40 Tips on Creative Writing: A Guide for Writers to Turn Your Passion Into a Successful Book by Dan Buri

Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or you've been writing for years, 40 Tips on Creative Writing is a must have guide for writers. Filled with inspiration, motivation, and helpful everyday writing tips, this book provides a fresh look at how to become published and find readers. For those writers just starting out, you'll find advice on how to find your voice as an author, how to foster successful writing habits, and how to avoid the dreaded writer's block. For those that have been writing for years and seen their works published before, you'll find fantastic motivation to re-energize and inspire your writing and excellent advice on how to grow your readership. 

The first half of 40 Tips on Creative Writing focuses on the writing process and how to hone the craft of being a writer. The tips help on how to become a more diligent writer, how to avoid common pitfalls of unsuccessful writers, and how to allow your passion for writing to come through in the words you put down on the page. The second half of the 40 Tips focuses on getting involved in the writer community, publishing, and marketing.

If you're writing a book, an essay, a poem, an article, or a journal, this book will help you refocus and invigorate your writing. 40 Tips on Creative Writing is an excellent guide for writers new and old. It is a great addition to any authors bookshelf and a fantastic gift for any writer!

Amazon Link

Daisy and the Dead by @Sarah_OKC

Daisy has one goal – dodge the Dead long enough to find a way back to her family. When she’s discovered hiding in a barn after her camp is invaded, she realizes the real threat might be worse.

Whisked away by the mysterious Sir to a world she thought died when the virus spread, Daisy discovers that with power comes danger. Now her goal is to save the man who saved her.

Daisy thought it was the Dead she had to fear… But the Living make her fight for the love of her life.

Amazon Link

Dead Beach by Patrick O’Donnell

1. Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and your book series?
I'm a 53 year old man living 30 minutes outside of Milwaukee Wisconsin U.S.A. I was born in Chicago Il. and attended College in Wisconsin. I have worked in 24 hour restaurants, sold cars and tended bar. The last 23 years I have been a Police Sergeant in Milwaukee. I'm married and have a total of 4 kids and 3 dogs. I published two self-help books under pen names and I published book "Mad City" in my Sean Walsh Post Apocalyptic series. I'm currently working on the second book in the series "Dead Beach" In the first book the main character is a former Police Sergeant who was forced to retire early due to a bad shoot. Some time after that there was a limited nuclear war and the story begins with him dealing with a post apocalyptic world. He has to face his inner demons and find his children. He is forced to work for the new government as an agent in an effort to use their resources to find his children.

2. Where does the inspiration for your apocalyptic world come from?
Books, T.V. and movies. Also my experience as in the police department.

3. How long do you think you would survive the zombie apocalypse?
I think I would do pretty good. I like to think I'm a resilient kinda guy. I'm experienced with a variety of weapons and am proficient with them.

4. Who would you pick to play the characters in your books on the big screen?
Daniel Craig would do a good job. I hear he doesn't want to do James Bond anymore.

5. Can you describe your writing style in three words?
Easy, smooth flowing

6. Do you prefer writing heroes or villains?
I like 'less than perfect' heroes

7. Who is your favorite author and what's your favorite book?
I don't have a favorite. My top ones would be Steven King and A.R. Shaw, Boyd Craven, Craig Martelle and of course Samie Sands. I don't have a favorite book I like so many of them.

8. What do you like about writing horror?
I like the tension and 'life and death' situations I put my characters in.

9. What are you currently working on or what do you have planned for the future?
I'm currently about 30% done with the sequel to my first PA book. Depending on how this series does, I would like to continue it until it doesn't sell anymore. I would like to take a stab at comedy, more sci-fi and more self-help.

10. Where can people find out more about you?
My facebook page "Sean Walsh Post Apocalyptic Series", on Amazon, and email; mochaboone@yahoo.com. 

The Dust of Ancients (The Lynher Mill Chronicles Book 1) by Terri Nixon

A curse uttered in the extremity of terror and death can reverberate for centuries. When the means to bring that curse to fruition are suddenly within reach, the innocents must look to their past to protect their future ... and their past wants no part of it.

Richard Lucas has been plagued by vivid and disturbing dreams since the death of his wife eleven years ago, and, desperate to get his life back on track, he is persuaded by his best friend Dean to take a sabbatical. But when he arrives in Dean’s home village of Lynher Mill he discovers that, not only is Dean not who he seems, but that he himself is bound more tightly to the Cornish moorlands than he could have imagined. And far more deeply than he would ever want to be.

As the events that began to shape his life over three thousand years ago continue their steady, unstoppable march towards a terrifying conclusion, Richard discovers the truth about his connection to the moor, and eventually has to do battle with his own history just to survive. Those who love him struggle with conflicting loyalties and come to realise that, if the land itself is to endure, they must make some devastating decisions.

Amazon Link

#Free today!

Raiden's Choice by J.L. Leslie

I was raised in a motorcycle club. I saw things no little girl should ever see. Did things no little girl should ever do. That was my life and I loved it. The Ravens taught me about family. Loyalty. Even loss.

