Grishma is officially an Amazon Best Seller! Pick up your FREE ebook copy today!

Hey everyone! Great news! Grishma is officially an Amazon Best Seller! I am deeply honored and incredibly thankful to everyone who made this possible!

If that is not enough, here's some more exciting information! Grishma (ebook version) is FREE on Amazon today (4/23) and tomorrow (4/24/2013)! Pick up your copy today!

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Grishma-Necoh-Saga-ebook/dp/B00BSG4XG2

:) Kelly Anne Blount 

P.S. Amazing stats!

• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
  • #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Family Saga

On Writing What You Know - Guest Post By Ronald Andrés Moore

I'd like to welcome Ronald Moore to my blog! He has been gracious enough to share an awesome post with us! Thanks Ron! 

On Writing What You Know 

Ronald Andrés Moore 

I have often admitted that the best and worst advice I ever received is the same as many other authors: “Write what you know.” This cliché abounds in creative circles as if everyone already knew how to untangle its web of enigma. The last time I received this particular gem of advice was during the spring of 2005. I was in college, and trying my hand at a few Theater classes, Shakespeare to be exact. I had been inspired by the whole experience and like many a fool hearty student, I took to writing.

A professor of mine took the time to read a ten-minute play I had written whose premise was solid, but whose execution was ostensibly very poor. He told me so. The piece was about two Russian soldiers during World War II digging up bodies from the thaw in Leningrad during the spring of 1945. He said my characters were stiff and the facts were muddled and threw all sorts of technical jargon at me, but he didn’t mince his words. I didn’t know what I was doing. I should have been “writing what I knew.”

This statement has hovered around me since. I hear people fling it at each other in those moments when they are unsure how to fill the air otherwise critically and it wasn’t until very recently, as I was tidying up the details on my gothic horror novel, NOCTURN, that it began to make sense.

“What do I know?”

Not a lot really. I’m your average guy. I like books. I am pretty well traveled and I keep up with the day-to-day, but as far as what I know, it would seem not much more than anyone else. 

On the surface, we’re all very much alike, but there are details that make up each of our personal stories that set us each apart. Those details are the elusive “what you know.” For instance, like I said before, “average guy”; I’m 6’0, about 220lb, with dark hair. Not much more to look at than the next guy, aside from a big goofy mustache. Well, there’s a detail, not a particularly strong one, but it’s a start. “I like books.” I really do. From the time I was quite young, I devoured classical literature from Austen to Wilde, from Poe to Verne to Wells and Stephenson, later on in life, since “I am pretty well travelled” I was introduced, during my high school years in Venezuela – where I was born, to Magic Realism and particularly the work of Gabriel García Márquez. Upon my return to Alabama, where I was then taking college classes in theater, I began reading Faulkner, O’Connor and other Southern Gothic heavyweights, like Williams and Lee. What was I doing writing about Leningrad? Aside from a fleeting interest in quirky stories taking place in World War II, I had no real place to be writing about Russian life. I knew nothing about it.

But to say that I knew nothing would be misleading. I had read; I had traveled. The details of my life are that of the life of an immigrant, of a young man trying to find identity in culture. My life had been a ping-pong match of airplanes, back and forth from the Suburban South to South America my whole life. There are plenty of things I could be writing about.

Now, here is the nuanced part of what I am about to explain: I do not mean to say we should all write autobiographically. No, instead, I believe we should be writing –and creating—using what life has taught us.

When I began writing NOCTURN in 2009, I struggled with that jagged, hard-to-handle piece of advice. “Write What You Know” floated around enigmatically, like a buzzing fly, always irritating me, never explaining why. But it finally happened; I began crafting a piece of literature that came together using the elements of life that I had picked up along the way. Themes like “things are not as they seem,” and dual identity were very much things I could speak on and I introduced them into a magic world that coincides with my own. I was learning from Márquez. Bereavement, loss, confusion over sudden death, all became themes that spoke to my own life and exposed the grotesque realities of that life. I was learning from Faulkner. I began writing it and inserting the things I knew into small details and big story arcs because I knew, even if the story happened in the 19th century, I could speak with expertise to certain elements within it.

That’s what was missing from the story about the Russian soldiers. I didn’t know what they had felt and I was only guessing at their behavior. Writing isn’t about guessing, and if it is about educated speculation, it should be so from the perspective of someone who is constantly observing and learning.

In some way, yes, we’re all the same in some big way. That’s the fundamental thing that makes storytelling so important to us. But deep down in that big fundamental thing are the details, the “I was in a crash once on a Tuesday night” or the “Let me tell you what a Southern lake in Summer looks like lit by lightning bugs” kind of stuff that flavors those stories— that bring those stories to life. Those details feed your story; they bring your world to life.

