Wednesday, December 01, 2021

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

December 1 question – In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?

I would say editing, not because I dislike it but because after thirty passes through a manuscript, I still don’t feel I have it right. I can see mistakes easier in other writers’ work than my own, so I know I’m missing stuff.

When a story is just flowing and everything falling into place, that is a delight.



Dancing Lemur Press still has one print copy of CassaDark by Alex J. Cavanaugh available for review.
We are also in the hunt for reviewers of Druid's Moon by Deniz Bevan, a Beauty & the Beast retelling.
If interested in either, please let me know.





Everyone enjoy a wonderful December - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



Wednesday, November 03, 2021

The Insecure Writer's Support Group


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

November 3 question - What's harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

Titles have never been a problem for me. Blurbs aren’t much more difficult as coming up with back cover synopsis is what I do as a publisher. It’s all about reworking the basic blurb to really highlight the key elements that would draw in a reader.


The IWSG needs an admin to take over the Instagram account. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, sent an email to the IWSG.

* * *


We are heading into the Christmas season. A friend recently posted on Facebook - buy local, buy small business, support a self-employed friend.

I could give everyone a big discount – a free book! – and I would get few takers.

So, this year I will just appeal to your humanity. Look at the titles we represent. Look at the authors, struggling with so few live events these past few years. Your purchase makes such a huge difference to them and to us. DLP needs help. Thanks to my amazing husband, who not only brings home the bacon but does ALL of the graphics for DLP, we continue to survive. But that is the key word – survive.

You are a close knit group. I entice you to support one another. Buy direct. Buy local and small business. And help us get through this incredibly tough (worse than 2020) year.



Wednesday, October 06, 2021

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Free Webinars


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

October 6 question - In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?


There is no skirting around the answer. My writing falls under the same guidelines as Dancing Lemur Press’ – no R-rated or salacious content. There will be no F-bombs. There will be nothing that goes against my faith. There will be no extreme violence or sex. No dogs dying. Or cats. It will be realistic but uplifting.

My series The Circle of Friends has a slogan – get inspired to achieve your dreams! And that is what I aim for when I write.

* * *

Webinars!

I have two upcoming seminars, both Websites & Blogs, and they are webinars anyone can register for and they are free.

The first is Wayne Community College, October 19 from 1 to 3 pm. You can register HERE.

The second is With Roanoke-Chowan Community College, October 21 from 6-8pm. You can register for that one HERE.

Both will feature a Power Point presentation and attendees get a handout loaded with links, info, and more resources.

I prefer live events, but webinars will have to do.



At least I got to do a live event last weekend. And it was very successful!



Where do you draw the line in your writing? Want to virtually attend a free webinar?

Wednesday, September 01, 2021

Insecure Writer’s Support Group & Back to School Special


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

September 1 question - How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?

Certainly, selling a million copies would be considered successful. For the average traditionally published author, that’s a million dollars. Not bad!

However, since I personally will never be in that category, I fall back to all of fans I made over the years. I have several scrapbooks for my books and all the events and such over the years. Hundreds of photos of people holding my books after purchasing them, many repeat customers. I can look back at those and feel a sense of success.



Today is the last day to enter the IWSG Anthology Contest is open until September 1. The genre is sweet romance and the theme first love. Please see the site for the submission details.



#IWSGPit
is set for January 26, 2022. It’s an all-day event where you pitch your manuscript in a line or two and using the appropriate hashtags. Visit the site for info.
Do these Twitter pitch parties work? YES. Dancing Lemur Press has signed FIVE authors from Twitter pitch parties. (And I believe all of them came from #IWSGpit.)



The IWSG Goodreads Book Club has selected two books for next month: Parallels: Felix Was Here and Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime.
Pick up one of those IWSG anthologies, read it, and share with the club!





September back-to-school special!



Buy one print book direct, get two eBooks free.
Buy two print books direct, get two eBooks and an audio book free.
All orders come with swag – bookmarks, postcards, etc.

Conditions:
Orders must be placed through the Dancing Lemur Press website.
USA delivery only – but please inquire into shipping costs as we can ship to some countries outside the USA.
EBooks over $2.99 not eligible for free eBook selections.

