Day 23 of 31 books in 31 days- Dora Mochado Book Giveaway & qualify to win a kindle

Welcome to the 23rd day of 31 books in 31 days, where you win prizes for reading.

Recap of Rules

Everyday that you participate in the giveaway of the day, you are eligible to win a brand new kindle.

How to participate
  a) Subscribe via email, so you can get the author & prize of the day sent directly to your email.
  b) Like the author of the day on facebook
  c) Follow the author on Twitter
  d) Read any of the author's books
  e) Answer the occasional quiz on author's interview
  f) Scroll to the bottom of each interview and enter the raffle (you'll have to unlock the raffle with your email first)

That's it- then enter the kindle giveaway!

All giveaways will be sent out by the 7th day in April. Good Luck.

Today's featured author is Dora Mochado. Dora Mochado has created a riveting story about runes that will grip audiences of all ages.

 Featured Book
  Between truth and deception, between justice and abuse, a stonewiser stands alone with the stones... Or so begins the Stonewiser's oath. But what happens when a rebellious stonewiser discovers that lies have tainted the stone tales? Like her fellow stonewisers, Sariah always expected to spend her life wising truth from the stones. But when she discovers lies in the sacred stones, she is forced into a pit of intrigue with only her stone pledge and her wits””along with her bitterest enemy””to protect her in a desperate quest to restore justice and prevent her world's destruction .
                                                           


 Hi Folami. It’s a pleasure to celebrate National Reading Month with you and your readers.

 Folami: What role does reading play in your life?

Reading is a fundamental part of my life. It’s my primary source of entertainment, that’s true, but

it’s also an important tool of my trade and an awesome source of learning. I love traveling,

exploring and learning. Reading is an awesome way of doing all of those things.

Folami: Who were some of your favorite authors as a child? What was your favorite book?

Oh, my gosh, that’s a really hard question! I had many favorite authors as a child and to this day

I can’t settle on a favorite book. As a young woman growing up in the Dominican Republic, I

was exposed to many different influences. I thrived on young adult novels from Louisa May

Alcott. I loved Enid Blyton and blazed through The Famous Five, The Seven Secrets and The

Malory Towers series. I think I wanted to be a student at Malory Towers as much as my kids

wanted to go to school at Hogwarts!

But, talk about being a hybrid of many worlds. At the same time I was reading Louisa May

Alcott and Enid Blyton, I was also reading the Latin American classics. Books such as A

Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario

Vargas Llosas, and the House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende left lasting impressions. I also got

to enjoy the Russians (I favored Tolstoy), the French (Victor Hugo), the Germans (Eric Maria

Remarque), the Spanish (Jose Maria Gironella), and the Americans (Hemingway, always

Later, when I came to the States, I discovered fantasy and was dazzled by J.R.R. Tolkien,

Stephen Donaldson, Frank Herbert, Robert Jordan, and George R.R. Martin—way before he

became as popular as he is now. I also fell in love with commercial fiction. Diana Gabaldon,

Bernard Cornwell and Anne Rice are some of my all-time favorites.

Folami: What makes a book you read exceptional to you? What about a book you write?

I like a book with a complex plot and lots of twists, a read that challenges my brain, heart and

imagination, a novel that surprises at many levels. I want characters that are complex and

engaging, who grow, change and evolve before our eyes.

I also like flawed characters who have a lot of baggage, heroes and heroines who struggle, not

just against evil and injustice, but also with their flaws, insecurities, self-doubts and limitations. I

love characters who are invested in meaningful relationships and adventures that matter. Because

I write fantasy, I want rich worlds that explore humanity’s realities in new and imaginative

settings. And I want rich writing too, authors who are not afraid to dazzle with a balance of

descriptive brilliance and witty dialogue. This is what I like in the novels I read and also what I

strive to accomplish in the novels I write.

 Folami: If you could escape into any book, what book would that be? Why?

Another really hard question! My usual escape is the novel that I’m reading right now. I’m likely

to obsess about an author and his or her works for a few weeks at a time, then move on. It’s rare

for me to return to the same book once I’ve read it. I love finding new authors and coming across

great and unexpected reads.

Folami: If you could be any YA hero or heroine, who would it be?

Katniss from The Hunger Games.

Folami: In another interview you mentioned having redefined your definition of success as 

an author, by how you connect with readers. What was the last comment a reader gave you 

that really made your author journey feel worthwhile?

My readers have been very generous and kind with their praise. I feel very blessed. I hear from

readers all the time and I treasure each contact. Whether it’s a short five star review on Amazon

that says “I couldn’t put this book down,” or a longer, personal contact through e-mail, Facebook

or Twitter, every time I hear from a reader my author journey feels worthwhile.

Recently a reader posted that my novel kept her up all night and she read it in less than twenty-

four hours. It’s something I hear often and I love it! It means that I’ve successfully conveyed the

passion I feel when I write. Another reader just wrote this:  Riveting to finally read a book and it

takes whole day, and it keeps you entranced the whole time. This book was everything I've been

looking for in a standalone story that had depth and humor, love and courage. It was completely

A few days ago, another reader mentioned I’m on her favorite list of authors. How’s that for an

author boost? Yet another reader said he was going to buy all of my books. Last week, a lady

wrote to ask if the Stonewiser series had been made into a movie and yet another reader

contacted me through FB to ask if there’s a sequel to The Curse Giver. Talk about making an

author giddy with praise.

