The Similayer Project: Part One – Going Live July 10!

 

 

Coming July 10!

The Similayer Project: Part One

by

Magen McMinimy

S.L. Dearing

Jax Walsh

Jean Michaels

 

(Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Romantic Suspense, Thriller)

• Print Length: 472 pages
• Publication Date: July 10, 2018

 

Pre-Order available!

Make sure to get your copy at the pre-order price for a limited time.

 

Synopsis

 

A deadly pandemic. Five groups of survivors. One destination.

“The funny thing about fight-or-flight was that sometimes flight
didn’t cooperate when fight failed you. There was always freeze, but no one
ever talked about freeze, because no one ever wanted to admit they weren’t
strong enough to fight and were too scared to flee.”—Idaho survivor

“She had killed two of those men and not shed a tear. Even as she
replayed it in her head, she felt no remorse. No, it was more than that. She
was glad… happy she had done it. She wasn’t sure she knew who she was
anymore..”—California survivor.

“If the human race was to survive, they’d have to dig deep and
find the strength to take back their homes.”—Florida survivor

“She moved on to the bed to lay beside him and leaned in so their
heads were touching and held on to him until his last breath. ‘Be at peace,
Dave, and keep a seat warm for me.’”—Massachusetts survivor.

“Eric’s voice was distant, as if water had filled her ears. The
room was too stuffy, too small. Rising, she shook her head and turned, fleeing
from the place she had lost Shawn.”—Indiana survivor.

A deadly virus born of good intentions ravages the planet, leaving
humans on the bottom of the food chain as the infected mutate into creatures
born of myth and nightmares.

As the military sets out to gather the healthy inside the walls of
a biolab located in the central United States, the fight for survival begins for
anyone willing to step beyond the safety of their own front door.

Follow five groups of survivors as they journey from California,
Florida, Idaho, Indiana, and Massachusetts in an epic journey to find, not only
what’s left of their government, but their independence, true love, and the
strength to survive in a world bent on breaking them.

#TheSimilayerProject #WouldYouSurvive #FightToSurvive 

 

Link to buy

 

Click on the cover

 

About the Authors

 

Magen McMinimy

 

Magen was born in Northern California, but now resides in the beautiful city of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho with her husband, and miracle baby, Austin. She started writing as a hobby, and is thankful every day she is able to remain home and raise her son while crafting worlds for her readers to get lost in. 
“Life is a constant balance of what we want and what we need. I choose to try and love and cherish every minute that I get to chase my crazy dreams.”

 

S.L. Dearing

 

 

S.L. Dearing was raised in Westlake Village, California and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, before spending several years studying at Los Angeles City College’s renowned Television/ Film program. She has worked on several film projects in several capacities.

She currently works in an administrative capacity in Century City when she is not creating. Writing since grade school, Shannon only discovered her passion for the written word later, and over the years she has created several screenplays, poems and short stories as well as her currently published work. 

Shannon is a multi-genre and mash-up author, unrestricted by content, only interested in telling the story that is screaming to be told. She currently lives in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA.

 

Jax Walsh

 

Jax loves to listen to music while closing her eyes and letting the stories unfold. This was her favourite pastime growing up in Scotland and today remains high on her list. Her father, James Walsh, introduced her to a world of fantasy and imagination with a visit to the local library, kick-starting a love affair with the written word. As an avid reader, she prefers paranormal romance, thrillers, and the horror genre; she relished in the new challenge of writing her own novella.

 

Trailer

 

Start this epic adventure today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Better or Worse

I feel this way too. I love Valarie’s writing and I’m gload she’s taking back what is hers. This is a great post for all writers.

Organizing Chaos Other Misadventures

I’ve spent a great deal of time over the last year considering my writing: what I want from it, what I’ve learned from it, mistakes I’ve made and victories I’ve enjoyed.

I’ve come to some conclusions I’m aware seem illogical to many, but here’s the thing about my writing:

It’s mine. The books I write are mine. The decisions I make regarding them are mine. The amount of time I choose to spend on writing, on promoting, on building relationships with readers & bloggers – that’s mine to choose as well.

I’ve removed myself from the idea of competition. I’ve removed myself from the idea of making a living on the books that I write. That’s not giving up – that’s making a choice that is right for me. The constant guilty feeling that I’m never doing enough, the stress of daily promoting and marketing, the unbelievable amount of pressure…

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Temper your words wisely… they can be a dangerous weapon

Most of us in the Indie writing community have heard about the recent drama on Facebook. There was an accusation made against someone, an Indie Designer, Lee Ching… that accusation (unsubstantiated as far as I know) led a group of 80+ people to attack the accused through messenger. The messages alledgedly ran the gambit from accusing her of being a theif, to encouraging her to take her own life. From what I understand, the attack was relentless, to the point that this talented individual tried to take her own life. Thankfully her cousin found her in time, and she is, I hope, recovering, which I’m sure will continue, at least emotionally, long after she is released from the hospital.

