Let's make a little Thunder!

Last week, I set up a Thunderclap promotion to celebrate the release of Shadow Shifts, Book Two in the Liminal Series. It's free, easy, and automated... but it's also difficult to get support.

The problem, I think, is that people don't trust it. It asks supporters to give Thunderclap permission to post on their behalf. You have to log in using Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr - and you can have Thunderclap post to all or one of these outlets. At a specific time and day, everyone who agreed to support the campaign sends out a predetermined message, creating a lot of noise all at once. After that, Thundeclap won't bother you again, unless you sign up for another campaign or create one for yourself.

For me, this is another experiment in marketing, but it won't work if I can't reach the 100 supporters necessary - unless I pay for it. So far, I've discovered that a lot of paid social marketing advertising doesn't yield enough results to pay for the initial investment. Selling a bunch of books that leave me in the negative for an ad campaign is worse than selling only one or two via word of mouth promotion. At least with a free promotion, any results are pure profit.

So... if you'd like to help me out, with no purchase necessary on your part, I really need the support for my Thunderclap promotion. There's no catch, there's no fee, and it's perfectly safe. The bonus is you'll have done something super-fantastic to help out a writer.

The Shadows are coming!

Somewhere, between imagination and reality, lurk shadows and magic and things that go bump in the night. They're waiting for the perfect moment to leach energy and essence from unsuspecting humans. Luckily, the Liminals have protected humans since the beginning of time.

Until now...

Changes are in the wind, magic isn't so plentiful, and the shadows are shifting--gaining strength while Liminals fade from the light. Time is running out, and everyone is at risk as the Shadow-monsters gain strength in their bid for domination.

Shadow Shifts is the long awaited second book in the Liminal Series. Book One, Liminal Lights, is available on Amazon, Kobo, and in print through Morning Rain Publishing. Book Two will be available on April 14, 2016 on Amazon and Kobo, with the print coming shortly after.

Shadow Shifts

When Bean fails to secure Nadia’s human magic, she puts her entire race at risk. Liminals fade as fast as Shadow-monsters emerge, creating a disturbing imbalance between light and dark.

Liminals aren’t the only creatures affected by things that go bump in the night—humans are equally at risk. Knowing the ravenous appetites of the Shadow-monsters will grow out of control, Bean, Tissa, Pritt, and Ping are forced to deal directly with the dire situation. Armed with the ancient secrets of their people, they band together to destroy their enemies and return balance to their magical realm.

The existence of all things Liminal depends on their success.

The Newevember Virtual Tour!

Over the next few weeks, Newvember will be on tour in the virtual world. Thanks to some pretty wonderful bloggers, readers everywhere will get to learn more about my writing habits and why this novel is so great. 

Below, you'll find the detailed schedule, so please be sure to stop by the various blogs, say hello, comment if you'd like, and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win one of three pretty amazing prizes ($25 Amazon gift card, Newvember notebook, or a Newvember book bag). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to everyone in advance for your support and encouragement!

Virtual Tour Schedule: 

November 8: Official Tour Launch – JenniferBogart 

November 10: Book & author Intro – PriyaPrithviraj 

November 12: Guest Post – Someday When I’m Famous 

November 14: NaNo Q & A – PriyaPrithviraj

November 16: Guest Post – Mommies Drink 

November 18: Book excerpt and review – Storiesof Chantel DaCosta: 

November 20: Book Excerpt – To Read, Readand Reviewed…  

November 22: NaNo Follow-up & guest post – Priya Prithviraj 

November 24: Book Review – L.J. Ivers 

November 26: Guest post – Heather GraceStewart

November 28: TBA  – Priya Prithviraj 

November 30: Closing blog – Jennifer Bogart 

1 dare, 30 days, 30 new things... The dare was simple, but it turned into a life-altering journey. This is inspirational thinking in disguise.

When Willow decides to take the stairs, instead of the elevator, she runs into Sawyer, who knocks her off her feet, and something in her psyche shifts. She is propelled into the adventure that is her own life. Filled with twists and turns that can only come from losing her inhibitions, she makes risky decisions, bares her soul, and discovers the chaotic emotions that lurk beneath the surface. Each new event becomes a catalyst in the development of Willow’s relationships with her friends, co-workers, siblings, and love interests.

Willow's life will never be the same after Newvember.

(Originally published in 2011 as Remember Newvember this revised version contains new and expanded scenes.)

Newvember Links:

Indiegogo link for print books: http://igg.me/at/newvember

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27384349-newvember  

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/newvember 

Universal Amazon Link: getBook.at/Newvember

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CAN: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017939DVC?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles, Volume 2 - Editor's Review

Welcome to Day Ten of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles, Volume Two blog tour!

Having worked with Scott in the past, I've come to expect and appreciate a certain quirkiness to his writing. His characters are always rich in depth and emotion, making you believe you could easily run into them on the street - even if they are sprites!

One of his strengths is that he doesn't talk down to middle grade readers. The writing is intelligent, the journey is intense, and it's clear Scott has tremendous respect for his audience. Even though this series is intended for younger readers, adults will also enjoy the wry humour, adventure, and fantasy elements of the stories.

Volume Two of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles picks up at book four, where the previous chronicles left off. The sprites are in Newfoundland, enjoying maritime traditions when the evil Tory Blithe strikes, spurring them onward in their fantastical quest. Scott introduces his readers to brownies, selkies, and banshees, revealing a mystical world readers of all ages will find intriguing.

