Spooky Spectacular Sale~ All Titles 99 Cents!

The Spooky Spectacular Event will kick off Friday and run through midnight Sunday (Oct 18-20). Featuring 60+ of today's hottest authors, $1,000 in prizes and tons of awesome giveaways (Kindle Fires anyone? Coach wristlets?), the event is going to be a blast!

And most importantly, readers will be able to fill up their Kindles with incredible ebooks, all priced at .99! Check out all the gorgeous books at the event's webpage. Just click here!

RSVP at the event's FB page to be automatically entered into the drawing for one of three Kindle Fires! Click here to visit the event page. Instructions for earning extra entries for the drawing will be on the event page! Additional links to Rafflecopter entries for other giveaways will also be available on the event page as well. A special thank you goes out to Lisa Markson, Leanne Jacobson, Stephanie Shaw and Emily Rae for all their help with the event. You all rock! Spooky Spectacular sponsored by ...

Lizzy Ford (Website, Facebook page, Twitter)

 

Julia Crane (Website, Facebook page, Twitter)

SplashHop Blog Hop!

Summer Splash Blog Hop

Hey All!

Do you have your bunny ears on?  IT IS a hop, after all.

I'm participating in a multi-author blog hop, and you are all invited.

What am I giving away, you ask?

Well, how bout a copy of....whichever book you'd like? (Including the new 4 author bundle just released)

There are tons of prizes on the other stops, so be sure to visit!

You must comment below to enter! If you've read one of my books, tell me which is your favorite.  If not, now's your chance to read one. Look back on my blog at the end of the Hop to see if you're a winner here :) If you click my 'newsletter' link to the side, you get an extra entry--and if you join my brand new street team by leaving me your FB info--you get an extra entry~ So--you can get up to three entries for my prizes.

Good LUCK and HAPPY HOPPING!

Authors Blog Hop Time!

Who doesn't like Blog Hops with lots of prizes?  We all do, right?  Be sure to check out all the other authors participating as well.

For mine, it's relatively easy. Just comment below and tweet the post (add @HopeWelsh so I see it) to be entered to win:

1. $5.00 Amazon Gift Card (Or B&N--your choice)
2. Envelop of printed and signed SWAG (US Residents Only)
3. One ebook from my backlist

CONTEST ENDS ON 7/10 at 11:59PM EST.

Saturday Writing Tips: DIALOGUE

Tips For Saturday

Today I'm going to be talking about writing dialogue, whether in first person or third. I've read so many books in the last few weeks with major issues within dialogue. Below are some samples from my own writing--both done correctly and incorrectly. Can you tell which is which? The answers will be at the bottom.


1. "Eat," he said gently. "You're safe here."
2. "Eat." He said gently. "You're safe here."
3. "Eat," he said gently, "you're safe here."

Which do you think are wrong in the above 3 samples? Not sure? Basic for you? Keep reading. Here's another.

1. After a long pause, he released her shoulders. "We’re going to my house. It’s just a few miles up the road."
2. After a long pause, he released her shoulders, "We're going to my house. It's just a few miles up the road."
3. After a long pause, he released her shoulders, "we're going to my house. It's just a few miles up the road."

How bout with internal dialogue in third person writing? Which is correct?

1. Oh God, someone has to find me. 
2. Oh God, someone has to find me. 
3. Oh God, someone has to find me.

In the first sample, the first and third are correct. Normally, I prefer to use the first example.

In sample two, the first is correct. With action tags, normally a period is used. Action is a way to keep the reader from becoming confused as to the speaker. Long blocks of dialogue can be confusing for readers. Also remember that when there is a long block of dialogue that takes more than one paragraph, you do not close the quotes until you are finished. Like this:

"I don't want to tell you about this. You would be in danger. He's a murderer and I don't want to be responsible.

"Last week I watched him shoot a man and he's going to kill me too."

Now, of course, this is just a small paragraph used for demonstration purposes only. By not closing the tag in the first paragraph, the reader knows it is the same speaker talking.

In the third, the first is correct.

Dialogue is a tricky thing for many writers. There are some great resources online that you can use. Remember, 'he said/she said' gets boring. Mix in some action tags, too. 

One reminder dialogue punctuation. If an exclamation point is needed--by all means, use it. But don't overuse them, or they lost their impact. Never use multiple punctuation in a sentence. Same thing with question marks. I've read several recently with paragraphs like this:

"I hate you!!!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. 

Give the reader some credit. The fact she's screaming at the top of her lungs and one exclamation point make the point. 

And that's another point. When you have dialogue as in the above sample, you do not cap the "S" in 'she screamed'  Many writers do fine with the comma before the 'he said' tag, but make errors when there is other punctuation in the dialogue, such as this:

"I will not put up with this!" She said with a glare.

The above sample is incorrect. It should read:

"I will not put up with this!" she said with a glare.

Some writers think you need to use a tag with each line of dialogue. You don't. Read the following:

"I hate you!" she screamed
"Not as much as I hate you," he yelled
"I don't care!" she said.
"You will!" he said.

See how boring that is? How bout something like this:

"I hate you!" Her fists were clenched tightly as she glared at him.

"Not as much as I hate you!"

She wasn't going to let him get to her. No way, no how. The veins in his temple were throbbing. She knew that meant he was furious. Too bad. So was she. "I don't care."

"You will!" He turned on his heel and walked out the door, slamming it behind him.

So which sample is more exciting? Which one pulls you into the story? Remember the golden rule of fiction: SHOW DON'T TELL. Her clenched fists show her anger. Since we are in her point of view--she's the one that notices his throbbing veins. We can see he's angry by her view of him. Also we can tell by the slamming of the door. 

Any more basic dialogue questions? Just post them below.