Audio boxed sets not eligible for free audio book selection.
Dancing Lemur Press author discounts do not apply.
Offer good through September 30, 2021.


Take advantage of this great offer – support your favorite author and a publisher whose live events are cancelled for the rest of the year.


What is your definition of success?
Ready to get some books for you or as a gift? Christmas is coming!

Monday, August 23, 2021

IWSG Site - Preparing for a Con


I am posting at the IWSG site today - How to Prepare for a Conference, Festival, or Convention as a Vendor.



If you love YA contemporary fantasy with a great first person voice, please check out my last post on My Magic Summer.

Monday, August 16, 2021

Looking for a Little Magic

Dancing Lemur Press’ next big release is My Magic Summer on February 1, 2022. It’s a delightful YA contemporary fantasy with a fantastic voice.

We are seeking virtual tour stops for author Brian Carmody, either guest posts or interviews. We also have a few review copies to give out, including print.

Here is information on Brian:

Brian is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist with a B.A. in Creative Writing & Lit Studies and an MFA in Screenwriting. He’s worked in the movie industry in many capacities, including Warner Brothers intern and Jean-Claude Van Damme bodyguard. Numerous short films he’s written and directed have been featured in film festivals from San Diego Comic Con to Rio to Lagos. Website

Some of his speaking topics:

Dreams, Consciousness, and Time Travel
Superheroes as Modern Myth
Getting a Headstart on Life: What I Learned Going to College at 16
Moondreams: Magical Realism and the Power of Romantic Nostalgia
The Teleontological Argument: God, Sentience, and the Concept of Design

And the book information:


My Magic Summer
With the Moon Maidens
By Brian Carmody
Print 9781939844804 $17.95
EBook 9781939844811 $4.99
Young Adult – Contemporary Fantasy/Coming of Age/Boys & Men
252 pages

Who are these moon maidens?

Summer of ’94 and Connor Whelan is excited to spend the last three months before his senior year with his uncle in Texas. Aware this trip is due to his mom’s cancer treatments, he still hopes this will be a season of magic.

He gets his wish when he encounters three magical women one night. Claiming to be from the moon itself, bewitching Iluna, flighty Eiru, and motherly Cassiopeia are about to make Connor’s last summer of childhood one to remember.

However, his interest in local girl Laura puts him in hot water with her tough boyfriend. His fascination with Iluna also confuses him. Will the moon maidens’ lessons about joy, wonder, and hope get him through this crazy summer?

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads


Let me know if you can help with either the tour or a review.

Wednesday, August 04, 2021

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and GalaxyCon


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

August 4 question - What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it, you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?

Please consider purchasing some IWSG swag. Erasers, notebooks, etc. It all goes to cover the IWSG domain name.

The IWSG Anthology Contest is open until September 1. You have one more month to enter. The genre is sweet romance and the theme first love. Please see the site for the exact submission details.

Toi Thomas will be taking over the IWSG Goodreads Book Club.

* * *


Last weekend was GalaxyCon Raleigh. Four days of comic con.

They reduced the number who could enter by a third.

And it reflected in sales.

As thus, this will be our last year for GalaxyCon.


It’s an expensive booth and four very exhaustive days. We’d have two free hours in the morning and one in the evening and that was it. All else was con or sleeping.

There are plenty of other cons in NC that are closer to our budget and time limits.



I did get to see Barry Bostwick again – and he remembered me! Three years ago, he stopped by our booth Saturday morning before opening and talked with us for a while. When I asked if I could take a photo of him, he said “Only if you are in it.” (Which made me laugh every time I passed his booth and saw folks paying $40 to get a photo with him.) He remembered me in 2019 and again this year, so I was over the moon. He is an amazing person.

But we are done with that con. On to the next, which is Greenville Comic Con this Saturday!

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

GalaxyCon is Here!

It’s been a long two years since the last one, but we are finally back at GalaxyCon at the Raleigh Convention Center downtown.

We’ve got a lot of new books to feature from the last two years. (Tablespace is getting full – a good problem to have.) Plus we have new art prints and a ton of new stickers, both anime and Baby Yoda.

Watch our Instagram feed for fun cosplay photos of characters holding our books.

