New Year - New Ideas!

I'm not a person who makes endless New Year resolutions--they only tend to get broken and then the guilt takes over. So instead of setting hard and fast rules for myself, this year I've taken more time to look back at what I've achieved and what I'm going to try and achieve this year with my writing.

I had my debut novel published AND also the second book in the series. 2 BOOKS RELEASED IN 2015. I'm pretty chuffed about that. I did my first book signing and it went really well--I met lots of interesting people and had a great time chatting to everyone who came to say hello.

I also had two short stories accepted for an anthology Not-So-Local Legends of Triumph and Terror which will be published later this year.

I made several new 'writing' contacts as well as making lots of new friends along the way.
I also made a start on some new stories which I'm incredibly excited to get into the world for you all to read. These include:

INIQUITY - I'm working on an official blurb for this NA Dark Romantic Fantasy. If you like demons, and a world thrown into darkness, then you may like to keep your eyes open for its release.

It's still in its early stages, currently with its first CP, and then there's another CP and structural feedback from an editor before I decide exactly how I'm going to approach publishing it.



GLOW - Originally written as a short story for entry into an anthology, this NA Dark Romantic Fantasy is a mix-up of fairytale retellings. If you like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and maybe a little bit of Snow White, then this story may grab you. But be warned, it's certainly not to be read as a bedtime story.

I've also given a lot of thought to two stories I wrote several years ago. The story lines for both still really excite me, and I'm contemplating rewriting them for release - these will be self-published.

The first story is slightly different from what I normally write as it's NA Contemporary Romance. A college girl and a rockstar. Think you've read something like it before? Think again. This is one heck of a ride!

The second story is, one again, a NA Dark Romantic Fantasy. This one features Vampires. In fact it's the story that persuaded me to write the Sachael books. I'm thinking on a new title for this, and unfortunately it may not get my attention this year as there is more than enough to do with everything else I'm already committed to.

I'm currently editing Sachael Delusions, the third book in the Mine Series, as well as pushing on with Iniquity. It's more than enough to concentrate on at the moment.

So, back to my books that are available and out there for you to read. Sachael Dreams, and Sachael Desires are available on ebook/kindle on Amazon and as signed paperbacks from me (email Melodywinterbooks@gmail.com to start the ball rolling on cost and postage)

If you've read the books and want to chat to me about them, drop me a line--I'm usually easy to find hanging around on twitter or facebook.

Thank you for your support this year, and I hope you continue to keep in touch with me and what I'm doing.

Cheers

Melody xxx

COVER REVEAL - SACHAEL DESIRES

I'm soooooo excited to share this with you today.

Yes - this is the cover for Sachael Desires, the second book in the 'Mine' series, and I think it's absolutely gorgeous.

Ashley (REUTS Publications) has done a wonderful job of capturing the dreamy and mythical feel of the second book. So, without further ado, please give a loud round of applause for Ashley and the cover.

Overview

During her ordeal with the Sect, Estelle Bailey dreamt of escaping back into the arms of the sea—and Azariah. But freedom came at a price, and though she’s back with the Sachael who’s stolen her heart, she’s also land-bound until the next full moon. And with the threat of Orontes looming ever larger behind them, Azariah, Estelle, and Michael—her once-captor turned rescuer and friend—are on the run.

Following Michael’s lead, they seek sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Islands until Estelle can complete her next submergence ritual and Azariah can whisk her away to the safety of Saicean.
​ ​
Secrets, betrayals, and old enemies await them, though, and as events spiral out of control, Azariah makes a decision that puts all their lives at risk, forcing Estelle to face a journey she never wanted to take. With time running out and tempers running high, her only hope to save the man she loves lies in a reconciliation between two kingdoms who despise each other.

Book Two in the Mine Series, Sachael Desires further expands on the intricate underwater world of the Sachaels, and the hostility and isolation of not belonging.​

 

Sachael Desires is due to be released on the 24th November. Pans for a facebook party on the evening of release are in the pipeline, so keep checking back for details.

BLOG TOUR - LINK by Summer Wier

Today is the day that Summer drops into my blog to answer some questions about LINK, her debut novel.


What inspired you to write Link?

