Saturday, December 31, 2011

Live Chat with Author Denise Grover Swank

Coming this Tuesday at 7:00pm PST, we're hosting a live chat with the fabulous author Denise Grover Swank, right here on the Indie Elite! Denise will be chatting about her outstanding adult paranormal novel, Chosen.

To join in just return her on Tuesday and click on the Live Chats button, then log in. You don't need to be a follower, or have a special account of any kind. All you need is a name, any name you choose, and then you can join in.

Here is a bit about Chosen:

Everything Emma Thompson owns fits in a suitcase she moves from one roach infested motel to another. She and Jake, her five year old son who can see the future, are running from the men intent on taking him. Emma will do anything to protect him even when it means accepting the help of a stranger named Will. Jake insists she needs Will, but Emma’s never needed help before. And even though she’s learned to trust her son, it doesn’t mean she trusts Will.

Mercenary Will Davenport lives in the moment. Hauling Emma to South Dakota should have been an easy job, but his employer neglected to tell him about Emma’s freaky son and the gunmen hot on her trail. Instinct tells him this job is trouble, but nothing can prepare him for Jake’s proclamation that Will is The Chosen One. Who must protect Emma from the men hunting her power. A power she doesn’t know she has.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Praise for Open Minds

If you haven't read Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn yet then there's no time like the present to jump on the ride and hang on! But you don't have to take my word for it. Tricia J. O'Brian over at Talespinning has given Open Minds a great review that will surely win you  over and make you want to spend some of that holiday gift money on a copy. Here is a bit of Tricia's review:

Tricia: "Susan deftly developed a captivating concept with solid world-building, comprehensible futuristic slang, and characters who matter... This is Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy, and I'm eager for more."

For the rest of Tricia's review go here and check it out, then be sure to check out Open Minds here and Susan's blog here.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Self-Publishing Success Story~Darcie Chan

Environmental legislation lawyer Darcie Chan has sold more than 400,000 copies of her indie debut novel, The Mill River Recluse. It is described as, "a story of triumph over tragedy, one that reminds us of the value of friendship and the ability of love to come from the most unexpected of places."


Darcie tried the traditional route and after rejection from a dozen publishers and over 100 literary agents, she turned to eBook publishing. But she didn't just sit back and hope it sold well, she worked hard and paid attention to the market. When she saw that others had success selling at .99 cents she dropped her novel to that price, and her sales immediately started to pick up.

But Darcie didn't stop there. She invested in smart marketing and got the attention a new author so desperately needs by hard work and careful planning. Here is bit about The Mill River Recluse:

Disfigured by the blow of an abusive husband, and suffering her entire life with severe social anxiety disorder, the widow Mary McAllister spends almost sixty years secluded in a white marble mansion overlooking the town of Mill River, Vermont. Her links to the outside world are few: the mail, the media, an elderly priest with a guilty habit of pilfering spoons, and a bedroom window with a view of the town below.

Most longtime residents of Mill River consider the marble house and its occupant peculiar, though insignificant, fixtures. An arsonist, a covetous nurse, and the endearing village idiot are among the few who have ever seen Mary. Newcomers to Mill River--a police officer and his daughter and a new fourth grade teacher--are also curious about the reclusive old woman. But only Father Michael O'Brien knows Mary and the secret she keeps--one that, once revealed, will change all of their lives forever.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Open Minds is a Bestseller in Germany

Huge congratulations are in order for Susan Kaye Quinn whose debut novel, Open Minds, just hit the Amazon bestseller list in Germany! Here's Susan's announcement regarding it on Twitter:

 SusanKayeQuinn 
Open Minds is a bestseller in Germany!     EUR 2,99

We're so excited for your Susan! And we're excited for our lovely reader friends in Germany who are enjoying Open Minds so much. Here's the listing on Amazon Germany. Not in Europe? Well you don't have to go all the way to the European continent to get a copy. You can check out Susan's site and get a signed copy right from her!

Gift Ideas for Fans of Cyndi Tefft's Between


Author of BetweenCyndi Tefft has put together some fun gift ideas for fans of her novels. That means you Aiden's Angels! For starters, you can get a signed copy of Between right from Cyndi's blog. Signed books are always great gift ideas and many authors offer them on their sites.

