Kristie Cook's Blog, page 4

I’m so excited! Today is release day for Supernatural Chronicles: The Dragons by the lovely Delphina Henley. As we do every Monday, we’re celebrating all day in the Dynamis’ Dynamic Readers Facebook group. Be sure to come join us! Also, it’s my turn to host the big $50 gift card giveaway. Enter the Rafflecopter below.

About The Dragons

Adeen has always known she was destined to save her people, the dragons, thanks to a visit from a princess when she was a small child. That one visit changed everything. Fearing the crumbling of the veil that protects the dragons, her clan took away her childhood and made training her top priority.

Now, no longer a child, Adeen is again visited by her princess and receives her task. She must make the trek to New Orleans to save the dragons. Her solo mission doesn’t stay that way long, and she is soon joined by an ancient fae, a not-so-extinct extinct phoenix, and a super hot dragon — who happens to be her fated mate. The mission is nothing like what she had prepared for, nor is it what she expected. This mission will take more than just skill. It will take a great sacrifice. Is Adeen ready to give up everything she just found?

Buy Here

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/ugc3b2

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/qgstb4

B&N: http://smarturl.it/fqvbte

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/ecftzm

About Delphina Henley

Delphina Henley has always been a unicorn. Delphina has been writing since she can remember and has always had a love of the paranormal. She is an avid reader and a self proclaimed shifter crack addict. Delphina currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four kids.

Blog: http://bit.ly/delphina

Facebook http://bit.ly/FBunicorns

Twitter: @DelphinaReads

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Happy Book Birthday to my author bestie, Brenda Pandos! Her Supernatural Chronicles: The Vampires releases today! This is the third book in the Dynamis in New Orleans series, the follow up to my book, The Wolves, which released last week. Be sure to read them all and collect the relics as you go. There will be a scavenger hunt when all of the books have released on Dec. 21.

Let’s get to know Brenda a little better!

What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

If I wasn’t an author, I’d most likely be working in some managerial capacity as a Computer Information Systems Analyst for the State of California, which is what I was doing prior to writing. I’d needed to quit in order to take care of my son with special needs, and shortly thereafter my writing career took off.

5 years ago: what were you doing?

Five years ago, I’d published my first book in March and was gearing up for my second release of, The Sapphire Talisman, in December. This was the original cover of my first book. I had a 1-year-old and a child in therapy 40-hrs a week, and I ate way too many cookies.

Do you have a certain writing ritual?

In order for me to start writing, I have to have something to drink in front of me, preferably wine, ice tea or passion tea, and then some lip balm, and my outline book map (we don’t say that ugly word, ‘cause my inner rebel doesn’t like to be reined in).

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

My toughest criticism in the beginning was “mean girl” reviews. I don’t mind constructive criticism because I’m always looking to grow in my writing. It’s the, “I’m glad this was free,” “I want the last 4-hours of my life back,” “simply awful,” “everyone else who gushed over this book is an idiot,” rants. A reader once wrote a 4K+ word review (with typos mind you) that included homemade meme’s making fun of my story. I had to realize that unhappy trolls are everywhere, and their need to feel better about themselves stretches far and wide, including author’s work that I love. So I read said author’s bad reviews, laugh at how ridiculous they are, and it makes it all better, because in the end, I love my characters and so do my fans. And they’re the ones who matter. #booknerdsrock

Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it?

Absolutely! My “fangirling” is clamping my mouth shut and staring awkwardly, for the most part, while I nudge my friend and say, “Is that…?” I’ve totally fan-girled Jennifer Armentrout, Abbi Glines, Rachelle Mead, Veronica Roth, Jacinda Wilder, Hugh Howey, Denise Grover Swank, Maggie Stiefvater, Nancy Holder (Buffy the Vampire Slayer writer)… the list goes on. It’s fun to get all verklempt, act like a nerd, then realize they’re real people, too, and get to know those who you aspire to be.

Is there an author you’d like to meet?

I would love to meet Stephenie Meyer as Twilight was the catalyst that inspired me to write The Emerald Talisman, which has changed my life.

Biggest writing pet peeve?

My biggest writing peeve is when I get my book in print, and I find a mistake. Ugh! It always feels like my book is truly ever finished.

Do you read other’s reviews of your books?