My initial idea was somewhat different than the final version of LINK. I could visualize the main character, Kira, connected to someone, somewhere, somehow...but everything else was pretty vague. As I started writing her story I kept searching for something that would really set her story apart apart and still connect some of the plotlines together. I didn't know what I was looking for or how the story would change once I found it. Luckily, I can show you exactly what inspired the theory and science behind Link! I happened on the following NASA video, and imagined it into something truly fantastic!

Here's the clip: https://youtu.be/2j04JEjKMjg


What were the challenges in bringing it to life?

I've always been interested in the mysteries of space, but in developing my concept, I wanted the mystery to be based on real science. So although the theories I created are fictional (of course) I wanted to create something that touched on events that *might* actually happen. The incredible part is, scientists, such as Stephen Hawking, now believe in theories and possibilities that are remarkable similar to the world I created. (Stephen Hawking: Black Holes may lead to other universes. )


Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I wrote LINK by just following ideas wherever they would take me. I even wrote some scenes out of order, because a particular scene would become so clear in my mind, it didn't make sense to ignore it. As I move forward with sequels, however, I've outlined a lot more to make sure that I'm continuing key points from Link while also weaving in elements that will appear in and carry on through the next two books.


Which actress/actor would you like to see playing Kira/Zane/Evan or any other characters from Link? Any pictures?

I have some ideas of who would portray my characters, but I'm also a fan of totally unknown actresses/actors bringing characters to life.

For Kira, the closest picture I could find is of an unnamed, unsourced image I stumbled across on Pinterest.

 

Isn't she perfect?! Strong, yet she holds a certain look of goodness and light.

Zane's image was a little fuzzier in my mind, but I do know he's just a good-looking, old-fashioned, football-playing country boy. So for him I envisioned someone like Tatum Channing, or even a slightly beefed-up Colton Hayes or a mix of the two.

Tatum Channing:

Colton Hayes:

For Evan, I listened to a lot of the All-American Rejects as inspiration for his character and even envisioned him looking a little like Tyson Ritter (AAR's lead singer).

For images of other characters and a peek into LINK's world, check out The Shadow of Light board on Pinterest!


Now, you know I’m a bit of a Zane fan, so tell me something about him that’s not common knowledge. Any secrets we can discover?

Zane is such a sweetheart isn't he? He's also a pretty private guy and wouldn't want me blabbing all about him in public. But between you and me, in spite of his devotion to his friends and sometimes very serious demeanor, he really loves a good prank. Not the kind that would hurt anyone, because he's not a mean person, but just good old fashion shenanigans. 


‘Link’ is the first book in the ‘Shadow of Light’ series. Can you give us any hints about what happens in the next book?

It's so hard to touch on this without giving away the twists and turns that make LINK unique. But as I briefly mentioned in another interview, the first book is very internal for the MC, solving problems close to home and her heart. As we progress to the second book, she looks beyond herself to help those closest to her, and by book three she has to focus on saving the universe (which maybe be groan-worthy to some, but it is what it is). So for another hint, I'll tell you, in sequels Kira tests theories presented in LINK and uses them to travel to new places.


WOW!!!!! Check out those links to see the world that Summer has created and look at this - the amazing trailer for LINK:

To win one of Summer's favourite YA books enter the tour long Giveaway

Click on the giveaway link to enter:   a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW RELEASE - LINK by Summer Wier

Yes - I know it's late, and I can only apologise, but I was away in Ravenscar and had no Wifi.

I'm back now and I want to shout this from every roof-top I can.

NEW RELEASE: LINK by SUMMER WIER!!!!!!

Summer's debut novel is gripping, exciting, mysterious and OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Read below for further information and giveaways and make sure you pop back next week when I'll be featuring an exclusive interview with Summer herself!

About LINK:

For seventeen-year-old Kira, there’s no better way to celebrate a birthday than being surrounded by friends and huddled beside a campfire deep in the woods. And with a birthday in the peak of summer, that includes late night swims under the stars.

Or at least, it used to.

Kira’s relaxing contemplation of the universe is interrupted when a piece of it falls, colliding with her and starting a chain of events that could unexpectedly lead to the one thing in her life that's missing—her father.

Tossed into a pieced-together world of carnivals and gypsies, an old-fashioned farmhouse, and the alluring presence of a boy from another planet, Kira discovers she’s been transported to the center of a black hole, and there’s more to the story than science can explain. She’s now linked by starlight to the world inside the darkness. And her star is dying.

