The Paranormal Romance Guild has announced the winners of their Reviewer’s Choice Awards, and my novel, The Magician’s Curse, came in first place! It’s a bit surreal to be able to call myself an award-winning author. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.
Linda Tonis, senior reviewer for the Paranormal Romance Guild wrote:
I literally read this book in a few hours since I found it hard to put down. This is a story filled with magic, curses, sex, romance, secrets and surprises so how could I not love it.
As a writer, I spend a lot of time contemplating the stories that form in my head. At my worst, during my most creative spells, my mind blocks out everything going on around me. I become consumed, beyond contemplation, in my own world. I get to the point where I’m not telling the stories anymore, rather the stories are telling me what is and isn’t true. I’m not imagining; I’m listening.
So it’s rather a shock when my beta readers tell me I should take out a scene because it makes them uncomfortable. I don’t blame the readers; I appreciate their input and I understand their discomfort. But I’ve lost two betas at the same spot in the second book in my series, “The Great Dagmaru,” in the last week, and that makes me wonder if they’re not right. My guilty conscience for making people uncomfortable is warring with the writer in me who says the scene in question IS part of the story. It’s what happened. So changing it or removing it comes to the same result: compromising the story’s truth.
I have a feeling that if I leave the scene in, it’s either going to make or break my entire series. The readers who realized it needed to be in there enjoyed it (or tolerated it) because it made them feel uncomfortable – it’s what it’s meant to do. Those who hated it may end up hating me. Should I be hoping at this point that it will push enough buttons, whether positive or negative, to make the book go viral? On the other hand, maybe it’s not all that bad, in the hands of the right audience. Speaking of which, note to all the readers who thought The Magician’s Curse should have been categorized as “Young Adult”: the second book will prove to be distinctly “Adult.”
Stay true to your story and publish without fear, says most of me: Write to please people with a story fit for Hollywood, the part of me that wants to bow to the more sensitive readers says.
I’ve been busy for much of the day ironing out the artwork for my second full-length novel, The Magician’s Blood. The darling and ever-patient Belinda Borradaile has been working hard, trying to meet my demands requests for yet another spectacular cover. Here’s what she’s done for me so far:
The next one is sure to be every bit as gorgeous.
Now, I just have to get my final edits done so that my story does her artwork justice. My hope was to have the new book out in February, but setbacks will likely push it back to March. Either way, watch out for more information about it soon! And if you haven’t read the first one yet, click on the cover and it will take you to Amazon. Much appreciated!
I have to say that the first thing to come to mind when I decided on the prompt word “resolution” was the talk around the Christmas dinner table of our friends’ new 4K television. I had no idea what “4K” meant until someone explained to me that it was the screen’s resolution. It’s apparently (the picture, that is) more real-looking than real life. Enough to make you wonder what, exactly, it would take to really make our eyes work to their fullest. Maybe there’s more than just corrective lenses.
Then there’s the resolution on the screen of my new laptop. Yes, I had to buy one. The old one keeps crashing on me, which means it’s unreliable. Also the internal battery is almost dead and I keep getting a message to say the display driver has stopped working. As I can’t work without a computer, I had no choice. … that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Windows 10 is going to take some getting used to, as well as the new mouse pad that I can’t seem to fix to stop opening things I just want to scroll past. I may have to contact tech support for that one, as it’s really annoying when I want to stay in the chapter I’m working on in Word. Grrr.
Speaking of chapters, I’m getting my second book in the The Great Dagmaru series ready for beta readers. I hope to publish it in February!
Which brings me to my new year’s resolutions. First, get book two and maybe even book three published. I’d like to make the time to take more courses this year, as I only have five years to get them all done for my editing certificate. Money’s an issue, as is time, but it’s a bit of a conundrum as I can make more money if I have the certificate. Kinda like not being able to get a job without the experience, and not being able to get the experience without a job. I’ve always found that to be extremely frustrating. Where was I? Oh yeah, resolutions.
I got a Fitbit for Christmas, so I’m going to try to use it as motivation to get moving a bit more. Since I started editing full time, my weight has gone up and my fitness level is in the basement. I have to change that for the good of my well-being.
I think it’s been three years now since I made the resolution (added to my wish-list?) the goal of spending one weekend alone in my house. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure this will be the year! I’d also like to go on some sort of vacation this year, but I can’t see it happening at this point. Again, money (or lack thereof).
I’m really loving this new laptop screen. Suggestions for Netflix movies are welcome.
I had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with fantasy romance author D. Lieber on a special project in which our main characters met and had a chat!
A little about D.:
D. writes stories she wants to read. Her love of the worlds of fiction led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.
When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, crafting, watching anime, Korean television, Bollywood, or old movies. She may also be getting her geek on while planning her next steampunk cosplay with friends.
She lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John), retired guide dog (Samwise), and cat (Yin).
Her book, The Exiled Otherkin, is set to be released on November 2nd.