Interview with Tiffany Carmuche

First, tell us a little bit about you! 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

My imagination began with my mom on the playground. I wrote my first novel when I was in 5^th grade-I had an amazing teacher who inspired me and my father was a children’s book author. When I was a teenager, I was really into poetry and lyrics but once I grew older, I didn’t write for years. I don’t know when it was that I let that side of me die, but it died along with my passion for dance and music and so many things. When I wrote again, I realized what a big part of me had been missing. I think I was born a writer…but I didn’t realize until now that it is something I never want to let go of again.

What inspired you to write this book?

I hadn’t written in years and was convinced to do the Nano challenge. Because I was crazy busy, I made a personal goal of 10,000 words and thought even that was a stretch. I had no idea what to write about. I decided to write about an experience I had while I was in Alaska and trusted the wrong person. He had been stalking me for months and I had no idea. I found out he was wanted for murder in Florida and I did have to switch cars with someone to avoid being followed and have people hid me until I was safe. I thought my experience may make a good story. The novel began as a suspense novel,  but then I wrote a scene about one of the bands that was playing in the club and Dylan was created. I fell in love with him. He started flirting with Nicole and soon my suspense novel became a romance novel. I had to cut a bunch of scenes because my 10,000 words in a month was over 130,000 and my novel had became a trilogy. (Now the trilogy is a series… lol ) That damn muse!

How did you come up with the title?

Because the original story was based on this guy that totally fooled me into thinking he was a friend, it was easy to come up with the title The Impostor. I added A Love Story because it is just as much a love story as it is a suspense series. I wanted people to have an idea what they were getting when they bought the book.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, so many. The series is layered with messages. I like layers. J In the first book, I think the main messages are 1. To be careful who you trust. (Don’t be naïve like me. I have put myself in some dangerous situations because I assume everyone is good. ) 2. No matter how many times you get knocked down, you need to get back up. You are stronger than you realize. 3. Don’t lose yourself for anyone and 4. There is a life after abuse.

How much of the book is realistic?

A large portion of the first book is based on my experiences in Alaska.

Are you working on a new project? 

I am currently writing the 3^rd and 4^th book in the series. My muse is teasing me with the fouth book but I really need to work on the third. I wrote some of the other projects at the end of the interview.

Do you see writing as a career?

I don’t think I will ever have just one career. There are too many aspects of me to focus on only one. But yes, I would love to see this as a successful career.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

For me final edits are my biggest nightmare. Auto spell check and stupid mistakes that my mind just fixes and editors totally miss. I hired editors, really good ones, but it is hard to find those stupid errors when you have over 100,000 words.  

And time! Yes, time. I wish I could lock myself in a cabin in the woods with no bills and be able to focus on writing. Finding time in your crazy schedule to write is challenging.

Who designed the covers?

Su from Earthly Charms. I love her. She takes my ideas and finds a way to make them beautiful.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write! Study your craft. Don’t be too proud to ask for help. If you are anything like me, you will try to figure it all out by yourself and you will waste so much time. I spent a whole weekend going through my novel and changing David’s name to Bradley because I couldn’t have two main guys whose name began with a “D”. Someone came over for something and said why didn’t you use Find/Replace? So when I changed Julie’s name to Emily, I used find/replace and it took me two seconds! Two seconds! I had wasted a beautiful spring weekend for something that could have taken two seconds!  There are ALWAYS people who know more than you. Take Hope, for instance.  My first novel was published 6^th months ago. I was chatting with some people online and she was talking about all of these things I didn’t do and had never heard of before. She was an angel and gave me all kinds of advice. Always be willing to learn in writing, in marketing…in life. 

I hear you are bringing teens to Puerto Rico to serve the less fortunate. What can we do to help?

I have two projects I am working on right now besides my Alaska Series and would love your help. (Either in the projects or in spreading the word about them)

As some of you know, one of my passions is service. For over 10 years I have tried to take some of my vacation time to make a difference to people in need. I love to take teens to let them experience serving the marginalized and opening their eyes to different cultures. I was considering doing an auction to help raise money for the teenagers to be able to go. Would any of you wonderful Authors or Bloggers be interested in donating things for it? I have never done an auction...does anyone want to help :) Email or PM me :) Thank you! We will be going to volunteer at Casa Julia-a home for abused woman and Children and a homeless outreach community. 

And what is the other project you are working on right now that my readers may be able to help you with. Can you tell us a little about that as well?

Out of the Shadows is a project I am working on. As many of you know, I, like Nicole in The Alaska Series, escaped an abusive relationship to begin again. 

Yes, I NEED YOU! I am looking for people who have been through a physically, or mentally abusive relationship and survived. The book will be compiled of our stories. I feel if we can give even one person the courage to leave and break free of the cycle of abuse, we will have succeeded.

If you or anyone you know would like to be a part of this project, please contact me at tiffanycarmouche @ ymail.com
I will be accepting submissions through April. (You can remain anonymous if needed)
Submissions can be: 
*Poetry
*A chapter ~Your story (A paragraph -5 pages)
*Quotes from you on hope or overcoming obstacles
*Pictures, photography or drawings (black and white)
*Submissions can be from an adult or child’s point of view
*If you would prefer interview questions, I can send them instead/as well.

Out of the Shadows will be used to give hope to people who are afraid to leave or have begun their journey out of the shadows and into the light. All the money will go to help provide service to victims of abuse.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I would love to say thank you! I could not do this without you. I love to hear from you. You have no idea how much it means to hear your feedback on my books. I can’t believe I have fans all over the world. Thank you for reading the books, for recommending them and spreading the word about them, for reviewing them, for sharing my post, for the awesome graphics and videos you have made…for everything! I really can’t do this without you. I don’t have a big publishing company behind me pushing my books. It is all word of mouth. You are truly treasured! Please keep in touch. I love hearing from you!