If she doesn’t return home before the star’s light disappears and her link breaks, she’ll be trapped forever. But she’s not the only one ensnared, and with time running out, she’ll have to find a way to save a part of her past and a part of her future, or risk losing everything she loves.

Dreamy, fluid, and beautiful, Link pairs the mystery of science fiction with the minor-key melody of a dark fantasy, creating a tale that is as human as it is out of this world. 

Available now from Amazon, and other retailers.

 

 

About Summer Wier:

Summer Wier is an MBA toting accountant, undercover writer, and all around jack-of-all-trades.  Link is her debut novel and the first in The Shadow of Light series. She has three short stories appearing in Fairly Twisted Tales For A Horribly Ever After and co-authors the Splinter web serial. When she’s not digging through spreadsheets or playing mom, you can find her reading/writing, cooking, or dreaming of the mountains in Montana.

Check out more of YA author Summer Wier on her blog, twitter, facebook, and goodreads. 

 

SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE OVER!!!

Where has the end of July gone and the whole month of August? I tell you where . . . it dissolved into the parental nightmare of school holidays.

Now, I love my boys to bits--they're maturing into lovely young men and I love spending time with them, but . . . this year the summer holidays were a nightmare for my writing.

The first week of the holidays I worked my standard week at the day job, then on the Thursday and Friday I was running around buying last minutes items and clothes for all of us for our holiday on Spain, and packing!

My second and third weeks were spent in Spain where I thoroughly relaxed, reading several brilliant books, and hand wrote very rough parts of INIQUITY whilst turning a nice brown colour on my sun lounger. ( I came back with scribbled, sun-cream smudged words to the total of 20k)

The rest of the holiday--the remaining 4 weeks were to be spent at the day job Monday to Wednesday and then around for the boys on Thursdays and Fridays. Alas, this didn't happen. My eldest purchased a pennyboard (small skateboard) on the first Tuesday we were back from our hols and as I sat down at my laptop for the first time in 3 weeks, a day of writing ahead of me, the screams as he came running inside and the subsequent visual of his right arm hanging just like Harry Potters did when he lost all his bones after his quidditch fall, had me calling for an ambulance. Yes, he'd fallen off said pennyboard and put his arm out to stop his fall--hence both bones in his lower arm broken. (Lucky no other injuries at all)

My writing stopped, and with it went my muse . . . gone, out the window for the next 2 weeks. Needless to say the trip to the hospital and x-rays confirmed what was blindingly obvious - his arm was broken. We were in hospital for the rest of the Thursday, but they released him at tea time with a temporary cast held on with bandages, and a future appointment on the following Monday for Fracture clinic where he would get a cast.

When Monday came the consultant took one look at Thursdays x-rays and said there was no way he was putting a cast on his arm, he needed an operation. After trying to calm my son down whilst quietly crying inside and struggling to hold it together myself, the staff at the hospital made arrangements for him to be admitted to the children's ward seeing as he was only 14. (Such lovely staff on that ward) Hubs joined us at lunch time and helped give me a break from our son's manic panicking about them 'cutting him open'. At 3 o'clock I went with him to the room they take you to before the op and watched him slowly black out as they put him to sleep. How I held it together until I got back to the ward I'll never know, but as soon as I saw hubs my tears started. I knew he'd be okay, but never having had either of my two need an operation before (We've been very lucky) the whole episode had drained me and made me an emotional wreck.

He was two hours in surgery and very drowsy when he was brought back to the ward. I have decided though that he will be a happy drunk when he gets older, as he was thanking everyone who helped him in his induced 'sleep' state. As the night drew in, hubs and me tiptoed around him as he slept--soft snoring noises that reminded me of when he was a baby and just how precious he was to us. I could have stayed the night, the staff were willing to put a camp-bed by his side for me, but I was so tired I longed to attempt a half decent sleep in my own bed. We left him at 10.30 with the promise we'd be back first thing in the morning.

