Bargain books to discover!😲👇👇
https://storyoriginapp.com/to/blFyuO6
Grab Your Kindles… Here’s Some Free Kindle Unlimited Reads This Weekend!
Do you have Kindle Unlimited? Great here’s a large group of books across all genres to discover. Happy reading. Please leave these authors reviews if you enjoy, they’d appreciate it!🧐👇👇
https://storyoriginapp.com/to/H4riji0
New Releases To Check Out All Genres #amreading
Check out this group of new releases! Free to read on Kindle Unlimited too. Click here to dive in to all different genres.
Excerpt from 365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers #amwriting
Welcome! This book of writing prompts is for all my ‘tribe’ of fellow romance writers, no matter what sub-genre or heat level you represent. I’d love to spend the year with you as you create some great stories. You might be thinking ‘well who the hell is this woman, and why has she done this?’ Okay, here’s the deal. Back in 2016 I crossed paths with a fellow suspense and thriller author, we became wonderful friends and for sure she’s a girlfriend for life. Her name is Didi Oviatt, you may know her. Anyway, we went on to start a very simple blogging challenge together where we created short stories of about 2,000-3,000 words each week. One of us would write one half, and the other would finish it. No discussion, planning or anything. The best bit is we used writing prompts voted on by our blog followers and readers. At the time of writing this four years later, we’re seventeen stories and two novels deep! We have published them and are currently working on book three. I have also used writing prompts to interact with my followers, readers and fans via my own author site since day one. I love writing prompts, so for me, writing prompts have really helped with creativity, productivity and most importantly building a readership. If it can work for me, friend it can work for you. If you’re still curious, my bio is below.
I was born in 1983 I’m from London in the UK. I’m a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award-winning author. While this book was on pre-sale on Amazon, this book hit the number one spot on Amazon’s romance writer’s reference new release list, so I guess I’m also a best-selling author now too, LOL. I started my journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also. As a reader, I love romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African-American, suspense and thrillers books. As a writer, I enjoy creating steamy stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When I’m not reading or writing my other passions include practising my French, fashion, drawing, make-up artistry, spending time at my sewing machine dressmaking, watching make –up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
How Best to Use this Writing Reference Book and Prompts
Firstly, why even use writing prompts? Well, if my introduction has not pushed you in the right direction to understand the benefits, here’s the real deal. We all get stuck! No matter how good of a writer we are, how creative, or even how motivated, some days the words or characters just run dry as hell. I’ve been there. So, to keep it real, the purpose of this book is to help you avoid the dry spells as much as possible and keep you fresh!
The best way to use this writing reference is to keep in mind these five small things.
- Make every prompt your own—you will find situations or people within each prompt. Nothing is set in stone, each prompt is just an idea or even outline or direction, if you like, for where you could head. I don’t really recommend (unless you really feel drawn to my prompt) that you stick to it and not put your own spin on it somehow. Take a prompt and add, or subtract, what you feel suits your style, storytelling, experience or even desire. Basically, don’t feel stuck with what you have; it’s just an idea to get your juices flowing.
- No matter your genre, steal it and use it! So, as you know by now, in the romance genre I’m a romantic suspense writer in principle. Yes, I have written other stuff and yes, I can write other stuff. But, I always default here because I love to read and write romantic suspense. So, with these prompts, I have kept them as generic as possible. This means if you like an idea, and wish to make it a paranormal, urban or fantasy romance, go for it! Like I said, don’t feel stuck. Take the general idea and flip it to your own script.
- Heat and steam levels are completely free for all! I like my romance steamy, maybe you’re a sweet and clean writer, that’s cool. Do what you wish in terms of heat levels, if you want to ramp up a prompt and make it high in heat…please do, I’d love to read it too!
- Dip in and out of each month, week, etc. as you see fit, too. You can go through January-December or mix it up.
- The last three months of the year, all the prompts are personal blogging prompts and I recommend that if you have not already, you really start to develop an author site or use your current one and do some personal blogging. (More on that later.) Again, you don’t need to wait until October to start, start today!
