Sponsor: IN LEAH'S WAKE by Terri Guiliano Long

Book Blurb:

2011 BOOK BUNDLZ BOOK CLUB PICK

Recipient of the Coffee Time Reviewers Recommend (CTRR) Award

The Tyler family had the perfect life - until sixteen-year-old Leah decided she didn't want to be perfect anymore.

While her parents fight to save their daughter from destroying her brilliant future, Leah's younger sister, Justine, must cope with the damage her out-of-control sibling leaves in her wake.

What happens when love just isn't enough?

This mesmerizing debut novel tells the tale of a contemporary American family caught in the throes of adolescent rebellion - a heartbreaking, funny, ultimately redemptive quest for love, independence, connection and grace.


Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Leahs-Reviewer-Recommend-Bundlz-ebook/dp/B0044XV7PG

Reviewer comments:

"Terri's way of telling this story is superb, compelling, and leaves a huge impact on you." Bookworm Nattie

"The fraught interactions between the parents and their daughter Leah are so absolutely real that I was astounded by Terri Long's mastery of human relationships at their worst--and best." Jenny Wallis

"This novel is exemplary. The writing style keeps you engrossed and the characters and their lives keep you captivated." Sapphyria

Author Bio:

Terri Giuliano Long grew up in the company of stories both of her own making and as written by others. Books offer her a zest for life's highs and comfort in its lows. She's all-too-happy to share this love with others as a novelist and as a lecturer at Boston College.


While her passion lies in the written word, Terri's primary inspiration comes from her interest in existential philosophy and her observations of people and human nature. Her stories expand upon the subtle truths and what-ifs of everyday life. No matter where her stories journey, they always tie back to the family--the ways we love yet, in loving, too often hurt one another, the grief, the sorrow, the revelation, and the joy. Terri's goal is to offer lasting hope and deep emotional connection in a compact and entertaining package.


Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, traveling to far-flung places, and meeting interesting people. True to her Italian-American heritage, she's an enthusiastic cook and she loves fine wine and good food. In an alternate reality, she could have been very happy as an international food writer.


Terri loves connecting with people who share her passions. She can be reached on her website (www.tglong.com), blog (www.tglong.com/blog), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/tglongwrites) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/tglong)


Book Excerpt:

“. . . little heart of mine, believe me, everyone is really responsible to all men for all men and for everything. I don’t know how to explain it to you, but I feel it is so, painfully even. And how is it we went on living, getting angry and not knowing?”

Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Grand Inquisitor

Prologue

March

Justine strikes a pose before the full-length mirror hanging on her closet door. Chin up, hands by her sides. She draws a breath. “My dear. . .” she begins, and stops mid-sentence. Wrinkles her nose. She’s got it all wrong. She’s too—Too stiff. Too grownup. Too something.

She rakes her fingers over her short dark hair, sweeping the bangs out of her eyes, tugs at the hem of her pink baby-doll pajamas. She’s scheduled to deliver the candidates’ address at her Confirmation Mass this afternoon. When she learned, six months ago, that she had been selected speaker, Justine was ecstatic. Now, the very idea of standing in front of the whole congregation, telling hundreds, maybe thousands, of people how she’s learned from her own family what it means to be part of God’s larger family makes her sick to her stomach.

She has no choice. She made a commitment.

She folds her hands primly, setting them at chest height on her imaginary podium, glances at her cheat sheet, rolls her lower face into a smile, and begins again. “My fellow Confirmation candidates,” she says this time. Justine crumples the paper, tosses it onto her bed. My fellow Confirmation candidates. What a dork. She sounds about twenty, instead of thirteen.
She screws up her face. “I can’t do this,” she says, wagging a finger at the girl watching her from the mirror. She would feel like a hypocrite.

Justine plods to the bathroom, pees, pads back to her bedroom. The forecasters are predicting snow, starting later today. A dismal gray stratus hangs over her skylight. Her room is dark, the air raw. Her sister’s blue and gold Cortland High sweatshirt lies in a heap at the foot of her bed. Justine pulls the sweatshirt over her head, retrieves the balled-up paper. With the back of her hand, she flattens it out, and returns to the mirror to practice.

