Conquering the Publishing Divide: An Interview With Author Jessa Russo

April 25, 2014KWhipkey 3 Comments

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely adore Beauty and the Beast. So when I stumbled on the announcement for Jessa Russo’s young adult novel, Divide, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I haven’t finished reading it yet, so rather than bring you my thoughts on it, I’ve invited Jessa to stop by and regale us about her publication journey. This wasn’t her first time at the rodeo, as they say, but what she’s learned should be very insightful for those of us still waiting at the gates.

First, let me introduce you:

Jessa Russo believes in fairytales, ghosts, and Jake Ryan. She insists mimosas were created for Sundays, and that’s not up for discussion. She’s obsessed with the great city of New Orleans — where she’s collected too many beads to count, eventually married her sweetheart, and visited graveyards they don’t include on maps.

She’s loud, painfully honest, and passionate about living life to the fullest, because she’s seen how abruptly it can be taken away.

What began as a desire for reading and writing young adult paranormal has bled into stories of all kinds. From fantasy to pre-dystopian to erotic contemporary, Jessa’s stories always include romance, though she’s given up on pigeonholing her work into a category or genre box.

Jessa was born and raised in Southern California, and remains there to this day with her husband (a classic car fanatic), their daughter (a Tim Burton superfan), and a Great Dane who thinks he’s the same size as his Chihuahua sister.

Entwined, the final installment of Russo’s Ever Trilogy, will be released late 2014, as well as an erotic romance written under a pseudonym. Stay tuned!

~~~

From senior class president to dejected social outcast, with just the flick of a match.

After accusations of torching her ex-boyfriend’s home are followed by the mysterious poisoning of her ex-best friend, seventeen-year-old Holland Briggs assumes her life is over. And it is. But not in the way she thinks.

As Holland learns the truth about her cursed fate—that she is descended from the Beast most have only ever heard of in fairytales—she unites with an unlikely ally, good-looking newcomer Mick Stevenson.

Mick knows more about Holland’s twisted history than she does, and enlightening as it is to learn about, his suggestion for a cure is unsettling at best. Holland must fall in love with Mick in order to break the spell, and save their future generations from repeating her cursed fate. Having sworn off love after the betrayals of her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, this may be difficult to accomplish.

Complicating things further for Holland and Mick, time runs out, and Holland’s change begins way before schedule. With Holland quickly morphing into a dangerous mythical creature, Mick struggles to save her.

Should they fail, Holland will be lost to the beast inside her forever.

How could you not want to read that? Seriously. Which is why, in honor of Divide’s release last week, I’m going to give you a chance to get your hands on this amazing story. But not until after the interview. Which starts in three . . . two . . . one . . . 😉

~~~

Hi, Jessa! Thanks for being with us today. To kick things off, please tell us a little about Divide. Where did the inspiration come from? What makes it unique from all the other Beauty and the Beast retellings out there?

I’m not sure where the inspiration for any of my projects comes from, honestly. Ideas often pop into my head while I’m driving — which is what happened with DIVIDE — and then I stew on it for a bit until the idea turns into a story or fades away. In this case, I know I’d been hearing a lot about retellings, and I loved the idea, but I wondered how I could make mine different. Then it occurred to me that my beauty was the beast. She was both, both were her. So when NanoWrimo came along in 2012, I sat down to work on The Ever Trilogy, and DIVIDE came out instead.

What’s your favorite (non-spoiler) part of the story?

Honestly, I love the villain in DIVIDE. He’s arrogant and a bit dark, and . . . sexy. I think his introduction to the story is my favorite part of the book. (As well as a private moment down the road with him and my main character, where she happens across him in the middle of the night. But I don’t want to spoil anything.)

What kind of experience should readers expect from your work?

Truth be told, I want readers to escape into my books. It’s as simple as that. Escape. Sometimes I wish I was one of these authors with a great lesson to teach, or a beautiful, moving story of overcoming abuse or self-destruction — which I do have a story of, but won’t be sharing anytime soon as it takes a lot to get that story out on paper — but I honestly think that my creative energy is more focused on the escapism side of fiction. When I read, it’s for that reason alone, so I guess it’s probably normal that my writing is the same way. Day to day life can become repetitive at times — not that I don’t love my life and my family — but I often wake up to a sink full of dishes, or laundry that is never-ending, a tween whose attitude is starting to really, painfully, mirror my own . . . stuff like that. So when I read, I want to escape into the beautiful, butterfly-inducing joy of young love or magical fantasies about Princes and vampires and Vampire Princes. I want that escapism for my readers. I won’t beat you over the head with my beliefs or try to change your mind about yours — you can just pick up my book and find your alternate happily ever after.

