A Must See YA Boxset ~ Wielder's Storm Trilogy!

I've been less than a blogger over the past year, and that's being generous. But that's a post for another time. Today, I have exciting news for you. Our very own Lynda R. Young aka Elle Cardy just released the most gorgeous boxset of her trilogy Wielder's Storm! 

Let's take a peek . . .

FREE on Kindle Unlimited - Amazon | Website

Whoa . . . I normally don't include an image this large in my posts, but I had to. Doesn't the cover hold an urgency about it that makes you just have to read?!

Here's the description:

The Wielder's Storm Trilogy is an action-packed epic fantasy that will sweep you across the high seas on a thrilling adventure full of exciting twists.

 This complete box set contains Wielder’s Prize, Wielder’s Curse and Wielder’s Fire.

Wielder’s Prize

Snatched for what she isn’t. Hunted for what she is.

Despite having an abusive cook as a father, Jasmine wouldn’t change her life on the high seas for anything—until that life is shattered. When she’s snatched from the only home she’s ever known and forced to crew a different ship, she learns a terrible truth. She is an untrained magic wielder who is a threat to everyone if she can’t control her power. But she’s not the only out-of-control wielder on the high seas, and the secret of that wielder could change everything she thought she knew—if she can survive.

Wielder’s Curse

A dark vision. A dangerous curse. A fierce girl caught in between.

Jasmine thought her adventures were over, but terrifying visions continue to haunt her.  When a loved one’s life is threatened, she risks everything to hunt down the would-be assassin. What she finds is not what she expected. Too late, she realizes she’s endangered the ship and crew. On the run, she is pursued across the high seas to an unknown land. If she can’t master her power, she won’t be able to protect anyone. If she can’t accept help, then she could turn into something worse than the thing that hunts her.

Wielder’s Fire

Jasmine’s secrets have been laid bare, her magic stripped. All she has left is a fire in her soul to defeat the oncoming storm.

Shipwrecked on a forsaken island, Jasmine has nothing but her anger and determination to keep her warm at night. Without her magic, she must find a way to defeat a powerful enemy that can raze townships and summon sea monsters. When she discovers an ancient magic, she embraces it. But it may not be all it seems, and she could be exchanging one sword to the throat for another.

For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, who love exciting tales with dark secrets and unexpected twists. Lose yourself today in Elle Cardy’s epic fantasy adventure.

Elle Cardy is the pen name of Lynda R Young. She is a writer, editor, game developer, 3D artist, graphic designer, photographer, gamer and so much more.

She has a number of speculative short stories published in print and online. She has gone independent with her debut young adult fantasy adventure, Wielder's Prize, now available on Amazon. She’s a relative newcomer to sunny Brisbane and lives with her sweetheart of a husband who is also her best friend.

Under the name Lynda R Young, she has a Christian non-fiction out called Cling to God: A Daily Devotional.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Instagram | VIP Club

I hope you check out this Elle's website. It's beautiful! Congratulations to Elle.

Much success to Wielder's Storm Trilogy!

IWSG ~ Do Overs in Publishing

Today marks another IWSG post, where writers come together to share their thoughts, angst, worries, and insecurities about the publishing world and book writing all together. BUT, we also share our hopes, dreams, and our successes.

So here's a success I'd like to share and add to the Insecure Writers Support Group's wall of encouragement.

MOTLEY EDUCATION has been completely rebranded, edited, and released as a Second Edition!

Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | iTunes |
Smashwords | Kobo | Publisher

Motley Education: The Urd Saga BkI

Ages: 8-12

Pages: 354

Publisher: Ellysian Press, September 10, 2019; Second Edition

ISBN: 978-1-941637-63-0

ISBN: 978-1-941637-64-7 (Ingram)

ASIN: B07XCYPD76

"A deftly crafted ... and entertaining read!"

Midwest Book Reviews - Children's Watch 2017

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Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted Terms of Enrollment

Signed: Ebony Charmed

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Ebony should be excited about entering sixth grade to further develop her skills. And she would be. If only her lame abilities let her see more than three ghosts.

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Struggling to live up to her gifted family, Ebony is horrified when she is branded a Seeker: someone who is neither Sensory nor Luminary. To top it off, her Deadly Creatures and Relics project – transforming a measly stick – seems destined for failure.

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But there are doors to other worlds where creatures have been watching her. And when the truth emerges that her project is more than a stick, she knows she must act. Along with her best friend Fleishman and his pet lizard, Ebony finds herself wedged between prophecies and quests. Oh, and saving the entire spirit world from annihilation.