Yes, I do. When a book releases, reviews help me gauge if I’m resonating with my fans, and I love seeing my work through another person’s eyes… well, not the mean girl ones, but we’ve already been there. (I digress)

Thanks for taking the time to learn about me! And when it’s time to vote, don’t send #teamvampire off the island. Oh, wait… you’re relic hunting. Did I mention I was blonde?

About The Vampires

After narrowly escaping annihilation, eighteen-year-old Julia Parker and her vampire friends are on the hunt for their next big thrill.  When a blood-penned riddle triggers Julia’s thirst, the vamps fear they’re being lured into a trap. And when the note’s ‘ink’ drives Julia into a rage/frenzy, her friends are left with no choice but to destroy it.

Though Julia returns to her normal self, the threat isn’t over. The letter warns that a sacrifice is required in order for them to keep their immortality. As each minute passes, the group starts becoming weaker. Unsure how to satisfy the letter’s author, they go to New Orleans anyway, but this is no ordinary trip. Evil lurks in the shadows, feeding off Julia’s bloodlust and preparing to stake her and her friends at the first opportunity. And with the moon coming into position, they’re running out of time. If outside forces don’t bring the coven down, Julia herself may be their undoing. Because fulfilling the riddle will cost Julia one of two things: a treasure she holds dear or her own immortal life. Failure is not an option.

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Google

BN

Kobo

BIO:

Author Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband, two energetic boys, eight chickens and a grumpy orange cat, though her kids keep begging for a dog #notadogperson #catrulesthehouse, that isn’t happening soon. She avoids cooking and housework by writing fast-paced stories about kissing, hot mermen, bad boy vampires, and occasionally zombies–not all in the same stories… #issues. When she’s not writing, or wrangling her kids, she’s sleeping… or making up crazy #hashtags, failing at her latest Pinterest replication #lamechef or delivering a really bad pun. More than anything she loves to hear from readers. Feel free to email [email protected] or write on her facebook wall.

Visit her at http://www.brendapandos.com.

Join the newsletter for free books and bonus content: tinyurl.com/mge8zvn

Join her fan page: http://www.Facebook.com/brendapandos

See her lame photography skills at: www.instagram.com/brendapandos

Follow her on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/brendapandos

Watch her be a nerd on Periscope: http://www.periscope.tv/brendapandos

My new release, Supernatural Chronicles: The Wolves, the second book in the Dynamis in New Orleans series is live! It’s only 99c on all retailers. And no worries – you don’t have to have read the Soul Savers series books or the first book, The Skinwalkers, although we hope you read them all! As you do read each of the Supernatural Chronicles books, collect all the relics for a scavenger hunt at the end with prizes valuing over $1,000! Also be sure to join us every Monday at Dynamis’ Dynamic Readers for an all day party with more prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card.

Supernatural Chronicles: The Wolves

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.

Buy here:

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/wolves-ibooks

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/wolves-zon

BN: http://smarturl.it/wolves-bn

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/wolves-kobo

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

The first book of the Dynamis in New Orleans series, Supernatural Chronicles: The Skinwalkers releases Monday! Yay! And as we prepare for this awesome story and launch of the amazing 10-book series by 10 different authors, I have with me today the brave one who chose to go first, Lila Felix. Whoop!

I’ve known Lila for quite some time as she used to be a beta reader for me. But then she got all busy writing her own books, and wow, has she been prolific! I’m thrilled to call her friend and so excited we’re in the Dynamis together. So, let’s get to know her!

What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

If I were not an author, I would still be editing books for indie authors and loving every second of it.

5 years ago: what were you doing?

Five years ago, I was working nights at Wal-Mart in their cash office, counting tons of money every night.

Do you have a certain writing ritual?

My writing ritual is to listen to some inspiring music for about a half hour or read some before starting. After that, I try to write whenever I can, sneaking in the time gaps in our schedules.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

My toughest criticism has been that my endings aren’t always what the reader expected. I see this as a criticism and a compliment. I don’t really want to write what everyone expects.

Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it?

Absolutely! I’ve totally fan-girled over so many authors. I’m first and foremost a reader after all! It was actually Shelly Crane. I flew to Florida to see her and wigged out hard.

Is there an author you’d like to meet?

I would love to meet Jay Asher. 13 Reasons Why is a book that continues to impact my life every day. It makes me think about who I am and how I treat others in every situation. He’s a brilliant author. I’d probably faint.

