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!

Thanks

Thanks to all of you who helped make Katie Jennings' birthday a blast yesterday by downloading her Free book! Y'all are awesome!
My folks are all nestled in the guest room, Bry's snuggling away with some kitties and Princess just decided that my forearm is her most favorite pillow. As stressed out as I've been this week, it all just doesn't seem to matter right now. Kitty purrs and hugs from my mom and dad are just what the doctor ordered. :)
I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend filled with the little things in life that we all take for granted.

WHEN EMPIRES FALL

WHEN EMPIRES FALL

FREE eBook Promotion and Birthday Bash Blog Tour!

In celebration of her quarter-life crisis, Katie Jennings is running a one-day only FREE eBook Promo for her latest release, When Empires Fall! Click the cover image below to download the FREE eBook from Amazon, or click HERE!

What people are saying about When Empires Fall…

“A modern day epic in the tradition of Gone With The Wind… Infused with deception, lust, murder and romance, Jennings creates a magnificent family saga not to be missed.” -J.L. Firestone, author

“Exhilarating and fresh… Jennings masterfully weaves an intricate web of deception and lies…When Empires Fall is not as much a story about the rich as it is a story about human character.” -Cristian Mihai, author/blogger

“Wow! This word doesn’t even capture the writing ability of Jennings…gifted with character development to rival the New York Times best-sellers…Jennings tantalizes her readers at every chapter and scene break. Her characters are addictive.” -Bestselling Author Carolyn Arnold

Synopsis…

Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall…

In America, kings are not born, they are made.  Men with ambition build their own empires and it is their heirs who carry the torch of tradition, generation by generation. 

The Vasser Hotel Empire rose out of the ashes of an Industrial era, cementing itself in the very heart of America’s greatest city, New York.  Through the drive and courage of one man, a legacy was born that would last more than a hundred years.

That is, until word got out that one of their own was murdered. 

Sixty years of lies will come crashing down in flames of treachery and blood, and the truth will send shockwaves through an entire nation.  Now the newest generation of Vasser heirs will have to deal with the consequences, or else allow their legacy to burn to the ground.

But dark secrets are buried deep within the family itself, and everyone has an agenda.  Love of family and forbidden passion will set off sparks in a powder keg ready to annihilate the empire, but it may also be the only thing keeping them whole.

When reputation is everything, it will take all they’ve got to save themselves from their own undoing.

Book Trailer…

But Wait…There’s More!

Also in celebration of both her birthday and the FREE promotion, Katie is unveiling the book cover and teaser trailer for the highly anticipated sequel to When Empires Fall…

Here is

Rise of the Notorious

Coming Spring 2013

Synopsis:

Finish, good lady; the bright day is done, and we are for the dark.

When their empire fell, darkness descended upon the Vasser Hotel family and shrouded them in chaos.  It was a darkness layered in violent sins and staggering deception, made only more potent by a haunting truth.  Murder, it seemed, was a burden they couldn’t escape.

With a scandal plaguing the family’s reputation, the Vasser heirs must rise to the occasion and utilize a killer’s advice to turn bad publicity into good, and tradition into innovation.

If only it was that easy.

In an elaborate game of hidden motives and sinister agendas, more dirty truths from the past will resurface, truths that could bring about victory or bloodshed.  But how will the Vasser siblings react when the real threat to their family not only has power and control on the mind, but assassination as well?  What will they do when it becomes clear that someone out there wants them destroyed, no matter the price?

The Vassers may have fallen from grace, but now they will rise as notorious.

About Katie Jennings…

Nothing can compare to the exhilaration of discovering, at last, a mode of release for the imagination. Mine came, after years of struggling to visualize my creativity, in the form of written word. I found myself with my nose constantly in a book, absorbing the life of the characters and the beauty of the setting. It was intoxicating, to say the least, and the only thing I knew was that I wanted to give writing a shot, and take the thousands of characters and storylines in my head and put them down on paper, and form them into something real and compelling.

In truth, I'm just a girl from a small town north of Los Angeles, with an imagination for days and thank goodness a keyboard at my fingertips. And even though my husband thinks I'm a nerd and my mom is undoubtedly my biggest fan, at the end of the day I'm loving life and enjoying giving breath to the characters living in my heart, and sharing with others all the creativity I can harness.

I believe in true love, and I've always believed in happy endings. And that is just the beginning of the story.

Connect with Katie…

Official Author Website

Facebook

 Twitter

Blog

 Amazon Author Page