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Ebony is not ready to be a hero. But a dark presence has already stolen more than one local kid. And this time, her failure is not an option.

2017 Literary Classics - Gold Medal Winner - Grade School Fantasy

2016 New England Book Festival - Best Children’s Book

2017 Readers' Favorite - Gold Medal Winner - Children's Fantasy/Sci Fi

2017 Feathered Quill - Bronze Winner - Best Juvenile/YA Fiction

2017 Purple Dragonfly - Honorable Mention Winner; ebook 

Add to GOODREADS

Here's the new book trailer . . .

The release was a huge day for me. But I didn't make a big deal about it. So here's where my insecurity comes in for this month.

Releasing Motley - which was my debut novel into the world - for a second time felt like I was playing catch-up, like I was re-celebrating my birthday and everyone would be like "Uh, big deal." No, no one said that. On the contrary, I had a ton of support during my new book birthday. )You know who you are, and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!) I know that Motley has been completely rebranded with a new cover, theme, book blurb, and marketing strategy, which is all good. It's just not new to me, not a new accomplishment, not a bigger goal reached. Does this make sense?

It was work. A lot of work, just like when I originally sold the manuscript to my first publisher. There were rounds of edits, cover discussions, all new marketing graphics created, and more. I'm super blessed that my YA publisher loves my work so much they offered to rep Motley. Honestly, I couldn't thank them enough.

I guess what I'm asking you all is How should I really feel about getting Motley back out into the wild? (For those who don't know, feel free to go HERE. Basically, my original pub closed, leaving Motley homeless.) Does feeling like it's a success make me selfish? 

One note: I truly am thrilled the book is back out there and that I'm in revisions for book II. I love these characters and the world they live in. We really do have a cool job, don't we?

MORE PARTICIPANTS

A  huge 'thank you' gotes out to the awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

Cover Reveal! CAGED FIRE by L.M. Preston

One of the most exciting aspects of having an expectant book baby is seeing the cover design for the first time! And as a reader, I love this part, too.

Today, I'm here to help my wonderful author friend L.M. Preston share her cover for her next young adult novel for teens. And she has a surprise for you at the end of this post. Here's the cover:

Scroll please . . . 

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TA - DAH!!!

I am beyond in LUV with the purple!

AND check out this animated version. Super cool!

via GIPHY

CAGED FIRE: Vigilant, Book 2

Author: L.M. Preston

Publisher: Phenomenal One Press

Release Date: March 7, 2019

Pre-order NOW!

Description: 

They say you can't run away from your problems. EmVee knew from experience it was true. She and her father tried to run, until the truth came and got them. Now with nothing to lose, she must confront the monster that changed her life forever. Unfortunately, she has to work with his best friend, Kayson who she is almost sure, isn't quite as nice as he seems. Kayson revealed not just why her father disappeared, but a new world of magicals that wanted the debt he left behind to be paid.

(Insatiable Darkness - Book 0, Caged Fire - Book 1, Unbreakable Darkness - Book 1.5)

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | WEBSITE STORE

LM is offering a 2 month long book immersion with characters and game exclusive events! To play, go here:

FACEBOOK FAN GROUP

Here's your secret surprise: an excerpt

“Look kid, your father’s time is running cold. They are on to us, too many lives are at stake if either of you get caught.” Rocky handed her a thumb drive. “It’s a matter of your life and his death. He owes me, and I owe another a favor.”

“You give it to him,” EmVee replied evenly, checking her emotions and desire to punch the guy and run.

“No, this is where my road ends. Remember. Remember the name to nowhere and the code is your father’s real name. If you are his daughter. He would have told it to you, it’s a safe-word of sorts. I’m tired of running and they made sure I don’t have anything to run to. My son, he’s out there somewhere, and I’ll die taking the name of his safe-place with me. He’ll be free of them, both of them. Max and you have a chance. Don’t forget my name. It’ll mean something someday I hope. Run. Run now.” Rocky grasped her wrist, yanked it toward him, and placed the thumb drive in her hand.

EmVee looked at the drive, squeezed it in her palm.

Rocky tossed something in his mouth and pushed her back. “Look away, kid.” His body started convulsing. He groaned and collapsed, eyes open and staring towards the moon teased by dark clouds.

Sweat slid from under her drawn hoodie. Why’d he’d do it? They could’ve taken him to a hospital.

She glanced around quickly, then went for Rocky’s pockets. She reached in his jacket, flesh and entrails had spilled from his waist and into his coat. EmVee jerked back, shook her head a shaky sigh escaped her lips. She bit down on her lip and did what she had to do. In his jacket she found his cellphone and put it in her back pocket. His wallet she stuffed in the side pocket of her backpack. There was nothing else.

