Kristie Cook's Blog, page 5

I kicked off the Summer 2015 Tour last week, but haven’t had a chance to drop in here and really tell you about it! Now that utopYA Con is over, I have a little time to breathe and catch up with you here. Anyway, Nashville was the first stop on the tour for utopYA, and now we’ve moved on to Russell Springs, Kentucky. So I apologize for posting this a little late, but better late than never, right? Anyway…on to the video.

Eep! I’m so nervous! As I say in the video, I’m totally stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve only done one Q&A video because, well, I’d rather hide behind the screen and write. But here I am, doing my first Campfire Chat, a new series of videos I’ll be doing while on the Summer 2015 Author Tour, and if it goes well, beyond.

Stay tuned for more videos coming this week, including my first Guest Campfire Chat. Oh, and if you have a question for me to answer in a future Campfire Chat, please leave it in the comments!

Not everyone gets the opportunity to go to a big book conference or author signing. I understand how frustrating and disappointing it is when they’re not near you or you just can’t go for one reason or another. Because of this, I’ve decided to do some author hangouts with readers in the places where I’ll be traveling. I am so freakin’ excited to announce the ones for this summer. Maybe you can join us!

We’ll be talking about books and characters, getting a hint at what’s next, having a Q&A session, signing books and stuff, winning prizes, and eating yummies. I might even read from my current WIP (work-in-progress)! Books can be pre-ordered at special prices, and they’ll also be available at the hangout, along with special merchandise. And who knows – you might make some new friends who love to read the same books you do!

These will be casual get-togethers. Nothing fancy. All relaxing and fun. If you’re in or near any of the areas, I hope you’ll come out and join the fun!

Here’s where I’ll be this June and July:

6/18-20 – utopYA Con – Nashville, TN – Tickets here

6/27 – 1-3 pm – Hangout in Green River State Park – near Campbellsville, KY – RSVP/Pre-order here

7/2 – 6-8 pm – Hangout at The Island – Pigeon Forge, TN – RSVP/Pre-order here

7/11 – 2-4 pm – Hangout at Newport on the Levee – Cincinnati – RSVP/Pre-order here

7/18 – 12-2 pm – Hangout at John James Audubon State Park – near Evansville, IN/Owensboro, KY – RSVP/Pre-order here

7/24-25 – Penned Con – St. Louis, MO – Tickets here / Pre-order here

Penned Con will wrap up my June/July travels, but I’ll be heading out again in late August. We’ll be making our way toward InD’Scribe Con in Palm Springs, CA, so stay tuned. Maybe I can come to your area!

A couple of weeks ago, I announced in my newsletter that The Man and I had bought this get-up.

Awesome, yeah? Well, there’s a plan behind this major purchase. I have several author/reader conferences this summer and several more to come next year and beyond. But I understand that many people can’t make it to these events for various reasons, so I thought, “Hey, maybe I can come to you!” Since I’ll be on the road anyway, why not see what readers are in the areas I’ll be in so we can plan a get-together?

This is a chance for you, your friends or book club, and me to hang out and discuss books, ask and answer questions, get your books signed, buy some cool stuff, and win some, too. For now, I’m looking at the following places for the months of June and July:

Northern Georgia
Tennessee
Northern Alabama
Northern Mississippi
Arkansas
Missouri
Kentucky
Southern Illinois
Southern Indiana

If you’re in any of these locations, and you’d like to help me host a meet-and-greet, please complete this interest form. This is not a commitment for either of us – just a way for me to gather information on anyone’s interest so I can make a decision on my routes. I’ll be in touch soon to see what we might be able to pull together.

If you’re not in these areas, don’t fret. I’ll be adding others for late August/September, and more for next year. Stay tuned!

Have you read The Book of Phoenix trilogy yet? If not, now’s a great time to dive in, because I’ve bundled all three books into one box set. For only $4.99, you can discover the secrets hidden in the Book of Phoenix and what those secrets have to do with the sexy fighter-turned-model Jeric, strong dancer Leni, punk college student Jacey, hot Marine Micah, Southern smart-ass Bex, survivor Asia, and delicious Brock. That’s right – not just one book boyfriend in this trilogy, but several. And some kickass heroines to keep them in line…and guessing all the time. If you’ve already read the series, a review on the box set would be greatly appreciated!

Here’s where to buy:

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/amzbopset

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/amzukbopset

Nook: http://bit.ly/nookbopset

Kobo: http://bit.ly/kobobopset

iBooks: http://bit.ly/ibooksbopset

Here’s the “official” description: 

The Book of Phoenix—a leather-bound journal full of secrets, but only if you read between the lines. Discover those secrets and more in these three books with four love stories and an unexpected paranormal twist that will take your breath and have you flipping through the pages to learn more.

