​Exciting news! The Landry's True Colors Series is now available free with Kindle Unlimited. You find the funny middle school series here: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2ubJ5kN
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ubHf3t
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/29umy7d
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/29umCUm
​
 

​Jo Linsdell launched her book cover design services earlier this year, and offers a wide variety of genres and styles. She does both premade designs and custom covers. New designs are added regularly.
 
She has designed book covers for people like; New York Times best selling author Gretta Curran Browne, and Amazon best selling author Summerita Rhayne to name a few.
 
View the portfolio of available designs at http://www.jolinsdell.com/p/premade.html
 
Why should authors invest in a professional book cover design?
"Don't judge a book by its cover" would be great, but the truth is the cover can make or break your book. A cover design is both promotional and editorial, and must grab a readers attention.
 
A book cover designer will have experience that helps them create a professional end result that many authors just don't have.
 
What are the key items you make sure to watch out for when designing a book cover?
A good book cover gets across a lot of information quickly. It doesn't need to tell everything about the story, but should represent the story in a way that builds interest and curiosity.
 
There needs to be the right balance between illustration and text. They need to work well together and complement each other.
 
What makes a good book cover?
A good book cover generates sales. It conveys the genre, the audience, the tone, and what the book is about.
 
A successful book cover grabs people on the first look. The cover is competing against thousands of other covers in an overcrowded marketplace and only has seconds to capture a potential readers attention. It must be able to do it as very small sizes too as a lot of the time it will only be seen a thumbnail image.
 
Can you share some tips for working with a book cover designer?
Have a clear idea, and be as detailed as you can about what you want. Sending some examples of covers you like in the style you're after can be very helpful in creating a mood board for the project.
 
When giving feedback, again, be as specific as possible.
 
If it's for a print book, you'll need to have all the measurements ready. Trim size, number of pages, etc...
 
Having everything clear in your mind, and prepared, at the start means that the designer can give you exactly what you want in the shortest possible time.
 
Remember a book cover designer is going to do their best for your book. Their reputation is on the line, as much as yours is as the author.
 
Keep an open mind. Sometimes the designer might not be able to give you exactly what you had in mind, especially if they use stock photos. You might end up with a cover 100 times better if you give the designer some creative control. More suggestions, less limitations.
 
Click to tweet:
 
Check out the amazing book cover designs by @jolinsdell at http://www.jolinsdell.com/p/premade.html #PremadeBookCovers #CoverArt #BookCoverDesigner
 
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER FOR READERS OF THIS BLOG:
 
Use the code KRYSTENHAGER10 to get a €10 discount when you order any cover from http://www.jolinsdell.com/p/premade.html. Valid until 31st December 2017.
 

Writer’s write. Sure they do, but they read too, and in 2017 I read a lot. Narrowing down my favorites was a lot more difficult than I thought, since I discovered some really great authors, some new first time novelist, and a few previously undiscovered gems. What didn’t change was my love of diversity in my reading choices, as in everything else. Here they are in no particular order, my favorite books of 2017.

1. Lithium Waves by new author Carmel Rhodes This book was a different experience for me altogether. I was never a fan of Erotica, and wasn’t impressed by the 50 Shades phenomena, but this book knocked me off my feet. It is definitely for a mature audience, but if you’re feeling naughty and enjoy a great story, I highly recommend.
2. From a much more established storyteller, NY Times Bestselling author, William Kent Kruger, Ordinary Grace. In addition to this extraordinary standalone novel about love, forgiveness, with a little mystery thrown in for good measure, he writes a hugely popular series about lawman turned PI Cork O’Conner that shouldn’t be missed.
3. Another brilliant new author Lauren Cecile wrote a book that will leave you thinking long after you finish reading. Her use of history and wonderfully rich characters tell the love story of a Jew from Nazi Germany and a wealthy young black woman living in Jim Crow America having to navigate the obstacles that come from their different, yet similar circumstances.
4. I recently had the pleasure of meeting NY Times Bestselling author Kevin O’Brien and found him to be as amazing as his writing. He writes the books that keep you on the edge of your seat, and make you miss your train stop, I did. The Last Victim is no different. It’ll keep you guessing all the way to the end and dying to read another one his books as soon as you’re done. Fun and exciting like watching an action packed thriller. I loved this book and so many of his others.
5. The last book on my list is a classic. It is a must have for any would be writer, and a great read if you enjoy Stephen King. On Writing. I read it this year, but to be honest, it’s not the first time or more than likely the last. Although it is non-fiction, it is as entertaining as any novel, he’s ever written. If you’re writing, read this. If you love Stephen King and just want to know a little bit more about him, read this.