Now I live a different life. I'm no longer part of that family. I'm no longer part of the club. I live a life where I pretend to be the person I am. I put on a show for the world and I'm good at it. I've perfected it. At least I thought I had. It didn't take him long to see right through me.

I have a choice to make. Keep playing pretend or finally be who I have always wanted to be.

"When you're ready to stop hiding who you really are, come find me."

**Raiden's Choice is the first book in the Ravens MC series. It is a standalone, full-length novel and is suitable only for mature readers. It includes adult content, adult language, sexual situations, drug abuse, violence, and talk of rape.**

Amazon Link

Lincoln's Choice by J.L. Leslie

Betrayal. When you’re in a motorcycle club, you think this never happens. I’m a Ryker. We’re supposed to be about family and loyalty. I’ve learned that sometimes club family can betray you deeper than anyone.

Now that I know the truth…who can I trust? The woman who has saved my ass time and again or my own flesh and blood who wants me to help him bring down the very club I’ve been calling my family? Can I betray the Rykers knowing they turned their backs on me once? I call myself loyal…but that’s not loyalty.

I have a choice to make. Family or blood.

“Savages. That’s exactly what we are. It’s what I am.”

*Lincoln’s Choice is book two in the Ravens MC series. It references characters and events from Raiden’s Choice (A Ravens MC Novel: Book One) but can be read as a standalone novel. It includes adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual situations. It is intended for mature readers only.*

Amazon Link

The Avid Reader: Book Blast + #Giveaway: LOTTIE LOVES by Samie Sand...

The Avid Reader: Book Blast + #Giveaway: LOTTIE LOVES by Samie Sand...: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...

Lisa Loves Literature: Book Blast With Giveaway: Lottie Loves by Samie S...

Lisa Loves Literature: Book Blast With Giveaway: Lottie Loves by Samie S...: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...

Black Mercy by @AuthorCarmel

1. Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and your upcoming book?  I'm Carmel. I'm a 30 year old mother of one, who would like to describe myself as a hopeless romantic, but really I just like writing smut. Lithium Waves follows two people who are simply trying to find themselves. It's a mix of sweet romance and steamy sex. The main characters are real and raw and it doesn't hurt that the guy is a tattooed lead singer in a band. 

2. Where does the inspiration for your bad boy character come from? Ryder is the sensitive asshole. There's a line from the book that describes him perfectly. "Ryder may have been nicer than most assholes, but that was like saying Charles Manson wasn't technically a murderer."

3. What do you think attracts us all to a bad boy? I think we all want to be the one who can change him, rather the one he wants to change for. It's great for book boyfriends, it doesn't always work in real life. 

4. Who would you pick to play the characters in your books on the big screen? Ryder- Christopher Mason. Jamie- Amber Heard.

5. Can you describe your writing style in three words?  Poetry and  Chaos. 

6. Why do you prefer writing bad boy love interests? I love them all, but bad boys are just so fun to write. The things they say will have you clutching your pearls and changing your panties. 

7. Who is your favourite author and what's your favourite book? My favorite romance author changes, but I love poetry and Maya Angelou is like my fairy godmother and her book Letters to my Daughter is one I read annually. 

8. Do you have a book boyfriend created by another author? I have a lot, but number one would be Christian Grey because he was my first. 

9. What are you currently working on or what do you have planned for the future? I'm currently working on Lithium Tides, the follow up to Lithium Waves, and an as yet untitled novella. 

10. Where can people find out more about you? I'm all over the internet, but most active on Facebook if you don't do the Facebook thing, I keep my blog pretty up to date as well 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarmelrhodes/?modal=media_composer&ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Website: authorcarmelrhodes.wordpress.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771L572S

T's Stuff: Lottie Loves by Samie Sands Book Blast

T's Stuff: Lottie Loves by Samie Sands Book Blast: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Will you marr...

Lottie Loves by Samie Sands...what are people saying?

 

5.0 out of 5 stars 

She has the ability to captivate and make you enjoy reading again

 

 

All of us at one time or another have faced decisions, but the obstacle faced by the heroine Lottie is one that could change her life. This book entails every emotion that can so richly be felt as if squeezing a sponge and everything comes pouring out. I feel Lotties pain, anguish, heartbreak and sadness just to name a few. The emotions that she undergoes are palpable to any reader.

While I won't spoil the ending, I will say you will be entranced to read this in one sitting.

The author Samie Sands is an undiscovered gem in writing any genre. She has the ability to captivate and make you enjoy reading again. I not only recommend Ms. Sands latest book I insist that you read it. I for one will follow her in whatever she writes. And it goes without saying this rates 5 stars. I don't have enough superlatives to describe it. Fantastic, sensational, just wow! Read and enjoy.

  

5.0 out of 5 stars

Realism at its best

 

 

For anyone having a first love and regretting the way they parted, this is a true read on emotions. Lottie has found a new love years after not properly saying goodbye to the first love due to circumstances. No spoilers. This story shows the inner turmoil that anyone experiencing love feels. It is a story to keep in my library and read repeatedly.

 

“Will you marry me?”

Four words I’ve waited my whole life to hear. Four words I was sure would change my life forever…and they did. Just not in the way I expected.

