5 Point Social Media Blitz for the Time Poor.

Article also published on LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-m-john-6b17a669/

When you're a creative, busy... creating, it's super hard to keep all the social media plates spinning. There aren't endless hours in the day, and as our visibility online grows, as we connect with new readers, investors, patrons, et al, we find ourselves joining even more social media platforms and online communities in order to create even more visibility and success.

It can be exhausting, and it can also be damaging if you let some of those platforms drift creating a footprint of earlier branding that may not fully reflect where you are now at.

In oder to keep a fresh, cohesive brand across the internet and social media world, I have created a process of consciously 'quick checking'. It can be really easy to be sucked into a sparkly new social media platform, plough all your current work, concepts, branding and time into it - but the danger is that the others lag behind and the connections you have worked so hard to build, start to grow stale.

Here is a quick 5 point check which can be done in just one or two hours of your time a month.

Before you begin, write a list of all the social-media platforms, forums and other places you have at some point made a profile for. (You'll be amazed, especially as like me, you've probably jumped on every up and coming subject related platform over the years. You may need to google yourself.)

MONTHLY:

1: YOU. Make sure all your profile pictures are a) relevant to the audience for that particular social platform, b) make it one of your more recent photos, and c) good quality, which means properly lit, properly cropped, and appropriate context. (It's really good practice to try and get photos of you taken on a regular basis and build up a folder on your desktop so you can just grab one - a good selfie has its place, too so don't be afraid to get in front of the camera) 

2: BANNERS. Don't underestimate the power of banners to be an effective advertising space. Does your banner demonstrate fully a) What you do? b) What's fresh and new in your world? c) Have either an explicit or implicit call to action depending on the platform.

3: POST. Write a single post (it can be a copy & paste on each of the platforms if time is really squeezed) but it should include where you've been, what you've been doing, what your currently excited about and will show you've not been inactive, just really creatively busy. It will also show you're still willing to engage, and your not abandoning your fan / reader / patron base. If people stumble across your page, it also shows that you aren't missing in the ether and no longer relevant.

4: ENGAGE. Spend 5 minutes engaging with 10 other people on that platform. Leave a comment on their post, ask a question, share a post - demonstrate that as well as swinging by to broadcast, you're willing to engage and connect. It gives the impression that you are a lot more active than you actually are.

5: DELETE. Ask yourself what each particular profile is doing for you. If it's not working, if you know in your heart that you don't have the time or inclination to invest in it, then delete it. It's better to have 3 or 4 really engaging, exciting, fresh and live platforms where people know where to find you than having a load of dead or dying fish in the water. Poorly managed social media platforms can do more damage than not having one in the first place.

If you do each of these 5 small tasks once a month - maybe allocated a specific day (such as the first or last of the month to make it memorable) then you'll soon find that your social media platforms are all up to date, relevant and creating more engagement. Good luck, and remember the trick with social media is little and often.

Sign up for the Quarterly Katie M. John newsletter

Want to get your hands on free eBooks, exclusive material, offers, trailer premiers, and other magical, funky things? Sign up for my quarterly newsletter. 

I have (after a year and a half of being on the to-do list) finally made my first author newsletter.

I've held off for a while because I wanted to make it as positive experience for subscribers as possible, with Free eBook downloads, exclusive content, exclusive giveaways, trailers, breaking news and signing links. 

Rather than doing it monthly, I am going to send out the newsletter on a seasonal basis - so 4x a year, with just a quick alert on release week (about 2x a year) 

I am sending out the first newsletter tomorrow with some lovely goodies, such as an exclusive newsletter giveaway of paperback editions of Beautiful Freaks Volume 1, and links to my Kindle eReader giveaway - so if you haven't signed up yet, and would like to receive it then please fill in the subscription link below.
http://eepurl.com/ckDGwH

Supporting Haiti.

Why 20% of all sales of Book 3 of 'The Meadowsweet Chronicles' between now and Dec 31st will be going to the OXFAM Haiti Emergency appeal.

Tomorrow sees the launch of Book 3 of 'The Meadowsweet Chronicles'. The series explores the folklore of witchcraft in many places in the world, from Heargton (A fictional English village) to Salem, to Mexico and in Book 3, Haiti.

The book has been a year in the writing, and when the Haitian Debois sisters were planned into that story, I could never have known the devastating effects that Hurricane Matthew would have on that beautiful island in the present.

I have never actually been to Haiti, but having spent months researching, goole earthing, studying, you-tubing and reading about this incredible place, rich with history, legends and culture, it has become a very special place to me -- one that I am determined to visit sooner rather than later.

I never approach the portrayal of places and their people lightly - when you're a storyteller, there is a great temptation to manipulate the whole world into your own fantasy; and of course, to a certain point, that is going to be inevitable in the world of literature, but we have a duty as writers to ensure that we adequately research, that we are gentle and playful with stereotypes, and that we challenge mistruths and bad politics. It's a dilemma; we want our works to be diverse, and we want to travel to far-flung places becoming both explorer and the means by which others can explore from their armchair, but we don't want to be part of that whole machine that perpetrates cultural constructs and misunderstandings.