Folami: Tell us about your latest novel. How does it differ from other books in its genre?

My latest fantasy is The Curse Giver, from Twilight Times Books, an epic fantasy with brawn,

brains and heart, about an innocent healer, Lusielle, who is betrayed and condemned to die for a

crime she didn't commit. When she's about to be executed, Lusielle is rescued from the pyre by

an angry, embittered lord doomed by a mysterious curse. You might think that Bren, Lord of

Laonia, is Lusielle's savior, but he isn't. On the contrary, Bren is pledged to kill Lusielle himself,

because her murder is his people's only salvation.

What ensues is a dangerous journey, where Lusielle and Bren have to escape their ruthless

enemies and unravel the mystery of the terrible curse that ails the Lord of Laonia. They also have

to overcome the distrust they have for each other, struggle with the forbidden attraction between

them, and defy the boundaries between love and hate and good and evil to defeat the curse giver

who has already conjured their ends.

The Curse Giver's Amazon's Link: http://amzn.to/1szECCn

I'm really proud of The Curse Giver. It's gotten some wonderful reviews, which you can check

out at http://www.doramachado.com/cursegiver.php. It also won the 2013 Silver IndieFab Book

of the Year Award in the Fantasy category and was a finalist at the 2013 USA Best Book

Awards.  For those readers who prefer to listen to the story, The Curse Giver is also available as

an audiobook from Audible.com, narrated by the talented Melissa Reizian. It's good old

fashioned storytelling at its very best!

There is a lot more going on at www.doramachado.com, including my blog, which I update on a

monthly basis and my quarterly newsletter. If you or any of your readers have any questions,

please don’t hesitate to contact me at dora@doramachado.com. I’d love to hear from you guys.

Thanks, Folami, for all your hard work coordinating this wonderful celebration of reading. I

enjoyed chatting with you.

About Dora Machado:

Dora Machado is the award-winning author of the epic fantasy Stonewiser series and her newest

novel, The Curse Giver, available from Twilight Times Books. She is one only a few Hispanic

women writing fantasy in the United States today. She grew up in the Dominican Republic,

where she developed a fascination for writing and a taste for Merengue. After a lifetime of

straddling such compelling but different worlds, fantasy is a natural fit to her stories.

When she is not writing fiction, Dora also writes features for the award-winning blog Murder By

Four and Savvy Authors, where writers help writers. She lives in Florida with her indulgent

husband and two very opinionated cats.

To learn more about Dora Machado and her award winning novels, visit her at

www.doramachado.com , email her at Dora@doramachado.com, find her on Facebook, or follow

her on Twitter.


Other Books by Dora Mochado



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Day 20 of 31 books in 31 days- Maria Snyder Book Giveaway & qualify to win a kindle

Welcome to the 20th day of 31 books in 31 days, where you win prizes for reading.

Recap of Rules

Everyday that you participate in the giveaway of the day, you are eligible to win a brand new kindle.

How to participate
  a) Subscribe via email, so you can get the author & prize of the day sent directly to your email.
  b) Like the author of the day on facebook
  c) Follow the author on Twitter
  d) Read any of the author's books
  e) Answer the occasional quiz on author's interview
  f) Scroll to the bottom of each interview and enter the raffle (you'll have to unlock the raffle with your email first)

That's it- then enter the kindle giveaway!

All giveaways will be sent out by the 7th day in April. Good Luck.

Today's featured author is Maria Snyder. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Poison Study Trilogy, a gripping tale of a woman who is saved from the death penalty to be food taster of the king. She is the author of today's featured book, Touch of Power.

Featured Book
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos. Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….


                                                 Interview with Maria Snyder


Hello Maria,

Thank you so much for participating in 31 books in 31 days. We are so happy to have you. I would first like to gush. I loved your poison study series. I found the first one in a bookstore in the airport. Read the whole book on a flight from California to New York. It was incredible. 

MVS:  Hello!  Thank you for inviting me on your blog.  I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my book.

Now that I’ve made myself sound like such a fangirl , let’s get to some questions.

MVS: Nothing wrong with being a fangirl – you should have seen me when I met Barbara Hambly, one of my favorite authors!

When you were a child, who was your favorite author? Why?

MVS: When I was little, I enjoyed books by Leo Lionni – Frederick was one of my favorites books since the main character was like me -- a daydreamer.  Then I really enjoyed reading Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries.  My mother read nothing but mystery novels and I copied her.  Plus I enjoyed the suspenseful element and trying to figure out “whodunit.”

What is your favorite part of reading?

MVS: I think my favorite part is getting to know new characters and getting lost in new worlds.  When I start a new book, I pause around page 30 and ask myself these questions, “Do I care about the main protagonist?  If he/she were to die on page 31, would I be upset?”  If the answer is NO, then I close the book and find another.  If I don’t care about the main protagonist then I’m not going to finish the book no matter how clever the plot or fascinating the world.

I read in another interview that you liked Dick Francis who was a mystery writer. Do you have any 
fantasy or young adult authors that you enjoy? If so, what made their books stand out for you?

