Marking Milestones

For  some,  Friday  13th  brings  out  the  superstition.  A  fear  of  black  cats,  of  walking  under  ladders,  or  stepping  over  three  consecutive  drains.  Add  in  a  full  moon  and  the  spidey  senses  really  start  to  tingle.  That  wasn’t  the  case  for  me  yesterday,  in  fact  I  had  the  best  day,  and  here’s  why…

I  finished  the  first  draft  of  the  Nature’s  Destiny  sequel!

#Woohoo  #WerewolvesRule

While  the  sun  shines  gloriously  on  this  beautiful  Saturday,  I’m  dancing  around  like  a  loon,  spreading  plenty  of  happy  vibes  to  everyone  I  see.  I  mean,  hello!  I’ve  just  added  another  amazing  milestone  to  my  journey.  Why  wouldn’t  I  be  excited  and  full  of  infectious  cheer?

So,  now  I  bet  you’re  wondering  what  it’s  called,  and  because  I’m  all  about  sharing  I’m  going  to  tell  you.  Just  let  me  catch  my  breath  while  I  build  up  the  tension…

Ready?  I  thought  so.

The  Nature’s  Destiny  sequel  is  called…

SDC

It  was  only  fitting  that  I  finished  my  werewolf  novel  on  a  full  moon,  after  all.  And,  because  I  just  can’t  help  myself,  I’m  going  to  share  a  little  snippet.

I’m  off  to  spend  this  sunny  day  in  the  garden  with  my  kindle,  catching  up  on  some  much-needed  reading  as  a  way  to  celebrate.  Let’s  face  it,  I’d  be  crazy  if  I didn’t  take  the  time  to  acknowledge  this  little  achievement  with  some  sort  of  reward.

Though  I  still  have  rewrites,  and  editing  to  go  through,  I’m  pumped  with  energy  to  get  started  on  them  come  Monday  (if  I   can  last  that  long).  I’m  pretty  bad  at  chilling  out  without  feeling  guilty.  Anyone  else  feel  that  way?

Anyway,  I’ve  digressed.  I  wish  you  all  a  fantastic  weekend,  and  I  hope  you  enjoy  the  snippet  below  from  my  upcoming  novel,  Sapphire’s  Divinity.

*Content  may  change  come  publication*

The  brightness  of  orange  surrounded  me,  and  the  daunting  colour  of  black  billowed  into  the  sky.  I  was  trapped,  sweating  from  the  raging  temperature.  A  small  circle  of  the  dry  ground  was  all  that  stood  between  me  and  the  fire.  It  rose  like  a  wall,  curling  in  the  wind  like  tendrils  of  hair.

The  smoke,  so  strong  and  potent  burned  my  nose,  making  each  breath  harder  than  the  last.  I  was  choking,  desperately  searching  for  oxygen. 

I  had  to  escape,  I  was  needed  somewhere  else.  I  couldn’t  let  the  fire  stand  between  me  and  my  family.  They  were  testing  me,  seeing  what  strength  I  actually  possessed,  but  it didn’t  matter. 

My  physical  abilities  withered,  and  the  heat  was  unbearable.  It  wasn’t  my  powers  they  wanted,  it  was  my  mind.  No  matter  what,  when  my  family  was  in  danger  I  was  going  to  save  them  whatever  the  consequence.

Riley  needed  me.  I  couldn’t  explain  it,  but  the  turmoil  my  body  was  enduring  I  was  sure  was  his,  like  I  had  that  connection  with  him  again.  Nothing  hurt  me  more  than  knowing  Riley  was  in  pain.

I  searched  for  an  opening  in  the  fire,  but  it  was  no  use.  They’d  made  sure  I  couldn’t  leave,  which  only  fuelled  my  hatred.  I  was  past  the  point  of  caring  about  myself.

The  heat  was  exhausting,  and  I  struggled  even  more  with  my  basic  need  to  breathe.  I  mustered  what  little  strength  remained,  and  charged  through  the  fire. 