But if you're already a fan, or know a fan, then you'll definitely want to check out what Cyndi has put together on Cafe Press for Aiden's Angels. The items on there are definitely going on my wish list! :)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Hunted by Denise Grover Swank Hits #1 On Amazon

Congratulations to Denise Grover Swank are in big order tonight. Her novel Hunted, sequel to the outstanding Chosen, has just hit #1 on Amazon's Best Selling New And Future Releases in Romantic Suspense! If you haven't had the pleasure of reading her books yet, the incentive doesn't get much better than that. I haven't had the pleasure of reading Hunted yet but I've recently finished Chosen and I loved it so much that the only thing holding me back from buying Hunted, is my family-imposed ban on buying anything for myself until after the holidays. Suspense, action, danger, romance, Chosen had it all and according to sales and reviews, it looks like Hunted doesn't disappoint either.

Hurry and put these on your wish list, you won't be disappointed! While you're at it, pick up a few copies for the ladies on your holiday shopping list. Trust me, they'll love you for it.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New Novel By Denise Grover Swank

If you aren't already aware, our own Denise Grover Swank, has a fantastic new novel that you must check out, Chosen. It's an adult paranormal that will get your heart racing from the very first page and never let it slow down. I'm currently in the middle of this one and I've got to tell you, it's blowing me away. She has outdone herself with this one. Here is a bit about it:

Everything Emma Thompson owns fits in a suitcase she moves from one roach infested motel to another. She and Jake, her five year old son who can see the future, are running from the men intent on taking him. Emma will do anything to protect him even when it means accepting the help of a stranger named Will. Jake insists she needs Will, but Emma’s never needed help before. And even though she’s learned to trust her son, it doesn’t mean she trusts Will.

Mercenary Will Davenport lives in the moment. Hauling Emma to South Dakota should have been an easy job, but his employer neglected to tell him about Emma’s freaky son and the gunmen hot on her trail. Instinct tells him this job is trouble, but nothing can prepare him for Jake’s proclamation that Will is The Chosen One. Who must protect Emma from the men hunting her power. A power she doesn’t know she has.

You can order a signed copy of Chosen, and it's sequel Hunted, from Denise's blog. These are two books that you are definitely going to want to put on your holiday wish list!

Friday, November 25, 2011

In Depth Review of Spruce Knoll on Black Friday

Just in time for Black Friday, another glowing review of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll has come in. This one is from the dynamic book blogger Giselle, of .Xpresso Reads.


Here is a bit from Giselle: When I read this synopsis for this novel that talks of “channelers” and their fates being tied to the world, I wasn't really sure what to expect, and if I would really get it. I can now say that The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a wonderfully written paranormal novel that is completely original and full of wonder, love and loss. 

Shortly after opening it's pages, I was introduced to the town of Spruce Knoll - Erin's new hometown - where people are acting peculiar and not very accepting. Some of them are even blatantly rude. Eren doesn't know the reason behind this behavior, but once she finds out about her being a channeller, she soon uncovers why...


To read the rest and hear what Giselle thought of the twists and turns, and of Aiden, click here.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Indie Author Turned Traditional

Whenever an independent author is so successful that they’re picked up by an traditional publisher it makes many of us stand up and cheer. It is proof that there are amazing independent books out there and that the industry is starting to recognize that and pull from it. Another independent author’s unprecedented success has gained the attention of a fantastic traditional publisher. Elfhunter, by C.S. Marks, has been picked up by Sea Lion Books which publishes such renowned authors as Anne Rice, Richelle Mead, and Becca Fitzpatrick, among others.

Here is a bit about Elfhunter by C.S. Marks:

A monster roams the last refuge of the elves—a creature who has sworn to destroy them one by one until none remain. One headstrong heroine is determined to stand between her people and extinction—wood elf Gaelen Taldin. When powerful dark magic creates a terrible and irrevocable spiritual link between them, the result is a journey of terrifying transformation. Elfhunter tells a story of savage combat between predator and prey—a deadly dance wherein the hunter becomes the hunted. Who will prevail?