I don’t know Ms. Ching, but I do remember a time that someone, another Indie author, who is now one of my best friends, was attacked by several individuals on Goodreads. It occured because she had the audacity to express her opinion. I know about this first hand, becasue it occurred on my book’s review thread. A 1 star review was left, which isn’t the issue, the reviewer made mention of several incidents that didn’t occur in the book, which led several people to make the statement that if the reviewer couldn’t be bothered to pay attention, maybe he shouldn’t have left a review.

The bullies, under the guise they were defending the reviewer against bullies, attacked. But they didn’t attack everyone who had an opposing view to the reviewer, they only attacked my author friend, who only said she agreed with the assessment of a blogger that it appeared the reviewer hadn’t been paying attention. They targeted her.

These individuals attacked her facebook, her twitter, her blog, whatever they could find. They left vitrol everywhere, it was relentless. She’s a fighter,and fought back which only fueled their attack. I advised her to walk away. I’m not sure that was the best advice, but it was taking a toll on her well being. They eventually relented, and kudos to the reviewer, who actually asked them to stop. But God forbid, someone come back to the original thread and support this author. Like true trolls, they lurk in the shadows, waiting for an oppurtunity to strike, and they will.

They didn’t know this writer. What they felt they did know was that because of her profession, she shouldn’t have an opinion about another book. They felt that she couldn’t possibly be unbiased. They felt she shouldn’t have a voice. When I researched who they were, I discovered they felt it was their right to target Indie Authors, yes, target them. they wanted to take them down. Why? I could never figure it out. Eventually theses 3 individuals (yes, 3) moved on to bigger game. But in their wake, they left destruction and while I don’t dwell on it, I’m reminded of it everytime something happens in the wake of bullying. This incident with Ms. Ching is such an event.

There is no evidence that she stole anything. It’s my understanding that she used a stock photo, which most designers use, especially Indie. Quite often if the photo isn’t manipulated enough, some covers will look the same, it doesn’t mean anyone stole the cover of another individual, it just means the designer did what they were asked, or liked the image as it was. but let’s play Devil’s Advocate, what if she did steal it? Then you send a cease and desist letter, you report her to the publishing companies. You don’t go on the assault.

Street Teams are few and far between now because of the bullying tactics employed by more than one author out there, encouraging their “fans” to go after other authors.  And even if the authors didn’t encourage bad behavior, they did nothing to stop it.

Accusations are everywhere. I saw on the other day where one author accused another of publishing her book. It wasn’t true. The Publishing platform had made an error as both books had the same title. When the accused author contacted the platform, they agreed to fix immediately and apologized and when she explained to her accuser what happened, the accusing author would not relent, still accusing her of stealing the book.  To my knowledge, she still has yet to apologize.

I have thought long and hard about writing this post. We live in a society of innocent until proven guilty, yet many people have forgotten this. The pitchfork mentality is running rampant and Social media has led many people in the world to believe that because its the internet, it’s okay to do whatever you want. Those people think that the anonymity of being “invisible” gives you the right to say whatever you want, whenever you want… it’s not.

If someone has committed a crime, then report them to the authorities. If someone’s behavior is blantantly unacceptable, let your friends and family now, so they are aware. If someone posts something you don’t like, feel free to tell them in a “grown-up”, respectable way, then walk away. Everyone has an opinion, and chances are you aren’t going to agree with a lot of them. Freedom of speech is Freedom of speech, even when it’s hateful and ugly, but that doesn’t mean you get to attack and harrass someone because you don’t agree, or you feel they did something wrong. Again, if they did something crimnal, report them to the appropriate entity.

I have been a part of the Indie Author community for 8 years now. In that time, I have seen my fair share of ugliness, but mostly, I have seen the comraderie and beauty in our community. We need to get back to be professional adults. We are writers. We tell our stories. We are not in competition with each other, even though some will say we are, but we aren’t. We all have our own style. That goes for all the other professions in this community as well. Editors, Proofreaders, Marketers, Bloggers, Swag and Cover Designers. We are a family, and while we fight, and disagree, there should always be respect, admiration and love for one another.