MVS: I really enjoyed the Morganville Vampire series written by Rachel Caine.  The reason those books stood out is that the main protagonist, Claire is smart and she’s interested in science (which is rare in YA books).  There is no “insta” love in the books and her roommates are all interesting and engaging characters.  I also liked The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.  Again because of the main character.

When you think of the main plot—kids killing kids for entertainment—that’s a horrific idea, yet the book

is more about Katniss and her sacrifice and doing what it takes to survive.  Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy

the next two books as much because the plot moved away from that and focused more on the

revolution.

What was the last book that had an impact on your life? What was significant about it?

MVS: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak.  What an excellent book!  The writing, the characters, the

subject all so well done!  The significance to me was that it made me realize that the German people

were also victims of Hitler and his terrible politics.  I knew about the concentration camps, ghettos, and

other atrocities, but never thought of those people who were just trying to live their lives and do the

best they could in a horrible situation.  I also recommend I am the Messenger also by Markus Zusak, it’s

completely different than The Book Thief, but also excellent!

If you could jump into the pages of any book, which book would it be? 

MVS: I always wanted to be a dragonrider in one of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series.

Riding a dragon and having a mental connection/bond with one just appeals to me .

If you could be any fictitious character from any YA book who would you become?

MVS: I’d be Lessa from Dragonflight (the first Dragonrider book) – she bonds with the Queen of the

dragons.

Tell us a little about your latest novel.  What makes your book different from other books in its genre?

MVS:  My latest novel is Shadow Study and it’s the fourth book in my Study series of books.  I think one

of the reasons my books are unique is that I focus on the characters and the story plots naturally flows

from their choices and wishes.  I also like to end each chapter with a mini-cliffhanger so the books are

hard to put down at the end of a chapter.  I’ve had many readers email me in the middle of the night,

“yelling” at me for doing this and “making” them stay up all night to finish my book.  And I’m not sorry

about that at all!  Another thing is with fantasy some writers build these beautiful complex worlds with a

deep history and many creatures and cultures like Lord of the Rings.  While these fantasy books are

wonderful, they’re not my style.  I’ve told potential readers my books are more like fantasy lite – there’s

magic and a fictional world, but they’re not as dense as those others.

Thank you so much for participating!

MVS: Thanks again for hosting me!  If your readers would like more info about me and my books, I have

the first chapter of all my books on my website as well as a number of free short stories (including ones

with Yelena and Valek) they can read.  Here’s the link: http://www.mariavsnyder.com.  My Facebook

page is where I’m the most active with updates and news.  Here’s the link:

http://www.facebook.com/mvsfans



Other Books By Maria Snyder




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Changing the world

Since I was a kid, I have said "I will change the world". I always added that I would do it when I was older, richer, wiser (fill in your own ending). I realize now that day will never come, not just for me, but for any of us. If there is something you want to do you have to do today because tomorrow isn't promised.

So I'm going to change the world.  How am I going to change the world? Honestly, I've been thinking about it.

            1. I can't step in front of a bullet and stop people from shooting police.

            2. I can't control the minds of police officers and stop them from killing unarmed men.

            3. I can't prevent prejudice, oppression, racism, sexism or anti-gay sentiment.


I can, however, promote a better way of thinking. I can promote reading. I know that seems anti-climatic, but I thought about how I could change the world over the break. I thought about how my world changes: it changes through reading. When I read amazing authors like Paula Weston, Rysa Walker and Brigid Kemmerer, I completely detach from this planet.  It's like being in a different world, where my problems are illusions and anything is possible.

I think all too often we turn on the news, read the newspaper, or go online just to find a world of chaos. And for people-- youth especially-- the realities can be daunting. Everyone needs a place of solace: Somewhere they can find refuge in a world at war. For me books are my oasis. And that is one thing that I can share with the world: my love of books.

So I have started a project called 31 books in 31 days to celebrate national reading month. 31 amazing authors donate their books and their time to promote reading. I haven't fine tuned the idea quite yet so I'll keep you all posted- that and quite frankly my hands are tired of typing and I might as well build some suspense. See you next time.


Loving Ya

Folami

More pages of YA book the Azemeon and last day of the Giveway!

The countdown has begun. If you wan to win money just by following us on twitter, following our blog, or liking our facebook page, you've got less than 24 hours to do so. We will be announcing the winners this week and sending out cards in time for Christmas. If You want to win more money with better odds, by making a video review of why you loved the Exemeus and why you think its sequel should come out immediately, you've got 9 days. Submit your entry to Folami (at) folamiandabenimorrisbooks.com. In the subject put Exemeus Video. Enter the rafflecopter below

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In addition to the 50$ prize you could win  just for entering the video contest the grand prize winner wins 100$.

So go ahead and enter so you can walk away with an amazing prize.

And below is more of the Azemeon. I think I'm going to start compiling it all in one place. For easy access.

Here it is

Chapter 3

“A bomb went off at Lowell high school today. It took the fire department an hour to put out the blaze. Luckily no one was killed in the blast, but several people are in critical condition. Authorities are currently working to find out who is responsible for such a heinous crime. Anderson, back to you.”

Dephon struggled to open his eyes, the throbbing pain in his head encouraged him otherwise. He felt a hand grip his and the pain began to subside. Slowly, he peeked open his eyes and there was Jacqueline and Valentina. Dephon dropped Valentina’s hand and shook his head. This girl was everywhere.