As always, on first glance, the girl in the mirror takes Justine by surprise. She’s grown two inches since Christmas, isn’t chubby anymore, her belly flat, the clavicle bones visible now at the base of her throat. She pushes her bangs out of her pale, darkly fringed eyes. With her fingertips, she touches her cheeks. Her features have matured, her nose long and straight, like her mother’s, her cheekbones defined. She curls and uncurls her toes. She wears a size six shoe, a size and a half smaller than Leah. Her toes are long and slim, the nails painted blue.

Justine crushes the sheet of paper, tosses it in the trash, strolls to her window, raises the honeycomb shade. Spring feels a long way away, the yard empty, the trees bare. A rush of cold air streams in, under the sash. The air smells of snow. Justine presses her hand against the cool glass, the way she and her sister used to do on the windshield of their father’s car, when they were small. Stop, their father would scold. You’re making a mess. She smiles, remembering how Leah loved egging him on. She pulls her hand away from the glass, watches her prints disappear.

Justine wishes, sometimes, that she could disappear, too. Poof, just like the handprint. Poof, just like her sister.

Interview with M.R. Gott

Briefly describe your journey in writing your book. 

I have been writing stories for years, nothing ever came to fruition, the ideas were more than my ability to properly present.  Where the Dead Fear to Tread began as a short story, and then was methodically mapped out scene by scene.  The short story became the first chapter and after mapping out the plot I jumped to the last chapter to ensure everything matched up and stayed on track.

What genre are your books?  Do you write in more than one genre?

My only published novel is a Supernatural thriller or Horror, though it does not fit neatly into any single genre.  Everything I write is greatly influenced by the old detective and adventure pulps of the 30’s into the 50’s. 

If you write in more than one genre, do you use a pen name?

I intend to keep the name M.R. Gott on everything I get published.

Did you query agents and traditional publishers?  Did you receive an offer of representation or a book contract?

I sent multiple query letters to a plethora of publishers and was contacted by Untreed Reads and offered a contract.  I did not attempt to contact agents. 

What factors influenced your decision to sign with Untreed Reads?

The Untreed Reads Contract was incredibly fair, all concerns I had before I saw the document were quickly relieved.  The staff and owner have also been incredibly gracious and understanding during the copy edit and publishing process.   

How involved are you during the creative process for your book’s cover design?

I filled out a request form for Dara England and was blown away with the results. 

Do you plan to self-publish any other books or will you stay with Untreed Reads?

I have no intention of self-publishing. 

What kinds of social media [twitter, facebook, webpage, blog, writing forums] are you involved with trying to garner attention for your book(s)?

I have a web presence on facebook, and goodreads.  I also maintain a blog at http://wherethedeadfeartotread.blogspot.com/.  It contains all relevant professional information regarding my writing as well as film and book reviews.  I also provide links to articles analyzing many facets of the horror genre. 

How do you feel about the world of digital publishing?  Do you think it will replace traditional publishing one day?

Traditional publishing will never be replaced.  Digital publishing allows small titles a greater chance to succeed.  My book is available world wide at a low cost to the publisher.  Digital publishing also allows small rare titles to be purchased at a fraction of the price. 

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned during your journey as an author?

How working with seasoned professionals can develop my skills with such quick results. 

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Don’t be obstinate with your editors and publishers.  Listen to all feedback.  They took the time to read it, take the time to listen.

What’s next for you?

The Manuscript for ­Where the Damned Fear Redemption the follow up to Where the Dead Fear to Tread has been completed and the editing process can now begin.  I have a few short stories that should hopefully be seeing the light of day soon.    If there is a market for my work I will produce to meet that need.  

Where the Dead Fear to Tread is a tale of hard-boiled macabre, bridging numerous genres to reveal a story of horror, crime and revenge.