Biggest writing pet peeve?

My biggest writing peeve is that horrible little word count box at the bottom of the page. Once I learned to make that sucker go away, I was in heaven.

Do you read other’s reviews of your books?

I read other’s reviews of my books in the first month of their release. After that, I check them every 6 months or so. It can be painful and humbling to see what others think of our books.

About Supernatural Chronicles: The Skinwalkers

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.

Get ready to read! Get ready to hunt! Release Monday, Oct. 26! Buy here:

iBooks

Amazon

Nook

Kobo

Be sure you’re a part of the Dynamis’ Dynamic Readers group on Facebook so you can join in the big party on Monday and find out about THE BIG HUNT.

After staring at a blank screen for a ridiculous amount of time today, my itchy fingers banged out some words about what I want to write since I couldn’t figure out how to actually write it. The free-writing turned into something I feel like sharing, because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt like giving up…

via GIPHY

I want to write a book that grabs people and gives them a shake. Makes them think and reconsider what they believe to know. I want characters whom readers connect with, fall in love with, laugh and cry with and cheer for, and those they love to hate.

I want to write something that resonates, that makes people continue thinking about the story long after they’ve turned the last page, that has them shoving the book in the faces of their friends and family, insisting that they read it, too, so they have someone to discuss the story with. I want them to shout about it everywhere, to say, “This. Read this! If you read nothing else this year, read this.” But at the same time, I want it to be a book that brings people back to reading, to discovering new worlds, to exploring various possibilities.

I want readers to ask “what if” during and after reading. I want them to believe anything is possible with God. I want to scare the shit out of them, but to also fill their well of hope. I want the hairs on the backs of their necks to stand on end and their hearts to swell with love.

I want to write the best fucking book I can possibly write, and hopefully it will hit at least one other person as strongly as it hits me.

This was the passion burning inside me when I started writing, before I knew whether I’d even share the story with a single soul. This was the passion that I gave into, throwing myself into its fire, that carried me forward, that I poured into every book I wrote.

But at some point, this passion, this deep-hearted desire to reach into people’s souls and leave a mark of beauty, was dimmed. It has never left, but other beliefs tried to snuff it out. Beliefs like, “You’re just not good enough.” “You’re not that writer, but that’s okay, because you do well enough.” “You need to be writing this, not that, because it’s what’s selling.” “You need to focus more on this, not that, because it pays the bills.” “You need to hurry up because your readers are leaving you in droves. They’ve given up on you.”

And most devastating of all, believing that people I trusted more than anyone, whose opinions meant so much to me, had not only given up on me, but had never really believed in me in the first place. Realizing that some people are only opportunists, jumping on board and going full throttle when everything is blue skies and lovely, but bailing as soon as the going gets tough. Wiping their hands clean and saying, “What we’re doing here isn’t good enough for me,” which, when you’re the author and producer, translates to, “You’re not good enough for me.”

I wrote through this major blow, ignoring all of the little voices whispering those things in the back of my mind, so I could hang on to that burning passion as much as possible. But once I completed the series that started it all, once I could stop and ponder everything that had happened over my journey thus far, my writing world went dark. Because my passion went dark.

My series didn’t end on the high note I’d wanted so badly, and I let the voices get to me. I tried to write, but the action was only to “produce” not to “ignite.” Reminiscent of my younger years, I started stories many times, but never made it further than a few chapters. My feels for the story, for writing at all, were gone.

So I focused more on filling my creative well. I traveled – all over the place. England, France, Scotland, and Wales, and coast to coast and back again in the US. That’s five countries and 18 states in 6 months. I spent time with friends and family, and readers and authors. We talked books and characters and our favorite book boyfriends, along with all kinds of other life things. My passion began to build again.

I’ve just finished writing my first full story in months, Supernatural Chronicles: The Wolves. It’s a novella and part of a group project with the Dynamis, and admittedly, when I first started on it, I thought I’d just throw it together as something to put out there. I believed in the project, but not so much myself. I stuck with it, though, because I couldn’t disappoint the Dynamis authors or my readers. And I wanted to give my readers a message to know I’m still here. Because although I hadn’t been writing much in the previous months, I’d been dreaming and planning all the books I want to write.

And wow, do I have a lot planned.