Links to stalk me but NOT if you are a serial killer please.

Facebook Author Page

lFan Club (Facebook) 

Goodreads The Impostor

Obsession and Sacrifice (Goodreads) 

Obsession and Sacrifice Fan Page 

Tiffany's Website

Tiffany's Twitter 

Buy Links   UK and US

 The Imposter (Amazon ebook)          

 The Imposter (B&N)   

The Imposter (Paperback)      

Obsession and Sacrifice (Amazon ebook)   

 Obsession and Sacrifice (B&N ebook)      

UK LINKS

The Imposter (UK Paperback)          

The Imposter (UK)     ebook

Obsession and Sacrifice (UK Amazon)               

When Tiffany Carmouché is not writing romance novels, you can find her sculpting, traveling, teaching, singing, dancing, escaping in music or enjoying her family.

From skydiving in Alaska to scuba diving in Hawaii, Carmouché has traveled the worlds seeking adventure. These include riding camels in Africa, swimming under the stars in Puerto Rico, dancing salsa in Ecuador, and walking the cobblestone roads of Assisi, Italy. She has found fulfillment working with the disabled and orphans in Argentina, and Mexico. Her most cherished moments, however, have been watching her two beautiful daughters grow and strive to accomplish their own dreams.

  Despite all of these amazing experiences, she has survived many struggles. There was a time she felt defeated, but now she is recommitted to savoring experiences both in the novels she writes and in the life she lives each day. Her secret hope is that anyone who is struggling will realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how hard the fight, no matter how many times they have been knocked down, it is always worth staggering up to their feet and learning to breathe again. 

Awesome coverart: 

I've read both these books and am anxiously awaiting the third in the series. Post below to win a copy of the first in the series, THE IMPOSTER.  A winner will be chosen using Random.org on 6/15. 

Holding the Link (Prophecy Series Book Two) is now LIVE on Amazon

Hey All

Long time since I've posted. I've been going like a crazy person trying to get Holding the Link finished and put up for sale. Yesterday, I finally got the book edits completed and it's not LIVE on Amazon.

If by chance, you have not read Linked, just leave me a comment with an email address by Wednesday,  5/29, and I'll send you a copy in your preferred format!

If you're on my newsletter list already, you've received notification of the release already :)  Don't forget, those on my newsletter list are entered in a free drawing automatically!  The winner for May's Newsletter is: Vampire Mistress! Congrats. You receive one of my backlist books! Just let me know which one you want.

Here's a teaser for Chapter One.....

Cole stood at the single window in his living room, staring out into the night. The streets were still busy with cars, despite the late hour. All in a hurry to be somewhere, he was sure, but for now, they were stuck on the roads, following like ants in a trail as they mindlessly headed wherever. He hated the city.

 Streaks of light filled the night sky with the threat of the promised storm. It fit his mood perfectly. He turned away from the depressing view and paced around his lonely apartment, a scowl darkening his face as he drove his hands into his pockets, fists clenched. He had yet to figure out why Lana insisted on keeping her apartment instead of moving in with him.

While he realized they’d only known each other a short time—a little more than a month—they were meant for each other. She was the mother of his unborn son. What is she waiting for? What was it going to take for her to believe that he wasn’t going anywhere? This was the first night they’d actually spent apart. He didn’t like it one little bit. 

This new feeling of loneliness unsettled him and wasn’t something he was accustomed to. As a shifter, he’d always been fine with nothing but his own company. It wasn’t as if he had a lot in common with the majority of people. But Lana was different—she understood him—and he understood her. Or thought he had. Until tonight.

A deadline. 

A deadline on a website she could just as easily have worked on here at his place. He’d already set her up a computer system in the home office he never used. And, of course, he’d have been glad to stay at her place if she really wanted to work from her own desk in her own apartment. 

He had to admit her place was quite a bit cheerier. His living room sported nothing but an old gray couch, a second-hand coffee table and a big-screen television on the wall. The television almost brought a grin. Lana hadn’t been able to resist teasing him about his ‘man cave’ television.

The almost-grin faded before it could fully form. He wondered if there was something going on with her that he didn’t know about. She’d seemed a bit distant for the last few days and that thought terrified the living hell out of him. He’d sensed that something was bothering her, though she hadn’t said anything.

There was no way he could even imagine being without her now—even when she did things like this that infuriated him. She and their unborn child had become his life. She’d already agreed to marry him—though he wasn’t sure he’d actually have accepted a refusal. They were meant to be together and they both knew it.

A big part of him was damn tempted to get dressed and go to her place. It was barely eleven—he doubted she’d be sleeping yet. That was one of the things they had in common: they were both night owls.

It was one of only a hundred ways they were so well matched. 

He looked down at the phone sitting on the coffee table with another glare and picked it up. He punched in the speed-dial for her cell.

Lana sat at her desk looking outside. She’d put her desk here in front of the window because it made her monotonous computer work more enjoyable when she could look out and see the real world out there. The streaks of lightning in the sky were becoming more frequent, though she couldn’t hear the thunder yet—the storm was still a ways off. She rubbed her arms against a slight chill and wondered why she had been so darn determined to be home alone tonight. It seemed strange not to be either at Cole’s place, or at him being at hers.

She sighed. Part of her was terrified at how quickly he’d become so important to her. They’d come together so fast—a matter of days. Who in the world developed any kind of lasting relationship when they’d only known each other a short time before becoming so close? A big part of her wondered if they’d grown so close because of the circumstance of their meeting. She’d heard someone in her apartment—rather her dead mother had warned her someone was inside—and Cole had literally come riding to the rescue. They’d barely been apart since.

A month.