Our scene between Ember, the protagonist of The Exiled Otherkin, and Stephen, the main character of The Magician’s Curse, takes place quite by accident. Enjoy!
Stephen and Ember Meet
SETTING: In the catacombs of Rome, a Fae refugee marketplace thrives. Ember has just purchased a replacement boot dagger. As she is leaving the stall, she almost collides with Stephen.
EMBER: (pulls her hat lower) Excuse me.
STEPHEN: My fault entirely. I’m a bit lost.
EMBER: (peeking up at him) It’s my first time here as well, so I doubt I will be of any help.
STEPHEN: If you don’t mind my saying so, you don’t (clears throat) look quite as out of place here as I feel.
EMBER: Is he human? (squinting slightly) How did you get here?
STEPHEN: (smiles) I’m actually not quite sure. I’m looking for a set of knives. I mentioned it to someone in a bar, and the next thing I knew I was climbing down a ladder. The gentleman disappeared after that.
EMBER: (excited over her new purchase) I just bought an excellent dagger from that stall (points). Do you want to see it?
STEPHEN: (nods) How kind of you.
EMBER: (pulls her dagger from her boot sheath) Check it out. You see these two jewels? If you slide this one (slides jewel), and then press this one … (points dagger at a wooden sign above a tavern, then presses the second jewel. The dagger blade shoots out of the hilt and into the sign. Grins at Stephen.)
STEPHEN: (laughs) That’s a little more dangerous than I have a need for. I’m looking for something I can juggle, not kill my audience with. I’m a magician on stage. (looks up at the blade in the sign) Would you like me to get that for you?
On September 23rd, just over a month ago, I announced that until October 31st I would give all the proceeds from my books as donations to those in need after the hurricanes. I was hoping to raise loads of money; unfortunately I only managed about $18.00.
I’ve decided, therefore, to give all of the money to the Red Cross, to help the people of Puerto Rico. It’s not much–yet. But there are still two days to go. So in a last-ditch attempt to give aid where it’s needed, I pledge to match all the proceeds from my books sold until October 31st, 2017, at 11:59pm, with my own money.* That means if you buy All Good Stories, $o.70 will go to charity. For the e-book version of The Magician’s Curse, $4.20 will be donated, and for the paperback of the same title, you’ll be donating $12.50 between you and me for each book. Please let me know if you buy a paperback–it takes Createspace three days to let me know I’ve sold one.
I’m strapped for money myself, but I know there are people out there who need what I have more than I do. There are things I can go without–they’re hanging on by a thinner thread than mine. However, I have faith that the universe will provide me with whatever I need. So what do you say? Shall we do this?
Here, again, is all the info about the books with links. Please share far and wide. Thank you for your time and your generosity.
As best friends, Xavier and Jupiter have always been supportive of each other’s romantic relationships. But when Jupiter meets Bob online, Xavier can’t help but feel he needs to come to her rescue. There’s just something about Bob. In the process of preventing Bob from wooing Jupiter away, Xavier realizes he’s been in love with her all along. Can he keep her safe and win her heart? And will he ever get to read her manuscript?
Join Xavier, Jupiter, and a quirky cast of characters in this fun romantic comedy novelette with a twist you won’t see coming.
When Herman Anderson leaves home to make a better life for herself, she doesn’t expect to meet a tall, dark stranger with whom she’ll fall hopelessly in love.
Charming and mysterious, Stephen Dagmar is a stage magician seeking an assistant. The moment he sets eyes on Herman, he knows she’s the one. He brings her home to his Victorian mansion where they embark upon an extravagant romance. Yet a shadow hangs over their love. Will the curse on his family end Stephen and Herman’s happily ever after, before it really begins?
Amidst lace and leather, innocence and debauchery, The Magician’s Curse begins the Gothic tale of The Great Dagmaru. Magic and romance await.
As you might be aware, I had my first ever book signing event last weekend in Kingston, Ontario–the city where The Magician’s Curse takes place. The lady in the shop where I bought my rose asked me if I was nervous. I said without hesitation that I wasn’t. And I really wasn’t–I’ve worked in retail many times throughout my life, and selling my own book didn’t seem that different. Besides that, I feel at home in a book store. I lurve them.
But like most things, the first time we do something is usually a learning experience. Right? Here are the things I learned:
Smile at people and don’t be afraid to take the initiative to speak to them first. Otherwise, chances are they’ll just pass you by.
Chocolate Kisses™ may seem like a good idea to have on the same table as a romance novel, but make sure to stress the “chocolate” part when offering one to a man who’s standing beside his wife.
Bring something to take the lint off of a black top hat.
Do what you can to advertise ahead of time. This is particularly difficult when you’re signing books in a store that’s a long way away from where you live: be inventive.
Don’t do a book signing when there’s another major event in town that features a bunch of authors whose names are more popular than yours. (I’m looking at you, Kathy Reichs.)