But he couldn’t dwell on her.

“Where’s my mom?”

“She’s just fine. Both of your parents are faring pretty well. Try to stay calm.”

“Calm? How can I stay calm? Everything is a disaster. I’m supposed to be helping, but it looks like I’m in danger of being unborn. How is this happening?”

“When you tamper with time, there are always huge ramifications. Altering just one thing changes the future.”

“Can we stop it?”

“No, but we can try to control it. Maybe you should stay inside for a while, until we can mitigate the effects of you being here.”

“I guess,” Dephon said glumly, “but I’ve got to try to talk to my parents, one last time.”

“I figured you’d say that. I think you’re going to get your wish.” Jacqueline said, turning to look at the door.

Dephon peered over her shoulder and in strolled Singleton with his mother, Joycelyn.  Singleton’s clothes were covered in soot. Smudges were apparent all over his face and his hair was sprinkled with ashes, yet he still looked ready for a model shoot. Some people had all the luck.

“Hello,” Jacqueline said, rising gracefully. She extended a hand to Joycelyn, who stepped forward and shook it firmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Joycelyn, Singleton,” she said, shaking his hand as well. “You two must have a lot of questions.”

“You’re an illusionist, among other things,” Joycelyn said, giving Jacqeuline a respectful nod.

Singleton stared at his mother apparently still in shock. “I can’t believe this is happening and that you never told me any of this before I caused an explosion. Illusionists and time travelers,” he said glancing at Dephon. “Is this… can this be real?” he said gesturing at Dephon. “Is this my…” his voice faded like he was incapable of finishing the sentence.

“I believe he is your son and that he has come from the future to warn you. I know it’s hard to handle,” Jacqueline said as Singleton ran his hands through his hair, “but we’re all going to have to work together if we want a better future.”

“I’m not willing to suspend disbelief that much, “Joycelyn said casting a critical stare in Dephon’s direction. Just great, even his grandmother didn’t like him. “Time travelers exist only in fables.”

Valentina stepped in front of him defensively. “He’s telling the truth. I feel it.”

Dephon shook his head as he stared at the ceiling. The one person he didn’t want defending him, was the only person who would. He was going to seem as loony as she was.

The book you never knew you HAD to read-Haze Review

It has been my experience that the second book in a sequel is the weakest.


I don't know why. It is like the author has used up all their good ideas and is saving the rest for the second book. I can't begin to count how many series ended on the second book for me. Especially now, since my time is precious.




I wasn't expecting much out of sequel to Haze. I just wasn't. I knew it wouldn't be as good as the first book, and I was right. It was better.




The book was funnier, so much funnier. there were so many times that I laughed out loud.


The characters were true to form, they had settled into their characters more. It was eventful, suspenseful, touching, gripping. There aren't enough adjectives in the English language to explain how I feel. I guess I should summarize, but I am still reeling from the amount of awesome squared (math geek, I know) that occurred in this book.




Gabby still has no idea who she is. She knows she is half angel, her brother died a year ago, and that most of her memories are lies. She is still flying blind and her only option is to trust everything that Rafa tells her-and he's not telling her much, because apparently she hated him in the past and that's the last thing he wants her to remember. But she can't focus on their relationship because a new threat is on the horizon that makes it impossible for her to remain complacent. She thought the demons were bad enough, but now theirs a group who can trap her kind making it impossible for them to escape.


This could be deadly to the Rephaim, but every time Gabby tries to get a handle on it the crap hits the fan. Again. And again. And Again. There is literally no downtime in this book. It's like a series of unfortunate events on steroids, but Gabby handles it with a wit that makes this book a must read. If you haven't guessed I loved Haze, I'm excited to read a second in a series that is actually better than the 1st.




Happy Reading


Don't forget to enlist in the giveaway.

Review?

I was hoping to have read and reviewed a book today, but the book I'm reading is so... meh. I can't seem to get into it. I have been making excuses to avoid it. You know how it is when there is just something you don't want to do. You take out the trash, clean the house, wash the dog, count your eyelashes.... I unfortunately can't make any more excuses. I just can't finish the book. I know there are tons of people who loved the book, but its just not for me. So I am moving on.

I just read a review about A Thousand Pieces of You , (I think that's the name) anyway, it looks interesting so I'm going t read that next. If it is a good book I'll post a review, if the book puts me to sleep we'll never speak of this again and I'll pretend I have amnesia if it is ever bought up.

Speaking of reviews, The Exemeus received a fairly good one on Red City Review. We're fairly excited.

Go check it out at red city reviews.


Last but not least, I promised more of The Azemeon so it is included below.But before I let you go, what would you guys like to see more of? what topics, posts, or even giveaways would make you happy? Post it in the comments below.

Dephon was back in his own body gasping for air. He didn’t know if it was the rush of feeling his mother’s emotions or the fear of her killer being so close, but he felt stifled, like there wasn’t enough oxygen.

Jacqueline stood at the foot of the bed, watching him intently. “Welcome back. Are you alright?”

“What happened,” Dephon asked, trying to shake off his confusion.