Giveaway Time! e-books + Signed Copies #amreading.
365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers
Savvy Writers Book 1
by Kim Knight
Genre: Writing, Self Help
With 365 Days Of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers, there’s no need for additional notepads or places to store your ideas. For each day of the year there’s a dedicated space for plotting your ideas, with a writing prompt to create an outline for a romance short story, novella, novel or even flash fiction. All you need to do is adapt the characters or setting to your sub-genre of romance. For each day of the year you’ll find a creative, engaging, fun and challenging writing prompt, with situations or people to craft your next story. There is also a personal blogging challenge with writing prompts, for romance writers to engage with their readers, grow their following, find new readers and allow their audience to get to know them via their own personal blog or author site. With 356 Days Of Writing Prompts For Romance Writers you’ll never be stuck for a romance story idea, or blog topic again! Each month has a focus and fully adaptable to your sub-genre, dip in and out of each day, week, month as you wish.
January- New Directions Love
February- Unexpected New Love
March- Fresh Starts and New Beginnings
April- Love in Unexpected Places
May- Historical, Regency and Multicultural
June- Contemporary Romance
July- Paranormal, Horror and Dark Romance
August- Christmas and Holiday Love
September- Mixed Bag of Goodies!
October- December Romance Writers’ Blog Writing Challenge Prompts
Award-Winning Romantic Suspense and Thriller Author Kim Knight, also shares her secrets on writing realistic, page-turning romance. Also her experience with writing prompts, which has allowed her to co-author two novels, and seventeen short-stories to date. So, romance writers around the world, grab your pen and your copy and get ready to write every day of the year and never run out of creativity. Note the paperback version will allow you to plot your ideas all in one space in the book, and let go of your hundreds of different idea notepads.
Kim is born in 1983 and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 title for A Stranger In France). Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also.
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, astrology, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make -up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
New Release: Defense of Exeter Station, By Thom Bedford #amreading @ThomBedford and @Shalini_G26
THOM BEDFORD BOOK BLITZ JUNE 26 – 30
DEFENSE OF EXETER STATION BY THOM BEDFORD
Book blurb:
At the turn of the twenty-ninth century, the Milky Way is on the verge of a galactic war. The Combined Systems Alliance continues to expand their territory—much to the displeasure of the Free Planetary Union who, until now, lacked the resources to halt the encroachment. In a bid to wrest control from the Alliance and retake their former colonies, Union agents throughout the Alliance Fleet organize a mass insurgency seizing countless assets. During the ensuing chaos, numerous ships are decimated and millions of lives are lost.
Retired Alliance Commander Tanic Sandorn finds himself stranded on a border station after the Union launches an all-out assault. Fighting against anxieties from the incident that pushed him into early retirement, Sandorn accepts being recalled to active duty and propelled to the front lines. This time, he will protect his crew and the inhabitants of the Exeter star system from any approaching threat—never again will he leave anyone behind.
But outnumbered, outgunned, and outflanked, Exeter Station is left running at a fraction of its operating capacity. Sandorn and the Alliance officers on board must strategize quickly and carefully to hold their ground, or they will be forced to surrender the station, the system, and their lives.
For fans of epic space operas, like Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott’s Dead Space series, and David Weber’s Honor Harrington series.
Book links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PPSN87
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B088PPSN87
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53427789-the-defense-of-exeter-station
Website: https://thombedford.com/the-defense-of-exeter-station/
Book excerpt:
Every crew member aboard the Veloz ran from stem to stern working tirelessly to patch every hole in the ship. The damage was critical to the point that nearly half the ship had been evacuated. With so little power available, compartmental force fields were inoperable, leaving only a single fire door between repair crews and the vacuum of space in many areas.
Not a single deck was spared at least some devastation, for as the ship’s superstructure twisted and contorted under heavy firepower, panels came loose and circuits overloaded throughout resulting in debris littering every room and corridor. The floors weren’t only littered with discarded paneling and blown circuitry, but also injured, dying, and dead crew members. The initial unexpected surprise attack caused the most death and destruction, taking over a hundred lives. Then as the battle wore on, further loss of life was inevitable.
