Tuesday, October 31, 2017

HBS Author’s Spotlight – Class of October 2017

This month we have a group of interesting writers with worlds of knowledge and expertise. The author interviews are a MUST read.

Be sure to check out what they have coming next for their readers. I try to pick authors who are interesting studies and ask them unique questions for our Q/A section.

Check out the Showcase feature of the HBS Author's Spotlight. I have included those authors in this class. Also, we have added the Author Bundles we have posted this month.

Thanks to the following outstanding authors for a great month. Here is a summary of our October 2017 crew.



J.T. Arralle


Author: J.T. Arralle

Author Genre: Epic Fantasy, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Horror

Website: J.T. Arralle
Twitter: @jtarralle
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
J.T. Arralle was born in Riverside, California, grew up all over the place and finally settled in the heat and humidity of the southern United States where he currently resides with his family and a minor zoo.

He spends his spare time writing Epic Fantasy, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Horror and many other stories. He discovered a love for story telling while young and spent many years developing the stories and tales that make up his works. He has been influenced by some of the most prolific and well-known writers in the Science Fiction and Fantasy world. He can only hope to entertain you as much as they entertained him.



Interview Excerpt

Next: Emerald Oceans with Co-author Michael Ender. If any of your readers are interested they can visit stardragon13.com get the novella free and if they like it, they can preorder the novel. It is due to release later this year sometime around the end of November.

Great covers: They took a lot of work to get right. For the Hearthforge Chronicles, as well as What a Sap!, those covers were all designed and created by me. When working with a series, I really try to keep a consistent theme. I want people to see the cover and know the stories are connected.

Novella's are a great way to introduce a new universe to readers. You can set theme, technology levels, major players, and provide expanded backstory without impacting the novel size and pac

M.R. Mathias’ The C.A.M. Charity Anthologies: I enjoy the company of a great group of talented writers in the anthology. Several members of my family have either survived or succumbed to a variety of cancers. Contributing to the anthology was one way I could contribute to the fight.
CAM Horror and Science Fiction Book 1


Giveaways are one method of getting your work in front of people. Running promotions where one or more of your books is given away for free can increase your exposure in the market and bump sales.

Primary genre: I have written mostly in fantasy and sci-fi. I like to say I am a Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror author, but I have always seen horror as a story element and not really a genre by itself.

Reader list: I collect the email addresses from fan contacts and newsletter signups. While at the convention I collect addresses from potential readers while running giveaways.

Author's Book List
Emerald Oceans
Phoenix Phyres
Heavy Metal
Lost and Found
What a Sap
CAM Horror and Science Fiction Book 1


For the rest of the story...View J.T. Arralle - HBS Author's Spotlight


Jeanne Bannon


Author: Jeanne Bannon

Author Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Website: Jeanne Bannon
Twitter: @JeanneBannon
E-Mail: jdn02@rogers.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
I've worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years, first as a freelance journalist, then as an in-house editor for LexisNexis Canada. I currently work as a freelance editor and writer and am represented by the Serendipity Literary Agency. My debut novel, Invisible, is a young adult paranormal romance, published by Solstice Publishing and has been optioned for film. Invisible is an Amazon bestseller both domestically and internationally and continues to receive wonderful reviews.

Currently, I'm finishing up work on a paranormal thriller titled, Dark Angel.



Interview Excerpt

Next: Presently, I’m working on a contemporary romance called Last Chances as well as a joint collaboration with my author friend, Fred Crook, called The Basement Dweller Chronicals.

I’ve had to cultivate my social media presence over several years. It took approximately 7 years to gain a large following on all social media platforms. It’s crucial in order to get the word out about new releases and/or promotions. I love interacting with my readers.

Invisible audio book: Since it was the publisher that converted the novel into an audio book (and the right to the book have reverted to me), I don’t know how well it’s doing. I’m not getting any royalties from it. I would hope the publisher would pay me if it is being downloaded but I have no way to tell.

Short stories and novellas: I love to write them while taking a break between novels...they still take quite a bit of time to pump out. I’m a slow writer and a careful writer. I send all my work to an editor before publishing. I care more about quality over quantity.

Author bundles: Valentines, Pets & Kisses was a fun way to collaborate with other authors. We each contributed a Valentine Day themed novella to the set – but the catch was that we had to include a furry friend in the mix. It was a challenge but a lot of fun! I wouldn’t have the time or courage to take on the huge task of running a boxset.