But it wasn’t until I got about halfway into The Wolves that my passion lit up. And now that I’ve finished, I’m burning with excitement. Excitement to write again, to give it my all, to follow my dreams, to reach into my heart and my soul and lay them all out there once again, hoping they will touch yours.

I not only want to write all of these stories I have planned, but I need to.

It’s easy to let the naysayers trod us down into the mud, especially those in our own heads. It’s not so easy to keep getting back up, brushing ourselves off, and trying again. But I will and I have. Because although those others might have given up on me, whether people who were close to me or readers in distant lands, I won’t give up on me.

Credit my characters. They just won’t let me give up. They’ve never stopped believing in me. And people wonder why I’d rather spend my time with my fictional cast than with real people…

No matter what our passion is, we all face those times where we feel like we’ve lost it. When you do, give it time, give yourself space, fill your creative well. Most importantly, reconnect with yourself and your passion. It’s there; it just needs air to burn. Then you can give in and not give up.

via GIPHY

I have news! A new release that takes place in the Soul Savers world, but is so much more. Introducing…

Supernatural Chronicles: New Orleans

Beneath the brow of Bourbon and French architecture, the iris of New Orleans swirls with flecks of worlds and beings unknown to mankind. Come with us as we chronicle their journey—each supernatural race must hunt for an offering in hopes of saving their own. Skinwalkers, Wolves, Vampires, Dragons, Succubi, Witches, Necromancers, Cupids, and Asgardians are all in danger of losing control as an uprising darkness threatens to rip the veil that protects them all from the great beyond.

Ten original novellas, following each supernatural race as they fight an elusive enemy, are written by New Adult authors Lila Felix, Kristie Cook, Brenda Pandos, Delphina Henley, Julia Crane, Jamie Magee, Morgan Wylie, Kallie Ross, S.T. Bende, and Rebecca Ethington. Come join them for the hunt and discover hidden treasures inside.

~

The first supernatural chronicle will release October 26th, and then weekly until the final release December 21st.  Every week a different paranormal’s story will be told, and a relic will be revealed. With several scheduled scavenger hunts that tie in with the books, readers will be able to join in the hunt and win prizes. Whether you love witches, angels, or werewolves, New Orleans is being flooded with the supernatural this Fall. A boxed set will be available in early 2016, following the individual publications. Anyone that enjoys reading New Adult Paranormal won’t want to miss this release of novellas.

Titles Include:

Supernatural Chronicles: The Skinwalkers by Lila Felix

Supernatural Chronicles: The Wolves by Kristie Cook

Supernatural Chronicles: The Vampires by Brenda Pandos

Supernatural Chronicles: The Dragons by Delphina Henley

Supernatural Chronicles: The Succubi by Julia Crane

Supernatural Chronicles: The Witches by Jamie Magee

Supernatural Chronicles: The Necromancers by Morgan Wylie

Supernatural Chronicles: The Cupids by Kallie Ross

Supernatural Chronicles: The Asgardians by S.T. Bende

Supernatural Chronicles: The Noir by Rebecca Ethington

Be sure to join our Facebook group for more details and to stay up to date on release news and other fabulous stuff: https://www.facebook.com/groups/434753706727619/

My slice of this epic pie:

Supernatural Chronicles: The Wolves

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.

PREORDER NOW!

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0155ZIUDS?*Version*=1&tag=kriscook-20&*entries*=0

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0155ZIUDS?*Version*=1&tag=kriscook-20&*entries*=0

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/supernatural-chronicles-wolves/id1038756044?mt=11&at=11l6dI 

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/supernatural-chronicles-the-wolves

BN: Coming soon!

Google Play: Coming soon!

Have you been waiting for news of my next release? I’ve been keeping it Top Secret, but news is about to come!

What I can tell you now: It will be based in the Soul Savers world, about characters you’ve already met. And, it’s part of a unique collaborative project with some other amazing authors of paranormal and fantasy. We’re doing something that, as far as we know, has never been done before, and readers are going to love it! Especially those who like to win things. Hint hint.

On Sept. 14, we’ll be announcing all the details at our Facebook party. However, if you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll get some of the news early on Sept. 11! And in the meantime, we’re having all kinds of fun in our Facebook group, Dynamis’ Dynamic Readers. Come join us. Trust me – you don’t want to be left out on this one.

