Tag Archives: Authors

Dark Moon Falls Boxset Release!

Posted in Nature's Destiny by

TARIAN IS HERE!

For a limited time this box set is 99c! What’s in it? 15 new stories from 15 amazing authors. Here’s mine: 

What happens when one world collides with another?
Tarian leaves his pack in Wales for a mission that takes him to Dark Moon Falls. The task is simple: Retrieve a long lost relic and return home.
Though Tarian anticipated some minor problems in his quest, he never expected to
unravel secrets that would affect him too.
Can Tarian find the artefact unscathed, or will divine intervention stymie his hunt?

That’s right, Wolves! NATURE’S DESTINY IS BACK! Get it for 99c before the price increases!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2mtXckc
Apple: http://bit.ly/DarkMooniBooks
B&N: http://bit.ly/DarkMoonNook

Speak soon!
Alpha J – XO

Sun & Moon Academy: Fall Semester is OUT!

Posted in Havenwood Falls by

Hey Wolves!
The Sun and Moon Academy, Book One: Fall Semester, is finally out! This anthology is TEN stories long with an over-arching storyline. It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but I’m so proud of the novel it’s become. Right now, it’s on a special release price of $2.99, which will be changing very soon! There’s also an amazing giveaway going of 14 paperbacks and tons of swag for PRIZE 1, PRIZE 2 & 3 are $50 gift cards! Read on to find out how to enter!

While I let you get on with reading, I’ll be busy preparing another book release in a week or so, a project I am very pleased to bring back into your lives. . .Stay tuned!

Find out my secrets soon,
Alpha J – XO

Apple Books: http://havenwoodfalls.com/sma1-ab

Amazon US: http://havenwoodfalls.com/sma1-zon

Amazon UK: http://havenwoodfalls.com/sma1-zonuk

Barnes & Noble: http://havenwoodfalls.com/sma1-bn

Ten paranormal tales and one page-turning supernatural academy story in this spinoff from the award-winning Havenwood Falls universe.

The brand new Sun & Moon Academy College of Supernatural Guardians is an elite training program for a covert army that protects the supernatural community around the world. After a series of grueling trials to test their worthiness, only the top tier of applicants are admitted to the hidden college under the mountain.

We are ten of those students.

We’re a powerful mix of shifters, witches, vampires, demigods, angels, and more, making SMA no ordinary university. Throw in classes about healing potions, inter-dimensional exploration, and combat training, and college life here is a bit . . . well, unusual. But we still must juggle studying, obnoxious roommates, and killer parties. And, of course, we always make room for romance. How can we not? No other place in the world teems with such a sexy fusion of brains and badassery.

But classes haven’t even begun when our campus is terrorized, and the dangers continue throughout the semester—a hacker who threatens to publicly expose our school, a string of vampire attacks, invisible beasts with deadly bites, cursed classrooms that devour those who dare enter . . . What the hell kind of place is this, anyway?

For some reason that not even the Board of Regents has been able to figure out, it’s up to the ten of us to defeat these monsters and mayhem—before the sands in the big courtyard hourglass run out. Yep, we’re being timed, and the bodies are dropping almost as fast as the crystals. If any of us fail, this first semester of SMA just might be the last one ever. 

In this unique anthology of over 750 pages, you not only get ten paranormal fantasy novellas, but one sweeping story that will have you flipping pages until the end.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

The Winterverse is expanding! I signed with. . .

Posted in Writing by

 

It’s official, I signed with Ang’dora Productions

If you’re connected with me on social media, then you may have already seen this news. Ang’dora Productions are behind the magic of the shared world Havenwood Falls. If you’ve not heard of this multi-author series, then I highly recommend you checking this fantasy/paranormal world out here. Later this year I will be joining their Sin and Silk line, which is the darker, sexier side of Havenwood Falls.

I cannot wait to share the story I’m conjuring up with you. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.

 

Speak soon, Wolves.
Alpha J – XO

 

 

 

Inspiration; It’s not all that.

Posted in Writing by

From several observations, I know how much we wish, hope and strive to find inspiration to help us in our writing. How often do you stare at a blank page or screen begging for something to jump out at you and reignite your passion for words? When we’re stuck, we search the web. Check out pinterest. Listen to music. Explore the local coffee shop as though we’re expecting to step into a new dimension where the writing bug is abundant. We’re desperate for anything that can help give us a fresh perspective, a renewed vigor for our love child.