On the surface we’re all just people living lives and dying deaths and the world spins on without us, but it is in those details, is in those “things you know” where we really get to see life for what it is: a great, beautiful story we can tell. And the most beautiful ones are the stories written from just the stuff you know.  

Ronald Andrés Moore is a restaurateur and author living in Alabama. His gothic novel, NOCTURN, will be available from Before Sunrise Press in July.

Here's how you can find out more about Ronald:

Website: http://about.me/ronaldmoore
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronstormer

Tumblr: http://ronstormer.tumblr.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5882544-ronald-andr-s-moore

 

Cover Reveal for Skyla Madi's Salvation!

Salvation (Guardian Angel #3)

by Skyla Madi 

Release Date: April 2013

From Limitless Publishing

Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound

Summary from Goodreads:

In the aftermath of a battle that forced Ruby to flee the safety of the guardian angels, she settles into a small town, hoping to blend in and forget about the ones she loved. It isn’t until Hunter stumbles across her working in a bar and a well-timed email from Ivan Aleksandrov that she realised she could go back to Sage Sanctum—for a few days, at least.

Out for revenge, Lucian will stop at nothing until he has Ruby for himself, but he isn’t the only one that needs her. The council, a group of gods/goddesses have a mysterious hand in Ruby’s return to Sage Sanctum and Mr Aleksandrov is eager to find out what it is.

Destroying Lucian is the least of her worries when Ruby comes face to face with Eli De Luca, the love of her life. It seems her departure has affected him more than she thought it would, but his frustration with her isn’t strong enough to hide the electricity that crackles relentlessly between them.

Determined to end her very real nightmare once and for all, Ruby fights the biggest battle of her life, one that affects not only her, but everyone involved.

Check out books 1 & 2 in Guardian Angel series:

About the Author

Skyla Madi was born in the small town of Port Maquarie, New South Wales in 1993. She spent half her life growing up in Wauchope, a thriving rural town at the heart of the Hastings River Valley before making the leap to the busy city of Brisbane.

Whenever this young Australian writer isn't changing diapers, watching cartoons, cooking for her husband or doing other motherly-wife things she is actively working on her writing and improving her writing skills.

Skyla loves to read just as much as she loves to write and since discovering that YA/paranormal romance/urban fantasy/ are her favourite genres, she has embarked on her own writing journey and is currently working on a YA series titled 'The Guardian Angel series' which is being published by Limitless Publishing.

Website |Twitter|Goodreads|Facebook

HELLO, My Name Is…

 

HELLO, My Name Is…

So many people have asked me, “How did you come up with all of those different character names?” Well, I’ll tell you, but I will have to back up a bit first.

When I first started writing, I knew that I needed to write with an audience in mind. Of course, the young adult fantasy audience was my primary target. But I wanted a wider arc. Who else could I entice to read my book? That’s when I had a fabulous idea!

BRAVO! Yes, Bravo, as in the television cable network. I love everything about Bravo! I watch all of the Real Housewives Programs, Millionaire Matchmaker, etc. So, how could I merge my love of Bravo with my novel, Grishma?

The answer was easy! I would take names from some of my favorites on Bravo and turn them into character names in my novel. For example, Andy Cohen is the Executive Vice President of Development and Talent and host of Watch What Happens Live, well I just switched around the letters in his last name and Viola! I came up with Necoh. The delicious tangy red lera berries, were derived from the word “real” as in Real Housewives. And what about the adorable orvba creatures? Well, just switch around the letters and Ta Da! You have Bravo!

Now, I didn’t always switch up the letters, in some cases I used actual names of people on Bravo. Like Bethenny, Ryder’s mother in Grishma, is actually named after Bethenny Frankel. Or the giggy bird, which is named after the one and only Giggy the Pomeranian, Lisa Vanderpump’s adorable dog.

This innovative idea helped me create unique names and characters that no one else had ever written. There are at least nineteen characters in Grishma that whose names were inspired by Bravo celebrities. Can you find them all?

Pick up your copy of Grishma on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Grishma-Necoh-Saga-ebook/dp/B00BSG4XG2

I Was Nominated For An Award!

Wow! I was nominated for an award!! A HUGE thank you to JAIME GUERARD for the nomination! I totally didn’t expect to win this award and I am unbelievably grateful! Please make sure to check out Jaime Guerard’s blog at http://jaimeguerard.wordpress.com

HERE’S HOW THIS AWARD WORKS:
- I list 11 random facts about myself.
- I will answer the 11 questions asked of me by the person who nominated me.
- I will then nominate my 11 picks for the award along with my 11 questions for them to answer when they post a response.
- If you’re nominated, your name/link will appear at the bottom of this post along with your questions. Follow the same format; paste the award badge to your blog, give us 11 random facts about yourself, answer my 11 questions, and choose your nominees…but you cannot nominate the blog who nominated you.

