Category Archives: Indie Publishing
Goodbye, Old Friend . . .
Writers are typically sensitive souls, rife with insecurity and doubt. When a reader/fan extends encouragement, it often means more than they could possibly know.
I had a reader like that. He became my friend, though we never met. We communicated through emails, Facebook and private messages. He always issued motivation and hope, especially when I had taken a hiatus to help care for a special needs grandson. So when I discovered Carlin had cancer, I prayed and tried to offer uplifting words, though I feel I may have failed miserably.
As the time between messages grew longer and longer, I kept up with his progress through his wife's regular posts. Occasionally she would upload photos and i could see how frail he'd become. His humor and internal strength remained strong, however, evidenced by sporadic appearances on Facebook. It was hard to imagine Carlin not beating the Big "C" . . . but he didn't.
Today Carlin Kallay succumbed to his disease. I grieve. I lost a friend. A fan. A great influence in my life and writing career. I'm not sure he knew how much I cared and appreciated his kindness, but I know.
God speed, Carlin. You earned your wings.
This entry was posted in Indie Publishing, Uncategorized on August 25, 2015 by Debra S. Sanders.
2015 RONE Award – An Unholy Alliance Needs YOUR Vote!
What an unexpected surprise!
One of my novels, An Unholy Alliance, is nominated for the 2015 RONE Award in the Paranormal category . . . and I need your vote to proceed to the finals.
The process is very easy. If you are a subscriber to InDtale Magazine, you just click on the link below, choose the paranormal category, scroll down a bit until you find my book/author name and check it. If you are not a subscriber, follow the same process but subscribe to the newsletter first. You can unsubscribe later.
http://indtale.com/2015-rone-awards-week-one
Please pass this along and help An Unholy Alliance make it to the finals.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
This entry was posted in Indie Publishing, Paranormal, Police Procedural, Supernatural and tagged 2015 Rone Awards, An Unholy Alliance on April 16, 2015 by Debra S. Sanders.
Stephen King On How To Write – Business Insider
Stephen King On How To Write – Business Insider.
Great advice for writers.
This entry was posted in General, Genre, Indie Publishing, life experiences, writer and tagged Advice for Writers, Author Tips, Stephen KIng on September 3, 2014 by Debra S. Sanders.
HIS DAKOTA BRIDE – Romance To Sigh For
HIS DAKOTA BRIDE
Dakota Hearts, Book 5
Lisa Mondello
Words: 22,050
ASIN: B00IA6OF9I
AMAZON SMASHWORDS B&N
Lisa Mondello has written another "pull at your heartstrings" romance with HIS DAKOTA BRIDE, Book 5 of the Dakota Hearts series. The shorter length contains all the emotional impact of a full length novel in a fast paced plot of lost love and redemption.
I think this might be my favorite book in the Dakota Heart series . . . but I've said that after reading each title. Sigh.
Wade McKinnon returns to his hometown of Rudolph, South Dakota to renew the love he once shared with Skylar Barnett. The only problem is Skylar thought he died in a Tsunami five years ago. Since she was pregnant with Wade's son, she moved to Rudolph to be around his family but kept the child's father a secret. She eventually meets and marries a good fellow by the name of Jay, who tries to make the marriage work until he realizes Skylar will never love him.
Wade has been in hiding since his secret work for the government placed his family in jeopardy all those years ago, but as soon as he learns of Skylar's newly single status, he decides to "resurrect" himself. Skylar is not the only one hurt by his deliberate disappearance. The tight McKinnon family is wounded, as well, and everyone is having a hard time separating the joy of his return from the anger over his lies. Wade obviously has a lot of fences to mend.
I see-sawed between the characters motives, undecided about who was right and who was wrong. I understood Skylar's pain and wanting to distance herself from Wade but I also validated Wade's decision to remain in hiding. In the end, I just wanted them to kiss and make up and boy howdy, did they ever! It was a sweet journey to get there because those two characters are chock full of raw angst. The layers are so perfectly written that I found myself experiencing the same internal tug of war as Skylar and Wade.
Ms. Mondello weaves a brief synopsis of the coupling history from the first four books, and includes key characters in the story line. It's because of her subtle effort that I would not have been confused if HIS DAKOTA BRIDE had been the first title I read from the series.
HIS DAKOTA BRIDE is short, sweet and full of romance – and demonstrates why Lisa Mondello a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY Best Selling Author.