Available from the Untreed Reads Store, Amazon and most major e-book retailers for $4.99

Author Bio

M.R. Gott is the author of the novel Where the Dead fear to Tread and the forthcoming sequel Where the Damned Seek Closure. You can visit M.R. at his website Cutis Anserina at http://wherethedeadfeartotread.blogspot.com. Aside from contacting M.R. you will find his collection of book reviews and a list of small horror films you may have missed. M.R. lives contentedly in central New Hampshire with his wife, and their three pets. Aside from writing M.R. enjoys dark coffee, dark beer and fading light.

#SS NEW #Romance LOVE BY SECRETS, .99

I am very excited to announce that I have released a romance novella. I'm using pen name, Debra Elizabeth, so as not to confuse readers of my SFF books. Happy Reading!

Book Blurb:
Eighteen-year-old Emily Richardson is excited to attend this season’s society balls and begin her search for a husband. She is thrilled when the dashing and handsome Connor Preston begins to show her more attention. After each ball, Emily finds a love note in her drawstring reticule, and she expects a marriage proposal from Connor any day.

When her father objects and forces Emily to accept the proposal from Lady Tisbury's shy nephew, Ethan Richardson instead, her heart is broken. How can she love her new husband when her heart belongs to the man who wrote her such beautiful love letters?

Love by Secrets is a novella of ~19,500 words (80 pages), only .99 


Buy links: 
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Love-Secrets-Romance-Novella-ebook/dp/B005XMZ0NM 
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-by-secrets-debra-elizabeth/1106798037


Book Excerpt:

Chapter 1

“Papa, where are you?” Emily Stanton asked, a little too loudly for a proper, young lady.

“Hush, Emily. He will be here when he’s ready, and not a moment sooner.” Catherine Stanton scolded her impatient daughter.

“But Mama, we’ll be late for the ball.” Emily smoothed down her ice-blue, satin dress for the hundredth time, and adjusted the choker of pearls around her neck. The swell of her breasts peeked out of the dress’s bodice, which was adorned with lace and ribbons. Matching gloves and a small, draw-string reticule rounded out her outfit for the evening.

The April ball was being thrown by Lord and Lady Tisbury, and was the kick-off event of the social season in London. Everyone who was anyone would be there. Emily had counted down the days waiting for the big night to arrive. She longed to be part of the sea of shimmering silk swirling around the dance floor.

She had even more reason to be excited; this had been the best week of her life. Two days ago, she had turned eighteen; the age when the hunt for a husband begins in earnest for every young lady. Lady Tisbury had promised to introduce to her a number of young men from well-regarded families. Emily shivered in anticipation. She hoped her dance card would quickly fill with the names of every eligible bachelor in the county. She had attended balls in the past; however, tonight she would not be regarded as a child, but as an eligible, young lady.

Emily reached up and pushed the flower back into her light-brown hair. Nesmith, her long-time ladiesmaid, had outdone herself creating a crown of curls, adorned with little, white flowers and pearls, for this evening’s festivities. Emily had watched in amazement while Nesmith worked her magic with the pins. Sitting still for more than an hour had certainly been worth the results.

“Mama, do I look pretty?”

“Emily, you look radiant tonight. I’ve always loved that color on you. It compliments your eyes wonderfully well.”

“Thank you, Mama.”

“Now stop fidgeting, dear. You must learn patience. It is a woman’s place to wait quietly. You will have to do these things someday with your own husband, so let us practice it now.”

Before a pout could form on Emily’s lips, her father, Mr. Riley Stanton, came into the parlor. “Oh, Papa, thank heavens you’re here,” she squealed with delight.

“Emily, dear, must you shout?”

She stood on her tiptoes, and kissed her father’s cheek. “Sorry, Papa, but you know I’ve been waiting to attend Lord Tisbury’s ball all week. You must have heard us come down the stairs nearly 30 minutes ago.”

Mr. Stanton let a sly smile touch his lips. “I must have lost track of time. No matter; I’m here now. Are my ladies ready?”

“Yes indeed!”

