#AtoZChallenge: Z is for Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

30.4.13

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah... just the mention of it makes you want to break out in song, doesn't it? Well, it should... it should make you feel happy like you have no cares in the world, right?
I've had the song in my head for two days... not quite sure why. Probably because I've been thinking about what to write about for the Z day! So, back to the song. I had no idea about the song's origins and just found out that it was in the 1964 animated movie Song of the South (which I'd never even heard of... where have I been?). The man who sang it was called James Baskett, apparently, the music was written by Allie Wrubel and lyrics by Ray Gilbert. Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah even won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Cool, huh?
Here are the lyrics:
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my what a wonderful day!
Plenty of sunshine heading my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actch'll
Ev'rything is satisfactch'll
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day!
And here's the video of the song from the movie:

And while I'm on the subject of Zs, my husband said I should write about Zavial. Huh? You say. Well, Zavial is the name of a small beach down towards the west coast of the Algarve. The reason he wanted me to talk about Zavial is because he worked on a house there... and produced the most gorgeous bathroom which he wanted me to share with you. My hubby renovates property, you see. And he's rather amazing at it! Anyway, here's the flash bathroom he created:
His attention to detail and after sales service is unlike anybody I've ever met! So, if you're after a new bathroom (or any other room in the house), and you live in the UK (where we'll be moving to soon) or the Algarve, let me know :)


Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: Y is for Yorkshire

29.4.13

Yorkshire, the county of my birth where I lived until I was ten years old. That was back in 1986 when I was whisked away from friends and family to live in a country I'd never even heard of up until the year before when we'd gone on holiday there. Portugal. It seemed so far away from everything.
I missed Yorkshire terribly... for a few months anyway. And then I settled into my new life, met new friends and slowly Yorkshire became a distant memory. I remember playing in Clifton Park in Rotherham  with my oldest pal, Emma. We used to play in the Weeping Willows by the entrance to the museum. Other days we would don our rollerskates and skate through the park or down to the local chippy and eat chips out of newspaper outside. Sigh. Those were the days.
I went back a couple of years ago and could hardly believe how much it has changed. I hardly recognised the street where I used to live. But then we meandered over to Clifton Park and I nearly wept (!) when I saw the Weeping Willows were still there. I was so excited, I had to take a photo (this was before the haircut and weight loss!).
Quite a few years ago, I wrote a poem about this and made a video of it (cheesy I know):

Since moving to Portugal and holidaying in England, I've still never seen much more of Yorkshire, yet it's supposed to be such a beautiful county with rolling Moors and so much history.  I hope to remedy that when I move back, although we're not moving to Yorkshire, we won't be too far away.
Have you ever been? What did you think of this lovely part of the world?

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: X is for X Files

27.4.13

Who doesn't love the X Files? When it first came out back in the 90s, I was totally hooked. I adored David Duchovny and Gillian Andersen... needless to say, I was gutted when it ended. I never watched the series when David left, it just wasn't the same.
I loved the supernatural element... not necessarily the alien side of it (which clearly dominated the story) but those episodes about all things weird and wonderful. I remember a particularly memorable episode (The Post-Modern Prometheus,, the fifth episode of the fifth season) which featured the Cher song, Walking in Memphis. Every time I hear that song, it always takes me back to the X Files. It was such a weird one, wasn't it? I loved the eeriness of it. It was just so cool.
I still listen to the theme tune, it's a particularly inspiring piece of music, especially when I'm writing an eerie scene. 
Were you an X Files addict?
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: W is for Witchcraft

26.4.13

I've always been intrigued by the whole witchcraft thing. I used to buy all kinds of books about it, one was particularly cool (at the time) because its cover was made of velvet. It was gorgeous. I still don't know what happened to that book. I think it was a book of spells, actually (not that I've ever tried to cast any I might add).
Perhaps this is why I wrote about witches in The Raven Saga... one of the main characters is a witch and comes from a long line of witches. I loved writing her story. It was a lot of fun.
My love of all things Wicca also goes for movies. Give me a good witchy film, and I'm happy. I've already mentioned my love for Practical Magic in this challenge, so you all know it's my all time favourite. However, I do have some other guilty pleasures:

Harry Potter
I hadn't intended to include this but of course it's FULL of witches! No wonder its a favourite book / movie series!