Divide will be your third novel. How has its journey differed from that of Ever and Evade? Did it face challenges that the others didn’t, and vice versa?

Um . . . that’s hard to pinpoint. I queried both EVER and DIVIDE, but I was a bit wiser with DIVIDE, a bit more seasoned. With EVER, I thought I was supposed to cast a wide net, querying everyone who’d ever been an agent, seen an agent or known an agent. (A common rookie mistake, I’ve since learned.) I received an insane amount of rejection for EVER — something that probably also had to do with not just the wide net I cast, but the fact that I didn’t hear about critique partners until well into my querying, and by then, I think it was a bit too late for that book, as far as literary agents go. They’d all seen it (all 80 of them), rejected it, and didn’t much care to see the revisions. Anyway, with DIVIDE, I entered a couple contests, then queried a handful or two of agents — one of which was a friend who’d already hinted at wanting to sign me. So DIVIDE had a bit of an easier go at things, but then, second children often do, don’t they? The first child is the one with the gallons of hand sanitizer and safety EVERYTHING, then that second kiddo comes along and can be a dirty little daredevil without the parent so much as blinking an eye. That’s EVER and DIVIDE. 😉

A lot of people assume that once you have an agent, publication is a sure thing. But it isn’t. Can you tell us a little about what it’s like to work with an agency, as opposed to going it alone? Are there any times you would recommend against looking for an agent?

I assumed that too. It’s funny how I continue to grow and learn in this industry — right when I think I’ve figured it all out, something happens to humble me all over again. With EVER, I thought “Okay, well, I wrote ‘The End’, so now I get to publish.” Then I looked up Scholastic — because obviously that’s who I would let have EVER — and realized it wasn’t that easy. Doh! With DIVIDE, I just knew my agent would find a Big 5 publishing house for me right away. Unfortunately, as many of us have found, that just isn’t the case. Rejections began to trickle in. Part of me couldn’t believe it. The other part of me told me my story sucked. (Gotta love that inner writer — she’s not very nice.) What I came to discover was that I’d missed the boat on fairytale retellings. Editors said things like “We already signed all the fairytale retellings we want.” Or, “This is too similar to something we just signed.” It was heartbreaking. I would have to shelve my story. And then I realized that way of thinking was wrong. Maybe I wasn’t the first to remix an old classic, but DIVIDE wasn’t bad because of that fact. And then I realized that DIVIDE didn’t deserve to be shelved.

The fairytale redux genre is incredibly popular right now. What kind of challenges do you think authors face as the market becomes more and more flooded?

Haha, um, see above. 😉 I’d say that if you’re working on a fairytale redux right now (and really, this can go for many other genres as well — paranormal, to name a big one), make it amazing. Make it unique. Make it unlike anything anyone has EVER seen before. But even then, go into it knowing that you may have missed the boat, and if you did, that doesn’t mean your story isn’t worth reading. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share it with the world. If I’ve learned one thing about publishing, it’s that just because a large house may not want your story (and there are a number of factors that go into that decision) it doesn’t mean a fanbase of readers won’t gobble up your words as if they are the very oxygen needed to breathe. Because at the heart of every reader is, after all, a desire to read. A hunger for your words. So write the words, create the stories, and share them. Someone will thank you for it, I promise.

What advice would you give to those authors facing the gauntlet of publishing?