These were my favorite books of 2017. I could go on, because there are so many more, as I’m sure my fellow bookworms agree. Happy Reading in 2018 and beyond. If you’re looking to check out a new author, check out my first novel Fat Chance on Amazon http://amzn.com/1517212405 Like my page www.facebook.com/AngelaCrookAuthor or follow me on Twitter at Navah74
 

Eli Celata is joining us today to share her top books of 2017!

2017 has been a year of revisiting classics and finding more books on random shopping trips than in book stores for me.
 
Human Evolutionary Biology by Michael P. Muehlenbein
Even though I’ve shifted careers this year, I still love non-fiction – especially anything on genetics or biomechanical engineering. If I can enjoy the fun of complex evolutionary theory with dry wit, I’m having a good time. A basic understanding of evolution and genetics helps, but anyone with a love of science and a dictionary/computer should be able to get through this one no problem. Like the next book on the list, you will get somewhat odd looks depending on where you decided to read this book.

Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life by Jason Hanson
Mistakes were made. I read this one on a flight to Philly, and several other passengers gave me nervous looks. Probably because I looked like my panic was rising as I read each page. Hanson’s book is informative, drawing on his CIA officer training. While somewhat self-serving in that he plugs his company’s safety/survival products, it is extremely informative, and I’ve already practiced escaping duct tape.

Night by Elie Wiesel
This book is one of a trilogy written about Wiesel’s experience as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. Short, honest, and heart-breaking, Night explores the philosophical and personal questions which surround the Holocaust and its legacy. More than once, I had to put this book down to simply absorb the horror and sadness which consumed me from the poignant and graphic writing.

The Pigeon Series by Mo Willems
My 2-year-old nephew can’t get enough of Mo Willems. As I work at a book company, I brought samples over for him, but the Pigeon has become his go-to. During naptime, he even quotes the Pigeon’s lines from Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late. Simple drawings, fun dialogue – if you have a young kid or know somebody with some for whom you need to buy gifts, I’d suggest anything by Willems.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
After watching the movie, I delayed for a while to get the book and, due to Christmas last year, didn’t actually read it until the beginning of 2017. Just as fantastic as the movie. If I loved Newt Scamander anymore, I’d feel like I was cheating on my love of Sirius Black. This was undoubtedly my favorite book of the year.
 
Hope you enjoyed some fantastic reads this year (electronic or print)! If you need some more suggestions, pop over to my blog where I’ll be reviewing a number of books in my end of the month rush as December is New Book Month!
 

Eli Celata writes young adult fantasy including an urban fantasy young adult series (Warlock of Rochester) with two books out: 1) High Summons; 2) Grimm Remains. She also has a stand-alone paranormal romance: Aisling. When she isn’t writing, Celata works at a children’s book company which sells to nonprofit organizations.

Find her here: elicelata.wordpress.com

Immortal Descent is a supernatural thriller about one man’s journey into a dark world of ancient creatures, secret societies, and the origin of immortality. Ethan West hopes for a fresh start in college, after a lifetime of pain and loss. But instead he gets a curse—a rebirth that closely resembles a death sentence. Wielding a rare and powerful, yet unpredictable ability, Ethan becomes a savior and a danger to his world all at once. Buried throughout history, a hidden lineage of immortal ancients are at war. And Ethan’s ability can put an end to it. The only problem is that power this great always comes with an unspeakable price…
 
What if one man’s beginning meant everyone else’s end?
 
Excerpt: “Ethan didn’t realize he was screaming until he felt Rue shaking him. His eyes flew open and he stared up at her face and into those bright silver eyes. For the briefest instant, all his fear melted away when he looked up at her. He remembered the shadowed eyes of the woman from the alleyway. These eyes were so different. Never had he seen eyes as hers before, so intense—so bright, so capturing. He held her gaze, almost afraid to look away. If he looked away, what would he see?”
 
Praise for Immortal Descent:
 
“So much detail, and such complex characters! It’s a multi-layered storyline with plenty of twists and turns that really take you on a journey.” – Cindy Walker
 
Other fans have called Immortal Descent “amazing” and “completely original,” and say it’s a read that is “absolutely impossible to put down!”
 