I don’t know about you, but I’m totally hooked after reading that! I’ll be checking out Elfhunter for sure! You can read more about C.S. Marks here.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Clockwise Print Release Celebration And A Review

Today is the official launch day of the print book Clockwise by Elle Strauss! I’ve been waiting for a long time to hold this book in my hands. eBooks just aren’t the same to me. To celebrate, Elle is hosting a fun giveaway on Facebook and Twitter. Here are the details:

Elle: There will be a hashtag contest where I'll give away a copy of TEMPEST by Julie Cross (staying with the time travel theme). All you have to do is tweet or Facebook when and where you would go or what you would do if you could go back in time for one hour. For instance: I would go to New York in 1924 to the El Fey Club, and dance the Charleston #onehourbackintime #Clockwise

Be sure to stop by Elle’s site today and wish her book a happy print birthday, then go to Facebook and/or Twitter and join in on the fun! 

On the wings of her print release comes a glowing review from Literary Junkie, a fantastic book blogger/reviewer. Here is a short excerpt of her review:

Literary Junkie: Oh, Clockwise. How I wish I could go back in time just to read you over and over again. Clockwise was a quick-paced, fun book. I literally could not put it down. I even stayed up way too late and faced sleep deprivation. The concept of this book is totally new to me. At first, I thought...

For the rest of this in-depth review (and many great others), check out Literary Junkie's blog. If you need a good book to read, this lady will not steer you wrong! 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Glowing Review Of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll

Jewelz over at YA Book Diva Reviews posted a glowing review of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle. Hear what this teen reviewer had to say:

Jewelz: This book was absolutely, positively divine! Oh my goodness. My mom introduced me to this book because I was needing a book to read. So, obviously I was going to read it. My mother's recommendations are never wrong. After all she knows my book tastes. I've lived with her for 14 years.

Eren just wants to be a normal teenage girl. But when her parents get attacked by a wild animal and she has to come live with her aunt, everything changes. I connected with Eren right on the spot...


To read the rest of Jewelz in-depth review go here.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Genesis Swag Pack Winner



We had so much fun celebrating the release of Genesis with author Kristie Cook. Thank you for making us a part of the celebration Kristie! And now, for the winner of the swag pack from the release tour:


Congratulations Diana! Enjoy all the great swag coming your way. Kristie will be in touch shortly using the email address from your Blogger profile. If you need to be contacted via a different manner, be sure to leave us a comment. Thank you to everyone who participated and celebrated with us. 

Look for a big giveaway and live chat with author Heather McCorkle coming soon!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Review Of Open Minds In Prep For Launch Party

Time to pour the champagne and pull out the noise makers because the virtual launch party for Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn is almost here! In celebration we've brought you a fantastic review by our very own Heather McCorkle.

Heather's Review: Wow. It seems woefully inadequate, but that is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. I was blown away. This is one of those books readers devour and authors wish they had written.

Imagine a world where everyone can read each others minds. Being able to read minds and send thoughts is the norm. Gives you the shivers doesn't it? Kira is what is called a zero. She can't read minds or send thoughts which makes her an outcast, someone with no future. But it turns out Kira is something entirely different, and unexpected.

I inhaled this book. The writing is compelling and the world building is done so natural and seamless that I was immersed from the very first page. And the characters, both wonderful and flawed, drew me in the moment I met them. I can hardly wait for a sequel! This is on my list of best books of 2011. I hope you'll join us in celebration with Susan during the launch party which starts November 1st.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Secret of Spruce Knoll Giveaways

There are two giveaways of signed copies of The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle going on right now. The first is with Jen at the blog I Read Banned Books. But hurry, you only have until November 4th for this one!

The second giveaway is on Goodreads where two winners will receive a signed paperback copy. This one closes November 15th.

About The Secret of Spruce Knoll:


Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 


Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Genesis Release Tour With Kristie Cook


The Indie Elite is honored to be a stop along the tour celebrating the release of Kristie Cook's new novella, Genesis. She's also giving Indie Elite readers a chance to win some great swag! First, Kristie is here to tell us a bit about the novel and share how she came up with her characters' names:

Kristie: Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella is a bit different from the other Soul Savers books. Although the fantasy world I created is the same, the real world is not. After all, it takes place over 2,000 years ago, around 200 B.C. So it required a lot of research to understand life in Greece during that era. For each stop along the release tour, I’m sharing something I learned and how it ties into the story.

