Thinking of Self Publishing? Just DO IT!

Image courtesy of lusi (sanja gjenero), rgbstock.com

You've got nothing to lose. The publishing world is changing enormously at the moment and its becoming increasingly easy to get your own books out there.

If I hadn't gone ahead and self-published and, instead, waited for an agent to accept me, I'd probably still be wondering whether my book was good enough. Now I KNOW it is because of the fantastic response I've received from the awesome people who have bought it. Here is just a small sample of what some people said about Raven, my first book:

“Couldn't put it down.. willing to pay to get the next book in the series.. I thought it would suck kinda since it was a free title but it didn't and I was glad I downloaded it :)”

“Omg!!! This is the best book I have ever read. It was so detailed in everything that happened to Lily. This is the next big book.”

“I enjoyed reading.This book it.gives New.meaning.to.puberty. my preteen girls say they understand how Lily feels. Can't wait to read the rest of the series”

The best thing a reader said about Raven was that her heart ached for the main character, Lilly. I would never have known that my book had that effect on people had I not published it myself, would I?

The most important aspect of being an author is to have people read your book, right? If you're sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring, who is reading your book? Nobody. So why wait? If you're still holding out for an agent or a publisher, they are more likely to pick you up if you've already got a decent following, don't you think?

So get your book out there on Amazon (US and UK), Kobo and Smashwords. Send out as many review copies as possible, ask book sites to interview you, offer to do guest posts on as many different sites as possible and get your name known. Or pay to do a book tour if you struggle with time. There's loads of amazing tour hosts out there.

So what are you waiting for? Go for it! If you're considering making your first book free of charge, check out this post to see what happened after Raven became free. It was such a success that I made the first book in my next series, free too!

I actually wrote most of this post back in 2011 – now I've published a few more books (six in total – Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul, Daisy Madigan's Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw and The Temporal Stone!) and I continue to gain great reviews from readers across the world. Of course with the good comes the bad and I do occasionally get negative reviews as well (fortunately only a fraction of the total) but I've learned to live with this. It's something every author must accept. So if you're still wanting to become an indie author, make sure you're strong enough to take criticism as well!

If you're looking or advice on self publishing, I'm always happy to help. Plus, if you're a woman (sorry guys!), I have a women's fiction blog called Fiction Dreams where I post about other authors and their books – I'd be delighted to feature you once you're published. Oh and I do post all things YA here on my YA blog (if you're a guy that's ok lol!).

If you've written your book and are now wondering about how to go about the cover, here's some advice from another author that featured on my blog some time ago. And here's a post from a (then) 12-year-old author Spencer Brokaw. How awesome is that huh?

If you're still wondering about going down the indie route, here's just a small list of some of the amazing authors who are all doing enormously well after self publishing:

1. Amanda Hocking
2. E.L James
3. Lisa Genova
4. Bella Andre
5. Nick Spalding
6. Samantha Towle

After writing this originally a few of years ago, I came across this very interesting post and thought it might back up my points.

Indie Life: friends for life

My journey as an indie author has led me to meet so many fabulous people (mostly online) including authors, book bloggers, editors, cover designers, artists, even musicians and more. Living in the Algarve, there are few opportunities to mingle with other authors (in real life) as there are so few bookish events here, which is a shame. So when a friend of a friend had written a book recently, my name was put forward to help her get onto the indie 'ladder'.
Eleanor Smythe (a pen name) turned out to be such a hoot to be around. We've met up several times over the past couple of months and each time we get together, we talk for hours and hours! She has even started calling me her mentor which is hilarious in itself (!) but also very kind. I feel such an enormous kinship with Eleanor that I am so grateful to have been introduced to her and I am really looking forward to lots more chats about our writing and lives in general.
I'm sure Eleanor would love to hear from other authors and bloggers so please do pop over to her brand new blog and leave her a comment! You can find her at eleanorsmythe.blogspot.com. She's an absolute beginner at all this social networking malarkey so I'm sure she'll be delighted to hear from you.
* Eleanor is planning to release her first book, Perceptions, in September. 