 
About the Author: 
                                                                                               
Carolyn M. Walker grew up surrounded by books and has a particular soft spot for fantasy stories and psychological thrillers. With a Bachelors degree in both English Literature and Psychology from Florida State University, Carolyn loves exploring the many sides of the human psyche and building worlds that address some of life’s greatest “what-if” questions. In addition to being a creative writer, Carolyn is also a certified Copywriter, Copy Editor, and Marketing Consultant.
 
 
More about Immortal Descent:
 
Q) Why did you write Immortal Descent?
 
Immortal Descent originally came to me as a short story idea about a glimpse into the life of an immortal, witnessed by an ordinary man. But after sitting on the idea for a while, I realized the story deserved so much more. I’d read plenty of stories about immortality, but few addressed the origin of it and why. That’s when I thought this would make a great story, so I began researching on it. Add to that: dark factions, secret societies, an underground war, plus magic and you’ve got
the world of Immortal Descent.
 
Q) Will this be a standalone novel or a series?
 
A) This story took on a life of its own. It’s become an epic tale involving ancient lore, taboo history, and the idea of immortality existing in the real world. I’d written a paranormal thriller novel revolving around a (seemingly ordinary but not) young man named Ethan West and his experiences with the supernatural, but there is SO much more. Because of the scope of Immortal Descent’s universe and the extensive history it pulls from, readers can expect a series of books. We’ll be seeing more of Ethan, learn more about the original immortals known as the Lorns, as well as dig deeper into the stories of the antagonists of this book.
 
 Q) This book is at the threshold of New Adult with the protagonist Ethan West being just 20-years old. Was this intentional?
 
A) When the idea came to me as a short story, I was in my early twenties. I was still growing up and the feelings I had during that time in my life were very strong. I always knew I wanted to write a story with a protagonist at that particular age—there isn’t quite a time like it. Just as the teen years are a remarkable time, so is that short span of years thereafter. Ethan suffers from anxiety, struggled with his identity, and has other concerns common for someone his age. He’s turbulent, impetuous, and lost at times, but evolving—all elements that are pivotal to this dark story.
 
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/carolynmwalkerwrites/
https://twitter.com/MissWriteWise
 
Author Website:
https://carolynmwalker.wordpress.com/
 
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koGpNlfFqto
​

 
2017 provided us with a fantastic new library of books to devour! I’m somewhat slow to the game of finding new books, but I always appreciate an objective and reliable book suggestion. After pouring through many amazing books, traveling to new lands and distant times, these five came out as my favorite for this year’s reading list. Not all are new releases, but I discovered these five books this year, and they deserve a spot on the best books list.
 
From A Distance by Tamera Alexander
Fiery, determined Elizabeth Westbrook, a hopeful photojournalist, treks out west to the wild Colorado Territory. Using this new-fangled invention called a camera, she carefully manages the intricate process of capturing nature’s beauty in order to secure herself a new career in a field where women have yet to advance. As she hunts down stories and photographs the mountains’ majesties, she stumbles upon a murder. After Elizabeth finds herself the target of a breaking-and-entering, where her camera and all of her equipment are destroyed, her disgruntled guide unwillingly escorts her through dangerous territory to acquire a photograph that will determine her destiny.
 
Tamera Alexander takes her readers to soaring heights and harrowing lows on this Historical Inspirational Romance. She paints pictures and phrases the narration in a way that will take your breath away. I often found myself trudging with Elizabeth among the dusty old west town, chilled to the bone along the wintry mountain passes, and absorbing heart-wrenching scenes of the bloody battle fields of the Old South. Ms. Alexander offers a vivid homage to the hearty grit of those people who forged life out of the wily west.
 
Escape From Witchwood Hollow by Jordan Elizabeth
After losing her parents in the horrific terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, fifteen-year-old Honoria and her older brother leave New York City with their aunt and uncle, and move to the small town of Arnn. Honoria receives constant warnings of the dangerous forest outside Arnn, the forest named Witchwood Hollow. In the lure of Witchwood Hollow's perpetual darkness, Honoria finds hope, when she’s told to fear.

Honoria pushes boundaries and borders, venturing under the dark umbrella where so many have gone before, and never returned. She seeks the truth behind the madness, risking numerous lives in the process.

