneyauthor.com.

What makes a good story?

 Emotions and feelings make a good story.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

 I try to deliver to readers what they want.

Where can readers find you?

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.terrielynnbirneyauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrielynnbirneyauthor

X: https://x.com/tlbirneyauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrielynnbirneyauthor/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Terrie-Lynn-Birney/author/B0BXFP8FGG

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23810995.Terrie_Lynn_Birney

Thank you, Terrie Lynn , for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck with Abby-Ability!

Available on Amazon

A mother of a special-needs girl (Abby) asked the author for advice on how to answer her questions: why does she have Cerebral Palsy and why is she different from her sisters?

The author and her decided to write a book that answers her questions.

Abby-Ability

by Terrie Lynn Birney

Illustrated by Pavani Apsara

Genre: Special-Needs Children’s Book  

Has your special-needs child ever asked you why he/she is different from his/her siblings or classmates?

Well, this book, Abby-Ability, is for your family. Abby has questions asking why she has Cerebral Palsy, and why she is different. With her faith in God and getting answers to her questions, will Abby understand that she does have a special ability, just like everyone else?

A mother of a special-needs girl (Abby) reached out to me on Social Media, asking for advice on how to answer Abby’s questions: why does she have Cerebral Palsy and why is she different from her sisters.

We decided I would write a book that answers her questions.

As a woman who has Cerebral Palsy, Terrie loves writing children’s books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy for kids aged 5-8.

She hopes that not only kids with any kind of disability, but also every kid will enjoy her children’s picture books about diversity.

With her children’s picture books, Terrie also hopes to get the word in the world that anyone with any disability is the same as anyone else.

Amazon * Author’s Site * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Abby-Ability-Terrie-Lynn-Birney-ebook/dp/B0DGDM2VH1

Author’s Site: https://www.terrielynnbirneyauthor.com/my-store

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/abby-ability-by-terrie-lynn-birney

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218597408-abby-ability

Threshold Book Tour

On Threshold time travel is about to become possible. The huge space habitat, already 500 years in our future is about to go forward to a safer time and place. Aliens from the All-Time hold the keys. Wanna go?

Threshold

The Threshold Series Book 1

by Janet & Chris Morris

Genre: Science Fiction Thriller Adventure

Set a millennium from now on Threshold Terminal—virtually a Grand Hotel in space— a young test pilot, Joe South, is thrust five hundred years into his future and finds himself in the thick of interstellar smuggling, intrigue, and the rough underworld of an alien environment. It is a time of danger and ever-shifting powers . . . and the destinies of a lost test pilot, an underworld scavenger, and two young lovers become irrevocably intertwined . . .

*November’s Featured Title of the month with Perseid Press!* 

**On Sale for Only $2.99!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Threshold-Book-1-Janet-Morris-ebook/dp/B09PRQ4P1W

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/threshold-by-janet-morris-and-chris-morris

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62315061-threshold

Giveaway

Choice of Print or ebook of Threshold, $20 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/ThresholdBookTour

About The Authors

Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others.

Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels.

Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.

Christopher Crosby Morris (born 1946) is an American author of fiction and non-fiction, as well as a lyricist, musical composer, and singer-songwriter. He is married to author Janet Morris. He is a defense policy and strategy analyst and a principal in M2 Technologies, Inc. He writes primarily as Chris Morris, but occasionally uses pseudonyms.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Bookbub 

 Amazon * Amazon *  Goodreads * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://theperseidpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerseidPublishing

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Perseid_Press

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perseid_press

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/janet-morris

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chris-morris

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Janet-Morris/author/B001HPJJB8

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Morris/author/B008L41JNO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/121072.Janet_E_Morris

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/317667.Chris_Morris

Book Of Magic Book Tour

Unravel the secrets to crafting a masterful magic system from best-selling fantasy author Charlie N. Holmberg.

Charlie N. Holmberg’s Book of Magic 

By Charlie N. Holmberg

Genre: Speculative Nonfiction, Writing Self-Help

Unravel the secrets to crafting a masterful magic system from best-selling fantasy author Charlie N. Holmberg.

Whether using magic as flavor or as an essential piece of plot, this book will guide fantasy authors, from new to experienced, through the delicate layers of creating, utilizing, and mastering magic systems.

