Friday, September 30, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things-September 30, 2016


It's Friday!  Let's Celebrate the Small Things with Lexa Cain!  Tonja Drecker and I are her co-hosts.

I've been having a little trouble getting motivated to write for the last couple of weeks.  I'm not sure how much of it is due to pregnancy fatigue and how much is due to other factors, but I feel like I'm getting back on track again.  Fingers crossed!



This has been a big week for me.  I had two book releases in one week.  Whew!  Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People came out on Tuesday. Then Circuits & Slippers, the sci-fi fairy tale anthology that contains my story "Treating the Beast", came out on Thursday. Woohoo!

What would you like to celebrate?







Thursday, September 29, 2016

Circuits & Slippers is Available Now!



It's here!  Circuits & Slippers, an anthology of fairy tales retold with a science fiction twist, is now available from Amazon!  If you're interested in purchasing your own copy, here are the links.


You can also add it on Goodreads.

It's so exciting to be a part of this amazing project, and I hope people truly enjoy reading it.  Though I may be biased, I think there are some terrific stories in this book.  It's great to see my story "Treating the Beast" featured alongside so many other fantastic tales! 

Happy reading!


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People Release Day!

First of all, I wrote an article for StoryDam about the benefits of writing novellas.  You can check that out here.




It's here!  The third installment of the Self-Help 101 series is available now!  For those of you who don't know, here are the details!


Title: Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People
Author: L.G. Keltner
Genre: holiday/humor
Length: 29,000 words
Cover Art:  L.G. Keltner and Jamon Walker
Release Date: September 27, 2016


Blurb:

Book 3 in the Self-Help 101 series.

Dani Finklemeier is adjusting to life in college and the realities of living away from home for the first time.  She’s also learning to deal with the criticism that stems from sharing her writing with the world.  Some of the online criticism is even spelled correctly, which somehow makes it worse.

Fortunately, she has a Halloween party, a group of friends, and a supportive boyfriend to distract her from the things that are bothering her.  Of course, a holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without something going wrong.  Between an unpleasant confrontation with an infuriating classmate, some shocking costume choices, and a bizarre fraternity stunt, the evening will be anything but dull.

Dani’s detractors may not like it, but she’ll definitely have enough material for another book.


Bio:

L.G. Keltner spends most of her time trying to write while also cleaning up after her crazy but wonderful kids and hanging out with her husband.  Her favorite genre of all time is science fiction, and she’s been trying to write novels since the age of six.  Needless to say, those earliest attempts weren’t all that good. 

Her non-writing hobbies include astronomy and playing Trivial Pursuit.

You can typically find L.G. lurking around her blog, on Twitter, or on her Facebook page.


Purchase Links:

E-book:

Print:


Add it on Goodreads.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Diane Burton Guest Post: My Addictions

My Addictions

I have a confession to make. It’s not one I share with just anyone, but I know L.G. will understand. But—shh—please don’t tell. I’m an addict. Whew. I said it. My addiction consumes me, my time, and, worse, my money. My husband guesses but isn’t sure. In fact, he unknowingly contributes to my addictions. Oh, yes, plural. No mistake there.


I’m addicted to <deep breath> books. I have been since I was a child. When my girlfriends were buying make-up, my babysitting money went to buy books. I crave them the way an alcoholic craves booze. I devour them at night before I go to sleep. I sneak them in during the day when I should be writing my own books. At least, when my books sell, I have money to buy more. 

Oh, the shame of it. Worse, I’ve lured my grandchildren into the addiction. The oldest (9) would rather read than play and often falls asleep with her Kindle on her chest. The middle one (6.75) taught himself to read before kindergarten because he felt left out. The youngest? She’s barely 18 months and must have a book before bedtime. 

As bad as that addiction is, movies are worse. While books are a solitary addiction, movies involve complicity. Hubs even encourages it by going to movies with me and—gasp—buys DVDs so I can consume them over and over.

At daughter’s house, they have to read the book before watching the movie. Dear heavens, what is she teaching her children? Two addictions! The horror of it. We are a family of addicts. What have I done!