Giveaways: I think it’s necessary to give something to readers for free. It’s like going into a grocery store and getting to sample something before buying it. Once readers know you can indeed write, they’re more likely to come back and buy your other books. It’s especially effective if you give away the first book in a series.

Author's Book List
Beautiful Monster: The Hunt
Invisible
Lost and Found
Love Bites
Beautiful Monster: The Exchange
Nowhere to Run


For the rest of the story...View Jeanne Bannon - HBS Author's Spotlight


Tori de Clare


Author: Tori de Clare

Author Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Website: Tori de Clare
Twitter: @toride_de
E-Mail: torideclare@outlook.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
Tori de Clare, born 1970, grew up in Greater Manchester. Having taught piano for 25 years in between being a full-time stay-at-home mum of four, she began writing six years ago. Her debut novel, Either Side of Midnight - the first book of a series - was intended for young adults, but has been widely accepted by an adult readership. She now lives in East Yorkshire, England, and continues to teach music and write books and finds time for little else beyond family.

Daughter of two pianists, it was hardly a surprise that music became Tori's career. Cursed fate!

Tori de Clare: 'My parents were good at two things, which they very kindly passed on: music and writing. I pursued both. My dad played the piano by ear and didn't need to read music; my mum was classically trained. Greedily, I quite fancied both talents, but followed my mum down the classical route. All this sounds very cultured, but the truth is I'm exceptionally down-to-earth and love nothing better than a good laugh. Un-funnily, my dad died when I was 18. In his spare time, he never had a book out of his hands and aspired to having a book published. Having never had the chance to realise his ambition, this book is dedicated to him and to my mum who taught me to play the piano.'

The final book in The Midnight Saga will be released in 2017. Watch this space . . .



Interview Excerpt

The Midnight Saga: I released Shadows to Ashes at the end of June…It wraps up The Midnight Saga and ties up all the loose ends. The Darkness Visible had ended on a cliff hanger, so fans of the saga were begging me for the next instalment.

Great covers: I designed the covers myself, no reader involvement. Everything I do is a DIY job i.e. I trust no one to do anything for me. I’m not saying that this is for everyone or is a good idea, but I’m fairly confident about my ideas now.

Time management: I play it by ear. a) I’m not a person who enjoys rigid structure very much. I’m impulsive and intuitive, so strict schedules are not really my thing. And b) if someone in the family needs my time and/or attention – and they often do – I drop everything for them. Family comes first. It always has and will.

Giveaways: Giving books away for free has worked incredibly well for me, but less so now than a few years ago. Because I’ve written a trilogy, I can only ever put book 1 – Either Side of Midnight on offer for free. The books must be read in order. This poses an obvious problem for me – offering the same book over and over.

Reader list: My aim is to write good books and draw readers to me. When they contact me to talk about my books, I always respond immediately. I’m accessible through Facebook, email, Twitter and my website, but I’ve never managed to get my website off the ground

Living in England: My biggest audience is in the States. It’s always in America where my books are downloaded the most. It’s on .com that I have the most reviews, by quite a large margin. As already stated, this is thanks to Bookbub. They’re AMAZING!!

Getting reviews: I use the same tried and tested method – I aim to write cracking books that people want to review. I don’t like to beg people, but there is a note right at the end of my books appealing to readers to review the books.

Author's Book List
Shadows to Ashes
The Darkness Visible
Either Side of Midnight


For the rest of the story...View Tori de Clare - HBS Author's Spotlight


Devika Fernando


Author: Devika Fernando

Author Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

Author's Blog: Devika Fernando
Website: Devika Fernando
Twitter: @Author_Devika
E-Mail: devikagisela.fernando@gmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds - something that influences her writing. Her trademark is writing sweet and sensual, deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust.

What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, Devika is a faithful servant to all the cats and dogs she has adopted. When she's not writing, she's reading or thinking about writing.



Interview Excerpt

Next: It was lovely to release my third royal romance (The Prince's Surprise Bride), though this will be an ongoing series and not just a trilogy. For now, I’m focusing on a new romance series titled ‘Inn Love’. Each book will center on an inn/bed & breakfast in a different country such as Canada, England and Italy.

Social media: As I’m writing for an international readership, I always knew social media would play an important role. I rely on Facebook, Twitter and the internet in general for my book marketing. During the earlier stages, I concentrated on networking with other authors as well as joining groups and online book clubs.