The Craft
I loved both Robin Tunney and Neve Campbell in this eerie teen flick. It was so dark and creepy too. Awesome!

The  Witches of Eastwick
Loved Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon. Not to mention Jack Nicholson.

Hocus Pocus
I adore Bette Midler, she's one of my all time fave actresses (have you seen Beaches? Amazing!) and she was brilliant with both Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.

Teen Witch
One of the best teen movies... ever! I adored  Robyn Lively.

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: V is for Vroom Vroom Vrooooooooom

25.4.13

Me on hubby's BMW S1000RR earlier today
So my husband is a bit of a biker. He has been since he was like, five or something. Some would say he's a bit obsessed but that's just the way he is. Although he once sold his pride and joy (a Suzuki GSX-R 750) so we could afford a new kitchen! Love is, eh?
Anyway, today was my annual ride (!). Admittedly, I've never been very keen on the whole biking malarkey. The last few times I've been on the back, I've returned full of aches and pains. Today, however, was a different story altogether. I actually really enjoyed it! Perhaps it's due in part to my recent weight loss and new found ability to fit comfortably into my leathers (actually, they're a little on the large side now), I don't know, but it was a great ride. Quite thrilling at times, actually. So, maybe I won't wait a whole year to get on the back again!
Here's me on his old Ducati 1098:
Taken a couple of years ago!
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


Once a Druid release day! YAY!

25.4.13

Today is release day for Alex and SJ Byrne's latest novel, Once a Druid. Read on for the good stuff...


There is something seriously wrong in Kirra Munro's head. Besides suffering from amnesia, night after night she is plagued by dark dreams of other worldly rituals and a past she has no right in remembering—or does she?
Psychology professor Cayden McKinnon has the ability to unlock the blockages in her mind, but after one visit things begin unraveling far too fast.
Time is running out...or has the battle for one woman's soul just begun?
Beyond her heavy eyelids, Kirra knew she was no longer alone. In the darkest shadows a presence had joined her.
The being didn’t breathe. Her sensitive hearing would have detected the slight whoosh of air filtering through the spongy mass of a living lung.
It also wasn’t human—her tongue would have tingled from the imminent promise of a blood offering.
Whatever the thing was, she had never encountered its kind before.
A slight shift in the air to the left alerted her to the creature’s exact position. Part of her wanted to be afraid but her stronger essence knew there was nothing to fear.
A prickling began in the tips of her toes as she pushed the comforting thought into every corner of her brain. Curious about the cause, she stilled her mind and focused on the heat spreading from her feet throughout the rest of her body. Not an entirely unpleasant sensation, it was much like bathing in a gentle wash of warm water.
Once the sensation penetrated her brain she knew all her past actions were being picked apart and judged by the invading heat. Somehow she understood that the being held her life in its hands. Despair saturated the infrastructure of her spirit but ceased almost immediately, leaving a sense of weightlessness at her soul’s core.
“Only the pure of heart can receive my protection—all others perish during the purging.”
The edict slipped into her thoughts like soft feathers turned to a thick warm liquid. Through the haze washing over her reflective process, Kirra sensed her body being lifted off the slab of stone and was unable to resist the movement.
To be cradled against an essence exuding such strength and vitality made her want to cry. All she’d been lacking in her heart flooded her system, choking the breath from her lungs.
“Weep not...”
The voice drifted off into unintelligible murmurings as the shadows behind her eyes turned pure black and Kirra’s thoughts were no more.
Pre-order your print copy today!
Once a Druid

Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Alex and SJ Byrne are just trying to make their way through the insanity that comes with creativity. Writing is SJ's passion—life is her muse—Alex is the force that brought this long anticipated novel to light after 17 years in a box.
Connect with SJ via:
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Blogger 

#AtoZChallenge: U is for Urban Fantasy

24.4.13



I love urban fantasy... I love reading it and I particularly love writing it. But what is urban fantasy? I usually describe it as fantasy set in a modern day world. The more the two interlink, the better.
For example, my current series (The Morgan Sisters) features ghosts, vampires, angels and all other kinds of way out supernatural beings in central London.
My other series (The Raven Saga) features similar creatures but they live in the mountains of western Canada.
Twilight and Harry Potter are two perfect examples of urban fantasy. Do you read it? If so, what is it about the genre that appeals to you?

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: T is for The Temporal Stone

23.4.13

As it's T-Day, I thought I would do a grand cover and title reveal of my latest book, due out next month. The book is the second full length novel in the Morgan Sisters series and the new title is The Temporal Stone.
The cover was designed by my amazingly talented book cover designer Ravven. What do you think?
The Temporal Stone

It's been a couple of months since Emma and Lana entered the Praxos Academy and life has been hectic ever since. What with regular A level classes combined with learning all about the supernatural world, control classes, self defence and fight night, the girls are constantly busy picking up new skills.
But when their world seems to stop right in front of them, they and their fellow Watchers, have a huge mystery to solve. A mystery which will lead them on a long road trip across southern England where they will meet all kinds of strange creatures, some intent on causing harm and others desperate to put a stop to the problem.
The Temporal Stone is the second full length novel in The Morgan Sisters series. The first book is entitled The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw. There is also a free novella, Daisy Madigan's Paradise.


Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: S is for Sex

22.4.13

Sex in books, that is! When I first started writing my YA books, my target audience were teenagers. However, one of my main beta readers is a middle grade teacher in England and she has always reiterated that they would most definitely appeal to her pupils. With that in mind, I now write them for a younger audience as well. Which means, definitely no sex and no curse words.
I do, however, also write chick lit. Well, my WIP (which has been a WIP for quite a long time) is chick lit and I think that genre usually needs a little romance with a splattering of sex, don't you? And then there's the whole other side of it with the likes of Fifty Shades of Grey, which is just bogged down with the stuff. Not that I have anything against it, of course I don't. I think my problem is that I read so much YA stuff that when I do try and read something full of sex, it's quite a shock! My sister lent me a series of books a couple of years ago. I can't remember the name but it was something to do with Atlantis and I remember blushing throughout the majority of the first book. My sister now calls me a prude. I'm really not... honest. I was talking to a friend the other night about the EL James series and she mentioned that in her day, it was all about Lady Chatterley's Lover, (which I've never read) but probably pales in comparison. What do you think? What are your thoughts on sex in books?
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Raven. There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. The sequel to Daisy Madigan's Paradise is also available: The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.


#AtoZChallenge: R is for Raven

20.4.13

Raven is the first book I ever published. I made it free to download quite a while ago and downloads are probably over 100,000 by now (isn't that awesome?). It's almost hard to get my head around that!
The idea for the book came to me during a holiday to Canada at the end of 2009. Specifically it was during a picnic on a gorgeous little beach at Powell River, British Columbia. There we were surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, beautiful trees, the mountains in the distance and I just started imagining paranormal creatures hiding all around us. It sent shivers down my spine and it was there that my mind began to create the story of Lilly, a girl who moves to Canada after her parents mysteriously disappear from their London home.
There are two more books in The Raven Saga: December Moon and The Lost Soul. I frequently get emails from fans wanting me to write more. I'm considering it :)
If you'd like to read Raven. you can download it from Amazon for free right here (it's also available from all other online retailers). You can also get a FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella.
Here's the book trailer:

#YAIndieCarnival: My editing process

19.4.13



Editing. It's probably my least favourite part of the whole indie publishing scene. I spent years editing other people's work when I worked in the newspaper and magazine industry. I worked my way up from assistant editor to features editor to, finally, editor. I did enjoy it though.
Editing my own books is very different, I admit, but thankfully I have a team of beta readers who make it much easier. Once I've written my first draft (often editing as I go too), I work my through it a second time, editing some more. Then I send it to my team who works through it over a period of a few weeks. During this time, I don't even look at it. I try not to even think about it (which is difficult, I might add). I just chill out and give my brain a rest.
When their notes start coming back to me, I read through them carefully and begin making all the necessary changes and corrections.
Once these are done, I then transfer my manuscript to my Kindle where I begin to read the whole thing again. On my Kindle, it makes it much easier to spot any minor errors that might have crept back in or have been missed. And then, when I'm happy it's publish ready, I start uploading to all the online distributors and then get ready for release day!
Speaking of release days, my next book in The Morgan Sisters comes out next month. YAY!! I'm super excited about this one :D

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of my book, Daisy Madigan's Paradise here and your FREE copy of Raven here.

1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
4. T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
5. Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga
6. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
8. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
10. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
11. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
12. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter
13. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga
15. Courtney Cole Writes
16. Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.
17. Ella James
18. Maureen Murrish
19. Valerie Sloan
20. YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings
21. Terah Edun, author of Red Madrassa and An Amlah's Diary

Click here for more Indie News:

#AtoZChallenge: Q is for Queenie

19.4.13

This is one of those books that I read when I was about 12 or 13 that really affected me. I was totally engrossed in it that I just couldn't put it down. I'd love to read it again... not that it's like anything I tend to read these days.
It was a real rags to riches story. Here's the blurb:
The seductive and beguiling story of Dawn Avalon, who when wrongfully accused of a crime she didn't commit, flees her homeland to London where she becomes 'Queenie', a star of both the stage and screen.For some reason, it always surprised me that it was written by a man (Michael Korda), probably because I was more influenced by female authors back then, like Jilly Cooper, Danielle Steele and Jackie Collins.
Apparently it was made into a TV series but I never saw it. Did you?
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. Raven, the first book in my other series (The Raven Saga) is also FREE!

#AtoZChallenge: P is for Practical Magic

18.4.13

Practical Magic is one of my all time favourite movies. Starring my uber favourite actress Sandra Bullock and the amazingly talented Nicole Kidman, it's full of magic, mystery, love... and creepiness. Oh and I mustn't forget the very dreamy Aidan Quinn. Does anybody else think he's just gorgeous? Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing also star... and they're both brilliant in it. All in all, I think this movie was perfectly cast.
This 1998 romantic comedy is based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman which I can't believe I've never actually read. I really ought to sort that out!
Here's the general gist of the movie, if you haven't seen it:
Sisters Sally and Gillian Owens have always known they were different from each other. Raised by their aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grew up in a household that was anything but typical - their aunts fed them chocolate cake for breakfast and taught them the uses of practical magic. But the invocation of the Owens' sorcery also carries a price - some call it a curse: the men they fall in love with are doomed to an untimely death. Now adult women with very different personalities, the quiet Sally and the fiery Gillian must use all of their powers to fight the family curse and a swarm of supernatural forces that could take away all the Owen's lives. (Source: Wikipedia)
Not only is it a fantastic movie, but it also has a fantastic soundtrack, one which I often listen to when I'm writing. It's got a real inspirational feel... especially for writing fantasy.
Here are some more videos... check them out and listen to those fab songs!


Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. Raven, the first book in my other series (The Raven Saga) is also FREE!

Captive Spirits Book Blast

18.4.13

 
Captive Spirits Aztar is a planet where no one remembers a time of peace. Fear of those who wield a mystical cruelty holds people as CAPTIVE SPIRITS. All that remains is the waning belief in a savior who will someday come to restore peace to a blood soaked land. Zmeria, an ancient text recovered, brings a Prophecy to life. The leaders of each Region come together with a plan to reunite Aztar's divided people and make way for their savior. They arm themselves with the recently discovered revelation of peace long past. A dream is born and legends revived as Aztar’s people determine to fight the evil and Reclaim Aztar. The Evil’s grasp is strong on the CAPTIVE SPIRITS of Aztar. Leaders know this battle to free the will and spirit of the people will not be easily won. They decree a King must be chosen. One man of the entire world stands out from the rest. Si, the firstborn son of the house of Volcum, is well known for valor and victories in battle. A kingdom must be established. As the center of his kingdom, Si Volcum decreed an ancient, long deserted castle far to the north that contained the lost records of Aztar’s forgotten glory. He accepted his chosen bride, Alexis, unseen from a house as old as his own. Si ruled and the land prospered for fifteen years while evil silently waited. The King did not know when evil struck it would be personally against him or that the price would be so high. The people of Aztar chose well in their King. Si will not hesitate. The King will pay the price. From his love and chosen path, the Saga of Aztar begins with the legend of her first King, Si Volcum. “Reclaim Aztar,” will be their battle cry.  
Author M.A. Adair Mary A. Adair is an Amazon best selling author of Native American Romance. CAPTIVE SPIRITS is her first Young Adult Fantasy. It is the beginning to a Young Adult Fantasy series that can also be enjoyed by all adults. Mary's other works include Passion's Vision and Passion's Price, both are Best Selling Native American Romance. Mary did extensive research on several Native American tribes in the time period of her books. One of her many sources for learning about the rich Native American culture of that time period was a book written in the mid. 1700s by one of her husband’s ancestors, James Adair. PASSION'S VISION, a story filled with romance, excitement and danger. This story features James Fitzgerald, an agent in the court of King George II and New Moon, sister to Chief Dancing Cloud. PASSION'S PRICE is a poignant love story with a twist of humor. It is a next generation story filled with adventure and determination as well as self-realization and of course Romance. PASSION’S PRICE continues with James's and New Moon's daughter, Golden Dawn.
Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/30/13   Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    a Rafflecopter giveaway

#AtoZChallenge: O is for Organ Donation

17.4.13

I feel very strongly about this. I want my organs to be donated in the event of my death. I want to help someone in need, someone who may die without my help. Which is why, as soon as I return to England, I'll be adding my name to the National Organ Donor Registry. More than 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant. Of these, 1000 each year – that's three a day - will die waiting as there are not enough organs available. How sad is that? I imagine in the US, that number is a heck of a lot higher. What do you think of organ donation? Are you up for it? If so, then please register on your national registry. You might just save a life.
I recently came across this video, which particularly moved me as this woman is in need of a donation:

Check out these websites for more information:
UK
US
Australia

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. Raven, the first book in my other series (The Raven Saga) is also FREE!

Virtual Book Tour: The Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes

17.4.13

Fallen Stars Book Tour
 

The Fallen Stars (The Star Child #2)

The Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes
Paperback, 530 pages| Expected publication: April 12th 2013 by Inkspell Publishing
When all is lost, he will have to make the ultimate decision.
Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen̢۪s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they̢۪re being hunted.
Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He̢۪ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father̢۪s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart.
In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?
 

The Trailer

Intrigued? Want to know more? Check out the trailer!
 

Giveaway

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Follow the Tour

Want to know where the tour is heading next? Check out the entire schedule here! Click to view the schedule.

steph17mAbout the Author

Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. When she's not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years. Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher. (Author photo courtesy of Kristina Serafini Photography)
 

#WIN a Kindle Fire, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!! WOOP WOOP!!

16.4.13

Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer has launched a new site aimed at bringing you the best Kindle Ebook Deals and Steals.



Each day on feedyourreader.com you'll find a new list of available ebook deals (most for under $3).



And of course there will be lots of  Featured Freebies too!



To celebrate the launch of the new site she is giving away a Kindle Fire, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash.


Win a 7" Kindle Fire (US only)




Or $100 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)




Or $100 in Paypal Cash (International)





Giveaway Details 
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" (US Only), $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 5/5/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $100-$159 US.

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#AtoZChallenge: N is for National Trust

16.4.13

When we finally make the move back to the UK, one of the first things we plan on doing is to join the National Trust. Hubby and I LOVE to visit old British stately homes, castles, cathedrals, gardens... anywhere with historical and cultural influence, and the National Trust will allow us to do that rather more cheaply! As an author, I find these places truly inspiring. In fact, some of them even appear in my novels (see below to download some of them for free!).
The National Trust is actually a conservation charity that protects historic places and green spaces, and opens them up for everyone to enjoy. Cool huh?
Here are just a few of the places we've visited over time (I know not all of these places belong to the National trust though!)...
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
Winchester Rook, Hampshire
Winchester Cathedral
Sandringham, Norfolk
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
Gloucester Cathedral, where some Harry Potter scenes were shot (hence my excitement!)
Arundel Castle, West Sussex
Arundel Cathedral, West Sussex
The city of Bath, Somerset
Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Wells Cathedral, Somerset
Tower Bridge, London
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. Raven, the first book in my other series (The Raven Saga) is also FREE!

#AtoZChallenge: M is for Music

15.4.13

Music. I totally couldn't live without it. It relaxes, inspires, takes you back in time, gets you in the mood (for whatever it might be that you want to get in the mood for!!), makes you cry, makes you laugh, makes you sing... out loud (especially when you're alone or in the shower)... it really is an amazing thing. I always wished I could sing or play a musical instrument. Sadly I can do neither... not that it stops me from singing, and I have been known to get up for karaoke (yes, I'm one of the embarrassing ones that thinks they sound good when... well, it's probably really quite the opposite. Especially when I'm singing something like Like a Virgin... cringe. Thankfully, I no longer get drunk enough to do this any more!).
Here are just a few of my all time favourite songs (I got a bit carried away so there are quite a few!)...
Cry Little Sister, Aiden
Stay, Shakespeare's Sister
Black Velvet, Alannah Miles
Poison, Alice Cooper
Born To Die, Lana Del Rey

Skyfall, Adele

1000 Years, Christina Perri


Rule The World, Take That


I'll Be There, Jackson 5


Skyscraper, Demi Lovato


Hear You Calling, Aurora (this one gives me the shivers!)

Possibility, Lykke Li

The Voice, Celtic Woman

The Promise You Made, Cock Robin

She, Elvis Costello

Mystic's Dream, Loreena McKennitt

All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You, Heart

Somewhere Out There, Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram

Perdoname, Pedro Alboran & Carminho

Take On Me, Aha

Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler

Need You Now, Lady Antebellum

Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio

Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper

Titanium, David Guetta featuring Sia

Love Bites, Def Leppard

Hungry Eyes, Dirty Dancing

Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Eurythmics

Fields of Gold, Eva Cassidy

My Immortal, Evanescence

Big Girls Don't Cry, Fergie

Chocolate, Kylie Minogue

Nothing Else Matters, Metallica

November Rain, Guns n' Roses

Said I Love You, But I Lied

Home, Michael Buble

I Bruise Easily, Natasha Bedingfield

Empire State of Mind, Alicia Keys

When Doves Cry, Prince

Who Wants to Live Forever, Queen

Fable, Robert Miles

Crazy, Seal

Wherever You Will Go, The Calling

Don't forget to download your FREE copy of Daisy Madigan's Paradise, a Morgan Sisters novella. Raven, the first book in my other series (The Raven Saga) is also FREE!

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