From this day forward, temper your words wisely. Don’t fly off the handle, and say something that you might regret. Stop making assumtions about things until you have the facts… the facts, not someone’s opinion about what may or may not have happened.

And remember, words are powerful weapons, and as easliy as they can build you up, they can tear you down. They can rip out your heart, and crush your soul.

Use them wisely.

Product Photography on Etsy

Really great way to take photos for items 🙂 – I’m reposting as I also have an Etsy shop, and taking pics is always a challenge 🙂

Through The Looking Glass

I started off taking photos on a sheet in bright sunlight when I started on Etsy and was quickly told that they weren’t very good. Then I moved to taking photos on a mannequin in front of a brick wall in the shade outside my house, and while they were a lot better, I had no idea how to improve.

I didn’t (and still don’t) have a lot of money to spend on photography props and lights. I was lucky enough to meet Lyndsey James at an Etsy Team Captain Summit in Berlin. She teaches product photography with her business Photocraft and set up a free webinar that I attended and learned some tips to improve my photos.

For my inside photos for small items, I went out and bought a sheet of MDF (particle board) and got it cut into pieces that I thought would work. I’d get bigger…

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My review: The Oak S. L. Dearing

A Review of my novella The Oak: A Grown Up Fairy Tale ❤

Maria Gibbs

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2sapiOb

This is the first book by S L Dearing that I have reading what attracted me to it was the cover which is very striking and unusual.
This is a story about a woman, Keitha, who lives in a forest in France. Keith uses her skills of healing to help the local villagers and harness the power of nature. The characters are likeable except the “baddies”. There is an element of cliche in the stereotyping of good guy, bad guy but I don’t think it detracts from the story at all. It is after all “A Grown Up Fairy Tale.”

The story flows beautifully and the writing is often quite poetic. There are surprises in store in this book and I would recommend reading it.

I will certainly read more by this author.

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My Daddy – Things I remember

It’s been just over five years since my dad left us, and as Father’s Day approaches (and I am feeling the hole in my heart grow just a little) I have been thinking about the past. Those days filled with laughter and adventure, and I remember how lucky I was that for over forty years, I got to have him with me. That I got to have Michael A. Dearing as my father.

I remember him teaching us to play football, how to box. I remember 4th of July sitting on the roof and watching fireworks. I remember being tossed into the deep end of the pool, then swimming back to his arms and begging to be thrown again. And he did it again and again. Backyard Bear hunts and Big Foot Adventures in the park. Running from the Goose on the Westlake Gold Course. I hated that goose!

I remember being tickled and dog piled on. I remember watching TV, eating popcorn, stealing Cheetos from his plate, which was met with total disdain. I remember seeing him couched on the floor hugging and kissing my dog when he thought no one was watching. The Dearing Roll, weeding, BBQs in the backyard. RV shows and Greek Festivals.

I remember eating at new restaurants, driving around Ensenada, watching USC football. making new friends, taking my friends to visit every summer. I remember him walking through a room and everyone watching him. He could hold everyone’s attention and mesmerize people. I know I got my ability to tell stories from him. he was a Great storyteller.

I remember all the times he took care of me, and that one time I got to return the favor and take of him. Even when the power went out for 4 days after that huge storm in Cantu. I read to him from the Chronicles of Crime by candlelight, and we laughed (don’t judge until you’ve read it yourself – Magic!) and we would watch a few episodes of Harper’s Island on the laptop.  And he got better for a little while. But you can only hold off the inevitable for so long.

And that beautiful soul left us a year later. Your exit was peaceful and everything we hope for it to be. But you’re gone and we are left with a piece of us missing. That’s was true love does. It takes a piece of you with it when it leaves.

Life is short. Don’t waste it. Tell the people you love, how much you love them. Don’t hesitate to share stories, and see your family and friends. Tomorrow is never promised. And for those of you who still have your daddies, please hug them, and tell them you love them, and laugh and make memories, so that you can remember all the glorious days you’ve spent together.

Bloodlines for free!

ilovebooksandstuffblog

BLOODLINES

Synopsis: When Sascha and Eduard Engle flee Nazi occupied Germany and arrive at a small cottage deep in the woods of France, they have no idea what is in store for them or who the kindly old man is who is taking care of them. But on a cold winter the night, they will learn everything they have been yearning to know about their… Bloodlines.

This is a paranormal short story. It was originally published in the anthology, Paranormal Anthology with a Twist. There have been small changes to the story since its original publication.