Great covers: I design my own book covers. Usually, I wait until I have a solid idea what the book will be about and until I’ve written at least a third of it. Then I hunt stock photography sites for pictures and experiment with several looks until I’m satisfied.

Romancing the Royals: I thought it would be a good option for someone who is familiar with my books or with royal romances and would like to buy them all with one click whereas those who had read the first book would just naturally move on to the sequels separately. Furthermore, there are readers who like to pick up bargains, and they can save money with box sets…

Primary genre: I write contemporary romance first and foremost, on the sweet/clean side with a sensual touch. I emphasize this sweet aspect as well as my international approach…

Reader list: I have a newsletter people can subscribe to (http://eepurl.com/bK6AzL), and I diligently follow readers on Twitter. I also have a Facebook account and not just an author page, which makes intera

Great blog: Sometimes I wonder that myself… I guess it helps that I love what I do and that I take it seriously. It’s not just a hobby; it requires discipline and dedication, and constant attention. I would say my primary goal is reaching a wide audience while at the same time staying true to my author brand and connecting on a personal level.

Unique selling and marketing situation: Sri Lanka isn’t the ideal location for a romance novelist with German roots and English books. However, it has opened the door to the Indian community, with which I interact closely on social media.

You are working with Mike Wells in creating the Forbidden Romantic Thriller Series: It’s fun writing this series with Mike, though I won’t deny that collaborating can also be a challenge. I’ve learned a lot by coauthoring the ‘Forbidden’ books with Mike, and things usually flow well because we communicate regularly.

Author's Book List
The Prince's Surprise Bride
The Prince's Stubborn Bride
The Prince's Special Bride
Living with Fire
Dancing with Fire
Playing with Fire
Seduced in Spain
Saved in Sri Lanka
Forbidden, Book 4
Forbidden, Book 3
Forbidden, Book 2
Forbidden, Book 1
Kaleidoscope of Hopes
When I See Your Face


For the rest of the story...View Devika Fernando - HBS Author's Spotlight


Joe Hefferon


Author: Joe Hefferon

Author Genre: Crime, Mystery, Nonfiction

Author's Blog: Joe Hefferon Blog
Website: Joe Hefferon
Twitter: @HefferonJoe
E-Mail: hefferon.joe@gmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
Joseph Hefferon retired from law enforcement after twenty-five years in the city of Newark, NJ and now writes full-time. Scattergun is the first of a series. His novel, The Last Meridian, was released in May, 2017



Interview Excerpt

Next: Countdown to Osaka is scheduled for release on December 4th. It's a much more faster paced work than my last novel. I consider it my homage to Elmore Leonard, one of my favorite authors in the genre.

Social media: It's difficult to judge if my activity on Twitter translates into sales or just more activity on Twitter. The key is to connect with readers. Writers, publishers editors and others in the industry are good retweeters, exposing your name and work to hundreds of thousands, so it helps.

Great covers: I use a terrific graphic artist, Jeroen ten Berge. He does more than just book covers

Novellas: The short works have not had much impact on the novels. I agree that the internet has shortened the attention span of readers in terms of news and features but readers of fiction don't seem to be affected by the quick-read culture.

Giveaways: I've given some away to book bloggers and for the most part they are an appreciative bunch. They usually deliver what they say they will although I've had a few who took the book and never returned my emails again.

Primary genre: I confess to being a Raymond Chandler wannabe. I like the old movies, the iconic characters, femme fatales and noir themes. I tried my hand at it with The Last Meridian to mixed reviews. I had a lot of fun writing Countdown to Osaka so I think I'll stay with the action/crime theme for a bit.

Getting reviews: I've gotten some nice reviews from book blogger sites so I'll continue to work with them. I haven't really used professional sites.

Author's Book List
The Last Meridian
Alice
Scattergun


For the rest of the story...View Joe Hefferon - HBS Author's Spotlight


Cathy Perkins


Author: Cathy Perkins

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, Suspense

Author's Blog: Cathy Perkins
Website: Cathy Perkins
Twitter: @cperkinswrites
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
An award-winning author, Cathy Perkins works in the financial industry, where she's observed the hide-in-plain-sight skills employed by her villains. She writes predominantly financial-based mysteries but enjoys exploring the relationship aspect of her characters' lives. A member of Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (Kiss of Death chapter) and International Thriller Writers, she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, handles the blog and social media for the ITW Debut Authors, and coordinated the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. When not writing, she can be found doing battle with the beavers over the pond height or setting off on another travel adventure. Born and raised in South Carolina, the setting for CYPHER, HONOR CODE and THE PROFESSOR, she now lives in Washington with her husband, children, several dogs and the resident deer herd.