The story of the South Dakota McKinnon clan continues in HIS DAKOTA BRIDE, book 5 of DAKOTA HEARTS.
Her heart had always belonged to Wade McKinnon…
When single mother, Skylar Barnett, came to South Dakota, she thought her life was just beginning. Newly pregnant, she waited for the love of her life, Wade McKinnon, to join her so they could start their life near his family. But her joy quickly shattered after learning Wade was presumed killed during a tsunami that hit the small Asian island they'd both worked on in the Peace Corp. She'd spent the last four years making peace with her decision to marry a man she didn't love so her baby would have a father. But marrying the wrong man when her heart belonged to Wade was the biggest mistake of her life.
Secrets and circumstance kept them apart…
No one in Wade McKinnon's life knew that his work with the Peace Corp. was just a cover for his real job in a secret military agency. Not even Skylar, the woman he'd fallen hard for the moment he'd laid eyes on her. But when his mission in Asia suddenly became too dangerous and all agents in the field were ordered to disappear, using the tragic events of the tsunami on the island where they'd met seemed like the only way to keep Skylar and their unborn baby safe until the situation cooled down. As much as it killed him, Wade stepped aside when he learned Skylar had moved on with another man. But now that she's free, he's determined to do everything he can to win back her love and claim the life they'd dreamed of sharing.
The Dakota Hearts series includes:
HER DAKOTA MAN book 1
BADLAND BRIDE book 2
DAKOTA HEAT book 3
WILD DAKOTA HEART book 4
HIS DAKOTA BRIDE book 5
DAKOTA WEDDING book 6 (later in 2014)
USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Lisa Mondello, has held many jobs in her life but being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring! She
Her first book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill. Her books have finaled in the HOLT Medallion, and the Colorado Award of Excellence contests. In 2011 she re-released her award winning book All I Want for Christmas is You along with a re-issue of her romantic comedy, The Marriage Contract, with a new contemporary romance called The Knight and Maggie's Baby.blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen.
In 2012 she reissued the first 3 books of her popular Western Romance Series TEXAS HEARTS including Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting and The More I See. Writing as LA Mondello, her romantic suspense, MATERIAL WITNESS, book 1 of her Heroes of Providence series made the USA TODAY Bestsellers List.
You can find more information about Lisa Mondello at lisamondello.blogspot.com
@LisaMondello
https://www.facebook.com/LisaMondello.Author
This entry was posted in contemporary, ebooks, Indie Publishing, romance, Western and tagged Dakota Hearts, His Dakota Bride, lisa mondello on March 18, 2014 by Debra S. Sanders.
SALE!!!! This Weekend ONLY!
Do you like great books at cheap prices? I sure do! So THIS WEEKEND ONLY I'm hosting a sale for two of my Paranormal Thrillers.
Reviews are much appreciated. If you enjoy my books, please post on Amazon.
FREE – at Amazon
(If you have an e-reader other than a Kindle, email me this weekend and I'll send a PDF.)
DATE – Saturday & Sunday ONLY (Mar 15, 16)
Book 1 – The GATEKEEPER – Clans of Tagus series
There's nothing normal about tough girl, Kylie Baker. She suffers demonic dreams she can't explain, is befriended by a telepathic dog who knows more about her past than she does, and can't shake a sexy cowboy who refuses to take "no" as an answer.
But when the owner of a Harley Davidson shop where she works is blackmailed into giving her a pink slip, and the attorney responsible for her childhood relocation from one foster home to another is murdered, Kylie realizes things are fast-tracking from bad to worse. Who is manipulating her life? And why?
Strange markings appear on her skin and dreams blur the line between reality and vision, forcing Kylie to re-examine her murky past. Only one person can explain what the odd phenomena . . . the mother she believed was dead. Armed with her instincts and a strange amulet, Kylie embarks on a quest to learn the truth.
What she discovers is even more disturbing. Kylie is destined to become the Gatekeeper, guardian of a portal between two worlds . . . and the only one who can stop an imminent attack by a Tagusian warlord. Worse than that, she's a hybrid with ties to both sides. The bizarre proclamation leaves her angry, hurt, confused – and feeling more alone than ever. But when people she cares about are threatened, Kylie knows she must form an allegiance. Unfortunately, each choice bears serious consequence.