The  moment  the  flames  penetrated  my  skin  I  screamed  like  a  savage  beast.  My  skin  was  melting,  the  poignant  smell  of  burning  flesh  followed  me  as  I  forced  myself  to  endure  the  pain,  to  continue  forward.

My  face  blistered  uncontrollably,  and  my  willpower  faded.  I  was  losing  the  fight,  and  losing  the  will  to  live.

It’s here! Nature’s Destiny Paperback!

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00068]

You guys, let’s take a moment to scream the place down, jump about, throw a party, eat chocolate and crack open a bottle of wine. Oh, yes!

Nature’s Destiny is finally out in paperback and check out the pretty cover above!

When the proof came in the mail, I didn’t sit still for a really long time. My house thoroughly had its foundations shaken, and the speakers, needless to say, got a good workout too. My dancing skills, however, did not improve.

So, who wants to join me in a dance of celebration?

Here’s your chance. In honour of my complete excitement, I’m offering you the chance to win a signed paperback copy from me.  All you have to do is sign in to Goodreads and ‘enter to winhere.

Also, Nature’s Destiny, is listed in the Kindle Matchbook program. So, if you buy the paperback on Amazon, you can get the kindle version at a discounted price of $0.99!

Exciting, right?

And while I remember, if you want to keep up with all my bookish news and be the first to know about everything, then sign up to my newsletter by emailing me at justinewinter@hotmail.co.uk with the words ‘SIGN UP’ in the subject header.

Good Luck!

Kindness & Rewards

WOW!

What  a  great  start  it  has  been  for  the  release  of  Nature’s  Destiny!  The  blog  tour  was  phenomenal,  and  I  wanted  to  take  a  moment  to  really  thank  the  brilliant  bloggers  that  took  part  in  reaching  out  to  all  you  lovely  readers.  Not  only  did  you  guys  put  Nature’s  Destiny  on  the  map,  but  you  did  me  the  tremendous  honour  in  reading  my  book  and  reviewing  it  too.   From  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  I  am  truly  grateful  for  you.  You  all  absolutely  rock!

I  bet  you’re  all  wondering  who  won  the  giveaway,  and  if  you  don’t  already  know,  the  winner  is…

Drum  roll  please…

Piroska  Blanchette!

CONGRATULATIONS  to  you,  darling!  And,  yes,  the  gifts  are  on  their  way!

Also,  if  you  didn’t  enter  the  giveaway  but  want  to  sign  up  to  my  newsletter,  then  email  me  your  address  and  I’ll  add  you  to  the  list.  (justinewinter@hotmail.co.uk)

And   now  for  the  really  exciting  stuff:

For  this  weekend  only,  Nature’s  Destiny  is  on  sale  for  £0.77/$1.28  on  AMAZON!  So,  if  you  haven’t  any  plans  for  the  weekend,  and  love  a  good  werewolf  story  with  sexy  scenes  and  action  too,  then  don’t  miss  out  on  this  opportunity!

http://amzn.to/1pZoB2b
http://amzn.to/1lFrB69

Have  a  great  weekend,  everybody!

Nature’s Destiny Blog Tour!!

ND Blog Tour Banner

As  of  today,  14th  March,  Nature’s Destiny  is  officially  released  across  most  ebook  platforms!!!
Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1cDbkvl
Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1fuRq0l
Smashwords:  http://bit.ly/1cDbyCQ

And,  because  I  couldn’t  have  a  release  without  a  blog  tour  I  have  the  most  wonderful  bloggers  lined  up  which  I’ll  post  below.  I  also  have  a  great  giveaway  going  too,  so  make  sure  you  check  that  out  for  a  chance  to  win  some  great  goodies!