Interview Excerpt

Up next is a novella in the SO ABOUT… SERIES titled DOUBLE DOWN. I haven’t said much about this story, a little nervous about getting it right. After receiving a number of emails wanting to see Detective JC Dimitrak’s (from So About the Money) side of events, I decided to give both JC and (ex-policeman) Frank Phalen point-of-view roles in this mystery.

Personal appearances: The best place to keep up with me is via my website (http://cperkinswrites.com) or Facebook (http://cperkinswrites.com) or Facebook

Great covers:I have used a few different designers and I’m happy with the results. I worked with my cover artist (Gwen Campbell Cook) on the Holly Price/So About series and love the font she developed.

For DOUBLE DOWN, I pulled my readers into the cover selection process. Naturally results were split about 50/50 on which cover to use! In addition to the cover you included with this spotlight, Gwen and I developed a second cover with a sultry woman kicked back on a gaming table’s green felt.


Carina pitched The Professor to Audible and I was delighted when they selected it for their catalogue. I can't say for certain what effect it's had on regular sales, but sales in audiobooks have been excellent and introduce me to a new audience.

I like big stories with complex plots. My critique partner and I laugh at ourselves, admitting we like tertiary plots instead of stopping with the main A/ secondary B plots. Having said that, Honor Code simply showed up in my head and demanded to be put on paper.

Author bundles help cross promotion between authors of similar types of books. I’ve definitely seen increases in sales of other titles when a reader likes my included story.

Giveaways: Other than the ill-fated newsletter building promotion (see below), my giveaway books are mostly prizes in a contest on my website or on a guest blog. Giveaways are fun and can introduce new readers to my work. If someone likes the free book, they often decide to read my other titles.

Great blog: Updating my website – and keeping it updated – is one of my goals now that life is calming down. I’ve found people who visit my website want to know more about me or my books, so I’m adding bonus features such as deleted scenes, scenes written from a different character’s point of view, and bits of the research behind the stories.

Author's Book List
Malbec Mayhem
So About the Money
CYPHER
Honor Code
The Professor


For the rest of the story...View Cathy Perkins - HBS Author's Spotlight

HBS Author's Spotlight Showcase


Teresa Burrell
Featured Book: Mason's Missing




Tuper is helping find five-year-old Mason, who was presumedly taken by his father, but when Mason's father is found unconscious, Mason has disappeared again. In an impossible search during a bitterly cold Montana blizzard, old cowboy Tuper and his hacker friend Lana's quest blurs into one of insanity and murder. As wounded Tuper fights to stay alive in the bitter cold, Lana searches cyberspace and finds someone is working hard to ensure certain secrets remain secret--especially Mason's true identity.


Author: Teresa Burrell

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Thriller, Suspense

Author's Blog: Teresa Burrell
Website: Teresa Burrell
Twitter: @teresaburrell
E-Mail: teresa@teresaburrell.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
Teresa Burrell has dedicated her life to helping children and their families in both the courtroom and the classroom.

As an attorney in San Diego, Burrell maintained a private law practice for twelve years, which specialized in domestic, criminal, and civil cases. Her work in juvenile court focused on representing abused minors and juvenile delinquents. Burrell has received several awards and special recognition from the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers for her countless hours of pro bono work with children and their families.

Burrell has also enjoyed a satisfying career as a teacher. She has taught children of all ages with diverse backgrounds and special needs. After creating an after-school program that kept kids off the street, she received a community service award.

Now in semi-retirement in California, Burrell continues to educate groups about social issues impacting children and write novels, many of which are inspired by actual legal cases. She is the author of The Advocate Series which now contains eight novels: The Advocate, The Advocate's Betrayal, The Advocate's Conviction, The Advocate's Dilemma, The Advocate's Ex Parte, The Advocate's Felony, The Advocate's Geocache, and most recently, The Advocate's Homicides.

Burrell also has two children's books that are fun for the whole family--Gaspar, the Flatulating Ghost, and Gaspar Meets a Bully.