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bloodlines-S-L-Dearing-ebook/dp/B00U68QAZ0/
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodlines-S-L-Dearing-ebook/dp/B00U68QAZ0/
Amazon.de: http://www.amazon.de/Bloodlines-S-L-Dearing-ebook/dp/B00U68QAZ0/
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/Bloodlines-S-L-Dearing-ebook/dp/B00U68QAZ0/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodlines-sl-dearing/1122916995?ean=2940152712964
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/600025
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/bloodlines-57
ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1056394008
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/288673211/Bloodlines
24Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=905636
Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a2345113-dc88-41c0-9997-0fc22c96a9ab
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25030340-bloodlines

About the Author:

Shannon L. Dearing was raised in Westlake Village, California and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then…

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On Dismissive Snobs and Whatever: Be Careful What You Write

Re-blogging this cause it’s Brilliant!!

The Indie world is all abuzz it seems, and because of a poorly thought out article posted by an author I’ve never heard of in the Guardian. I’ll link to the article, because why not, right? She has…

Source: On Dismissive Snobs and Whatever: Be Careful What You Write

Things I Don’t Owe my Indie Friends.

Great post about being patient… yes fellow authors, this means you!!

Organizing Chaos Other Misadventures

I love art.

Especially, I love indie art. I love the spirit behind it, and I love the sassiness of artists breaking off the mainstream, staying true to their visions.

I beta read for friends of mine when I’m able.

I buy indie books, and I’ll be straight with you, I do not have a lot of money. If I get money at Christmas, or for my birthday, I spend it supporting my friends who are indie authors.

I take pictures of their books and post them everywhere, on all my social media.

I add their books to my indie book Pinterest boards.

I shout about them on Twitter.

I review their work on various sites and share the reviews.

I don’t have to do these things, and I know. I know. You didn’t ask me to do it in the first place.

And truly, I expect nothing in return…

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Red Hot Heroes – Now available – 3 of the books to aid Wounded Warrior Project

Red Hot Heroes Release Day Blitz!

All gave
some… Some gave all.

So, several of my friends are releasing new books today.

The Red Hot Heroes collection from the Red Hot Authors.

Three of the authors, Magen McMinimy, Rene Folsom and Jodi Redford, will be donating all the proceeds from the sales of their books received until November 15, 2015 to the Wounded Warrior Project. buy a few books and donate to a worthy cause.

This is a cause that is close to my heart, as my Papa and my Dad were both in the Navy. The care and support of our nation’s military is essential, and with the lack of support coming from our government in recent years, the groups like Wounded Warrior Project are so important. So please, take a chance and buy a book for .99¢ and help a worthy program.

You can find all the information below.

Thanks for looking, and to those who buy, thanks for helping.

Find Home in the Heart of our Heroes this Veteran’s Day as
The Red Hots Release Red Hot Heroes!

BROKEN
SURRENDER by LORI KING

 

One bullet made it physically impossible for
Sarah Bryant to fulfill her dreams of a military career. With her family’s
sympathy suffocating her, she escapes to Stone River, Texas, determined to
rebuild a life and maybe find a new dream. 
Silas and Jeremy are two brothers who are as
different as Texas is big. One is an adrenaline fueled former Army medic, the
other is a laid back tow truck business owner. The two things they have in
common? They know they want to live life in a ménage relationship, and Sarah is
the woman for them. 
Sarah has too many doubts about herself to
believe she can be enough for one man let alone two. Can these souls find what
they need to grow together, or will they leave more emotional scars to match
their physical ones?

Amazon: 

http://tinyurl.com/njdon5u  
ITunes: http://tinyurl.com/q2c2cc7 
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/q4t6422 

www.LoriKingBooks.com ****

STARTING OVER by MAGEN MCMINIMY

 

“There was need laced
in every twist and sweep of his talented tongue. A need for something tangible,
something to connect him to the safety of the real world, to the living
breathing life he still held on to. A distraction from the death and sorrow
that carried over from months at war. “

 

All sales of this title through November 15^th, 2015
to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

After running from the one
man who could have mended her heart, Callie Sullivan has been finding comfort
in her best friend, D. When heartbreaking news about D’s deployed husband,
Adam, makes its way to the states, Callie focuses on helping her friend learn
to survive after tragedy strikes. 
Recently returned from Iraq, Luke Merrick learns
about the attack on his former sergeant and best friend, Adam. Knowing D will
need all the support she can get, Merrick finds himself back where he lost the
one woman he thought could be his future.
With D’s heartache fresh and raw, now is hardly
the time for Callie’s past to resurface, bringing new danger to those whom she
wishes to protect and help heal. But life rarely gives Callie what she needs.
This Veteran’s Day, find home in the heart of
our heroes with Starting Over part of the Red Hot Heroes multi-author series
and stands alone for reading enjoyment.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FO97fq

