Saturday, October 31, 2015

Bullying, Reader-to-reader style.




Bullying, Reader-to-reader style.

There are things I love to hear as an author. And then there are things that I don’t like to hear at all.

And there are things that enrage me.

Like a PM that I got on Facebook a few months ago from a reader who was broken down to tears about how a fellow reader had treated her in a reading group.

A reading group.

Yeah, you heard me.

I let it mull around for a while and then recently, after it happened to the same person again, I decided to take a stand the only way I know how—in written word.

It shocked the hell out of me and I had to read the message several times to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding the situation.

You see, I always thought reading groups is where precious nerdy girls like me went to congregate with like-minded nerdy girls and plan to take over the world chapter by chapter. We’d tuck our bookmarks in, proud of the progress we made, secretly thinking of the next time we’d be able to jam in more reading time. We’d talk together about book boyfriends and cutesy book crafts we were making.

At least that’s the dream I have in my head.

Maybe book clubs have changed.

Apparently, they have.

Granted, this is an online book club and yes, there is no tone or intonation in social media communications, so things tend to get a bit skewed and feelings get hurt.

But I don’t think anything was confusing about one reader calling my friend a ‘stuck-up prude’ for her preference of not reading adult books.

In fact, I think it is downright, blatant bullying.

Not only were these kinds of words thrown around when referring to her reading preferences and choices, but they have now excluded her from the next book discussion.

Here’s the thing people. No one wants to be bullied or called names—in person or online. We all gasp at the word fat or ugly, but this is acceptable? Abso-effing-lutely not.

Reading is like breathing for some of us—hopefully for all of us. So why can’t we just embrace each other’s choices?

I haven’t read, nor will I read, Fifty Shades of Grey. It’s just not my thing. That being said, I would never call someone names or belittle them in public or private for their choice in reading material.  If you want to read about two toasters making out in the jungle while wearing Air Jordans that allowed them to fly, I’d be happy for you. (Do they still make Air Jordans? *Let’s my age show*) That’s your choice and no one—no one—should have anything to say about it except, ‘Hey girl, enjoy your book.’ *You know you pictured Ryan Gosling there*

So it kills me to hear that people are getting called names for their reading choices. Any names.

Come on ladies. We are all book-loving, book boyfriend stalking, paperback smelling, crazy sock wearing, sipping our favorite hot beverage, laying on the couch with a snuggly blanket in the rain, reading people—be nice.

Sigh. Tell me what you think about this. Am I insane for thinking this is enraging?

Still reading anything I want to.
Still just a geeky girl in a tech world.
Still sipping my comforting hot beverage listening to the rumble of thunder.

Lila


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Friday, October 30, 2015

Interview with Dynamis author, Kristie Cook



I'm thrilled to be hosting my #Dyanmis sister, Kristie Cook on my blog today! 



We have a fabulous interview from her and at the bottom, make sure to check out the links to pre-order The Supernatural Chronicles: New Orleans: The Wolves now!





Without futher adieu:
Interview

*What would you be doing right now if you were not an author? Going insane? I mean, I’m doing that anyway, lol, but if I weren’t writing, I’d be even worse. In other ways, though, I might be less crazy. Haha! Seriously, probably still have my own business in one capacity or another. I’m a lifelong entrepreneur.
*5 years ago: what were you doing? Getting ready to release the second book in the Soul Savers series, Purpose. Mothering a senior, junior, and freshman in high school (and trying to motivate that senior to get ready for college). Running a construction consulting business with a partner. I didn’t know it exactly 5 years ago, but about to receive a huge blow from the husband’s employer and become the sole bread-winner in our 5-person family.
*Do you have a certain writing ritual? Turn on high-powered box fan (drowns out any household noise), plant butt in seat, and stare at screen until the fingers start clicking the keys. Often I’ll go back and read what I wrote the previous session to make minor edits while getting my head back into the story. I used to have more of a ritual that involved listening to mood-setting music, but I don’t have the luxury of that extra time anymore. If I have trouble getting into the story, I’ll listen to music and go for a walk or take a shower. The best ideas come in the shower!
*What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? “This story is a Twilight rip-off.” There have probably been other things said that some authors would think was worse, but as a creator, I don’t personally think there’s anything worse than being called a rip-off. Almost every book in the fantasy and paranormal romance genres, especially about teens and early twenty-somethings, is compared to Twilight, even those written decades before. There are going to be some similarities across all books in these genres, but that doesn’t mean they’re all Twilight rip-offs. These kinds of statements give no credit to the author who created their own world, characters, and stories. And that hurts because we’ve all put our blood, tears, and very souls into our writing, but statements like this so easily dismiss our investment and our feelings. If people who say this would focus on the differences, they’d realize there are many more of those than similarities, and they’d come to enjoy a lot more stories instead of being so bitter.
*Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it? I don’t know that I’m really a fangirling type, although I might fall over at the feet of Chris Hemsworth or Jensen Ackles. I’m an awkward dork when it comes to meeting most people, especially when I’m really excited or nervous (which is pretty much whenever I’m in public). I’m more likely to clam up than squee. I think if I had the chance to meet J.K. Rowling, I’d freak out. And probably not in a good way. I’d totally ruin the moment and any opportunity to actually learn anything from her. Or to even say “hi.”
*Is there an author you'd like to meet? I’m dying to meet S.T. Bende in person! We’ve become good friends online, and one of these days, we’ll make that happen.
*Biggest writing pet peeve? The blinking cursor on a blank page. Whether it’s chapter 1 or chapter 25, there’s always something a little nerve wracking about that cursor, as though it’s flashing to purposely taunt you. It’s all the worse when no other words surround it.
* Do you read other's reviews of your books? Once in a while, I’ll skim them. I don’t think it’s healthy to give too much energy to them, but I also don’t think it’s healthy to completely ignore them. Good reviews can teach you what you’re doing right by your readers and lower star reviews can teach you where you can do better. It’s the troll reviews that are bad for you, but you have to learn that those reviews are not written for you. Someone is either having a bad day or they’re just plain mean, and that has nothing to do with you as an author or a person or with your story. They don’t count, and everyone else who sees them will know that, too.