When the Ravenheart sisters visit the Debois coven in Haiti they are greeted by three extraordinary women, with an even more extraordinary history - of course there are elements of the stereotype in the portrayal of these voodoo practicing witches - and at first, it seems that these stereotypes are an upholding of Eurocentric colonialist constructs, but what starts off as a classic portrayal of Haitian witches begins to take a different turn -- and I can't tell you how without pitching some massive spoilers - but the Debois sisters go on to take a very important role in the rest of this epic series of good over evil.

I am very fond of this coven - they are strong, and wise, and hold a knowledge that is beyond most of the other witches in the series.

So when I saw the devastating impact of Hurricane Matthew on Haiti - on the very real tragedy unfolding on our news screens, there was something inside me that felt unsettled. Here I was about to publish the third book of a series, with a story very dependent on Haiti as a setting and on the Debois sisters as characters, and yet the people of Haiti were suffering the most unimaginable paint and loss.

I wanted to mark my respect for the places I use in my stories. I wanted to put something back, and so I have made the decision that 20% of sales of Book 3 between now and Christmas will go to the Oxfam Haiti appeal.

I'm not a million book sales kind of author, and I don't make tens of thousands of pounds a book, but what I do make, I feel should be shared, and I wanted you to know that was what I am doing. I know it's not going to change the world for the people of Haiti, but I hope it might change the life of at least one person.

VISIT THE OXFAM HURRICANE MATTHEW EMERGENCY APPEAL HERE

'Devilry' is out tomorrow and is available on pre-order at Amazon worldwide. 20% of all 'Devilry' sales between tomorrow and December 31st 2016 will go to the Oxfam Hurricane Matthew appeal.

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9RZHN2
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L9RZHN2

The horror of the camera lens: Official Author Photo photoshoot in Paris.

#NCWR POST
As you know if you follow the blog, this September saw me heading to Paris on retreat. The focus of the retreat was visibility, and as part of that we were to undertake a professional photoshoot with the incredibly talented Regina Wamba of  Mae I Design (http://www.maeidesign.com.)

1. Pretending that it isn't happening.
The classic introvert safety net -
when things get scary, retreat and
read a book. The architecture
in Monmarte was just beautiful
and whimsical. 

Regina is an incredibly talented photographer and artist, and has been responsible for the creation of many USA TODAY best selling novels' covers. Her photography is magical, and so although the thought of having a photoshoot filled me with an almost panic attack inducing fear (quite honestly and literally) I was excited by the idea of it.

I have always hated having my photograph taken. As an extreme introvert, and somebody who is incredibly hard on themselves, having a camera pointing at me has had the same adrenalin rush as being faced with a hungry T-Rex.

Despite having been an out there and proud author for the last six years, I had not got around to getting my professional headshot done ---- and the retreat made me face the truth that it wasn't just my abject fear of being photographed, but something else - something much deeper.

2. I saw the inside projected outwardly
and that was hard to accept. The
defensive and yet powerful arm
cross, kind of says it all. 

It wasn't just that I feel silly, and weird looking, and 2 stone overweight, and gangly legged, and dough faced, and triple chinned - I was actually feeling VERY awkward about seeing myself as a serious author - of taking me and my work seriously... I know right?!

The NCWR retreat was all about facing this idea - and I soon realised that I was absolutely not alone in either of these fears. As much as we were all excited to be attending the retreat, of learning together and of growing together -- and drinking too much French wine together, we were all absolutely FREAKING TERRIFIED of the photoshoot. Excited but terrified.

Talking, we discovered that regardless of gender, our month running up to the shoot had been full of anxiety, preparation, mental strengthening, and outfit planning.

3. Allowing my true creative self to
be caught on camera was
exposing.

I don't think I fully understood until that moment what an integral thing our outside was to our inside. I'm a girl who has always prided herself on not being sucked into all that 'beauty' stuff - most days, I go make up free; it's not a strange thing to me to have a selfie with no make up, or to do the school run. Most days, I barely brush my hair - and I've never really understood how someone can actually physically spend a couple of hours getting ready for an event etc.... perhaps now I do, LOL.

We were all so self-conscious that Regina had originally planned to do our photoshoots in private slots, but like freaked out zebra in the presence of a lion, we huddled together and in the end, we tag teamed it. There was something really wonderful about working together, encouraging each other, complimenting each other, reassuring each other --- and laughing; laughing lots.