Author's Book List
Mason's Missing
The Advocate's Homicides
The Advocate's Geocache
The Advocate's Felony
The Advocate's Ex Parte
The Advocate's Dilemma
The Advocate's Conviction
The Advocate's Betrayal
The Advocate
Gaspar, the Flatulating Ghost


For the rest of the story...View Teresa Burrell - HBS Author's Spotlight Showcase


Dianne Harman
Featured Book: Murdered By Wine




She wasn't swimming in the wine vat, she was dead!

When Angela, the beloved award-winning winemaker at the Moretti Winery, is found floating face down in a wine vat, law enforcement authorities are suspicious about the cause of her death. Was it murder or a tragic accident?

If it's murder, who did it? Was it her husband, Matteo, the winemaker at a nearby winery, jealous because his wife's wines always received the top awards and best ratings? Was it his employer, Carlos Romano, the owner of the nearby winery, because his wines always placed second to those made by Angela? Or could it have been Carlos' niece, Alessandra, who had romantic fantasies about Matteo even though he was married to Angela? Or even Signora Moretti, suspicious there was more to her husband and Angela's relationship than business. And then there was Caitlin, the ambitious master's degree student who was an intern at the Moretti Winery and wanted Angela's job.

Mike Reynolds, an Oregon county sheriff, and his wife, Kelly, decide to take a short vacation to Sonoma, California, where they were meeting their daughter and her husband for some wine tasting. Because of a sick child, they have to return home to Calico Gold, so Kelly and Mike have some extra time on their hands and offer to help the local sheriff determine if Angela's death was murder or an accident.

Author: Dianne Harman

Author Genre: Romance and Literary Fiction

Author's Blog: Dianne Harman Author
Website: Dianne Harman Author
Twitter: @DianneDHarman
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
USA TODAY bestselling author and seven time Amazon All Star Author, Dianne Harman, draws her stories and characters from a diverse business and personal background. She owned a national antique and art appraisal business for many years, left that industry, and opened two yoga centers where she taught and certified yoga instructors. She's traveled extensively throughout the world and loves nothing more than cooking, playing backgammon with her husband, Tom, and throwing the ball for their dog, Kelly.

Being a dog lover and having attended numerous cooking schools, she couldn't resist writing about food and dogs. Dianne is the author of several cozy mystery series: Cedar Bay, Liz Lucas, High Desert, Midwest, Jack Trout, and the Northwest. Each of these books contains recipes from her travels. Alexis, the first book in the Midlife Journey Series was also recently published. She's the author of the award-winning suspenseful Coyote Series.

Murder in the Pearl District was chosen by Amazon to be one of their Mystery books in their October, 2016 homage of great writing by independent authors and several of her books have been chosen by them as PRIME books!

Author's Book List
Murdered By Wine
Murder in Seattle
Murdered By Plastic Surgery
Murder in Whistler
Murder & The Movie Star
Murder on Bainbridge Island
Murder in Calistoga
Trouble at the Animal Shelter
ALEXIS
Murder at the Polo Club
Murder at the Clinic
Murder on the East Coast
High Desert Cozy Mysteries #1
Murder at the Big T Lodge
Murdered by Country Music
Murdered by Words
Trouble at the Kennel
The Blue Butterfly
Murder in Cuba
Murder & the Secret Cave
Murder At The Bed & Breakfast
Murder & The Monkey Band
Murder at the Cooking School
The Death Card
Murder in Calico Gold
Murder and Brandy Boy
Murder in the Pearl District
Murder in Cottage #6
Marriage and Murder
White Cloud Retreat
Murder at Jade Cove
Kelly's Koffee Shop
COYOTE SERIES
CORNERED COYOTE
Coyote in Provence
Blue Coyote Motel


For the rest of the story...View Dianne Harman - HBS Author's Spotlight Showcase


Dawn Greenfield Ireland
Featured Book: Prophecy of Thol




Recurring nightmares haunted D’laine Jackson when she woke from an eight-month coma following a tragic accident. Four images were branded in her head: a dark-haired, handsome princely young man, a fierce reptilian monster, a white furry creature whose red eyes implored her with some unspoken message, and an ominous black robot.

Now, five years later, D’laine was getting ready to go off to college. During one last shopping trip with her father and brothers for dorm supplies, a blanket of fog rolled out of the sky at the mall, in broad daylight in plain sight of dozens of witnesses. When the fog pulled back D’laine was gone.