Indie Life: The benefits of making my books free

When I published my first book (Raven) back in the Spring of 2011, I had absolutely no idea what I was letting myself in for. I hadn't a clue about how to get myself known in a world full of authors. And over the past couple of years this world has grown dramatically. I think I was lucky I started when I did, because I managed to get my foot in the door just before millions of other authors started to realise how easy (and awesome) it is to publish independently.
Raven's sales were slow at first, a few per month for a couple of months. Then around the time that I was about to release my second book, December Moon, I decided to make Raven free. Boy was that a great idea! I believe that single moment was what launched my writing career.
Raven continues to be free and still sees downloads in the thousands every month.
With the launch of the first book (The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw) in my new series (The Morgan Sisters) late last year, I had yet another struggle to let everyone know about it. Sure, I had thousands of readers of The Raven Saga, but no way of letting them all know about the new series. So here I am, essentially starting from scratch. Earlier this year, I penned a novella (Daisy Madigan's Paradise) and made it available for free. Downloads have been slow - nowhere near as good as Raven (even though I've had some awesome reviews). I wondered whether it's because it's a novella? Maybe people aren't so keen? I really don't know. Since then, I've released the next book in the series, The Temporal Stone. And to try and increase sales, I've just made the first book free as well. Fingers crossed that it will work this time! Wish me luck!
Be sure to visit all the other Indie Lifers this month:

YA Author Club: Heather Sutherlin

Today, the YA Author Club is excited to Spotlight our very own Heather Sutherlin. She's an amazing person and a phenomenal YA Author Club contributor who writes young adult fantasy adventures when she's not spending time with her family.

Author Bio

1999 – B.A. in Elementary Education from Harding University
2011 - 1st Place White County Creative Writers’ Conference First Chapter Contest
2012 – Debut novel, A Light in the Darkness, is released along with its sequel, To Light the Path.
2013 – Seen and Wandering, two books in a new YA fantasy series, will be released in the spring.
President - Fiction Writers of Central Arkansas
Featured Author – Arkansas Literary Festival

About the Author

Heather Sutherlin lives in Arkansas with her husband and three children. She is the author of A Light In The Darkness and Seen  both fantasy adventures for young adults. She loves all things creative and enjoys the worlds she dreams up, longing to live the adventure alongside her characters. When she’s not at her writing desk, she is busy exploring and learning with her children or cooking big, elaborate meals in the kitchen with her husband.

You can see more of Heather at her website, HeatherSutherlin.com

Or, email her at HSutherlin@gmail.com

See behind the scenes of her indie life by following her on Facebook.

You can also follow Heather on Twitter and see what inspires her on Pinterest.

Books by Heather Sutherlin:

A Light In The Darkness

Merrilyn’s life is quiet and predictable. An apprentice to the royal healer, she spends her days helping in the village or up to mischief with her best friend who happens to be the handsome younger son of the king. But when a mysterious archer shows up in the forest and shoots their escort, Merrilyn’s life is forever changed. Caught in a battle between two forgotten gods, she must embrace her destiny and fight the very powers of darkness before it’s too late.

To Light The Path

Prince Jarrod and his men have been missing for months and still Merrilyn has no idea where they are hidden. Now the king of Zinder is missing, too, and his children seem to think Merrilyn’s the key to finding him. Along with Aiden and Prince Justan, she travels to Zinder looking for clues in the king’s journals. When a mysterious man begins whispering in her dreams, tempting her to reconsider all that she believes, she must face both her fears and her desires. Merrilyn may be a light in the darkness, but she’ll have to trust Loian to light their path as they travel through foreign lands and face new enemies in their search for the missing men.

Seen

Rory has no idea what’s going on in the woods behind her house, but it’s driving her crazy. On the last day of her senior year she finds herself caught up once again in the curious happenings of the forest and walks away without any of the answers she was hoping to find. To make matters worse, she is sent to visit a sick neighbor and instead finds the hottest guy she’s ever seen. When she discovers his brother’s incredible secret she falls further into her own chaos and into a fate she never could have imagined.