4. Doing a photoshoot with
friends was so much more fun
than doing it alone. I know
exactly who I'm laughing at
here - my dear friend
+Carlyle Labuschagne 

Regina is a picture witch - she has this ability to capture not just the outside but the inside - she has the magical ability to showcase that unique beauty that is within all of us. We had a fabulous two day shoot, one day in the gardens of the Musee du Rodin in Paris, in a glorious (almost too hot) day, and the following day, we headed to the beautiful, sublime and architecturally stunning, Monmarte Cemetery.  It was fun - it was empowering and it was revealing.

Two days ago, I got the 100 or so photos we took into my in-box. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but I was surprised to feel very mixed emotions. I had been so high on the days of the shoot - and then it was like being hit by a train. There was me, hundreds of me - being author, being creative, being professional -- being a grown up! Yes, a woman, a woman with flaws, and ugly spots, and beauty, and power, and dreams, and ambitions, and love, and laughter, and heartsease, and friendship - and it freaked me out. I barely recognised myself even though I knew myself.

5. Seeing my sense of dreams
and ambitions played out
on film, and most
importantly, seeing myself
as a grown up at last. 

And I trashed through them, groaning and moaning and getting upset, not seeing perhaps what I had wanted to see - - but it wasn't because it wasn't there, but because I was still looking through eyes that belonged to the me that had spent a lifetime never really feeling quite good enough, through eyes that were embarrassed to step out and stand up for who I am, who was ashamed of being so forward, and afraid that I would be humiliated, criticised or brought down ---- so I STOPPED MYSELF right there and then and gave myself a BIG TALKING to! That shit has got to stop.

6. Taking myself and my art
seriously is the first step in
acknowledging myself as creative

I mean, seriously, THAT. SHIT. HAS. GOT. TO. STOP.

And I looked with my new eyes. My future me in the now eyes, and I saw that there were photos there that were beautiful, that there were photos that expressed the inner parts of me - and that was who I damned well was, and I was doing okay.

So if you know that you are needing to go through this whole process, I have a couple of pieces of advice -

1) Invest appropriately; pay the top whack based on research and recommendations - save in a penny jar if you have, too. You need someone whose work you love, who is going to take time with you, who is going to make you feel 'normal' and who is going to show the magic. If you can, book an appointment with +Regina Wamba - she travels the world for various events and she's always got her camera with her.

2) In the meantime - if you can't afford who you really want, get together with a talented friend and do a 'mock' location shot - find somewhere beautiful and play and laugh and see what comes out - some of our favourite shots were taken with each other's iPhones whilst Regina was busy photographing 'properly'.

3) Take time over really thinking about what you want to convey through your wardrobe. I wanted two very different looks of the multi-faceted side of my job; the gothic paranormal author, and the event planner and coach.

So now, here I am, sharing the results of that photoshoot and I'd love to know which is your favourite and which should be the one you think I should choose to send out on those first press releases I'm going to send out :)

How Do You Get People To Take You Seriously?

Today, I was asked this question by a fellow creative; not an author but someone who is clearly fighting the same demons that I see being fought in the author community all the time.

You take yourself seriously -
you step out
into the world and you 'be'
who you want to be in the future.
This is me signing in Paris this
 summer.  This didn't
happen by accident. I made
it happen.

We didn't have long; it was a snatched conversation and I literally had a child hanging off my back at the time.

But I hope in that short 3 minute conversation, I instilled these important messages.  So what did I say in response to his question?

• Firstly, before you can ask others to take you and your art seriously, you have to take yourself and your art seriously - you invest in your art; you seek out those who are where you want to be and you observe, study, reach out, learn from them and then emulate them, discovering your own unique 'you' along the way. 

• You have to stop apologising for not being good enough - as a creative, you are constantly evolving, improving (You'll never be 'good enough' but you are as good as you need to be at this point) 




• You invest in your community. You give to the creative tribe, and you give - and then you give some more - and do you know what? It comes back. You build friendships, relationships, mutual respect - I refer to it as 'TRIBE' but you may just as well call it your 'ARMY'. 

You build an army of fellow creatives and you look after your
comrades, you nurture the friendships, and you learn from each other.
You support one another and you trust one another

and most importantly, 

You define yourself as artist and you live
your life as artist. 

• You stop waiting for others to define you as serious (sic, successful, talented, worthy, valid) YOU DEFINE YOURSELF as ARTIST. As CREATIVE. You are entirely free to be who you want to be. As my mentor, Janet Wallace  (Founder of Social Deviants) would say, "Be the future you in the present." Stop waiting for the fabled land and make it here, right now. 

I say these things like they're easy, as if they are a magic potion - and trust me, I know they're not. Unshackling the doubt demons, the fear of ridicule, the little voice that whispers 'you're delusional', 'You're a pipe-dreamer' is hard - and for some it's harder than others. 

We live in a world that prioritises money and celebrity and tries to measure everything within those terms - but the creative life isn't like that, and when you try to fit your art into such measurable quantities, that's when the tension and the doubt, and the fear smacks you in the face. 