99¢ SALE
DATE – Sunday ONLY (Mar 16)
Would you willingly give your life to save mankind?Reyna Blair has learned two things as a soldier and a cop – she can tolerate a lot of pain and wounds aren't always visible. After a stint in the army, she's ready to drop off the grid and heal. A job as police officer in the small town of Purgatory, Texas sounds like the perfect solution – until the community is rocked by a gruesome murder.
When sexy Texas Ranger, Ty Carter, steps in to assist with the investigation, Reyna is both thrilled and annoyed. He's nice to look at and a definite boost to her sagging ego, but his aggressive ambition could push her right out of a job. To make matters worse, she's stalked by a mysterious stranger with a flaming sword who can't decide if he should save her or kill her.
Reyna's problems are only beginning. The stranger is an angel of God . . . an Enforcer . . . sent to eliminate a Nephilim woman prophesized as giving birth to the Antichrist. Shocked to learn she's the target, Reyna flees – only to realize she has more enemies than imagined. Along the way, she discovers dark secrets which alter her world forever, challenge her faith, and force a choice between life and death.
*** This story uses a biblical theme but includes scenes with graphic violence and strong language.
This entry was posted in ebooks, free books, Indie Publishing, Paranormal, romance, writer on March 15, 2014 by Debra S. Sanders.
CONTEST ALERT! SWAG for An Unholy Alliance
2 SWAG PAKS – Each package includes an e-copy of An Unholy Alliance (gifted from Amazon or PDF format, winner's choice), a bookmark/charm customized for An Unholy Alliance (US shipping only), a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card (winner's choice)
An Unholy Alliance
Deb Sanders
Genre: Paranormal Thriller with Romantic elements
ASIN: B00I1THOII
Cover Artist: Deb Sanders
What would you do if the future of mankind depended on whether you lived or died?
Reyna Blair has learned two things from life – she can tolerate a lot of pain and wounds aren't always visible. After a stint in the army, she's ready to drop off the grid and heal. A job as Peace Officer in the small community of Purgatory, Texas sounds like the perfect solution – until the town is rocked by a gruesome murder.
When sexy Texas Ranger, Ty Carter, steps in to help with the investigation, Reyna is both thrilled and annoyed. He's nice to look at and a definite boost to her sagging ego, but his aggressive ambition might push her right out of a job. To make matters worse, she's being stalked by a mysterious stranger with a sword that can burst into flames on command.
Reyna's problems are only beginning. The stranger is an angel of God . . . an Enforcer . . . sent to eliminate a Nephilim woman prophesized as giving birth to the Antichrist. Realizing she's the target, Reyna must flee or be killed. Along the way, she discovers dark secrets which alter her world forever, challenge her faith, and force a choice between life and death.
The stench of decaying flesh filled the air like day old road kill on a hot August night. Reyna Blair kept her distance as she folded a handkerchief, covered her nose and choked back the urge to heave.
The medical examiner pushed wire framed glasses further along his nose and looked up. "Hard to say, Officer Blair. This damn heat's accelerated the breakdown of tissue."
"Then how 'bout a guess?"
The older man squinted, twisted his mouth to one side, and arched bushy brows as he considered her question. "Well, the blowfly larvae are at third instar so I'd say your vic has been dead four, maybe five days. Once I get him to the lab and run some tests, I'll give you a better estimate."
Reyna nodded, her eyes riveting to the gaping wound in the dead man's chest. Someone split his sternum from throat to abdomen, leaving an open cavity that now hosted an infestation of slithering maggots.
Great. Just fucking great.
Rubbing her temples, Reyna glanced away. The mid-morning sun penetrated her dark blonde hair, raising sweat bubbles on her scalp and provoking an already short temper. She glared at the uniformed Texas Rangers swarming her crime scene like an army of pissed off ants.
Crime scene. The words sounded odd when paired with Purgatory – a small retirement community cradled in the rolling hills between San Antonio and Austin. So much for living the quiet life of a small town cop.
Reyna had accepted the position of Peace Officer six months ago after an old army buddy told her about the opening. It wasn't a seamless hire. The mayor didn't like her and protested publicly when the town council extended an employment contract. Some said he opposed women in law enforcement. Reyna suspected it had more to do with her contempt for his inflated ego.
In spite of Mayor Townsend's disapproval, and Reyna's exasperation with the slower moving senior citizens, she'd been thankful for the job. Purgatory was a much needed antidote for her frayed nerves. A place to hide – and heal. A refuge from the murder and mayhem plaguing her adult life. She'd wished for such a place after being discharged from the army.
