The Next Big Thing

I recently read "Where Will You Run" and "Where Will You Hide". Two wonderfully addicting books by M.E. Franco. I've also had the honor of virtually meeting her and fulfilling a life long dream of meeting one of my favorite authors. Granted, she's one of my newest faves, but I still think it's totally cool that she takes the time to chat with her fans. :) M. E. is an amazing author who gets you hooked into her stories from the get-go and won't let you go until the end. I literally couldn't put these books down, they were so good. I can't wait to read her third... "Where Will You Turn?" (which, if you're reading this, M.E., I think is a FANTASTIC title! lol)

This has been the first time I've participated in any type of blogger event thingy, and I'm really excited that she picked me to talk about my new work in progress. I'm almost finished with Consumed since I split Created into two full-length novels. Here's the synopsis:

For three hundred years I lived with Stephan; learning about the culture forced upon me, growing as a pyrokinetic vampire and healing from Mneseus' century of abuse. Before Stephan's guidance and direction, I was an empty shell. His kindness, compassion and just beliefs showed me that there could be a life without pain. Over time, I learned to love again. Foolishly I believed Stephan and I would be partners, comfortable and content with out half-life for eternity.

Then She came and ruined it.

I left them to find a place I could spend the rest of my lonely years. Mneseus' last words reverberated through the centuries, reminding me, I wasn't worthy of love. It would be now, when I finally resigned myself to an eternity of solitude, that I would find it.

Logan was everything I'd ever needed in a man, with one fatal flaw. Could I look past that, risking my heart, my future and his very life to be with him? Was love truly enough?

Here are the rules:

Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress)

Tag other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them, and link back to my page. Be sure to check out M. E.'s blog about her next big thing: "Where Will You Turn?"

1.   What is the working title of your book?

Consumed. I thought it'd be fun to start every book in this series with a C. Didn't expect it to be over 5 books long, yet right now the book arc is looking to be 7-9 books. That's a lot of "C" words. lol

2.   Where did the idea come for the book?

When I started this series, I wanted to write a book about vampires and shifters that I wanted to read, something different, not always the happy ending, cookie cutter books that are already out there. I created Natasha and her story took off in a completely different direction than I'd originally planned (I didn't want romance or sex...) Once Changed was complete, Victoria's light, tentative voice asked to have her story told. She'd been hurt so badly and shunned from so many, I couldn't tell her no. Created was born. I thought it'd be cool to go back and forth from her past and her present, but that was proving to be quite a long book and very confusing. I didn't feel the impact was being met for either story so after months of agonizing deliberation, I split them. Consumed was born.

3.   What genre does your book fall under?

Paranormal Romance/Erotica. Not for people under the age of 18. Some over 18 will blush profusely.

4.   Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

This is tough. I've thought about it and talked about it with my sister often enough that I should have an idea. Trouble is, they're so unique, such their own individuals that I have trouble casting them. Logan however, was written based solely on an actor that I completely adore. 
Here are my ideas for the main Male characters:

Karl Urban as Stephan

Dwayne Johnson as Mneseus

Vin Diesel as Raifuku "Raif"

Joe Manganiello as Logan

And for the Ladies...

Hayden Panettiere as Victoria

Holly Marie Combs as Natasha

Kate Beckinsale as Katie

5.  What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
After centuries of abuse and loneliness, would Victoria ever find love?

6.   Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?

Self published. I'm too much of a control freak.

7.   How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It typically takes me three - four months when I start writing to the completion of my full-length novels, as long as I don't get interrupted during writing. If I could write full-time, it'd take less time to write.

8.   What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?

I've actually never thought about this before. I'd say, probably Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake before it turned into nothing but porn. Maybe Kelly Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series and Kim Harrison's Hollow's series. Again, I'm not really sure, but these series' all have strong supernatural female leads that you grow attached to and love, just like mine.

9.   Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My mom and I were talking about life one day a few years back and she said, "I don't know why you don't write. You're an amazing storyteller." I was baffled by this as she'd never said that before. I thought about it and started Choice about a year later. Now, I have to write. It's like breathing to me. I don't feel complete unless I have at least one writing project that I'm working on.