Friday  14th  March
Rabid  Reads  –  Excerpt Stop
http://bit.ly/1m4aTNQ

Saturday  15th  March
Magick  Inside  Pages  – Review Stop  &  Bloggers  Dream  Cast
http://bit.ly/OfuPiI

Monday  17th  March
Kirstie’s  Passionate  about  Reading  – Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1dO9WBf

Tuesday  18th  March
Works  Of  Fiction – Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1dsdTAO
Crazy  Book  Chicks  – Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1fkipMZ

Wednesday  19th  March
Indy  Book  Fairy  – Review Stop  & Character  Post
http://bit.ly/1ih8c7W
The  Page  Walker  – Promo  Stop
http://bit.ly/1jvHOux

Thursday  20th  March
The  Consummate  Reader  – Top  5  Post
http://bit.ly/OE3IOa

Friday  21st  March
All  Is  Read  with  LexyPat-  Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1pyRp1d

Saturday  22nd  March
Happy  Tails  and  Tales  Blog  –  Review  Stop &  Playlist  Post
http://bit.ly/1fkkhFH

Monday  24th  March
Ms.ME28 –  Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1dGhYMz

Tuesday  25th  March
The  Book  Diaries  –  Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1eQDCkU

Wednesday  26th  March
Kit  ‘N  Kabookle  –  Character  Post
http://bit.ly/1rzf0CD

Thursday  27th  March
Nightly  Reading  –  Review  Stop  &  Author  Interview
http://bit.ly/1fnfjrM

Friday  28th  March
Natalie’s  Naughty  Reads  –   Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1dzjmpF

Saturday  29th  March
Dusk  Til  Dawn  Book  Blog –  Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/1obDzGK

Monday  31st  March
A  Novel  Thought –  Review  Stop
http://bit.ly/Pd1cPj

For  a  chance  to  win  this  lovely  prize  make  sure  to  stop  by  one  of  the  blogs  above  to  enter!

Giveaway Prize

Good  Luck!

Formatting for Fools

I  slammed  my  fists  down  on  the  bed  and  shoved  the  laptop  aside.  I’d  had  enough.  One  problem  fixed,  another  showed  up.  I  couldn’t  win,  and  I  had  no  idea  what  it  was  I  was  doing,  or  how  to  rectify  a  problem  without  causing  another.  Again.

I  wasn’t  a  technology  genius.  I  got  by  with  the  limited  information  I  had,  and  that  was  usually  enough.

Not  today,  not  yesterday.

Yet,  in  my  frustration  at  my  laughable  attempts  at  formatting,  I  couldn’t  help  but  think  of  the  many  that  had  already  gone  through  the  same  issues  as  me  but  had  still  managed  to  upload  and  convert  a  decent  document.

What  was  wrong  with  me?

I  researched,  watched  videos,  read  guides,  and  even  that  wasn’t  enough.  I  still  had  issues.

I  wasn’t  the  type  to  be  beat,  and  often  in  my  stubborn,  control-freak  ways   I  always  came  out  on  top.  I  always  found  a  way,  the  whole  ‘if  you  don’t  succeed  try  again’  mantra  would  always  play  in  my  mind.

I  always  craved  for  knowledge,  to  be  better  at  something  new.  I  wished  I  understood  the  technical  jargon,  and  the  ninja  skills  required  to  handle  a  ‘simple’  ebook  conversion.

My  flicker  of  hope  dwindled.

I  was  desperate.

What  was  I  supposed  to  do  now?

Cover Reveal!!

I’ve  been  sitting   on  this  cover  for  a  good  few  weeks  now,  and  I’m  SO  excited  that  I  FINALLY  get  to  share  it  with  you!  I  want  to  thank  the  amazing  bloggers  that  have  taken  part  in  today’s  reveal,  they  literally  rock  my  world  with  their  awesomeness!

Less  chit-chat  from  me,  and   time  to  reveal! I  hope  you  like  it!

 

Nature's Destiny WEBSITE USE

Cover  Designer:  Melody  Simmons
Cover  Model:  Janna  Prosvirina

AND,  the  best  part?  I  have  a  RELEASE  DATE!

Do  you  want  to  know  when?