Putting her hand over her nose, swallowing back the tangy taste of vomit. She reached over and closed Rocky’s blue eyes. She’d never forget them.

Wishing L.M. all the luck in the world with this one! It sounds and looks amazing.

What's your favorite thing about book covers?

IWSG~Stepping Out of Your Genre & A Gorgeous #CoverReveal!

Hi Everyone! *Quick Splat Note: I suck. Haven't been blogging due to all sorts of legit bookish reasons, life with four kids & ailing parents. I still LUV you!  *****

"It's September," I whisper, for fear if I spoken loudly another page will turn and December will arrive. And I'm not ready for the holidays to be here. Let's agree to concentrate on today being the 1st Wednesday of said month, where I come to answer the question posed by the Insecure Writer's Support Group. 

"Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing?"

Talk about a loaded question...

Sure have. And it's one of my favorite parts of writing fiction. I'll use my MG novel Motley Education as an example. Originally, my main character Ebony Charmed was a teenager, not a tween. But the more I wrote her story, the younger she sounded. It was at that point I realized she didn't want to be an emotionally wounded teen medium with trust issues or to lust after her best guy friend only to realize they were better off as just friends. Nope, she wanted to be a spunky, boneyard-loving, misfit medium dressed in miniskirts with skulls on her tights and pink/blue strips in her hair, whose rocky relationship with her mom contributes to her insecurities at school and with the local bully-boy, except for her GTG (go-to-guy) Fleishman - the best real friend any girl could hope for. <3

Yeah, I totally heart them, too.

And guess what? Their little story won yet another award! 

I've been invited to Miami, FL, in November to attend the awards ceremony and accept the award. Unlike with the Literary Classic award ceremony that I couldn't attend because it was in South Dakota this past weekend (airfare from Maine to SD was ridiculously expensive), I'll be able to make it to Florida for the ceremony! I'm thrilled.

I want to thank our amazing September co-host team of Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, & Beverly Stowe McClure! Want to be part of the IWSG? Click the image.

Reminder Splat: My YA publisher is offering a preorder sales price of $3.99 for Marked Beauty from now until release day - October 17, 2017. In conjunction, anyone who preorders their copy will receive a fabulous preorder package of bookish goodies! Just sign up via this link: http://bit.ly/2texe67. Preorder links: AMAZON & BARNES AND NOBLE.

Are you ready for an amazingly gorgeous cover reveal??? Oh, and it's not mine. LOL Here goes:

PHOENIX DESCENDING

Book I of The Curse of the Phoenix Duology

by Dorothy Deyer

Publisher: Snow Wings Publishing

Release Date: November 28, 2017

Genre: NA (New Adult)

Cover Design: Deranged Doctor Design

Description: Since the outbreak of the phoenix fever in Drothidia, Tori Kagari has already lost one family member to the fatal disease. Now, with the fever threatening to wipe out her entire family, she must go against everything she believes in order to save them—even if that means making a deal with the enemy.

When Tori agrees to join forces with the unscrupulous Khadulians, she must take on a false identity in order to infiltrate the queendom of Avarell and fulfill her part of the bargain, all while under the watchful eye of the unforgiving Queen’s Guard. But time is running out, and every lie, theft, and abduction she is forced to carry out may not be enough to free her family from death. Add Phoenix Descending on Goodreads!

Congratulations to Dorothy! I'm excited for this one.

So, IWSG peeps: have you ever had a character you're writing yell at you that you're doing it wrong? ;) 

YA #CoverReveal~BLACK & WHITE by Nick Wilford

Ever wonder what it would take to create a perfect society? My next YA feature explores just that! Let's take a peek at the book's cover reveal and then meet the author.

 Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords

BLACK & WHITE

by Nick Wilford

Release Date: September 18, 2017

Genre: YA Dystopian

Extra info: Black & White is the first in a trilogy that will also be complemented by a prequel novella.

Description: What is the price paid for the creation of a perfect society?

In Whitopolis, a gleamingly white city of the future where illness has been eradicated, shock waves run through the populace when a bedraggled, dirt-stricken boy materialises in the main street. Led by government propaganda, most citizens shun him as a demon, except for Wellesbury Noon – a high school student the same age as the boy.

Upon befriending the boy, Wellesbury feels a connection that he can’t explain – as well as discovering that his new friend comes from a land that is stricken by disease and only has two weeks to live. Why do he and a girl named Ezmerelda Dontible appear to be the only ones who want to help?