The Space Between (Part 1)

After a month-long dance tour overseas, Leni returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, their home empty, and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that remains is her truck and a leather-bound book she can’t open. Nearly as disturbing, she keeps running into the deaf and dangerously sexy model she’d met in Italy, and no matter how hard she tries to shake him, her soul won’t let her.

Jeric has traveled the world in search of a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia … in the exact town where the beautiful dancer from Italy lives. He’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame, but his life as a loner in his silent world allows no room for girlfriends, and he tries to leave her. Except outside forces won’t let him.

When the same “tattoos” suddenly appear on their arms and the book’s lock falls open, Leni and Jeric realize there’s more between them than physical fascination. They must embark on a journey together to discover their connection to each other and their ties to the Book of Phoenix.

And they must figure it all out fast. Shadowy forms that are more monsters than men are closing in, while their own existences are crumbling around them.

The Space Beyond (Part 2)

As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.

Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she’s knockin’ on death’s door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?

Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?

If they don’t learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.

The Space Within (Part 3)

Completing a mission that reunites Guardian Twin Flames turns devastating when the Book of Phoenix throws Leni and Brock into a Dark world, leaving Jeric and Asia behind. They count on their other halves to rescue them, but when that doesn’t happen, they must fight through the Darkness and find a Gate that will take them home.

Except all of Earth’s Gates are sealed.

Enyxa, ruler of Darkness, and her horde of Dark souls storm the Gates to push their way through to Earth. While Leni and Brock fight Enyxa on their side, Jeric and Asia must figure out how to save their Twin Flames without jeopardizing all of Earth’s souls. Through it all—and with a little help from Enyxa—Brock and Asia begin questioning their relationship and whether they’re truly meant to be together…or if they’re two Lost souls forced to become one.

If the Broken dyads don’t find each other fast, they’ll be lost to the Dark forever. But to reunite means choosing themselves over all of Earth’s souls. Can Jeric make that decision? And will Brock and Asia find the love they both desperately crave? Or are they all doomed to perpetual Darkness?

Discover how it all ends in The Space Within, the explosive conclusion to The Book of Phoenix trilogy.

 

6 weeks from today, The Man and I will be boarding the plane to cross the pond to the UK. I’m so dang excited! We have some extra days to explore London, which is really cool. I’m hoping to glean some new ideas for all the Soul Savers spin-off possibilities I have. The tour itself kicks off in London on 21 April. Here are the stops with dates, locations, and times (you can also find this info on my News & Events page).

Because space is limited and shipping books is difficult, you might want to preorder yours now to ensure you get what you want. Here’s the preorder link:  http://tinyurl.com/nsrzrya  HURRY! I have to get my order submitted for printing by the early next week. If you’ve already ordered, I’ll be sending invoices out this week.

You can reserve your spot for a signing to guarantee you can get in, and also receive a gift bag with some goodies in it, here: http://bit.ly/UKAUTHORTOUR

I can’t wait to see you and meet you in person! Please bring your friends – there are some fabulous authors for all of you to meet!

With a whole three days off work since the 4th of July, I’m way overdue for a break. Now that Faith’s out, I’m gonna do just that. I need to fill my creative well, which is bone dry. So I’m outta here, peeps!

I’m going to make a dent in my TBR pile, catch up on my TV shows and maybe find something new, watch some movies, enjoy some wind therapy on the motorcycle, play some Xbox, go to the beach, spend time with family, and who knows what else. Whatever I feel like. Maybe a road trip. Definitely lots of sleep. Oh, and today’s Alexis’s birthday – as well as my son’s 21st, so I’m gonna celebrate that, too.

So have a good couple of weeks. Enjoy Faith. Be good while I’m gone…or not. And I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Today I have the pleasure of introducing the sexy. No, not the characters in Faith, but the real-life models on the cover. I’d never featured the faces of my main characters on a book cover before for many reasons, but I wanted Faith’s cover to be extra-special. And I had a specific pose in mind for it that would require faces to be shown, at least the profiles. It took me a while to make the final decision, especially because I was so worried I’d never find the perfect models, in my price range, in time. I mean, who can be Mr. Beautiful?!

Talented photographer Regina Wamba of Mae I Design & Photography came to the rescue. She helped me find both of the gorgeous models gracing Faith’s cover. Even though they were lovely and beautiful, I hadn’t planned on showing their faces, at least not full-on. I figured with lighting, profile, pose, etc., I could still leave those to the reader’s imagination. But when Regina sent me that picture, I had no choice. I had to break my own rule and use it – it captures their expressions perfectly. And I couldn’t be happier with the sexy, sensual, divine cover for the last book in the series that means so much to me.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to one-half of the sexy: Ripp Baker. Ripp has graced many book covers as well as magazine covers. Choosing the model to represent Tristan was so difficult – there’s just no real person who can be him. But Ripp comes pretty dang close. I mean, look at that body! He’s more than a pretty face, though. He’s been a pleasure to work with and so gracious and sweet. I had the blessed luck of getting to do a quick interview with him before he ran off to celebrate his birthday weekend. Happy Birthday, Ripp!