10.       What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I became enthralled by Steve Alten's writing a few years back. He put so many facts into his books that they felt as if they could actually happen. When I finally sat down to write, I was determined to make my fictional world as close to reality as I could. I've researched everything I could, designing Atlantis and the history based off of Plato's initial description. Poseidon did marry Clieto and they did have 5 sets of twins. There are lots of little factual tidbits in my stories that I intertwined into the fictional story. I think it helps to bring the reader into the story and make it more believable. 

 

Here are the authors I have nominated (mostly because I think they're relatively unknown, awesome authors). Click on the name to go to the author's blog and click on the title or “here” links to check out their books. 

Mary Ting wrote Crossroads, a new series I'm just starting to get into.

Carlyle Labuschagne writes the Broken Series, the start of a new series I'm quickly becoming addicted to! 

Claire Smith, a newbie author that is publishing her first book SOON! I can't wait!!!

It's here!!!

It's official!!! Created is ready for sale! I'm so excited I can barely contain myself! =D 

There are links here -> Created for Nook or Created for Kindle so you can get your copy! 

I'd LOVE to know what you think of it! :)

Happy Monday! Happy Reading! 

Excitement is in the air...

It's official! I'm going to have my FIRST author meet and greet in November! I'm so excited and scared to death! November 9th (it's a Friday) at 3pm PST, I'll be at Cowboy's Tattoo in Reno, NV. YEA!!!!!
In other news, You guys are amazing for helping out my author friends with their new and Re-released books! I <3 y'all!
Created will be available on eBooks October 16th. Shortly after it'll be available in paperback as well. I'll keep you posted with updates, as usual. :)
Consumed is coming along, not sure if it'll be available in October or November yet or not, but I'll get it out before the end of the year if it kills me! I'll be posting a sneak peak of them both in the next couple of days as well as cover art and synopsis.
Thanks so much for your dedication and support. You guys ROCK!
I look forward to meeting some of you on November 9th at Cowboy's! In the meantime, Happy Reading!

FREE eBook Promotion October 2-October 4 Plus Win An Autographed Copy Of Accountable To None By Ashley Fontainne

I'm SO excited to be able to kick this off for Ashley! Make sure you enter the contest and check out her FREE re-released book! :)

In celebration of re-releasing Accountable To None with a brand new cover and interior design, Ashley Fontainne is running a FREE eBook promo October 2 through October 4. Plus enter her contest to win an autographed copy of Accountable To None. Enter the contest by clicking HERE.

Click the cover image below to download the FREE eBook from Amazon or click HERE!

Introducing the new cover for Accountable To None...

And here is the new interior layout for Accountable To None...

Synopsis:

What if the unspeakable happened to you? Would you fantasize about seeking personal vengeance? How far would you go...and how much would you sacrifice to hold those responsible that believe they are accountable to none?

Welcome to the prestigious accounting firm of Winscott & Associates. Welcome to Audra Tanner's personal hell. She had heard the rumors about her employer. The whispered secrets. But she had thrown herself into work to escape the pain of her miscarriage and demise of her marriage. Idealistic, she thought if she worked hard she would be rewarded. She thought wrong.

Savagely initiated into the brutal underbelly of the firm, Audra learns too late that the rumors are true. Now after five years of careful plotting, Audra is ready to push the wheels of justice in motion. Her goal of retribution has turned into an obsession and she will stop at nothing until everyone responsible pays. Will revenge set her free or is Audra's quest for personal justice only beginning?

What People Are Saying About Accountable To None...

…I truly enjoyed it and recommend it to all who enjoy a fast, intriguing and entertaining story with a little mystery thrown in for good measure.” – Midwest Book Reviews Senior Reviewer and author Joan A. Adamak

...you are grabbed hook, line and sinker into the story as the book becomes an almost compulsive read." – Charlotte Foreman, reviewer for BestChickLit.com

“… this is now one of my favorite books of all time… even after you finish, it doesn't let go. It stays with you.” – author Lindsay Anne Kendal

…I'm exhausted. I could not put this book down. It gripped me from the very beginning and the intensity level just kept building and building…an AMAZING READ!” – author Sandy L. Wolters

Thank you for joining us today, Ashley! We're excited to have you here! Let's talk about you and the re-release of your novel Accountable to None. 