Finding out my extremely gorgeous rock star boyfriend was about to propose had the complete opposite effect I thought it would. Rather than catapult me into a future I’ve always wanted, it plunged me back to a past I tried to forget.

Now I can’t get him out of my head. I can’t help but wonder what could have been, how our lives would have ended up if he didn’t leave me behind, a shattered mess.

All these memories are dangerous. They’re bringing my past back to ruin my future. And worst of all, they’re taking me right back to him, my childhood sweetheart, my first love…my biggest regret.

 

Amazon Link

Mythical Books: REVIEW Not Dead Yet (AM13 Outbreak #4) by Samie Sa...

Mythical Books: REVIEW Not Dead Yet (AM13 Outbreak #4) by Samie Sa...:

REVIEW Not Dead Yet (AM13 Outbreak #4) by Samie Sands

Lockdown. 

Forgotten
Extinct

Read their review here

REVIEW

Brraaaaaiiins! 

Okay, it sounded bad last time, it sounds bad even now. Samie Sands is back with the fourth volume of the AM 13 Outbreak series (see my review here). And, if my little joke didn’t have too much fun then, now is definitely out of line. Why? Because this volume is truly the crowning of the series as subject, as a theme and literary value. For so much time I‘ve not seen such a gain for a writer as Samie’s and for us as readers. Last time, I’d made some little jokes about the concept of the British zombie books - the first volume of the series seemed to me a little flimsy in the way in which the main character was presented, from her maddening hesitance and lack of initiative. Yes, introspective seems to be the keyword of the series, but this time, everything is under another sign. 

Let's finish with what it was and let's deal with the book that is important for us now: Not Dead Yet. You could interpret this book not just like a single novel, but like a collection of short stories. Each chapter presents us new protagonists and new situations. Of course, the main theme will be the zombie apocalypse, but the situations in which they find themselves will be different and everybody will react in a different way. Don’t expect fists and bullets to fly in every direction. This is not Samie’s style. If you look for something like this, you better watch the new series of The Walking Dead. No, she’s in charge of the human soul and the way in which people react in an unexpected and strange situation. Yeah, the struggle with tribulations is the battle that the author imposes on her characters. Sure, will be some physical moments, let’s say, but not these will be the essence of Samie’s stories. Samie’s strength is not one of the fists that smash a jaw, is the one of the heart. If the soul will win this fight you will find for yourselves. 

The stories are not by far cute, they are quite serious about their theme. There is a wave of melancholy that pervades, some of the stories could be even depressing, but they are beautiful as a symbolical message. If in my old review I’ve had some small critics, this time I’m very pleased with what I’ve read. And if you let yourselves fooled and say that because the novel is written by a woman it’s a book for girls stuffed with delicate and swanky things, you’ll be sooooo wrong. 

Not Dead Yet will distill the whole series, and the final product will be one of great value. This is a novel that definitely will be appreciated even by those that are not too much in zombie books. 

Too many words are plenteousness. This is the book that you must read if you are tired of the classical zombie stories. 

Enough! The rest is silence! 

Enjoy… if you dare!

Description:

The AM13 Outbreak has affected everywhere, the entire world has experienced infection.

Victims of the virus are no longer human, they've changed, become something scientifically impossible. With their loss of human function and their new lust for flesh, there’s only one word to describe them...

Zombies.

The world is divided as everyone tries to work out how to survive. Many have already lost their lives 

in the fight, but there are still a few who are not dead...

Yet!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Goodreads **  Amazon

About the author:

Samie Sands is a 28 year old freelance graphic designer who has recently decided to follow her lifelong dream and use her creativity in a new way by writing.

She has a degree in Media Studies and PR and has already had articles published in a number of e-zines, including one of the most popular pieces at Zombie Guide Magazine. She has also had short stories included in a number of successful projects.

She lives in a small seaside town in the UK, but loves to travel to gain inspiration from new places and different cultures.

Website ** Goodreads ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Instagram ** Wattpad

Author's Giveaway

Don't miss the other books in the AM13 Outbreak Series!

Write and Take Flight: Lottie Loves Book Blast!

Write and Take Flight: Lottie Loves Book Blast!: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...

Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western by Jonathan Fesmire

U.S. Marshal James Creed has known loss, starting from the untimely death of his wife and daughter in a sudden fire. His work, chasing down and arresting outlaws across the Wild West, is all he has left to live for. Then one day, in 1876, the infamous killer Corwin Blake catches Creed by surprise and guns him down.

Creed awakes after a mysterious young woman resurrects him in a basement laboratory beneath a brothel. Half alive, Creed feels torn between his need for justice and his desire to fall back into the peace of death. Creed's instincts drive him to protect the city of Santa Cruz, California, from the outlaws it harbors while searching for Blake.

He uncovers a secret criminal organization, likely protecting Blake, determined to use resurrection technology for its own ends. The former marshal, now faster, stronger, and a more deadly shot than ever before, must work with a brothel madam, a bounty hunter, and the remaining marshals to uncover the criminal syndicate before they can misuse the machines of rebirth and create more mindless zombies. Meanwhile, he must also stop Blake, before the outlaw kills the only people he cares about.

His own death can wait.