So the following morning I dropped hubs at the hospital and then drove to work to sort out the wages for the staff and any other urgent business as I didn't think there was any way I'd be back the next day and potentially the following week. When I arrived at the hospital at lunch time, he was sitting up and talking, although looked very tired, and had already been discharged. After thanking all the nurses who'd cared for him during his short stay we went home. Hubs charged off to work and I was left with a very sleepy boy. He did sleep most of the afternoon but when evening came so did his pain. The tablets the hospital gave us weren't even taking the edge off the pain he was feeling. Every time he breathed his arm hurt, every time he moved, he shouted out. Getting him to bed was a nightmare, but eventually he settled. I expected a restless night of getting up numerous times to see to him, but was pleasantly surprised when I woke at 6:30 and went to see him. He was sitting up playing on his ipad.

We had a quiet day, but he was still struggling with the pain of his arm so I rang the doctor and asked if there was anything stronger he could have. Two hours later I had 'magic' pills for him. These worked a trick. That evening the pain built again, but after one of these pills he was remarkably chilled out and slept right through the night again. The morning brought about a very different child. The best way to describe it was that he was 'tripping'. Oh yes, these pills had him imaging I was a talking fish, a jelly fish, a robot with 6 eyes, and let's not forget the high pitched giggle that he suddenly developed. The good news, his pain had gone and he was happy!

Three days of happy pills and I started to decrease the dose. Throughout this time I was sung every Christmas carol he could think of, as well as returning to my 'fish' state. By the end of the weekend he was back on normal strength pain killers and a much more natural grumpy teenager complaining of boredom!

On the Tuesday we were back at the hospital to see how everything had gone. He had his arm put into a proper cast and more x-rays taken. (as shown in the picture)

The metal plate will remain in his arm to support the bone and the long bendy metal rod will be taken out in about 6 months.

On the Thursday of this same week I had to take 'broken arm son' to my mums and my other son to his aunties as hubs and I were flying to Italy on the Friday to a friends wedding.

The wedding was beautiful, and so was the weather. Temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius all weekend We stayed at Hotel San Rocco which was near Soiano, overlooking Lake Garda. Hubs and I will return one day :)

So, when we returned we were in our final week of the summer holidays. And this is when I managed to get my mojo back and dig into the notes I made whilst sitting around the pool in Spain. Calm was at last returning, even though the dreaded school shopping was on my list of things to attack. It only took one afternoon, but let me tell you that if you've never been through the experience of having to buy school uniforms and all the other bits and bobs that go with it, start saving now! If you have boys, when they get to 14 and 12 their shoes cost serious money. Size 8.5 and 7.5 respectively bring in prices that are over what I pay for my shoes. (This doesn't seem right.)

So they were back at school on Tuesday and today I claimed back my writing days. Today, though, I'm catching up on all my paperwork and my accounts. Tomorrow I intend to sit down and write.

Iniquity is standing at 76K words with the final 8 chapters mapped out. (as well as the second book--Veracity) SD2 is waiting to go, edits with my first CP are nearly complete on SD3 and SD4 has 5 chapters written. I also have the seed of another novel growing in my head, but that will stay firmly locked away until SD4, Iniquity, and Veracity have been written.

So, excuse me for a little while if I sit and rock on my chair, giggling as the words begin to form on my screen. I've missed my laptop, I've missed being ME!

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE OVER - WELCOME BACK MELODY WINTER!

RELEASE DAY - DIVERGING CADENCE by Katie Hamstead

Today sees the release of the second book in the 'Cadence' series. I've had such a busy month that I've still not had time to read the first book, Deceptive Cadence, but his means I can read both books back to back and not have to wait months between them.

I'll also be on the blog tour on the 17th September, so pop back then to find out more.

Please wish Katie all the best on her release day with another beautiful story.

About Diverging Cadence:

When Cadence Anderson woke to find her husband and infant daughter had been killed, she thought her life was over. Instead, she was offered a second chance and sent back in time to do it all again.

She’s made the most of this opportunity, repairing her relationship with the best friend she lost the first time, avoiding the romantic mistakes she made originally, and even bringing her family closer together. But she’s also done something she wasn’t planning on—she’s fallen in love with someone other than her future husband.

 

Stepping onto a plane and flying across country to attend university is the hardest decision she’s had to make. But unless she follows through with it, her future with Austin might never happen. And what becomes of her beautiful baby if she stays with James, the man she was never supposed to love?

 

The only thing she knows for certain is that she has to see Austin again, and she’s intent on reliving that part of her previous life exactly like she did the first time. Even if that means she has to lie to James to do it. Because, deep down, she can’t quite bring herself to let him go.