In the midst of brainstorming, outlining, and writing, along with wading through pictures of my Summer 2015 Tour to share with you, I’ve been planning my next trip. At the end of this month, The Man, the fur-babies, and I embark on the road going west. Our ultimate destination is Palm Springs for InD’Scribe Reader and Author Con. I’m so excited to get to the west coast! Will I see you there? If so, here’s a pre-order form.

We’ll have some stops along the way, including Phoenix, where I’ll be doing an Author Hangout with readers. We had tons of fun at these hangouts over the summer, meeting fans and new readers in the South/Midwest. But this Phoenix hangout went from fun to AWESOME! And if you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss it.

Why?

Because I won’t be the only author there. In fact, there will be 8 (EIGHT!!!!) authors attending. That’s practically a real conference event! lol Not quite, but seriously. You can come meet and hangout with 8 authors at once. It will still be relaxed, with casual conversations about books, book boyfriends, villains we love to hate, what we’re each working on now, real life, summer adventures…wherever the conversations go. We’ll have giveaways and goodies, too.

The hangout will be Saturday, Sept. 12, 12 noon to 2 p.m. We’re still working on the exact location. Here are the attending authors:

Interested in joining us? Fill out this preorder form to RSVP, and we’ll send you the specific details as soon as we have them. You can also preorder any of my books and merchandise so you can be sure to get what you want.

The Summer 2015 Author Tour has been amazing so far. I’ve met new readers as well as people I’ve known for years online but just not had the opportunity to meet in person. I’ve given gifts and received gifts. And we’ve all had a blast (at least, I hope everyone else has had fun!).

I’ve had a last minute addition to the tour. The Southwest Regional Library in Louisville has invited me to do a hangout at their library, and of course I said yes! So if you’re in the Louisville area, please come and join us. Here are the details:

When: Tuesday, July 14, 6-8 pm

Where: Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Highway, Louisville

What: A casual evening of discussing books, book boyfriends, other characters, and whatever else we feel like. This is a laid-back, free event open to everyone, so please bring your friends.

RSVP: Click here to RSVP and to order any books and/or merchandise. We cannot sell anything during the event, but we can deliver any orders made and paid for before hand.

I hope to see you there! Or at the other remaining hangouts or conference. Don’t know where and when they are? Check out my News & Events page.

The view from our campsite almost all week. I swear, it felt like we were in the zombie apocalypse, with all the empty sites and picnic tables.

A quick update on the travels: It’s been…interesting. Last week, we stayed in a beautiful, (eerily) quiet place on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. I absolutely loved it except I hardly ever had cell service and we had to go up to the office for wifi. I should have gotten a lot of writing done, but unfortunately, not quite as much as I would have liked. I was, at least, able to upload one of my campfire chat videos, so if you’re lost on what’s going on, you can watch that one here: http://kristiecook.com/my-first-campfire-chat/

On Sunday, we headed to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, but a couple of hours away from our next spot, our truck’s tire blew. Angels were watching out for us, because the actual “explosion” (it honestly sounded like someone shot at us) didn’t happen until we were off the interstate and parked at a truck stop. I mean, The Man had no more than put the gear into Park and opened his door when there was a loud BANG that shook the entire rig.

Of course, being a Sunday afternoon, we couldn’t get any of our THREE roadside assist memberships to respond (so much for 24-hour emergency service!). We were able to put on the spare and hobble down to the local Walmart, but they didn’t have our tire size in stock. So, we experienced our first time camping in the Walmart parking lot. Now I have nightmares that we’ll show up on People of Walmart (that’s not me in the PJs and messy hair tangled up in dogs’ leashes, I swear, not at all). We did get the tire replaced the next morning and finally made it to the Smoky Mountains. Whew. *cue brow-wiping and lots of adult beveraging*

I’m sure this is just the first of many mishaps and obstacles we’ll face while on our adventures. Like I said, we were blessed, because it could have happened on the highway, resulting in a loss of control and tragic outcomes I don’t want to think about. I truly believe someone was watching out for us and we were meant to stay there for the night, because everything was working against us continuing on that day. Thank you, my angels.

Anyway, long before any of this happened (well, it feels like long ago, but only a couple of weeks ago), while we were in Nashville, we had a guest stay with us in the glamper. None other than the fantabulous author Brenda Pandos! My bestie.