“Had you waited, which you must always do when presented with a magical artifact, you would have realized that an azemeon helps you to walk in someone else’s shoes. Literally. It was created to help people see things in a different way. It can be a bit disorienting the first time.  I hoped it would draw you closer to Hyalee—so you wouldn’t feel so disjointed from your mother. You don’t look like you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy though.”`

“Something has changed. Today my mom was supposed to meet my dad, but instead she met her murderer. I will kill him if he touches her,” Dephon said, jumping up from the bed. He opened his backpack of clothes and began to grab a change of clothes.

“That is horrible, but not as horrible as you charging off without a plan. What do you intend to do?”

Dephon paused for a moment, looking at her. “I don’t know, but I read a thousand-page book in ten days, I saw my best friend and my dad face down the Treptonian army by themselves—I doubt they survived, and every night for the past 13 years I’ve had to relive my mother’s death. I will not let her die again. This is my chance to make it right, and I refuse to just sit around here while that creep hits on my mom.”

“What have you done?”

“What?”

“The past isn’t changing on its own. You’re doing something. What is it?”

“I don’t know! I just got here. I was followed by Valentina, got maced by Virginia and then I ended up here with you. That’s it.”

“Ok, but the past will follow the same course, unless something changes it.”

“Well, I don’t know what it could be—“

Dephon’s tirade was interrupted by a knock on the door. Without an invitation Valentina strolled in, but with her light steps it looked more like she was gliding.

“I felt like you needed me.”

“Well I don’t!” Dephon yelled. He glanced at her suspiciously, “what have you been doing all day?”

“She stayed up half the night tossing and turning. She didn’t get out of bed until noon, just like you,” Jacqueline said gently.

Dephon shrugged, unconvinced, as he headed into the bathroom. Changing his clothes, he could still hear them talking outside. He tried to focus on a plan, but his thoughts were all jumbled. He doubted he could get the words out even when he did find his mother. He needed someone who could convince her that Dubleton was trouble. He needed his dad.

Fully dressed, Dephon sprinted past Jacqueline and Valentina. He had no way of tracking his father, but he did know where he would be right now.  At the Lowell High football field.  

It took him 20 minutes to get a cab and make it to Lowell high. He dashed through the corridors making it to the field by the time the players were streaming out of the locker room. Dephon eyed everyone walking out. No one looked familiar.

Then a silhouette appeared in the shadows.

Singleton Johnson emerged from the locker room, water still glistening off his hair. He languidly headed to his next class, a small smile playing on his lips. To Dephon he looked so different, not just because of his age, but because of his way of being. He looked … happy.

“Johnson,” a guy called, jogging up the pathway. “Wait up.”

Singleton turned around and smiled: A full-fledged grin, displaying his dimples. Dephon stood in awe, watching the man who would one day become his father.  He would have stared forever if his father didn’t turn in his direction. Singleton’s smile faltered a bit, but he still managed to give Dephon an uneasy nod.

 Dephon turned away until Singleton and his friend entered the main building. He didn’t need to get pepper sprayed twice in a 24 hour period. He waited a few minutes, before trailing after them into the building. By the time he reached inside his father was standing at his locker alone.

“Hi, Singleton,” Dephon said with more confidence than he felt. He didn’t know what he was going to say, but if Jacqueline could believe him, surely his dad would too.

Singleton gave him another one of those uneasy glances, before returning his attention back to his locker. “Hey,” his dad said, sticking his pencil in his mouth, to free up his hands. Dephon realized it had the added benefit of preventing further conversation. Singleton began loading his backpack with books for his next class.

Dephon summoned all of his courage, before beginning to speak. “This is going to sound weird, but I need you to hear me out.”

His father glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, suspicion written all over his face.

“In the future you marry a girl you haven’t even met yet. Her name is Hyalee Smith, But your brother wants her too and he wants to take over the world. He kills your mother and everyone you care about, including your wife. All that you have left is your son, Dephon-that’s me.” Singleton’s eyebrows shot up to the ceiling. Dephon continued, “Your brother ends up ruling the world and you end up with nothing, but a lot of hatred and a son you neglect.

“I know it sounds weird, but you also meet a woman name Jacqueline, who helps you develop your powers. Your mother hasn’t told you yet, but you are descended from a long line of magical royalty. This woman, Jacqueline, has sent me into the past to help you and mom change everything, but things have already started to go wrong, because you were supposed to meet her today, but you’re brother met her instead. We’ve got to do something, dad.”

By this point, Singleton’s expression had changed from uneasy to downright paranoid. His pencil had dropped on the floor, because his jaw was hanging wide open. He kept casting furtive glances around, like he was looking for backup in case Dephon became hostile.

“I know this is hard to believe-“

“Wait a second let me get this straight,” Singleton said holding up his palm like he was directing traffic. “My seventeen year old brother kills my mother, my wife, and takes over the planet? How does he do this exactly? With his calculus text book?”

“He has magical powers too.”

“Magical powers. Right. Look kid, I don’t know if this is a game or if your off some medication, but I can’t help you. If my brother put you up to this tell him he needs to visit a specialist, ‘cause this one was over the top—even for him.” Singleton slammed his locker and hefted his backpack over his back, before briskly walking away.

Dephon ran to catch up. “O.k I’ll make you a deal. Call your mother and tell her ‘it’s o.k., you found out about the family history and you’re not upset’. If she doesn’t backup my story, then I’ll admit I’m crazy and leave you alone.”