I can’t blame my parents. We would be considered poor by today’s standards. Seven children. Money for necessities only. Books were a luxury. The library was too far away to walk. One car that Dad used to for work. And the bookmobile only came to our school once a month. The bright spot, though, is Mom had a few books from her childhood, and Grandma sent books for birthdays and Christmas. My addiction grew slowly. I would hide in the only bathroom to read until somebody pounded on the door that they had to go.

So maybe I should blame my parents. If I’d had a healthy amount of books when I was young, maybe I wouldn’t crave them so much now.

Movies, too, were rare. We’d pile into the station wagon and go to the drive-in. We’d even make an enormous amount of popcorn to bring with us along with water to drink. Soda/pop was too expensive and another rare treat.

While Hubs isn’t a movie addict like me, he does like to watch them, too. In fact, on one of our first dates, he took me to the drive-in. A James Bond flick. A common theme is action/adventure. Another is science fiction. Those feed into what I write. Thank goodness for an enabling spouse.

Where do you think I got one of the ideas for my latest release, Mission to New Earth? Books and movies. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope started my fascination with sci-fi. Star Trek added to it. The endless possibilities. From Avatar, Interstellar, and Oblivion, I got the idea of putting my characters into cryosleep for the long journey to their Goldilocks planet. From authors like Jayne Castle, Veronica Scott, Linnea Sinclair, and Susan Grant, I learned I could combine sci-fi with romance. From Linda Howard, Tom Clancy (early books) and Nelson DeMille, I learned how to build tension and keep the reader turning the page. And from Janet Evanovich and Christie Craig, humor. And from many more authors, I learned about entertaining the reader.

So there you have it. My addictions are now out. 

Note to readers: Real addiction is a serious problem. I hope you aren’t offended by my irreverent account. 




Mission to New Earth: a novella
By Diane Burton
Genre: science fiction romance
Release date: August 31, 2016
Length: 88 pages (25k words)

Amazon ~ Kobo ~ iTunes ~ ARe ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes & Noble

Blurb:

Would you go on a one-way trip to explore a new planet? Would you do it to save humankind?

In 2172, Earth’s overpopulation and dwindling resources force the United Earth Space Agency to expedite exploration of new planets for a possible new home. When new crises ensue—a giant tsunami and the threat of nuclear winter—the timeline changes. Eight years of training crammed into four. 

Three teams, including Sara Grenard and her team, prepare for launch, but are they ready for the one-way trip? Will the Goldilocks planet prove just right for Earth’s inhabitants? Before time runs out.

Excerpt:

          From the pictures sent back by the probe of the Earth-like planet we named Serenity, our new home would look as natural as Earth itself. I wanted so badly to believe the reports that the surface would have breathable air, that we would be able to walk outside without our enviro suits, that we could live there as we lived on Earth. After two years in an enclosed environment, I was going a little stir-crazy. More than a little. Being an outdoor girl, cabin fever had hit me a lot sooner than the others. Rather, I used to be an outdoor girl.
           So how did a California beach girl like me end up on Saturn’s moon, preparing to make history? It was a long story, best reserved for a starlit night in front of a campfire overlooking the dark waters of the sea, and accompanied by a cool glass of wine. With Marsh, of course. Even he didn’t know my whole story. Just like I didn’t know his.
          The short version: I volunteered. Slightly longer version: my parents died in a car accident; teaching bratty kids sucked, especially when a kid eight inches taller and a hundred pounds heavier attacked me, and the principal didn’t support me. Believe me, I was ready for a change.
          And what a change. 
          I never imagined I’d be selected. Not when over fifty thousand applied within ten hours. Or so I heard. Out of five hundred thousand applicants, the eighteen of us became the chosen teams. Oh, not as easy as that. The tests they put us through—physical, psychological, intellectual—still boggled my mind.
          And I used to think teaching high school kids with more money than smarts was a challenge. Nothing prepared me for the adventure of a lifetime. 
          Being a pioneer.


About the Author:

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, and the Alex O’Hara PI mystery series. She is also a contributor to two anthologies: Portals, Volume 2 and How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in West Michigan. They have two children and three grandchildren. 

