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!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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.

Bloodlines for free!


ilovebooksandstuffblog

BLOODLINES

Bloodlines Final eBook_webSynopsis: 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.

 

Bloodlines Free

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:

5808145Shannon 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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Read Today’s NEW Novel Loglines


I recently posted a Log line for my first novel here and it look slike a great way to promote your screenplay or book. Feel free to check it out!

WILDsound Writing Festival

DEADLINE September 15th: 1st CHAPTER/FULL NOVEL Festival. FULL FEEDBACK. Get novel performed by professional actors
http://www.wildsound.ca/book_contest.html

Read Today’s Novel Loglines:

Title: Uncle MJ
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/uncle_mj_by_magdalena_stancheva.html
Written by: Magdalena Stancheva
Type: Novel
Genre: Adventure

Title: Nyx, Shadow of Light
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/nyx_shadow_of_light_by_km_novels_kris_moore.html
Written by: KM Novels, Kris Moore
Type: Novel
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure

Title: Rose of Crimson
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/rose_of_crimson_by_zrinka_jelic.html
Written by: Zrinka Jelic
Type: Novel
Genre: Paranormal romance

Title: PUSHING UPWARD
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/pushing_upward_by_andrea_adler.html
Written by: Andrea Adler
Type: Novel
Genre: Dramedy

Title: A Moment in the Sun
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/a_moment_in_the_sun_by_tory_gates.html
Written by: Tory Gates
Type: Novel
Genre: Young Adult, Crossover Fiction

Title: The Twins
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/the_twins_by_rg_miller.html
Written by: R.G.Miller
Type: Novel
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Mystery

Title: The Traveling Man
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/the_traveling_man_by_michael_p_king.html
Written by: Michael P. King
Type: Novel
Genre: Thriller

Title: The Gathering: book One of the Lia Fail Chronicles
http://www.wildsoundfestival.com/the_gathering_book_one_of_the_lia_fail_chronicles_by_sl_darling.html
Written by: S.L. Dearing
Type: Novel
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Thriller, Romance

    * * * * *

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Here is my interview with S.L. Dearing


An interview with yours truly. Check what I had to tell Fiona McVie and read a chapter of one of my WIPs.

authorsinterviews

11021150_856110941098375_7848736993669888386_n

Name: Shannon Dearing (Pen Name: S.L. Dearing)

Age: 47

Where are you from: Los Angeles, California

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc:

I was raised in Westlake Village, California and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and then spent several years studying at Los Angeles City College’s renowned Television/ Film program. I have worked on several film projects in many capacities: directing, writing, First Asst. Director, Craft Services, Etc. I have been writing since grade school, and over the years, I have written several screenplays, poems and short stories. I currently work in an administrative capacity in Century City when I’m not writing.

My first series (The Lia Fail Chronicles) has several books available at most retail outlets – The Gathering and From The Gathering to The Bridging. In addition, several of my short stories are currently available…

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Lovely Blog Award Winner- I didn’t even know I was nominated


Well, it would appear that I have been tagged, no corralled… wait.. offered… err, awarded the One Lovely Blog Award!!

lovely blog logo

YAY!! I was given this monumental honor by Kendra S. Berni, author of the Angels of Children series.  She was in fact, roped into this… I’m sorry, declared a winner, by none other than Casey Sean Harmon (author of The EverAfter Chronicles – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17163477-reign-of-the-night-creatures) He tagged Kendra and she subsequently tagged me… Please go and check her out at the following link.  (http://www.kberni20.blogspot.com/)

So, according to the rules, I have to reveal 7 random facts about myself… here we go…

1. I make jewelry with one of my best friends and we have a company called Aikane Kreations.
2. I always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, until I went to college, then I realized it wasn’t for me.
3. I went through a year long phase where I had hot pink hair… I miss it.
4. I love grits and corn, but I hate hominy.
5. It took 8 years to write The Gathering.
6. I’m learning to play the guitar and speak German, French, Italian and Gaelic.
7. I have 13 holes in my ears (piercings) 5 in one ear and 8 in the other.
Hope you enjoyed those random facts all about me. So, I must choose 3 more unsuspecting individuals to be tagged, err awarded the Lovely Blog Award… so I choose:
Hmmm, well, I think there are a lot of lovely blogs… 3 are located to the right of this post… Cynthia Shepp Book Reviews & Editing, Narly Nut’s Book Lovers and Library at the End of the Universe… I think they’re lovely, as well as the many other blogs I myself follow… all offering up a plethora of humor, poignant thoughts and information.  I call you all LOVELY BLOG AWARD WINNERS!!
Please feel free to post 7 random facts about yourself and declare yourself a Lovely Blog Award Winner!  Have a wonderful day!!

Entered Contest, Learned A LOT!!!


