Seven 11 Blog Hop

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop by JustineWinter

Happy New Year! I hope your year has started off well – I know mine has! Writing plans are in place, productivity has set in, and I can’t wait to share my projects with you! Anyway, speaking of projects, it’s time for our monthly teaser taster.

This month I’m posting a snippet from a paranormal serial I’m currently working on. It’s titled, Alpha Wanted, and will release in 3 parts. So, here’s a little overall background:

Kira ‘Midnight’ Knight is an agent of the P.D.S.I.S – Paranormal Division of the Secret Intelligence Service – and is on assignment, working a case the Director deems is of utmost importance.

Ryker ‘Storm’ West is a Lieutenant Colonel within the British Army, returning home from active duty with his MWD – Military Working Dog – Nero.

When Ryker and Kira collide they’re forced into a series of events neither of them could have predicted. With a fiery relationship boiling between them, they’re faced with a tough decision. Follow orders or follow their heart.

“Midnight,” I acknowledged, using my codename as always.
“Status update,” the brash, female voice demanded.
“Shower. Dinner. Workout. Oh, and here comes his evening run that always lasts twice as long as his morning one. Nothing changes. Nothing’s new. Just him and his dog,” I repeated like a robot trained with only one paragraph of vocabulary. Every debrief had been the same this week.
“And he still remains unaware?”
I hesitated, thinking back to the night he’d first arrived home.

If that tickles your pickle then keep an eye out for this serial in the next couple of months. 🙂

And now, as always, check out this list of awesome authors also participating this month including the giveaways they have to offer!

Heather Hildenbrand is offering a signed paperback, all you have to do is sign up to her mailing list here.
Bethany Lopez is also offering a goodreads giveaway! Check out her profile here for more details.
Amanda Aksel
Steph Nuss
Kayla Smith
S.M. Boyce
Alicia Sheehy
S.C Ellington
Felicia Tatum

Have a great week! I’m off to bunker down in the writing cave, see you soon!

31Dec2014

Suit Up, Strap In, It’s Game Time

Posted in Writing by JustineWinter

The year of 2014 closes in, and I sit here changing my thoughts over the type of post this will be. While many have blogged about their highlights of the past twelve months, including ways in which they’d like to change for 2015, that’s not what I’m going to do. This time last year I posted (here) that I wasn’t one for setting resolutions I knew I couldn’t, and wouldn’t keep. And again, I’m not doing that. It’s not who I am.

My mindset works on the fact that if I want something, I’m going to do whatever it takes to get it from the moment I think about it – not wait until a new year begins. So, if you’re the type of person that needs the reset button of a new year, that’s fantastic. Now’s your chance to suit up. You can do it.

I planned on writing this whole spiel about my goals, what I’ve learned, how I keep my optimism even when negativity comes knocking on the door, and how I intend to increase productivity. But I’m not going to. I don’t need to. My mind is at peace with my decisions, and all you need to know is that I’m going to rock them. Tackle them down like a raging rugby player, and rise with a satisfactory grin on my face. Because that’s what I do.

What I will say is I’m diving into the new year with a business mind ready to conquer the world one story at a time. This picture is exactly my current state of mind:

In 2013 Nature’s Destiny’s first draft was written.
In 2014 Nature’s Destiny published. Sapphire’s Divinity was written & published. Guardians Dynasty was written & is now with beta readers. Plus numerous side projects I haven’t finished developing yet.
And 2015? Well, it’s going to be an explosion. My sleeves are rolled, my specs are on, and my mind is filled with many inspiring embers flickering to life.

This is one Winter prepared to stay indefinitely.

2015 – I’m coming for you.

15Dec2014

The Vlog Has Arrived! (Finally)

Posted in Writing by JustineWinter

Happy Monday! And, for a change, what a happy Monday it is! Why? Because I’ve finally created the Q&A vlog I said I’d do months ago. So, without further ado, I give you my face, and voice… Enjoy! On a sidenote, forgive the noisy interruptions, no matter how many times I did the video something always came up. Ah, such is life. 😉

11Dec2014

Seven 11 Blog Hop

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop by JustineWinter

Happy December, everybody, and a very Merry Christmas to you!