But as her drill sergeant used to say, "Wish in one hand and shit in the other, soldier. See which one fills up fastest." Today was a perfect example of what Reyna had come to expect in life – a handful of shit.
"Where's the law in this town?"
A teasing voice drifted over her shoulder, eliciting a grudging smile from her tightly sealed lips. Ty Carter. Texas Ranger and eye candy extraordinaire. She turned to greet the detective walking toward her. His crisp khaki shirt and creased slacks appeared immune to the heat and humidity. No man should look that good in uniform.
Ty let out a long, low whistle as he stared at the corpse. "What a way to start the day."
"You talkin' to him or me?"
He snickered. "From the look of things, I'd say his day ended long before yours started. Who found him?"
She leaned toward him with a conspiratorial whisper. "Agnes Gaines, who graciously served as tour guide for family and friends before deciding to notify me."
"That explains the golf carts parked on the side of the road. Looks like a damn old folk's convention." A lopsided grin lit up his face as he thrust a cup of coffee into her hand. "Iced Mocha Grande. Figured you could use it."
Cute. Ty Carter was definitely cute. Ever since the tautly muscled detective first sauntered into her office issuing a cocky introduction and a list of services available through the Texas Rangers, she'd joined the ranks of secret . . . and some not so secret . . . admirers. Logic told her he was way too young, or at least he looked it with boyish dimples aligned perfectly on either side of a too kissable mouth.
Five years separated their ages, but Reyna felt decades older. The war had stolen her innocence. War – and working as a beat cop in one of the toughest, most drug infested neighborhoods of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She'd witnessed horrors most people couldn't imagine and would never want to see – which left Reyna even more confused about why a bunch of retirees would rush to view a decomposing body.
She took one more look at the stiff carcass and turned away. For once, it was a blessing to detach emotionally, even though her army shrink considered it a debilitating personality trait. Admittedly, Reyna had sandbagged the counseling sessions but only because the good doc displayed a superiority complex the size of Antarctica. Reyna had no use for know-it-alls or prima donas, and the psychiatrist demonstrated a proclivity for both.
Scowling with the memory, she lifted the cup of coffee to her lips and took a sip. The lid loosened, flooding the front of her shirt with a dark, icy stain. Reyna gasped, quickly brushed away what she could of the beverage and launched a mortified glance at the bystanders hovering near the yellow crime scene ribbon. God, I hope nobody saw that.
It was the most people gathered in the city park she could recall since starting her job, proof of what she'd suspected all along – Agnes Gaines was a natural instigator. Political lobbyists would pay big bucks for someone with her skills.
Her gaze settled on a tall stranger standing apart from the crowd. Black hair spiked across his forehead as he stared at her with unnerving intensity. Shark eyes. Dead eyes. Reyna pushed her aviator sunglasses further up her nose, camouflaging her scrutiny with the reflective lens.
Whatcha lookin' at, mister? You know something I don't? The hair rose on the back of her neck as he continued to watch her. It was as though he could see right through the sunglasses and into her mind.
Massive shoulders filled his long coat, suggesting he wasn't from the area – or else a complete idiot. What native Texan would wear a heavy duster in the middle of July? He tilted his head to one side, reinforcing her perception he was a telepath.
You're one strange son of a bitch. The side of her mouth shifted upwards as he flinched. Damn, maybe he really can read my thoughts. The possibility left her more uncomfortable than ever.
I'm an adventurer – more by destiny than design. I've explored the back roads and highways of 35 states, resided in eight, and traveled through parts of Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas. My journeys have provided interesting tidbits which I've managed to weave into scenes for some of my books.
When I'm not in front of my computer, you might find me perched atop a rock at the back of a box canyon, crouched low in the middle of a dry creek bed with camera aimed at a majestic Elk, or perhaps hanging onto a skiff after a whale has breached next to me. At other times, I'll be Geocaching with grandsons or attempting a new project inspired by something I've discovered on Pinterest.
Not all wanderers are lost. Some of us prefer to throw away the map and meander through life on the road less traveled.
I physically reside in North Carolina with my husband, Golden Retriever and two rescue cats. My soul resides in Arizona.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debsanders01
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebSanders01
Website: http://debsanders.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dsandersauthor/
This entry was posted in contests, ebooks, free books, Indie Publishing, Paranormal, romance, Suspense, writer and tagged An Unholy Alliance, bewitching book tours, deb sanders on March 3, 2014 by Debra S. Sanders.