A Legend is Born…

After two years of hard work and multiple rewrites, it’s finally here! Today is the release day for my newest book in The Last Timekeepers saga, and the prequel to the series, Legend of the Timekeepers! I found this story much harder to write because I was jolted out of my comfort zone of historical facts and into the fictitious civilization of Atlantis. Fantasy isn’t easy to write. You have to come up with a believable world to lure your readers in. And if you write something that doesn’t jive, you risk pulling a reader out of the world you’ve created and possibly out of your book. That said, I’m so grateful for the editorial crew I was gifted with on this book, and my hope is that you’ll appreciate and enjoy the journey we’ve all been on through to make this book possible and believable.

Here’s the tagline and blurb from Legend of the Timekeepers:

There is no moving forward without first going back.

Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.

Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her newfound friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.

Last year, when The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis debuted in May, I posted my Dedication and Acknowledgements from that book on my blog. So in keeping with this tradition, here is the Dedication and Acknowledgements from Legend of the Timekeepers:

Dedication:

For my mother, Peggy. You taught me to stand up for myself, and never forget my roots.

Acknowledgements:

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Life is a team effort, and nothing is done without the help and support of others. The following people are in some way connected to the fabric of this work, to which I am eternally grateful:

Thank you to the staff at Musa Publishing, especially to my rock-star editor Tricia Schwaab who pushed my creative buttons so far I thought I was going through the change of life all over again. Seriously, Tricia, you made me a better writer. Hugs to my head editor, Jeanne De Vita who pushed me extra hard to get this manuscript presentable. Also, high fives go to my line editors, Helen Hardt and Ralph Gallagher, both of you made my book clearer and cleaner. Cheers to my book designer Cera Smith—I don’t have a clue how you do what you do, but you do an awesome job! And finally, huge hugs to my book cover artist Kelly Shorten, who knew exactly what I wanted on her very first attempt at designing my beautiful cover—you are truly gifted.

A special shout out goes to my Wenches of Words family, especially to my cohort, Sloane Taylor. You Wenches have made this past year a special one with your show of kindness, support, caring, solidarity, and teamwork. Love you gals! May your lives be blessed with many bestsellers!

And last but not least, a big sloppy thank you to my hubby, Mike. You put up with enough of my melt-downs and tantrums to clear away any bad karma left between us. Again you acted as my pillar, my post, and more often than not, my anchor. God bless.

FYI: If you haven’t had a chance to check out my middle-grade/young adult time travel series, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis is on sale for the incredible low price of 99¢ until and including September 15^th at MUSA PUBLISHING, AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, and SMASHWORDS (for Smashwords use the code PC67Q to get sale price). Cheers, hugs, and happy time traveling!     

Tween the Weekends: Developing a Middle-Grade Book Series…

 “Tween the Weekends is a monthly feature hosted on Emblazon. This is an opportunity for writers and readers to promote tween literature, that age bracket squashed between middle grade and young adult. You can review a great tween book, post about writing for kids, connect with others who love the genre, support and encourage one another, relate news, share links, or just about anything else tween related.”

Join me over at the Emblazon website today as I share my experience in developing a middle-grade book series, and while you’re there, please check out the other wonderful MG authors and their books. You never know, you might find your next favorite author…

How Readers can Help their Favorite Authors…

A Reader is an Author's BFF

Since my newest eBook will be released in less than a week, this post is for the readers. You know who you are. You wait months and months, sometimes even years for your favorite author’s next release. And when you get the book, you devour it within hours or days. So while you’re waiting in the wings for the next literary installment, why not take some time to be an author’s BFF and help him or her out. How? Glad you asked…

 Review the book: Readers are some of the best resources for reviews. If you are an author, ask for a review. You might even include a note at the end of the book to your readers inviting them to review it and telling them why. Believe me, a reader’s opinion matters! Like a book? Please review it. Even if you don't like it review it, too. Most authors welcome feedback if it's constructive. Always be positive.