Don't forgot to stop by Scott's blog tomorrow to find out the answer to the riddles. He'll also be announcing the winner of the Rafflecopter giveaway!

The answer for Riddle #7 is: Leaf. For the answer to Riddle #8, check in with Scott on his blog. 

The coupon code is good for 20% off both volumes of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles. It's valid until August 29, 2015

Don't forget to use the coupon code at the Morning Rain Publishing web store to purchase your copy of The Fairly Stillwart Chronicles!

Playing with videos, Powtoon, and Liminal Lights

So... I made this little video using Powtoon. I'm on the hunt for the best book trailer making software and resources. This was fun and free.

Remarkably Great by Heather Grace Stewart - Editor's Review

Every time an author asks me to edit their work, little goosebumps travel up my arms. They are trusting me with their creativity, their craft, and their writerly feelings. I recognize the privilege and do my best to enhance their works without losing their unique voice, writing style, or intentions.

When Heather Grace Stewart asked me to copy edit RemarkablyGreat, I have to admit I was pretty excited. Having worked on Strangely,Incredibly Good with Morning Rain Publishing, I knew the sequel would be an equally thrilling adventure. You can’t expect anything else when there’s a genie in the mix.

Cat Glamour is back, and she has plans. Big plans. Four years have passed since Gene disappeared in a haze of purple smoke. Her gym, the Cat Walk, is thriving, her girls have grown up, and Gram has had a successful run as Bad Ass Grandma. She even has her own Twitter handle. As successful as her life is, Cat wants her genie back.

Written with warmth and humour, Heather creates realistic characters you can believe in. Cat isn’t perfect. She struggles with self-esteem, her weight, and independence. Her daughters are loving, but sassy, and their relationship is highlighted when the youngest gets involved with the wrong crowd. As strong-willed and determined as Gram is, her real strength shows when her weaknesses are revealed. And then there’s Gene… sweet, caring, unreliable Gene. It’s not his fault he had to choose life for Cat over freedom for himself, it’s not his fault he is governed by a set of unbreakable genie rules, and it’s not his fault he’s thrown into the chaos of family relationships. But, he prevails, making a comeback in the most remarkable way.

This book is more than a light-hearted romance. The colourful cast of three-dimensional characters will settle inside your soul and make themselves at home. They’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you cry, and they’ll make you think about all the “what ifs” in your own life.

Want to learn more about Heather? Please visit her at:

Her official website: http://heathergracestewart.me

Blog: http://heathergracestewart.com

Twitter: @hgracestewart

Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/heathergracestewart

The magic of eBooks...

Sometimes, I wish for do-overs. We all do. For the most part, they only exist in mini-putt games, failed baking attempts, and botched craft projects. 

They also exist for eBooks. 

As I've been writing "Sunny with a Twist of Olive", the characters from "Remember Newvember" keep making cameo appearances. This isn't a surprise; I expected they would. Each time I flip through the manuscript I wrote six years ago, my inner editor cringes a bit, sighs, finds the reference I need, and moves on, vowing to take time to refresh my first novel. 

While the story is solid, and the characters are engaging, much of the book is repetitive. From the first page, we know Willow is embarking on 30 days of new events... and the reader is reminded of this monumental task in every single chapter. Some chapters need more meat and potatoes, others need to be scaled back to remove redundant speeches or descriptions, and most need to be updated so the book remains relevant. 

This is, and always has been, my best-selling book. It's a light-hearted, quick read that appeals to both men and women. I don't want to change the story, but I know I can do better. It deserves better. 

You can expect an updated version of "Remember Newvember" to be available September 1st. It will have a new cover, the prose inside will be updated, and the title might be different... but essentially, it will still be the same book. This make-over is intended to hide its flaws and highlight its original beauty. 

Sunny with a Twist of Olive - the cover is ready!

The magical wizard of the cover designing world has worked her magic and created this masterpiece for "Sunny with a Twist of Olive". 

Those sunglasses hide the eyes of a mischief-maker: a party-girl who is about to realize the festivities are over. It's time to clean up the chaos, sweep away the party favours, and deal with the aftermath of the shattered piñata.

"Sunny with a Twist of Olive" is a serialized novel; a new episode will be published on Kindle each month starting March 1st, 2015. When the story is complete, it will be available on all platforms. 

The Liminals are here!

Finally! The Liminals have arrived at the Morning Rain Publishing website. They're also on Amazon, Kobo, Google Books, and Goodreads.

I started writing this book three years ago for my boys. The plan was to give them something to think about, along with a bit of action, and a whole lot of fantasy in a world they can relate to. Sometimes I think we let our children grow up far too quickly. This book slows down the pace and lets them be kids for just a bit longer.

Anyway - it's really for the reader to decide if I have achieved this goal. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The Liminals Are Coming! The Liminals Are Coming!

It's true... Thanks to the team at Morning Rain Publishing, Liminal Lights is polished, formatted, and ready to be shared with the world on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

And thanks to the combined efforts of Liette Chamberland Photography and Jo Clendening from Morning Rain Publishing, it has a shiny new cover.

If you want to read more about the book - check out my author page on the publisher's website (Yes - I'm going to make you click on over there, because you just might find other books you'd also enjoy).

In the meantime... here's the gorgeous cover... I can't stop staring it!