In this book, we will…

*Discuss the schools, laws, and spectrum of magic

*Learn to build individual pieces of a magic system

*Dig into magic’s influence on worldbuilding

*Examine different types and styles of magic

*Develop and polish original magic systems


With workshops, work pages, and reference materials included, this succinct one-and-done guide to crafting the magical elements of the fantasy genre is a must-have for speculative fiction authors.

“If you haven’t had the fortune of attending one of Charlie’s writing classes (which I have), this is the next best thing.

Book of Magic contains so much wit, wisdom, and practical suggestions for helping any beginning author, or veteran, make their magic systems rise up and be noticed.

She uses expert examples from other authors you know as well as teaching a masterclass on developing magic systems from scratch based on methods she’s invented.

You just may need this book to help find out what kind of magic-based diseases might be festering in your neighbor’s cabbages.” —Jeff Wheeler, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Kingfountain series

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4MZM3XK

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/charlie-n-holmberg-s-book-of-magic-by-charlie-n-holmberg

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217485012-charlie-n-holmberg-s-book-of-magic

Excerpt

Originality

Before we get into the bones of building a magic system, I want to take a page or two to discuss originality. 

Originality really is what separates a lot of books and a lot of authors. In fantasy, it’s tempting to default to an “easy” magic system so we can focus on storytelling.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—if I want to start my story in medias res, with a man being assaulted by a vampire in an alleyway, all I have to do is say “vampire” and the antagonistic force is set.

I don’t have to waste time grounding the reader, because vampires are so common, I can start the story with no learning curve. And if I’m trying to hook readers on the action, then this is absolutely a tool I’m going to use. 

Books can employ simple or preset magic systems when the goal is flavor, highlighting power, or invoking a fantastical setting. Easy magic has a shallow learning curve, and therefore can attract more readers, especially those unused to the conventions of the fantasy genre.

But for those who want magic to be a large part of the story—tied in deeply with characters and plot—take a moment to differentiate yourself from the books that may sit beside yours on the shelf (or above and below you on the Amazon scroll).

Take your time with it—don’t rush development. Great magic systems, like great stories, need time to marinate in your brain before they come to life on paper.

A few tips to spark originality:

Take note of what’s currently saturating the market and avoid it. If you bank off writing to market, then jumping on the bandwagon of what’s hot now can pay off in the short term.

However, if you want something to stand out in one of the many slush piles of traditional publishing, or you want to guarantee your book will still be interesting ten years from now, consider taking the untrodden path. 

Take a “done” magic and make it different. If your heart is set on elemental magic or powered-up tattoos, that’s okay! Just put a unique twist on it. This is what Stephenie Meyer did with Twilight.

She took vampires (done, done, and done) and made them her own. This is also why you can have two books with seemingly similar magic systems and have completely different stories.

Case in point, both Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer trilogy and Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker use color-based magic. But the magic is explored in such fundamentally different manners that the casual reader would never dream of comparing them. 

In regard to my Paper Magician series, I wasn’t the first person to think of magical origami (though at the time, driving in my car between Idaho and Utah, I thought maybe I was).

Paper magic is also in the 1999 manga series Read or Die, for instance. But my expanding paper magic into the realm of manmade materials made it unique. If you’re trying to turn heads, you don’t need an entirely unique, never-seen-before magic system (or hey, let the book’s premise be the unique element and go ahead and write about fairies or fire or whatever makes your id happy). You can have something familiar with a unique twist or quirk.

Make a list. This process can be done with any aspect of brainstorming, not just magic. Make a list of whatever it is you need to figure out, such as what kind of creature will innately possess magic in your story (more on this in Chapter 6). And just start vomiting out ideas.

The further down the list you get, the harder your brain is working, and the more original your ideas will be. (Note that going too far down the list might leave you with something too bizarre to realistically work with.)

For example,

  1. Unicorns
  2. Vampires
  3. Pegasi
  4. Flying frogs
  5. Flying fish
  6. Giant bats
  7. Giant butterflies
  8. Wolves with butterfly wings
  9. Forest-eating caterpillars
  10. Three-headed snakes

Based on that list (which I literally did write off the top of my head and have not changed from the rough draft of this book for the sake of reality), I really like the idea of forest-eating caterpillars. And they can transform into giant butterflies, so that’s a two-for-one.

Remember, more often than not, simpler is better. It’s really easy for us to go overboard with our worldbuilding and open a giant can of worms that will devour and suffocate our readers, so it’s important to keep it simple.