MARCH  14th,  2014

Blurb:

My  life  was  changing,  morphing  into  something  greater  than  I  could  have  anticipated.  I  was becoming  something  I  didn’t  recognise  as  myself  anymore.  A  Werewolf.
I  was  different.
Bitten.
‘Hybrid’  was  what  they  called  me,  and  the  weight  that  rested  against  that  one  word  was crippling.  They  depended  on  me  to  bring  them  safety.  What  made  me  so  special?
Oh,  that’s  right.  My  destiny.
I  was  sucked  into  a  world  I’d  had  no  idea  existed.  Twenty-one  years  as  a  human,  and  this was  what  I  found  out.
My  travelling  plans,  my  writing  degree,  all  of  it  was  gone  within  one  night.  One  evil  night that  robbed  my  humanity.
I  wasn’t  completely  sour.  Life  had  been  unfair  a  while  ago,  only  now  I’d  had  something worth  fighting  for  besides  myself.  Something  to  live  for.
I  was  afraid  for  the  others.  I  couldn’t  let  them  down.  I  wouldn’t  let  them  down.
I’d  gone  to  bed  a  human  and  woken  up  a  Werewolf.
A  special  Werewolf.
A  Hybrid.

AND,  because  I  LOVE  to  whet  your  appetites,  here’s  my  Facebook  banner   with  a  SNEAK  PEEK  quote!

FB Banner 2

Find  me  on  facebook: www.facebook.com/justine.winter.7921
Follow  me  on  twitter:   https://twitter.com/JustineWinter

A Secret Shared

I’ve  been  staring  at  the  template  of  this  post  for  a  good  few  hours,  wondering  whether  or  not  I  should  write  today,  or  wait  until  Wednesday.

I’m  going  to  let  you  in  on  a  secret;  I’m  terrible  at  keeping  secrets!  While  I  can’t  stop  myself  from  mentioning  this,  I  can  just  about  manage  to  keep  some  of  the  secret  hidden.

Good  grief,  I  feel  like  I’m  writing  in  riddles.  I  hypothesise  that  as  it’s  Sunday  evening,  my  brain  clearly  isn’t  functioning  at  full  speed.  See  what’s  happened  now?  I’ve  completely  digressed  from  what  was  important.

The  secret!

*Drum  roll  please*

On  Wednesday  I  will  be  posting  (along  with  several  awesome  bloggers)  the  COVER  REVEAL  for  Nature’s  Destiny!  Not  only  am  I  excited  to  share  the  beautiful  cover,  but  I’ll  be  announcing  the  release  date  too!

While  I  endure  sleepless  nights  from  my  excitement,  I  hope  to   fill  you  with  intrigue  and  anticipation  too.  It’s  a  shared  journey  after  all  😉

Until  Wednesday!

If  you’re  a  blogger  interested  in  being  a  part  of  the  cover  reveal  too,  send  me  an  email  at  justinewinter@hotmail.co.uk

A Future Worth Pursuing

Anticipation  built  within  the  pit  of  my  stomach,  and  the  quick-step  beat  of  my  heart  swallowed  me  whole.  I  wasn’t  scared,  I  was  excited.  The  happiness  that  enveloped  me  encouraged  my  positivity.

The  week  ahead  held  promise  of  productivity.  The  enticing  prospect  of  writing  continued  as  the  sequel  to  Nature’s  Destiny  took  form.  The  large  whiteboard  mounted  on  the  wall  was  scribbled  with  ideas  of  the  journey  that  I’d  need  to  write.  My  characters  demanded  it.

I  was  a  slave  to  my  own  desires,  indulging  in  my  imaginative  mind  to  create  a  work  of  fiction.  I  enjoyed  the  late  nights  and  extremely  early  mornings  when  my  thoughts  came  into  fruition.

I  was  forever  squeezing  drops  into  my  zombiefied  eyes  to  diminish  the  fatigue  I  was  denying.  I  sought  after  caffeine  as  if  the  future  of  the  world  rested  on  my  ability  to  write,  and  without  which  I  couldn’t  function.