Jaron is just counting the days until the summer is over and he can get back to his real life. Stuck with his little brother on a tiny farm in rural Oklahoma is not exactly his idea of fun. But when Rory shows up on his doorstep with an armload of pie, he knows his summer has just taken a sharp turn into new territory. He never expected the adventure they would discover next or the quest that would change their lives forever.

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

Check out the other YA authors in the club!

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:

Indie Life: Beta Readers

I've just finished writing my latest novel. It's always such a relief to get it done and sent off to my beta readers that I feel exhausted for days afterwards. Sometimes I even feel a little under the weather.
Anyway, it's in their hands at the moment and I shall wait with baited breath to see what they think of it. So far, I've had some AWESOME comments, which certainly helps me to breathe a little easier.
One of my beta readers is only 12! She's an absolute star and I'd hate to be without her now. I was gobsmacked when she approached me after she read The Raven Saga to ask if I needed a beta reader for any future books I might write. Apparently, she adored the series which is why she emailed me. Talk about make my day (week, month, year!). She's been sending me thorough notes over the past few days... I am so indebted to her, I really am.
But I won't start making any changes until I've had notes back from all the beta readers in a few weeks. So for now, I'm having a much needed break... YAY!

Don't forget that you can get Raven and Daisy Madigan's Paradise absolutely FREE!

Have an awesome month! :D

Witch Hearts Cover Reveal

I'm delighted to be part of Liz Long's cover reveal this week! So without further ado, I'll hand you over to Liz... 

Hi everyone! I want to thank the amazing authors and bloggers who volunteered to help with today's cover reveal. Indies wouldn't be here without their help and of course, you guys. I am so excited to show off the cover for my new book - I've been looking forward to this for weeks! Witch Hearts is my second novel, an adult paranormal thriller meant for those who liked to be a little creeped out and also enjoy a murder mystery. My first book, Gifted, A Donovan Circus Novel, is about a murder at a supernatural circus, and is available at Amazon on Kindle and paperback. Now without further ado, the cover for Witch Hearts!
Witch Hearts Synopsis: How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells? Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend. If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

About the Author

Liz Long is lucky enough to have a dream career in magazine publishing as an editor and writer, yet still have time to create adventures on the side. If you catch her staring off into space or talking to herself, don’t worry – it’s just her imagination at work. Liz graduated from Longwood University with a BA in English, though her professors might be disappointed to hear she reads more fantasy fiction than literary novels. She also loves action and thriller genres. This book probably won’t change your life, but she hopes it steals you away from reality for a while. Her first book, Gifted, a Donovan Circus Novel, is also available for paperback and Kindle on Amazon. To learn more about Liz, visit her website: http://lizclong.com

WOW Liz that's a GORGEOUS cover!!

WIN $50 GC and loads of awesome autographed book!

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YA Indie Carnival: Book(s) I'm grateful for

It's another new year (where is the time going??) and more exciting times for us Indie Authors. I just love being a writer and one of the things I particularly love is being a part of the YA Indie Carnival, where I have gotten to meet some truly awesome fellow indies. But enough of that... like I said, its a new year and we've got some fab new subjects to write about.

Today we're talking about the books we're grateful for. Well, I'm grateful for ALL books to be honest, but that would make for a rather long post so I have to choose just one that has helped me along the way.

Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale is one which had a powerful effect on me when I first read it during college while I was studying for my A Levels. After reading so many classics like Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre, it was a breath of fresh air to read something modern, for a start. But the whole premise of the book just shook me, you know? It strengthened my fondness for Dystopian reads, but it also inspired me.

If you haven't read this book, here is the description from Amazon for you:

In the world of the near future, who will control women's bodies?
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable.
Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now....
Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.