Again, see above. Lol! Basically, go into it with an open mind, ready to learn. Then realize that you know nothing, and even after you think you’ve learned it all, you still know nothing. 😉 Why? Because publishing is constantly evolving, constantly growing, changing, spinning, morphing . . . so be open to learning as you go. Always. Oh, and be patient. Rushing something that means the world to you is never a good idea. Don’t race into publishing. You’ll regret it for one reason or another. That I can guarantee.

~~~

Some fantastic words of wisdom in there, no? Thank you, Jessa!

Which leaves only one thing — the giveaway. Because what better way to thank Jessa for her time than to help her celebrate the release of her book? In one week, three lucky people will be walking away with an eBook of Divide. Want it to be you? Click here to enter: Divide eBook Giveaway!

And if you’re feeling extra lucky, the giveaway for my blogiversary is still happening too. The drawings for both will happen on the same day, so be sure to head over there and enter for a chance at some of the other amazing titles up for grabs. 🙂

My Average Day as an Editor (In GIFs)

April 18, 2014KWhipkey 10 Comments

There have been a lot of GIF posts about what the publishing or writing process is like, but I’ve never seen one for what it’s like on the other side of the fence. Until now. This week, I’m breaking the unspoken rule that writers are never allowed behind the publishing curtain and illustrating what my average day as an editor looks like. And, because I had a request for a post with GIFs, I’m going to use everyone’s favorite sarcastic medium (which means that any of you reading this via an email/mobile device may have to click through to the actual site to see them). Before we dive in, I do want to say that this is solely what my average day looks like — other editors will be slightly different. The moral of this story, though, is that editors need cheerleaders too. You’ll understand by the time we get to the end. Don’t worry. 😉

My Average Day as an Editor

The alarm goes off at 7:30 am and I’m all like:

and . . .

Okay, maybe that’s a lie. It’s actually a lot more like this:

But anyway, I’m up. I’m ready for the day. I’ve got all the things I need to do circling through my head, and I’m ready to tackle them all. Until . . .

louie

I remember that I have to go to work. Not editing work — work work. Because, you know, editing doesn’t pay as well as everyone thinks, and I still have to eat.

So, for the next five hours, I go punch the clock at the dreaded day job and secretly think to myself . . .

while outwardly doing this . . .

Meanwhile, my inbox is filling up. By the time I actually get to start my day as an editor, I have 64 new emails (that’s a light day). Of those, approximately 1/3 will be submissions, 1/3 will be about the various tasks I assist with at REUTS, and some days, as many as 1/3 are authors freaking out over something. Those days, I tend to open my inbox and immediately think . . .

See, contrary to popular belief, editors work on a lot of projects at once. And writers (yes, you) are a high maintenance bunch, prone to neurotic freak-outs and requiring constant reassurance.

That’s okay, though. We (as editors) understand, and we love you guys. Really, we do. But some days, you make us do this . . .

Anyway, I’m getting off topic. On those days where my inbox is full of people freaking out, I spend the next several hours holding their hands and providing reassurance. (See, the take away here, writers, is that every time you send one of those freak-out emails, the person on the other side loses valuable time they could have spent actually working on your project.)

**Note, I do not consider status requests and legitimate questions freak-out emails. Those are always welcomed and definitely allowed. 😉 **

By the time that’s done, it’s dinner time. But, before then, I’ll read through a couple of the submissions, which looks something like this:

Or . . .

Or sometimes even . . .

And occasionally this (if I’m the odd man out on the voting) . . .

Then it’s dinner time, and I step away from the computer for the first time all day.

By the time I get back, there’s at least one more freak-out email waiting not-so-patiently for me.

So, I deal with that one too (because I don’t like to leave anyone with more anxiety on their plate than necessary) and then finally, FINALLY, I get to edit. You know, that thing everyone thinks editors spend their days doing, but that we actually only get a few hours with. It’s a victorious moment when I finally get to this part of the day. Like . . .

Then, after investing several more solid hours into the thing I enjoy most, this happens . . .

So I . . .

and . . .

and the whole thing starts over.

And there you have it, my average day as an editor. Sounds like fun, right?

The point of this (besides getting to have way too much fun with GIFs) is to show you just how hectic an editor’s life can be. We’re not robots who sit and do nothing but edit 24/7. We’re people, with lives and jobs, families and human needs. So cut your editor some slack if they don’t get back to you immediately, or it’s taking longer than you expected to edit your manuscript. We’re not purposely doing these things to hurt you. Editing is a time intensive job, and to do it right, you have to invest that time. The argument I always tell myself when stress threatens to overwhelm me, or someone’s pushing me to meet deadlines that aren’t possible without giving up sleeping, eating, and everyday life, is this — would you rather it be done right? Or be done fast? It’s not a perfect world, and those two can’t coexist. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying. Trust me.

