3,000 Tweeps And Counting Giveaway :D

Hello Everyone!

We have TWO big announcements today on the blog *Drum Roll*. The first announcement is...we won the gold medal in the Readers Favorite Contest (YA Fantasy Category). We were completely overwhelmed when we heard the news. We can't thank you all enough for your continued support of us and our work!

The second announcemnt is...as of this past weekend we reached 3,000 followers on Twitter! WE LOVE OUR TWEEPS! BIG HUGS TO ALL OF YOU! :D

So, to celebrate these two big announcements we're having another HUGE giveaway :D Just how huge, you're wondering? Well, we're giving away 5 The Childe swag packs, which include a signed paperback copy of The Childe in each. We're also giving away 5 kindle copies of The Childe! Oh, and we almost forgot, the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as well ;)

So here are the deets for the giveaway:

On October 10th we will be giving away 5 The Childe swag packs and 5 Kindle copies of The Childe! Here's a pic of what you get if you win 1 of the 5 swag packs!

Contents of each swag pack:

A personalized/signed paperback copy of The Childe

A The Childe bookmark

A The Childe Button

A moonstone necklace (on a silver chain...mentioned in case you have a allergic reaction to silver) ***Comes in the light purple bag***

A moonstone bracelet ***Comes in the dark purple swirl bag***

To Enter:

*You must be a follower of our blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC) ***Please leave your GFC name in your comment***

*Leave a contact email address for notification purposes, and also specify if you want to be entered to win a The Childe swag pack or a Kindle copy.

Extra Entries:

*Tweet about the giveaway: (Leave the link to your tweet) +2

*Answer the following question in the comments section: If you were a shapeshifter, what creature would you want to be able to transform into? +1

Giveaway ends October 10th, 2011!

Good Luck Everyone! We Wish You Books...And Swag! :D

We're Finalists :D

Hello Blogosphere,


We have some exciting news to share with you all tonight! We're officially finalists in the Readers Favorite Award Contest in the YA Fantasy category :D We actually found this out awhile ago, but we wanted to do a blog post closer to when the winners were going to be announced which is this Thursday (9/1). I (Adam) was so ecstatic when I first found out that I called my mom (Carol) at 5:00 in the morning to tell her the great news. Needless to say she was groggy, but she sure did pep up shortly after I told her, haha! So, we're actually up against some great competition, one author in particular being C.C. Jackson and her awesome fantasy novel, Stay. She's also one of our wonderful twitter tweeps!


Mom and I are just over the moon that we were picked to be finalists, and whatever the outcome is on Thursday, we're just proud of what we've accomplished thus far! Thank you everyone for your support and love, it really means more to us than any of you could ever know ;) ((((BIG HUGS)))) and lots of LOVE!


C.A. Kunz
(Carol and Adam Kunz)

INDIE BOOK BLOWOUT!! :D

Hello everyone!

So do we have a treat for you Blogosphere :D Come this Labor Day weekend, our book The Childe will be only $.99. But that's not all, we're also being joined by many other indie authors who have agreed to lower the price of their books to $.99 as well! We're really excited to be a part of this Indie Book Blowout and hope that you all will check it out to see if there's something that piques your interest. Here are the official details: 

*** SEPTEMBER 2 – 5 ONLY ***

The first ever INDIE BOOK BLOWOUT – To celebrate this exciting event, I’ve reduced the price on my book to only 99¢! 

Yes, it’s a weekend to remember!

To score dozens of FANTASTIC indie books for only 99¢, visit indiebookblowout.com. While you’re there, register to win a brand new Kindle & up to $ 100 in Gift Cards (entry form on the site).

Happy Reading, We Wish You books!

Author Interview With Haresh Daswani :D

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our last post for the International Indie Author Blog Hop! Today on the blog we have a chat with author Haresh Daswani about his novel, The Evolution Of Insanity. So, before we get to the meat and potatoes of this blog post, let's take care of some business first:

Blurb

An author having a conversation with his fictional character, or losing control of his character, mind numbing points leading one twists and turns spinning the mind of the reader with hallucinogenic colors, concepts, and eurekas.