Amazon Link

Review: This is an awesome book! The steampunk western theme is something that's new to me. It's probably new to a lot of people, if it's something you haven't read before then this is a great book to begin with. The author is engaging, the plot is exciting, and I finished it wanting more!

Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic: Lottie Loves Book Blast & Giveaway!

Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic: Lottie Loves Book Blast & Giveaway!: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...

GIRL WITH PEN: Not Dead Yet by Samie Sands Book Tour and Giveaway...

GIRL WITH PEN: Not Dead Yet by Samie Sands Book Tour and Giveaway...: Not Dead Yet AM13 Outbreak Series Book 4 by Samie Sands Genre: Horror, Post- Apocalyptic The AM13 Outbreak has affec...

Mutate is also free on Kindle Unlimited

"Mutation is my favorite word these days. There is no other word to describe what I have become..."

They aren't human anymore, something has happened to them. Their DNA has changed leaving them something much more sinister. Do you dare find out what in Mutate? The anthology featuring the following stories and authors:

Empath by Matias Andres Bravo Jara
Squirm by Kevin S. Hall
Driven by Jonny Graham
Under the Bed by Alex Winck
Blood Pool by Katie Jaarsveld
Sticks and Stones by Mckenzie Richardson
Formula 831 Dave J. Suscheck
Nostradamus by Kally Jo Surbeck
Mutation by Rae Desmond Jones
Mutatis Mutandis by Rick Eddy
Outback Attack by Noel Osualdini
A Christmas Miracle by Andy Lockwood
The Stoat by Anthony V. Pugliese
Gruesome Green Ghost etc by Debbie Johnson
Black Roses by Max E. Stone
Claire’s House Excerpt by Linda Heavner Gerald
The Darkness of Light Places by Andrew Darlington
The Regular by Rob Shepherd
Zoey Meets A Cresent Witch by Linda Jenkinson
The Path Of The Warrior by Cecilia H. Doldan
Gluttony by Samie Sands

Amazon Link

The #ZombieApocalypse is happening now...

The AM13 Outbreak series...read any book as standalone, or all together. Delve into the zombie apocalypse now!

"There's no other way to describe this...they start eating them."

Leah Watton’s practical joke has spiralled way out of control—all to impress a crush…

With a prank online video, Leah hopes to catch the attention of Jake Colton, a cute, blond-haired, blue-eyed co-worker she’s had a crush on for months. But instead of sending it to Jake, she manages to forward the clip to her boss—who buys every gory second.

When mass panic ensues, Leah learns the video is more than a staged act…

The government is calling the virus AM13. As the outbreak spreads, citizens are forced to stay indoors while they assess the gravity of the illness. Most people are quarantined in their homes, but Leah, Jake, and Leah’s best friend Michelle are some of the unlucky few who are stuck at work when the Lockdown occurs.

That’s where she first encounters one of the infected…

Aside from a contaminated woman devouring one of her co-workers, Leah has another problem. Does she do as she’s ordered and stay at work? Or should she disobey government orders and break free to reunite with her family?

She can’t go it alone—after all, Leah has none of the skills needed to survive—but with Michelle and Jake by her side, not even a contagious virus and a sea of the dead can keep her from…

Breaking out of the Lockdown…

Amazon Link

"I refused to be killed because I didn't follow my instincts."

Every attempt to contain the deadly AM13 virus has failed, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction…

The plague is spreading out of control with no cure in sight. Then the government announces its new plan—a sanctuary in an area completely untouched by the infected—as long as you can get there alive and unscathed.

Ethan Watton has managed to survive this long, even with OCD making every day more hellish than it already is…

Ethan’s obsessive-compulsive disorder dramatically affected his life before the infection began. Now he’s desperate to get as far away from the zombie virus as humanly possible. Isolated and afraid, Ethan thinks there is no way in hell he will survive the epidemic.

Alyssa Turner has spent her teenage years prepping for the undead to challenge her zombie killing skills…

Alyssa knows with absolute certainty that she will survive the AM13 virus. She’s read all the books, watched all the films, and done all the research. She’s strong, tough, and a self-proclaimed badass. Any group would be lucky to fight alongside her…until the unthinkable makes her doubt every skill she’s acquired.

Dr. Jones is a scientist who doesn’t understand why he was selected to produce a cure…

Surely there are survivors more experienced in virology than he is. And what will happen to him—and the rest of the species—if he fails? Is the fate of the human race really resting on his shoulders? Or are there others working toward the same goal?

With the zombies multiplying and survivors struggling to make it to the sanctuary, Ethan, Alyssa, and Dr. Jones fight to fulfill their destinies. If they fail, their fate is sealed, and they will join the millions of others who have been…Forgotten.

Amazon Link

"I sniff the air curiously, then find my tounge licking her cheek."

Writing books about the horrors of the zombie apocalypse is one thing—but Georgie Blake can’t believe it has become her reality…

She never expected her fictional stories of blood, death, and the consumption of human flesh to jump off the page into the real world. She certainly didn’t think she’d survive this long if they had. As a shy novelist, she was sure she’d be one of the first to die.

Safe in the Sanctuary, Georgie holds on to hope for a cure...