Nesmith entered the parlor, and helped Emily and Mrs. Stanton into their evening coats.

“Thank you, Nesmith,” Emily said. With a flounce of her skirt, she led the way to the family coach.

Mr. Stanton held out his arm for his wife. “Are you ready for this, Mrs. Stanton?”

Catherine nodded. “Do we really have a choice, Mr. Stanton? We cannot treat Emily like a little girl anymore. The real question is, are you ready for the hordes of young men coming to court her?”

Mr. Stanton chuckled. “I guess I will have to be. Time stands still for no man.”

The housekeeper held the door open, and the Stantons departed into the cool, night air. Mr. Stanton sat in the rear-facing seat of the carriage. Mrs. Stanton sat next to her daughter.

Emily smiled as she settled her skirts. She glanced out the window. The sky was filled with twinkling stars. It was a perfect evening. She could hardly wait for the festivities to begin.

Review: DREAMING OF YOU by Barbara Mack

3.5 of 5 stars

Kathleen Donaldson is an oddity in her strict 1800s society. She’s unmarried at 26. She’s bossy and sharp-tongued. Not the usual persona for a young lady looking for a husband. But Kathleen isn’t looking for a husband. She lost the love of her life in a tragic accident and she’s resigned herself to living alone. When the handsome Dr. Duncan Murdoch begins to show her more than a passing interest, she is initially repulsed by him, but is she really?

This is a delightful and passionate short story (~45 pages) about two strong-willed people as they fight against their attraction to one another. The author does a very good job of portraying each of their emotions although I did find a bit of head-hopping in the some of the scenes. Had to reread some paragraphs to figure out whose head we were in.  I loved the secondary characters as well.

My slight criticisms are that I think the story could have been fleshed out a bit more. I didn’t get much of a picture of the society or setting. This would have added to the enjoyment of the story. Also, I do not think the cover does justice to the story. It doesn't portray romance to me at all. Despite this, if you are looking for a quick romance read, I would recommend giving this one a chance.

Sponsorship: INCREDIBLE DREAMS by Sandra Edwards

Book Blurb:

Incredible Dreams is the story of a modern-day ghost whisperer who travels through time to save the life of a WWII fighter pilot and ends up jeopardizing her own existence.

Izzy Miller prefers to call herself a spiritual therapist because she thinks it makes her sound more professional than plain old ghost-whisperer. She expects her latest project to be quick and easy because exorcising military personnel is pretty routine.

But there's nothing easy or routine about Captain Jack Baker—he's a rather forgetful spirit and somewhat mischievous. And even though he's intrigued by the US Government's latest attempt to remove him from the only place he can ever remember being...he has no intentions of going anywhere.

Plans to exorcise Jack are quickly sidelined when Izzy discovers a portal into the past inside her dreams and sets out to change his fate. Trouble is...when she gets back there, she can't remember anything but her name. She still sees ghosts, but is far less accepting of her gift. And, to make matters worse, a demonic force pretending to be the forgetful heroine's sister has her own plans—to steal Izzy's soul.

Buy Links:

Kindle Store: http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Dreams-ebook/dp/B003ZSHPBQ

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Dreams-Sandra-Edwards/dp/1453780874

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/21665

Author Bio:

Sandra is an award-winning author with eclectic tastes. She writes in a variety of genres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary, and suspense. Her books often push the envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline.

http://www.sandrawrites.com

http://www.facebook.com/SandraEdwards.Author

Incredible Dreams Excerpt:

Jack wasn’t accustomed to going to the Rialto by himself. But these days he didn’t feel like company. The last thing he needed or wanted was to have to entertain someone.

He’d stopped in on a whim, after seeing the billboard out front. “Since You Went Away”. Although it wasn’t something he’d normally choose to see, it reached out and grabbed hold of him. Probably because he thought it was something that would appeal to Isabelle.

He parked the car and strolled up to the window. “One please,” he said, sliding the money toward the cashier. She grinned, chomping on gum, and passed a single ticket to him.

He nodded graciously, took the ticket and strolled inside the theatre, taking a seat near the back.