There's a sense that unless you're doing everything on some crazy epic scale; you're topping the charts, you're making millions, you're winning awards, you're featured in magazines, on the television, that your name is part of pop-culture rhetoric, then you're a failure - that you're not serious... but that's.... well, it's rubbish! 

Nobody has the right to EVER tell you that your art isn't worthy, isn't valid, isn't 'proper'. Believe in yourself and believe in your art - and hold your head up high and wear your armour well - and if you've been wise enough to follow my advice - you're army will be standing right behind you. 

Have a wonderful Week. Go and make beautiful things, moments, and friendships. 

Kate x

Greet

A poem for the bleak days.

Greet

When you are too tired for tears
Too empty for laughter
Too hurt for the receiving of love
Too full of thoughts for peace,

Stop.

Stop and greet yourself
like an old friend
long since seen.
Smile in recognition
of a person rediscovered
of a future promise
of happiness and adventure
of a hundred million
things you love about
that soul but had
forgotten.
And in that moment
of reconnection,

Forgive.

Forgive the past,
which stole you from yourself.

Katie M John (Jan 2016)

#ReaderReviewsMatter: Be the Returned Voice

There's a lot of talk about the Reader and Author relationship, but I wonder if sometimes that idea is mistranslated. Sometimes, there is a sense that a novel is like a monologue performed in front of a silent audience.

There is no doubt readers engage and connect, and words have the power to move and to evoke strong emotions, (I'm a reader first and foremost too and I have been moved to shout and cry and laugh) but it is almost always an internal transaction, making the relationship between reader and writer, paradoxically, the most intimate and the most distant.

But when internal absorption and translation suddenly becomes and outward expression; a communication of empathy, and resonance, and feeling, then something truly wonderful happens - a dialogue is born. A two way running stream of understanding and sharing. That is the moment of magic to an author. It's like a voice travelling back from a distant planet - and the sound of that voice is all it takes to keep that writer creating and sharing.

Today, the first reviews came back for 'When Sorrows Come' and they have literally stopped me in my tracks, they've caused me to reflect on where I am an author and how I move forward. I guess you could call it the sudden onset of an existential crisis - but that can only be a good thing, right?

So if you have read something that moved you, made you cry, hit home, made you laugh, gave you hope, made you feel just a little bit less a crazy party of one, then reach out and tell the author, write a review, drop them an email, write them a letter. Be the returned voice, because your voice matters.  #‎ReaderReviewsMatter

If you're interested in reading 'When Sorrows Come' it is out on January 14th 2016 on Amazon Kindle exclusively for a three month period, after which it will be available on all eBook platforms. Paperback copies will also be available on Amazon and direct via the website. www.katiemjohn.com

#UpperYA #ContemporaryRomance #Relationships #MentalHealth #Survival #Hope #Love #Loss #SubstanceAbuse #SelfHarm

'When Sorrows Come' deals with some complex issues which are not suitable for younger YA readers.

PRE-ORDER LINKS

UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016P1X4I2
US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016P1X4I2

 

Author Demons: Conquering the Fear of Reviews.

This morning I opened the Goodreads page for the first ARC reviews of 'When Sorrows Come' which have just started to come in. It's always an incredibly scary moment, no matter how many books down, no matter how many previous good experiences, no matter how much you know in your soul, your head and your bones that the story is good - it's damned good because it came from a place of truth, of integrity, of experience.

Whenever I go onto Goodreads, I literally have to dare myself to do it, and when I click that dashboard button, it's almost as if my stomach sees those little red stars before my head. It was with the greatest relief and soul-soaring delight that there were no 1 stars or 2 stars ---- note that is how I work. I check off the low stars before the high stars; it's text book isn't it? That self doubt, that fear that you've f-ed it up. That you've made an ass of yourself. That you're just not good enough. (Sorry to you newbies who are hoping those feelings are going to go away, they might not)

And when I had scanned from the bottom up, going past the empty 1 star, the empty 2 bar and the empty 3 star I began to relax. It's okay - it's all going to be okay.

I always have these feelings, but they've been quadrillioned for 'When Sorrows Come' for a couple of reasons. 1) Its' COMPLETELY different genre for me. It's contemporary YA - I guess it would be labelled for ease as Contemporary Romance. 2) It slays many personal demons. It's the story I had to write - and if it hadn't been for the freedom and challenge of NaNoWriMo I wouldn't - the internal editors would have destroyed it.

I was worried readers would find some elements too far fetched, even though there are so many personal first hand experiences woven through the scenes and characters. I was worried readers would find it too heavy; it deals with mental health, death, love, obsession, self-harm, substance abuse --- yep, all in one story, but as one reviewer said, "these things all feed off one another" - and yes, yes they do.

So, I guess the point of this rambling post is
DON'T BE AFRAID
DON'T DOUBT
TRUST YOUR STORY.
TRUST YOUR READER.