Click here for more Indie News:

To find out more books that have effected us, check out my fellow Carnis:
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. Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 

12. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
13. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 

14. Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind
15. Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls 

16. Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler
17. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter 

18. TG Ayer
19. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy 

20. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga
21. Roots in Myth, PJ Hoover 

22. Courtney Cole Writes

YA Indie Carnival: Cover Love

As a writer, getting the cover right is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make. After all, the cover is your very first impression you're going to make on potential readers.
My first cover (for Raven) was a bad one... horrible actually! I designed it myself... it was a photo of myself that I photoshopped to make me look like a teenager (!). It wasn't a bad picture, of course, but it didn't get the right feel across that I wanted. So I opted to buy an image from a stock photography site instead. I added the words in Adobe Photoshop and voila... the cover to Raven was born.
I did the same for December Moon... and I have to say I love it even more than Raven. The picture I found is perfect, the girl looks exactly how I imagined the main character to be. Result!
But when it comes to other people's covers, there are so many beautiful ones out there. Here is a small selection of some of my favourites:

For more Cover Love.... check out my fellow Carnis below.

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. Darby Karchut, author of GRIFFIN RISING
7. Lexus Luke 

8. PJ Hoover, Author of SOLSTICE, Blogging at ROOTS IN MYTH
9. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy 

10. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
11. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed 

12. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
13. Courtney Cole, author of The Bloodstone Saga 

14. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
15. Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 

16. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
17. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 

18. Abbi Glines, author of Breathe and The Vincent Boys
19. Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind 

20. Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls
21. Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler 

22. Nicole Williams, author of Eternal Eden, Falling Eden
23. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter 

24. Abbi Glines: Breathe, The Vincent Boys, Existence
25. Ten Things Authors Should Know About Social Media

YA Indie Carnival: On the rise - YA Fantasy

YA fantasy certainly seems to be gaining popularity... fast, doesn't it? And who can we thank for this amazing phenomena? Perhaps Stephenie Meyer? JK Rowling (although HP is more children's fiction)? But there must have been YA fantasy before these gals came onto the scene?

To be completely honest, I never even heard of YA until I picked up my very first copy of Twilight! I know, I know, lame, lame... but all I ever used to read was chick lit. I still read that genre too, but in between the copious amounts of YA fantasy I devour whenever I can (which probably isn't often enough!).

I'm still very behind most of my indie writers pals... I haven't even read The Hunger Games yet, for instance and the movie is looming on the horizon. I need to get my ass into gear!

So why is YA fantasy so popular? Well, that's easy! Because it's freaking awesome, that's why! It's the perfect way to completely lose yourself from the real world. Vampires, werewolves, changelings, ghosts, aliens, alternate realities, shape shifters, time shifters, talking animals, beautiful angels. I mean, do we need anything more? I hope YA fantasy will continue to rise in popularity... because I for one, will never get enough of it!

Check out more on the rise of the popularity of YA fantasy over at my fellow Indie Carnies....

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. Darby Karchut, author of GRIFFIN RISING
7. Lexus Luke 

8. PJ Hoover, Author of SOLSTICE, Blogging at ROOTS IN MYTH
9. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy 

10. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
11. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed 

12. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
13. Courtney Cole, author of The Bloodstone Saga 

14. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
15. Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 

16. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
17. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 

18. Abbi Glines, author of Breathe and The Vincent Boys
19. Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind 

20. Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls
21. Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler 

22. Nicole Williams, author of Eternal Eden, Falling Eden
23. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter 

24. Abbi Glines: Breathe, The Vincent Boys, Existence
25. Ten Things Authors Should Know About Social Media

YA Indie Carnival: fan zone

Welcome to another YA Indie Carnival! This week we are writing about our best fan experience and I can honestly say that to receive any kind of positive comments is simply amazing, so imagine how incredible it is to know you have fans?!
The very first time I hopped around the room like a total nutter (regarding my book, that is) was after a close friend of mine re-posted news about Raven. Immediately, one of her friends (who I don't know) commented that she liked the sound of it. Moments later, she'd bought it!
About a week later, I noticed a post on my facebook page... she'd devoured it and was DESPERATE for the sequel. She wrote to me as well, telling me how much she'd loved my first book and would I 'please, please hurry up and finish December Moon?!' Needless to say, I was so overjoyed (hence the hopping around the room like a complete wacko).