The victory was Pyrrhic, but it was a victory, nonetheless.
Author biography:
Thom grew up in suburban Cheshire, England with his parents and brother. During school he had a propensity for creativity, either writing, building models, painting, or programming. Every subject choice was motivated by creating and building, whether it be design technology, graphic design, programming, or creative writing.
After studying Computer Science at The University of Manchester, he started working as a Software Developer. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked as a Technical Consultant in London for several years, then in Data Warehousing back in Manchester.
In his spare time, Thom still writes, build models, paints, and programs, but nowadays also listens to a lot of music, watches a lot of films, and enjoys playing computer games.
His love for science fiction comes from blockbuster films like Starship Troopers, Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as B-movies like Wing Commander, Pitch Black, and Iron Sky. Computer games like Homeworld, EVE-Online, and Stellaris, and books like Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott’s Dead Space series, and David Weber’s Honor Harrington series. In other words, sci-fi—particularly space opera—in any media.
Thom currently lives in Cheshire, England, with his wife, Helen, and their two cats.
Author Social media:
Website: http://thombedford.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThomBedford
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thombedford
Guest Post by National Bestselling Author Sheila. E. Bell! + Giveaway
The Truth About Sista Brianna
by Shelia Bell
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Smart, sassy, and single middle school teacher, Brianna Madison, hides behind the mask of her disability. Bound by a wheelchair and held hostage by her emotions, Brianna’s self-esteem is shot, and her belief in love is non-existent. Will she ever stop running from herself and from love? Is love the cure-all or will her web of lies and secrets destroy any chance Brianna has to heal from her past and claim what the future has for her?
History teacher Trey Hollister’s first year at Augustine Prep is already off to a good start when he enters the prestigious halls of the private academy. Handsome, and newly divorced, Trey is not looking for a relationship. Fresh memories of how painful heartbreak can be keeps him grounded. Things change quickly when he sets eyes on his co-worker, Brianna. But Brianna’s tough shell is almost more than he cares to handle. Will he keep pursuing Brianna or give in to the growing demands of an ex-wife who wants him back.
Shelia E. Bell (formerly Shelia E. Lipsey) is an award-winning, national bestselling author with 20+ books published in christian fiction, women’s fiction, nonfiction, and young adult genres. Her books have garnered numerous awards and accolades, including 2017 Christian Literary Readers’ Choice Award, 2015 Rosa Parks Award, 2014 Christian Literary Award, AAMBC Nate Holmes Honorary Award, Kindle Award, OOSA Book of the Year, numerous SORMAG awards and more.
Shelia began her publishing career in 1999. Since then, she has set the literary industry ablaze with her dynamic, true to life stories that she calls “perfect stories about imperfect people like you…and me.”
Shelia is passionate about helping others and encourages and promotes people to ‘live their dreams now.’ In 2012, she founded a non profit organization “Black Writers And Book Clubs (BWABC) Literacy Association” with a mission to promote literacy one community at a time. Shelia is also a well-respected freelance book editor.
A much sought after inspirational speaker, Shelia travels near and far sharing her inspirational messages of how to overcome the adversities of life. Having had polio since the age of two, she accepts no excuses and is determined not to let her physical imperfections keep her from her life’s purposes.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
What are you passionate about these days?
I’m passionate about animal rights, about saving the lives of animals, and continuing my vegan journey of ten plus years. This is my tiny contribution to saving them and saving our lives at the same time.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
To unwind and relax I like kicking back, getting up in my bed, and surfing channels for the next best reality show! I watch a little Netflix, do a little reading and of course spend precious time with my grandkids. With the isolation due to COVID-19, of course I have to talk to them via Facetime or Duo. I miss them.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I believe I considered myself a writer before I even wrote a book. I wrote poems and as time passed I realized I had a story to tell. Now 25 books later, here I am!