For almost a solid month, they’d been with each other. Self-employed, her career allowed her to work anywhere, and he hadn’t had any cases in his detective business. She still believed he was waiting to be sure the danger that had brought them together was over. She’d had the same thought herself, though there was nothing she could put her finger on to make her think it might not be. There hadn’t been more dreams or incidents that would make her unsure—but something didn’t seem finished. It was a vague, persistent feeling that she simply could not shake.

There was still the voice in her head that told her this relationship had happened too fast, too. Lana had always been one to listen to her own subconscious. Something wasn’t right—she just didn’t know what.

She glanced down at the computer monitor on her laptop. It was barely eleven, and she was more than a little surprised that he hadn’t called her since she’d insisted she needed to get a job done. It was true—she did have a website due, but she could have easily done it at his place. Or he could have come home with her.

Cole was not happy that she wouldn’t move in with him. She just wasn’t ready. It was too damn fast. What if he realized he’d made a mistake later? What if he later realized that only the danger they’d faced together had brought them together or that there was really no substance beyond that? How could they not have become close quickly when they’d fought an ancient evil shapeshifter together?

When the sound of You’re the One That I Want filled the living room, she couldn’t help but smile. Cole had, of course, put it on there himself. She picked up the phone on the third ring. “Hi,” she said softly.

“Whacha doin’? Did I wake you?” Cole asked.

Lana almost sighed. Just his voice, with that barely there Southern drawl, was enough to make her heart beat a little faster. Every once in a while, the Georgia in him came out.

She flicked the button to save the very little work she’d accomplished over the last two hours and swiveled in her chair away from the computer. She tugged on a curl that hung over her shoulder. “No, I was awake. Just working,” she lied. She wasn’t working—she was moping, but she didn’t want to admit that. 

“Guess you don’t want me to come over?”

Lana didn’t answer immediately. The thing was—she did want him to come. “Do you want to?” she finally said. 

“Now, that’s a silly question if I ever heard one.” His voice was laced with humor and just a touch of exasperation.

She had to chuckle at that, and her heart lifted. “Then come,” she said simply. 

“Be there in twenty,” Cole replied quickly, his voice pleased.

“I’ll be waiting,” Lana said and disconnected the call. 

Okay, so she was a wimp. She couldn’t seem even to spend one night away from him. What did that say about her? But then, she reminded herself, he’d called her, hadn’t he? 

When the phone rang again, she frowned. The caller came up as ‘Blocked’, which made her nervous. Her hand shook as she pushed the button to accept the call. “Yes?” Calls this time of night were never ‘good’ news.

There was a long silence. Lana was just about to hang up, thinking it was a wrong number, despite the prickle of unease that sent a chill up her spine, when she heard a distorted, mechanical voice. “You’re dead.”

Lana instinctively looked at her window, then the door. “Who is this?” she demanded, her tone stiff. “What do you want?”

“You’ll find out soon enough, bitch. You’re dead,” the voice threatened.

Before she could comment, the call ended. She started at the phone for a long moment, panic filling her. She clasped the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Quickly, she raced around the apartment and checked the door and all the windows—they were all locked. She was safe. Cole would be here in just a few minutes. She wondered if she should tell him. It might have just been a crank call. The world was filled with sickos that delighted in causing fear.

She’d almost convinced herself that that was what it was when the phone rang again. ‘Blocked’ was once more the caller’s ID. “Leave me alone!” she all but yelled when she answered. 

“Do you think a locked door or window will keep you safe?”

The voice was the same. It sounded like he must be close, though. How else would he know she’d just checked all the doors and windows? For the first time, she wished she owned a gun. It hadn’t occurred to her to get one, but now she seriously considered it. Or maybe a huge dog. “Who are you?”

“Your death.”

If she hadn’t been so terrified, she’d have rolled her eyes at that statement. She felt her skin grow cold as goose flesh covered her arms. “Go to hell,” she said, disconnecting the call. She wasn’t going to answer it again. There was no way either she or Cole could trace the calls—and the cops hadn’t believed her about her mother. She didn’t think the police would believe her this time, either. 

She decided she wasn’t going to tell Cole. He’d overreact and either want her to move in with him, or he’d insist on staying with her. Not that she minded that, but she didn’t want it to be out of his sense of protectiveness. He had an innate protective nature that sometimes annoyed her, but it humbled her, too.

There was absolutely no doubt in her mind he’d give up his life to protect her. She wasn’t going to let that happen.

And the link for the book is here...

For now, it's exclusively on Amazon and free to borrow on Amazon Prime

Imogen Rose Interview and Review of FUSION

Welcome everyone. I enjoy spotlighting authors that write books that I've enjoyed reading. Today, I'm happy to have Imogen Rose. She's the author of the Portal Chronicles and the Bonfire Series.

I discovered Imogen way back when I read an excerpt for Portal--and had to know more. I was hooked and have followed her ever since.
How could I resist when I saw that she was having a blog tour? As part of her tour, I was given the opportunity to read Fusion, the last in the Portal Chronicles. I must say, I'm sorry to see the series is over. I very much enjoyed it.

From the Media Release:

Fusion Portal Chronicles Book Five Imogen Rose
Genre: paranormal YA

What if, once upon a time, I had taken that leap of faith? 

Our choices not only affect us, but send tremors of change that can alter the destiny of others. Especially if you happen to construct a time-travel portal...

My name is Arizona Darley and my mom did just that.
 
When Olivia decided to go back in time to find the one man she was destined to, she catapulted Arizona’s life into a roller-coaster of confusion. Fusion is the highly anticipated conclusion to the Portal Chronicles, which began with the YA bestseller, Portal.

Review of Fusion

 Arizona Darley is back--the original Arizona, that is. She has lost a year. Will she remember her love for Kellen? What will she do about David? How will she get away from Raj? What will happen to her mom, Olivia?