Not long into the movie he found himself making strange and odd comparisons between the movie and his own life. To be so different, they sure were a lot alike. He let his attention travel away from the screen, not liking his indiscretion, however innocent, smacking him in the face. Too bad he couldn’t be as discerning as Joseph Cotton and contain his feelings.

Mulling over the crowd, he saw Jeannie and George a few rows up and it annoyed him until he realized where there was Jeannie one might also find Isabelle. He scanned the theatre, delighted when he saw her sitting alone on the other side of the auditorium.

He wanted to go sit with her, but decided against it. For now, it was enough just to see her and know she was okay.

All through the movie, his thoughts and attention kept wandering back to her. When the final credits rolled, he didn’t have the slightest clue how the movie had ended. How did Anne fare after her husband came home and she no longer had the luxury of turning to Tony?

He shrugged it off, thinking the movie probably ended the same way this segment of his life would...with Isabelle’s husband coming home and taking up residence as the man of the house. The thought sickened him.

He stayed in his seat while the other movie-goers shuffled out of the theater. When the auditorium was empty he got up and left.

Pausing in the lobby, he peered outside and saw Isabelle standing alone. He was tempted to go outside and say hello, but seeing that vulture Jeannie approaching Isabelle stopped him just inside the entrance.

Safe and out of sight inside the theater’s lobby, he looked on at the vivid conversation ensuing. Each sister said her piece until, finally, Jeannie left with George. Isabelle strolled in the other direction until she wound up at the bus stop a few feet away.

Jack pushed the door open and stepped outside, glancing in the direction Jeannie and George had gone. Seeing them disappear around the corner, he grinned and crept toward Isabelle like a great cat sneaking up on its prey.

He stopped a few feet away from her. “Enjoy the movie?”

She jumped and whirled around, startled. Her face softened with a smile when her eyes met his. “Hi.” She glanced away shyly. “The movie was entertaining at times, but grew rather dark, I thought.”

Funny. Such an oddly accurate account of a really long film that felt a little too close to home.

“Didn’t care much for it, huh?” Feeling awkward, he slid his hands inside his pockets.

Fumbling with her purse, she managed to shrug and say apathetically, “I guess the thing that constitutes a happy ending is different for different people.”

That was one way of putting it. She did have a point. But he didn’t see how they, him and Isabelle, could have a happy ending. If her husband came home in a box, she’d never forgive herself. If he came home alive, he would live the life that Jack wanted. Either way was a no-win situation for Jack and Isabelle.

“You taking the bus home?” He acknowledged the sign looming above them.

“Yes.” She looked away, as if purposefully avoiding him. But the embarrassment tainting her cheeks crimson could not evade him, even underneath the burnished glow of the streetlamp. “Jeannie’s got herself a date.”

“And she left you here to fend for yourself?” He glanced at the bus heading toward them. “Why don’t you let me give you a ride?” he asked quickly, over the spent suffering of his lawless heart.

The bus pulled up to the curb and the door opened. Isabelle’s fingers, tapered and long, fastened her hand around the bus’s railing. She placed one foot on the bottom step and glanced over her shoulder. “Thanks.” A smile spread across her face, one of those friendly, off-limits kind of smiles that kicked a man in his gut and deflated his ego. “But that’s not necessary.”

“It’s really no trouble, see,” he said, worrying that he might sound too eager.

She climbed to the top step and looked back again. “Thanks, Jack, but I really need to stop depending on you.” She didn’t wait for a reply. Instead, she ventured on inside the bus.

He liked her stockings, the way the line ran up the back of her legs. A wild whim pushed him to follow her onto the bus. Halfway down the aisle he dropped into the seat behind her.

“What are you doing?” Her tone, cool and disapproving, did not discourage Jack.

“Seeing you home.” He sank back into the seat and folded his arms over his chest.

“Suit yourself,” she said, inching toward the window. “What are you going to do?” She crooked her head to look at him. “Ride the bus back to your car?”