When she woke, her nightmare turned into reality.


Author: Dawn Greenfield Ireland

Author Genre: Mystery Thrillers, Fantasy,Professional & Technical

Author's Blog: Dawn Ireland
Website: Dawn Ireland Writer
Twitter: @dawnireland
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Dawn Ireland is the CEO of Artistic Origins Inc, a 100% woman-owned publishing company that has been doing business since 1995. She's the award winning author of The Puppy Baby Book and Mastering Your Money.

Hot Chocolate her new wickedly funny cozy mystery novel is collecting 5-star reviews on Amazon. It is the first in the series, and her fifth novel. Stay tuned for Bitter Chocolate (she posts updates of her progress on Facebook).

Originally from Feeding Hills, MA, Dawn migrated to San Antonio in 1968, then when her first son was one year old (1971) her family moved to Houston where work was more plentiful.

Dawn is the co-author of the animated screenplay Memoirs of a Dog (with Barbara Mackey) which won the Spirit Award of the Moondance Film Festival (children's category) 9/2011. Her dark comedy Plan B was a finalist in the Table Read My Screenplay script competition in 2010. Mastering Your Money won the New England Book Festival eBook category in 12/2008. Melody, A Girl and Her Dog, and Passage were finalists in the Worldfest Int'l Film Festival Script Competition in 2005.

The Puppy Baby Book was proclaimed a finalist in the prestigious IPPY book competition (2001) less than 90 days after publication.

And years before any of these successes, Standing Dead won the Women in Film and Television (Houston Chapter) screenplay award in 12/99.

So many people have asked what she did to win the awards and get so many 5-star reviews on Amazon that she took action: like a good technical writer she wrote a set of instructions. Using PowerPoint creating 177 narrated slides titled How to Publish an Award-Winning Book. This is every writer's personal guide for creating the best book or report without overlooking critical details.

Dawn has been a member and benefactor of Women in Film and Television (Houston) for decades. Her day job is Sr. Technical Writer for an oil company.

Author's Book List
Prophecy of Thol
Bitter Chocolate
Hot Chocolate
Mastering Your Money
The Puppy Baby Book
Writer’s Preparation Handbook


For the rest of the story...View Dawn Greenfield Ireland - HBS Author's Spotlight Showcase


Marla Madison
Featured Book: The Way She Lied




When psychologist Lisa Rayburn is offered the chance to evaluate the psychiatric release of Roman Guerrero—a man who confessed to slaughtering eleven people nearly a decade earlier—she's both tempted and wary. The ramifications of any decision regarding the man’s release might just outweigh the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with such a fascinating—and mysterious—subject.

Was Guerrero the one responsible for what happened the night eleven people died in a Milwaukee restaurant? Nobody really knows, but the community is in an uproar over the possibility of a mass murderer being released into their midst.

While Lisa interviews Guerrero and struggles to stay objective, her friends—private investigator TJ Peacock and crime reporter/blogger Bart Kosik—push Lisa to join them in investigating the ten-year-old mystery of the Guerrero murders.

Hampered by patient confidentiality, Lisa can only listen to her friend’s theories of the case. But it isn't until their lives, as well as hers, are at stake that Lisa finally realizes she has to make a decision.

Question is: is she too late?


Author: Marla Madison

Author Genre: Suspense, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Marla Madison
Twitter: @MarlaAMadison
E-Mail: mam887@gmail.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

Post with Profile + Interview: HBS Author's Spotlight

Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
Marla Madison is the author of two suspense series. She's Not There is her debut suspense novel and is the first book of the TJ Peacock and Lisa Rayburn series.TRESPASS, is the second and Marla's next novel will be the third of that series.

Relative Malice, her second book begins the Detective Kendall Halsrud series. Iced Malice, is the second book of that series.

Marla is a retired Federal Mediator who works as an Arbitrator. She lives on Prairie Lake in Northwestern Wisconsin with her significant other, Terry, a beloved shelter dog, Skygge, and Poncho, an opinionated feline from the same shelter.

Also an avid reader of suspense, some of Marla's favorite authors are Tana French, Lisa Gardner, Jeffrey Deaver, Jonathan Kellerman, James Patterson, Tess Gerritson, and Tami Hoag.

When not reading or writing, Marla enjoys hanging out with other area authors, playing duplicate bridge, golfing, and going on long walks with her dog.