I must say, book one is still my favorite in the series, but Fusion was a very enjoyable read! Arizona Darley has lost a year. She doesn't remember anything that has happened to her over the previous year.

She gets back to Mountain View only to find that everything is different. Her mother has been in a serious accident and is in a coma. The love of her life, David, doesn't seem to feel the same about her. She's having strange feelings for Kellen--whose been her friend since forever. Everything is falling apart.

As if that wasn't enough to deal with--she's got a madman and his daughter after her, too!

If you haven't read the other books in the series, please start with book one. You'll definitely be confused if you start with this fifth book in the series.

The writing is fast-paced. I opened the book and didn't stop til I got to the end. There is non-stop action. You can't help but feel for Arizona as she's thrust back into a life where everything is the same--yet very different.

Imogen has no problem writing with a teenage voice. Her characters come right up off the page. Her descriptions are good enough that it's very easy to see and feel her world. I don't generally give starred reviews on my blog, but Fusion is definitely a 5/5 star read.

Below is my interview with Imogen.
 

1. Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself? 
 
I am just like any other writer... a little bit mad (like Mad-Hatter mad, not angry). If I weren’t an author, I’d probably get locked away for telling people about all these characters who live in my head. :D Thankfully, I get to breath life into them and have others enjoy reading about their lives, desires, and adventures. Although I love living in my make-believe world, regular life keeps happening around me. I am a mother first. So my characters get shoved to the side as I watch and enable my younger daughter (my older one is at college now) to discover all the fun and not-so-fun (homework) of life. Like me, she is a dreamer, so I am usually a step ahead of her when she proclaims her lies to be fictional accounts of the truth. What else am I? A publisher, a businesswoman, a scientist, a shopper, a traveler, and an admirer of perfection.

2. Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
 
I love traveling. There is nothing more fun than exploring a new place, especially in the company of friends. I am a shopping addict, but not as bad as my younger daughter— she puts me to shame. And I love a good TV show. My current favorites are The Vampire Diaries, The Following, True Blood, Beauty and the Beast, and Shameless.

3. What is your favorite way to write? A Desk? The Patio? In bed in the PJs?
 
With a glass of wine in hand.

4. Where do you get your idea for the Portal Series from?
 
The first book originated in a dream, the characters staying with me long after I woke up from it. I started to write the story, and it sort of flowed out of me like it needed to come out.

5. Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, what would be your favorite and why?
 
It’s all just one long story, and I love discovering what happens every time I sit down and write. I couldn’t quite believe it when Jagger appeared in Fusion, and now, well Arizona... :X

6. Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?
 
I can’t type. I use my two pointers. It embarrasses my daughter when I write in public.

7. What other genre besides YA would you like to venture into writing?
 
I don’t really venture... I get taken on a ride. I have no idea where I am going, but it will be fun if I get shoved into a new genre.

8. Who are your favorite authors?
 
George Orwell is my absolute favorite. Other authors I enjoy are James Patterson, PG Wodehouse (adore those books!), Michael Crichton, and Agatha Christie. I do enjoy a lot of the new YA authors as well, including Susanne Collins, Stephanie Meyers, and Julie Kagawa.

9. Who is your favorite female and male characters from your books and why?
 
Ollie and Rupert, and I can’t tell you why.

10. What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?
 
Typing.

11. What advice would you give someone who wants to start off being a writer? 
 
I don’t know that I am in a position to give writing advice. I don’t come from a writing background myself. Step one is to write, so write.

12. If you hadn’t become a writer, what do you think you would be doing right now?
 
I have a PhD in Immunology and worked as a research immunologist for many years. That’s probably what I would be doing now.

Well now that we got the question and answer out of the way…..why don’t you tell us about your latest story you have out now?
 
This is the blog tour for my book Fusion, which is the fifth and last book of the Portal Chronicles. The Portal Chronicles is a “what if” story. What if you could go back to that moment in time when you made that crucial decision that forged your path of life? What if you could go back and change it? My series chronicles the repercussions of a mother doing just that. Arizona’s mother, Olivia, constructs a time-travel portal to escape an unhappy marriage and find her long-lost love. The Portal Chronicles is about how her decision's ripple effect turns Arizona’s life upside down. The first book, Portal, opens with Arizona suddenly finding herself in a completely different life. Four books later, we get some answers. :) This series is entwined with the Bonfire Chronicles, so these characters will reappear in Uprising, which I am working on now.
Hope, thank you so much for having me on your blog.

Purchase links for Fusion (Portal Chronicles Book Five): 


Amazon
Barnes & Noble Nook
Kobo
:iBook
Paperback

About the Author: 

Imogen Rose is the author of the bestselling series, the Portal Chronicles, which has attained cult status within indie literature and become a favorite among teens and adults alike. An immunologist by profession, Dr. Rose published her first work of fiction in 2010. She now writes full time and is currently working on her second teen series, the Bonfire Chronicles. Imogen was born in Sweden and has lived in several places, counting London among her favorites. She moved to New Jersey in 2001. A self-confessed Hermès addict, Imogen freely admits to being obsessed with Kurt Cobain. She enjoys shopping, traveling, watching movies, and hanging out with her family, friends, and Chihuahua.