But that’s not all she holds on to. The government has promised the people of the Sanctuary that they can return home. The rumours are rife that there is an antidote on the horizon. But even if not, the infected are dying out, throwing the treacherous AM13 virus to the brink of extinction. If the infection dies out, this horrible nightmare Georgie is living in will be a distant memory.

Until everything that’s right goes terribly wrong...

Soon after meeting some new friends in the Sanctuary, Georgie learns she’s going to have to face the monsters outside the walls if she wants to return to her old life. But for a scared, introverted bookworm, it may be too much to consider...

Will Georgina conquer her fears of the dead to return home, or will she be one of the countless others who have gone Extinct?

Amazon Link

Missing Halloween? Try this one for free!

"Don't get cocky,
Happy Halloween."

Rob Shepherd
Victoria Pagac
Rick Eddy
Linda Jenkinson
Kyle Flak
R.M. Gibson
Brandon Swarrow
Justin Coke
Kevin S. Hall
Dean Kuch
Dave J. Suscheck, Jr.
Samie Sands
Georgina Price
Nicholas Boving
K.C. Finn
Anthony Pugliese
James Harper
Andy Lockwood
Amy S. Pacini
James Bryant
Cecilia H. Doldan
Manus Tor

Amazon Link

My Bookish Pleasures: Lottie Loves Book Blast - Win $25 Amazon Gift Card...

My Bookish Pleasures: Lottie Loves Book Blast - Win $25 Amazon Gift Card...: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...

Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read: Not Dead Yet Tour and Giveaway!

Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read: Not Dead Yet Tour and Giveaway!: Not Dead Yet AM13 Outbreak Series Book 4 by Samie Sands Genre: Horror, Post- Apocalyptic The AM13 Outbreak has affect...

Must Read Faster: Not Dead Yet by Samie Sands #horror #postapocalypt...

Must Read Faster: Not Dead Yet by Samie Sands #horror #postapocalypt...: Not Dead Yet AM13 Outbreak Series Book 4 by Samie Sands Genre: Horror, Post- Apocalyptic The AM13 Outbreak has affecte...

Night Mares is free on Kindle Unlimited

"It was just a dream, nothing more. Just a nightmare."

Do you dare delve into the unconscious
mind to find out just whay your dreams
are trying to tell you?

Watch out...something is coming!

Featuring...

Rob Shepherd
Andy Lockwood
Katie Jaarsveld
Alex Winck
Valerie Louidis
Kevin Hall
Samie Sands
Jason White
Greg Rickman

Amazon Link

Book Cover Junkie: Lottie Loves Book Blast & Giveaway

Book Cover Junkie: Lottie Loves Book Blast & Giveaway: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...

Read Unleash the Undead for free on Kindle Unlimited

Delve into the horrifying world of the zombie apocalypse, as bought to you by the following authors and artists:

J.L.Drake, Marina Hume, Matías Andrés Bravo Jara,Ana Prundaru, J.H., Dale Herring, Jonny Graham, Klarissa Del Rossario, Saadia Ammad, Akash Sagar, Rob Shepherd, Rhys Curtis-Thompson, Kayleigh Edwards, Diego Tonini, Lachelle Redd, Victoria Pagac, Noel Osualdini, Glen Holman, Mathias Jansson, Kyle Flak, Ceri Matthias, Gia Berryman, Max Ferreira, Diana Alexandru, Kevin S. Hall, Art Pic, Zoja Vladisavljevic, B.S. Purwanda and Samie Sands.

Amazon Link

Read Tongue Tied for #free on #Wattpad now!

Click for the story so far!

Prologue

A boiling hot, bitter-tasting rage bubbled in my stomach. My throat burned, my lips tingled, my intestines coiled painfully around my lungs squeezing all the air out of them as my mind tumbled back over everything that just happened.
How did I let things get so bad?
All I wanted to do was scream and shout, to let out some of the frustration that had me breathless, but I didn’t have the energy. I felt emotionally drained, like I didn’t have anything left to offer the world. It took everything that I had just to keep on going. Even that had my eyelids dangerously heavy.
I pulled the car to a halt at the traffic lights and I tapped my fingers noisily against the steering wheel while I waited impatiently. My brain darted everywhere, even if I wanted to contain my thoughts I couldn’t, the anger was simply too powerful. It rolled through me in waves, swallowing up all my organs in the process.
I couldn’t work out exactly what I’d done to lead myself down such a terrible path, I wished desperately that I could pinpoint the moment so I could unravel it all to try again, but it was clear. What I really needed was a fresh start...
Then, three things happened all at once: my mobile phone blasted out its obnoxious ringtone, the light flickered onto green, and as my foot slammed down onto the accelerator there was a deep bright flash that appeared to come from nowhere.
What the...?
I couldn’t resist turning my head to find out what the seemingly inhuman glow indicated, but before my neck could make one full spin a shocking sensation slammed into my right-hand side.
The noise came after. The deafening crush exploded my eardrums ensuring that I’d never hear anything ever again. As my brain shattered I felt oddly calm. The emotions seeped from me, leaving me with nothing but numbness. It was the end and weirdly I just didn’t care. It felt good to have nothing left to worry about.
I suppose, in a dark and twisted way, it solved all of my problems.
The pain was ice cold, then burning, then it felt like my entire body was on fire as I cascaded through the car, bumping into parts of it that I’d never touched before. My ragdoll body flopped like it had no bones within it, and soon I figured it probably wouldn’t.
I wasn’t sure where I landed, but the moment I stopped moving the world became a pinhole. A circle filled my vision and it grew smaller and smaller as a deep blackness came for me.
Within that darkness, there was only one face. Dark, curly hair, deep hazel eyes, an olive-coloured skin that was so soft I desperately wanted to reach out and touch it. The only person who ever made me happy, and now I’d never get to see him again
I’m sorry, Scott, I’ll miss you.
I’ve always loved only you.