Author's Book List
The Way She Lied
Promise of Malice
Iced Malice
TRESPASS
Relative Malice
She's Not There
The Detective Kendall Halsrud Series


For the rest of the story...View Marla Madison - HBS Author's Spotlight Showcase

HBS Bundles and Co-Authored Showcase


Featured Set: The Fantasy World of M.R. Mathias

M.R. Mathias

Author: M.R. Mathias


Author: M.R. Mathias
Author Genre: Fantasy - Magic & Wizards

Website: M.R. Mathias Fantasy Author
Author's Blog: M. R. Mathias Connection Hub
Twitter: @DahgMahn
E-Mail: mrmathiasjr@aol.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Amazon Author Profile


Author Description:
M.R. Mathias rose from unknown to award-winning, best-selling author at a pace most authors can only dream about. He is a prolific writer of epic fantasy novels, novellas, and short stories. Despite his busy writing, publishing, and promotional schedule Mathias continues to aid his fellow indie authors by posting about their books at Twitter and Facebook etc.

He shared his considerable knowledge of self-promotion in publishing The First Ten Steps. The book has become an important indie guide for navigating the often murky waters of using social media sites to get your eBook in front of avid readers.

*From the Author The jewel you see glowing in the ring in my old authors photo isn't really a jewel at all. It is the crystallized tear of a real dragon. In my novel "The Royal Dragoneers" you might find the moment where this wonderfully magical teardrop fell from a green dragon's eye, and captured all sorts of magic in its facets.

My grandfather died before I was born, but the ring was given to me by my mother, after my grandmother recently died. My grandfather apparently won it in a poker game near the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma sometime in the early 1900's.

It has been a boon, the magic of the dragon's tear ring, for it brought you here to me didn't it? Now treat yourself to something fantastic and try out the free sample of one of my novels. I hope you enjoy the journey. It will be spectacular. Thank you, M.R. Mathias


Title: The Tricky Wizard

Author: M.R. Mathias


After racing off to save a pair of poisoned orphans, Clover soon learns that she, and her dragon Crimzon, might have been duped. Is the round old wizard who summoned her what he seems? Or did he lure them into his trap? Excitement and magic await in this second installment of the Crimson & Clover short story series.

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Title: The Grog

Author: M.R. Mathias


Clover gets caught up in a fine mess of treachery and frigid betrayal in this exciting short story about a lucky girl who demands respect from all who know her.

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Title: Killer of Giants

Author: M.R. Mathias


As with all the Crimzon and Clover tales, this is a short story of about 25 standard book pages.

In this episode, Crimzon and Clover have settled in the mountains of Kar, where King Amothy rules the men, and tribes of savage Karsithian giants roam the peaks. To enlarge their hoard our beloved dragon and his rider have started taking sacks of kingdom jewels for odd jobs here and there. Jobs such as searching out lost trade ships and keeping the Karsithian fighters from harassing the good people of the realm. Things get out of hand after some dwarven miners in Crimzon's employ are killed for digging to near a Karsithian tomb. To make matters worse some strange ghastly thing has started killing the mountain fae and taking over the minds of the Kar.

Crimzon's anger, and Clover's wit will be pitted against teams of giant warriors, and a creature that just might prove to be too much for them to handle.

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Title: The Fortune's Fortune

Author: M.R. Mathias


What do a handsome henchman, an unlucky duke, and one of the biggest gambling houses in the kingdom of Kar have in common? When Clover, the luckiest girl around, loses and finds out they are cheating the customers, she reminds them all of some age old wisdom: Don't mess with a girl with a dragon!

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Title: Through the Wildwood

Author: M. R. Mathias


A half-zythian bard named Vanx is in slave chains for bedding the Duchess of Highlake. The Duke wants him dead. This is bad news, for bad things can happen to an ill guarded slave caravan in the mountains. When the duke's men attack to kill the adulterous prisoner all hell breaks loose leaving Vanx only one way to go... Through the Wildwood

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Title: One Bad Bitch

Author: M.R. Mathias


The ruler of the small kingdom of Mythka has stolen some gold from the dwarven mines Crimzon and Clover watch over for King Amothy. It isn't wise to mess with a girl with a dragon, especially Clover, who decides that a one on one showdown between her and the thief king himself, in his own arena, is the best way to handle things. Don't miss this 25 page short story that is #6 in the Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series.