Jack ignored her. He had too. Otherwise, he might burst out laughing. Instead, he winked and looked her over seductively. The way her breasts filled out the red and white polka dot dress showered him with thoughts he shouldn’t be thinking. He wanted to kiss her, all over, and that left his heart aching. Her legs vied for his attention, dragging his thoughts away from his heartache.

A subtle moan rose in his throat and he choked it back, shifting in his seat. “Where’d you get that dress, Isabelle?”

She glanced down and then raised her eyes slowly back to him. A baffling, insignificant frown crossed her face. “I haven’t a clue.” Discomfort stained her cheeks red.

Jack offered her a wink and an easy smile, hoping to disarm her bewilderment. Her left hand, the bareness of her ring finger glared like a naked desert. “Isabelle, do you have a wedding ring?”

She glanced at her hand and gave a dismissive gesture. “I don’t know.” Her features settled into a frown. “Does that make me a bad person?”

The question hammered at his heavy heart. “Why...because you don’t know whether or not you have a wedding ring?” His tone was testy, yet tolerant.

“No.” She tilted her head with a cool stare in his direction. “Because I don’t care if I have one or not.”

“Isabelle, it’s not your fault that you don’t remember,” he said, hoping to soothe and calm her doubt.

The bus slowed to a stop across the street from the boarding house.

She pushed herself into a standing position. “Well, looks like this is my stop.” She smiled, all friendly-like, and moved into the aisle.

“It was nice seeing you again, Isabelle.” The gentleman in him stood and waited until she’d exited the bus.

Jack sat back down and the driver checked him in the mirror. “This is my last run,” he said. “Where you headed, pal?”

“Back to the Rialto.” Jack glanced out the window and watched Isabelle hurry up the walkway and disappear inside the house.

He found the missing symbol of marriage intriguing, if not suspicious. While he didn’t understand but easily accepted the amnesia and the peculiar things she sometimes said, he didn’t get why she wasn’t wearing a ring.

Knowing her as he did, he found it odd that she wouldn’t have one—or wear it if she did. If she were his wife, Jack would make sure she had the biggest rock he could afford so everybody would know she was married. Even so, Isabelle was not the kind of girl who married a guy who couldn’t or wouldn’t provide her with a ring.

Her husband, who just so happened to be overseas, aroused Jack’s curiosity. Never mind Isabelle’s criteria when it came to marriage; what kind of guy didn’t put a wedding ring on a girl like her?

Jack could be jumping the gun, but he didn’t think so. Aside from the fact that there seemed to be too many loose ends, there was something off about this conveniently absent flyer.

And Jack intended to find out what that was. 

       

Interview with Linda Frank

Briefly describe your journey in writing your book. 

My journey lasted over 20 years since my mother told me about a man she met during World War II. I’d wanted to write nonfiction about him—a magazine piece or biography—but doors were literally closed when I sought to interview people who would have been primary sources of information, including his widow. Not knowing whether this was due to simply privacy concerns or something more mysterious, I created a plot around the few bits I knew, and one of the main characters is someone like what I know of this man. But the primary protagonist is a 60 year old woman, because I found it hard to write in the voice of a 96 year old man and because I relate to women “of a certain age” and know they’re great readers! The story involves a unique twist on Nazi art looting, and my journey included significant research on this topic since long before the Internet and Google. I have book shelves and a huge clipping file to prove it!

What genre are your books?  Do you write in more than one genre?

 AFTER THE AUCTION, my first novel is mystery and historical and a woman’s story and Jewish-themed, so I guess its genre is hybrid. But I’m thrilled that some readers consider it gripping enough to be called a thriller. I’m writing another, a sequel of sorts with the same main characters, and I also write blog and magazine pieces.

  

Did you query agents and traditional publishers?  Did you receive an offer of representation or a book contract?

I’ve queried, pitched (and been told my pitch was excellent), submitted to no avail.  And continue to do so—somewhat half-heartedly—as I write the second. Ultimately, I self-published the print version of my book and would do so again, if necessary, rather than query and pitch endlessly. I’d like to think I have 20 years to spend on creating the second and further books but I can’t count on it.