LINK

As they dig deeper, everything they know is turned on its head – and a race to save one boy becomes a struggle to redeem humanity.

What says you about the cover??? For me, it's intriguing and makes me want to peek into this strange world. 

Okay Alleywalkers, let's hear a warm hello for YA Author Nick Wilford!

Hi Nick! It's wonderful you stopped by for a visit. Give us a little insight into this dystopian world you've created.
Well, this world came about from an idea I had; what if all disease was eliminated? Of course, such a society would be a bit too perfect, and that's certainly how it comes across in the book, at least in the location we start out in. The people who created this world have gone to some pretty dark lengths to keep it squeaky clean, and the reader finds out more about this alongside my protagonist, Wellesbury. I think what marks Harmonia out from other dystopian worlds is that the problems aren't so immediately apparent. In the Hunger Games you've got, well, hunger, and the terrorisation of the population, but in my world everything seems pretty rosy on the surface. My favourite aspect of the world is gravball, which is kind of like a 3D version of football where players can run along the walls and ceiling of a cuboid-shaped room thanks to specially installed gravity fields. That's probably the coolest thing that's going on!

You know, I've wondered what it'd be like to live in a world where no disease existed. Very thought-provoking!

To give your readers a better feel for the story, what two super heroes adequately describe your main character? What two villains adequately describe your main antagonist?
I would say that Wellesbury could be represented by Superman, as he has capabilities that can't be seen on the surface - not physical but mental - and always tries to do the right thing. Maybe a bit of Flash Gordon in there, pitting himself against an evil tyrant. As for my antagonist - Lord Hubert Histender, the Supreme Grand Ruler of Harmonia - let's go for Big Brother. Never actually seen, his virtues are extolled in government-issued newsfeeds, and although citizens aren't physically watched in their homes, their lives are pretty regimented with standardised mealtimes and daily activities. And then Randall Flagg from Stephen King's The Stand. Doesn't seem quite as bad at first, but anyone with a bad word to say against the government mysteriously disappears.

Ooh, Randall . . . I remember him! What aspect of this story do you hope will resonate with your readers most & what element(s) do you believe will draw them into this story?
The aspect I hope will resonate most is the importance of thinking for yourself and not just going along with the crowd. I think that's a problem that's seen to an increasing degree in our current society, sometimes with frightening consequences. Social media has accentuated this; it should be a space wherein people can express their individuality but most just jump on whatever bandwagon is passing or whatever is going viral. I hope people will be engaged by my young teen protagonists; there's three of them to root for, against this evil machine that is the government.

Being comfortable in your own skin is so important. It can be so hard to live up to, though, especially during the teen years. Love this lesson. 

Fun question: If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?

I'd be the Librarian from the Unseen University on Terry Pratchett's Discworld, who's famously an orangutan. He hangs out with books all day, he can scale tall shelves using his arms and legs, and he's strong enough to break the neck of anyone who threatens the books!

Haha! That's great! Thank you so much for sharing your literary roots with the Alleyway! Best of luck with this project and any in the future.

~About the Author~

Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those early morning times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction, with a little freelance editing and formatting thrown in. When not working he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine, which were later included in his collection A Change of Mind and Other Stories. Nick is also the editor of Overcoming Adversity: An Anthology for Andrew. Blog / Twitter / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads

Want to help Nick spread the word about his upcoming release? Great! Here's a premade tweet for you to share wherever. Please & thank you ...

#Black&White Cover Reveal! Take a trip to a world that's not as perfect as it seems. @NickPWilford #YA #dystopian http://amzn.to/2h9SaFP

What are your thoughts on a world where disease is eradicated? What sacrifices would you be willing to make in society? 

#CoverReveal! RIGHT TEXT, WRONG NUMBER by Natalie Decker

Have a soft spot for YA contemporary stories? And I'm sure you could add one more book to your summer reads list. Then check out this next one:

RIGHT TEXT, WRONG NUMBER

Series: OFFSIDES
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Release Date: July 11, 2017

High school juniors, Layla and Tyler, are complete opposites. Sure she’s a cheerleader and he’s a football player, but she thinks he’s the biggest jerk in the school and he thinks she is too high on her horse to even be worth a second glance from him. And when the two of them are near one another, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. They are NOT interested in speaking to one another, let alone date.

But when Layla unknowingly sends Tyler a smack-down text meant for the girl sending naked photos to her then-boyfriend, Adam, Tyler has no idea it’s Layla and decides to play along. After all, Tyler cannot resist messing with the pissed off girl firing off texts about junk pictures, cheating, and girl code.