Do you have a favorite movie?
My favorite movies are The Other Sister, City of Angels, You’ve Got Mail, Love and Basketball, Best Man and Best Man Holiday
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I can see every last one of my novels turned into film whether it be in the form of a movie on the big screen, a TV series or a Netflix movie. They all are great stories that I believe viewers would enjoy.
What inspired you to write this book?
This latest book release is part of standalone books I call “Shorts by Shelia.” These books are meant to be quick, entertaining, reads for readers on the go. I have other Shorts by Shelia stories such as “Forever Ain’t Enough” and “Cross Road”. I plan to release more of these Shorts by Shelia later this year.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m working on more books that I call “Shorts by Shelia.” These are smaller books fewer than 125 pages that are meant to give readers a short, entertaining read while they’re sitting in a doctor’s appointment, standing in a long line, or just taking a lunch break.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
I would say my characters hijack the story. For me, this is a good thing. It pulls me totally outside of ME and allows my characters free rein to act, do, and speak as they so choose. I don’t like holding the reins because it might restrict what the characters have to say and it would put more of ME into the story when it’s not about me. I’m just the messenger.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since I was a preteen. I wrote poetry, speeches, loved writing essays and now that has evolved into me being a published author
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
I do most of my research during writing. I research whatever I need to research to enhance the story and make my book as realistic and believable as possible.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, writing is already my lifelong career–and editing.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
I think the current publishing market is oversaturated with authors or those who say they’re authors but put out less than tasteful, high quality work. As an editor, I know the importance of a well edited story. It saddens me that so many people believe in slapping words on paper, putting a cover on it, and publishing it. On the other hand, the publishing market has given an open forum to any and everyone who has a story to share. No more pleading, begging, praying and hoping for that big publishing contract.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read but not as much as I’d like to. As an editor I read a lot of manuscripts so hardly ever do I read for pleasure anymore. My time is so busy with editing and writing, making it more difficult. I like nonfiction, suspense and general fiction.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I usually write one book at a time. I put my all into that one book before moving to the next. It works better that way for me.
Pen or type writer or computer?
Definitely typewriter/computer. I can’t see myself writing in longhand.
Advice you would give new authors?
I cannot emphasize enough to new authors: Please take your time to produce a quality story that has been professionally EDITED.
THE PENABLE MAGAZINE 2020 IS OUT NOW! BUY IT NOW!
I just purchased a copy! I’ve never read this magazine and honoured to have had the chance to write an article for it, it’s only published once a year! Check it out.
What’s On Your Mind, Right Now?: Male Authors of Colour #amreading
Taking a writing prompt of my own from 365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers, this is exactly what’s on my mind right now. Over the last few weeks I’ve been writing a lot about the current state of affairs, when it comes to men of colour, their position in society and police brutality. As I reflected it kind of got me thinking about their ‘position’ in my own industry as a writer. So I decided that on #BlackOutDay2020 which I wrote about here a few weeks back, a day of solidarity I’d do a day where I do nothing but promote male authors of colour, regardless of his descent be it Asian-Indian Chinese, black or anything else. I had such an overwhelming response, while looking for authors from this demographic on Facebook! From women nominating men, and men putting themselves forward. So, instead a group of us will do promo for this demographic of authors all month from the 1st-31st July.
Why am I doing this?
Frankly, I’ve not been happy for a long time with how men of colour are treated generally within society at times, I will not say sorry for saying this either. I’m a mother of a black boy, I want the world to a better place for him when I’m gone. I also have black men I love and care for in my life, and hate hearing about the hardship, racism, and profiling they experience on a day to day basis. As a writer, I feel that this demographic of authors don’t often get their voices heard, and are placed into a box of ‘urban’, as if that’s all they write. I wish to give something back in the best way I can, from behind the laptop. I can’t protest #blacklivesmatter or #blacklivesmatteruk due to having people with delicate health at home, and myself also falling into this category. The risk of non-social distancing could mean life or death put bluntly, but if we never had Covid-19 happening right now, I’d be on the streets! Protesting the hell out of it, after seeing George Floyd and Rayshard Brook’s deaths this year, as well as the countless cases I’ve followed in every corner of the world over the years, I’m fed up with the police’s brutality and racist behaviour generally from society. I can’t protest in person, so I’ll write about as a writer at Aspiring Authors Magazine to bring attention where needed, support the community and keep the movement going.