What factors influenced your decision to sign with Untreed Reads?

I wanted the ebook version to be accessible in formats for all ereaders, and Untreed Reads offered this without my having to personally upload and trust my less than stellar tech capabilities. Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I had a personal relationship with the company’s owners and wanted to give them the business.

How involved are you during the creative process for your book’s cover design?

I was referred to my cover designer through Untreed Reads partner, KD Sullivan, even before the publication of the print version, which I brought out a few months before the ebook (next time I’d aim for simultaneous publication). I was quite involved in a back-and-forth online process, though the designer and I never met in person.

Do you plan to self-publish any other books or will you stay with Untreed Reads?

I will stay with Untreed Reads for the ebook of my next novel but will also bring out a print version, self-published, if necessary.

What kinds of social media [twitter, facebook, webpage, blog, writing forums] are you involved with trying to garner attention for your book(s)?

I tweet, maintain both personal and “fan” Facebook pages, as well as blogging on my web site and on other sites that accept my pitches.

How do you feel about the world of digital publishing?  Do you think it will replace traditional publishing one day?

I think digital publishing is a phenomenon that’s here to stay. However, I can’t believe that traditional print publishing will ever completely cease to exist.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned during your journey as an author?

It’s all about the marketing, which I guess I knew, but also people actually LIKE my book, which came as a total shock, given the amount of rejection I encountered in the process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Just DO IT!

What’s next for you?

As I mentioned, I’m writing a second novel, a sequel with many of the same characters. It’s set mainly in China and involves the history of Jews there. I’m also working on a nonfiction book or series of essays—not sure yet—relating to China from my personal family perspective (my son is a long-term ex-pat married to a Chinese woman).

Email: linda@lindafrankbooks.com

Web site: www.lindafrankbooks.com

Buy AFTER THE AUCTION http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_7_48_63&products_id=37

Step by Step with graphic artist JOHN DOTEGOWSKI

I was lucky enough to find graphic artist John Dotegowski from a recommendation from another author. I hired John to design the cover for our new fantasy, "ASSASSIN'S CURSE." John was kind enough to explain his process with another image he designed for a gaming company. This was pretty much the process we went through as well.  John is a talented artist and is a delight to work with. His work speaks for itself, but if anyone is looking for an artist to design a book cover, send John an email. You won't be disappointed! I've repeated his process under each image in case anyone has trouble reading the text over the image.

This is a piece I did for a small for a small gaming company that produces miniatures for use in tabletop gaming. This particular game is called “Day of the Scourge” and has a terminator like theme where humans fight against machines for their survival.  The client gave me some basics to go with, but his important criteria be that it be “badass.” 

I usually work up 4-5 thumbnails (some of them not more than blobs really) to get a sense of which way to go.  Then I work up 2-3 more detailed versions for the client to pick from.  Usually I’ll send the client line work mixed with gray scale to show how I’m thinking of doing the lighting. 

I need to work with references. Some people make great stuff without them, but I’ve found I can’t do very well unless I have something to use to get the lighting and proportions right. I may make a lot of changes from the original, but I need a solid base to work from.

Image 1

Here I started blocking in shapes, working up some detail and getting a better handle on the lighting. I'll do most of the base gray and linework in Photoshop, then take it to Coral Painter to start "painting." At this point the client wasn't happy with the skeleton too much. He didn't like the way the head was and wanted a more exo-skeleton type body.

Image 2

Here I made the changes he wanted. The head was much more skull like and the body much more where before it looked like a humanoid body covered with armor. It took a few tries to get the head just right, but I did mange to get it figured out. This is where I started working more on the human figures as well.

Image 3

And this is the final piece.  The title of the game goes to the upper part of the image and there is enough room in the lower middle to fit this company's name in. It was a pretty fun piece to work on and I'm pretty happy with the way it worked out. Most importantly, the client was too!.