Video reviews: If you're ready to take this a step further, why not offer a video review? Amazon lets you do this, and if you decide to you do it, send the video clip via Dropbox or Hightail (formally YouSendit) and keep the clip to under a minute. Hold up the book and smile!

Photo sharing: This is my fantasy—a reader holding up my book, snapping a picture and posting it on social media! This is a fun, visual way to share your love for a book. Even better, snap a picture where you're reading it. Taking a book on vacation? Why not show yourself enjoying the book (cover out!) reclining in a hammock or sitting somewhere sipping espresso. If you don't have any travel planned, take a picture anyway. Authors love, love this so much!

Local bookstores: Though it may seem like every author who is published gets a shot at bookstore shelf space, the truth is that most don't. If you've found a book you love and had to buy it on Amazon because your local store didn't carry it, tell them. If bookstore managers get multiple requests for a book they will consider stocking it.

Reading groups: This is often a tough one for authors to get into. Reading groups are a fantastic way to get the word out about your book but many are tough to reach and often pick their books months in advance. If you know of a local book club let them know about this book and then put them in touch with the author. It's a quick thing to do and believe me any author would be very, very grateful to have this kind of a connection.

Buy the book for a friend: Simple. Easy. Basic. If you love the book you just read, buy a copy for a friend. And when you gift it, remind the person to review it.

Social Media: Sharing has become part of our lives. We share good and bad news but when was the last time you shared what you are reading? Here's where that great picture you just took of you reading a book can come in handy. Or even better, hop on over to Goodreads or Library Thing and share your love for this author to the millions listening there.

Bookmarks: Most authors will get things printed up like bookmarks, trading cards, postcards, etc. Bookmarks are especially fun because despite the eBook surge, many of us are still reading printed books. Email the author and see if he or she will send you a stack of them that you can share with your local library or bookstore. Leave them at the counter or pop them inside of similar books. Sort of like Amazon's "Other customers also bought" which pairs up similar titles. Ask for the bookmarks and the next time you're at a bookstore drop them off. It’s easy and authors will really appreciate the local exposure.

Authors on tour: It's not often that authors tour anymore but if you have someone coming to your area why not offer to help them get the word out? Maybe drop off fliers, or if you are so inclined, call your local paper and let them know this author is coming to town and as a reader, you'd love for the paper to do a story on it. Getting a heads up about an author coming to town from a reader can be ten times more effective than even a well-polished pitch. Why? Because the media is serving the local community and if a resident is sharing an idea, they're bound to listen.

Libraries: Authors can have a tough time getting into libraries so why not buy an extra book and donate it? Then let the author know that you did this so they can let readers know where they can check out the book at a local library.

As a reader, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference and help out an author who has poured his or her heart and soul into a book. As an author, if you need help from your readers just ask. When you ask for help, you might be very pleasantly surprised by the results.

Need help from my Readers: The first eBook in my MG/YA time travel series, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis is on SALE for the low price of .99¢ starting August 25^th until and including September 15^th in ALL on-line bookstores. Could you help spread the word please!

The SMASHWORDS code needed for this special sale price is: PC67Q
 
NOTE: Most of this post was supplied by Penny C. Sansevieri, from The Book Marketing Expert Newsletter, who encourages her readers to cut, paste, and share her postings.

Pleasure from the Past...

In my upcoming release, Legend of the Timekeepers—the prequel to The Last Timekeepers series—my adolescent characters Lilith, her BFF She-Aba, and an annoying goat-herder named Tau are transported from the ‘Black Land’ through the seventh Arch of Atlantis, and travel back in time to Atlantis one hundred years before the continent’s final destruction. There, Tau finds that he has an insatiable taste for a strange, long yellow fruit he’s never seen before. Fortunately for us, this long yellow fruit—a.k.a. bananas—are readily available at our local markets, and used in some wicked-awesome recipes. The following recipe is great for families to bond over at campsites or even in their own backyards:

Campfire Peanut Butter-Banana Boat S’Mores

4 bananas, unpeeled
¼ cup smooth peanut butter
4 graham wafers, coarsely chopped
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup miniature marshmallows

HEAT barbeque to medium-high heat. If doing on campfire, make sure you have a grill over the pit and the fire has died down to coals.