From the first page to the last, I couldn't put down this thrilling YA Fantasy. While we meet a different kind of heroine, we also meet a different kind of 'witch.' One poignantly considers titles and the boxes into which we put people after reading the stories tumbling from the impenetrable borders of Witchwood Hollow.
 
A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray
Marguerite chases her father's killer through multiple dimensions. She uses her father’s invention, called the Firebird, which allows users to jump into multiple universes.
Marguerite refuses to let the man who destroyed her family go free. She races after her father’s assistant, Paul, across the multi-verse, always leaping into another version of herself. But she also meets alternate versions of the people she knows—including Paul, whose life entangles with hers in increasingly familiar ways. Before long she begins to question Paul's guilt—as well as her own heart. She quickly discovers the truth behind her father's death is far more sinister than she expected.
A book reviewer friend of mine recommended this Young Adult Sci Fi to me, if anything because the cover is absolutely stunning. All three books in the trilogy have amazing cover art. What I loved most about A Thousand Pieces of You was the multi-verse premise, of moving through dimensions but not through time. Imagine if every possible version of your plotline could play out but the people would still exist in some shape or form. Ms. Gray explained the science behind it in a believable manner and then created a story so intriguing, characters so unique, and a romantic tension so thrilling, that I took my time devouring this feast of a novel and adored every second. But get ready. Here’s your warning. If you pick this one up, have the next two readily available.
 
The Librarian and the Spy by Susan Mann
Adventure-hungry librarian Quinn Ellington solves mundane mysteries for library patrons until handsome “insurance” agent James Lockwood appears at the counter. Requesting her aid, he quickly captures her attention and utilizes her problem-solving capabilities, the fruition of many years of work within the walls of a library. Together the two decode mysterious antique messages and unearth a priceless work of art. Unfortunately for the duo, a ruthless arms dealer has been tracking their movements. Among fast cars, heart-stopping intrigue, and international travel, the unlikely pair must crack the codes and solve the case before more people go missing…or end up dead.
From page one of this Contemporary—Fiction—I’m truly not sure of the genre, because it was a light romance, a sweet read, an action-packed escapade, and a thrilling mystery all wrapped in a fun package. The cover is not awesome and does not convey the puzzling adventure within. But this was probably one of my top reads for the year because of its fresh voice, fun story, and the captivating mystery that kept me laughing, guessing, and blushing until the final page turn.
 
 
Hope In Cripple Creek by Sara R. Turnquist
Katherine Matthews, a newly hired teacher, returns to her home of Cripple Creek to face her demons, a haunted past, and a future riddled with loss. A health scare quickly turns to epidemic, while Cripple Creek grows plagued with illness and death. Katherine finds herself volunteering to work among the sick, taking her career, and her life, in her hands. Within the borders of the classroom-turned hospital, she makes an irrevocable promise. As a result, her life—and others’—will never be the same.
Ms. Turnquist provides a delightful Inspirational Historical Fiction story of a girl ​following her heart, even when it forges into the wild unknown. About halfway through I just started grinning and almost couldn't stop, except a few times when my eyes widened in shock. I couldn't put this one down. Romance, heartache, a headstrong heroine, and some twisty characters who don't know how to keep their hands to themselves, the bunch of them make up the fascinating little town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The challenges Katherine faces spoke to my heart, and I think a lot of women will appreciate the struggle and how she manages it. It's a quick read with great pacing, lovely characters, a fun setting, and I wanted it to be longer. Grab this one RIGHT NOW. You will love it.
 
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May this coming year bring fantastic finds, electric discoveries, and stunning new territory to explore. You know you need a little more book magic in your life! I hope you will pick up one of these along the way to help carry you through time and space. Happy reading!
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Fierce yet sparkly, Kadee Carder helps seekers find brave new worlds. The goal is magic, the medium is ink, and the fuel is coffee. And sometimes pizza. She teaches writing on the university level when she’s not dancing around the living room with her family, lifting heavy at the gym, traveling the planet, or bingeing superhero shows.
INSURRECTION, INCOMPLETE, INDELIBLE, HERE BE DRAGONS, and non-fiction inspirational IGNITE roll out perilous motives, twisty plots, and daring protagonists. Grab some real estate and your copy of her latest adventure, and follow along at KadeeCarder.com.