To Find Imogen: 
 
FACEBOOK TWITTER WEBSITE BLOG
 

For a chance to win a copy of Fusion comment below and tweet the post :) I'll use Random.org to pick one winner for an e-book copy of Fusion on 4/25

Spring Into Books Blog Hop

Spring is in the Air For most of the country--winter is still making things cold and miserable. Here in Florida, Spring has arrived, I'm pleased to say. Fifty is cold here! I'm pleased to be a part of the Spring Into Books Blog Hop. (see link below) Spring is a time for lovers. It's the perfect time to take a break from planting your flowers and sit on your porch with a good book. This time around, I'm giving a way a few prizes instead of the usual book or two. Everyone who enters this contest will also be entered in a special edition of the contest below this post (So you get double the chances to win if you enter between now and April 7th) a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you've already entered the contest below, you are still eligible to enter this contest as well--though you can only win ONE Gift Card. Be sure to visit the sponsor, too And stop at all the other stops on the blog hop. There will be a LOT of prizes. One person who responds to THIS post will win copies each of my books in ebook. Be sure to leave contact info (or sign up for my newsletter)

Amazon Gift Card & The Romance Review Party!

Hey All

in honor of two great days on Amazon, and my participation on The Romance Review blog on the 23rd, I'm doing a contest! Lots of fun stuff here and there. Be sure to check them out and enter for the huge prizes there--including choice of any of my backlist.

Once Forbidden, my paranormal romance novel, hit the #2 spot on Amazon bestseller list today. I'm so excited! It's had over 3k downloads. I really hope all you that have read it enjoy the story.  I want to thank all of you that got the book.

I also have a special thank you for The Creative Scene for interviewing me on their site today. It was awesome. Here's the link: Creative Scene Blog

For those that haven't read it yet, here's the blurb: (Hint, you need this for the Romance Review site contest on the 23rd. The answer is right below for those participating there) The Romance Review Anniversary Party  There are a ton of prizes there--gift cards, tons of books. Over 400 of your favorite authors are participating

ONCE FORBIDDEN

When Sarah is disfigured by a fire saving the life of a child,
Devlin knows she has valor.

When he goes to her through shared dreams,
he knows he has to have her.

When she's stalked by Vampire Hunters,
he knows he'll do anything to save  her...

Even if it is Forbidden

So, as I said, I decided to do a little contest, since I have Linked on sale for 99 cents and Once Forbidden FREE for three days.....  The contest begins on 3/20 at 12:05AM and runs til April 7th at 12:05 AM.  After that, I'll use Random.org to pick a winner. If you've done all the required steps-you'll be entered for the grand prize of a $10 Amazon (or B*N) Gift Card.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Enter now--and I'll do a drawing on April 7th. You can enter every day!  Please spread the word and help promote the free days~ for Once Forcidden.  It's available via the link on the right of this page.

Thanks Guys!  Happy Reading and GOOD LUCK!

And if you made it this far: I'm giving away a print copy of the Hunted duo, containing Once Forbidden & Once Bitten. Only one signed copy, so enter while you can!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Hunted Series

by Hope Welsh

Giveaway ends April 19, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

And, finally, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter where you'll find special things ONLY available to the newsletter subscribers~! Books, gift cards, swag and more. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter

Book Marketing and Seller Tips for Authors

Hi All

So...as an author, one of the things we have to do is promote our books.  We do this in a variety of ways.  I very recently discovered a new site for promotion, and as we all  know, it can be a frustrating battle to promote!  The site is Author Marketing Club (just click the link when you're done reading this post to visit their site.

It's a way for an author to promote their free days without spending cash--always a nice thing!

I have a variety of tips to help promote your book, though.

1. If you use KDP Select--USE those free days wisely!  There is no sense in using them all at once. Do a promo that is planned ahead of time. Then, talk about it. Don't plan it the day before. I suggest planning it weeks ahead of time, as many of the sites require several days to several weeks notice.  The above site has an awesome tool that lets you submit to several sites all from the same easy location. How cool is that? No need to search for a dozen sites--they list many right there--with links!

2. Make sure that your Amazon or other bookseller page is perfect. No typos. Spaces between paragraphs. Make this page as appealing as possible.  If your book page looks awful--they won't bother--even if the book is free!

3. Make your author bio interesting.

4. Make use of social media--no point in having Twitter and Facebook if you never open either one!

5. Don't just talk about your book!  Talk about other things. Talk about what your readers are talking about. ENGAGE. When you post on another authors blog--don't use it as free promo (It's tacky) --but there is nothing wrong with visiting other blogs and adding relevant comments. Your name will get around if you're visible.

6. Join and interact in reader groups--and writer groups.

7. Don't price your book so high that no one will buy it if you self-publish.  Most readers just won't pay $5.99 for an author they have never heard of--no matter how engaging the description is--unless you're a top seller already.

8. Don't ever comment to reviews in any negative manner--ever. It bears repeating--never!  I would suggest not commenting at ALL to reviews, though I have commented on occasion to answer a question or the like. 

9. Don't have reviews on your book by friends and family!  Readers can tell--any look at the Amazon boards will tell you that. Reviewers and readers hate fake reviews. It diminishes your credibility a lot.  Reviews will come!  Send your work out to any and all reviewers that accept your genre. ALWAYS follow their polices. Never send mass-emails to reviewers. They know and they don't like it.

10. Make sure your book is in the right category.  Amazon can make it difficult--but I've written an article on the matter that you can find here on Digital Book Today

11.  And that's another thing--to get your name out there--do submit articles and the like when and where appropriate!

12. Do author interviews, guest posts, and host giveaways.  I do them routinely at The Romance Reviews. I'll be participating in their Anniversary Party on the 26th--and it didn't cost me a thing.

So, there are my 12 tips for helping market and promote. It's more than just writing a good book~!

A Lot Going On!

HI

It's been a busy week.  I'm working on finishing up Holding the Link for release in April. Have Once Hunted due out as well.

I've been reviewing a ton of other books as well. I'm an obsessive reader, have I mentionbed that?

Let's see...

Oh, Once Forbidden (see it on the right) is going to be fgree on Thursday this week. Get it while you can!  And for a few days only, I have Linked at 99 cents.