It’s so strange that autumn is so beautiful; yet everything is dying.
William Shakespeare

However, relying on inspiration to write, and using its absence as an excuse not to, has only one end goal.

Failure.

If you rely on that often-hidden muse, you’ll have no productivity and that novel you’ve been desperate to write will remain as an unfinished document gathering dust. Despite the stigma that this is a hobby, if you’re truly serious about your career, then writing is a business. You have to treat it like one. And that means arranging a schedule like every other businessperson. Doesn’t matter that you’re working from home, or paying yourself. If you want to be a success, you have to be disciplined. If you decide you don’t want to write today, then you won’t get paid. It’s simple maths. 1 – 1 = 0. Can you afford to live like this?

Why let something as fallible as inspiration rule over whether you make a career of this or not? It’s cliched and boring to hear that the more you write the better, and easier, it becomes, but it’s true. The same with any muscle in the body, if you work at it, you’re going to become stronger. Finding motivation in art, music, nature, books, online etc. is great, but don’t give it so much credence that without it you’re crippled. It’s a bonus, not a necessity.

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.
Louis L’Amour

Storytelling Forms: For or Against?

Posted in Writing by

Bibliobibuli
(n) Those who read too much
Coined by H.L. Menken in 1957: There are people who read too much, bibliobibuli. I know some who are constantly drunk on books, as other men are drunk on whiskey or religion. They wander through this most diverting and stimulating of worlds in a haze, seeing nothing and hearing nothing.

As readers we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to genres, and now with the revolution of eBooks, we’re privy to all sorts of forms at the push of a button. Whether it’s the short story, novella, full-length novel, or even series and serials. There’s an ideal book to match the mood and time you have.

The beauty of writing is that there’s no limitation on imagination. So why should storytelling be subjected to something as constrictive as word count?

As a writer, I let my characters dictate how much they have to say, it’s their journey not mine. Because of this, I’ve written a series of full-length novels, a 3-part serial and even a bunch of short stories that come together with the same theme. I’ve recently been polishing a novella I’m submitting for my Master’s degree, and come next week, I’m going to be starting on the longest novel I’ll have written to date.

It’s all incredibly exciting because there’s so much room for creativity. If I bound myself with the ties of a mundane routine, sticking to the same style, form, genre, even the type of hero/heroine, there’d be no joy and life in what I write. The characters would be as dead as I’d feel. And you, the reader, would be throwing the trash back at me for wasting your time.

I know that there’s a lot of controversy when it comes to the length of a book. Some people love the episodic serials, they’re great for commuters with limited spare time, or for those that like to consume its entirety before bed. Others complain they’re not getting their money’s worth, but in this age of eBooks the pricing has no limit. And it’s all relative. How do you base the amount you’re willing to pay for an eBook? Is it on length? Quality? The author? Would you consider the daily cup of coffee you buy from the local chain-store is worth more than the story you pondered purchasing?

I love to read. And like my characters, I don’t confine myself to just the one genre, form, and size. Having the choice is what makes it enjoyable. Do you agree? Or would you rather we took a step back and stuck to more traditional rules?

You can make anything by writing.
– C.S. Lewis

 

Is Writing A Craft?

Posted in Writing by

As I’m coming to the end of my Master’s degree in Creative Writing, I’ve been reflecting on the subject and how my ability to entwine cohesive clauses in a plot thick with action, excitement, and an intricately woven storyline has grown.

In the past I had often been told that the more I wrote, the better I would become. Like working a muscle to its optimal performance. Even before beginning this degree, I had noticed a change between the first novel I published and the latest at the time. It still makes me cringe when I consider my standards then to what I now know in comparison. But, all of this is great, because it means I’ve progressed, continued to learn when I could’ve been lazy and stuck to what I knew.

I firmly believe that writing is a craft with endless development. Whether that’s in grammar and punctuation, language, purposeful use of lexis, tools in structure, story, plot, character, dialogue, forms. . . The list goes on, and like everything else it evolves. If you want to be better, you cannot stay still.

Do you remember in English class when you were made to inspect literature in fine detail, the likes of William Shakespeare for example? You’d be deconstructing the prose or poetry all the way down to single words. And I’m sure you often questioned whether the author had been that precise on word choice, sub-text etc. on purpose, if it happened haphazardly, or if it were coincidental and academia made it up entirely, wanting to find double-meanings for the sake of being intelligent. I know I often suspected if it were true, and that was mostly based on my own writing process.