At least one of our authors will be there – Steph Wolmarans from Dark Matter: Artificial!

The con has also widened the passageways between booths, added sanitation stations, limited ticket sales, and instilled a no-touchy policy. Everyone at our booth will wear masks and have sanitary wipes and hand sanitizer available. Plus we’ll have a disinfectant spray to get those pesky germs that are in the air. (I guarantee we’ll have the cleanest booth there!)

Exhibition areas are open July 29 2-8pm, July 30-31 10-8pm, and Aug. 1 10-6pm. Event hours go until midnight most nights! Headliner guest is William Shatner and there are a ton more.

For more information, go to GalaxyCon Raleigh

Hope to see you there!
Just remember – irradiated lemurs will bite.



Tuesday, July 06, 2021

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Blood Red Sand Release!


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Sorry I missed last month. My mother-in-law passed and we were busy taking care of things and attending the memorial.

Today’s optional question: What would make you quit writing?

I’m going to let DLP author Damien Larkin answer that, as he has a book release today!

“Nothing. I can’t think of a single reason or scenario where I’d ever want to quit writing.

Writing can be a frustrating, exhausting and at times mind numbing process. I have moments where I’d rather stare out the window or bash my head off the laptop screen than write another word (although, I don’t think I’m the only one…)

Something about it always spurs me on, though. I love creating and crafting new worlds and characters. I enjoy a fresh new story pouring out of the depths of my psyche and slowly coming together into a coherent tale.

There’s times when I may feel like quitting, but I know I’ll never follow through. This is who I am now. If it takes me a year, ten years or a lifetime to get to where I want to be, I’ll keep pushing. What could make me quit writing? Absolutely nothing.”




Blood Red Sand
By Damien Larkin


Mars will run red with Nazi blood…

After World War Two, Sergeant McCabe knew the British army could send him anywhere. He never imagined facing down another Nazi threat on Mars.

In New Berlin colony, rivalry between Generalfeldmarschall Seidel’s Wehrmacht and Reichsführer Wagner’s SS threatens bloodshed. The Reichsführer will sacrifice everything to initiate the secretive Hollow Programme and realise his nightmarish future for humanity.

McCabe, Private Jenkins, and the Mars Expeditionary Force must overcome bullet, bomb, and bayonet to destroy the Third Reich. While Jenkins fights to stay alive, McCabe forms an uneasy alliance with MAJESTIC-12 operatives known as the Black Visors. Will this be the final battle of World War Two or the first confrontation in an interstellar war?

$17.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 252 pages
Science Fiction - Military/Alternative History/War & Military
Print ISBN 9781939844781 / EBook ISBN 9781939844798
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Damien Larkin is an Irish science fiction author and co-founder of the British and Irish Writing Community. His debut novel Big Red was longlisted for the BSFA award for Best Novel. He currently lives in Dublin, Ireland.

Links: Amazon US / Amazon UK / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads


What would make you quit writing?
Picking up Blood Red Sand?

Wednesday, June 02, 2021

Tuesday, May 04, 2021

Dark Matter: Artificial, the IWSG Anthology Contest, and Free Book Publishing Webinars

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s optional question: Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?

I’m trying to think of specifics but it’s been a while. I know there has been some inspired fans of both my fiction and non-fiction. I wasn’t surprised though, as my non-fiction IS inspirational and the slogan for my fictional series is “Get inspired to achieve your dreams.”


NEW RELEASE TODAY


Dark Matter: Artificial
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology


Discover dark matter’s secrets…

What is an AI’s true role? Will bumbling siblings find their way home from deep space? Dark matter is judging us—are we worthy of existence? Would you step through a portal into another reality? Can the discoverer of dark matter uncover its secrets?
Ten authors explore dark matter, unraveling its secrets and revealing its mysterious nature. Featuring the talents of Stephanie Espinoza Villamor, C.D. Gallant-King, Tara Tyler, Mark Alpert, Olga Godim, Steph Wolmarans, Charles Kowalski, Kim Mannix, Elizabeth Mueller, and Deniz Bevan.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a journey across time and space. Prepare for ignition!

Print ISBN 9781939844828 $14.95
EBook ISBN 9781939844835 $4.99
Science Fiction: Collections & Anthologies / Space Exploration / Genetic Engineering

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter. A Writer’s Digest 101 Best Website for Writers and The Write Life’s Best 100 Website for Writers.

Links: Dancing Lemur Press / Amazon / iTunes / Kobo / B&N / Goodreads


The next IWSG anthology contest opens today!


Guidelines and rules:


Word count: 5000-6000
Genre: Sweet Romance
Theme: First Love
Submissions accepted: May 7 - September 1, 2021
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group. You must belong to at least one aspect of the IWSG to enter.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Dancing Lemur Press' imprint, Freedom Fox Press, next year in the IWSG anthology. (Please see their site for general submission guidelines.) Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.


Free publishing webinars!

All of my NC community college seminars are virtual this year – they are free for anyone to attend! They come with a handout loaded with information.

If you’re nowhere near North Carolina, this is a great opportunity to attend a session.

May 11: Publishing 101 – Fayetteville CC

May 18: Publishing 102 – Fayetteville CC

May 12: Publishing 102 – Halifax CC




Wednesday, April 07, 2021

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, QuaranCon, and The PRO Act


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


Today’s optional question: Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?


I’ve written both fiction and non-fiction and in four different genres, but I wouldn’t call that taking a risk. I also tend to keep my fiction fairly clean and don’t add controversial topics to the mix. Some authors are bigger risk takers, so I’m curious to see how others answer this question today.

As a publisher, I do notice when a story submission takes a bit of a risk, perhaps taking a genre or trope and turning it on its head. Big Red was that kind of story – Nazis on Mars? But it worked so well! Bloodwalker also had a unique storyline with a killer in a European circus. There is the chance that taking a risk means the story just doesn’t work or seem plausible, but sometimes it does work.

* * *


Dancing Lemur Press will be on a panel for Quarancon on April 10 at 12 pm EST.

The panel is Indie Flavours – Find Your Publishing Path: A panel talking about the pros and cons of starting out as a writer and the different incarnations of indie publishing. From small presses to imprints to going solo, what are the options for authors who want something different to the Big 5?

I'm also doing a reading prior to the panel at 11:30 am EST. 
DLP’s author Damien Larkin is on the panel immediately following ours – Writing Fight Scenes.
So is one of our IWSG anthology authors, Tyrean Martinson - she’s on a panel about disabilities in SF/F at 10am on April 11.

The con is April 8-12 and free to all – please join us!

* * *

And if you are a self-publisher, a book formatter, an illustrator, a freelance editor, etc. – this affects YOU! The PRO Act bill that Dems and Biden are pushing would eliminate the freelance position, making it a W-2 employee situation instead. This would affect millions of workers across America who rely on freelance work to pay the bills.

It wouldn’t impact Dancing Lemur Press, but it would impact me personally as I do freelance formatting, consulting, and speaking. And since many of those come from self-publishing authors, they are not about to mess with W-2 forms – which means a large chunk of my income is gone.

This will affect many of you, too. I hope you let your congressman/representative know that this bill is NOT acceptable in its current state.


Are you a risk-taker when writing?
Tuning in to QuaranCon?
And will you be affected by the PRO Act if it passes? 
Please note, this week is IBPA's Publishing University and since it is virtual, I am finally able to attend - but it kicks off Wednesday with a heavy schedule Thurs-Fri, so I might not be responding here those days.


Wednesday, March 03, 2021

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and What Genres Do You Read?


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


Today’s optional question: Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

Can I count the submissions I read? Those are sci-fi, fantasy, MG, YA, non-fiction, Christian, and some mystery/paranormal.


My writing genres haven’t matched up really well with my reading genres. I wrote a 5-books series that was YA at the time before NA came out and containing a bit of romance and sport. Those were not genres of choice to read at all. My current work is paranormal with also a hint of romance, and I have read just a little bit of that. However, my two non-fiction books, one of book publishing/promoting and one on motivation, most certainly line up with what I read – tons of publishing and self-help books.

However, I’ve learned from all the stories I’ve read through DLP that a good story is simply a good story.


A book about a ten year old set in 1969? Not my first choice, but Corners is one of the best books DLP has ever put out. (And I challenge any of you to pick it up – it never found its niche but it’s absolutely excellent and with an amazing voice.)

A YA story about a teen and the moon maidens he meets? What? But My Magic Summer comes out next February from DLP and I promise you will be charmed by the character, the setting of 1994, and the strong voice.



Now, I do like sci-fi, more along the lines of what Anne McCaffrey created, which was a blend of fantasy and light sci-fi. However, looking at the choices I’ve made over the years in sci-fi, most have been more military sci-fi: CassaStar and the series, Big Red, Revolution 2050… Had those stories not crossed my desk, I never would’ve discovered how much I liked military sci-fi.

So, take a chance on a new genre, new author, new book. You just never know.



And I am looking for tour hosts for two books - Dark Matter: Artificial, due out May 4 and Blood Red Sand, due out July 6. Please let me know if you can host the authors.





What do you like to read? Are you willing to take a chance on something new?

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

The Window, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, and Jo Wake’s Blogfest

First, Dancing Lemur Press is proud to present its latest release, a chilling paranormal that’s perfect for teen boys:


The Window
By Dave Cole


A dark window to the future…

Everything changed the day Brian Bingham looked out the attic window and saw something that wouldn't happen for another week. Through a mysterious window no one else can see, Brian gains a portal into the future. But the future is not always something he wants to see.

Brian has enough troubles in the present without worrying about the future. His parents are constantly fighting, his grades are plummeting, and his new relationship with Charlotte, a girl way out of his league, is in jeopardy.

When the window reveals his best friend's brutal death, Brian’s world is turned upside down. He must find a way to change the future…or die trying.

Release date – February 2, 2021
$13.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 170 pages
Print ISBN 9781939844767 / EBook ISBN 9781939844774
Young Adult – Paranormal / Contemporary Fantasy / Horror

Dave is from St. Louis and has a degree in Computer Science. He is the author of The Math Kids series for middle grade readers. When he is not designing data center management software, he is usually reading, writing, or coaching elementary school math teams. He loves writing and his wife loves that he has found a hobby that doesn't cost money!

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo /Goodreads / Dancing Lemur Press




It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


Today’s optional question:
Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?

I began blogging in 2005 and while the first year or two were a bit of a lonely venture, eventually bloggers began to connect. Since then, I’ve made a lot of friends here, many who have transferred to other social media sites. I’ve done book formatting for quite a few and several have become Dancing Lemur Press authors. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting at least a dozen blog friends at book events, such as Sheri Ellis, Elizabeth S. Craig, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Toi Thomas, Alex Cavanaugh, and Jo Wake.


And speaking of media sites, I dumped my Twitter account last week. Their selective censoring policies and infringements on free speech were too much. If you were following me there, you can still follow DLP’s Twitter or me on any of the other platforms listed to the left.



Jo Wake Blogfest


On February 3, we would like all who want to participate to share a recipe that brings warm memories of friendship and love in honor of our blogger friend, Josephine “Jo” Wake, who passed away December 16, 2020. She was a dear friend, full of spunk and I’m fortunate I got to meet her and Matt when they visited N. Carolina about ten years ago.

Jo liked her bananas and ate at least one a day. In her honor, I’d like to share the recipe for the banana bread I bake every Christmas for nearby family and friends. I don’t give out Christmas cards – I give out banana bread cards. Which, I’ve been told, is much better! Everyone looks forward to their annual loaf of banana bread and I thoroughly enjoy making them for my friends.


Diane’s Banana Bread

1 ½ cups white flour
¼ cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cups Splenda
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1-1 ½ Tbsp cinnamon
2-3 mashed bananas
1/3 cup applesauce
2 Tbsp almond milk
2 eggs/egg replacer

Mix 1 cup of the flour and ingredients down through the cinnamon. Add bananas, applesauce, and milk. Blend together with mixer for 2 minutes. Add remaining flour and eggs. Pour into greased loaf pan(s) and bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.






Do you have some special blogger friends or a special recipe?

If you’re looking for a spooky paranormal read, please consider picking up The Window.

Monday, January 11, 2021

Creating a Series and a Giveaway

L. Diane Asked: How did you come up with the Disaster Crimes series?

 

Chrys Fey’s Answer: It wasn’t intentional. I had only wanted to write Hurricane Crimes after reading a book set during a blizzard that made me go, “Hmm…I’ve read many books set during blizzards but never weather I know…Florida weather…a category five hurricane.” So, I set out to right that one story, as a way to break in to publishing. It was supposed to end with the insta-love ending.

Afterward, it wasn’t until I read a couple of reviews that expressed interest in wanting to know what happened with Donovan before the opening of Hurricane Crimes and wondering about what’ll happen next when I realized a bad guy was still at large. And how the heck could I leave things like that? I couldn’t. While thinking of a sequel, my first and only thought was that I needed to continue the disaster and criminal themes. Immediately, I was like, “A series that does that would be awesome!” I wanted to write that series, following one couple, from disaster to disaster. I jotted down the disasters that I could do for the next few books—earthquake, tsunami, wildfire. A blizzard wasn’t a disaster I was planning in the beginning of this series’ creation because of that thought I’d had, “I’ve read many books set during blizzards.”

The Disaster Crimes series unfolded from there.

 


Pages: 154

Genre: Romantic-Suspense

Heat Rating: Hot

 

BLURB:

*A FIGHTING CHANCE is Book 6 in the Disaster Crimes series, but it’s a spin-off featuring a new couple, so it can be read as a standalone.*

Thorn has loved Amanda from afar, giving her whatever she needs as a survivor of abuse—space, protection, and stability. He yearns to give her more, though, to share his feelings, kiss her, love her, but he's worried the truth will frighten her away.

And Amanda is afraid. She’s scared of her attraction for Thorn. Most of all, she’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, who is lurking nearby where no one can find him. When she grows closer to Thorn, Damon retaliates, jeopardizing their happy ending.

Up against an abusive ex and Mother Nature, do Thorn and Amanda have a fighting chance?

 

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

 

EXCERPT:

Amanda looked up from the current list of up-to-date payments for classes. A movement outside the glass storefront caught her eye. She tilted her head to see a man coming up the sidewalk from the side where the picnic bench sat. Through the vertical blinds, she glimpsed a square face—a short, rugged beard and long, dark hair pulled into a man bun. Her breath fled from her lungs. Her body went from icy cold to flaming hot in the span of a millisecond. She dropped to the floor and slid under the counter, beneath the ledge where they put their purses and cell phones.

“What—” Beth peeked at the windows. Then she snapped her fingers at April and pointed at the stools.

April jumped into action. She pushed the stools in so they blocked Amanda. The bell attached to the door jingled as April removed the jacket she wore and draped it across the stools, creating a curtain to shield Amanda.

From a crack, Amanda watched Beth move to stand in front of the twins, who were in their walkers playing peacefully. “I’m sorry, but we’re going to be closing.”

“I don’t give a shit. I’m here for Amanda.”

The sound of Damon’s voice had her heart beating even harder. That voice had haunted her nightmares, had come back to life in her memories.

Beth cocked her head to the side. “Who? There’s no one by that name here.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know she works here.”

His voice was closer now.

 

***FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME***

THE DISASTER CURSE

 


Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

Author’s Note: I wrote The Disaster Curse to answer a few lingering questions readers may have after reading A Fighting Chance, and to tie the whole series together with a neat, shiny, perfect little bow. Plus, there was one disaster that I hadn’t written about yet. *wink*

 


The Disaster Crimes Series:

*The Crime Before the Storm (prequel)

Hurricane Crimes (novella, #1)

Seismic Crimes (#2)

Lightning Crimes (free short, #2.5)

Tsunami Crimes (#3)

Flaming Crimes (#4)

Frozen Crimes (#5)

A Fighting Chance (spin-off, #6)

The Disaster Curse (short story, #7)

*Free exclusive story to newsletter subscribers.

 

***LAUNCHING A WEBSITE***

 


TheFightingChance.org is a website dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Inspired by the Disaster Crimes series.

 


 ***GIVEAWAY***

 

Prizes: Hurricane Crimes (Disaster Crimes 1) and Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes 2) eBooks (mobi or epub), Hurricane Crimes Playing Cards, Girl Boss Sign, and a Volcanic Blast Scented Candle

Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a92670/

 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

Author Links:

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