This is so the new readers can read these two before their sequels come out!  Linked has gotten some amazing reviews in the last few days---thaks, reviewers!  Much appreciated, and I'm glad you enjoyed my book!

Today (Sunday) was St. Patty's Day. I didn't do a thing but write a bit and play on the puter, I must admit. Bad, bad Hope.

Monday is the real start of the week, right?

I'm going to be dong a contest next week!  Be sure to stay tuned. I'll be giving away lots of stuffs, so come check it out.

Five lucky winners won copies of Once Forbidden from The Romance Reviews.  Let's hope they enjoy the book.

I'll be on the puzzle on the 26th.  Let's see who remembers why Devlin wanted Sarah when he first saw her. Hint--think it might have been her valor--who wouldn't fall for a woman that runs into a burning building to save a child?

Ok, that's all for today. Happy mid-March. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!

Cover Reveal and teaser for Holding the Link and Once Hunted

HI All

At long last, HOLDING THE LINK: Prophecy Book Two is almost ready to be released.

I need to pick a cover!  Can you all look at these two covers and tell me which you think looks better -- and fits the tagline:  Evil is watching and time is running out.

Cole and Lana thought the evil foe, Conall, was gone. He's not--and he wants them dead. 

I'll give a copy of any of my backlist to those that answer for me (Provided you give me an email to send it to!)

I'm trying for an April 1 release--depending on advertising availability that week.

Thanks for all your help.  Here's a teaser from the book  for those that read book one... (SPOILER ALERT--if you have NOT read book one, don't read the teaser!)

HOLDING THE LINK

 Conall watched from outside the window of the small blue house. They believed him dead. His fury at being bested by a shifter and a mere human would not be diminished until he’d destroyed them both.

This time, he would not be held captive for thousands of years. He’d be free very soon. For now, it took all his abilities just to watch them. It infuriated him that they had won the battle. Of course, they didn’t realize he was not defeated. The humans could not understand that he would never be destroyed? They would learn, though. Soon.

He’d made a small miscalculation when he’d battled with them before. Next time, he would be ready. He’d bide his time and regain his strength. When next they met again, he would show no mercy. 

Prophecy be damned.

                                         Chapter One

“It’s not over.”

Lana could barely suppress the scream as she awoke, her face covered in a sheen of sweat. “Oh God,” she whispered.

Cole turned to her and pulled her into his arms. “What happened? he asked, concern lacing his quiet voice.

Lana clung to him, resting her hand over the strong beat of his heart through his chest. “Just a dream,” she whispered. “Sorry I woke you.”

Cole reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. For a long moment, he didn’t speak, instead, he looked at her, waiting, she knew, for her to calm enough to talk to him. His capacity for patience never ceased to amaze her.

Finally, she took a deep breath and looked into his eyes.

Cole turned and looked at Lana, his dark eyes narrowed in concern. “What do you mean, it’s not over?” he asked.

Lana looked at Cole as he sat next to her on the couch. After they’d defeated Conall, the evil shifter, the month before, they’d both assumed that the danger was over. Lana instinctively put her hand against her still-flat stomach, concerned for her unborn child. “I don’t know, Cole. I just have a very bad feeling,” she said quietly. She didn’t want to mention that this warning was very similar to the warning that had awoken her the night she’d met Cole.

It had been her mom then…and again, now. Still, just in case it was just her mind playing tricks on her, she didn’t want to worry Cole needlessly.

Cole pulled her close and hugged her, pulling her head down gently so it rested on his shoulder. “Did you see something?” he asked quietly. He knew she was still very uncomfortable admitting that she saw some of the same visions her mother saw, but he’d managed to gently urge her to embrace her gifts. They had helped to save their lives.

Lana shook her head. “No, nothing. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I just have a feeling that there is something not finished.” When they’d defeated Conall, they had both been sure that there was nothing more to worry about. She’d wanted to think that her mother would have surely warned her if there was more danger coming—the night they’d thought he’d been defeated. Now, though, she wasn’t so sure.

They’d moved into her mother’s house. It was large enough for the both of them, and for the family they’d soon have. She’d conceived the night before they’d had the battle with Conall. After the battle, they both had been sure that their worries were over now.

In the two months since, they’d spent the majority of their time getting to know one another. They had gotten together so fast; they’d really known nothing about one another. They hadn’t even gone on a real date. The circumstances of those few days had drawn them together though, and their connection was deep—though they were still learning about each other.

Cole didn’t speak for a long moment. “What were you thinking about right before you had that feeling?” he asked.

Nothing much, really. I was just thinking about our son,” she said quietly. It was still hard for her to believe that she was pregnant. Her hand moved automatically toward her stomach, shielding the small life within.

“Let’s not borrow trouble, then. Maybe you’re just anxious about the baby,” Cole said gently, putting one hand over the hand covering her stomach. “It’s possible.”

Lana narrowed her eyes. “If you’re trying to say—”

Cole shook his head and put a finger over her lips. “I’m not saying anything, Lana. Lord knows, I have faith in your feelings, but still, are you sure it’s not possible that you’re just worried about everything that happened in light of your pregnancy? This all was pretty quick, I know.”

“I’m sure, Cole. I didn’t see anything, but I’m sure that it’s not over. Something else is going to happen.” She looked at him, her eyes grave, willing him to believe her and wondering if she should mention that she’d heard her mothers voice again.

Cole studied her for a long moment. “Alright then, what do you want to do?”

That surprised her. He was the one with the shifting experience and the experience as an investigator. She was a web designer, for heaven sakes. This was so far out of her realm of knowledge as to be absurd. “I don’t know!”

Cole picked up her hand and intertwined her fingers. “Lana, I don’t have the feelings you have. What I meant was, do you want us to go look for Conall out there? See if he’s really gone or not? Do you think the danger is imminent?”