Me: I know besides modeling, you’re also a college student. What are you majoring in, and what are you planning to do after graduation?

Ripp: I’m going to school pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, I’ll be graduating this year! After I graduate I would love to move south to a warmer state and escape these cold Minnesota winters; where I can ride my motorcycle year round and go to the beach!

Me: How did you get into modeling, and especially book covers?

Ripp: I was told when I was younger I should try to get into it and would have random people on vacations ask to take pictures with me. So when I started college I started to pursue modeling to a point, while focusing on school first though.

Me: What’s been the most fun modeling job you’ve done?

Ripp: I went to Puerto Rico for a shoot, I got to experience a new area and eat some new foods while making a great new friend the photographer Osvaldo Rivera. Although I have still enjoyed all of my other shoots, for learning experience and getting the chance to make connections and new friends.

Me: You work hard for that amazing body, and it definitely shows. Have you always been health-conscious, or was there something specific that pushed you into it? What keeps you motivated when you just don’t feel like doing a workout?

Ripp: When I was younger I was in football and wrestling; one day I went up to my dad and asked him what I had to do to become a better athlete. As I’ve always been competitive and want to be the best I can. He told me he had never had the intention to push weight-lifting onto me, but when I was ready he would take me to the gym and show me the basics (that was back in 8th grade).Now I go back home over break and teach him things! I have a very strong mentality to do what I need to, whether I want to or not; I owe that to my dad and the fact that I wrestled! Also, people stopping me and asking my advice on things and how to improve their lifestyles. It feels great knowing people recognize your hard work as well as knowing I can help them. Aside from that, it is all about intrinsic motivation; one must do what they want for themselves and give their all. I believe everyone that puts everything they have into their passion can be successful, more importantly happy.

Me: When you’re not studying, working, and working out, what do you enjoy doing?

Ripp: I love spending time with my family and friends, very family orientated; most important and influential people in my life. I also love riding my motorcycle and traveling.

Me: How was working with Dani and Regina? Anything fun or interesting happen during the photo shoot?

Dani & Ripp listening to photographer Regina Wamba give direction for their pose for Faith’s cover.

Ripp: Dani and Regina were great to work with, I’ve never worked with Dani, but she has a lot going for her. As for Regina, always a pleasure to collaborate and see her brilliant ideas.

Me: Who is your idol/hero?

Ripp: My dad has always been my hero, having me at 19/20 I only have the slightest idea of how much work and effort he had to put in. As well as doing it with a smile, pushing and helping me excel in life and athletics. Not only a hero, but my best friend.

Me: Most proud accomplishment?

Ripp: My most proud accomplishment would have to be helping my buddies in the weight room and always being in a good mood, it’s contagious! I only surround myself with positive people and love bringing others up as well. Not only that, but always trying to improve myself, always going to the gym and attending school. No one can take away your knowledge and time you put into yourself; this is truly priceless and what I live for.

Me: Most embarrassing moment?

Ripp: I don’t really get embarrassed, I’m a pretty open comfortable person.

Me: Favorite book?

Ripp: I’ve read all of the Harry Potter books more than once, so I would have to go with that series as a whole.

Me: Favorite movie?

Ripp: I really like the movie Amityville Horror, I’m kind of a horror movie fanatic.

Me: Favorite food?

Ripp: I love when the family gets together and we make a nice prime rib, along with some potatoes sliced thin and thrown on the grill wrapped in tin-foil with sliced onion and garlic as well as butter, maybe some corn, and stuffing as well, as some crescent rolls.

Me: Dogs, cats, or fish?

Ripp: Dogs, hands down.

Me: Bonus question: You just celebrated your 23rd birthday. Happy Birthday! So the 2/3 of my readers who are older than you want to know –  Cougars? Yes or no?

Ripp: Thank you! HA! What a question, raised a smirk on my face as some dirty thoughts crossed my mind… Definitely into cougars!

Yes, ladies, he said that. Yay for me! Er, I mean, us! Thank you so much, Ripp, for joining us today and being such a good sport. Ladies, if you have any questions for Ripp, feel free to ask in the comments. And don’t forget to clean your screen and keyboard. *off to grab a towel*

 

It’s hard to post a teaser for Faith without giving any spoilers. If you aren’t caught up through Torment, you might want to quickly click on to something else. If you are, enjoy this little tease…

“Oh, dear,” he said, and now the longer he spoke, the less monstrous and more human he sounded. “I’m afraid I’ve gone and offended you. I am very sorry, Alexis. I’d so wanted to start off on the right foot.” A hoof and a leg shaped like an ox’s, but with the same skin tone as the rest of him, appeared briefly before hiding behind the blackness again. Deep laughter ensued. “Pardon my humor. Maybe this is better?”