2010

One

Oh, my goodness.
My heart stopped dead in my chest as I spotted him across the sticky, slightly smelly student union bar on my first ever night out in this strange new world. I wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but something gave me the sense that he was important. The words ‘he’s different’ actually went through my mind the moment I clocked him. I felt something powerful shift within me as if life would never be the same again.
How little I knew.
He wasn’t even looking at me then, he was laughing at something one of his friends had said to him while running his fingers through that lovely, curly hair of his, but it didn’t matter. I couldn’t seem to drag my eyes away however hard I tried. The powerful magnet was already there between us, and there must’ve been a part of me that could already sense that. Somewhere very deep down inside of me.
“Carlie? Are you listening to me?”
All of a sudden I was jolted from my transfixed state by my brand new friend, Natalie, shaking me. I twisted my neck quickly to focus on her instead, I needed her to like me if we were going to live together for the next three years, so I didn’t particularly want to start off on the wrong foot. I’d left all my old friends back home yesterday, so I really had to make some new ones if I wanted to survive uni life.
“Oh, sorry, it’s erm...quite loud in here.” My cheeks blushed as the lie fell out of my lips. I just didn’t know this girl well enough yet to tell her that I’d seen a guy I liked. “What did you say?”
She flipped her long, blonde hair over her shoulder and pressed a defiant hand on her hip. For an eighteen-year-old, she sure had a lot of confidence, unlike anyone I’d ever met before. I hoped during our time together some of that would rub off on me.
“I said would you like another drink? This one’s nearly done.” She slurped the rest of her bright blue alcopop—through a straw so none of it would get on her teeth—and nodded in the direction of the big, balling crowd.
I couldn’t resist, I shot one last, lingering look to where the gorgeous boy had been only moments before, just to see a huge, empty space. No point in sticking around then. “Yeah, come on. I’ll buy this one.”
I would’ve politely waited at the back of the queue until it was my turn, but as it turned out Natalie had other ideas. She ducked, she shoved, she darted until she got as near to the front as she could manage, all with me in tow.
“I can’t believe you managed that.” I giggled feeling a little light-headed and hysterical. It might not have been much, but I never did anything wrong...and it felt unexpectedly exhilarating. “That was crazy.”
“Oh well, I hate waiting.” Natalie shrugged in a blasé manner, as if she shouldn’t ever be expected to queue for anything. “And almost everyone is drunk already, so none of them really noticed us.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
As I stood at my parent’s car this morning, waving them off with promises that I’d look after myself and call them all the time, anxiety consumed most of me. As far as I was concerned, my English course was only a small part of what university would offer me, and it was the part I was least afraid of. Putting myself out there, meeting new people, experiencing new walks of life...for a small town girl, I couldn’t stop being scared.
But with Natalie by my side, guiding me through it I felt certain that it’d be okay.
“Oof,” I cried out loudly as someone slammed into my back. Unfortunately, that one action caused a domino effect and I bumped into the person in front of me as well. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...”
“My fault,” a smooth male voice called out from behind me. I felt the heat of another person covering me, as whoever it was leaned across me as if the words ‘personal space’ meant nothing at all. I stiffened, the panic came flooding back. “My idiot friend pushed me, being stupid, and I fell.”
“You’re all idiots,” Natalie half-yelled. “What the hell are you playing at?”
I could feel an argument brewing around me, it was like a storm cloud was forming above my head and there wasn’t anything I could do to stop it. Not that I was trying, something had me distracted. Just a couple of inches to the left I could feel an intense sizzling heat coming off of him. Despite all the odds being stacked against us, even though there were hundreds of people in that bar, fate had intervened and I was standing next to the guy who made me feel things I didn’t even know where possible. I wasn’t sure how, but I knew it was him before I even turned.
This time, he looked right back at me.
His hazel eyes bore into my soul, twisting my stomach up in knots. My heart darted and danced all over my chest and I could hear my breaths coming out ragged. I probably looked like an insane person. I had no doubt that this wonderful, beautiful, perfect boy thought I was mental, but I couldn’t seem to reel myself in. With him that close to me, I couldn’t stop myself from falling apart.
“Are you okay?” he asked me in a voice so chocolatey and sweet I became a puddle at his feet. “Are you hurt?”
“I...I...” What the hell was wrong with me? I’d heard the expression ‘tongue tied’ before but I hadn’t ever felt it. I couldn’t seem to get my mouth to work in the way that it normally did.
Okay, so I wasn’t great with guys, I didn’t have the best track record ever, but this had to be the worst introduction of all time. There were so many things that I wanted to say, so many ways that I wanted to be reinvented as the ‘cool girl’, but it seemed that I’d never be able to shake off scared, insecure, mousy Carlie Jaymeson however hard I tried.