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0165347FY

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starting-over-magen-mcminimy/1122749345

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1046446194

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/starting-over-83

www.MagenMcMinimy.com 

**** PROMISE YOU by RENE FOLSOM

All sales of this title through November
15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Danielle never realized just how much her brother meant to
her until reality slapped her in the face, forcing her to wake up and pay
attention. After a shattering tour overseas, Dylan returned home to live with
Danielle. Knowing he needed more care than his sister could provide, Dylan
invites his battle buddy, Travis, to come live with them.
After a rather unorthodox meeting, sparks begin
to fly between Danielle and Travis. However, both of them know just how
difficult it will be for their relationship to blossom without Dylan’s
blessing, leaving them conflicted about how far they want to take it. Travis
wants nothing more than to earn Dylan’s approval—to promise that he will
cherish her—always.
Once Travis realizes he can no longer keep his
affection for Danielle a secret, things become complicated and the boundaries
between friendship and love cloud his future.
This Veteran’s Day, find home in the heart of
our heroes with Promise You, part of the Red Hot Heroes multi-author series and
stands alone for reading enjoyment.Amazon:http://amzn.to/1Wd9wds

www.ReneFolsom.com****

REPORT FOR BOOTY by JODI REDFORD

All sales of this title through November
15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Mason Gamble and Nash Vincent are pros at making people
sweat. As former Army Rangers who run the toughest, ball-busting fitness boot
camp in Michigan, they take great pride in that fact. But thanks to the
knockout brunette housesitting next door, suddenly they’re the ones
experiencing excess perspiration. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity to be
neighborly presents itself courtesy of a package delivery snafu.Regan Wallace has trust issues. Specifically,
trusting that her best friend won’t make good on her threat to send a
Strip-O-Gram for Regan’s birthday. Is it any wonder she’d jump to the wrong
conclusion when two gorgeous, camo-garbed hunks land on her front doorstep?
Woops. The crazy part? They don’t seem the least bit scandalized or offended by
her boneheaded blunder. Judging by the sinful heat in their eyes, they’re all
too happy to provide her with a little two-on-one dirty dancing. For a woman
recovering from a bad breakup, fielding the interest of two sex-on-a-stick men
is both surreal and exhilarating. Indulging a three-way fling? Completely out
of her comfort zone. But with her stay limited to a week, some
no-strings-attached sex might be precisely what she needs to get her confidence
back in stride.None of them are prepared for the consequences
of a sexy fling feeling like so much more. As Regan’s stay draws closer to an
end, Mason and Nash realize there’s no way in hell they’re letting the perfect
woman slip through their fingers. And when it comes to fighting for her love,
there are no fitter warriors for the ultimate battle to her heart.

Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1H3QIq8

http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html****SNAKE’S SALVATION by Aliyah Burke

Two people with painful pasts can create something
spectacular with each other.
Jason “Snake” LaRue was a Navy SEAL. Now he’s
not and he has trust issues and memories he can’t forget no matter how hard he
tries. His one solace is a woman who works at the local diner who chases away
the darkness in him. But would she ever consider a man with his past?
Loretta Swann has given up art and now works at
an all-night diner. Running from her past, she up and goes when the mood
strikes. Her one shining moment a day is when the ex-SEAL graces the
establishment. An impulsive kiss makes her wonder about something more with
him. But when she learns what he wants, will she run again, or stick around to
be Snake’s Salvation?

Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1H3QVcF

www.aliyah-burke.com ****HER HERO by Miranda Marks

Nate Morrissey has seen all kinds of action in
his years with Marine Special Operations, yet nothing compares to the adventure
he has at home with his new wife—what little time he’s been home in their brief
one year marriage. When he gets called out on a new mission at the beginning of
a long awaited leave, his bride lays down an ultimatum. Unfortunately for them
both, duty wins.
Becca soon realizes she wasn’t meant to be a
military wife. She thought she was strong, but the long months praying and
waiting for his safe return have left her broken. When he leaves her yet again,
she knows it’s time to call it quits, no matter how much her heart tells her to
stay.
Nate isn’t ready to let go of his wife just yet.
The fire they share is too hot to ignore. Nate comes home to an empty bed, but
refuses to let it stay that way long. Till death do us part means something to
Nate and he’s not dead yet…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LMZyNf
www.authormirandamarks.comMake Sure to Join our Event On Veteran’s Day!