Before me, a bright light shone, and I had to blink and squint against the sudden brilliance in the thorough blackness. As my eyes adjusted, the full body of a striking man with white-blond hair and cerulean blue eyes, broad shoulders, and wearing a black suit with a thin, red tie came into focus, looking as though a spotlight illuminated him, but from within. Although his coloring was like Lucas’s, Victor’s, and, I assumed, other descendants of Jordan, their attractiveness paled in comparison. He was breathtakingly beautiful.

But still a far cry from Tristan.

The sound of a deep growl rumbled around me.

“I was the most beautiful of them all,” Satan said, his voice a mesmerizing song that I wanted to ignore, but could not possibly. “Still am, in any of my forms, if you ask me.”

The beautiful man disappeared, replaced by the horned beast with red and orange skin, glowing eyes, a tail with a barbed end, and huge wings with claws on their tips. Like hot coals, his skin lit up, glowing in the colors of flames, and I lifted my arm to shield my eyes from the glare, so much more intense than before. Darkness instantly surrounded me, but when I lowered my arm, the attractive man stood before me.

“I will hold this form for you.” He sounded as though he were doing me a great favor. “I don’t particularly like it. It’s quite uncomfortable, but my comfort matters not. I’m more concerned about yours.”

I dropped my arm completely, my hand landing in my lap, and stared at him. My throat felt thick and dry, but I managed to form together a few words, because now he made no sense.

“You just said I’d receive no mercy here, but you’re concerned about my comfort?”

 

Faith is available now! Find Buy links here.

O.M.G. I can’t believe the day is finally here! Faith, the last book of the Soul Savers Series, is LIVE! It’s a bittersweet day for me. Actually, the past week or so has been pretty emotional. I’m feeling sad to say goodbye to Alexis and Tristan (and everyone else), guilty for everything I’ve put them through, and yet excited and happy for you to read this last installment. I hope you love it. Early readers say it’s the perfect ending. I hope you agree. Without further ado, here are the links:

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | Nook | Google Play

Pre-order a signed paperback edition here: Signed Paperback & Merchandise

When her eyes see only darkness, her soul must uncover faith’s light.

Evil reigns the world. Earth’s been ravaged. Only supernaturals roam the surface, while anyone else who escaped the fallout remains hidden deeply underground. The only signs humans survived at all come from those who serve the Daemoni. To finalize his conquest of humanity, Lucas prepares to rip down the veil between Earth and the Otherworld, opening the gates of Hell into the physical realm.

So why do the Angels insist on Alexis fighting a war that’s already been lost? Defending a world that no longer exists?

With a soul that’s been battered and beaten by both Heaven and Hell, Alexis holds onto a single conviction—her love for her family. Her only mission now is to save her husband’s and her son’s souls. Once she does, she’ll plead with the Angels to allow them off this world God has obviously forsaken.

But has He? And can she give up on her people so easily? On the souls of all humanity? Or will she find the faith she needs to defeat the Daemoni and win back the world? Just how far will she go to save the souls she loves . . . and those she does not?

This epic finale of the bestselling Soul Savers Series will break readers’ hearts, put them back together, and leave them demanding more.

 

Yesterday, I posted the playlist I listened to a lot while writing Torment. As I mentioned then, there was a lot of overlap between Torment and Faith, both in time spent writing and the music that “got me in the mood.” Faith‘s playlist is extra-long. Partially because it’s my longest book, and also because there were so many emotions wrapped up in writing it. Not just the emotions of the scenes and the characters, but my own, as the author finishing up a big part of her life. And admittedly, there are probably more songs I listened to over the last few months because I’ve been working out a lot more. Ha!

The playlist for Faith, somewhat in order:

Hello by Evanescence
Waiting for the End by Linkin Park
Empire by Shakira
Guilty All the Same by Linkin Park (feat. Rakim)
Wrong Side of Heaven by Five Finger Death Punch
Without You by Breaking Benjamin
Into the Nothing by Breaking Benjamin
All of Me by John Legend
Iridescent by Linkin Park
Until It’s Gone by Linkin Park
The Good Left Undone by Rise Against
Help Is On the Way by Rise Against
Glory and Gore by Lorde
Battle Cry by Imagine Dragons
Conquistador by 30 Seconds to Mars
Keys to the Kingdom by Linkin Park
Birth by 30 Seconds to Mars
End of All Days by 30 Seconds to Mars
Do or Die by 30 Seconds to Mars
The End by Kings of Leon
Better Days by The Goo Goo Dolls
Tomorrow Will Be Kinder by The Secret Sisters
Your Love Is a Song by Switchfoot

I still feel like there’s something else to wrap up the ending, but haven’t quite found the perfect song. What suggestions do you have?