As Christmas is two weeks today, (I know, right? Didn’t that come fast!) I have a holiday-themed teaser for you. This time next year I intend to release a book of short stories from different points of view within the Nature’s Destiny world that all focus on one theme; holidays. Today’s teaser is from Sky’s (Nature’s Destiny character) POV, and I will release her FULL CHRISTMAS STORY via my newsletter on Christmas day. So, if you want IN on a FREE read, be sure to sign up here.

*Copyright, Justine Winter, 2014*

The cobbled-stone town was a frantic mess of rushing shoppers dashing into every store for last-minute gifts. Tinsel covered windows and doors, and colourful lights hung like a welcoming invitation, embracing the festive cheer.

I wrapped my arms around my chest, pulling my coat tighter to keep in the warmth. A frosty breeze twirled past my face; my nose was frozen to the touch.

Christmas was only a few days away, and every year it was the same depressing, lonely holiday of my life. I was always the grumpiest person around all this holly jolly spirit; the Grinch had nothing on me.

God knows why I thought a trip into town would help cheer me up.

Okay, so I know that doesn’t sound particularly happy and festive, and it’s not my intention to bum you out on Chrimbo day, so I do promise it gets better. Honestly. Also, while I remember, the Nature’s Destiny paperback giveaway finishes at the end of this month on goodreads, so hop on over here quickly and make sure you’ve entered to win.

Now, be sure to check out this great list of authors, and see what brilliant teasers they have to offer this month. Seriously, these peoples are amazing writers.

Amanda Aksel – Women’s Fiction
Heather Hildenbrand – YA
Bethany Lopez – NA Romance
Kayla Smith – Paranormal
Shawn McGuire – YA – also has a cover reveal today! Check out the beauty here.

24Nov2014

Milestone Marker

Posted in Guardians Dynasty by JustineWinter

Holy Freakin’ Moly.

Whatever you’re doing right now, stop. Like, seriously. Stop. I have another exciting milestone to mark.

Guess what I’ve literally done? Any takers? . . .

That’s right lovers, I’ve finished the first draft of Guardians Dynasty! You guys know the score, still got a way to go yet until it’s published, but I wanted to share this victory with you all since I’m riding a pretty epic high right now. This is me in my pj’s, you know, because I’m a stereotypical writer . . .

Oh, and while I remember. . . Yeah, it’s easy to forget what I was meant to write about when my brain is shooting stars of awesome distraction across my mind right now. Guardians Dynasty has a theme song, and I literally only heard it the other day, which was quite lucky, considering the lyrics were perfect for the scenes I had yet to write. Anyway, it’s a Nickelback song from their new No Fixed Address album , titled The Hammer’s Coming Down. So, if you want an idea of what to expect in the third installment of the Nature’s Destiny series, then listen to this.

I hope everyone else’s week has started off as good as mine!

11Nov2014

Seven 11 Blog Hop

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop, Writing by JustineWinter

It’s the eleventh of the month? Well, I guess you know what that means then, right? Oh yes, several authors get together on a blog hop and post 7-line teasers of their works. Fitting, don’t you think, considering it’s #TeaserTuesday today. 😉

This month I’m trying out something different. So far, I’ve always posted a teaser from one of the novels in the Nature’s Destiny series and while I’m still working on Guardians Dynasty, I wanted to showcase something else. Something I haven’t shown anyone yet. Back in May I started writing a dual POV(point of view) MC romance novel (MC as in Motorcycle Club), but I pushed it aside to concentrate on my hunky werewolves. Though it isn’t finished (I hope to get back to it next year), I wanted to show it off a little. This teaser is how the novel starts, and if you want to read the rest of the prologue then sign up to my newsletter here which will be sent by the end of the week.