MAKE deep lengthwise cuts along inside curve of each banana. Be careful not to cut through to opposite side. Place bananas on centers of 4 large heavy duty foil sheets.

OPEN bananas gently and spread evenly with peanut butter. Top with chopped wafers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Fold foil to make 4 packets.

GRILL, filled-sides up, 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening packets.

TOO RAINY FOR THE BBQ? No problemo. Make it in the oven. Fill bananas and wrap in foil as directed. Bank in 350°F oven 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

This is a definite family pleaser where the melty marshmallow classic meets the banana split in this ooey-gooey dessert that cooks in the peel. Too bad Tau couldn’t sample this yummy dish. But allow me to offer you a sample of what to expect in my newest time travel romp Legend of the Timekeepers set to be released this August 30th.
 

There is no moving forward without first going back.

Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.

Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her new-found friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.

If you haven’t already checked out my young adult time travel read, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb…

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, please click HERE.

Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page.

BUY LINKS

Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Stay connected with me on Facebook and Twitter.

Announcing…an Awesome Book Sale and Release Bash!

Starting August 25^th and running through to (and including) September 15^th, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis will be available to purchase at the incredible low price of .99¢ as part of my book release celebration for the prequel of The Last Timekeepers time travel series, Legend of the Timekeepers! I will be setting up this sale as an event on FACEBOOK and GOODREADS to give readers a heads-up on this fantastic deal, so please watch for it.

 

In addition, I’ve also partnered with Dilly Dally PR to host my Release Bash party on August 30^th and 31^st for Legend of the Timekeepers. So start revving up your time portals and if you haven’t had a chance to check out the first book in my MG/YA time travel series, it’s a great opportunity to grab it before the sale ends on September 15^th!

And please don’t forget about my GOODREADS GIVEAWAY I’ve got running now until August 31^st. Cheers and best of luck!

Author Blog Hop for Children’s Authors, MG Authors, and YA Authors...

I was invited by my author cohort, Corelia Dinsmore, to participate in a “blog hop interview.” Cordelia sent me some interview questions, which I answer here on my blog. Following my answers, I tag 3 other writers who will, in turn, answer questions on their blogs next week. It’s been fun checking out the Blog Hops to see what other children’s authors have posted!

Cordelia posted her answers to the questions at her blog, Cordelia Dinsmore - Writer on August 5^th. If you like, you can leave a comment on her blog and tell her that you connected to her through my link here!

Okay, so let’s get this Author Blog Hop rolling with my pithy, deep answers…

1. What are you working on right now?

I’ve just finished the fourth round of edits for the prequel to The Last Timekeepers series entitled, Legend of the Timekeepers which will be out August 30^th, 2013. I also have a completed manuscript of the second book in the series entitled, The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, but there’s the fun job of revising it into Jordan Jensen’s point of view. I’ve also signed on with literary agency, Walden House (Books & Stuff) this past December to take on another young adult series I’ve created about teens with psychic abilities called, Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, so I’ll be one busy gal!

2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?

Keyword: Atlantis. I wanted to create a book series for upper middle grade/lower young adults that had a different slant to the time travel genre. I love history. I also love myths and legends. There’s many time travel series out there, but nothing that has roots leading back to Atlantis—at least what I know about and have read. And since there’s no concrete evidence that Atlantis did exist, then that left the door (or arch) wide open to possibilities.

3. Why do you write what you do?

I have a confession. I didn’t start out writing middle grade or young adult. Nope. I lurked in the deep pool of the paranormal romance genre before I ever considered dipping my toes into the welcoming waters of middle-grade/young adult fiction. The idea to write in this genre actually came to me through a dream. In this dream, I saw seven arches, and there were seven people (five kids, two adults) with crystals in their hands, walking up to these arches. It definitely had an Indiana Jones feel to it. Then, boom. The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis was born.