“No, you’re going to leave me alone, because I said so. I don’t know what game you’re pulling--,”

The bell rang signaling the end of fifth period. Ignoring Dephon, Singleton rushed down the hall, putting distance between them.

Hyalee emerged out into the hallway. Dephon stared at her in surprise. So did Singleton.

Her face lit up with surprise when she saw Singleton striding toward her. She opened her mouth to speak and then her eyes landed on Dephon. A worried expression crossed her face. Dephon was about to reassure her, but something was wrong. He was overwhelmed by such an unbearable heat that it had to be combustible.

They were getting too close, he needed to warn them. But his father was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Singleton took the last couple of strides toward her, and it was too late. A cosmic ball of light exploded between the two of them. Dephon was hurled backwards as flames engulfed the hallway. His head slammed against a locker and he slid, barley conscious, to the floor.

Dephon was clearly changing the past, but definitely not for the better.

The last sound Dephon heard before slipping into unconsciousness, were the screams of Lowell high students and the roar of fire as the building burned to the ground.

That's it for today.

Loving YA!

The giveaway just got bigger!

Hello all,

      We are still hard at work on our sequel. And by hard at work, I mean staring at the pages and hoping that it edits itself.
       We are also developing a winning kickstarter strategy. Our campaign hinges on our loyal followers and their feedback about book one and hopes for book two. So we have decided to up the ante. Earlier, I said we would increase/improve on a giveaway, here it is: originally the winner of the video review would win 50$, now the first place winner will win 100$. Just say why you loved the Exemeus, why their should be a sequel, and why people should donate to the creation of the Azemeon. That's it. All Video's should be submitted to Fmorris(at)folamiandabenimorrisbooks.com by Dec 9, 2014. On december 1st the rafflecopter will go up for anyone who submitted video to enter a giveaway just for participating. It is truly that simple.

         Attached is more of the Azemeon. Enjoy.

                      Chapter 2

Dephon tossed and turned in his sleep. His sadness was so heavy it felt like it was pressing down on his chest, making it impossible to breathe. Images of his mother assaulted his mind, the memories of her fighting Dubleton, the shocked expression on her face when she was betrayed. Dephon squeezed his eyes together, trying to keep the errant thoughts at bay… but he couldn’t. His least favorite memory of her came unbidden into his mind: beams of white light uniting and hitting his mother in the heart before she crashed lifeless to the ground.

Dephon sprung up into a seated position, nearly colliding with Jacqueline who was sitting on his bed.

“Uhhh, must you always do that?”

“I don’t know what you mean, but whatever I do, I do for a reason.”       

“Could’ve fooled me,” Dephon said, his eyes latching onto a glittering object swinging from her hand. “What’s that?” he asked, jutting out his chin at her balled up fist.

“I noticed you’ve been trying to sleep for the past 12 hours. It’s almost noon and you don’t look like you’ve slept a wink. What’s wrong?” she asked, ignoring his question entirely.

“Maybe I was creeped out by the thought of someone watching me sleep.”

Jacqueline smiled. “You’re amusing.  What’s the real reason that you can’t sleep? Valentina can’t seem to either. She’s tossing and turning too.”

“Do you spy on all of your house guests?”

“Only the ones whose minds I can’t read.”

Dephon nestled back against his pillow, his eyes roaming the ceiling. “What do you think about Valentina?”

“I can’t get any more of a read on her than I’ve got on you.”

“Then why did you let us stay here. We could be murderers, or assassins hired to kill you.”

Jacqueline burst into laughter, a melodious sound that put Dephon at ease.  “I would love to see you two try, but even with the debilitating fear of you slitting my throat while I sleep, I couldn’t turn you out onto the streets. And she seems hell bent on assisting you, so I viewed it as a package deal.”

“We are not a package. I don’t even know her. And “ Dephon added, leaning forward, just in case Valentina had magical hearing powers “she’s a little bit weird.”

“So are you. And you do seem to share a connection. You both suffer from restless sleep syndrome. What’s the problem? Dreaming about Hyalee?”

“Wait, you think I’m weird?”

Jacqueline waved her hand dismissively, the glittering object catching his attention once more.

“What is that?” Dephon asked again.

“An Azemeon.”

“Uh huh, of course. Never a name I know. What’s it for? It looks like a necklace.”

“It is more or less, and it’s for you.”

“A necklace, just what I always wanted. Too bad I forgot to pack anything that will match.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage,” she said as she gingerly placed the necklace around his neck.

“Why do I have to wear this,” Dephon asked reaching up to grab the sphere shaped pendant.

“Don’t touch i-“ Jacqueline’s words were cut off as the world was engulfed with darkness. Dephon felt his insides split into a million pieces swirling around until they all reconfigured in a blinding flash of light.

And then there was no more.

                                                            ***

“Earth to Hyalee,” Virginia said waving her hands in my face. “Have you heard a word I said?”

“No, I’m so sorry,” I said, looki ng over my shoulder, “but I suddenly get the feeling we’re being watched.”

“Maybe the guy I pepper-sprayed is coming back for more,” Virginia said excitedly, beginning to dig through her purse.

“Stop. No more mace. I can’t believe you even did that, he was just a boy.”