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Blog: http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/dmburton72
Facebook:  http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor
Goodreads: Diane Burton Author
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2902110.Diane_Burton
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/
Amazon author page: http://amzn.com/e/B00683MH5E
Sign up for Diane’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bdHtYf

GIVEAWAY:

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Friday, September 23, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things-September 23, 2016



It's Friday!  Let's Celebrate the Small Things with Lexa Cain!  Tonja Drecker and I are her co-hosts.

I spent part of last weekend sick.  Not fun.  Still, I'm feeling much better now, so I'm definitely celebrating that.  Being seven months pregnant is uncomfortable enough without having an illness on top of it.

My oldest son Jude has been learning to do dishes all week. So far, we've only have one broken glass, and he's been doing a great job with getting everything clean.  My other son Lyle has also been doing a great job cleaning up toys this week.  I'm proud of their hard work.

I have a huge week next week.  First of all, my Halloween novella Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People comes out on Tuesday, September 27th.  I'm pretty excited about that.



Then, a mere two days later on September 29th, Circuits & Slippers comes out.  My short story "Treating the Beast" is a science fiction retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. I'm definitely excited to be a part of this amazing anthology!

What would you like to celebrate?


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Circuits & Slippers Interview!



Hello everyone!  I'm here to let you know that Maggie Derrick interviewed me about my contribution to the anthology Circuits & Slippers, which comes out September 29th.  If you'd like to read that interview, you can check it out on her website.

Also, Leandra Wallace has been doing a Meet the Author series featuring the various authors featured in Circuits & Slippers.  Head over to her blog to check it out!  You can read my Meet the Author feature here.

That's all for now!

Friday, September 16, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things-September 16, 2016



It's Friday! Let's Celebrate the Small Things with Lexa Cain!  Tonja Drecker and I are her co-hosts.

I'm posting a bit late today because I'm not feeling well.  I've been a bit sick for the last couple of days, and being pregnant on top of that is making things that much more miserable. Writing has gotten a bit off track as well, but I'm confident that I'll be able to catch up once I'm feeling better.

I'm not here merely to complain, though.  I'm going to celebrate the fact that my husband got the kids up and ready for school and dropped them off this morning so I could sleep in and get some much needed rest.  I'm definitely grateful for that.

I'd also like to celebrate the fact that my husband has the night off work.  While I won't be up for doing anything fun, I'm glad he'll get to spend more time with the kids.  With the hours he works, they really only get to see him during the weekends.

What would you like to celebrate?


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People Cover Reveal!

The time has come to reveal the cover to Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People.  This is the third novella in the Self-Help 101 series.  I can't believe I've made it this far!

Are you ready to see it?  Ready or not, here we go!




Title: Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People
Author: L.G. Keltner
Genre: holiday/humor
Length: 29,000 words
Cover Art:  L.G. Keltner and Jamon Walker
Release Date: September 27, 2016


Blurb:

Book 3 in the Self-Help 101 series.

Dani Finklemeier is adjusting to life in college and the realities of living away from home for the first time.  She’s also learning to deal with the criticism that stems from sharing her writing with the world.  Some of the online criticism is even spelled correctly, which somehow makes it worse.

Fortunately, she has a Halloween party, a group of friends, and a supportive boyfriend to distract her from the things that are bothering her.  Of course, a holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without something going wrong.  Between an unpleasant confrontation with an infuriating classmate, some shocking costume choices, and a bizarre fraternity stunt, the evening will be anything but dull.

Dani’s detractors may not like it, but she’ll definitely have enough material for another book.


Pre-order Links:




Add it on Goodreads.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Crystal Collier's Timeless Cover Reveal!

TIMELESS (#3 Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier #CoverReveal



Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)
Author: Crystal Collier
Genre: YA Paranormal Historical
Release Date: November 1, 2016



TIME IS THE ENEMY

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat-along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart-the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?



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Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and â€Å“friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her Blog, FacebookGoodreads, or follow her on Twitter.

Want the first chapter free? Sign up HERE.



Friday, September 9, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things-September 9, 2016



It's Friday!  Let's Celebrate the Small Things with Lexa Cain! Tonja Drecker and I are her co-hosts.