When I’m in the throes of getting the first draft of my latest novel done, I can be so in tune with my characters and story that I don’t deliberately choose my vocabulary. For example, using the same verbs that relate to the location I’m in.
(In a coffee shop) ‘The man’s misery wafts around him.’

The verb ‘wafts’ directly links to the scent of a coffee shop, its aroma permeates the air. Admittedly, it hadn’t been my intention to write with such insight. I just did it. But now, after completing the first full draft of my dissertation, I understand how important it can be to carefully select phrases, structure, lexis etc. to strengthen my writing. Even if that means slight details where sentences affect pacing.

Now, this makes me wonder even more if Shakey etc. really did understand the power and impact their writings made. Then again, he is the brain behind much of our vocabulary and phrases e.g. ‘seen better days’, ‘sorry sight’, ‘full circle’. If only I could converse with him myself; I’d dissect every inch of his brilliance.

Do you think writing is a craft? Or is it an easy vocation, the job anyone can do?

Readers: What’s Hot & What’s Not?

Posted in Writing by

Happy New Year! 

I know, it feels strange reading that in the middle of January, doesn’t it? This time of year comes with a clean slate and a list of good intentions – honestly, how many of you have deviated already?

I, myself, have big plans for the year ahead. Lots of publishing is on the horizon – I currently have 4 projects on the go. Doesn’t that show how indecisive I’ve been lately? But, I just want to. . .

WRITE ALL THE THINGS!!

For now, I’m interested in hearing your opinions on this big wide world of words. What genre book are you currently addicted to? What or who’s making you 1-click immediately? And what are you absolutely fed up of seeing?

I’ve been on a crime fiction binge for months now, devouring between 1-2 a week – my purse can’t keep up with my voracious hunger for the written text. I’m also slowly getting back into the groove of fantasy/paranormal. Do you have any recommendations for me?

Last year we saw the rise in step-brother romances, pushing the boundaries of taboo subjects. This year I believe we’re going to be seeing more cross-genre fiction – bleeding the lines between categories even more. What do you think is going to be this year’s biggest trend?

Justine who? Yeah, I’ve forgotten too. . .

Posted in Writing by

6 months of the year already over and I’m feeling even more detached from this beautiful book world. When I took on my Master’s Degree last October I had no idea how much it would consume every aspect of my life, I thought I was the Queen of multi-tasking and organisation. And even though I haven’t stopped writing, I haven’t necessarily been able to write the projects I’ve got lined up for my author biz. I know, it seems daft. My inner monologue goes something like this. . . “How can you write all these words and still not have anything ready to publish?!” I’ve even driven myself insane by imposing deadlines on my work and having to push them back All. The. Time. because just when I think I have a handle on all the work. . . BAM! New pile. More deadlines to crunch. But I’m LOVING this degree. My mind is pop-pop-popping with brand new ideas and information.

Back at the beginning of the year, I said I’d do a vlog answering all of your burning questions, and funnily enough you all seemed to have the same two questions, so I’m going to quickly sum them up here.
1. Where the hell have I been?
2. What’s next dammit?!

Amongst the really hard work, I recently ventured out and did something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.
I drove a Ferrari.
AND AN ASTON MARTIN…
Around a race track! Undoubtedly, it was the BEST day ever! I had the widest, cheesiest grin on my face all day, and was so focused on pushing the cars around the bends Top Gear-style I completely forgot I had a camera pointed at me the entire time. There’s video evidence, but for now I’ll stick to a couple of photos.

 

And this past weekend I headed over to Swansea Bay for the annual Wales Airshow which I absolutely enjoy every year, especially now that I have my Canon EOS to play around with. Can’t go wrong with an Airshow on the beach in the sunshine.

 

As for what’s next from me, that’s more of a tricky question. For more than a year I’ve had several projects on the go, some closer to finishing than others. You might recall me mentioning a holiday-themed Nature’s Destiny short story book – I can tell you that I have every intention of releasing that during the remaining months of the year. I’m really close to the end. SO CLOSE. It’s like saying goodbye to Luna and Riley all over again. (That’s probably why it’s taking me so long to complete, I can’t say bye-bye again.)

Finally, the biggest news I have to share is that I’ll be attending Chapter Con 2017 at the end of August (25th-26th) in Teddington, London. What does that mean? During this two-day event I’ll be talking on one of the five panels set up, whilst also having a table with my books to sell and swag to give away with a ton of other awesome authors from around the globe. Come meet me, ask me anything, take some selfies. For some more in-depth information, click here.