“A creepy boy.”

“I thought he looked sweet.”

“We’ll have to agree to disagree. So, as I was saying, I was online and I saw an advertisement for the hobbit and you know who the lead looked like? David! That’s who he looks like, I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he looks like one of the trolls from those movies.”

“They’re not trolls they’re hobbits, hence the name The Hobbit.”

“Whatever, you know what I mean. Ooooohh fine guy, six o’clock.”

I rolled my eyes at Virginia’s short attention span, but I played along with her anyway. “My six or yours?”

  “Definitely yours,” a smooth Baritone voice said behind me. I turned around and stared up into the most arresting hazel eyes. Dimples winked at me from his cheeks. I’m pretty sure I had stopped breathing.

“I seem to be lost,” he said staring at me intently, “can you help me find my way to English lit; it’s in room,” he glanced at his schedule, “it’s in room 134. Do you know where that is?”

“She sure does,” Virginia said, volunteering my services.  

 “I hope I didn’t interrupt your conversation. I’d just hate to be the new kid who was always late.”

I glanced at the clock on my phone, “No, it’s fine. If you hadn’t come by, I would have been late for class. Again.”

“See,” Virginia said offering him her most endearing smile, “you just saved her from detention. Are you trying to be her superman?”

I gave Virginia a warning look as the boy laughed, an interesting sound that complimented the sparkle in his eyes. “I’ll do my best.”

“Well, let’s get going,” I said to him, “I’ll see you later, V,” I called over my shoulder.

“Call me later and tell me everything!”

I wished the floor would swallow me up. “She’s just kidding, really.”

He nodded indifferently, “Best friends don’t scare me. They normally just want to make sure I’m not the antichrist and that I keep them knee deep in swoon-worthy stories. How am I doing so far?”

I laughed, “Well, I don’t think you’re the antichrist.”

“What a relief: that was the part I was most worried about,” he said giving me that 100 watt smile. “So what’s your story?”

“My story?”

“Tell me about yourself. We can start with your name.”

I came to a halt in front of room 134. “There’s not much to tell really,” I said leaning against the wall. Facing me he did the same. He was so close the tips of our shoes were almost touching. I had to crane my neck to see his handsome face. I brushed a stray hair out of my face nervously.

“You don’t have a name? Your mother must have a hard time when she wants to call you for dinner.”

I smiled, “I’m Hyalee Smith, a senior here at Lowell High.” I shrugged unsure of how to proceed.

“Single, dating, married?”

“Married?” I laughed, “If I got married now, my mother would kill me before I even left the church.”

“That would cut costs if you plan your wedding and your funeral on the same day. The same preacher can preside over both ceremonies. I should market that.”

“Weddings and funerals in one, I don’t know if it will catch on.”

“I can sell anything; Evian to a drowning man.” His eyes roved over my face. “You never told me if you were single or not.”

“I’m definitely single,” I said, staring down at the tips of our shoes.

“Maybe we should change that, what are you doing after class?”

The bell rang.

Shoot, I was late again.

“Detention,” I said glumly. I pushed off the wall. “It was nice to meet you….?” I trailed off trying to remember his name, but realizing he had never given it to me.

“Dubleton. Dubleton Johnson.”

“I’ll see you around, Dubleton” I said, dashing down the hall.

I faintly heard him say, “You can count on it.”

Editing Purgatory & More of The Azemeon

People are under the delusion that all writer's should have perfect grammar. Well the truth is that no matter how many times a writer reads his or her own work, there will still be mistakes. Errant letters will skitter across the page, words will be mispelled, vocabulary will be used inappropriately and that is after multiple revisions.

I, however, am even worse than the average writer. I can correct my students' grammar all day, but when it comes to my own writing I miss everything. Subject verb agreement goes out the window, proper use of possessives goes running out the door, and don't even get me started on my own spelling.I will mess up or mix up the simplest words when left to my own devices.

That being said, that is why I hire a slew of editor's to make sure the final project is superb. Why am I telling you this? Beecause I wanted to give more of the first chapter of The Azemeon, but not much of it is edited. So, I've decided to let you read the rough, rough draft. Tell me what you think--but ignore the need for editing.




Chapter 1

Dephon wove his way through the crowded streets, his fear propelling him forward. Out of place in this new time, Dephon wasn’t sure of much, but he was sure of one thing.

He was being followed.

In the sewers of Trepton, the first thing you learned was how to tell when you weren’t alone.  There were no second chances in Dephon’s homeland, but at least there, he knew who his enemies were. Here he had no idea. And that was much worst. He stopped and hid behind a building at the corner of Kezar Drive, peering cautiously down the street in the hopes of catching his stalker unaware. The streets were brimming with so many people that he couldn’t see anything. Or rather he saw too much. A dark-haired man to the left of him looked suspicious, and a masculine-looking woman was staring at him a little too intently for comfort.  Was she evil, or was she just staring because Dephon just looked crazy, peaking at people around the side of buildings?

Dephon tried to clear his head, but everyone was starting to look suspicious. He could have sworn that he saw the girl in the flowery white and pink dress with long, swinging black hair three streets ago.  And there was a man in a blue suit pushing a stroller who looked familiar, too. Dephon wasn’t sure who was following him, but he was smart enough to never doubt his instincts.