I finished formatting for Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People.  It's now ready for pre-order, and I'm looking forward to the cover reveal on Tuesday.  It feels good to get a book done and to see the final product in front of you.  It's a great feeling.

I'm making good progress on the rough draft of the final Self-Help 101 novella.  I can hardly believe I've made it this far.

It occurred to me that I'm about two and a half months from having another baby.  I mean, it's not as if I could forget the whole being pregnant thing (the mirror, scale, and my ill-fitting clothes won't let me), but it's remarkable how quickly the time is flying past.  Everything is going well, though.  My last checkup revealed that all is well with both the baby and me, so I'm definitely celebrating that.

What would you like to celebrate?


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

The Insecure Writer's Support Group: September 2016



It's the first Wednesday of the month, and you know what that means!  Let's convene another meeting of The Insecure Writer's Support Group.  Our esteemed leader Alex J. Cavanaugh has gathered another horde of minion helpers for this month: C. Lee McKenzie, Rachel Pattinson, Elizabeth Seckman, Stephanie Faris, Lori L. MacLaughlin, and Elsie Amata.

Be sure to check out the IWSG website, because today is the day they announce the theme for the next anthology contest!

This month I'm in promotion mode, because I have two books coming out at the end of the month.  The first is the third novella in the Self-Help 101 series.  Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People comes out September 27th.  This one takes place during Halloween, and it was a lot of fun to write!  I'm having a cover reveal on Tuesday, September 13th, and if you'd like to help me out, please sign up below!

I'm also doing a blog tour throughout the month of October. If you'd like to host me, please let me know in the comments and I'll get in touch soon!

The second book is an anthology called Circuits & Slippers. This book features classic fairy tales that have been retold as science fiction stories.  I'm honored to be featured alongside so many great authors.  This one comes out September 29th, and if any of you would be interested in obtaining an ARC, you can do so by following this link: 

So yeah, there's a lot going on, and I feel a bit insecure about that.  Promotion still is not my strong suit, but I'll certainly do what I can.  The great part about being in an anthology is that at least you have your fellow authors working on promotion too.  That certainly helps.

Now for the question of the month.

How do you find the time to write in your busy day?

I can say this much.  Since my kids started back to school, it's a lot easier to find the time.  Even so, the demands of daily life can still get in the way.

For me, it's all about goals and scheduling and making the most of the time I have.

I make weekly goals, and that helps keep me on track.  When I make these goals, I look at what else I need to do that week, and I think about what kind of writing goal seems reasonable. Setting unrealistic goals only discourages me, and that results in me accomplishing even less.  It's a lot easier to find the motivation when I see an achievable goal in front of me.

Each morning, I also look at what I have going on and make a daily goal accordingly.  By breaking things down into smaller, more achievable goals, I've managed to keep myself on track this year.  I'm hoping I can keep it up.

What is your insecurity this month?  How do you find time for your writing?

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Circuits & Slippers ARCs!

Hello everyone!  I hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

I just wanted to stop by and let you know that the latest anthology I'm honored to be a part of, Circuits & Slippers, will be coming out on September 29th.  This anthology features classic fairy tales retold through a science fiction lens.  Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?

If you'd like an ARC of this awesome book so you can read and review it, here's a link to the signup sheet:

That's all for now!  Thanks everyone!


Friday, September 2, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things-September 2, 2016



It's Friday!  Let's Celebrate the Small Things with Lexa Cain! Tonja Drecker and I are her co-hosts.

I finished edits on the third novella in the Self-Help 101 series this week.  It's a relief to have that part of the process done.  Editing can be a rewarding but grueling process.  Now I'm looking forward to getting some work done on my newest WIP.

Self-Help 101 or: How to Select a Costume to Help You Deal With People is being released on September 27th, and I need your help.  I'll be doing a cover reveal on September 13th, and if you'd like to be a part of it, please sign up using the linky list below.

I'll also be spreading out the blog tour throughout the month of October.  If anyone is interested in being a part of that blog tour, let me know and we'll work something out!

What would you like to celebrate?