11 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:
1. I’m a vegetarian.
2. My husband and I have four cats and one dog, all rescues!
3. I have my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).
4. I have been a teacher for the past seven years.
5. I lived in Dalkeith Palace for a semester.
6. I moved to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands after university and I taught at a private school there for two years.
7. My dog is a therapy dog and we make regular visits to a school for children with autism.
8. I earned straight A’s in graduate school.
9. I love sleeping in on the weekend!
10. I am obsessed with the Real Housewives shows!
11.I love old school rap music and one of my cats is called Biggie Smalls!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” -Anton Chekhov

JAIME GUERARD’S QUESTIONS FOR ME:
Who is your favorite author? My favorite author is Cornelia Funke. She has written several amazing books and series that I loved reading! My all time favorite series is the Inkheart Trilogy, which Cornelia Funke wrote.

What is your favorite quote? ““You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened... or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the f--- on.”
What type of genre do you like to read? Why? I love to read Young Adult Fantasy and paranormal! These are my favorite genres because as a reader, you are able to get lost in the magical world created by an author. You can closer your eyes and picture yourself there. It is a truly euphoric experience!
Where do you hope to be in 5 years? In five years, I hope to be a bestselling author!
How long have you been writing? I loved writing as a young child; however, I didn’t seriously start writing until May of 2012.
Who has inspired you throughout your life? My family, loved ones, and other authors have inspired me throughout my life.
What is one word to describe your personality? Motivated! If I set a goal, chances are extremely good that I’m going to reach that goal!
What is your favorite book? Why? My favorite book is Inkheart. Cornelia Funk does an amazing job creating a unique and intriguing story that draws the reader in! I sped through all 560 pages of this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel! Love, love, LOVE this book, author, and series! Read it!

Life’s to short for… Trying to keep up with the Jones!
What is your desert island food (you only get one choice)? Banana Cream Pie! YUM!
If you could have one celebrity on your speed dial, who would it be and why? Amanda Hocking. She would be an excellent friend to bounce writing ideas off of and to talk to for inspiration!

HERE ARE MY NOMINATIONS. PLEASE CLICK ON THEIR LINKS BELOW AND TAKE A LOOK AT THERE WEBSITES.

Jen Naumann – http://www.jennaumann.com/about-me/
Jennifer O’Neill  – http://www.hawaiihealings.com
Shane Scollins – http://shanescollins.blogspot.com
Amanda Hocking– http://amandahocking.blogspot.com
Ashley Robertson – http://www.ashleyrobertsonbooks.com
Jessica Gibson – http://thisauthorslife.blogspot.com
Melissa Lummis – http://www.melissalummis.com
Jillian Kuhns – www.jilliankuhns.com
Brenna Fawley Layne – http://writerdotmom.wordpress.com
Janet Robinson  – http://www.janet-robinson.com
Sue Armstrong – http://suestrong315.wordpress.com

NOMINEES…HERE ARE YOUR 11 QUESTIONS:

1. Who is your favorite author?
2. What is your favorite book?
3. Where do you enjoy writing?
4. Do you have a writing routine?
5. What is genre do you enjoy reading? Why?
6. Do you have another career besides writing? If so, what is it?
7. Who is your favorite character? Why?
8. If you could magically insert yourself as a character into any book, which book would you choose and why?
9.What is your favorite thing to drink while writing?
10. If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
11. Are you a part of any writing or critique groups?

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

Reality television... America’s guilty pleasure

To be fair, I must preface my first blog entry with this statement: I am a huge fan of many reality television shows. Now to understand why, please read on!

I’m not going to lie, there’s a good chance that any night of the week, sometime after 8PM, you can find me sitting on my couch with my laptop perched precariously in my lap and some sort of reality show on the television.

Many people may say, “Why would you watch that trash?” My answer, “It’s not all trash… (Dramatic Pause) and sometimes, I like the trash!”

First, I think it’s important to divide the majority of reality shows into these four categories:

1) Look What I Have That You Don’t!
2) I’m Going to Win, No Matter What!
3) I Want Money and I Don’t Care How Stupid I Look Making It!
4) I Got Skills!