Lightning rippled through the gradually darkening sky. Hesitantly he took his eyes off the street and looked up at the clouds.  Droplets of water began to fall from the sky, pounding the concrete.  Pedestrians scattered liked roaches. This was just the distraction Dephon needed. He sprinted down Kezar street; casting furtive glances over his shoulder. He rounded the corner quickly onto the street that he recognized so well from The Exemeus- his mother’s street.

When he reached the corner he saw two figures dashing through the rain. One with long dark-brown hair and the other’s was blonde with tattered ends sticking out of her ponytail. Dephon stood, frozen. He had gotten accustomed to seeing the 3D image of his mother from the book, but now here she was, in the flesh. He tried to shake off his feelings of awe, of shock, but they weren’t going anywhere. His mother was alive and, if it took his last breath, he was going to keep her that way.  

He stood in the rain, long after she had disappeared; simply enjoying that she was alive. It wasn’t until he was drenched that he remembered it wasn’t supposed to rain today. The past was changing.

                                                             ***

            Dephon squatted behind the women’s apparel rack in Macys. He had followed his mom and Virginia to the mall. He was definitely not the best spy on the planet. In fact, if he was honest with himself, he might be the worst. Virginia had spotted him at least twice on their walk over. He’d tried to play it cool, but she’d still looked at him suspiciously.

            Dephon felt a tap on his shoulder. He whirled around. “Jacqueline,” he cried out in surprise. It took all he had not to launch into her, but the puzzled expression on her face made him pause.

“You’re scaring them. Virginia is debating whether or not to call the police.” As Jacqueline spoke, she stared at him with great interest. Finally, she reached out and poked his chest.

“What are you doing and why are you staring at me like that?”

“How do you know my name?”

“What do you mean? Can’t you read my mind?”

“How do you know I read minds?”

            Dephon sighed, exasperated. “We’re going in circles. What happened to your mind reading and future reading skills?” He glanced around quickly, an idea dawning on him. “Is a scalper around?”

            “You seem well versed in magic for someone so young. But if there was a scalper I wouldn’t be able to read anyone’s future—not just yours. So, who are you and why are you skulking around the juniors section of the ladies department?”

            Dephon sighed, “This would be so much easier if you could read my mind, ‘cause you’re not going to believe me.”

            “I can be quite gullible. Try me.”

            “I’m from the future,” Dephon said slowly, trying to gauge her reaction. Jacqueline’s eyes widened, but she remained silent.  Dephon continued steadily, “It was all part of your master plan, that you didn’t tell anyone about. My mom is Hyalee. She was supposed to save the planet, not me, but she failed. So here I am trying to figure out what you,” her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “I mean, future you, wants me to do.”

            Jacqueline nodded, her expression, as impossible as it was, managed to be a mixture of confusion and understanding. “So that’s why I can’t read your future: You don’t have one. Where did you get an Exemeus from and The Dzitar of Duplicity?” She asked, curiously.

            “Well, I….” Dephon’s voice trailed off as his eyes scanned the store. “Where’s my mom?” he cried out in alarm.

“She just walked out the door,” Jacqueline said, gesturing with her chin.

Dephon hurtled through the maze of clothes, ignoring Jacqueline calling after him. He dashed out the door, searching for his mother’s disheveled ponytail. In the parking lot he noticed two lone figures turning the corner. Running at top speed, he hurried to catch up with them. As he rounded the corner he almost ran smack dab into Virginia, who stood with her arm outstretched, a silver canister clasped between her fingers.

There was no time for him to process what was happening. She released a steady stream of spray directly into his eyes. His vision went blurry; and all he could do was scream. He toppled backwards, landing on his butt with a thud. He clawed at his eyes wishing the pain would subside. He didn’t know how long he sat there writhing in agony, before a comforting arm rested on his shoulder. Calmness settled over him as his brain disassociated from his body, and the world was swept away.

November's giveaway- 3 ways to make money from The Exemeus

November is here and this horrible season of fall is in full swing. On the bright side there are only 141 days until spring and 163 days to the release of The Azemeon. And that means it is time for giveaways!

Join Our Blog

This month we are working on improving our blog and rewarding people who are ready to join us on our publishing journey. So for the month of November you can win a 50$ gift card to amazon or Barnes and Noble simply for signing up on our site and commenting on a post. The rules are simple join our blog, post a comment and enter to win the raffle. Check back frequently for updates and to see if you've won. It is that simple. To the right is the rafflecopter.


Make a Video
                                            

There are two additional ways to win. We are trying to get people to submit videos explaining what they like about The Exemeus and why there should be a sequel. The best response will win a 50 $ gift card, money order, or paypal deposit. The two runner's up will win a 25$ giftcard. The videos provided by the winners will be used all over the net in our promotional campaign and in our upcoming kickstarter campaign. All entrants will be entered to win an early release copy of the sequel and a gift card to the store of their choosing.

Future Giveaways

Stay tuned next month for fun new prizes and more information on The Exemeus and The Azemeon. Also, if you haven't bought and read the Exemeus I suggest you do it now, because the sale is almost over and some of our future giveaways will be for those who can answer questions about the book. The giveaways only get better!




Enjoy your November and if you feel the urge join or post on our blog, we would love to hear from you. Good luck.