When you look at these men what do you see? Drug dealers, bums, aggressive men do they trigger you?? I hope not. Some are husbands, fathers, grandfathers, uncles etc. They are human and beautiful! Most importantly, they are all well respected and hard-working authors, with published books worth checking out. Or at least getting to know a bit about them, before they are prejudged. They deserve readership, sales, and gaining fans like all authors do. From next week in all genres from romance, poetry, non-fiction and of course urban fiction you’ll learn a little bit about each one. Myself and a handful of other women will be celebrating men of colour in the literary world! Stay tuned.
Book Review: ‘Run Girl Run’ By Willow Rose (Thriller/Mystery) 3.5 Stars
Thank you to Silver Dagger Book Tours for my free copy, in exchange for my honest review. I must say, I did enjoy this mystery/ thriller overall, but I did guess the plot twist a bit early (I’m sorry!)… no spoilers though, and the cliff- hanger ending left me a little unsatisfied! But here’s what I did enjoy.
Book blurb
Willow Rose’s beloved detective, Harry Hunter is back in this thrilling second installment of the bestselling series.
When a mother and her child are pulled out of the harbor in their car, the case seems pretty straightforward for Miami PD and Detective Harry Hunter.
Everything points to a murder-suicide.
They were homeless, living in their car, and the mother decided to end it all for them both by driving into the water.
But the case is not what it looks like, Detective Harry Hunter soon realizes.
Harry’s daughter is carrying devastating knowledge about their deaths, and soon she becomes the killer’s next target.
As Harry races to protect her, he is betrayed by someone he thought he knew, leaving him terrified of trusting anyone in a town filled with liars.
RUN GIRL RUN is the second book in the Harry Hunter Mystery Series.
Kim’s Review 3.5 Enjoyable Stars
Okay so the blurb had me from the get go and so did the genre, this is a fast-paced story, I enjoyed the fact that it moved, and there was not too much hanging around. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and slickness with it too. I also enjoyed that each chapter seemed to end on that classic, ‘OMG what’s going to happen next’ thriller vibe! I loved it and I read quickly.
We follow the story of what appears to be a suicide, but is actually a murder. This murder twists into a tale linked to Detective Hunter himself, his wife and daughter. No spoilers…. I found this interesting reading, and also very surprising as the author touches on organ donation, and how the life of a donor can impact the recipient of the organ. I liked how overall the plot meshed together, to that ‘ahhh okay’ point. The plot is good, and enjoyable to read I was glued, but I guessed a twist before it happened e.g who really should be the focus, regarding the ‘suicide’ that’s really a murder. That said, it’s still enjoyable as more happens.
I enjoyed the characters, but I found them a little bit 2D instead of 3D – I have no idea what anyone looks like, and I didn’t really get very close to how they felt about everything that was happening. I would have loved if the characters were as well rounded, as the pace and speed of the plot- but that’s me personally. I love to really visualise and understand the people in the pages.
The ending does leave you hanging, so if you enjoy this you will for sure pick up the next in the series. Personally, I like an ending especially in this genre… I’m sorry to say, the cliffhanger is a cool one, but left me a little unhappy with it! (Sad face).
Overall I do recommend this series as a first time reader of this author’s work, if you like fast paced, mystery /thriller /crime plots and don’t mind cliffhangers, as opposed to a conclusion on ‘who-dun-it.’ 3.5 stars from me! But hell, I would read more from this author.
Free to read on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this review, with a hella-lot-a lovely five star reviews!! Jump in thriller lovers.
Author, Kim Knight 