Wednesday, December 07, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and What Does a Publisher Do All Week?


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

Today’s question: It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

I tend to catch up as Dancing Lemur Press business is slow the second half of the month and I use that time for my own work and to catch up on other projects.

I did manage to finish the fourth story in my In Darkness series, The Alien, last month. It will sit for a bit and then I will tackle revisions. Probably during the Christmas break.


I do want to share with you what my work week looks like. I have no typical work week as it all depends on what is in the pipeline and at what stage. So I will share some of what I did last week:

Edits on stories for Tales From the Valley (Due out March 7 next year. This is a special collaboration with Elizabeth Seckman.)


Review requests for In Darkness: The Shark

Royalty payments and statements for Q3 2022

Finished writing In Darkness: The Alien

Set two events for next year

Back cover for Tales From the Valley set


Formatted half of the stories for Tales From the Valley

Replied to numerous submissions

Completed November bookkeeping


Back cover synopsis for Blood Red Steel set. (The third in Damien Larkin’s Mars series!)

Worked with my illustrator on cover art for In Darkness: The Werewolf

And many other minor details that go along with being a publisher


My husband says I am the worst boss ever as I never give myself time off!

But I do have fun doing it.

As proof, my friend Ticia went with me to man the booth at Havelock Comic Con a couple weeks ago (instead of my poor husband) and we had a blast! Not to mention it was another stellar weekend of sales.



Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wednesday, November 02, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, The Shark, and Events


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

Today’s question – November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

It has just never worked out that I had time in November to write that much. For that matter, I rarely have time in any month. I will be finishing the fourth novella in my In Darkness series, The Alien, this month, but I only need 6000 words or so to do that.

* * *

Dancing Lemur Press has two events this month:



November 12, 9-1 pm
Goldsboro Holiday Market
New Hope Friends Church, Goldsboro, NC

November 19, 10-5 pm
Havelock Comicon
Havelock Tourism and Event Center, Havelock, NC


If you are in the area, stop by and see us!


* * *

And I’m excited to show off the cover for my next novella:



In Darkness: The Shark

Souls shrouded in darkness…

Focused on her studies and duties at the aquarium, Jewels prefers her solitary life. Burned many times and short on trust, she has more in common with her aquatic friends than the people around her. But she never imagined coming face to face with a shark named Clarence…a shark who talks!

As their friendship grows, Jewels must overcome her deep set mistrust. There are dangers, both in the Australian ocean and on dry land. Can Jewels depend on the great white or will his animal nature betray her?

Release day – May 9, 2023
Fantasy – Romance / Fantasy – Paranormal / Paranormal – Romance
eBook ISBN 9781939844910

This is the second in the In Darkness novella series – The Werewolf will be next.

It’s available for pre-orders and for reviewers! So, if you are interested, please let me know.


Have you participated in NaNo?
And a paranormal romance story with a shark? You’ll have to read it to believe it!


Monday, October 17, 2022

Posting at IWSG Site

I am visiting the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site today with a piece I did the other night for a writer’s group - What Publishers and Agents Seek.

Wednesday, October 05, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, The Vampire, and Missed Con


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

Today’s question – What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?

I write in so many genres though!

I love non-fiction for its creativity while doling out information and facts. It informs and enriches, but it can also entertain.

Currently I am writing paranormal romance novellas. I think romance appeals to a lot of people, even men. It’s what makes the world go around. But add an element of fantasy and it transports us to another place and time.

* * *


My February 7, 2023 book release is the first in the In Darkness series, a novella titled “The Vampire.”

If you enjoy paranormal/fantasy romance, please consider adding it to your Goodreads list. It has one review/rating so far but could sure use some love by being on more “want to read” lists.

Next month I will announce the release date for the next story (and possibly reveal the cover), In Darkness: The Shark.

* * *


And finally, Saturday was a bit of a downer for us. With Hurricane Ian headed for NC and the uncertainty of how long the storm would last and how much it would flood (plus the fact we have to leave for this con at 5 am, thus driving a ways in the dark), we erred on the side of caution and cancelled.

We are grateful Ian brought little damage to NC but losing one of our best cons and its revenue hurts. Hopefully holiday sales pick up and our final con of the year is decent. (We know it’s a tiny one, so keeping expectations in check.)


What are the best characteristics of your favorite genre and were you impacted by Hurricane Ian?

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Druid’s Moon Available Now!

Out today – a beautiful and innocently sexy Beauty and the Beast retelling –

Druid’s Moon
By Deniz Bevan



Beauty to his Beast…


Lyne Vanlith, an archaeologist who seeks a logical explanation to any mystery, discovers an ancient Druidic curse on her first dig. When the signs foretold by the curse descend on her, Lyne can’t find a reasonable interpretation.

And that’s even before a Beast rescues her from a monstrous sea-creature. She drops a grateful kiss on the snout of the Beast, who transforms into a man, Frederick Cunnick, Baron of Lansladron. Lyne is meant to be Beauty to his Beast—and break the curse forever.

Now both spellkeeper and monster are targeting Lyne. She must take up her legendary role, to defeat the curse and save Frederick—and herself. Instead of logic, for the first time, Lyne must trust her heart.

“…the entire sequence of events that leads to the finale was a thrilling joyride.” – Rain ‘n’ Books reviews

“A re-telling of Beauty And The Beast with werewolves, witches & a sea monster with a slow-brewing romance. The quieter moments were my favourites.” - Jorie Loves a Story reviews

“Ms. Bevan weaves a rich tale of mystery, passion, and true evil whirling through the depths of a quaint seaside village.” - Michael Di Gesu, author


Fantasy – Romance / Paranormal / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
Print ISBN 9781939844866 $14.95
eBook ISBN 9781939844873 $4.99


A firm believer in burning the candle at both ends, Deniz Bevan is generally writing a new novel while editing another and blogging about her reading and research adventures. Other days, she tries to stay off the web altogether, as she delves into the history, mystery, and romance of her characters’ lives.

Find Druid’s Moon here: Dancing Lemur Press / iTunes / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Scribed / Amazon UK / Goodreads

Virtual tour dates:
Sept. 19 - Jemi Fraser
Sept. 19 - Alex J. Cavanaugh
Sept. 20 - Archaeolibrarian
Sept. 21 - Christine Rains
Sept. 23 - Sandra Cox
Sept. 26 - Susan Gourley
Sept. 29 - C. Lee McKenzie

Ready for a little beastly romance?



Monday, September 12, 2022

I wish I knew then what I know now!

By Sandra Cox


*This was originally written for the SmorgasBord Blog Magazine.


I began writing in pre-historic times, when dinosaurs roamed the earth and writers pecked on typewriters. I had no idea computers, software, hardware, printers and emails were waiting in the future.

One morning I woke to birds chirping and mammoths trumpeting and decided I wanted to be a writer. Except for a few well-received essays in high school and a handful of English courses in college, I had absolutely no background in writing. I didn’t even know what a thesaurus was. I just knew I enjoyed creating stories.

The one thing I did have in my empty toolbox was a knowledge of books. I loved reading. I was a voracious reader. And while voracious may not work anymore to describe my reading, I still plow through several books a month. How can anyone not read? But I’m getting off topic. So armed with my ideas I began to write. This was challenging on a couple of levels. Creating a story and getting it on paper.

Today creativity is my major challenge. Then, getting words on paper.

Each typed page needed to be proofed before it left the typewriter and, unless you were a perfect typist which I wasn’t, involved a lot of white paint—correction fluid—from a little bottle called Wite.Out. Wite.Out was a secretary’s and writer’s best friend. Yes, back in the dark ages people were called secretaries instead of admin assists.

After typing out the manuscript, which usually involved several hundred pages, came the rewrites. Say you did a serious change on page ten that involved adding a scene or scenes that ran into extra pages. If you were lucky, you only had to retype that chapter then go back and use your trusty White Out to change the following page numbers of the rest of your manuscript. Yup, the good ole days.

Next step was finding a home for your story. Again, there was no computer to do a quick search of who wanted what. The Writer’s Market Guide was, and probably still is for those who don’t publish Indie, an invaluable tool. I spent hours combing through pages looking for the appropriate home for my genre.


After I drew up a list, I began to send out my stories. Remember this was still the ice age, and typewriters and carbon paper still roamed the earth. There were no emails, no attaching three chapters and hitting the send button. Instead, it was purchasing legal size envelopes, stuffing your letter and chapters inside and heading for the post office. Then waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more, for a response that sometimes never came. In that respect, things haven’t changed, have they? Often times when you did get a response, it was a form rejection letter—something else that I imagine hasn’t changed—and you started back at square one. Other times, the publishing company or agent wanted to see the entire manuscript. Then it was off to the supply store to buy a box to mail your manuscript in and have copies made. It was a fairly pricey and time-consuming process.

Researching was also more challenging than it is now. The information was there, but not at your finger -tips. Instead of tapping a few keys and doing a search, you had to track down physical books, which usually meant hitting the library or a bookstore.

And there was no self-publishing unless you went vanity and paid for it.

Since those days I have added to my toolbox and am always on the lookout for new tools. I have a few that I’d like to share, which you may already know of and use.
For synonyms, I use Power Thesaurus.
For covers: pixelstudio. I love this group. They are so helpful and their prices are unbelievably reasonable.
For those of you who make your own covers, trailers and or memes: Book Brush.
AND
For general information and support for most aspects of writing and publishing, IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group).

So, back to the beginning: If I’d known then what I know now, I would have probably waited a few years to start writing.😉

Sandra
Visit her blog.
Find Geller’s Find on Amazon


Geller’s Find

It’s summer break and Dr. Luke Geller, history prof and part-time archeologist is in Nevada looking for potsherds. What he discovers is an antique rifle and a portal in time.
When Geller touches an ancient piece of chiastolite crystal, the earth rumbles, the skies darken and the ground opens. He’s hurled straight to the core of the earth then shot back up and spewed out.
When he stumbles to his feet, he finds himself where he began. Same yet different. There are no winding roads. No parking lots. No cars. No town with bright lights in the distance. Only Lily Winter Tremaine, an angry young woman pointing a gun at him, demanding he hand over her rifle.
All thoughts of primitive pottery disappear as Luke finds himself fighting alongside three young women trying to hold onto their ranch against a dangerous scoundrel who intends to have the ranch by whatever means possible. Then there’s the little matter of Luke being mightily attracted to the young woman he’s working for. A woman old enough to be his great-great granny. And Miss Lily Winter Tremaine does not figure into any of tenured professor Luke Geller’s lesson plans.

And today I and the First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts authors are visiting Elizabeth S. Craig with an article about working on an anthology.

Tuesday, September 06, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, First Love Available, and In Darkness: The Vampire


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

Today’s question – What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?

I’m skipping the question as we have a book release today!


First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology


The sweetness of first love…

Could a fiercely independent cop’s heart be stolen by the guy who makes her favorite doughnuts? Will a maid who used deceit to snare a mail-order husband get a dose of her own medicine? Can her handsome neighbor rescue a modern-day “princess” from a tenacious ex-boyfriend? Can two strangers in a rideshare be honest enough to fall in love for real? Can you remember your first love? How about your second? Third? Fourth?

Featuring the talents of Linda Budzinski, Melissa Maygrove, Michael Di Gesu, Sylvia Ney, Katie Klein, Kim Elliott, Templeton Moss, S.E. White, Denise Covey, and Sammi Spizziri. Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will touch your heart and rekindle lost feelings. Prepare to return to that first love…

Print ISBN – 9781939844880, $14.95
eBook ISBN – 9781939844897, $4.99
Romance - Clean & Wholesome / Contemporary / Historical
186 pages, Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

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.

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

“…a refreshing read! This is a gem of a book that I highly recommend.” - Rebecca Boerner M Ed., reviewer

“…this collection nailed the little bites of cute romance… recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting collection of sweet romance to fill an evening.” - Hayley Reese Chow, author

“This was a sweet, warm collection of love stories.” – Angie Titus, author


Visit the IWSG Anthologies site for a full list of tour dates.


* * *

In addition, we have cover art and review copies for my next book!



In Darkness: The Vampire
By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness…

Stuck working as a barmaid for her demanding father, Anna dreams of adventure. When mysterious strangers enter the bar, she overhears they seek Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library. Taking her chance, she offers to guide them. The conditions: deliver Zancrela or die.

As they journey through the wilderness, she discovers their secret: they are vampires. And most view her as food. One takes interest in her and her heart dares to hope, but it might not be enough to change her fate. Will Anna find Zancrela or become a vampire morsel?

Release date: February 7, 2023
eBook ISBN – 9781939844903, $3.99
Romance-Paranormal-Vampires / Fantasy-Paranormal /Fantasy-Romance


This will be a novella series – The Shark will be next.

It’s available for pre-orders and for reviewers! So, if you are interested, please let me know.


Is everyone ready for some romance?

Wednesday, August 03, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Writing, and Cons


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

Today’s question - When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

I’m going to opt out of the question and just make some announcements.

First, I now have three stories written for my “In Darkness” novelette series.
The Vampire has been through our editor and is polished and ready for review copies.
The Werewolf goes to the editor in a few weeks.
The Shark is edited and with a critique partner.
And I am working on The Alien.
There is a possibility of The Ghost, but I have a great beginning, a great ending, and not much of a middle, so we’ll see.



In other news – Dancing Lemur Press has two cons coming up!

The first is August 13 – Greenville Comic Con in Greenville, NC.

The second is August 20 – Wake Forest Comic Con in Wake Forest, NC.

If you are anywhere in the area, please stop by our booth! We have all the books, original art prints, anime and Baby Yoda stickers, and Baby Yoda figurines. (And those go fast!)


Are you more original or give readers what they want when writing?

Wednesday, July 06, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Minions, and Writing Again


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

Today’s question -
If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

I would LOVE to live in Narnia. (I’m sure that’s a popular answer among Christians.) Surrounded by talking animals & magical creatures and in the loving presence of Aslan, God himself. That would be Heaven indeed.

Here are the IWSG Goodreads Book Club books for July:


* * *

The first story in my In Darkness series is with DLP’s editor. The second one is polished and waiting its turn. The third is on it’s first edit and the fourth is ¼ way done. I’m excited as this is the first time I’ve worked on my own stuff for more than one hour a month in YEARS.

* * *


And yes, I was at the very first showing of Minions: The Rise of Gru last Friday. Delayed two years, I was so excited to finally see it. And it blew Lightyear out of the water at the box office – $108 million in 3 days while Lightyear still hasn’t made that much in over 3 weeks. (That’s right Disney – keep denying the real reasons your film tanked, but it certainly had nothing to do with families not taking kids to the theater post-pandemic.)

And in case you didn’t know, I’m a bit of a Minions fan:



What book world would you live in?
Are you a Minions fan?

Wednesday, June 01, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Giveaway, Tours, And Turpentine Creek Animal Rescue


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

Today’s question -
When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

I’ve never had a problem working on more than one project at a time. Right now, I have four novelette length stories in various stages of writing/editing. So, I usually jump to something else that excites me more and when I return to the piece where I was stuck, I usually have a better plan. Or, I just skip ahead in the story and write the next scene that is working.

I’ve never been so stuck I couldn’t write anything.

However, I have been so strapped for time that I couldn’t write anything!

* * *

GIVEAWAY

Win a free print copy of paranormal romance/fairy tale retelling Druid’s Moon by Deniz Bevan. Just leave a comment.


* * *

Tour Stops Needed

Dancing Lemur Press has two books coming out in September and we are looking for two stops for both:


First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

The sweetness of first love…

Release date: September 6, 2022

Dates already set – Sept. 5 & 12



Druid’s Moon

By Deniz Bevan

Beauty to his Beast…

Release date: September 20, 2022

Dates already set – Sept. 1, 7, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20 & 21

* * *

On a personal note…

Today is one year since we lost my mother-in-law. Hard to believe it’s been that long. I still really miss her.

Fortunately, we got to spend some time with my husband’s father last month. He’d been wanting to take us to the Turpentine Creek Animal Refuge for two years. (A trip that got scrapped when Covid hit.) But we finally got to go! And such an amazing place – they have rescued so many big cats (and some small ones). We learned about each animal on display (maybe 25% of the total population there?) and all I can say now is never, ever support a place with white tigers (the inbreeding means they are all cross-eyed) or tigons/ligors (cross breeding lions and tigers means the cubs have really big bodies but their organs aren’t big enough to handle the size and they end up with all sorts of issues.)




How do you keep writing? Can you help with either tour? Do you want to win a free copy of Druid’s Moon (plus swag)?

Wednesday, May 04, 2022

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Goal-Setting Webinar, and Meeting Visions of Atlantis


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

Today’s question - It's the best of times; it's the worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your writer lows (the crappy times)?

Connecting with readers is always a high. When a reader gets it, falls in love with the story, or what you wrote helps them, it’s a wonderful feeling.

It’s low when a book just doesn’t find its readers, when marketing your brains out doesn’t seem to help.


* * *



We have a new admin joining the IWSG - Sandra Cox.

Sandra is a very welcome member of the team.

Stop by and say hi to Sandra.




* * *



Webinar rescheduled!

This is one of my first and funnest seminars - and it’s online. If you need a little boost with goal-setting, this one’s for you.

Achieving Personal and Business Goals Webinar
May 12, 6:30-8:30 pm
Free for anyone – register HERE
Is your life or business stagnating? Do you need motivation? A new level of success can be achieved by adjusting your mindset! L. Diane Wolfe delivers focused training on the five keys to success - a positive attitude, people skills, self-esteem, overcoming fears, and setting smart goals. Individuals and business owners looking to energize their productivity are encouraged to attend this spirited seminar!


* * *


And on a personal note, I got to meet one of my favorite bands, Visions of Atlantis!

I never thought I’d see them in concert since they are from Austria. But they toured the States and at the beginning of April, we drove to Greensboro to see them. AND – my husband gave me an early anniversary present. He got us the “Meet & Greet” package, so we got pictures with the band, they autographed posters for us, and then they sang four songs acoustic. There were only ten people meeting the band, so it was small and intimate. What a treat!


What are your writer lows and highs? Need some help achieving your goals? Have you ever met a favorite band?

Monday, April 25, 2022

Working with a Cover Artist by Sandra Cox

First, I’d like to thank Diane for helping me get the word out on Mateo’s Blood Brother a sequel to Mateo’s Law then chat with you about working with cover artists.

When it’s time to market your book, deciding on a cover is one of the most important decisions you make. A cover can mean the difference between someone looking at your book or barely glancing at it before moving on to the next.

I’ve had a lot of great covers that have come out of the publishing presses I’ve signed with. All asked for my vision on creating the cover. Most have a limit on how much they are willing to change once the cover has been created. And that’s understandable. When you publish indie that cover is your only concern. When publishing with trad your cover is one of many. There’re pluses and minuses for indie and trad. Traditional and small press want your book to succeed so they’re going to do their best to make sure you have an attractive cover AND you don’t have the out-of-pocket expense of paying for it. But that doesn’t guarantee you’re going to get the exact cover you want. I had one trad cover, while it was okay, it was obvious the artist had never looked at my request sheet. There was nothing on the cover I’d requested.

Many indie authors create their own covers. There’re software packages like bookbrush.com that make this much easier than it used to be. For those that aren’t that comfortable with creating their cover or don’t have the time, there are a plethora of artists that create covers. Prices range from in the hundreds to under twenty. If you go by the dollar amount, you’d think the best covers are the highest price. I’m very pleased that hasn’t been the case for me.

I started out with an artist that charged just under a hundred if memory serves. The first cover I absolutely loved. The second I was okay with but asked for a change and she kindly told me I could make that one myself. Needless to say, at that point I started looking for a new cover artist. A fellow writer told me about Fiverr and I hopped right over. I tried a couple of artists there but I wasn’t satisfied with the covers. Then I discovered pixelstudio (at Fiverr) and I’ve been there ever since. They have a range of services starting at ten dollars. The process is pretty straight forward. You make your payment, pick out color and font and leave your specifications along with what background picture you want. For this you are sent to a commercial platform of licensed stock photos that pixelstudio has an account with to pick out your background picture. The downside is, it can be very time consuming. There have been times I’ve spent a couple of days looking for the background picture I wanted for my cover. On the upside, the covers are so reasonably priced if you decide, down the road, you want something different, you can go back and have another made quite cheaply. Turn around time is usually three days…

Cover done.

For the other Indie authors out there, where do you have your covers made? Or do you make them yourself?


Behind the amicable façade is a man who’s tough and determined. He’s Mateo’s Blood Brother.



Blurb:

They were friends, close as brothers. Then they weren’t.
Mateo and Jesse are cautiously working their way back to friendship when Jesse discovers the unthinkable. Layla/Delilah, the sultry shifter who’d had affairs with both men, is still alive. The tumble she took over a mountain ridge—a fall that nearly killed Mateo—should have finished her.
Now, there’s no choice but for the two men to work together to take down a she-devil straight from hell. As the stakes escalate and the hunt becomes more intense, another wolf appears on the scene. Always where Jesse’s at. Always when he’s in trouble. Jesse is divided between ending Delilah, a new love interest, discovering the identity of a certain brown wolf and staying alive.
Available at Amazon

Excerpt:
“She’s alive.”
Mateo studied Jesse. The chief’s face stoic except for eyes that sparked with an emotion the sheriff couldn’t read. Still, it made him shift uneasily in his chair. Anxiety and fear pheromones rolled off Jesse. And Jesse didn’t scare easily.
The outside door banged open, distracting him. Boots clomped. A moment later, Adam stuck his head around the door. An aspiring attorney, the young man did their paperwork during the day and took classes at night. “Boss—”
“Later, Adam.” Mateo’s eyes never left Jesse.
“Sure, Boss.” Adam’s head swiveled from one to the other before he disappeared.
“Who’s alive?” The words were no sooner out of Mateo’s mouth when a premonition, so terrible it chilled his blood, hit him. Hard. The hair on the back of his neck rose. And he knew. Knew before Jesse uttered the word.
“Layla.”
On some level, he’d known before now. For a week, he’d been hearing eerie howling that set his teeth on edge and made his hackles rise. And the old wolf, his dad, and the wolf pup had been acting strangely. The old wolf always staring into the distance with his ruff on end and a continual low snarl rolling out of his throat. The pup cowering close to the old wolf. “That’s impossible. The fall killed her. Nearly killed me.”
“I saw her.”
“Saw her?”
“She was half-wolf. Half-human.” Jesse scrubbed his face with his hands.
“Shit.” Mateo’s extensive vocabulary limited this morning.
“She’ll be coming for you. You and Blair.”
“She won’t get her.” He growled. Literally growled.
“Down, wolf.” For the first time, Jesse smiled.

About Sandra Cox:

Award winning author, Sandra Cox writes All Things Western and more, is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and cats in sunny North Carolina.


She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

Pineapple is a must-have on pizza, along with black olives and onions.

She loves pumpkin waffles or pancakes. Pumpkin cream cheese, not so much.

You can find her at: Sandra Cox, author / Cowboy Trivia / blog / Twitter


Last but not least, a funky little giveaway:

Our lovely hostess will draw a commenter out of the proverbial hat for an I ♥ Books beady bracelet.
Have a creative day.



What has been your experience working with a cover artist?

Tuesday, April 05, 2022

CassaDark Release and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group

I’m posting a day early because Dancing Lemur Press has a new release today!



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


April 6 question - Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?

Twelve of Dancing Lemur Press’ book are available in audio.
The biggest challenge is finding just the right narrator. There must be passion and personality in the voice.
We also must select just the right book. Several of our titles sell every month and a couple sell only a few each year.
Overall, we’ve been very pleased with our audio books!

* * *



AVAILABLE NOW!

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?


Print – 9781939844842 $16.95
EBook – 9781939844859 $4.99
Science fiction - adventure/space opera/space exploration

“Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series…for a fourth inventive space opera.” – Publisher’s Weekly

Praise for his other Cassa books:
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal


Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and is the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. His Cassa books are Amazon Best Sellers and winners of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Website / Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Links: iTunes / Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads




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Another of our authors had a release last month from The Wild Rose Press:


Kiss of the Assassin
by Joylene Nowell Butler
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (March 23, 2022)
Paperback: 424 pages
ASIN: B09P7T1ZRS


Marina Antonovna, a Soviet spy, and Mateo Arcusa, an American homicide lieutenant first meet in Cambodia during the Vietnam War as enemies. Fearful that the most powerful man in the Soviet Union, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov, has ordered her death, Marina risks everything to defect to the United States.

She promises Mateo that her days as an assassin are over. Vladimir is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back and, by threatening Mateo’s life, forces Marina to break her promise.

Joylene Butler lives with her husband in the tiny village of Cluculz Lake in central B.C... She is the author of three suspense novels and a contributor to one anthology.


For more on Joylene and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.


What’s your take on audio books?

And order CassaDark today through any of the links or through Dancing Lemur Press direct. (Extra bookmarks and swag included with print orders!)


Wednesday, March 02, 2022

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Free Publishing/Promoting Seminars


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

March 2 question - Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

Actually, I’ve a couple story ideas that have been with me for a long time. But I will never write them. When I first began this journey, my husband cautioned – don’t write anything you wouldn’t want our pastor to read. And I have stuck with that. (And proud to say, our former pastor Bill Wilson contributed to my Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! book.)


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I will be doing my full Publishing and Promoting seminars for Wilkes Community College on March 22.
They are virtual!
Anyone can register – you don’t have to live in NC. And they are FREE.
Go to this page and scroll down to the marketing section to register HERE.


Seminars - Publishing & Promoting 101 & 102

Are you filled with aspirations of being an author? Are you considering starting a publishing company? Dancing Lemur Press owner L. Diane Wolfe walks you through the steps of creating a marketable product, business setup, production, printing, and distribution, as well as manuscript querying. She shows you how to develop contacts, build an online presence, and generate publicity. You’ll learn how to use the Internet as a resource and platform and tap into the eBook and audio book revolution. The industry is changing fast and new information and websites appear daily. Those serious about book publishing and promotion are encouraged to attend these informative seminars. Handout and resources provided.


I’m also doing my Achieving Small Business Goals webinar for Roanoke-Chowan Community College on March 15 at 6:30 EST.
Again, free for anyone to register! They are geared towards businesses and business owners, but any individual looking to set and achieve goals will get a lot out of them.
Go to this page and scroll down to marketing – it’s the only seminar listed - HERE.

Is your business stagnating? Do you or your employees need motivation? A new level of success can be achieved by adjusting your mindset! L. Diane Wolfe delivers focused training on the five keys to success - a positive attitude, people skills, self-esteem, overcoming fears, and setting smart business goals. Small business owners looking to energize their productivity are encouraged to attend this spirited seminar!

Have you been conflicted? Interested in learning more about publishing, promoting, or goal setting for free?


And Tara Tyler interviewed me, the publisher, on her site today. You can read that HERE.

Tuesday, February 01, 2022

My Magic Summer, the Insecure Writer's Support Group, and Jeremy Hawkins Tribute

I’m a day early because Dancing Lemur Press has a new release!


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

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?

An award-winning screenwriter and author, Brian Carmody is a dreamer, a wisher, a hoper, a prayer, a pretender and a magic bean buyer. He’s had moondreams from Texas to Virginia, and now California, where he has plenty of other flax golden tales to spin by his fire.

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

“A beautiful, magical coming-of-age story that shouldn’t be missed.” - Jessica Leake, author of Beyond a Darkened Shore and Through the White Wood

“My Magic Summer With the Moon Maidens is a beautifully written coming of age fantasy with characters that will stay with you long after you read the last page.” - Christy Cooper-Burnett, author of the award-winning Christine Stewart Time-Travel Series.

“This was a fun, sweet, coming of age meets fantasy story.” - Wendy @ Wall-to-Wall Books

“My Magic Summer casts a magic spell!" - Okey Ndibe, author of Foreign Gods, Inc.

“I was thoroughly charmed.” – Sandra Cox, author





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

Feb. 2 question – Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

I had a mentor when I began this journey, even before I opened Dancing Lemur Press. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding, a couple authors throwing me under the bus, and the friendship fell apart. Sadly, life is full of meetings and partings.



Jeremy Hawkins Tribute

On January 3, we lost an amazing guy – Jeremy Hawkins.
On February 2, we are going to pay tribute and give back to one who was so giving and involved in our community.

I got to know Jeremy through the A to Z Challenge the year I was a helper. He loved movies and music and always posted such fun stuff on his blog.

When I purchased an IWSG t-shirt, I noticed he’d also designed a Minions one, and I had to have it.


Jeremy is one of those people who affected a lot of lives, even if most people don’t realize it. He did a lot of graphics for people and featured several of DLP’s authors. He will be greatly missed, as people like that are few and far between. Rest in peace, Jeremy.


Who supported or influenced you? Are you ready for a little magic?