Available at Amazon


Title: Superhero

Author: M.R. Mathias


This is a Short Story about the realities of modern heroism. There is alot of ironic comedy and a deep message about the state of man here.

With a name like the Valiant Defender and a huge logo that says V.D. across his chest, you can imagine how Marvin Smithers is recieved when he foils a crime and becomes a national media hero.

Available at Amazon


Title: Orphaned Dragon, Lucky Girl

Author: M.R. Mathias


It isn't wise to mess with a girl and her dragon, at least not these two.

A young dragon, named Crimzariathon, loses his mother to lair raiders and is left to fend for himself. A lucky girl, aptly named Clover, happens upon him and together they form a lasting bond. When more men come to raid the lair the two are forced to defend themselves, and each other, in a wicked battle. Magic, swordplay, and dragon riding glory await in this satisfying 25 page short story. Crimzon & Clover One - Orphaned Dragon, Lucky Girl, is also available as a FREE Audio Book MP3 Narrated by Christine Padovan (( goo.gl/6PfMR )) This is a great read along combo!

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Title: The First Dragoneer

Author: M.R. Mathias


The First Dragoneer is an intro to the Dragoneer Saga. I wrote it in 2009, before I could consider myself a writer. The characters are young, but the story wasn't written to be YA. Many reviewers believe it, and the rest of the Dragoneer Saga, is. In fantasy, I don't really think it matters all that much. The Royal Dragoneers, the first full length novel in the series, is just 2.99 for a limited time.

If you like dragons, action, and adventure, you may enjoy these books. I definately enjoyed bringing them to fruition. Hold on to your dragon! - M. R. Mathias
The First Dragoneer

When two young men go on a hunt that they know will probably be the last hunt of their youth, they decide they want it to be an unforgettable outting.

When they cross a ridge and leave the unprotected, unpatrolled boundary of their kingdom, they find a cavern that looks like it needs to be explored.

Inside the cavern they find exactly what they were looking for. For residing in the darkened depths of this stoney hole is something that they will never forget......

That is, if they live long enough to remember it!

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Title: Foxwise

Author: M.R. Mathias


Deep in the Lurr Forest, there is a valley called Saint Elm's Deep. This secret valley remains in a perpetual state of spring and hosts the thousands of fae who live there. The Heart Tree's magic sustains the boundaries that protect them all and their lush forest, but the Hoar Witch has poisoned its roots.

Queen Corydalis needs a certain shard to cast a beckoning so that the Emerald-eyed Champion of lore might come and save them all, for he is the only one who can end the Hoar Witch. If they hope to save the Heart Tree, that deed must be done.

Join Thorn, Bristle and Barb, the Pixie Queen's fiercest, smartest and most loyal elves as they take a thrilling journey out of their protected world into true Overland, where danger hides around every corner and everything they have ever loved is at stake.

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Title: ROAR

Author: M.R. Mathias


A fantasy "Short Story" about a gambling Seawardsman named Loudin, and the Lion Lord of Westland. These events happened a handful of years before The Wardstone Trilogy begins. You will find both characters in the #1 bestselling fantasy epic The Wardstone Trilogy, which starts with book one, The Sword and the Dragon.

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Title: Star Dragon 13

Author: Michael Ender and J.T. Arralle


First Officer Adrianna Archa must take control of Star Dragon 13, one of the Legion's top secret, deep space defenders. Caught in the middle of what might be a trap, the captain tries to blow the ship to protect its classified technology. When Adrianna figures out who was the bait, and what their role was supposed to have been, they learn that just surviving might mean being branded as traitors. In the end, the only way they can prove their loyalty is to finish the mission, no matter how desperate the odds.

Available at Amazon
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Title: King of Fools

Author: M.R. Mathias


The King of Fools

A Fool must save his kingdom from a tyrant with a dolt for a jester in this hilarious, tale of majestic, motley, mockery.

"I'm off to make a fool of a fool, and a fool of a king as well.
Only a fool can fool a fool, but, with a king's wit, who can tell!
I'm off to make a fool of a fool, and a fool of a kingdom too.
I might lose my head by the king's man's ax, but I'll try to fool him too!"
-The King of Fools

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Title: Autumn's Breath

Author: Michael Robb


A high school senior named Autumn finds terror and mayhem in a town surrounded by corn fields. Murder, missing students, and a sheriff who wants no part of it, all get tangled in the events that take place when it snows on Halloween. This is what happens when hell freezes over.

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