**A big thanks to www.reactiongifs.com for supplying all the GIFtastic fun. Be sure to check them out! Their database is phenomenal. :)**

Featured From the Archives: Why do you . . . (Insert Creative Verb Here)?

April 11, 2014April 11, 2014KWhipkey 6 Comments

As the 2nd year anniversary of my blogging experiment draws near, I realize I’ve reached the point where many of my followers probably haven’t read the older posts. So periodically, I’m going to feature one of those archived gems (which pretty much means I ran out of time and/or motivation that week) and give you a chance to discover them again. (Or, for the first time, as the case may be.)

Today’s feature is one that hopefully doesn’t offend too many people. But with all the various blog hops going around (like the ones I, myself, have participated in recently), and posts about what it means to be a (insert whatever creative term you were reading about), it seemed like the perfect time to showcase this again. (Plus, I’m feeling a tad under the weather, and my pesky muse decided to high-tail herself out of the plague zone. ) So, to kick off my new/old series, I present: Why Do You . . . (Insert Creative Verb Here)? A snarky, honest post about what we’re all really thinking when you ask us this. (Warning, contains tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and blunt reality. Read with your serious-meter on half.)

Oh! And don’t forget, I still have that fantabulous (yes, that’s a word. Shut it before I hurl this NyQuil bottle at your head) giveaway I’m running in honor of my upcoming blogiversary. I’ve already received over 300 entries, so three lucky people will be receiving the book they chose from the list. And if you’d like to make it four (and to see whether or not what I’m saying is a cold-med induced hallucination) click here!

Back to the post!

Why Do You . . . (Insert Creative Verb Here)?

By Kisa Whipkey

(Originally Posted on 5/11/12)

This is probably the most-asked question of creative people -– sometimes even by other creative people. And it’s one of the more irritating ones, because it’s such a hard thing to quantify. It’s like asking someone why their eyes are blue, or why they were born in the morning. How do you answer that? So, understandably, the answers to why someone’s creative vary wildly depending on the person. You’ll hear things like:

“I’m not sure, I just do.”

“Because it makes me happy.”

“Because it’s therapy for me; it helps me express myself.”

And my personal favorite, “I do it for me.”

Now, the truth is, all of these answers are sugar-coated, watered-down replies meant to make the artist look more artsy; to make the listener think, “ooo, aren’t they cool? They’re so mysterious and vague.” Personal satisfaction is great, but you go to the gym for personal satisfaction, you don’t pour weeks, months, years, heart and soul into a project just for personal satisfaction. I mean, don’t answers like that just seem so full of themselves? Why narcissism is encouraged within the arts is beyond me, but the more self-involved the answer, the more prestige points an artist receives. And the more frequently you’ll hear responses like the above.

Personally, I view every one of those answers as a cop-out. Because ultimately, statements like that are rarely true. And before you get up on your high horse and scream “controversy!” while flooding my comment box with all the reasons I’m wrong, hear me out. If creativity is such a personal thing (which I’m actually not arguing, because it is), why would anyone share its products? All those artists, authors, and musicians that claim they only create for themselves are lying. The proof is in the sheer fact that they made said creation available for public consumption. If it was truly just for them, it would be stashed in a vault somewhere, guarded by large, vicious dogs, and fiercely protected until its location was lost in the afterlife. Not put on public display for all to judge. But that’s not the case, is it? Because they shared their work with the world.

(The only exception may be personal diaries and journals, which are never truly intended to be shared, but in reality, are almost always found and read anyway.)

When I’m asked this question of why I (insert creative verb here), I have a generalized, self-important, prosaic answer that I’ll give. (Who doesn’t want to earn some prestige points?) I simply say that the reason I (chosen creative verb of the moment) is that I never realized not (doing said creative verb) was an option. And this is partly true. Creativity just came naturally. Like breathing. But just like the answers I listed above, that lovely little sound-bite, while somewhat accurate, is not the real motivator behind my masterpieces. (See? Don’t I just automatically sound more brilliant because I called them that?)

The brutal, honest truth is something none of us “Artistes” like to admit, because it makes us seem desperate and needy, and those two adjectives are a far cry from cool and mysterious. We don’t want to be put in the same category as your psycho ex that Facebook stalks you. But the reason all those artists, authors, and musicians refuse to admit, is that we create because we want validation. Public approval. Fame, glory, and all that jazz. Just like when we were little kids and we ran to Mommy looking for approval on our latest blob of mismatched crayon wax we were certain looked like the cat, we offer up the fruits of our labor to the public eye. With the sole intent of being lavished in praise for our awesomeness.