How authors name their characters is always an interesting topic. In this case, there’s not much information available about how Ancient Greeks were named. A couple tidbits: Because newborn mortality was quite high, babies weren’t named for seven to ten days after birth. Slaves, which were very common (there may have been more slaves than free men), weren’t allowed to use their names but were given new ones by their masters.

The lack of information didn’t matter, though, because I already had names chosen for the characters in Genesis. As with most of my characters, their names were carefully selected based on meaning, personality and certain story elements. The name is about the only part of a character that doesn’t come to me clearly and directly on its own. Rather, the character’s personality, purpose for the story and other things lead me to find the name that fits just right.

What are the characters’ names in Genesis and what do they mean? You might be able to find some foreshadowing by these…

Andrew – Andrew comes from the Greek name Andreas, but my Andrew wasn’t born Greek, which is why I didn’t name him Andreas. The Angels gave him this name that means “man.”

Cassandra – An Ancient Greek name that means “shine upon man.” In Greek mythology, she was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo but when she turned him down, he made it so no one would believe her prophecies.

Jordan – It’s a Biblical name, which is important, but it’s also a Macedonian name and by the time Jordan was born, Macedon (as it was known then) had a heavy presence in Greece. I was glad to see it was feasible for his parents to name him this, because I liked it for reasons they would never have known. Particularly that in Hebrew it means to “descend” or “flow down,” and that the name comes from the River Jordan, which flows down into the Dead Sea.
Niko – The short form of Nikolaus which means “victory of the people” or of Andronikos which means “victory of a man.”

Eris – Means “strife” in Greek.

Andronika – Named after her father and grandfather, Niko and Andrew.

Deimos – Means “terror” in Greek and in Greek mythology, Deimos was the son of the bloodthirsty god of war Ares whose name means “ruin.”

Take from this what you will…and then read Genesis to see if you’re right. It’s available in ebook form right now.

To win a Soul Savers Swag Pack, all you have to do is comment below. This also earns you entries into the Grand Prize drawing at the end of the Genesis Release Tour. Good luck!

*Sources:


The Soul Savers novels: 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Live Chats Coming Soon

The Indie Elite are excited to announce a new feature, live chats! You may have noticed the button on the bar just below the header. Soon we'll be hosting live chats with various (and sometimes even all) the Indie Elite authors. Chats will be held for different events, celebrations, launches, giveaways, and more.

This new feature will allow us to interact with you far better and won't have the lag time and glitches of Twitter. It is easy to use and doesn't require you to be a follower (though we hope you'll stay a while and follow :) or to have an account with anything or anyone. All you have to do is log in when the chat starts using whatever name you would like to be displayed. It's really that easy!

To celebrate it we're planning a big bash and giveaway, date and time to be announced soon! Check the live chat button whenever you stop by because upcoming chats will be displayed there.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Fantastic Review of Open Minds

Mandyll over at TwiMom101 Book Blog has posted an excellent review of Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn. Here is an excerpt of the review:

Mandyll: Wow oh Wow! I just inhaled this book. Quinn is an amazing author with an even more amazing imagination. In some ways Kira reminds me a lot of Katniss from the Hunger Games series. She is forced out of her comfort zone in order to protect herself and her loved ones from those that only want to use her and her ability. Kira is a strong, well developed character that many will relate to. I am sure there has been a time in everyone's life where you felt like an outcast only wanting to fit in. And sometimes...

For the rest check out Mandy's fantastic book blog, TwiMom101 Book blog

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Honest In-Depth Review of The Secret of Spruce Knoll

Jessica Torres over at the book review blog Hopelessly devoted Bibliophile, just released an honest in-depth review of The Secret of Spruce Knoll. Here is a small snippet of it:

Jessica: When Heather McCorkle first contacted me to read The Secret of Spurce Knoll, I was enamored with the synopsis. Any book that deals with magic in a real world setting takes my heart instantly. Why? Well perhaps I'm a dreamer, but I like to think it's really out there somewhere. Who knows. People like Eren could be living somewhere and we'd never even know it! I digress though. Let's get on to the review!