Accountable To None has a brand new look. What made you decide to update this already bestselling novel and who designed it for you?

The publishing world was, and still is at times, completely foreign to me. I sort of stumbled in, blind to all the subtle nuances and intricacies that it entails. Branding, tagging, click this, click that and all the sites to promote your work and how to promote it overwhelmed me (and still does at times). This is the bane of being an Indie writer because everything falls upon your shoulders.

I liken the change to trading in an older Corvette for a newer model.  The design is sleeker, the paint shinier and the new car smell stronger but underneath it all, the same vibrant engine still roars. Although I loved the previous cover design, once I was introduced to the fabulous team at Blue Harvest Creative, I knew it was time for some new exterior ‘paint’ and a luxurious interior.

Where did you get the inspiration to write Accountable To None?

My muse for penning this series was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. The revenge on all those who hurt and betrayed Edmond Dantes and the incredible rollercoaster ride his journey takes you on intrigued me. My love for this book is what sparked my desire to write Accountable to None. With a modern setting to the tale, I wanted to delve into just what lengths a person is willing to go to as they attempt to seek justice on their own for heinous acts perpetrated upon them. The second novel in the series, Zero Balance focuses on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. For once the cycle starts, where does it end? How far will the tendrils of revenge expand? Adjusting Journal Entries answers that question: far and wide.

When you write does the idea or do the characters come first?

It depends upon what I am working on. For this series, the character of Audra came first, and the rest of the story and the characters fell into place around her.  One novel I am working on right now focusing on the idea of learning to lean on God during times of great turmoil, and is told through the eyes of a woman that decides to end her life.

Do you have a writing routine?

My long commute to and from work each day allows me to work out the scenes in my head, editing and re-writing mentally until the scene is set. Then, when I have time such as at lunch or late in the evening, I sit in front of the computer and let my fingers fly, literally closing my eyes as I recall my thoughts from earlier.

Are there certain elements or themes you like to address in your writing?

If you only read the first novel in the series, then you might walk away with the impression that the book was solely about one woman’s quest for personal justice. However, if you read the entire trilogy, my hope is that readers discover that I am not advocating vigilantism. Quite the contrary.  I hope that after reading this series, people will contemplate the devastating consequences that exacting revenge on someone that has hurt them might have, especially on innocent bystanders. Let’s face it—we all have had those moments of intense physical or mental pain that urged us to strike back, to inflict pain upon another as payback. When the blinders of anger cause you to focus on nothing but revenge, you fail to see the other options available, nor the potential pain that your own actions might end up causing others.

What has been the most satisfying accomplishment of being an author?

That was the day I received a private message on Goodreads from a reader that just finished Accountable to None. She wanted to let me know that after reading the book, she was going to finally seek therapy for the buried trauma she suffered over ten years prior when she became a victim of rape. She told me that she knew she needed to let go of the pain and anger and face her demons, and thanked me for opening her eyes to that. I remember staring at the computer screen, mouth agape and heart pounding as tears streamed down my face.

That moment in my life made every difficult turn and bump in the road worth it. To know that my words helped another person is something I will cherish forever.

How did you decide on this genre and do you write in any others?

I love reading a book that makes your heart beat faster as your palms sweat and your throat goes dry. I also enjoy reading a book that allows you to place yourself in the situation and really ponder: what would I do if faced with the same situation?

Suspense/thrillers are my favorite, but I don’t want to pigeonhole myself into just one genre. So, earlier this year, I released my poetry and short story book, Ramblings of A Mad Southern Woman, that touches upon many things, including my faith.

I am currently working on two novels at the moment (yes, I’m a glutton for punishment) one which is a historical type saga about a World War II veteran that will be heavily based upon my grandfather, and the other will be a tear jerker. After those two are complete, I’m switching to humor…I need a laugh break!