*Unedited, content subject to change come publication. Intended for readers 17+. Copyright, Justine Winter, 2014. *

A broken heart was only healed by the glue of life. It pulled at the muscle while the searing pain of daily struggles reminded me of the shit storm I was a part of. The seconds of the clock ticked by as did the days. I woke in the dark, and slept in the dark. My body detached from my mind; I lived but I wasn’t living.

I was angry, pent up with a rage that needed unleashing. It wasn’t time yet; I needed to prepare.

And, as always here’s the list of authors also participating this month:

Amanda Aksel – Women’s Fiction
Heather Hildenbrand – YA SciFi
S. M. Boyce – YA Fantasy
Bethany Lopez – Women’s Fiction
Steph Nuss – Contemporary Romance
Kayla Smith – YA

9Nov2014

Remember Me, Soldier

Posted in Writing by JustineWinter

I’m lying in mud,
Protecting my ground,
With a gun in my hands,
And the adversary abound.

My brethren have passed,
Surrounded am I,
By the blood of their bodies,
In the field where they lie.

I’m leaving the trenches,
And rushing to death,
To rid of the bastards,
That took their last breath.

I promised to fight,
To remember thee,
To save thy country,
From thine enemy.

Don’t worry about me,
I have no regrets,
Live on and live free,
Lest We Forget.

2Nov2014

Nature’s Destiny Paperback Giveaway

Posted in Nature's Destiny by JustineWinter

It’s giveaway time!

What better way to celebrate my birthday, Halloween, bonfire night and Christmas than with a giveaway? Or, you know, any other reason you can think of…

I’m a sucker for this time of year; I absolutely love it. The colder, darker, longer nights, the necessary need for hot chocolate, and everything relates to Christmas. The food, films, music, family time, and the inspiration that always comes to mind – watch out for a project I’m working on coming this time next year. Until the end of December 2014, I’m hosting a giveaway via Goodreads for a SIGNED paperback of Nature’s Destiny, the first book in my Werewolf series. Enter here.

Nature’s Destiny Teaser

There wasn’t a need for talk as I watched the sky. It was a dark, navy colour and it shone with the many stars that twinkled above me. Captivating from the get-go, I settled to enjoy the peace and quiet. Who knew what I’d be facing in the future?
Riley’s even breathing held a steady rhythm that lulled and hypnotized me. It was completely tranquil. I decided to rest my eyes for a few minutes, and tightened my hold on his shirt.
I drifted off into a dreamless sleep, and stirred a few minutes later.
“Getting sleepy, sweetheart?” he asked.
I nodded, and attempted to get up.
“Where are you going?”
“We should probably go back, right?” I asked.
“No, we can stay here if you want. Inside or outside, it’s up to you,” he said, as he motioned for me to settle down in his arms again. I did without complaining. I liked it here.
“Won’t we get cold?” I asked. As warm as I was, I was unsure if the drop in temperature was going to affect us.
“Shhh. Stop worrying, there’s a blanket inside if we need it. Close your eyes my beautiful Luna, I will take care of you.”
I did as I was told, sneaking one last look at the stars. My destiny written all over them.
“Riley?”
“Mmm?”
“Do you think the prophecy, my destiny, is exactly what you were told?”
“Destiny is what we make through the choices life gives us. The future isn’t promised, which is why we make each day count. Live for you, not because of what’s expected of you. We don’t judge, we protect. That’s family, and that’s pack. And I will always be here for you, Luna. We’ll get through this together.” He kissed the top of my head and tightened his arms around me.
My choices had been taken away from me the day I was turned. Since then I’d followed orders. I wasn’t me anymore, I was the person I was always supposed to become. Special.
It didn’t matter what everyone thought. I was going to protect my pack, especially Riley. Nothing was going to stop me from giving him the happiness he deserved. Even if that meant war.