SHORT BIO:
Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, primarily New Adult paranormal romance and contemporary fantasy. Her internationally bestselling Soul Savers Series includes seven books, as well as a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella. Over 350,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, hitting Amazon’s, B&N.com’s, and Apple’s Top 100 Paid lists.

She has also written The Book of Phoenix trilogy, a New Adult paranormal romance series that includes The Space Between, The Space Beyond, and The Space Within. The full trilogy is available now.

Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, a beagle, and a puggle, but spends many weekends with her three sons at UCF, cheering on the Knights.


HOW CAN READERS REACH YOU? (include links)
Email: kristie@kristiecook.com
Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com
Soul Saver Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com
The Book of Phoenix Trilogy: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kristiecook/


INCLUDE your CHRONICLE BOOK SUMMARY/BUY LINKS
For far too long, Sundae Grayson has lived under the tight control of her father and the wolf pack he leads. At twenty-two and with college degree in hand, she’s ready to embark on a journey of her own.  But when her father is attacked and nearly killed, she finds a cryptic note in his pocket—a riddle she must solve to save him. Doing so means delaying the life she desires, but her father is worth it. Not to mention that if he dies, she becomes alpha, and she’s so not ready for that. Thank the Angels for Trevor, leader of his own pack and her lifelong crush, who volunteers to help her.

The riddle sends them on the hunt of their lives. After all, they must solve the mystery, find the relic they need, and deliver it on time to save not only their packs, but all of the Amadis, who serve as the Angels’ army on Earth. If they fail, the Demons will win over the world. But what must be sacrificed for the sake of the greater good?

This novella takes place in the internationally bestselling Soul Savers series by Kristie Cook, so be prepared to see some favorite characters. The story’s timeline falls between Promise, Book 1, and Purpose, Book 2.

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/wolves-ibooks
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/wolves-gp


Monday, October 26, 2015

The Skinwalkers is now live!

It's now live....



To walk between bodies, between species, between all races of humans--such is the life of a Skinwalker. Ahote, the son of the Great One is preparing to take his father’s place, to become ruler of those who move between the skins of his kind. That is until a letter is tacked to his door, a calling from The Noir--a letter whose blood-soaked words command obedience. Along with his life mate, Jaci, Ahote must find the voodoo priestess in the hopes that she hold the answers. Or, if the letter is correct, the veil between life and death will be torn, leaving the world open to creatures more vile than he. 







PreOrder the next book, THE WOLVES. Due out Nov 2nd.

For far too long, Sundae Grayson has lived under the tight control of her father and the wolf pack he leads. At twenty-two and with college degree in hand, she’s ready to embark on a journey of her own. But when her father is attacked and nearly killed, she finds a cryptic note in his pocket—a riddle she must solve to save him. Doing so means delaying the life she desires, but her father is worth it. Not to mention that if he dies, she becomes alpha, and she’s so not ready for that. Thank the Angels for Trevor, leader of his own pack and her lifelong crush, who volunteers to help her. 

The riddle sends them on the hunt of their lives. After all, they must solve the mystery, find the relic they need, and deliver it on time to save not only their packs, but all of the Amadis, who serve as the Angels’ army on Earth. If they fail, the Demons will win over the world. But what must be sacrificed for the sake of the greater good? 

This novella takes place in the internationally bestselling Soul Savers series by Kristie Cook, so be prepared to see some favorite characters. The story's timeline falls between Promise, Book 1, and Purpose, Book 2. 

If you’re new to the Soul Savers series, discover the rest, where you'll meet more than werewolves, but also vampires, witches, and warlocks. The further you get into the series, the more creatures you'll discover, including shapeshifters, fae, sorcerers, angels, and demons.