When you think about it, it’s not really that hard to see why this is the real motivator behind creativity. It’s the same reason we post status updates several times a day and then check back obsessively, waiting for those little thumbs-up signs to appear that means someone likes us, someone agreed. We’re cool. It’s human nature to seek praise from those around us; it makes us feel good, worthwhile, valued. Does that mean all artists are shallow, attention-seeking ho-bags? No. Do we all secretly want to preen while you sing our praises and tell us how awesome we are, so we can humbly pretend we didn’t already know that? You betcha.

Ultimately, though, it’s receiving feedback of any kind (although preferably of the worship-my-brilliance variety) that motivates us to hit that upload button, to submit that manuscript, or to step out on that stage. It’s often said that creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. And I 100% agree. Without that input from others, your creative side will shrivel and die like a thirsty plant locked in a closet. Which is why, whenever someone answers with the angelically selfish response of , “I (whatever) for me,” I find myself annoyed. Why is it OK to feed your narcissistic ego by pretending that success means nothing to you and you don’t care what anyone else thinks, but not OK to admit the truth? You did it for the same reason I do –- to feel good when others tell you your creation is something wonderful.

And for those out there that feel this question, this “Why do you . . . (insert creative verb here)?” is a perfectly legitimate conversation starter, it’s really not. You’re just going to be lied to. Few of us will man up and admit, “I did it to be rich and famous. Duh.” You’re much better off asking questions that actually have quantifiable answers. Ask why we do things a certain way, or what did we mean with X, instead of something as innocuous as why do you create?

Hey, nobody said honesty always had to be pretty. And I did warn you that snarky rants were a definite possibility. But let the barrage of offended comments commence anyway. 😉

Nightwolf’s Corner Birthday Giveaway–Year 2

April 4, 2014KWhipkey 2 Comments

Image of Birthday Candles

“Birthday Celebration” by Cédric Boismain
Copyright 2013

Those of you who have followed me for a while know that I like to do giveaways twice a year as a way of thanking you for your support. And after the heavy content of last week’s post, it seemed like the perfect time to announce one. Plus, it’s that time of year again — blogiversary time. Technically, my blog turns two (let’s hope blogs don’t suffer the terrible two’s!) on May 2nd. But we’re going to start the celebration a bit early. Because that’s just how I roll. Birthdays are a big deal, right?

So what kind of fabulous goodies do I have hidden up my sleeves? The kind that should make all the bibliophile’s out there swoon with joy — free books. That’s right, some lucky people (number of winners will depend on the number of entries I receive) will get their choice (in their preferred reading method) of the amazing books I’ve worked on over the past year. Which might those be? Well, lets have a look:

The Prize Options:

A Foundation in Wisdom by Robert Loyd Watson

History repeats itself. This is what I taught, and always believed. Then I met Sheridan, a man hitchhiking down the highway without a care in the world – a lonely figure who told me history, and the world, was ending. His evidence was the story of a mathematician who tried to prove the world didn’t exist.

It was a silly proposition. Nobody can prove the world doesn’t exist. But as I became more convinced Sheridan was right, that the proof lay at the edge of reality, I could only wonder, where would we go?

(An intellectual Fantasy, A Foundation in Wisdom is available in eBook or Paperback)

Echoes of Balance by Cally Ryanne

For Chloe Moraine, fighting wild bears — and the occasional vampire — is a better pastime than the tediousness of keeping the universe in balance. But balancing is the family business. It comes with being one of the last in the ancient line of Naimei.

So when the impending return of the Original Demons threatens global harmony, Chloe is obligated to help. Even when that means the dull-as-dirt task of following a human girl who “might be involved, maybe,” instead of the thrilling hunt she craves.

With their powerful magic and ancient Ways, Chloe’s family is unconcerned, certain they’ll quickly fix the imbalance while she’s preoccupied with human high school. But when the Ways start to fail, the threat becomes more serious, and the only person that seems to know anything is a debonair vampire with an offer to help.

If Chloe chooses to trust him, and the darker side of the supernatural he represents, she’ll betray her family and risk losing them, and herself, in the process. But if he’s right, he may just be their only chance to stop the return of the Originals and save the world.

Maybe high school won’t be so boring after all.

(A YA Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Echoes of Balance is available in eBook or Paperback)

Dracian Legacy by Priya Kanaparti

At seventeen, Ren Pernell knows the meaning of tragedy.

But then, a year after losing her parents, Axel Knight walks through the door and changes everything. Strange creatures start to appear, her best friend suddenly finds her irresistible, and an undeniable, unexplainable bond with Axel threatens to drive her insane. She knows he’s the key. There’s something he’s not sharing, and she’s determined to find out.