I'd also like to mention my lovely cousin, Lesley, who sadly I don't actually know very well as I left England when I was ten and I guess all us cousins kind of drifted apart. It was only through facebook that we've all become pals again (fab, eh?!). Imagine my surprise then, when she left me a comment telling me she'd bought Raven and absolutely loved it... so much so that she's since since bought the sequel and loved it even more! It means so much to me that she loves my writing and when she wrote a message telling me how proud she is to be my cousin, I was close to tears. Lesley works as a nurse... doing such wonderful work for the sick and needy and I am incredibly proud and honoured to be her cousin.
A few weeks ago, after 20 odd years, I finally met up with her at a family party and she told me she's a huge fan. I just love her! Here's a picture of the two of us.
For more memorable fan moments in the YA Indie Carnival, check out my fellow fabulous indie writers below.

YA Indie Carnival News

Courtney released her Bloodstone Saga finale, My Tattered Bonds.

Check out The Paranormal Plumes Haunted Book Tour in Savannah Halloween Weekend! http://www.theplumessociety.com/

30% of the royalties of Lexus Luke's Manitou The Sky People Saga go to the ASPCA.

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines will release on Oct 21. Here is the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aAp6chU-d6o

For a limited time, Kimberly Kinrade is selling signed copies of her YA paranormal thriller/romance Forbidden Mind. As an All Hallow's Read bonus, she is also including some awesome gifts with each purchase... including a very special bonus to the first 5 lucky people who place an order. Get a copy for yourself and buy one for a friend in celebration of All Hallow's Read. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/qGMQkz

Filter Giveaway on Gwenn Wright's blog!http://hereventuality.blogspot.com/2011/10/von-strassenbergs-giving-it-away.html. When she reaches 100 followers she will give away a signed copy of Filter AND one of her fancy new mugs!


The Fuji Mermaid Dani Snell’s Refracted Light Reviews
Leopard Girl Patti Larsen Author of The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Hunted Series and the Hayle Coven Novels
Fire Breather Courtney Cole Author of Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian. Also a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Strong Woman Nicole Williams Author of Eternal Eden, and Fallen Eden. She is also a contributing author in the Glassheart Chronicles
Champion Sword Swallower Fisher Amelie Author of The Understorey, as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Snake Charmer Amy Maurer Jones Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Pretzel Woman Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer Author of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms
The Giant T. R. Graves T.R. Graves: Author of Warriors of the Cross
Jungle Woman P.J. Hoover Author of Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis
Shape Shifter Alicia McCalla Author of the upcoming science-fiction novel Breaking Free
Tarot Card Reader Heather Cashman Author of Perception
Fortune Teller Abbi Glines Author of Breathe, and the upcoming Existence and Vincent Boys
Knife Thrower Cheri Schmidt Author of Fateful, Fractured, and Fair Maiden
Fire Dancer Lexus Luke Author of Manitou, The Sky People Saga
Fire Breather Suzy Turner Author of December Moon and Raven
Dragonslayer K. C. Blake Author of Vampire Rules
Elephant Trainer Gwenn Wright Author of Filter
Ring-Leader Kimberly Kinrade  author of Bits of You & Pieces of Me and Forbidden Mind.
Prestidigitator Darby Karchut Author of Griffin Rising and the upcoming Griffin’s Fire
Lion Tamer Madeline Smoot Author of Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls
Siren M. Leighton Author of the Blood Like Poison Series, Wiccan, Caterpillar, Madly & Wolfhardt & The Reaping
Horse Whisperer Cidney Swanson Author of Rippler
Flying Trapeeze Artist Heather Self awesome book blogger.

YA Indie Carnival: Indie Idol

I'm absolutely delighted to have one of my favourite indie authors here today. Johanna Frappier is the author of Fairy Circle, a truly fabulous novel. She is my YA Indie Idol....

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you? 