The short stories begin simplified, and walks together with the author as he takes a personal journey deep within the universe of his own consciousness, dwelling, prodding, dissecting, and creating...

This book is a play on different writing styles uniquely conjured by the writer from random inspiration and experimentation with poetry as prior experience. This is a chronological anthology spanning the imagination and sanity of the writer.

This book is a collection of humour, satire, and philosophy, with the most unique writing style and twists. This book evolves as one reads, from basic and simple stories of humor, to deeper and more profound satire best savored twice.


And now for our little chat with author Haresh Daswani. Hope you all enjoy it!

1. In eight words or less, how would you describe your novel, The Evolution of Insanity?

Compilation of unconventional short stories

2. What inspires you as an author?

I enjoy writing what I think, what to ponder upon, and what possibilities and thoughts exist. I enjoy evolving my thoughts, reflecting on life, and live curiously. I enjoy challenging what is taboo, and see the entire universe in a different light, in rose tinted glasses, or amber and green for the left, while the right lens would be blue and red. I want to confuse, question, and rediscover together with my readers. This is a conversation, this book does get the reader involved.

3. How would you describe your writing style?

I dwell into experimental literature. I have hailed from poetry and was always experimenting on different styles. My writing has been highly evolving, wherein no two pieces may even share the same writing style. Each piece plays, each piece is a riddle, and this is the main reason why it all has to be chronological, so that the reader can see the evolving literary pattern.

4. Are you currently working on any new projects?

I am continuously writing new pieces. If this book proves well, then I will give more emphasis on the next book.

5. Where did your draw your inspiration from when you wrote The Evolution of Insanity?

They're random, but there was a deeper need to express thoughts and concepts, to educate, to question, and to be questioned. Each piece is a riddle, and was made as such.

6. What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?

I am a member of 3 non profit organizations, helping the environment, instilling leadership concepts, etc. As well as being an environmental solutions provider

7. What writer(s) has been a big influence on you and your writing?

PJ O'rourke, Chuck Pallahnuk, Haruki Murakami, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Douglas Adams, Geeta Mehta, Mikhail Bulgakov, many others.

8. If there was one piece of advice you could share with an author who's just starting to write, what would it be?

Write what you want to express, not what sells. If you write what you wish to write, you will write timeless pieces.

9. If you could have a paranormal power or be any type of creature, what would it be?

I have always wanted to be a handsome devil, with all the wealth, fame, and dark powers. Villainy is something I would enjoy. Someone has to play the part

Here are a few places where you can find out more about Haresh Daswani's novel, The Evolution Of Insanity:

http://insanitybook.weebly.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAm3LBCrBtE

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10286585-evolution-of-insanity

*Don't Forget To Enter The Huge International Indie Author Blog Hop Giveaway!* http://www.angelhaze.com/2011/07/01/blog-hop/

Interview With Author Reena Jacobs ;D

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our fifth post for the International Indie Author Blog Hop! Today on the blog we have the pleasure of chatting with author Reena Jacobs about her paranormal romance, Shadow Cat, and her little love story, I loved You First. Now, as always, we have a little business to contend with first before we get to the spilt tea (gossip/details).

Eric Randall’s plan is simple—fix the mess his researchers have created in Malaysia, experience the pleasures the country has to offer, and return to the comforts of America. All it takes is one beautiful aborigine, and Eric finds himself stranded in a world of Malaysian myths and legends. A novice shaman amongst her people, Berani is free and independent. Yet all is not well in her homeland. Demons prey on her people, pushing them to extinction. When a strange speaking man invades her forest, she has one more worry to add to her already troubled life. Attraction or no, she will fight Eric tooth and claw to maintain her freedom. But will she destroy herself in the process? If Berani wishes to save her family… if Eric wishes to reclaim his old life, they must stand together against the threats of encroaching wehr-tigers and bloodsucking demons… or perish.