“I think you need a drink.” He smiled down at me, making me feel more petite than I actually was. “I mean, that’s why you’re at the bar, right?”
Somehow, as he tossed his head back and he laughed with pure mirth at his own non-joke, I felt my tongue loosen. “Well, I wouldn’t stand in this pointless queue for nothing,” I managed to reply with a surprising bit of spark.
“Let me sort that for you.”
I wanted to scream with joy as he sorted me out my drink. That was amazing, wasn’t it? A gorgeous guy had offered to buy me a drink. There were lots of girls here but he chose me. I wasn't quite sure what that meant, but I felt certain it was a good thing. I could just see the story unfolding now; me, meeting the love of my life and the father of my children on my first night at university. I wasn’t usually a big romantic, and I certainly wasn’t in any hurry to get hitched and pop out a couple of sprogs, but there was something about this one...
He was different.
“The name’s Scott, by the way.” He gave me the most adorable cheeky grin as he handed me my drink, showing me the most amazing set of dimples that I’d ever seen. “Scott Albert.”
“Hmm,” I pursed my lips as I teased him playfully. “My mum always warned me never to trust a boy with two first names.”
"Well mine always told me to stay away from girls with eyes that match the sky, but here I am, talking to you.”
That was flirting...wasn’t it? It felt like a flirty comment and it made my pulse rate kick up another notch. I could barely manage a smile in return because I felt so many things all at once from that one silly remark. My eyes had never been complimented before, and it felt awesome.
“Well, I’m Carlie Jaymeson...make of that what you will.”
I stared at him, defying him to mock me. The look I got back sent a powerful shiver racing up and down my spine. It was a sensation that I wanted to cling onto forever.
“Come on,” he finally replied, ignoring my challenge completely. “Let’s go and play some pool.”
I gently touched Natalie's arm and told her what I was up to, but in all honesty, she didn't seem too bothered now. Her argument had turned into a heated debate which seemed to have an undertone of sexual frustration. She seemed to be just fine.
“So, is your friend always so...shouty?” he asked me with that wonderful grin as he set the balls up in the triangle on the pool table. “If so, she’s going to get you in lots of trouble.”
“Well, if I’m honest, I only met her a few hours ago so I don’t really know.” I felt a swell of loyalty towards Natalie, it started off with her standing up for me. I certainly had no intention of trash-talking her right now. “But I’m sure she’ll be just as much fun as she is trouble.”
“Ah, so you’re a first year.” He said that with a tone of superiority which crushed me somewhat. I wasn’t sure why, but I didn’t want him to be older than me. I wanted to surround myself with people who were going through this life-changing experience at the same pace as me. It was irrational, but I couldn’t help my emotions. “Good, because so am I.” He gave me a smirk as if we were sharing a secret. “But I don’t know if I like the guys I’m living with yet. They’re just so different to me.”
“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it? To meet people unlike ourselves.” I sounded surprisingly wise, which I liked. “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“And if I don’t, I’ll always have you.”
My heart leapt with joy, instantly a tight bond knotted around us. With those few sweet words he claimed me, and I really wanted to be claimed by Scott. I wanted to cling onto him and never let him go.
"You're doing drama as well, aren't you?" he chanced. For a spilt-second, I actually felt sad that I didn't harbour a deep dream to star in movies...even though that would never be me.
“I’m afraid not, I’ve never been good at acting, or singing, or dancing. It’s English for me. The written word is about all that I’m good for.”
"So, you're the one I come to when I'm crying over every single essay. Good to know.”
I had no idea how it was going to pan out, I didn’t know if this would be just a fleeting meeting never to be repeated, or if we’d form something long lasting but I really wanted it to be the latter. He warmed me up, he made me feel special, I wanted to keep that heady, spinning head all the time.
"Yep, I think so. I mean, I might not be able to help you with your work but I'll always have tea bags if that helps."
A fire lit in my belly as he gave me a look, it felt like something was about to happen. I breathed so deeply I could feel my chest rising and falling rapidly.
“I’ll have to walk you back to your room tonight, so I know where it is. Any girl that knows how to make a good cuppa is one that I need to keep around.”
“Yes.” Walk me to my room, what did that mean? “Of course. Wouldn’t want to leave you caffeine free now, would we?”
And from that moment on, Carlie and Scott were born.

Read more for free HERE!

An Unexpected Afterlife by Dan Sofer

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE?

2017 Readers' Choice Silver Medal winner.

Moshe Karlin wakes up one morning, naked and alone, in the Mount of Olives Cemetery. According to his family and friends, he died two years ago, but Moshe is not about to accept his demise lying down.

Is his new lease on life a freak of nature or the start of the long-awaited Resurrection? Moshe doesn't really care. He vows to beat his "afterlife crisis" and win back his life-and his wife-if it is the last thing he does.