 

Tickets are available here with many different options. Friday only. Saturday only. Both days including the evening ball. Whatever takes your fancy and budget.

This is the first indie book conference of its kind in the UK, adopted from Nashville’s UtopiaCon which has now, sadly, ended its annual event. But, as one page ends, a new chapter begins. And I’m ridiculously excited to meet you and talk about the things we love most. BOOKS!

To spread the love for this event, I’m giving away 3 tickets to the Saturday Signing (26th August – either morning or afternoon). To enter, head here to the rafflecopter giveaway.

 

Why do you write?

Posted in Writing by

Oftentimes, the conscious act of writing is personal. Our minds can become heavily trafficked by every day problems and life:

* Something you did didn’t go to plan and you start fretting.
* Someone else’s stress starts affecting you.
* Marital issues become unbearable.
* Lack of money and an increase in bills have you panicking.
* Your boss dumps a huge pile of work on your desk at 3pm on a Friday, expecting it to be done by Monday, yet you have plans to take the kids away to a theme park.

Daily struggles have a way of consuming our thoughts with loud chatter, and as humans we often need an outlet, a medium to voice the craziness in order to clear the clutter. For many, the choice is to sit with a cuppa and vent, let it out to those closest to you. For others, they choose to write it down. Whether somebody else sees it is irrelevant, the aim is to empty the mind.

This is why writing is often personal; it’s a kind of therapy. 
You bare all your darkest secrets, desires and fears on the page because you know it won’t judge you. There’s no reply. No criticism. It’s your sanctuary to explore your current journey.

Sometimes, you write to understand what you’re thinking. It’s a logical thought process that enables to get you from A to B in order to find the solution.

“The written word, in all its forms, holds tremendous power.”
Hrvoje Butkovic

However, I write to quieten the madness inside me, to give structure and purpose to my every day musings. It’s there I’m most objective; I see what’s going on around me as if through a filter lens.

“I write to give myself strength.
I write to be the characters that I am not.
I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of.”
Joss Whedon

I write to mould words into life, to give credence to what I observe. It isn’t easy to write coherently, to have readers sympathise with your characters, but the joy of fitting sentences together like the pieces of a jigsaw is undeniably satisfactory. Yes, it’s a long, lonely road filled with a constant battle between doubt and glee, but the gratification of a completed project makes it worthwhile. Your efforts will be rewarded eventually.

“The true alchemists do not change lead into gold;
they change the world into words.”
William H. Gass

I made a deliberate decision to write publicly:

* To open myself up to new opinions and thoughts in order to grow.
* To view the Universe through another’s eyes.
* To learn.

I will never know enough about this craft to honestly profess I need not study anymore. Writing evolves every day, making it more exciting and challenging, forcing me to work harder.

I might never reach the status of Writing Queen. But that doesn’t stop me from trying. When passion, determination and ambition collide, magic happens. Don’t let fear get in the way of your dreams; you deserve what you’re willing to work for.

“You can make anything by writing.”
C. S. Lewis

Struggling with being a writer in the age of social media? Check this article out. You’re not alone.

Finally, last call to submit your questions to me in my open Q&A session. All entries must be given in by the end of Saturday 4th February 2017. The giveaway is also open internationally. Read this short post for more information.

October – Paranormal Takeover

Posted in Nature's Destiny by

It’s officially one of my two favourite months of the year – the second being December. I’m not sure why, but every year when October comes around I get really excited. Maybe it’s the longer, colder evenings, the mass amounts of hot chocolate I consume or perhaps that my birthday happens to fall towards the end of the month. Whatever the cause, I know I get ridiculously happy. And I want to share that with you by tickling your supernatural senses. If you love Paranormal Romance as much as I do, you’ll want to check out this phenomenal giveaway hosted by Pure Textuality PR and Paranormal And Urban Fantasy Book Bargains. There are FOUR Kindle Fires up for grabs PLUS lots more! Head to the rafflecopter link to find out how to enter. Not only could you win a fantastic prize, you might also find a new favourite author. What have you got to lose?

A little while ago I mentioned about putting the Nature’s Destiny series into paperback. For the first time you can officially hold a physical copy of each novel. And though I’m probably biased, I think my cover designer did an excellent job. They’re so beautiful! Check them out down below if you don’t believe me 😉 If you fancy getting your hands on one, head over to Createspace or Amazon.

As for me, I’m heading into the writing cave. I’ve got a bunch of Nature’s Destiny short stories to complete before I’m buried under my Master’s Degree.
Have a great week, Wolves!

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