Take a moment and think of the best magic systems you’ve read in your favorite books. More likely than not, you could explain them to someone quickly and concisely. Getting too complex with magic steepens the learning curve and frustrates readers.

Rule of thumb? If you, the author, have to continually look at your notes to remember how your magic works, your reader isn’t going to stick around to learn it.

Giveaway

Signed Book – 3 winners, US only, $10 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner, WW

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CNHBookOfMagicTour

About the Author 

Charlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg.

She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names.

A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.charlienholmberg.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnholmberg/

Not For The Faint Of Heart Cover Reveal

With sword and spell, they give criminals Hel 

Magic, mayhem, mystery, and humor in a post-Ragnarok world. 

Not For the Faint of Heart 

Madcap Adventures Book 1 

By Rene Vecka 

Genre: Epic Fantasy Mystery Romance Adventure

Magic, mayhem, mystery, and humor in a post-Ragnarok world. If you loved the Dresden Files, you’ll love Madcap Adventures.

As Rory proposes to Ingefær, the Shrine they’re visiting is set ablaze. Ingefær is jailed and threatened with hanging.

Rory investigates, but is hounded at every step by soldiers. While Ingefær searches for ways to defeat the jail’s magic wards, the Shrine’s healer vanishes in a puff of smoke.

Will the couple get the chance to solve the Shrine fire mystery before the law postpones their nuptials forever? How much blood will Rory shed to free Ingefær from prison?

**PreOrder Now! Releases Jan 15, 2025!**

Amazon * Bookbub 

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Faint-Heart-Madcap-Adventures-ebook/dp/B0DLBR8WQ8

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/not-for-the-faint-of-heart-madcap-adventures-by-rene-vecka

Giveaway

$10 Amazon 

Follow the reveal HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/NotForTheFaintOfHeartReveal

About The Author

I’ve been a reader of fantasy and science fiction since I was ten. Lord of the Rings is still my favorite.

I now read Butcher (Dresden) and Salvatore (Drizzt), as well at Sanderson and others. The Mid Dreki Realm got its start with a comment with my then fifteen year old son.

That kernel grew into a book, which split into two, and is now a five book series. I retired at 57 and began the process of becoming a writer.

I’ve attended a half dozen conferences, read numerous books on the art of writing, joined critique groups, and immersed myself in the craft. I’m a member of Apex, a group founded by David Farland (Runelord).

I live in the foothills between Colorado Springs and Denver with my wife. Deer, turkeys, bear, coyotes, and my three children and 2 grandchildren occasionally drop by.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://renevecka.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/czechveck

X: https://x.com/ReneVecka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/czechveck

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rene-vecka

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rene-Vecka/author/B0B4T3MGD9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47537050.Ren_Vecka

Just In Time For Christmas Book Tour

Keep warm this season with these 4 tales of holiday romance!

Just in Time for Christmas: Tales of Romance 

With stories by

Shay Lacy, Constance Phillips, Denise Lynn, Mila Winters 

Genre: Holiday Romance Anthology 

A Fiery Flamingo Christmas by Shay Lacy


What will ignite when a protected witness with a flamethrower meets the hunk next door?

The mob located Gina Weston two days before Christmas, but she refuses to run any more. Except maybe into the arms of her next-door neighbor after he extinguishes her burning flamingo Christmas tree. But are her gun and flamethrower enough to protect her from the lure of this sport hero playboy?

Former home run king Stone “Sledge” Hammer had been bored in the baseball off-season. Meeting Gianna has given him the chance to be a hero again, if she lets him in. While he’s showing her the true spirit of Christmas, can he get inside her defenses to show her the importance of home?

It’s no game they’re playing, and it’s a must-win against the mob.

Christmas Memories by Denise Lynn


When Kelly’s missing husband unexpectedly shows up with amnesia right before the holidays, will the miracle of the Christmas season help restore his memories and what they once shared?

Family Reclaimed by Constance Phillips


Is their new fragile love strong enough for these first tests?

Kayson and Jack swore eternal love to each other. Now all they want is some time alone to explore the meaning of Christmas as a new family. But the hustle of the holidays while building their dreams at once is testing the strength of that vow. Everybody wants a piece of them.

If they give all their time and love away to others, will they have enough left for one another and their young son?

What She Wants for Christmas by Mila Winters


When Leann’s hopes for spending Christmas with her daughter are dashed, she licks her wounds by indulging in a fling with Ben, the cute guy she meets at a bar.

All Ben wants for Christmas is to romance the beautiful woman he’s had a crush on for years. If Leanne learns all his secrets, she might not give him a chance to prove they can be great together.

Now, only Leanne can decide if Ben is really what she wants for Christmas.

Amazon * Apple * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DFWY8SYF

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/just-in-time-for-christmas-tales-of-romance/id6670502552

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/just-in-time-for-christmas-tales-of-romance

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1613057

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/justintimeforchristmas/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/just-in-time-for-christmas-tales-of-romance-by-constance-phillips-and-mila-winters

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218398461-just-in-time-for-christmas

https://www.facebook.com/groups/251624704125214

Giveaway 

$10 Amazon giftcard – 4 winners! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/JustInTimeForChristmasTour

About the Authors 

Shay Lacy

Lives in Ohio with her husband and cat GG. 

She writes romantic suspense and erotic fantasy romance. Shay sees story ideas everywhere. Even something as simple as a sequin can spark a new romantic suspense. Many times a story has emerged from her musing, “You know, somebody could die from that.”

When not writing, she loves to bake, people watch, and shop flea markets and estate sales.

Shay enjoys hearing how couples met and what they love about each other. You can find more information about Shay, her books, and how to contact her at her website, www.shaylacy.com. 

Website * Facebook * X * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://shaylacy.com/books/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShayLacyAuthor

X: https://x.com/ShayLacy1

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shay-lacy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shay-Lacy/author/B0DJ9ZS7Q6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/342562.Shay_Lacy

Denise Lynn

Lives in NW Ohio with her husband, son and an ever-changing number of 4-legged kids. 

She writes medieval romance for Harlequin/Mills and Boon Historical and whatever she feels like writing for herself. Having read romance novels since she was far too young to do so, she enjoys having the opportunity to share her own stories with readers.

In her spare time, she gardens, sews, and basically putzes around with any craft project she can get her hands on.  

Visit website at www.denise-lynn.com for more information on her books. Links to her social media pages, to the Denise Lynn Newsletter and contact information are on her site.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.denise-lynn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLynn

X: https://x.com/DeniseLynnAuth1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deniselynnauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/denise-lynn

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Denise-Lynn/author/B0DJM7D1N7

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333092.Denise_Lynn

Constance Phillips

Lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and three canine kids.

She writes contemporary and paranormal romance novels.

When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance loves spending time in the garden, with her pups, or cooking with her fresh from the garden produce.

If she leaves the house, it’s to spend time with good friends or family…or go to an eighties pop concert.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://constancephillips.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstancePhillipsRomanceAuthor/

X: https://x.com/CPhillips

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constancephillipsauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/constance-phillips

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Constance-Phillips/author/B009137VHM

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470282.Constance_Phillips

Mila Winters

Loves romance. Be it written between the pages of a book, larger than life on the big screen or residing in her home. So, of course, she writes it too. That is, when

she’s not working with teenagers or hanging out with her wife and their dog Toby. 

Creating likeable (and sometimes unlikeable) characters makes her do a happy dance and she hopes her readers enjoy them too. To learn more about Mila, her other stories and how her writing brain works, visit her at www.milawinters.com.

Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008403161894\

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mila-Winters/author/B013O6V55K

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9830971.Mila_Winters

Jury Duty Is Murder

GENRE:  Cozy Mystery

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives.

But after being sequestered for four months, life as some knew it no longer exists.

HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed by a careless driver. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job.

Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.

Then things take a turn for the worse. When former jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold, and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose.

Now the feuding foursome must find him before he kills them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.

The ringing telephone woke me up. Without opening my eyes, I felt around until I touched the nightstand and finally, my phone. “Hello.”

“Wake up.”

I groaned. “Alex, what do you want?”

“I need you to wake up.”

I forced myself to sit up. The clock on the radio said it was after ten. “This better be important.”

“Something is terribly wrong,” Alex said. “It’s the thirtieth and nobody’s dead.”

“Hallelujah.” I hung up and dived back into my pillow. The phone rang again, and I groaned. Only Alex would think that no dead bodies meant something was wrong.

I rolled over and grabbed the phone. “Now what?”

“No one’s dead.”

Giveaway

The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

Click the link to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5032/

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

The tour dates can be found here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2024/10/blurb-blitz-jury-duty-is-murder-by-kate.html

About The Author

 When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.

Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.