If you’re going to spend hours sitting beside a book written by an offspring of Stephen King, make sure it’s Joe Hill (particularly if your last name is Hill).
By the time this post goes live, I’ll be getting ready for my second ever book signing event. If you’re in the area of Belleville, Ontario today (October 8th, 2017), please stop by Chapters between noon and 3pm. And get a Kiss. A chocolate one.
Colleen Chesebro wrote a fabulous review of my novel! Go check it out! And don’t forget, all proceeds from my book will given to those suffering from the effects of the hurricanes. The first $100 to go to help the people in Puerto Rico.
Thanks again, Colleen! ❤
Due-dates. I’ve always been bad with them. When I was in school, I always waited until the last minute to complete a project, and even now, when I have something to write I often do it at the very last minute. So it makes sense that I’d set myself up for a career in which I have nothing but due dates, right? Ha!
Strangely enough, where my editing business is concerned I seem to have overcome that awful habit. But only as long as I stay off the Internet, which is, of course, my downfall. Nope, I must get up every dewy morning (and mornings that aren’t so dewy) and start work before I even connect. And I love it. I really do.
The date that’s been on my mind most these days is tomorrow, and it has nothing to do with my editing business. Tomorrow, I’m having my very first book signing! I’ll be signing copies of my novel The Magician’s Curse and giving away bookmarks. And where else than in the biggest book store in Kingston: Chapters! Kingston, where my story takes place! If my audience there can love what I’ve done with the setting, I’ll know I’ve done well.
I so want to edit that last sentence. How ironic is it that I came up with a prompt rule that prohibits me from doing what I do for a living? Ugh, there I go again. I’m in serious doodoo here.
I’d like to end this post by saying a huge thank you to Dan Antion for taking over for me this weekend. My stress levels over the upcoming event are already through the roof–I don’t think I could have coped without him. But he couldn’t, of course, let me get away without giving me at least one challenge: points. I need his points!
And if you’re in the Kingston area, (and a lot of book lovers are this weekend, since the Kingston WritersFest is on) you need to come and see me at Chapters on October 1st, 2017 between 1pm and 3pm. Do it! Whatever you do!
I’ve been thinking for quite some time about making my book, The Magician’s Curse, available for free for a limited time. It hasn’t sold a copy in over a month (mostly because I haven’t been advertising it), so I thought it would be a good way to jump-start some interest, and gain a few fans who will want to buy the next book.
However.
Sitting up here in Ontario, Canada, safe from hurricanes, mudslides, earthquakes, fires, and volcanoes, I feel blessed. Yet my heart bleeds for those who are suffering and have been for far too long. I want to give. I want to do more than just sit here and feel bad about it all. But I have no money to give; I have no time to give.
With much deep thought and consideration, I’ve come up with a hopeful solution. From now until the end of October, all proceeds from my books — The Magician’s Curse and All Good Stories — will go to charity. There are so many people in need that it’s hard to choose, but my hope is to be able to give at least $100 to a few different causes. At this moment, I’d like to give to Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda. I pray there won’t but by the end of October, there may be more.
Here are my books with their blurbs:
As best friends, Xavier and Jupiter have always been supportive of each other’s romantic relationships. But when Jupiter meets Bob online, Xavier can’t help but feel he needs to come to her rescue. There’s just something about Bob. In the process of preventing Bob from wooing Jupiter away, Xavier realizes he’s been in love with her all along. Can he keep her safe and win her heart? And will he ever get to read her manuscript?
Join Xavier, Jupiter, and a quirky cast of characters in this fun romantic comedy novelette with a twist you won’t see coming.
When Herman Anderson leaves home to make a better life for herself, she doesn’t expect to meet a tall, dark stranger with whom she’ll fall hopelessly in love.
Charming and mysterious, Stephen Dagmar is a stage magician seeking an assistant. The moment he sets eyes on Herman, he knows she’s the one. He brings her home to his Victorian mansion where they embark upon an extravagant romance. Yet a shadow hangs over their love. Will the curse on his family end Stephen and Herman’s happily ever after, before it really begins?
Amidst lace and leather, innocence and debauchery, The Magician’s Curse begins the Gothic tale of The Great Dagmaru. Magic and romance await.
Please buy my books. If you don’t enjoy reading romance, buy one as a gift for someone who does. It will give you a chance to donate a little extra to some worthwhile causes, and have something to read in return.
If there is a region in particular out of the above mentioned that you’d like your money to go to, email me at linda@lindaghill.com. I’ll write a post on November 1st to let everyone know how much money has been raised and how it will be split. I will also post the receipts for the donations. I have screenshots of my sales as of yesterday ($0) for the last month. I’ll post these with updates weekly.
I encourage you to share this post and keep sharing it. Tell your friends, post on social media, get the word out, and help me raise money for those who desperately need it.
lindaghill.com 