WGT & WNet BannerWhen I entered the Writer’s Got Talent contest 4 weeks ago, I thought I would be meeting some new people and possibly exposing some new people to my books.  I had no idea that I would learn so much about marketing and exposure in general.

The creator of Writer’s Got Talent, Bruce Goldwell (www.BruceGoldwell.com) has been a valuable source of information.  From him, I have learned how to do a proper Press Release, where is get listed, how to brand, where to find new followers.  On top of all of these things, we were given the opportunity to learn how to improve our descriptions, or our Amazon Author Pages.  How to grab a potential new buyer and spread the word about our novels.  The other authors have also been a wealthy resource of information as well as wonderful supporters.  Especially, Jim Henry, Clarence Bonner, Venessa Kimball, and Aoife Marie Sheridan.  All of us working together to promote this experience and each other.

I thought I was doing it right before, but I’m seeing where I have totally improved.  I’m not sure who will make it through to the last week and final challenge, but even if this is my last week, I have had a great time and I know that I will continue to learn and hopefully remain friends with these other authors.  The Writing World can only benefit from the symbiotic relationship of paying it all forward, such as we have been experiencing in Writer’s Got Talent.  We are all looking to find that level of success, whatever that is to us.  I was looking for more exposure.  I got that, but I will also walk away with a lot more knowledge and some new friends. Over all, its been a wonderful ride and I look forward to the next contest and hope it’s been as fabulous as this one 🙂

Writer’s Got Talent – New Contest going on now… and I’m in it!!


WGT BannerWow!!  I’m participating in a brand new contest that was created by Bruce Goldwell (Author of the Dragon Keepers Series – http://www.BruceGoldwell.com) to help promote indie authors.  It’s very cool.  It’s set up like an XFactor for writers. It’s called Writer’s Got Talent (www.WritersGotTalent.com).  There are challenges each week for we authors to do.  This first week is all about the votes.  We need “America” (I wish – LOL) to give us those votes.  Next challenge will be the description for our books that is posted on Amazon.  The contest is designated to go on for 8 weeks.  The complete list of challenges as well as the authors and their books are displayed on the Writer’s Got Talent site.  You can also see the book covers on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/sldearing1/book-covers-writer-s-got-talent/)

Not only is this contest helping us promote our books and blogs, but it’s doing something more important.  It’s introducing us to more writers.  The writing community is vast, but like other professions, we all need each other.  We need to lean on each other, support each other, promote one another… in general help each other.  Whether it be reading and critiquing each other’s work or helping edit or just being there to encourage one another during the rough patches.  We are all trying to get our books seen and ultimately read and this is the kind of nepotism we, as writer’s,  should practice.

I have many writer friends, online and in person.  We may not all write the same things, but we are all supportive of one another in whatever capacity we can provide.  I love that this contest is combining that mentality with a healthy dose of competitiveness.  We can only help to make each other better and try to get our words out to the those who would appreciate and enjoy them.  So I would ask that you share this post and all of these links with anyone you know who is a reader and lover of books.  They may find a new author to love or book for a friend.  Send them all over… we would love to see them. 🙂

WGT & WNet Banner

The 2nd novel… OOOOO SCARY!!!


Well, yeah, it is.  It took me over 7 years to write my first novel, from idea to published product.  I took the advice of learned writers before me and I tossed several incarnations of the book.  The first was in the wrong place, the second was full of the wrong kind of dialogue, the third, I kept writing chapters that ended no where, but in the end, I had the book I wanted.  I love my book.  I love everything about it.  It’s a little bit of everything.  Fantasy, adventure, romance, thriller, horror… it covers them all.

Some people criticize the number of characters, but I think they are all needed.  I’ve had a lot of positive feedback and reviews, and some negative.  I have some of my fans who are screaming for the 2nd installment.  Thus the title of this post… the dreaded 2nd novel.  I always thought it might be somewhat difficult, but I had no idea the kind of pressure we put on ourselves as writers when it comes to a second book.  It’s not that I don’t want to return to Lia Fail and my beloved characters, I do.  I know where they are and what they’re doing for the most part (they will really get talking soon ; ), nor is it getting lost in their stories.  It’s not the hours of solitude (I actually love that part).  It’s the readers… the ones who loved my book.

The scary part is in the potential to disappoint them.  Something that scares the hell out of me.  I know I have two choices.  I can stop writing altogether (sucky option) or I can just man up and get it done.  Well, not writing anymore isn’t going to happen.  It’s part of me and who I am, like breathing.  I have to do it.  So I guess, I just need to man up.

It’s not like I’m out of ideas, those keep coming, actually piling up in my head.  Actually, I should get them out, right?  Ok, time to be a grown-up and sit down and start increasing that word count.  Kind of like here.   Ok, so maybe it’s not that scary.  Maybe I’m being a big baby.  I guess there’s only one way to find out… jumping off again!!!  Oh, My Lovelies, be kind!!! ; )