My 'wow' book is IMAGIKA, by Clive Barker. His images are so powerful I was truly frightened, mesmerized, grossed-out, hopeful, happy/sad - the whole bit!

Who is your favourite author and why? 

I love Clive Barker and Mary Stewart equally, but for two very different reasons: CB takes me to Heaven and Hell, and MS lulls me with such beautiful prose - she's always magic.

What is your all-time favourite book cover? 

I love to see Grimm's Fairy Tales with an Arthur Rackham illustration on the cover.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why? 

My two faves of course! And how in the world would those two get along? LOL. He seems so modern and horrific and she seems so traditional and beautiful - I'd love to host them!

Who, or what, inspires you? 

My husband, Leo, inspires me - he's a dreamer AND a doer. I haven't come across that very often.

Where is your favourite place to write? 

In any quiet, empty space I can find.

What is your book about? 

The Fairy Circle Series is about recent high school grad, Saffron Keller. In FAIRY CIRCLE, she is afraid to leave her mother's yard and doesn't know why. Fairies take her soul to their realm one night, and thereafter her life gets freaky. She sees creatures in the woods and in her house. She gets stalked by a vampire, and learns that two of the fairies shared past lives with her.

What is your favourite film that was based on a book? 

All of the HARRY POTTER's. I can't begin to describe my depression to you - now that it's all over!

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the main characters?

Steven Straight

LOVE this question! I'd love Steven Strait (the bad boy in Sky High) to be the vampire, Jethin. 

Ethan peck

I need Ethan Peck (the bad boy in the TV series, 10 Things I Hate About You) to be that naughty fairy, Ny. 

Rachelle Lefevre

Love, love, love Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria in the 1st Twilight) to be the fairy, Li. I'd like a new-comer to be Saffron. :D

Tell us a random fact about yourself.

I can put my ankles behind my head.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live. 

We have four seasons and I couldn't live happy without them.

Winter or summer? Winter

Ebook or paperback? Yes!

Favourite food? Pastapizzapaninis

Sporty or couch potato? Depends on my fugue state.

Cook or be cooked for? Again, depends on which pesonality is manning my helm.

Link to your blog www.johannafrappier.blogspot.com

Johanna, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed. It was a pleasure having you here. Your answers are fantatsic. (I think you should send us a photo of you putting your ankles behind your head!! he he he )

Ready to take another ride? NEED MORE? Swing by these wonderful YA Indie writers and reviewers for more...
But first... this week sees the release of 13 ON HALLOWEEN by Laura A.H Elliott. Check it out over at http://laurasmagicday.wordpress.com/13-on-halloween-trailer/The Fuji Mermaid Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews
Leopard Girl Patti Larsen Author of The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Hunted Series and the Hayle Coven Novels
Fire Breather Courtney Cole Author of Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian. Also a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Strong Woman Nicole Williams Author of Eternal Eden, and Fallen Eden. She is also a contributing author in the Glassheart Chronicles
Champion Sword Swallower Fisher Amelie Author of The Understorey, as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Siren Laura A. H. Elliott Author of Winnemucca and soon to be released 13 on Halloween
Snake Charmer Amy Maurer Jones Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Pretzel Woman Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer Author of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms
The Giant T. R. Graves T.R. Graves: Author of Warriors of the Cross
Jungle Woman P.J. Hoover Author of Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis
Shape Shifter Alicia McCalla Author of the upcoming science-fiction novel Breaking Free
Tarot Card Reader Heather Cashman Author of Perception
Fortune Teller Abbi Glines Author of Breathe, and the upcoming Existence and Vincent Boys
Knife Thrower Cheri Schmidt Author of Fateful, Fractured, and Fair Maiden
Fire Dancer Lexus Luke Author of Manitou, The Sky People Saga
Fire Breather Suzy Turner Author of December Moon and Raven
Dragonslayer K. C. Blake Author of Vampire Rules
Elephant Trainer Gwenn Wright Author of Filter
Ring-Leader Kimberly Kinrade Author of Bits of You, Pieces of Me and Forbidden 

Mind Prestidigitator J.L. Bryan Author of Paranormals series- Jenny Pox. Tommy Nightmare & Alexander Death
Darby Karchut Author of Griffin Rising

YA Indie Carnival

I'm super excited to have become a part of the wonderful YA Indie Carnival - a group of indie authors and reviewers - who post on a special subject every Friday. This week it's a Back to School special.....