19Oct2014

Living Funny; Dying Clumsy

Posted in Living Funny; Dying Clumsy, Writing by JustineWinter

Have you ever been to a pamper evening? You know, the kind that treats your flaws, and makes you feel better about them?

Well, you know me. I’m good for making a laugh out of any situation, I’m good for making others happy. Well, life would be dull without it. Right?

That’s what I thought, until I made a complete fool of myself. I know what you’re thinking, why should you be surprised?

Okay, so do you want to hear what happened this time? Yeah, I know. Of course you do, you nosy bugger. You need a laugh, right? Well, let me entertain you!

What’s the first thing you check out at these events? For me, it’s cake. Always the cake. Have you ever mistaken soap for cake? Trust me, you don’t want to.

I’ve had the busiest day, keeping my mind from straying to my thoughts, because thinking meant Drew, and Drew meant depression. I’m ready to be over that. Fintio. Sayonara. Au Revoir.

So, I’ve been busy, working without eating when I’m being roped into coming here. Oh, the things we do for friends.

My stomach hasn’t stopped gurgling for the past few hours, berating me for ignoring it. So, the moment I burst through the doors I’m rushing towards the cake stand. I need something to eat, and I barge my way across all the stalls. I pay without thinking, something I’ve done real well all day, unseal the wrapper and take a bite, before I spit every last morsel across the packed hall floor.

I’m rushing for water.

BIG MISTAKE!

My mouth is foaming like I’m a rabid squirrel. My eyes are watering like I’ve bitten an onion.

No, this is worse than that, and EVERYONE is staring.

Here’s a little lesson ladies, never mistake a fancy bath bomb for a cupcake even if it looks like it.

That shit sucks. Trust me.

You know the old saying ‘Don’t talk dirty or I’ll wash your mouth out with soap?’ Yeah, I’d fear that sentiment from now on. The burn in your nose isn’t worth it, so bottle that cockiness for another day. You can thank me later.

Foam party for one, you say? Well, I guess I can cross that off my bucket list.

Check!

P.S It isn’t fun when you wake in the middle of the night because a hidden sud has popped, and is oozing a soapy trail for you to ingest. Again. Just in case you forgot how stupid you were the first time. Nice one, Lib.

Poor Liberty’s been at it again, and I’m sure this isn’t the last of her conundrums. Stay tuned for more in Living Funny; Dying Clumsy. And if you need to catch up, check out the category tab to the right for previous posts.

11Oct2014

Seven 11 Blog Hop

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop, Guardians Dynasty, Writing by JustineWinter

Blimey! My days are so busy melding into one another that if it wasn’t for an email late last night I’d have forgotten that today is in fact the 11th October. You know, that time of the month when I, amongst others, share 7 lines of our WIP. Here’s what I have to offer today from Guardians Dynasty (Nature’s Destiny #3). Oh, and before I forget there’s some great giveaways going this month that you’ll want to check out, too. 😉

I faced the burning ashes of the land I once called home, dying with every breath that left my body. Black was all that remained for my vision had lost its affinity to colour. The creatures brought an indefinite darkness that was only ever highlighted by the raging red of fire. The sun no longer existed, replaced by the moon for the people to suffer. Skin grew paler, death came quicker

My wolf and I missed those of our kind, for the companionship only a wolf could provide, for the ties of a family bond, for the purpose of a pack.

It was at such a time as this when I was at my nose-to-the-floor weakest, when an angel appeared from the sky.

Giveaways:

Heather Hildenbrand is offering 4 signed paperback copies of her Dirty Blood series & a LIVE Q&A on 5th Nov! Enter here.

Bethany Lopez is offering an eBook of the Stories About Melissa books 1-4 collection. Enter here.

Kayla Smith’s Luna is currently FREE on Amazon for a limited time. Find it here.

And as always be sure to check out what these amazing authors have to share today!

Amanda Aksel – Women’s Fiction

Heather Hildenbrand – YA

Bethany Lopez – YA

Kasi Blake – YA Paranormal

Kayla Smith – YA