Shadow Shifts Blog Tour Wrap-Up

Blog tours are tricky little things. There's so much organization that goes into them before and during the event, and that's not including interviews and guest posts that need to be written up. Scheduling posts, creating new content, keeping things consistent, and promoting the tour make for a full-time job. Luckily, I had Priya from Writerly Yours PR to help keep things under control.

I've had a lot of fun travelling the virtual globe and sharing tidbits about writing and Shadow Shifts (Liminal Series, Book Two). Meeting new bloggers and reconnecting with familiar friends makes the tour that much better. On Chantel DaCosta's blog, I  talked about the importance of community, and blog tours help to create that in the virtual writing world.

If I had to choose a favourite post, I'd be stumped. The interview questions from both Jorie Loves a Story and the Bemused Bookworm really made me think about my craft, the Liminal Series, and the message I send to readers. Talking about creating Urban Fantasy on L. Lombard's blog and writing for young adults on Chantel DaCosta's blog had me considering what readers need in comparison to what I want to write. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I did a little research on fairies around the world for The Big To Do List and was surprised by both the similarities and differences to be found. The Crafty Angels showcased the adorable fairy lanterns I created for the Shadow Shifts launch in April, and even Tissa, a Liminal creature, had a chance to have her say on the Late Night Reveries blog. The posts were rounded off by a stunning review from MADD World that reminded me of why I write.

All in all, I'd say it was a successful tour that reached around the world from Canada to the US to Jamaica to India... maybe someday, I'll get to do a real tour of the world and meet these fabulous bloggers in person!

In case you missed it, here is the blog tour schedule. The giveaway has ended, but the books are always in stock via Amazon and Kobo. If you're looking for print books, Liminal Lights and Shadow Shifts are available through Amazon and various other online outlets.

May 15: Official Tour Launch—Writerly Yours: http://writerlyyoursauthorpr.blogspot.ca

May 16: Writing Urban Fantasy—Lisette Lombard: http://llombard.weebly.com

May 17: Interview/Excerpt—Jorie Loves a Story: https://jorielovesastory.com

May 18: The Difference Between Writing for Middle Grade and Adults—Chantel DaCosta: http://chanteldacosta1987.tumblr.com

May 19: Interview—Bemused Bookworm—http://www.bemusedbookworm.com

May 21: Book Review—MADD World—https://maddworld.ca

May 22: Fairies around the world—The Big To Do List: http://thebigtodolist.com

May 23: Community is vital for writing—Chantel DaCosta: http://chanteldacosta1987.tumblr.com

May 24: Fairy Lantern Tutorial—The Crafty Angels: www.thecraftyangels.com

May 25: Tissa Has Her Say—Amrita—https://latenightreveries.wordpress.com

May 26: Closing blog—Jennifer Bogart: http://jenniferbogart-author.blogspot.ca

Thanks for stopping by... and remember... beware of things that go bump in the night... 

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.

Busy is good, busy is good, busy is good

I think my last post was in June... which feels like a lifetime ago. The funny thing with life, is that it keeps you so busy that before you know it, months have passed by, and you don't even know where the time went. Since June, I have:

• participated in Guelph's Faery Fest - and yes, I wore a costume, read from Liminal Lights, and had a great time. 

• had the privilege of sharing an evening with several Morning Rain Publishing authors - a fantastic group of intelligent and creative women. 

(J.M. Lavallee, Heather Grace Stewart, Nancy Beattie, and me)

• moved my family from Quebec to Ontario - which was a difficult decision, but we're settling into our new home and meeting some wonderful people. 

• and participated in the Eden Mills Writers' Festival with Morning Rain Publishing - where we had the opportunity to meet other writers, independent publishers, and practice our skills at selling print books for The Word On The Street Festival in Toronto on September 21st. 

That's my summer in a nutshell. My mantra has been "busy is good, busy is good, busy is good" - but I have to admit I'm glad for the routine that autumn is bringing, the slower pace, and the chance to catch up on some writing projects I have in the works.

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.

Liminal Legend... NaPoWriMo, Day 20

My book, Liminal Lights, will be released May 15th by Morning Rain Publishing. The poem below is a teaser for the book... sort of. 

Liminal Legend

In the days before the Liminals came,

The world was dark and dreary.

Man had no creative flame:

His life was dull and weary.

Then came a spark, a tiny light,

A magic so pure and untainted. 

It smoldered into something bright:

Never to be captured or painted. 

This energy surged deep within,

The power too vast to be harboured.

Man needed help from another kin:

Who came from the cosmos and laboured. 

Their essence thrived in ethereal light,

Their outlook bright and lively.

With skill and care they brightened the night:

Weaving their craft so wisely.  

Another creature discovered their blessing,

Its spirit was dark and murky.

With a hunger that was all encompassing:

It drank in the precious energy.

Man did not know who to trust,

His power was sacred - unstable.

Liminal secrets were scattered to dust,

Reduced to nothing but fable.