But the road ahead is full of unexpected dangers. Along the way he gains insight into life, love, and the Jewish State, as well as the suspicion that perhaps his perfect first life was not so perfect after all.

Meanwhile, other changes are afoot in the Holy Land. A reluctant prophet prepares to deliver a message of redemption-and the end of life as we know it-when a freak accident changes the course of history.

An Unexpected Afterlife is a highly original adventure novel-packed with humor, engaging characters, and surprises-in the Jewish lore and legends of the Resurrection, the World to Come, and the End of Days.

 

Amazon Link

 

Review: How would it feel to wake up only to find out that everything has changed? When Moshe does just that, he wakes up to find that he's been dead for two years. And he isn't the only one. His journey to find out why he's been 'resurrected' is entertaining and comes to a really awesome end. Highly recommended. 

#Win $50, books, a Kindle, a Nintendo Switch, and more!

$50 Amazon gift card and new book release from Samie Sands!

 

By: Sethon 10/22/2017

Need a bit of romance in your next book? If you missed the previous feature of this author on my blog, then read on...

Samie Sands is a freelance graphic designer who followed her lifelong dream and uses her creativity in a new way by writing. With a degree in Media Studies and PR, Samie has already had articles published in a number of e-zines, including one of the most popular pieces at Zombie Guide Magazine.

She lives in a small seaside town in the UK, but loves to travel to gain inspiration from new places and different cultures.

 

 

On the 24th this month, author Samie Sands is releasing a new romance book, Lottie Loves.

Samie also has a three-part zombie series called AM13 Outbreak, a story of the AM-13 virus told from three different points of view. All three books in the zombie book series are available now, and you can get them free on Kindle today!

A snippet from Lottie Loves:

“Will you marry me?”

Four words I’ve waited my whole life to hear. Four words I was sure would change my life forever…and they did. Just not in the way I expected.

Finding out my extremely gorgeous rock star boyfriend was about to propose had the complete opposite effect I thought it would. Rather than catapult me into a future I’ve always wanted, it plunged me back to a past I tried to forget.

Now I can’t get him out of my head. I can’t help but wonder what could have been, how our lives would have ended up if he didn’t leave me behind, a shattered mess.

All these memories are dangerous. They’re bringing my past back to ruin my future. And worst of all, they’re taking me right back to him, my childhood sweetheart, my first love…my biggest regret.

Still curious about the author? Here are a couple interview questions with Samie from a previous feature...

What inspires you to write?
For my first book, I wrote the book I wanted to read. I'd read a lot of book based in the zombie apocalypse and I found that the characters were always very capable. It made me wonder what would happen with an ordinary person trying to survive. Leah in Lockdown is normal, girl next door type without any skills to survive. Sometimes she's flawed and she doesn't always make the right choice, but that makes her more realistic.

How long does it take you to write a book, on average?
From the first idea to the finished book, I would say it takes me about a year. I feel like I have to do a few drafts to get it right, and I need to leave a gap in between each draft so I can create some distance to help me spot plot holes. Sometimes I get so involved in the story and the characters that I forget the reader doesn't know as much as me about the worlds I've created!

Website | Facebook | Twitter

So who wants to win something?! Like our last features, Samie Sands and I have partnered up to give away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky Giveaway Guy reader.

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below. You may share on Twitter once a day for extra points for the duration of the giveaway.

This giveaway is open to users worldwide. One winner will be randomly selected via Rafflecopter, which I will contact by email after entries are verified. The winner will have 24 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Avid Reader: Book Tour + #Giveaway: Not Dead Yet by Samie Sands...

The Avid Reader: Book Tour + #Giveaway: Not Dead Yet by Samie Sands...

Teatime and Books: Not Dead Yet - AM13 Outbreak Series: Book 4 by Sam...

Teatime and Books: Not Dead Yet - AM13 Outbreak Series: Book 4 by Sam...: Not Dead Yet AM13 Outbreak Series Book 4 by Samie Sands Genre: Horror, Post- Apocalyptic The AM13 Outbreak has affec...

Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom: The Not Dead Yet Tour and Giveaway!

Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom: The Not Dead Yet Tour and Giveaway!: Not Dead Yet AM13 Outbreak Series Book 4 by Samie Sands Genre: Horror, Post- Apocalyptic The AM13 Outbreak has affect...

Jane Once More by J.G. Dow

Jane is back and so are her friends and family but time stands still for no-one, as they say, and so has she moved on at all with her life?

Carrying on from the first book, Jane of Manchester, there is plenty of fun left to be had as Jane and her friends continue to have a laugh in the city, but change may be just around the corner...

More giggles, good times and drama from Jane and the crew!

Amazon Link

Review: After reading Jane of Manchester, I was so excited to read the second one in the series and I actually think this one might be even funnier. It's a laugh out loud, feel good book that left me wanting more. I would love it if there were more in the series...

PUYB Virtual Book Club: PUYB Virtual Book Club Presents Lottie Loves Book ...

PUYB Virtual Book Club: PUYB Virtual Book Club Presents Lottie Loves Book ...: Title : LOTTIE LOVES Author : Samie Sands Publisher : Limitless Publishing Pages : 210 Genre : Contemporary Romance “Wil...