At the time, I had just finished reading the first two books of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, as well as the first Harry Potter book. The young adult genre was starting to accelerate now that J.K. Rowling had fired up the engines. I really thought about that dream a lot to the point where an idea for a book started to grow, and take root. So, I thought I’d challenge myself and write a novel—a series—that would appeal to my son, who at the time was the target age of my audience. I’ve always loved the time travel genre, so I imagined the arches I saw vividly in my dream as time portals. It was a no-brainer for me.

4. How does your writing process work?

Sometimes I’m a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants), sometimes a plotter (outline entire storyline)—it all depends on the tone of the book and where my imagination directs me. I have many notebooks and pads and sticky notes at my disposal. I also have a file full of ideas. I guess I start with the characters and build the story around them. The characters, my characters, must carry the story to completion, give readers closure. It’s a must. In order to do this, I begin writing out character tracking sheets (stats on characters appearances, clothing, likes and dislikes, etc.) which have served me well throughout the writing process. Then the fun begins. Research, research, and more research. When you’re writing time travel, you’ve got to know your facts to create the fiction. I love this part of the journey too. Only when I have enough facts, and I feel my characters are fleshed out sufficiently, then I begin to start the novel.

Below are the three victims authors I’ve tagged and their posts will be up August 19^th.
 
RitaMonette
 
Kaitlin Bevis
 

Alan Tucker

Cheers for stopping by, and don’t forget to check out the other awesome MG and YA authors!

Meet the Legendary and Oh-so-stylish She-Aba…

…who is Lilith’s BFF in the prequel to The Last Timekeepers series, Legend of the Timekeepers. She-Aba is with us today and has plenty to say about following your dreams and standing out in a crowd.

Thank you for coming to chat with us today, She-Aba. Why do you think Sharon Ledwith chose you to represent her?

Because I have the most style and flair when it comes to representing others. I look at a person and see their best qualities, then work with the right fabrics and accessories to bring out their natural beauty and make them stand out. Sharon knows this. I know this. I mean…look at my shoes. Aren’t they stunning?

They are indeed. What is your birth date?

I was born fourteen years ago on the day after my parents arrived here from Atlantis.

Here? Where do you live? What is it about the area that drew your parents?

I was born and raised in the Black Land. I’ve heard that it’s named for the rich, dark soil found in the river and the valley we live near. Since there was too much instability going on in Atlantis—you know, stuff like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions—my parents decided to immigrate here and start a new life. And I’m so glad that they did seeing as their homeland blew up and sank into the ocean.

Wow, your parents certainly made a good decision. Tell us a little about yourself?

Well, ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to dress up people, and help them look their best. My father sits on the Black Land’s high counsel, so I make sure his beard is braided, his hair is oiled and scented, and his clothes are of the highest quality. Oh, and I also have red hair. Apparently that’s not very favorable in the eyes of the Black Land natives.

Huh? Why not?

Red is a color reserved for their gods and goddesses. The natives think red is magical, and anyone with red hair is considered a freak of nature. I see. What’s your favorite music? Ohhh, I love the sound of crystal bowls being played! It makes my whole body hum and vibrate.

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the lime light?

I don’t understand what you mean about the lime light? Is it like the moon or sun light? These are very confusing questions! I’m sure Sharon Ledwith has future plans for me if that is what you mean.

What do you do to relax?

I create beautiful sashes, satchels, and shoes to go with all the outfits I put together. The end results are truly extraordinary.

Okay, so what gets you excited?

No contest. Shoes. Oh, and finding the right suitor.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor, chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

What is this ice cream you speak of? There is no such thing here in the Black Land. Again you confuse me with your babble. You need to wear a Babel necklace. It’s all the rage for a Timekeeper. Plus it would help me to understand what you are saying. If you are talking about a favorite food, then I like drizzling honey over freshly baked bread. Mmmm.

Do you believe in ghosts?

No. But I do believe in dark vibrations. I’ve seen it firsthand.