The first category, “Look What I Have That You Don’t!” is my guilty pleasure! I like to lump many of the reality shows on Bravo (which happens to be my all time favorite channel) into this category. For example, many women from any of the Real Housewives shows embody this concept and often push it to the extreme. These women often flaunt their wealth and have no trouble stating that they have paid obscene amount of money for trivial items. For example, Miss Dana Wilkey was taped showing off a pair of sunglasses and saying, “Did you know… twenty-five thousand!” Apparently she is so filthy rich that she spends more on a pair of sunglasses than I did as a down payment on my house! But guess what? I’m okay with that! I love watching these women throw their money around! Also, guess what? Some of these reality stars that fall into this category can transition to the fourth group, “I Got Skills!” More on that later…

The second category, “I’m Going to Win, No Matter What!” is a very popular category with many Americans. Shows like The Biggest Loser, So You Think You Can Dance, and the X Factor are just a few of the shows that fill up prime time on a nightly basis. These shows are appealing for two reasons, the first reason is that we love to watch people compete! Who’s going to win? Are they going to fight dirty? Will they cry if they lose? The second reason, we love to see really talented people sing and dance their hearts out! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been brought to tears while watching a young singer belt out an emotional ballad.

The third category, “I Want Money and I Don’t Care How Stupid I Look Making It!” is my least favorite category of all time. Some of the shows that fall into this category are Wife Swap, The Bad Girls Club, and they feature people like Honey Boo Boo. Now people on these shows will often do absolutely anything for money and they don’t care how ignorant they look doing it. They allow us to enter into their lives and see every minute detail. I mean, where else could you see someone get paid for sharing their homemade lemonade recipe that includes five pounds of sugar? Like I said, it’s my least favorite category of reality television. That said, I simply can’t throw shade their way! Why, you ask? Because they are getting their money!

The fourth category, “I Got Skills!” is my second favorite category. This category is filled with people who are really good at stuff! For example, Nineteen Kids and Counting falls into this category. You may ask, “What are the Duggar’s good at?” My answer is simple, these people are really good at a) having babies b) raising well-mannered and superbly behaved children and c) they have basically no carbon footprint and their immediate family is the size of a football team. Another show that falls into this category is, Cops. I bet Inner Circle is already in your head, “Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you…” Amazing television filled with just the right combination of humor, violence, and the good guys winning! Also, I think about 90% of the shows on the HGTV channel fall into this category as well! The designers on this network are amazing and they can pretty much make, decorate, tear down, and/or build anything!

So why are reality television shows America’s guilty pleasure? The answer is simple, because there is literally something for everyone!

What’s that? You like watching people eat strange food? Guess what? There’s a show for you! Huh? You like watching people risk their lives to save endangered wildlife? I know just the show for you!
Now sure, there may be people out there who can’t stand reality television and that’s okay. But guess what? I bet if you gave it a chance, you’d be hooked!

holy crap... i wrote a book

In first grade, I remember writing a twenty-four-page story about a whale living in a polluted ocean. I dutifully illustrated this story and read it aloud to my class. From that point on, writing was in my blood. I remember filling notebooks with stories late into the night throughout middle and high school. Once I entered college, I took a break from writing for fun, and instead I wrote essays and research papers.

It wasn’t until several years later that I decided to start writing again. More specifically, in May of 2012, I decided I was going to try and write a book. I did some research, came up with an idea for my story, and started writing. I knew I was going to need some help so I joined SCBWI and found an amazing critique group. From that point on, I was writing at least twenty pages every two weeks.

When I wasn’t writing, I was on Twitter or Facebook, connecting with other authors and trying to build a fan base. Then, the magic number appeared, 20,000 words. I had actually written 20,000 words! I did a little happy dance, had a glass of wine to celebrate, and then got back to writing. My end goal was 60,000 words and I still had a ways to go.

September and October passed and my word count rose. When I did the math, the total number of words divided by 250, I was astounded that my total page count was over two hundred! I was writing, editing, and revising almost every day.

Finally, on a chilly November night, I reached 60,000 words! Talk about proud! I announced it on Facebook, Twitter, and to anyone who would listen! A short time later, it happened and by it, I mean I finished my book. HOLY CRAP! I finished my book! I could barely believe it!

So what next? I kept revising, editing, and perfecting my manuscript. Then, with the help of my Twitter friend Janet, I wrote my query letter. I must have been doing something right, because a publisher actually asked me to send them my work! After receiving two requests for full manuscripts, I received a contract to publish my first book, THE GRISHMA, with Limitless Publishing.

The past seven months have been full of hard work, long nights, and the occasional writer’s block. Also, trying to balance working full time as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher and writing a novel was tricky and at times, extremely tiring! However, when all was said and done, I persisted, I wrote my book, I was offered a contract, and now I’m on the path towards publication!

My parting advice, never give up on your dream and always believe in yourself! With hard work and persistence, you can accomplish anything!