But at the same time, if you are afraid, if you are in doubt, if there is a worry you've failed your reader, then USE those demons to make it the best story your heart can write. Your readers will see the truth, they will see the authenticity, they will share with you and cry with you, and that's what this is all about - those deeply, intimate human connections between reader and writer.

You can pre-order your copy of 'When Sorrows Come'
US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016P1X4I2
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016P1X4I2
CA http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B016P1X4I2

THREE LITTLE WORDS. Come and Play

THREE LITTLE WORDS
October Fright Nights Blog Hop Post II

When most people hear the phrase 'Those three little words' they are put more in mind of Valentine's declarations of 'I Love You', however, we're going to mash that up and play a little Halloween word and creativity game. And if yours is the best entry (I get to judge and the guidelines are wish-washy) then you will get a little Halloween mystery trick or treat bag.


Let's play.

You have just three words to create the creepiest, scariest, freakiest, weirdest, Halloween story ever.
Here are a couple just to get you going, and to give you the confidence that you can clearly ace this competition if this is the standard of the example.

"I was alone."

"The blade fell."

"The virus spread."

"We killed everyone."

See, easy peasy - give it your best shot. Up to three entries per comment box please guys.

Don't forget to swing by the blogs of my fellow horror homies. They've got some great posts up, and some fab trick or treat swag up for grabs too. Thanks for stopping by and playing.

Utopia 2 months on

This post is a week early, but as I am going on holiday next week, and I am really rubbish at scheduling posts, here goes.

UTOPIA and TRIBE: A POWERHOUSE OF AWESOMENESS.
So the effects of Utopia have calmed a little. Fellow Utopians are busying away with their WIPS and other cons, and all the other craziness of life that is the life of an author. However, what has happened out of that great explosion of socialisation is the cementing of some extraordinary friendships.

I have found a tribe, a sisterhood, and we speak most days and at least a couple of times a week via Facebook messaging, and we're getting brave enough to even attempt a proper video call -  I know, crazy social cats that we are.

This is what ultimately Utopia has given me - the feeling that I am not alone, and for someone who doesn't really mind going it alone, or at least that's what I have convinced myself over the years, the effect of friendship, understanding and shard vision has been quite transformatory. (Yep, making words up again)

BUILDING CHAPTER.CON: THE POWER OF THE TRIBE
It's this sense of tribe that has allowed me to embrace my fears and charge forward with Chapter.Con in a way that has made some crazy dream a few months ago into a serious reality. When I look at website, how full and rich the con promises to be, I am excited -- and I am proud of what I have built. However, it would not have been built without the love, belief, encouragement and spirit of my tribe.

My Tribe is AWESOME! Get used to that phrase because I am going to be using it a lot over the coming year. It was there willingness to reach out a hand and step up that has allowed Chapter.Con to take flight. They have promised to fly half way around the world to stand by my side, to share their knowledge, expertise, creativity and love with a UK book community.

And because of their faith and their willingness to tread this journey by my side, others have joined us. Seriously, you should check out the panel for Chapter.Con - it's mind blowing. And because of the panel, I have managed to entice a truly amazing Key Note speaker, who I can't wait to share with you at a later stage.

There's a Utopian core statement, 'Lift as You Climb' and I can not tell you how engraved this is in my heart. Creating Chapter.Con has been a real chance to payback to some people in the book world who have been there from the early days of my writing career. For example, I am so honoured to have Megan Mc Dade (From Reading Away The Days) to be our Official Chapter.Con Blog Co-ordinator and I know we are both extremely grateful to Jo Michaels who is acting as a Mentor and Guide (as well as one of my soul-sisters). Having Megan on board has allowed me to hand all of that side over to her and for a great blog team to be created. Utopia taught me to do that - to trust, to collaborate, to hand over to others. Something I've never really been very good at.


Then I get a reach out from the lovely Dena Ellis Oneal - a chance meeting at Utopia caused a spark of creativity. She wanted to know about Readers, and whether there was a special place for them at Chapter.Con - hell yeah! Without readers there are no authors (well not ones that eat) so between us we created the Chapter.Con Book Club, 'Reading My Way to Chapter.Con'. This is a brilliant idea on so many levels. You can find out more about it at the official website Book Club page (linked) or by visiting the Unofficial Facebook Page (linked)

Oh, yeah, about that! So because Megan and the blogging team, and Dena are amazing, they are establishing the joint fansite and book club group page for Chapter.Con so that the community can really start building.

So that's Chapter.Con and I guess you can tell from how much of the post it has taken up just how much life time it has taken up too.

However, other great things have been happening too. I have embarked on a currently secret project with two of the most phenomenally inspiring women I have ever met. It's a really exciting project and one which I am going to take immense pride and pleasure in sharing with you in a few months time when details have been secured. All I can really say is I AM EXCITED and INSPIRED!