Demanding answers, she finally learns the truth: everything she ever believed is an illusion. Caught in a centuries-old blood feud between races she never knew existed, Ren discovers her true destiny. She’s the chosen one, the Echo, preordained to end the bloodshed.

There’s just one catch –- in order to save those she loves and a homeland she’s never seen, she’ll have to die.

With the clock running out, she’ll have to navigate a new world of betrayal, lies and deceit. If she can forgive, finding love even in the darkest places, she just might be able to escape the prophecy. But how much is she willing to sacrifice for a cause she didn’t know she was part of? And what will it take for her to be free?

**Content Note: This is classed as a YA, but parents should be aware that the content, in my opinion, is appropriate for 16+ years. There’s nothing too explicit, but it does contain swearing, discussions about sex, and steamy make-out sessions that will leave adults looking for a cold shower.**

(A YA Paranormal Romance, Dracian Legacy is available in eBook or Paperback. The Paperback version contains additional bonus material and will be signed by the author.)

A Need So Insatiable by Cecilia Robert

“You’ve owned me from the moment I walked into that music room. You’ve wrapped yourself in my heart and mind. I can’t get you out. I don’t want to.” ~ Rafael Van Rees

Sophie Fisher’s life is on fire. If she’s not ducking around corners or slipping out of windows to escape the debt collectors her father’s death has left knocking on her door, she’s dealing with her rebellious, fifteen-year-old sister, Lilli. And, as if that’s not enough, Rafael Van Rees crashes into her life—literally—bringing with him a past the public has no idea of. Can she unravel his mysteries before he unravels her, or will his presence finally force her to face the demons she’s trying to outrun?

Rafael Van Rees prides himself on being in control of his destiny, music and women. As far as he is concerned, his past is a black cloud in the distance–until he meets Sophie, that is, and his world spins out of control in more ways than one. He knows the darkest sins and secrets eventually reveal themselves, but when it comes to Sophie, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her from his past. Even if it kills him.

**Content Note: Contains mature content — swearing, violence, sex — that is appropriate for 18+ years.**

(A NA Romantic Suspense, A Need So Insatiable is available in eBook or Paperback. The Paperback hasn’t been released just yet, so if chosen, there may be a brief delay.)

A Soul to Take by Emily Taylor

Dying is the least of Elixia’s worries.

The world has changed. Demons are no longer legend, but part of life, integrated into our society . . . or so the Government claims. Things are never that simple, though, and neither side favors the new union. Agent Elixia Albelin knows the dark nature of demons firsthand, and will do everything in her power to protect the innocent from their wrath.

But when a mission from the Agency goes sour, Elixia finds herself in a predicament. Murdered, with her last living family-member kidnapped, her only hope is an offer from the very thing she despises: a demon. It’s no ordinary demon offering the contract, though, and his motive for such a deal is unclear. But if she’s to discover the truth and save her sister, she must commit the greatest taboo for an Agent:

Sell her soul.

Now, Marked and shackled to the terms of the contract, she must try to uncover the mystery of her sister’s abduction before her new “owner” comes to claim what is his. Her past may hold answers, but what happens when her investigation finds something far more sinister? Something not even the demons can condone?

**Content Note: Contains swearing, graphic violence, and sexual situations. Appropriate for 17+ years.**

(A NA Paranormal Romance w/ elements of Dark Fantasy and Steampunk, A Soul to Take will be released 4/29/14 in eBook & 5/13/14 in Paperback.)

Unmoving by Kisa Whipkey

Derek Richards renounced his humanity after losing the woman he loved in a horrific car accident. Like flipping a switch, he turned off his non-cynical emotions –- including compassion and empathy –- and closed himself off from the world. But, three years later, his callous disregard has finally caught up to him.

After watching his current fling angrily storm out, he meanders through the streets of Portland to his favorite spot –- a park bench by the river. His peace and quiet is interrupted by a homeless woman, and he quickly finds himself entangled in a confrontation where money isn’t the only change at stake.

Now, literally turned to stone, he realizes karma’s giving him a second chance. Like Ebeneezer Scrooge minus the helpful ghosts, he has to relive all his bad decisions –- every selfish, incorrect choice he’s ever made –- and reevaluate his life. If he can’t find a way to redeem himself, he’ll spend eternity as a statue. But after what he’s done, maybe he deserves it.

(An Urban Fantasy, Unmoving is currently only available in serialized form. Winners choosing this prize will be enrolled in my VIP First-Look Subscription program.)

Excited yet?

Here’s how it’ll work — the giveaway will run from now until Midnight on May 1st, at which time I’ll let Rafflecopter’s Random Winner Algorithm draw some names from the proverbial hat. The number of names is entirely up to you guys. For every 100 entries I receive, I’ll add another chance to win. So tell your friends, bribe some people, or enter multiple times yourself. 😉

Until then, let’s bust out the confetti and champagne, and get this party going! Click here to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway