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Readers, why I haven’t been very good to you…

Hey, there. I know it’s been awhile. But look, I bought you flowers.

Now, listen. I know I haven’t been around much,  I understand if you don’t want to take my gift, and you’re tired of my disappearing acts. Just…just give me a chance to explain.

See, first, the good news: I’ve been in my cave, producing a bunch of new stuff. Now, the bad news: I can’t really show you any of it yet.

Here’s the sitch: I used to be an independent author. Solely. That meant I could write as fast as possible, publish just as fast, and, generally, keep $*&# moving. That was fun, and kept me in close contact with you. But, the downside involved me being a one-man band. Writer/Cover Designer/Marketer/Editor (well, editorial isn’t necessarily a strong suit, so I did farm that out when I could, but I had to make corrections based on feedback myself, which has resulted in the thing all indie authors fear the most…typos).

As you know, I signed a publishing contract with HarperCollins, one of the largest publishers in America, last August. Harpers will publish my debut YA mystery novel sometime soon (the dates aren’t nailed down). This is something I’ve been working for my whole life, and I’m looking forward to being in bookstores all over the country. BUT, seeing this lifelong dream fulfilled doesn’t come without hiccups.

Harpers is huge, and I’m not even a small cog in their machine. I’m more like lubricant (slosh that around in your head for a minute). I’ll have to work my butt off to be even a low priority there. I’m not complaining, I just want to explain why you, the loyal readers who have supported LIVE AGAIN, THE DARKNESS KEPT, and THE SHADOWS GALLERY, haven’t seen a new book from me in over a year.

There are new books. I’ve finished drafts of 2 novels that aren’t contracted to Harpers. And, though not in their final states, the books are kick-ass. My band has expanded, though. I now have really good beta-readers (for those unfamiliar with the lingo, these are people who aren’t necessarily editors, but who give pro-level critiques) to help make the books better than I ever could on my own. I’ve got two agents (lit and film) who want to see clean versions of the books before anyone else. Then, finally, I’ve got my editor at Harpers, who took a chance on me, and deserves first dibs on these books if she decides they’d fit her list. Bottom line: for those books, I no longer have the ability to hand them directly to you, to be read on your Kindles or Nooks the way I used to. I’m sorry about that.

I don’t mean to neglect you. I should never have neglected you. I’ve come up with something that might help.

I just released a new suspense story, “When Scary People Know Your Name“, to Kindle (A Nook version is coming in a few days). It’s only .99 cents and I think you’ll like it.

I’ll continue to release short, inexpensive stories. Maybe as often as once a month. For you.

Also, since my representatives are focused on my Young Adult work, I’m going to brainstorm something outside of that realm–something longer than a short story–that will please you, too.

See, I haven’t forgotten you, or where I came from.

Please forgive me. Take the flowers. Check out the new story. And be on the lookout for other gifts, coming soon.

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books, ebooks, eReader, Kindle, Nook

The Serpent & the Stallion – On Sale Now

The Epic Fantasy collaboration between myself and Becky Rodgers Boyette is now available in the Kindle Store (Nook version should be live later today). It’s a great book to load on those brand new eReaders that’ll be under the tree this holiday season.

The heirs to the horse kingdoms think an unwanted betrothal is the worst of their problems. Smug Simeon and fire-tempered Faryn have no wish to be wed, not even to unite the tribes. Raj, obsessed with his brother’s fiancé, would gladly take Simeon’s place. But when Faryn’s homeland is attacked by a gruesome army driven by an ancient evil, lovers’ quarrels become a fight for survival. Aided by their telepathic horses, the trio must pull together or perish as they embark on a quest for answers. In a world where friend becomes foe and prophecies read like riddles, the passion of one will determine the fate of all in the final battle between The Serpent & The Stallion…

Check out my interview over at Becky’s blog where we chat about how this project came to be…

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ebooks, ePublishing, eReader, Indie Spotlight, Serpent & Stallion

California here I come…

I will be in LA for the rest of the week attending the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 40th Anniversary Summer Conference. It’s my first trip to the West Coast and I couldn’t be more excited.

I’ll be posting pictures throughout the weekend to my Facebook Fan Page. “Like” me and tell your friends to “Like” me, too. You can see what sort of silliness I get into over the next few days.

Also, follow me on Twitter (@LRGiles) and keep an eye on the official conference hashtag for a lot of cool stuff from the numerous writers in attendance: #LA11SCBWI

I may blog a bit while I’m there, otherwise I’ll catch you when I’m back in my timezone…

 

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books, ePublishing, eReader, Fun, Hollywood, L.R. Giles, publishing, SCBWI, Twitter

By popular demand: PAPERBACKS

You asked and I provided…

Due to the popularity of my eBooks and numerous requests from those who don’t utilize eReader technology, I’ve made two of my books, LIVE AGAIN and THE SHADOWS GALLERY, available as trade paperbacks. As of today, you can click on the links below or on the links available throughout the site to purchase your copy. Be sure to spread the word. Happy Reading.

LIVE AGAIN in paperback

THE SHADOWS GALLERY in paperback

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books, ebooks, eReader, Kindle, Nook, paperback, publishing

March Announcements…SPREAD THE WORD!!

 

Hey, gang. Just wanted to make a few announcements to start the month off right. Before I do, though, I want to thank each and every one of you who helped make February such an incredible month for my two books. I’ve received a lot of email, and some great reviews over at Amazon and B&N that I will be eternally grateful for. I love hearing from readers, so feel free to reach out to me any time: lrgileswriter [at] gmail [dot] com

Now, a little housekeeping…

• LIVE AGAIN received stellar reader reviews all through February. To celebrate I’m doing a FIVE STAR FICTION SALE. LIVE AGAIN will be available on Kindle and Nook for just .99 cents through March…spread the word!!

• Sign up for the L.R. Giles Newsletter (check out the right-hand panel at here at www.lrgiles.com) for access to exclusive contests and the latest news on new books and events.

• What’s next? I’m putting together a short story collection for the summer along with an epic fantasy collaboration with fellow author Becky Rodgers Boyette. Becky and I go waaaayyy back. Yes, when you check out her site, you’ll see we have two totally different styles. Each of us brought something different to the table and our unique perspectives meshed surprisingly well to create a story filled with romance, action, adventure, and, um, the apocalypse. Stay tuned for more details. 😉

That’s all for now. Again, be sure to sign up for the newsletter. And I’m looking forward to another great month with you all…later.

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.99 cents, ePublishing, eReader, Five Star Review, Kindle, Nook, Sale

Indie Spotlight: Piety and Murder

This week I’m featuring a taut thriller by a former Green Beret. Yes, I do make some interesting discoveries deep in the Indie Publishing Rabbit Hole. The book is Piety and Murder by Thomas Rowe Drinkard. Available in the following formats:  Kindle | Nook. 

Description: Mack Brinson has two major problems.  He is trying to recover from the long trauma of losing the love of his life—his wife Song.  Now, his only family, Song’s mother Huong, is being systematically, and legally, bilked by a sleazy televangelist’s organization.

When Brinson goes to the smarmy preacher’s headquarters in an attempt to stop the thievery, he is physically threatened.

Brinson is a former Green Beret and isn’t intimidated. He goes after the preacher in an attempt to gather embarrassing information.  When he gets too close, someone tries to murder him in a running gunfight on the Lake Ponchartrain Bridge. 

Along the way, Brinson meets a woman, Pattie, who finally begins to dissolve the emotional walls he has erected.  He begins to learn how to love again.

There is an unseen hand behind the preacher’s organization.  The face of the antagonist is unclear, but when Huong is kidnapped, Brinson has to call on his old Special Operations contacts to find the kidnapper and rescue her.

The face of the man behind the televangelist finally becomes clear and shocking. Vengeance: slow and awful lies ahead.

My take: This suspenseful thriller, written with prescisely detailed prose, and cast with unique characters, delves into a phase of life rarely covered in other books featuring protagonists that boast membership in the Special Forces. Mack Brinson is retired, Post Mid-life, and shares a Southern home with his dog and dead wife’s mother. Rambo this guy is not, and that’s the strength in this tale of duty and vengeance. While Brinson’s days of parachuting into some jungle warzone may be behind him, there’s still plenty to fight for when a smarmy televangelist threatens what’s near and dear. Timely and telling, Piety and Murder is a nice addition to your eReader of choice.

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eReader, Indie Spotlight, Kindle, Nook

Indie Spotlight: COVENANT

Back again, folks. I’ve been super busy with promotion for my eBooks and new writing, but I realized I’ve neglected the blog for too long. So, in my constant effort to find a sustainable angle that lets me get info out to you all in a timely manner, I’ve decided to feature some of the great books I stumble upon as I go deeper into the Indie Publishing Rabbit Hole.

First up, COVENANT by Brandon Massey. Available in the following formats: Paperback | Kindle | Nook

DISCLAIMER: If you know me, then you realize Brandon’s work isn’t something I just discovered. I’m a long-time fan, and he’s a friend. He is also an Indie Author, so COVENANT does fit the criteria here.

DESCRIPTION: On a golden summer morning, fifteen-year-old Anthony Thorne is on a fishing boat with his father, rods cast into the lake, when the crack of a rifle shatters the silence. His father slumps forward, blood leaking from his chest. Horrified, Anthony spins in the direction of the gunfire, and sees a shadowy figure race away from the shore and vanish in the cover of the trees–a vision that will haunt him for years to come . . .

Anthony pulls his dad into his arms, but he is beyond help. He dies in Anthony’s embrace, Anthony’s scream of anguish echoing across the still waters.

Fifteen years later, a happily married Marine veteran and author of a bestselling series of crime novels, Anthony has achieved a measure of success. But the past still haunts him-—in spite of his eyewitness testimony, his father’s murder was declared a hunting accident, and no one was ever brought to justice.

On the anniversary of his father’s death, a mysterious message arrives from an unknown sender that promises to lead Anthony to the truth. But is Anthony’s helper the angel he’d been waiting for–or a devil in disguise?

Determined to find answers, Anthony and his wife soon find themselves hunted by a team of assassins dispatched by a powerful organization with frightening technological resources. The killers pursuing them are as fanatical in their beliefs as they are well-equipped–loyal followers of a charismatic leader who might be the most dangerous man in America . . .

My Take: Massey cranks up the thrills with a fast paced combination of chases, gunplay, and mega conspiracy that is sure to please fans of the Harlan Coben style novel. Thorne is a natural action hero who I’d like to see more of in the future. I don’t know if there are plans to make him a series character, but I’d certainly enjoy another outing with Thorne.

If you like thrillers and reasonable prices, do yourself a favor and check out Covenant.

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ebooks, ePublishing, eReader, Racial

My eVolution

Been awhile, folks. Happy New Year (he says, three weeks late).

As always, I apologize for the M.I.A act, but I’ve been gone for a good reason…well, I hope you think it’s a good reason.

Of course I’ve been writing, and also been prepping for the next (immediate) step in my writing career. Indie Publishing.

As of yesterday, you can purchase two of my novels for your Kindle, Nook, or other compatible eReader device.

For the record, this isn’t an ad for either book. If you care to download a free sample or purchase either book, you can utilize this link, or any of the links in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

This is more like the first journal entry in a year long experiment. You see, I don’t know how to market things, and I don’t know if people will like what I’m offering, but I gotta start somewhere. I expect there to be a lot of trial and error as I attempt to strike a balance between my natural inclination to not annoy folks with the necessary assertiveness it takes to make people aware that I have a product they may want to take a look at.

As always, I’m an open book (no pun intended). I’ll post about my efforts, the results, and any hurdles I hit along the way. So far I’ve sold 3 books total. Not bad for the first couple of days. I’ve heard of much slower starts. Time will tell if this first 3 was the start of a movement or the peak.

More to come folks…

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ebooks, eReader, Kindle, Marketing, Nook, publishing

Draculas (yes, plural): a review

There’s something you need to know right now: I don’t like my vampires sparkly.

Neither do Crouch, Kilborn, Strand, or Wilson…the authors responsible for DRACULAS, a new horror novel collaboration available exclusively through eReader devices like the Amazon Kindle. Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about story medium (particularly surrounding Kilborn AKA JA Konrath), the digital revolution, and the future of publishing. This tag-team match of high octane thriller-horror writers may very well stir that pot once again, but I’m not here to talk about that.

I want to talk about sweet red candy. Blood. Particularly the RIVERS of it running through this tale.

The premise is simple enough. Terminally-ill billionaire Mortimer Moorecock purchases what tabloids call a “Dracula skull”, supposedly the fossilized skull of the Count himself (or one of his cousins). The goal: immortality. Upon pressing this skull’s crocodile-like fangs into his own neck, Moorecock succumbs to vicious seizures. His caretakers rush him to the hospital where things go horribly wrong. The infection changing Moorecock into a blood-crazed predator spreads quickly and what should’ve been a quick trip to the ER turns into a battle for every single person in the hospital to survive the night.

And what a battle it is.

I haven’t read a book like this in…well, ever. The mix of comedy, gore, and horror combine for cycles of laughter, wincing, and heartbreak. When you consider that four different authors put the words together, it seems like a miracle that the story is even coherent. They pull it off though, with seamless transitions between characters and voice. As an added bonus, this book comes with DVD-like extras that pull the curtain back on the process that birthed this beautifully bloody gorefest.

Some may call DRACULAS a throw-back to blood-soaked vampires who didn’t shop at Banana Republic and romance brooding teenage girls. On well level, I agree, but I would simply add this type of vampire probably should’ve been the standard all along.

If you feel the same, then this is a must-read.

Sidenote: Did Sam Raimi ever make a vampire movie? One of his old-school, guerilla style horror films that’s gained cult status but has somehow escaped my memory? If not, and if I ever have an audience with the man, I would beg him to adapt this. There’d be very little for him to do. Hire great actors. Hand out Kindles. Let the cameras roll. I may start a petition. And if you read DRACULAS, I think you’d be happy to sign it.

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book review, Draculas, eReader, Kindle

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