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

My husband and I love to be out on our boat, so most weekends during the humid summer you will find us lounging at the ‘Redneck Riviera’ sandbar, also known as Lake Catherine. I love plants and have a lovely flower garden that I enjoy puttering around in. Our children are grown and on their own now, so my husband and I treat our dogs and cats like kids. My husband has been trying to teach me how to water ski, but it is a losing battle.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I had a lot of fun and I hope everyone enjoys the free eBook and enters the contest. 

Be sure to check out Accountable to None and make sure to stop by and say hello to the lovely and talented Ashley Fontainne.

About Ashley Fontainne

International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne is an avid reader of mostly the classics. Ashley became a fan of the written word in her youth, starting with the Nancy Drew mystery series. Stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters that lurk within us are her favorite reads.

Her muse for penning this series was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. The revenge on all those who hurt and betrayed Edmond Dantes and the incredible rollercoaster ride his journey takes you on intrigued her. Ashley’s love for this book is what sparked her desire to write her debut novel, Accountable to None, the first book in the trilogy Eviscerating the Snake. With a modern setting to the tale, Ashley delves into the lengths a person is willing to go when they seek personal justice for heinous acts perpetrated upon them. The second novel in the series, Zero Balance, focuses on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. For once the cycle starts, where does it end? How far will the tendrils of revenge expand? Adjusting Journal Entries, the third in the series, answers that question: far and wide.

Born and raised in California, Ashley now calls Arkansas home with her husband and four children. She also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and recently published Ramblings of a Mad Southern Woman: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry on Life, Love, Loss and Longing, which is available on Amazon. Ashley is also a supporter of the Joyful Heart Foundation that assists victims of violent crime seeking help and healing, and donates 10% of all yearly book sales to the cause.

Connect With Ashley:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Freaking out

Today I went with a friend for moral support in her obtaining a new tattoo. I love tattoos. She was sitting at the desk, getting her finger inked and introducing me to the people at the shop. She introduces me to the apprentice tattoo-er as, "Hey, this is my friend, Jean. She writes erotica."
We all laugh and I blush furiously. I hate being the center of attention and I'm intensely shy. I love sharing my books, so this shyness does pose a slight problem for me. (insert sarcasm. It poses a HUGE problem for me!)
She and I talk about books and she proceeds to go to Amazon.com and download the complete set to read later. She's super excited to be able to not only read porn but to also read up on her zombies and vampires/supernaturals.
At this point, the owner, who's doing the tattoo on my friend, mentions that he'd love to have a set as well as some copies to sell on consignment. I'm giddy with excitement! I'll actually be IN a store!!! Sure, it's a tattoo place, but how friggin AWESOME!!!! I tell him that I have to order a few more copies of the books as I'm running low on paperbacks and we start talking about how cool it'd be to have an author book signing or a meet the author day in his shop.
My stomach churns with excitement and nerves.
He tells me I should create some flyers and post them up around the university (It's literally a block away) and set up a date with him to do the meet and greet. He also mentions that he would like to put up a shelf in his shop where my books can be displayed and he can help me sell them.
Thankfully, my friend's tattoo is finished and someone else comes into the shop asking about tattoos. I can sit in her car and have my panic attack. I knew this day would come. I just thought I'd be ready for it when it came. Book signings. Meet and greets. My books in stores. Hyperventilating now. How does an extremely shy, introverted, albeit, a bit wacky, girl come out of her shell to meet and chat with people she doesn't know? Will you come hold my hand for moral support? :)
I'm ordering more books now in preparation for a signing/meet and greet. I have to figure out flyer ideas as well as something to sign for those who downloaded the books onto an eReader. I'm super excited and terrified at the same time. There's no hiding behind a computer screen or pages in a book. This is me, open, exposed and trying not to look like a complete dork.

Bundle of nerves

I don't think I've ever been this apprehensive or nervous for a book release before. I send Created to some author friends to be beta read and have been trying to wait patiently for them to respond. It's KILLING me!!! I'm so nervous I don't think I ever want to do this again. Hopefully they love it and it'll all be worth it. :) Crap! I have to go to work now. Have a great day!