Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The end of another year as a writer and my favorite reads of 2014

It's another year under my belt as an author. What a whirlwind is has been! Many lesson's learned a few changes to my life and career and all in all it was a good year.

The year 2014 for Author Christy Sloat

I finished my bestselling series, The Visitors Series this year in February when Anchor Group published, The White Door.
It was hard to end the series but it took me many places. Brylee's character still talks to me and I will be publishing a new series spin-off some time in 2015. So it's not goodbye forever.



I limited my book conventions and signings this year and decided to instead put my heart into writing. Honestly, doing signings and conventions costs the author a lot of money; hotel, gas, table costs to rent at an event and the books to sell. Yes, we buy our books and then sell them. They don't come free folks.
So instead of doing a bunch of little signings and Y'all Fest like usual, I chose a few that were close to home and close to my heart and I was very happy with that.


I published my first YA Romance
Who We Were

Publishing this book was a huge step for me because I've always written paranormal or supernatural genres. So when this book idea came I stopped everything and wrote it. I am immensely proud of this book and all it represents.


As a writer I have to say that this year was very different for me. It just doesn't feel the same as it always has. Now that doesn't mean I'm quitting or anything. But I think that it was more of a struggle to get noticed this year. It wasn't the same as last year. There were a ton of new authors hitting the scene and a flux of romance books. It doesn't help that Facebook just basically shut off the lights on all of us authors. It made reaching out to fans extra difficult. Hopefully I can stay connected to my readers and you all can follow along on Twitter, Instagram and other sites.
I do plan on self publishing my new book, Slumber next year so be sure to follow me on Amazon by clicking the yellow 'follow' box. And every time I put out a new book, you'll get a notice. http://www.amazon.com/Christy-Sloat/e/B0071MMCU6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


                                          Now for my top 5 favorite books of 2014








Monday, December 8, 2014

The Raven Saga and The Morgan Sisters Boxed sets by Suzy Turner

I'm super excited to announce that The Raven Saga and The Morgan Sisters are now available as ebook boxed sets - just in time for Christmas! Both sets are priced at a reduced cost making them perfect Christmas gifts for lovers of YA urban fantasy. If you have friends or family who love Harry Potter, then these sets are perfect for you (or so I've been told)!


The Morgan Sisters



Books 1-4 of The Morgan Sisters

THE GHOST OF JOSIAH GRIMSHAW


Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they soon realize there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.
Sent off to London for two weeks of 'work experience', the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.
At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.

DAISY MADIGAN'S PARADISE


When tragedy falls upon 15 year old Daisy Madigan, she escapes to the only place she feels safe, the cemetery of Abney Park. There, in the company of the dearly departed, she realizes she is changing, growing stronger and faster by the day. But in the darkness lurks a terror even she can't imagine facing.

THE TEMPORAL STONE


It's been a couple of months since Emma and Lana entered the Praxos Academy and life has been hectic ever since. What with regular A level classes combined with learning all about the supernatural world, control classes, self defence and fight night, the girls are constantly busy.
But when their world seems to stop right in front of them, they and their fellow Watchers, have a huge mystery to solve. A mystery which will lead them on a long road trip across south west England where they will meet all kinds of strange creatures, some intent on causing harm and others desperate to put a stop to the problem.

LOOKING FOR LUCY JO


It's their first Christmas since entering the Praxos Academy and 16-year-old sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane Morgan are looking forward to some serious R&R. But when their little sister mysteriously disappears from her bed on Christmas Eve, all thoughts of fun disappear with her. Emma and Lana must do everything in their power to locate her and bring her home safely. Easier said than done, they are forced to go on yet another journey, this time taking them out to the murky depths of the North Sea as well as to the far reaches of southern Portugal.

˃˃˃ "I would go so far as to say that this could be the beginnings of a series as good as those by J.K. Rowling!"
˃˃˃ "I loved the bad guys, the graveyard antics, the talking dead, the superpowers of the kick-a** ninja chicks, and the rite of initiation the sisters go through"




The Raven Saga



Books 1-3 of The Raven Saga

RAVEN


After the inexplicable disappearance of Lilly Taylor's parents, she has no choice but to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets...
Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly.
After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is.
Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.
Raven is a fantasy novel for children and young adults set in the beautiful province of British Columbia.

DECEMBER MOON


On her 15th birthday, December Moon discovers she is the descendant of a family of witches, kept in the dark her entire life in an effort to protect her. But when Lilly, her best friend, finds herself in danger from one of the world's most evil vampires, December will do everything in her power to stop him. December Moon is a fantasy novel for children and young adults set in BC, Canada.

THE LOST SOUL


December and Lilly have got their work cut out for them. Not only are they desperately trying to figure out the identity of the Lost Soul, and track him down, they've also got to investigate why Powell River's newest resident has got all of their men falling at her feet.
But when they learn that the Nephilim might be involved, it becomes clear that they're all in extreme danger...



About Suzy

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten. The Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart, Michael, two neurotic dogs and a cat who thinks she's a princess.
Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy was offered the position of trainee journalist for a local English newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she moved on to become assistant editor for the region's largest English language publisher. Since then she has also worked as the editor of one of the Algarve's most loved monthly lifestyle magazines. Early in 2010 however, Suzy began working as a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan's Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless and And Then There Was You (for adults only!).

Website: www.suzyturner.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/suzyturner
Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Facebook Romance: http://www.facebook.com/suzyturnerromance
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/suzy_turner
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks
YA Blog: http://www.suzyturner.blogspot.com
Chick Lit Blog: http://www.fictiondreams.com


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The look of the book

I've been wondering what makes a book cover so intriguing for readers lately. I have seen my share of awesome book covers grace the shelves and some of them wow me so much, I have to purchase.
I've also seen the not so wonderful covers that make me cringe and wonder; what the heck were you thinking when you made it?
I don't really want to be the latter so my question for you today is simple: What is it about a book cover that pulls you in?
Is it the couple or girl on the front?
Is it the font?
The colors?


My newest book, Slumber, will be self published by me and I'm hoping to put out another fantastic cover to lure you in. But this time it's different; there is more pressure to make it awesome.
So I'll post some amazing photos(none of which I own. All credit will go to the artists) and I hope you tell me what you love and don't love.
Let's play.
Found on http://teacupcakes.tumblr.com/post/63789909171
Found on Pinterest Credit to artist; http://quadratiges.deviantart.com/art/no-matter-how-far-260348775

http://thegiftsoflife.tumblr.com/post/27115774898
Do you like faces? Do you like subtle body parts? Or none of the above?
Be honest and let me hear what you, the fan, thinks.