Let's start with what I really liked about this book. Eren's character was fascinating to me from the beginning. Partially because of her new found abilities, but also because of her dual heritage. See, Heather McCorkle has created a character that has both Mayan and Irish background. Of course this causes all sorts of problems for her in the long run. The society in which Eren has found herself has very clear lines drawn between the four heritages that occupy it. What is a girl to do who doesn't really fall on either side? Cue dramatic tension, and some fantastic world building.



To read the remainder of the review and discover what else Jessica enjoyed (and what she didn't) click here

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Secret of Spruce Knoll Giveaway

Writer and book blogger Portia Stewart offers up a stunning review of The Secret of Spruce Knoll, follows it up with a unique interview with the author, and celebrates with a giveaway of a signed copy. To learn everything from what parts of the story kept Heather up at night to the toughest choice she made when writing this story, be sure to check out Portia's interview. And don't forget to enter to win a signed copy!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Author Interview And Giveaway

Melissa Luznicky Garrett is over at Natalie Allen's blog today doing an in-depth interview about her novel, Turning Point. Natalie didn't miss a thing with this one so it's your chance to learn all about the novel and Melissa. To add to the fun Melissa will be giving away a digital copy of her book! You can check out the interview and enter to win here

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Press Release and Giveaway for Turning Point

Here is the press release for Turning Point by Melissa Luznicky Garrett:

She recalled her mother’s warning: Bad things always happen to nice girls like you. Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escape the problems at home, seventeenyear-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of the night. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri, population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family in particular. Jenna discovers there’s a liar in La Grange, and he’s deceived everyone. Now she must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open.

“The tornado isn't the only thing that twists in this story--if you love dark characters with even darker secrets, TURNING POINT is for you!” ~Anne Riley, author of The Clearing.

“TURNING POINT is a YA thriller that will rock your socks, young or old. You should add it to your wish list immediately. I recommend it to anyone who loves stories that expose hidden secrets.” ~Tegan Allen, review on Goodreads.

Published by Create Space
ISBN 1461149703 (ISBN13: 9781461149705)
Available In Print and Online:
Create Space
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Watch the TURNING POINT book trailer on YouTube

And stop by Melissa's site to enter to win one of five copies of Turning Point!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Secret of Spruce Knoll Giveaways

There currently three giveaways of Heather McCorkle's young adult urban fantasy novel, The Secret of Spruce Knoll occurring. That's right, three separate chances to win a copy from people who have already fallen in love with the book!

The first opportunity is from DNA Writers in honor of banned books week, because Heather's novel was unfortunately banned from her local bookstore due to an 'intense' scene in it that the bookseller felt was too much. No worries though, it still garners a PG-13 rating, the scene is just something parents may want to discuss with their kids after they read the novel.

The second opportunity to win is from Brenda Drake over at Brenda Drake Writes, also in honor of banned books week.

The third opportunity is from author Elle Strauss in celebration of her debut week. Elle will also be giving away four other fantastic books!

Enjoy, best of luck, and happy reading!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Review of The Secret of Spruce Knoll

An in-depth review from book blogger and reviewer Debbie of I Heart YA Books has come in for The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle. Here is a bit about the novel first:

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad.

And now for Debbie's review:

***** 5 stars!
I've wanted The Secret of Spruce Knoll since I participated in a live chat with the author, Heather McCorkle. So I dove right into it when I received it in my mailbox. My intuitions about this novel didn't mislead me. McCorkle has penned an incredibly awesome story with amazing characters. McCorkle is a beautiful writer, by that I mean her writing flows with depth and strength and clarity. From the first page, I knew I was in for an intriguing fantasy with Eren and Aiden's story within the world of the Channelers. I also must salute McCorkle for her bravery—showing the reality of what teens face today, and then giving a positive way of dealing with it. 

After the death of her parents, Eren moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an Aunt that she's never met. It doesn't take Eren long to figure out there’s something strange going on, and Eren being the strong-headed girl that she is, is going to find out what Spruce Knoll’s secrets are. Aiden is a drop-dead gorgeous boy that Eren starts to crush on, but she soon knows it’s more than just a crush. Aiden is her forever and her destiny—that together, they have the power to save the Channelers, Humans, and the earth.

Eren and Aiden romance is definitely more than teenage hormones. This is where I have to give praise again to Heather McCorkle. Aiden’s love for Eren is from the heart. He loves her as a person and respects her. Eren and Aiden romance is what I call true swoon and it’s deliciously hot.