Links:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katejuryduty

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/juryduty17

Tiktok: http://www.tiktok.comKatedamon1

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565155275435

Licensed To Rear Tour

GENRE:  Family Fiction

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BLURB:

Mila Winston aspires to earn a professional license to practice parenthood. It’s all she needs to start her family in the happiest micronation on Earth. Newcomers flock to Coolbeensia to fulfill their dreams of raising children here, where kids are guaranteed loving—as opposed to horrible—parents.

But mighty obstacles test Mila’s grit. Peter Losor, a chap with an annoying air of bravado, questionable parenting skills, and a defiant personality, stirs up trouble, eventually challenging the very law that defines Coolbeensia—that licensure is mandatory to enjoy the privilege of raising children.

Will Mila survive her trying ordeal and achieve her ambitions of being a licensed parent in the quirky yet revolutionary micronation? Find out in this satirical, contemporary family fiction novel that will leave you second-guessing the ideals surrounding the prestigious job of parenthood!

Excerpt

Mila ran to the side of the bed and plucked a glossy brochure off the nightstand. It had been folded and curled to reveal a particular page, as if waiting to be pointed out. “See?” She set her slender index finger on a small ad at the bottom of page nineteen. “I think we should move here.”

“Coolbeensia? Huh, an odd name.” Jason looked off into the distance. “But I think I’ve heard of it before. Isn’t that the place where you need a license to have children?”

Mila smiled, nodding emphatically. He’d heard of it, which eliminated the first hurdle and pushed them one step closer in the right direction. “Yep, it’s perfect.”

“How’re we going to get a license to raise a family?” His shoulders inched up. “It’s unheard of.” 

“But brilliant.” Mila patted her husband on the arm. Naturally, he showed concern, as they’d discussed having children long before they officially tied the knot. Having a full house was important to them both. Children would complete their family, plus a furry pet or two, besides the giant stuffed bear.

“It’s no biggie. It’s just like earning a license to drive. You’ve done it before, and so have I. We’ll be assured that we’re surrounded by qualified parents who know how to keep their kids safe. Isn’t that like what a driver’s license is for?” She gazed at him, hoping her brief but logical answer would convince him.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER

The author will be awarding a book-themed T-shirt to a randomly drawn winner.

Please use the following Rafflecopter code on your post: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5013

About The Author

Riya Aarini entered her small part of the world one summer day in the Pacific Northwest. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, including humor and contemporary fiction. If you enjoy quirkiness with a pinch of whimsy, you’ll have an appetite for her books. 

Author Website: http://www.riyapresents.com

Social Media:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aarinibooks

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aarinibooks

Buy Links:

Book is available everywhere books are sold, including

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Licensed-Rear-Novel-Riya-Aarini-ebook/dp/B0DGFGDZYT

Author Interview

When did the writing bug ensnare you?

I’ve embraced writing since junior high. I loved piecing together words and presenting my ideas on paper. I studied English Literature in college and continued to write throughout my life.

Which genres do you write?

I write absurdist fiction, satire, and paranormal comedy.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on promoting Licensed to Rear: A Novel. It’s got a good message presented in a satirical manner, and I hope people read it.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

I find inspiration from my characters all over the place, from television sitcoms to movies to real life and inside my own head.

What spark started one of your stories?

Seeing all these news stories about kids being neglected or mistreated sparked the storyline in Licensed to Rear.

What is one of your favorite scenes that you’ve written? Why?

I really enjoyed writing the scene in Licensed to Rear where Mila and her husband Jason argued about the fifth amendment in the Coolbeensian Bill of Rights. I enjoyed the intellectual challenge of presenting both arguments.

Who is your favorite character that you’ve created? Why?

I liked creating Peter Losor in Licensed to Rear. He’s the typical obnoxious, irreverent guy out to make trouble, making him fun to write.

What are your favorite books?

I enjoy Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. I’m reading the book right now and it’s filled with laughs and witticisms.

If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?

I’d invite Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley (the author of Frankenstein), Lord Byron, Mark Twain, and Edgar Allen Poe.

The firs three authors are from the Romantic period in England and the other two American authors are familiar household names.

I’d love to hear about Mary Shelley’s approach to conceptualizing and writing Frankenstein, which is considered the first science fiction novel.

When you’re not writing, where can we find you?

I’m on Instagram and Facebook: @aarinibooks

Thank you,Riya, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck with Licensed To Rear!