WRITING LIFE.
Book Three of The Meadowsweet Chronicles is half written; progress has been a little slower than hoped, but I'm still perfectly on schedule according to the XCEL spreadsheet. I love spending time with my WIP - at the moment, with everything else going on, it's a perfect escape. Because it is Book Three, the characters pretty much write themselves; they are living real people who live and love and battle inside my head.

Planning out the next three books in the series has given me the confidence to just sit down and write without worrying - as a result, when I do get an hour or two, the word count jumps up. it is a direct result of listening to the UTOPIA panel on series, and the advice of Rachel Higginson and Bella Roccaforte that inspired me to take that goat by the throat and plot it all out. See, panels aren't just about ideas, they are about action.

However, due to the explosion that has been Chapter.Con, my plans to serialise 'Beautiful Freaks' are a little delayed (only by a week or so, but with my spreadsheet, that could be a problem.) I have a rescue plan in mind though.

DAY 8: UtopYA from Your Armchair + Epic-scale UtopYA Swag Giveaway

Welcome to Day 8 of me bringing you some of the best, loveliest and most generous authors from UtopYA Author and Reader Con 2015. Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to the authors, Sharon Rose Mayes, author of 'The Pact' series and 'Twisted Fate', and author, 'Amy Leigh Strickland', author of  'Olympia Heights' and 'The Royer Goldhawk' series.

Don't forget to enter the epic-scale UtopYA Swag giveaway at the end of the post. You can enter everyday of the virtual con and a full list of prizes and details can be found in this post HERE

SHARON ROSE MAYES

 

Blurb for 'Blood Pact' (Book 1 of series)

Riley Spencer has spent most of her life doing what is normal for her: attending school, spending time with her mother, and training to hunt vampires. It was how she grew up as part of the organization and when Nick comes to town and joins her team everything changes. Now Riley and the rest of her team begin to question everything they have learned about vampires and the organization that trained them to hunt the vampires that hide in the world.

 

About Sharon Rose

 

Sharon lives in Lufkin, Texas with her two sons. She chronicles her daily life at her personal blog Not Your Mom Blog and has been active in the blogosphere for seven years. When she is not chasing her kids and participating in roller derby she writes and dreams of all of the places she can't wait to travel. She loves to write Young Adult stories about vampires, vampire hunters, witches, reincarnation, paranormal, and even a little bit on the New Adult side under the name S.R. Mayes

 

Find out more at www.notyourmumblog.com

Follow on Twitter

Follow on Facebook

Go to the AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Buy Book One of the series, 'Blood Pact' on Amazon.co.uk 

 

 

AMY LEIGH STRICKLAND

***Free eBook Download***

 

Blurb for 'Olympia Heights' (Book 1 of series)

Olympia Heights follows a group of teens in Miami Florida who find out that they are the Greek Gods reborn. As they struggle to balance school, relationships, and emerging powers, thy also have to field attacks from powerful and vengeful Titans.

 

They say that lightning never strikes the same place twice, but for Zach Jacobs, that just isn’t true. It’s hard enough being seventeen-- juggling school, football, friends, and teenage romance-- but Zach’s about to find out just how complicated it can get when he begins to suspect that maybe he was the lightning. Teenage woes hardly seem significant when you’ve got lightning shooting from your fingertips and a couple of murderous Titans trying to settle an ancient score.

 

About Amy

 

Amy Leigh Strickland is a teacher and writer from Massachusetts, living and working outside of Birmingham, AL. She writes contemporary, YA, and historical fantasy with a mythological twist.

 

Find out more at www.amyleightstrickland.com

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DOWNLOAD FREE copy of Book One of 'Olympia Heights' at Amazon.co.uk

 

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Day 4: UtopYA from Your Armchair + Epic-Scale Giveaway

Welcome to Day 4 of the virtual UtopYA Author and Reader Con. Today it is my great pleasure to introduce you to the virtual tables of Natasha Hanova, author of 'Edge of Truth' and K.D.Wood, author of 'Unwilling'.

Don't forget to enter the epic-scale UtopYA Swag giveaway at the end of the post. You can enter everyday of the virtual con and a full list of prizes and details can be found in this post HERE

Natasha Hanover

 

Blurb: Edge of Truth

Citizens who report to work on time, obey the Overlord’s laws, and stay off the Synbot’s radar, live long lives. Long, dull, monotonous lives. It’s not a bad plan for sixteen-year-old Rena Moon whose emotions trigger earthquakes. In a world pitted against her, she strives for a life beyond working herself to death at the factory. Seeing an alternative, she risks selling relics from the forbidden lands at Market. It becomes the worst decision she ever made. Someone kidnaps her best friend in exchange for the one thing that would end her oppression. Driven by loyalty, Rena and seventeen-year-old Nevan Jelani, soulful composer, green thumb extraordinaire, and the secret love of her life, plot to rescue her friend and reclaim her salvage. Still, the thought lingers whether Nevan is a true hero or another thief waiting for his chance at her loot. Events spin wildly, deepening Rena’s suspicions and pushing her limit of control. With more than her chance for freedom at stake, she must decide if she’s willing to kill to protect what’s precious to her. For once, the Overlord isn’t holding all the power, but can Rena live with being reduced to what she’s struggling so hard to escape?