I do want to talk about one more character. Fane. I love this fourteen-year-old. He is the fun in this story. He's ready to take on the world and defend Eren's honor. Fane is so protective of Eren even Aiden has to be on his best behavior. I can't wait see more of Fane in the next book, he gave me lots of laughs.

The Secret of Spruce Knoll is beautifully written and has an awesome storyline. I highly recommend as a must read.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Clockwise Blog Tour And Giveaway

To celebrate the release of her novel Clockwise, Elle Strauss is doing a blog tour complete with a fantastic giveaway that you won't want to miss. Here are the details from Elle:


To celebrate, I'm giving away five debut books by authors that you can meet on  blog tour which is happening this week.

Books up for grabs:

LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden
THE CLEARING by Anne Riley
THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL by Heather McCorkle
PERILOUS by Tamara Hart Heiner

THE HATING GAME by Talli Roland 


How to win?  Just sign up for my newsletter. I promise I won't swamp you, I just want to let you know when I have new news and hopefully a few other interesting publishing/writing nuggets.  If you’d like extra entries,  leave a comment on any blog in the tour. The more blogs you visit and comment on the more chances you have to win. 

 And if you want even more chances you can tweet this:  Celebrate the launch of CLOCKWISE by @elle_strauss for a chance to win1/5 Debuting YA books.  #clockwise #winbooks

And Facebook this: Celebrate the launch of CLOCKWISE by Elle Strauss for a chance to win these Debuting YA books; LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden, THE CLEARING by Anne Riley, THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL by Heather McCorkle, PERILOUS by Tamara Hart Heiner and THE HATING GAME by Talli Roland 

Five books, five days, five winners!

Here is the blog tour schedule.

Tuesday: Laurel at Laurel’s Leaves is interviewing me. Find out who I’d choose if I cast the main characters in a movie and more...

Wednesday (we are hopping this day!): I’m guest blogging for Denise Jaden on  Why Writing History is Cool.
Heather at Heather’s Odyssey and Caroline Starr Rose are interviewing me. Find out what inspired CLOCKWISE and what I'm working on next.

If you want to know if CLOCKWISE is worth reading, these lovely ladies all have read an ARC and are giving a review; Laura PaulingSaraLarson,Tamara Heiner Hart.

Thursday: Hop over to Leigh Moore’s blog where she is reviewing CLOCKWISE and interviewing me--find out why I chose the Boston as my setting.  I’m also being interviewed by ElanaJohnson where I reveal something that most people don't know about me.

And finally on Friday: I’m guest blogging over at TalliRoland’s blog on Chick-lit in YA, plus she’s giving a review. If you want to see me live,  go to Anne Riley’s blog for my very first VLOG (surprising how nerve wracking it is to talk to your own face on your own laptop--PJ's and wild office mess included!) where I teach on structure and talk a bit about CLOCKWISE.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Cyndi Tefft Author Appearance And Giveaway

If you haven't read Between yet then there is a giveaway going on at Goodreads right now that you won't want to miss! Kilts, Scotland, the grim reaper, you just can't go wrong with those elements in a story. So hurry over to Goodreads and enter to win Between before the contest closes on September 29th!

The first weekend in October, the Northwest Bookfest is occurring in Kirkland Washington. Cyndi Tefft will be participating in a panel on writing YA fiction there Saturday from 11:00am ~ 12:00pm. You'll be able to get your copy of Between signed by Cyndi Tefft all day Saturday so don't miss it if you'll be in the area!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What We're About & How To Apply

The Indie Elite is a special organization of independent authors (both with small publishers, and some who are completely independent) who have written outstanding novels. Each member of the Indie Elite has been recognized by critics or their peers, and have achieved respectable sales and/or earned awards or been finalists in recognized contests. Authors belonging to IE have been brought in by special invite or have applied and met the standards of excellence.

If you're looking for a great novel by an independent author then you've come to the right place. Our members currently write in the following genres: young adult, paranormal romance, mystery, thriller, and middle grade. On this site you'll find updates on novels written by the Indie Elite authors, press releases, author appearances, reviews of the novels written by the Indie Elite, and an occasional contest.