December Moon hadn't been back at school very long when something really weird happened.... the school gymnasium began to flood....

'As all the girls and boys panicked and flocked to the exit in one mad rush, December slowly took her time. It was only water, after all, and a little bit of water never hurt anyone. Well, it had never hurt me, she thought. Exactly at that moment, the water that had begun seeping into her black plimsolls and wetting her feet, receded, leaving her feet and ankles entirely, and strangely, dry.
Eyes wide in amazement, December surveyed the scene around her as one last student ran across the large mat in the centre of the room, it squelching beneath her feet. She was the last to leave. Even Miss Finnegan hadn't waited to make sure all her students had escaped unharmed and dry.
The water continued to pour in from each corner of the room, large droplets plopping around her from the ceiling and walls. Bits of green painted plaster broke away from the wall and fell down, bobbing up and down in the ankle high water below. December looked down at the floor and noticed that water was everywhere except within a small circular area surrounding her feet. As she moved, the dry circular area moved with her, like a bouncing bubble.
Before she could work out what was happening, gymnasium equipment began to fall and crash to the floor with the force of the running water.

How can this be? She thought. Then she remembered her silent wish, surely not? No, there had to be a rational explanation to all of this. I couldn't possibly be responsible. But the dry bubble around her told her a very different story.
As much as December wanted to hang around and enjoy watching the gym fill up with water, abruptly putting an end to her least favourite subject, she knew Miss Finnegan would eventually notice she was missing. So she skipped from the flooded room and out into the unusually bright sunlight of the October English afternoon.'

Excerpt of December Moon: Part II of the Raven Saga.

To get your copy, go to Amazon

Ready to take another ride? NEED MORE? Swing by these wonderful YA Indie writers and reviewers for more...
The Fuji Mermaid Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews
Leopard Girl Patti Larsen Author of The Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House, The Hunted Series and the Hayle Coven Novels
Fire Breather Courtney Cole Author of Every Last Kiss, Fated, Princess, and Guardian. Also a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Strong Woman Nicole Williams Author of Eternal Eden, and Fallen Eden. She is also a contributing author in the Glassheart Chronicles
Champion Sword Swallower Fisher Amelie Author of The Understorey, as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Siren Laura A. H. Elliott Author of Winnemucca and soon to be released 13 on Halloween
Snake Charmer Amy Maurer Jones Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy as well as a contributing author in The Glassheart Chronicles
Pretzel Woman Rachel Coles. Geek Mom. Book Reviewer Author of Diary of a Duct Tape Zombie, Whistles, Beergarden, Plagues, Bees of St. John, and Mushrooms
The Giant T. R. Graves T.R. Graves: Author of Warriors of the Cross
Jungle Woman P.J. Hoover Author of Solstice, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, The Necropolis
Shape Shifter Alicia McCalla Author of the upcoming science-fiction novel Breaking Free
Tarot Card Reader Heather Cashman Author of Perception
Fortune Teller Abbi Glines Author of Breathe, and the upcoming Existence and Vincent Boys
Knife Thrower Cheri Schmidt Author of Fateful, Fractured, and Fair Maiden
Fire Dancer Lexus Luke Author of Manitou, The Sky People Saga
Fire Breather Suzy Turner Author of December Moon and Raven
Dragonslayer K. C. Blake Author of Vampire Rules
Elephant Trainer Gwenn Wright Author of Filter
Ring-Leader Kimberly Kinrade Author of Bits of You, Pieces of Me and Forbidden 

Mind Prestidigitator J.L. Bryan Author of Paranormals series- Jenny Pox. Tommy Nightmare & Alexander Death