Contact info:

Site-  www.johndotegowski.com

Email- johndotegowski@gmail.com

Phone 716-569-5993

Hello!  My name is John Dotegowski and I am a freelance illustrator that recently had the pleasure of working with Debra Martin and David Small.  Well, at least Debra.  I'm pretty sure David exists but I never did actually hear from him.  All the input and suggestions I got were from Debra after she (reportedly) checked with David.  David, if any of this is news to you I apologize.

Anyway I had been referred to Debra as she was looking for a cover illustration for an upcoming book and I was lucky enough to get accepted for the job and she's actually happy enough with what I did that she offered me a chance to post about myself and my work process here.  Thank you Deb for the opportunity. 

I have been drawing and painting ever since I was a young child.  I don't know when it started but at some point science fiction and fantasy began to take over my mind and that's what I can remember drawing about as far back as it goes.  Ordinary everyday things just seemed to bore me.  I wanted to draw things you don't usually see much to my parents chagrin.  I remember often showing my mom pictures that I had done and I usually got the pained response.." It's ...nice.  for what it is..  By why can't you draw flowers or something...?"  Apparently my latest attempt at Conan holding a severed head wasn't her cup o tea.

But I kept drawing and eventually went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to try and get better.  I learned a lot and had a ball and upon graduation realized that a degree in graphic arts does not guarantee one a great salary.  I graduated in 1991 and the market was flooded and a recession was on.  The last art job I interviewed for had 200 plus applicants for a $6.00 per hour wage.  So I found a non art job for a while and was making good enough money that I kept doing that job for about 15 years until I got laid off.   After that I figured what better time to try to get back to what I wanted to do and here I am.

Most of the time when someone inquires about getting an illustration done from me the steps are pretty much the same.  I get a general idea of what they are looking for and what they expect.  If it's for a book cover I do my best to read as much as I can.  For a short story or novella I want to read the whole thing.  If it's a novel I'd like to read the whole thing if time allows but I like at least the first few chapters and any pertinent ones to the illustration.  I really like trying to add the little details that make it fit the story.  It's said "Don't judge a book by it's cover" but I think, especially in this genre, that doesn't fit at all.  While growing up reading I would often look back to the cover when I got to a part that seemed to apply.  And I would notice if there was a glaring error.  I try not to do that myself.

I work up usually about 5-10 thumbnails to get things going and get the kinks worked out.  Then I'll then work up a few rough sketches to send for the client to pick one and offer suggestions or changes.  Sometimes the sketches are pretty rough and they are just trying to get the basic shapes, lighting and composition settled.    Once we've decided on a rough I'll work up a more detailed sketch to try and make sure everything is the way the client wants it to be.  When that is approved I then get on to the final image. 

I've been working digitally the past few years and trying to get better at it.  I used Photoshop mostly at the start but have been getting into Corel Painter (I use version X right now).  Painter can be tough to get used to but really can mimic traditional painting incredibly well once you get the hang of it.  I do the line work and rough sketches mostly in Photoshop.  I'll then tint that with the rough color scheme and take it into Painter where I start painting over the rough like it's an under-painting.  Sometimes I take it back and forth between the two to adjust colors or lighting as needed.  On average it takes me a week to two weeks to finish the final depending on how complex it is, how much time I have (still have to have a day job to make ends meet) and how many changes are required. 

Then, after a lot of grunting, sweating and sometimes cursing, I send the final off for approval.  Sometimes some adjustments are needed but the end result is hopefully what the clients are looking for. 

It's a fun gig and the only thing I really want to be doing.  Or should I say need to be doing?  I imagine that, like writing, even if you never were to get paid for it it's still something you need to do.  It's obsessive in my case.  If I'm not drawing for a few days I can start to feel antsy and jumpy and am probably not the most pleasant to be around.  Something get's stuck in my head and I just need to get it out!

By the way, my website is www.johndotegowski.com if you'd like to see some of my work

Thanks again to Debra and David (if you really exist) for letting me ramble on here.  It was a pleasure working with you and I hope to have the chance to do so again soon!