New members are welcome! To apply fill out the form below. You're more than welcome to nominate an author for Indie Elite membership, they just have to be aware of the nomination and willing to be a member. Check out the tabs above to learn more about our current members. Members must not only have an excellent book either completely independently published or published with a small press, but also need to contribute blog posts once every two months.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Susan Kaye Quinn

(Book one of the Mindjack Trilogy).

You can get Susan's novels here (among other places):



When everyone reads minds, 

a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf's mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she's dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where being forced to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.


Learn more about Open Minds here and prepare for its November first launch!

Kitty Keswick

She is a Class of 2K10 member (fabulous authors who debuted in 2010). You can find Kitty on Twitter and Facebook. Her debut novel, FREAKSVILLE, is published with Leap Books. You can find it on B&N and Amazon, among other retailers. She is also a contributing author in the anthology SPIRITED. Here is a bit about Freaksville:

A group of teenagers, trapped in a haunted theater on the night of a full moon, find out that ghosts are the least of their worries…

Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a normal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick, Gillie Godshall, consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new realms, a lead in a play, a haunted theater ... and into the arms of Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?

Denise Grover Swank

Denise Grover Swank is a single mom of six kids who lives in Missouri. She writes for both young adults and adults alike. Her debut novel, an adult mystery with a dash of paranormal, Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes, released this summer. It is the winner of the Beacon Award~2010 Unpublished Division, Mainstream Category. 

In September her paranormal thriller, Chosen, released in eBook format. Look for it to release in print format this November. Look for her first young adult sci-fi novel, Torn, to release next year! To learn more about Denise and her novels click here.

A bit about Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes:

For Rose Gardner, working at the DMV on a Friday afternoon is bad even before she sees a vision of herself dead. She’s had plenty of visions, usually boring ones like someone’s toilet’s overflowed, but she’s never seen one of herself before. When her overbearing momma winds up murdered on her sofa instead, two things are certain: There isn't enough hydrogen peroxide in the state of Arkansas to get that stain out, and Rose is the prime suspect.

Rose realizes she’s wasted twenty-four years of living and makes a list on the back of a Wal-Mart receipt: twenty-eight things she wants to accomplish before her vision comes true. She’s well on her way with the help of her next door neighbor Joe, who has no trouble teaching Rose the rules of drinking, but won’t help with number fifteen-- do more with a man. Joe’s new to town, but it doesn’t take a vision for Rose to realize he’s got plenty secrets of his own.

Somebody thinks Rose has something they want and they’ll do anything to get it. Her house is broken into, someone else she knows is murdered, and suddenly, dying a virgin in the Fenton County jail isn’t her biggest worry after all.






A.M. Hudson

A.M. Hudson started writing full-time after her third child. She lives a more than ordinary life in Australia with her husband and children. When she's not writing, she sings in a duo or can be found under a pile of books.

You can follow A.M. Hudson on Twitter, Facebook or Blogspot for updates, to ask questions and to enter competitions.





A bit about her debut novel, Tears Of The Broken:

Lies are the shadows of betrayal...the vampire will be the light.
When you love someone, there's nothing you wouldn't forgive.


But what about murder?

Ara-Rose will learn that life is fashioned from one tragedy after the next, and that sometimes, the truth people hide from you is nothing you could have imagined.

But Ara has secrets of her own, and she's willing to take them to her grave--a place David Knight will fight to keep her from.
A.M.'s novels can be found here (among other retailers):

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Melissa Garrett

Melissa Luznicky Garrett is an author of adult and young adult novels. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and numerous animals. Melissa is currently hard at work on her next project.


Here is a bit about her novel, Turning Point:
She recalled her mother’s warning: Bad things always happen to nice girls like you.


Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escape the problems at home, seventeen-year-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of the night. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri, population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family in particular. Jenna discovers there’s a liar in La Grange, and he’s deceived everyone. Now she must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open. 

*Although this book is marketed to young adults, it is better suited for the older YA crowd.*

“TURNING POINT is a YA thriller that will rock your socks, young or old. You should add it to your wish list immediately. I recommend it to anyone who loves stories that expose hidden secrets.” ~ Tegan Allen, review on Goodreads

The Spirit Keeper synopsis: After her mother and grandparents die in a raging house fire, eleven-year-old Sarah Redbird ends up in the custody of her aunt and uncle. Six years later, Sarah discovers the fire may not have been an accident at all, but a deliberate act of revenge.