 

Now, past and future are about to collide, and Cadence has to make her final choice—follow the uncertain path of a life with James, or the one she came back to save . . . with Austin.

In this emotional conclusion to the story that began in Deceptive Cadence, relationships will be tested, identities revealed, and the past will overshadow the future, putting the finishing touches on an unforgettable tale of courage, sacrifice, and, above all, love.

Get Diverging Cadence from Amazon or other retailers today!

 

About Katie Hamstead:

Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.

After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dogs.

She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as an Acquisitions Editor to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Find Katie Hamstead on twitter, facebook, and her website.

BLOG TOUR - DECEPTIVE CADENCE by Katie Hamstead

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Katie about her latest release and all things writerly. So without further ado, I hand you over:


What inspired you to write your first book?

I wrote my first “book” when I was twelve. It was a silly horse book, about boys I wanted to hold hands with but couldn’t actually talk to. Basically I’d tell stories and daydream, so my mum told me to write down my ideas. That’s all I needed. Over time, I’ve practiced and developed from there.

What were the challenges in bringing it to life?

That “book” never came to life, but it did lead me down a path to bring later books to life. I think taking the time to learn and grow. Like a lot of writers out there, I believed in my ideas, but to begin with, had no idea how to present them. Pride can get in the way, but overcoming it and learning from all the rejections is key to progressing forward.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I have an idea, and I run with it. I love to let the characters guide me.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

I don’t know. Now I have more “mommy time” demands, it takes me much longer. I used to be able to pump out first drafts in a month or so, but now it’s up and down. I don’t think I’ve actually finished anything in months.

Who designed the cover, and why did you chose them?

The Cadence covers were designed by Ashley Ruggirello. The girl is so Cadence, and it has a nice contemporary feel without being too arty or overly romance with half naked men. The cover just feel right.

Did you always want to be a writer? Why?

It’s something that’s come on and off. I did a spell as a travel agent, then started a BA to be a Physical Education teacher. It wasn’t until I was at home with a baby did I take writing seriously. The naptimes gave me time to get my head “in the zone.”

What jobs did you have/do you have before you began to write?

As I said I worked as a travel agent for a time. I’ve also worked in an electronics store, and as an office clerk. Now I’m a mother full time.

If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

Narnia Chronicles. C.S. Lewis was a master. His ideas were so creative and well formed, and subtly filled with meaning.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead characters from Deceptive Cadence?

I have no idea! Raid the Aussie actors. If we could work in Chris Hemsworth and Geoffrey Rush somehow, that would be all kinds of awesome. I think Eric Bana would make a pretty cool choice for Cadence’s dad, David.




A big thank you to Katie for taking the time from her crazy schedule to talk to me. And if you want to be in with a chance of winning some super prizes then enter the giveaway below which runs until 31st July.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Deceptive Cadence:

Cadence Anderson has the perfect definition of happily ever after . . .

 

Until she doesn't. A freak earthquake shatters her life as surely as her home, taking away everything she holds dear. She wakes in a hospital to find that her beloved husband and infant daughter have been killed, crushed by the earthquake's wrath. Disoriented, injured, and alone, Cadence refuses to accept the loss. So when a man claiming to be her guardian angel appears and offers her a chance to go back in time to save her family, she doesn't need to give it a second thought. She accepts.

 

Thrust back eleven years, she now faces the ordeal of high school all over again. But this time, she's armed with all the knowledge of her adult life and the determined to do everything better, from preventing the loss of her best friend to avoiding her original, drama-inducing boyfriends. She's focused solely on Austin, her future husband, and is content to bide her time until she meets him again.

 

But then James Gordon crosses her path. Cadence wants to remain single, but James has his sights set. He is determined to win her over, and he's very hard to resist. As Cadence starts to develop unwanted feelings for him, she realizes he threatens to disrupt everything, changing the future and distracting her from her original goal. Now, Cadence must choose: deny the unpredictable and exciting path James offers her, or stay true to the life she had and is trying desperately to resurrect. Second chances are more complicated than they seem.

 

Deceptive Cadence combines the soaring emotion of a heartfelt romance with the innovative storytelling of magical realism, crafting a uniquely moving, intricate tale about love and loss that asks: what would you do if given the chance to right all your wrongs?

 

Get Deceptive Cadence from Amazon.