Why should the readers be interested in your story?

What a silly question! This story is about finding your true purpose. Why we are here and what we have to do. That’s what life readings are for. Why would anyone NOT be interested?

What is a life reading?

Life readings are scribed on a small ceramic disk called a life seal. See the one I’m wearing on my spotted-animal cape? I fashioned it to look like a broach. Originally a life seal is blank, but once the high priestess from the Temple Beautiful has had a chance to assess you based on your karmic development, she goes into a trance and records her impressions on the seal which then becomes your lifetime occupation.

That sounds complicated. What is your lifetime occupation?

My original lifetime occupation was supposed to be to design clothing for the people of the various positions in the court and temples. Then one day the inscription on my life seal completely changed.

Changed? How?

That’s for me to know, and you to find out…

Here’s a little sampling of Legend of the Timekeepers set to be released this August 30th.

There is no moving forward without first going back.

Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe. Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her new-found friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.

If you haven’t already checked out my young adult time travel read, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb…

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, please click HERE.

Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page.

BUY LINKS Musa Publishing Amazon Link Barnes & Noble Kobo

A Mother and Daughter Team Dish it up…

Today, I’ve got a unique Mother and Daughter team on board: romance author Marci Boudreaux and her tween daughter, Gaea, who writes a blog dedicated to reviewing middle grade literature. What a unique combo!

Here’s a little about Gaea in her own words: “Hi! I’m Gaea. I am 11 years old and LOVE to read. In 2nd and 3rd grade I read 1,000,000 words. So far this year I have read a total of 510 points and over 4,000,000 words. My favorite types of books are fantasy and mystery. I like so many authors I do not have a favorite. I also like to play soccer every day. My favorite subjects in school are reading, social studies, and sometimes grammar, math, and science. I hope you like my blog and comment on some things. Please try to keep up with the book I am reading!”

If you’d like to check out Gaea’s mom-approved blog, please click HERE and there you’ll find that she has already reviewed many great books for your tween or teen or even you to enjoy!

Now while Gaea gets busy reading and reviewing, Mom Marci is busy in the kitchen preparing a favorite family dish.  Mother Boudreaux knows that writing (and reviewing) can be a time consuming job, especially in the summer, so she’s found a way to make it easier on herself with this tasty Barbecued Chicken recipe. Take it away, Marci...

Author and Mom Marci Boudreaux

Though July is closely associated with barbeque pits and charred bits of meat, there is another way to get great tasting BBQ Chicken or pork…without risking the loss of facial hair.

This year will be known (at least in my family) as the year I discovered the glorious wonders of a slow cooker. Yes, my friends, I no longer stand over a hot stove (or pit) for hours cooking for my starving family. Our home cooked meals are now done slowly, with minimal effort from me.

And this recipe is one of my personal favorites!

Marci’s BBQ Chicken

4-6 uncooked boneless chicken breasts (or small pork roast)
1 bottle of your favorite bbq sauce (Hey, this still counts as homemade!)
¼ cup white vinegar
1tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ cup brown sugar
1tsp. minced garlic
½ small onion diced

Mix bbq sauce, vinegar, pepper flakes, brown sugar, garlic and small onion in medium sized bowl. Place meat in slow cooker. Pour bbq sauce mixture over meat. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Done!

Seriously?? YES! And it is delicious! I shred mine and put it on a bun with coleslaw, but my kids eat it straight up with a side of baked beans This is a great way to have summer flavor without adding to the summer heat. And it’s so easy!

Learn more about Marci Boudreaux on her website.

Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Let’s get this Release Party started with a Goodreads Giveaway…

Since my newest book, Legend of the Timekeepers—the prequel to The Last Timekeepers series—is set to be released August 30th, I thought why not start the party early with a Goodreads giveaway of a signed paperback copy of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis? The giveaway starts today, and goes through until the end of August.

If you’re not familiar with The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb:

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

Good luck and let the giveaway begin…

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis

by Sharon Ledwith

Giveaway ends August 31, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win