Sarah’s family has kept the truth of their Native American heritage secret her entire life, refusing to acknowledge where they came from. But when a family that has direct ties to their past moves to town, Sarah’s true identity is revealed.

What Sarah soon learns is that some secrets are better left unspoken.

“THE SPIRIT KEEPER is powerful, dreamy, and truly gripping. Garrett definitely knows how to weave mystery and magic.” Natalie Allan, author of Walking Through Darkness

"In THE SPIRIT KEEPER, Garrett has masterfully created a captivating story with characters that readers truly care about. Take a journey with a seemingly-ordinary girl who discovers she's part of an extraordinary world of untold powers." Lauren Loiacono, book enthusiast.



Melissa's books can be found at these retailers (among others):

And Melissa can be reached here:

Author of Adult and Young Adult Novels











Kristie Cook


Kristie Cook is not only an author but also a mother of three and a business owner who lives in Southwest Florida. As an air force brat she has lived all over the country and in Germany. Besides her family and writing of course, she enjoys reading, cooking, the beach, and traveling.

Her first paranormal novel for adults, Promise, released in the Summer of 2010 and just recently re-released with a fabulous new cover and new content. The sequel, Purpose, is also available and the third book is coming soon. Learn more about Kristie and her novels here.



A bit about Promise:

Alexis Ames has a life full of promise…but not all promises can be kept.

1st Place - 2010 Royal Palm Literary Award - Fantasy (Published) by Florida Writers Association

"An exciting and fascinating fantasy of demons and angels, highly recommended" - Midwest Book Review

"Promise is a book bursting at the seams - with an ending that'll leave you wanting more." - L. Reeves, A Life Bound by Books

"...completely blown away by the writing, story line, and characters..." - Jessica, Total Bookaholic

When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can’t be real, she decides it’s time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family’s secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy…until she discovers he’s not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.

Their union brings hope and promise to her family’s secret society, the Angels’ army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy – Satan’s minions and Tristan’s creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

"It had me up late at night to 'just read another chapter'" - Author Jessica Bell

"I would recommend this to anyone who has read Christine Feehan's Carpathian novels." - P.A. Fleming

Karlene Petitt

Karlene Petitt is published with JetStar publishing.

Karlene is a commercial pilot who travels the world on a daily basis. No matter what time zone she's in though she always finds time for her husband, kids, and friends. Her experience as a pilot gives her a unique inside perspective into her aviation based writing.


Karlene's first novel, an aviation thriller, Flight For Control, is now available in hardback, paperback, and eBook.
AmazonB&N 

Here is a bit about Flight For Control:

After a ten-year leave, Kathryn Jacobs has been invited back to the N.T.S.B to investigate a series of unexplained airline crashes. But her husband, Captain Bill Jacobs, has his concerns. While her twin daughters are off at camp, and Bill is actively campaigning for the Pilot Union Presidency, Kathryn secretly begins her investigation. What she learns will shock the nation.

Flight For Control is a thriller that reads like a mystery. But to Kathryn, there is no mystery on the condition of the airline industry—it’s broken. Planes are crashing. Pensions are lost. Pilots are financially and emotionally bankrupt due to fatigue, furloughs, and loss of seniority. It’s time that someone takes control before it’s too late—unless it already is.

Your life is in your pilot’s hands. Do you know who’s flying your plane?

Karen Hooper

Karen’s debut YA fantasy novel, Tangled Tides, was released by Rhemalda Publishing, and her newest book, Grasping at Eternity will be released in May of 2012.

Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.

She co-founded a teen focused blog with some other awesome YA authors: YA Confidential and is grateful to be part of another talented group of authors called the Indelibles.

Author Website: http://www.karenamandahooper.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Karen_Hooper

Tangled Tides is the story if a human girl turned mermaid who discovers she is the only soul who can save a world of sea creatures.

“Adventure, family secrets, and sizzling romance. I couldn’t put it down!” ~Rae Carson, THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS.

“This novel does for mermaids what Twilight did for vampires.” ~Addison Moore, the CELESTRA series.

You can buy Tangled Tides at: Amazon, Rhemalda Bookstore, Barnes & Noble