I  was  going  to  bed  knowing  that  the  moment  I  woke  up  I’d  be  delving  into  my  world  again.  As  long  as  I   had  the  time  and  ability  to  write,  I  wasn’t  ever  going  to  be  unhappy.

Writing  satisfied  my  thirst  for  knowledge.  I  couldn’t  wait  to  learn  more.

Music Inspires

I  scrolled  through  the  music  on  my  iPod,  searching  for  the  perfect  song   to  match  my  mood.  I  selected  the  tune  I  knew  would  work  best,  and  placed  the  buds  into  my  ears.

Block  chords  on  a  piano  began  to  play  before  the  bass  of  the  drum  increased  the  tempo.  A  tap  on  the  snare   produced  the  rhythm,  and  a  heart-pounding  fill  introduced  the  chorus.

The  music  streaming  into  my  system  spurred  my  imagination  into  creating  scenes  relative  to  my  story  line.  The  lyrics  held  meaning  to  my  characters’  emotions  and  struggles.  I  drew  on  that  energy,  and  visioned  the  life  they  were  destined  to  live.

Music  inspired  my  mind  into  creating  something  of  value,  and  I  realised  my  characters  were  more  than  a  puppet  in  my   novel.  They  were  as  real  as  I’d  let  them  be,  and  their  story  was  yelling  at  me  via  musical  stylings.

Music  influenced  my  writing,  as  it  did  my  life.  It  was  ingrained  on  my  body  as  a  reminder  to  create  my  own  melody  on  the  journey  I  took  every  day.

My  personal  composition  became  my  motivation.

Nature’s  Destiny  theme  song.  Fire  and  Fury  by  Skillet.  Enjoy  and  have  a  great  week!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIo1JKoIG6g

 

Developing Opportunities

While  I  worked  my  way  through  the  day   I  constantly  checked  my  e-mails  and  waited  on  important  information.  I  had  documents  that  my  life  depended  upon,  and  my  self-confidence  struggled  to  focus  when  I  needed  it  to.

I  continued  to  work  on  my  rewrites,  and  each  time  my  phone  vibrated  on  the  desk  I  jumped  at  the  chance  to  check  it.  The  e-mails  were  useless,  a  bunch  of  generic  sales  rubbish  that  I  was  bombarded  with  on  a  daily  basis.  It  did  nothing  for  my  anxiety.

 I  was  still  waiting.

I’d  reached  another  milestone  Thursday  evening;  I’d  completed  my  rewrites.  Nature’s  Destiny  was  another  step  closer  to  being  published.  Friday  saw  the  beginning  of  the  final  edits,  (juxtaposition anyone?)  yet  I  still  pontificated  over  that  e-mail.  No  matter  what  I  tried  I  couldn’t  stop  thinking  about  it.  Was  it  good  enough?  Or  had  I  digressed  and  lost  the  plot  completely?

There  was  only  so  much  hostility  my  mind  could  take  from  itself  before  I  gave  up  completely.

And  then  it  arrived  with  a  score  of  96%.

My  heart  swelled  with  happiness,  and  the  smile  that  occupied  my  face  was  non-negotiable.  My  final  creative  writing  assignment  had  returned,  and  it  wasn’t   awful  like  I’d  convinced  myself.  I’d  done  it!

Sadness  came  soon  after  as  I  realised  I’d  finished  another  chapter  of  my  life.  I  pondered  for  a  while  until  I  thought  of  the  many  pathways   I  was  about   to  embark  upon.  After  all,  what  good  was  a  novel  with  only  one  chapter?

My  journey  was  far  from  over  with  creative  writing,  it  had  barely  begun.  As  I  waved  goodbye  to  one  opportunity,  I  welcomed  the  next  with  a  brave  smile  and  a  shielded  heart.

 I  wasn’t  invincible,  but  I  felt  like  a  superhero  in  my  own  world.