My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I’d never tell him though. I wasn’t stupid. Besides, what he’d told no one, but me, was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. I guess gay wouldn’t be bad if I wasn’t so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.

Stereotypes run amok in this college love story: Parties, alcohol, hookups, and breakups. Alexandria Carmichael may find it a bit much as she deals with the unreturned love from the boy who completes her. When all is revealed, not only does she risk losing her best friend forever, but also herself. Without her childhood companion for support, Alexandria takes a journey of self-discovery but fears what she’ll find at the end.

And now, let's get to the part you've all been waiting for...let's spill some tea with Reena Jacobs, shall we?

1. In five words or less, how would you describe Shadow Cat?

Sexy, exotic, grisly, unique, steamy

2. What are you working on now?

I’m working diligently on releasing my next work I Loved You First. It’s a college love story about a gal in love with her best friend. Great! That works. One snag… he’s gay. The anticipated release date is August 1, 2011. For now, readers can add I Loved You First to their Goodreads list.

3. Where did your draw your inspiration for Shadow Cat’s story from?

Other than being a lover of paranormal romance, I’d have to say research. Shadow Cat truly was research driven. After I decided to write about wehr-tigers, I happened upon Malaysian folklore. From there, the story branched out. What would be important to a clan living in the jungles? If one were to ask me, who came first: Eric or Berani? I’d have to go with Berani. She is the original protagonist, and Eric is her antagonist.

4. What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?

Not writing? You mean there’s life outside of not writing? Church, spending time with my family, and reading.

5. What writer(s) has been a big influence on you?

My immediate answer is always Sherrilyn Kenyon. Her works were my introductory into the paranormal romance genre. I’d longed to read romance but was tired of the same old drab story lines. So much, I’d not picked up a romance for years. Then a bookstore clerk pointed me to Sherrilyn Kenyon. The author revitalized my love for romances. I was on such a paranormal romance kick when I started to write, that’s where I started.

6. If there was one piece of advice you could share with an author who's just starting to write, what would it be?

Don’t let the bull people feed you discourage you from following your dreams. Most folks are stumbling around on hearsay and spreading information someone else told them like it’s absolute. In truth, there are too many variables floating in the wind to determine who is and who isn’t going to be a success in this industry.

Don’t believe me? Look at the history of some of the success stories. You’ll find most (if not all) of them broke some golden rule: Fugly cover art, substandard editing, snubbed someone. I’m not saying to toss everything to the wind. Definitely put your best foot forward. Just know that luck hits some folks harder than others, and you might be the next recipient.

7. What do you admire most about your main character?

Strength. I try to write strong heroines. Sometimes my heroines’ bold attitudes get in the way, but they’re not pushovers. And if they start off with noodles for spines, by the end I hope I’ve pushed my minions to find that inner burn to stand up for themselves.

8. If you could have a paranormal power or be a certain creature, what would it be?

Mind reading, hands down. Would I abuse my powers? Uh… yeah. Of course I would.

9. What is your favorite book that has been made into a movie?

The Joy Luck Club. Long time ago, in another life, I took a Women’s History course, and The Joy Luck Club was mandatory reading. I cannot tell you how much I did not want to read that book. Then the instructor played the movie in class. OMG! That movie was wonderful. I went home and devoured the book. Then I cruised through the rest of Amy Tan’s works.

The Joy Luck is probably the only movie I watched first then read the book. Of course it was mandatory, but still. J

Thanks for having me, Carol and Adam.

Here are just a few links where you can find Reena's works:

Barnes & Nobles

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon DE

Smashwords

Diesel

Sony Reader

Kobo Books

CreateSpace (Print)

Goodreads

Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.

Today, July 27th is the next stop for the Indie Author Blog Hop. So make sure you hop on over to these sites for more spilt tea:

Haresh Daswani hosts an excerpt of Reena Jacob’s, Shadow Cat, on his blog.

*Don't Forget To Enter The Huge Indie Author Blog Hop Giveaway!* http://www.angelhaze.com/2011/07/01/blog-hop/