As the fallout from Adam’s sexting scandal plays out in front of the entire school, Tyler and Layla secretly continue to text one another using fake names. But as days and weeks pass, things take a turn for the serious between them, and suddenly, their texts mean more. They both begin to consider revealing their true identity to the other and taking the relationship from texts to dates, then kissing and maybe more.

They say there's a thin line between love and hate. Can reality live up to the fantasy, or will Layla and Tyler be forever offsides?

FOR MORE, visit Natalie Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

My Cover Reveal 4 MARKED BEAUTY & A Giveaway!

Today's the day, where I get to share the cover of my young adult novel! Now some of you might remember that when the cover to my middle grade novel Motley Education was released I named the cover - Daphne. *cheeky grin* Well, I've decided to name my YA cover Sophie. Why? I'm really not sure. It just looked like a Sophie to me. Any hoot, ready to meet Sophie???

Just scroll down ...

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Tah-DAH!

Marked Beauty by S.A. Larsen (That's me!)

Publisher: Ellysian Press

Release Date: October 2017

Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.

Anastasia Tate has a secret. She can feel the emotions of others through their life energy auras. Not a welcome gift for a teenager. Especially when a sinister presence begins stalking her.

Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.

After Viktor saves Ana’s life, her abilities grow stronger. Drawn together, she senses Viktor has answers to lifelong questions. Only he shuns her at every turn, knowing he has saved her only to put her in more danger.

As Ana struggles with her attraction to Viktor, he tries everything to bury his unexpected feelings for her. But they must find a middle ground. For only together can they combat the dark forces threatening both their lives . . . and their souls.

I'd love it if you'd add Marked Beauty to your TBR list!

~GIVEAWAY!~

This is a #hashtag giveaway, where two lucky winners will receive a FREE eBook of Marked Beauty upon its release.

To participate:

• Share one of the premade images I've included below via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

INSTAGRAM IMAGE

FACEBOOK/TWITTER IMAGE 1

FACEBOOK/TWITTER IMAGE 2

• Include #MarkedBeauty in your description.
• Optional for extra entry: include Add to Goodreads (http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0) in your description.

***Posts MUST contain the hashtag #MarkedBeauty for entry into the giveaway or we won’t be able to find you.***

Pre-made tweets 

"A lust 4 life energy. An ancient curse. One soul's journey thru death 2 find the cure." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0
  

"Uncovering some secrets can kill you, or worse ... steal your soul." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit
  

An ancient race. A timid girl. And a journey to the in-between. #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit 

The giveaway begins today and will be open through May 23^rd. Winners will be announced May 24^th via social media.

Thank you so much for any support you can offer up! Now - Truth: What do you think of MB's cover?

IWSG~Feeling Naked: Podcasts & Cover Reveals

I didn't go with this month's themed insecurity question. I'm sure it was a great one, but I really do have a few personal insecurities gnawing at my bones to share.

#1: I'm doing my first podcast interview this Thursday. 

Tw

via GIPHY

Yes, this is exactly how I feel.

Soooo ... want to share any advice? Have you ever had your voice recorded by someone you can't physical see, not knowing what they're going to ask or if you'll answer too fast or too slowly?

#breath @SA_Larsen That can be a hashtag, right? Tweet me that on Thursday between 1:15 - 1:45 PM EST. If my phone goes off a few bazillion times I'll start laughing during taping and you'll know I heard you. ;) 

#2: My cover is being released for my young adult novel. 

For those of you who haven't been with me for the past eight years - feels like 25: this book has been revised no short of 30 times, changed characters, locations, world building, and even agent/publishers. I have a massive love/hate relationship with this book. 

Ever felt like that: a love/hate relationship with one of your books, authors? 

A personal splat: Want to help make me feel better? 

via GIPHY

See, I feel better already.

Help me reveal my cover. The reveal is set for Wednesday, May 17th. If you can't release it on that day, feel free to release it any day after the 15th. I'd love the extra support. Fill out THIS FORM and I'll email you all the information you'll need. 

AND there's something in it for you! I'm offering up a Free ebook copy of the book after it's released to two lucky participants - those who share via blog post, tweet one of my pre-made tweets via Twitter, or share my pre-made image via Instagram. Xtra entries for multiple shares. Make sure to tag me (or email me the link) in your share so I can include you in the giveaway - open until May 23rd.  Anyone who shares from you will be entered in, too, as long as they tag me. 

XOXO  Happy reading & writing.... 

(The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.)