 

About Natasha

I am an author of young adult and adult dark fantasy/paranormal fiction. Edge of Truth, a YA dystopian romance, is my debut novel. I enjoy sliding around the house in my socks and love nibbling Peanut M&Ms while reading or writing paranormal, dark fantasy, and dystopian books with heavy doses of romance.

 

Visit Natasha's AMAZON PAGE HERE

Buy Edge of Truth at Amazon.co.uk

Find out more at www.natashahanova.com 

 

 

 

K.D.Wood

Blurb: Unwilling
 

Neely McIntire’s dreams warn her about the future but will not protect her from the danger hiding in plain sight. On graduation night, she plans to tell her best friend, Hayden Nelson, that she's in love with him. Instead, they argue. Neely's hurt feelings leave her vulnerable, giving her secret admirer, Andrew Huckley, the opportunity to put his mother’s monstrous plan into motion. When Neely gives in to her broken heart and pushes him away, Hayden knows he must fight to recapture the spark he felt in their last kiss. But will he find her in time to reverse the damage or will she be changed forever?

 

About K.D.Wood
 

K.D. Wood lives in north Mississippi with her family and a very spoiled White Waug. She creates love stories and smokin' southern erotica, but not your mama's happy ever after. She's a consumer of chocolate but not spiders and completely composed of liquid awesome. When not in her office pounding the keys she can be found under a snuggly blanket, cup of Donut Shop close by, with her nose in a book. Her first novel, Unwilling, debuted on Amazon and Kobo’s bestsellers list. Follow her on Twitter at @KDWoodauthor, like her on Facebook, you’ll find her neglecting her blog at K.D.Woodauthor.blogspot.com, or email her at K.D.Woodauthor@gmail.com

 

BUY a copy of  'Unwilling' on Amazon.co.uk

Visit K.D.Woods AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Follow on Twitter @KDWoodauthor

Facebook www.facebook.com/writerK.D.Wood

 

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Day 3: UtopYA From Your Armchair + Epic-scale Giveaway

Welcome to day three of your virtual UtopYA con. Today it is my great pleasure to introduce you to the virtual stands of C.J. Pinard, author of the series, 'Enchanted Immortals', 'Rebel Riders' and 'Duty & Desire' and Jo Michaels, author of the series, 'Mystic Series', 'The Frivolity Fairies' and 'Fractured Glass' as well as several other works.

Don't forget to enter the epic-scale UtopYA Swag giveaway at the end of the post. You can enter everyday of the virtual con and a full list of prizes and details can be found in this post HERE

C.J.Pinard
*** FREE DOWNLOAD***

 

Blurb: Enchanted Immortals Series

Thomas never thought he would live this long; he expected the usual lifespan of 60 to 70 years. But one terrifying night in 1946 San Francisco has changed all that; he has now been alive 86 years and still looks 20. He and his associates, Jonathan and Kathryn, have been granted Immortality by a group of sylphs belonging to the Zie Council – lead by their queen, Malina – who possess an elixir called Enchantment. But what they and the rest of the Immortals have to do in order to keep receiving this elixir involves protecting sylphs and humans from the faeworlders – vampires and shapeshifters – who want nothing more than to eat, violate, and kill them. For Jonathan, Thomas, and Kathryn, policing the fae is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. And the payment is eternally priceless.
 

About C.J.Pinard
 

 C.J. is a west coast native who has lived on both coasts and now lives near the middle, in Colorado! Coming from a family of writers and editors, she feels writing is in her blood and hopes people will lose themselves for a little while in the fantasy and fun of her stories. She also loves sweet red wine, the SF 49ers, and unlike most authors, doesn't have any cats (allergies!). When she's not writing, she can be found chasing around her kids or working at her day job, which she totally feels interferes with life, but it also gives her inspiration for her books, since reality is sometimes way more interesting than fiction.
 

Find C.J.Pinard on Twitter @CJPinard

Visit C.J.Pinard's Amazon Author Page

 

Find out more about C.J.Pinard at www.cjpinard.com

 

Download FREE BOOK  One of the 'Enchanted Immortals Series' on Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Jo Michaels

Stories of strong women for the strong woman in you.

 

Jo is the author of many beautiful books and full details can be found at her Amazon Author Page

 

Blurb: The 'Mystic' series.

This is book one of the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that speak out against issues faced in the world today, showing how strong women can overcome anything.

Bronya Thibodeaux is a senior at Houma High School whose life is about to be changed forever. She's always felt like an outcast, but thinks she may have found a friend when a strange, new girl named Markaza who has blue hair, a number of tattoos, and a strange way of dressing appears.

Bronya's life choices make her a pariah in her small town. After getting thrown out of school, not being able to find a job, and being subjected to ridicule and cruel treatment, Bronya chooses to leave her old life behind forever when she receives a compelling invitation from a mysterious company named WSTW.

What Bronya doesn't know, is the mysterious company is owned by Markaza; a mystic who knows the end of the world is coming and is gathering together the only people who can stop the evil that's threatening to take over. Bronya is just the first. But going to New York is only a baby step toward her true journey. As Bronya races against the clock to unlock a power she never knew she had, Markaza races to collect the others: Lily, Shelia, Melody, and Coralie.

 

About Jo Michaels

 

Hi, I'm Jo. Let's forget all the "Jo Michaels is blah, blah, blah" stuff and just go with it. I'm a voracious reader (often reading more than one book at a time), a writer, a book reviewer, a mom, a wife, and one of the EICs at INDIE Books Gone Wild. I have an almost photographic memory and tend to make people cringe at the number of details I can recall about them and/or their book(s). My imagination follows me around like a conjoined twin and causes me to space out pretty often or laugh out loud randomly in completely inappropriate situations.

I have a degree in graphic design, and my journey to the end was one few students who begin that program ever complete. However, this was one case where my memory and OCD tendencies helped me. Graduation was one of the most amazing days of my life. But, my most amazing day was when my now husband proposed. Every little girl dreams of being Cinderella someday, and he pulled off the proposal of fantasies.

Find Jo Michaels on Twitter @writeJoMichaels

Visit Jo Michaels Amazon Author Page

 

Find out more about Jo Michaels at www.jomichaels.blogspot.com

 

Buy Book One of the 'Mystic' series on Amazon.co.uk

 

 

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DAY 2: UtopYA from your Armchair + Epic-scale Giveaway

Welcome to Day 2 of your virtual UtopYA Reader and Author Con. Today it is my pleasure to offer you the virtual stands of Kallie Ross, author of the series, 'A Lost Tribe' and Rachael Brownell, author of series, 'The Holding On' and 'Dark Bishop'.

Don't forget to enter the epic-scale UtopYA Swag giveaway at the end of the post. You can enter everyday of the virtual con and a full list of prizes and details can be found in this post HERE

KALLIE ROSS

 

The Blurb: A Lost Tribe Series

 

Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard… Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.

 

About Kallie

 

Over time my love for learning gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. My conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction.
I love being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. I began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. I have a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined my life would ever be this fun!

 

FIND OUT MORE about Kallie at www.kalliecross.com

 

VISIT Kallie's Amazon Page Here 

 

BUY BOOK ONE of the series Here

 

FOLLOW Kallie on Twitter @Kallieross

 

 

RACHAEL BROWNELL

 

***FREE DOWNLOAD OF BOOK ONE***

 

The Blurb: The Holding on Series

 

For five years Becca has been struggling to hide her feelings for her best friend, Brad. Now she finally has a chance to move on. She’s in a new city, she’s attending a new school, and she’s met the first guy besides Brad who’s held her attention in a long time. Not only is Ethan attractive, he’s an amazing tennis player, and he might just be Becca’s match on and off the courts.
Brad has loved Becca for as long as he can remember. Now that Becca’s family has moved two thousand miles away, Brad may finally be ready to lay his heart on the line and do whatever it takes to hold on to Becca.
But is Brad too late? Or will Ethan’s secret drive Becca back into Brad’s arms? Torn between her love for Brad and the promise of something new and exciting with Ethan, Becca has an almost impossible choice to make, the choice between letting go or holding on.

This book is a young adult romance, intended for readers as young as 14 years old. 

 

ABOUT Rachael

 

Author of YA Romance novels - traditionally published & Indie author.

 

I am your average early thirties (29 is anyone asks) working mom. I spend most of my days either at work or playing with my son as much as possible.  I have an addiction to Facebook, especially Bingo on Facebook.  I’m not proud of it but I also can’t help myself.  You might be able to find me on a local driving range since I have taken up golf.  If you happen to see me you might want to stand back as I am NOT THAT GOOD.  As with everything in life, I will get better over time.  At least I hope I will.

So, how did I get into writing?  Well, when my son started kindergarten last fall I found that I had a ton of time on my hands during the day if I wasn’t at work.  I am easily bored.  I decided that I would try to finish a book that I wrote a long time ago (before I graduated college) just to pass the time.  Well, that didn’t go as well as I planned.  I was young and inexperienced when I started that book.  It was less than impressive so I started over.
‘Holding On’ was the product of me scraping that first book.  

FIND OUT MORE AT www.authorrachaelbrownell.com

 

FOLLOW ON TWITTER @Holdingon2013

 

Rachael's AMAZON PAGE

 

FREE DOWNLOAD OF BOOK ONE  at Amazon.co.uk

 

 

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