“Oh,” she said.

He chuckled. “Have I told you lately that you’re kind of moody?” he teased.

Lana glared. “I’m allowed to be.”

He grinned, showing her his even white teeth. “Yeah, you are. Doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to tease you, though.”

Lana suddenly knew what he was doing. He was trying to get her mind off of her concerns. In typical Cole fashion. He was like a man from a different time in some respects. To him, it was his job to protect her—and she knew from experience he’d protect her with his life if necessary. While a big part of her admired him for that, another part wanted him to remember that she wasn’t some fragile flower to be coddled. “Cole, do you really think I’m worried over nothing.”

Cole studied her for a long moment before answering her. The problem was; he didn’t really think she was worrying over nothing. He’d had some of those same thoughts himself over the last few days, but hadn’t wanted to worry her. Something was just off.

It still amazed him that this beautiful, intelligent woman loved him just as he was. She’d accepted his being a shifter with very little concern—as well as her own new-found ability to shift, apparently due to her pregnancy. Shifting had been in his family for generations, but typically it had been every third generation. Cole had been the exception. That in itself as strange, but the fact that within twenty-four hours after conception its mother was able to shift was…well…unheard of, even for him. The fact that she’d accepted it was simply amazing to him. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Lana was his soul mate. None at all.

By nature, he was protective. He wanted to protect her from anything that could harm her. And by nature, she was independent. He knew they’d clash, but he also knew that she’d accepted him as he was. When he went overboard, she’d surely let him know. He had no doubt at all.

If she was right, and it wasn’t over—and he was very afraid she was—then it meant that she was in danger, as was the child inside her. Instinct told him to get her away from here—but how did you run from something that was so powerful that it seemed unstoppable? How did you protect someone from a being that was more powerful than anyone in existence? He’d been sure the bastard had been destroyed, but what if they were wrong? What if he was still out there somewhere and was only wounded?

He’d do anything to protect his family, and by God, she was his. He’d protect her, he vowed silently. With his life, though he knew that thought would irritate her. She was nothing if not self-sufficient. She hadn’t hesitated to go after Conall when he’d attacked. Her courage amazed him.

Hell, even when her house had been broken into two months before, she’d climbed out the damn window instead of shrinking in terror as most people would have. It was one of the first things he’d admired about her. She’d reacted intelligently, without, apparently, even thinking. She’d simply jumped out the window and ran toward help. He glanced over at her, and she was waiting for him to answer. He sighed. “No, darlin’, I don’t think you’re worried over nothing,” he admitted at length.

“So, you think something is still wrong?” she persisted.

“I’m not really sure exactly what to think, Lana. I’ve had a bad feeling the last few days. Nothing really concrete I can sink my teeth into, though. I’m just feeling…anxious, I guess is the word.”

“Do you think it’s Conall?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

That was just it. He just plain didn’t know what it was. But, like her, he just had the feeling that it wasn’t over. “I don’t know,” he replied honestly. “I wish the hell I did, though.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

Again, he didn’t really know how to respond to that. They’d had little luck in finding answers the month before when the evil shifter had come after her before. If it hadn’t been for Lana’s mother’s help, he honestly didn’t know if they’d have been able to defeat him—if in fact they had defeated him—or even won the battle. “I think we need to do more research,” he said quietly. “Maybe talk to some of the other shifters. I find it hard to believe someone doesn’t know more than we do. To be honest, in my family, it just didn’t seem that unusual. Though I was different, since I could shift when I wasn’t the right generation, shifting has just been a part of my family for too long.”

“Where do we start?”

Cole cupped her cheeks with gentle fingers. “We’ll go see my parents again. See if we can learn the location of some of the other shifters in the state.”

“Okay,” she agreed.

Cole smiled. “You don’t seem as worried as I thought you might be,” he said, gently stroking her soft hand.

She shrugged. “I guess I’m not. I have to believe that we’ll find out a way to win this—whatever this is.”

Cole nodded. “And we will. We’re not going to let anything happen to that baby inside you. And I’m not going to let anything happen to you, either.”

Lana smiled and put her free hand on her stomach protectively. “I know.”

He grinned. “Aren’t you going to give me a hard time for being chauvinistic?”

Lana shook her head, and her eyes twinkled. “Nah, if you get too bad, I’ll just remind you that I helped!”

Cole gave her a wicked grin. “Should I remind you about the vampire bats and things that sting in the attic?”

Lana’s eyes narrowed again. “That’s entirely different,” she said with a huff. “No one in their right mind likes spiders, bats or bees!.”

He chuckled. “Uh huh.”

“I love you, Cole,” she said softly.

Cole studied her a long moment and wondered if there was something more she knew that she wasn’t telling him and his tone was instantly serious. “I love you, Lana. We’ll figure this thing out. I’m not sure just how, yet, but we will. Your mom warned you for a reason. We were meant to fight that bastard, and I think we are the only ones who can stop him—if we haven’t already. I meant what I said, though. Let’s not borrow trouble. If he’s not gone, we’ll find a way to stop him. Someone will have the answers, and we’ll find them.” Somehow. He didn’t voice the ‘somehow aloud. She was worried enough without him adding to it.

“I hope you’re right.”

“It’s nearly morning. Are you going back to sleep or shall we get up? I’m starving.”

Lana’s eyes brightened a bit. “I could handle some eggs and bacon.”

“I’m cooking?”

“Of course,” she said, as if he were crazy for even considering there would be another way.

“On it,” he said with a chuckle.

Lana stood and headed toward the kitchen. “I’ll get the makings for them. You’re in charge of the stove, Master Chef.”

He chuckled. Lana wasn’t much of a cook. “I’m on it.” He stood himself and watched as she walked into the kitchen. Never would he tire of watching her move away from him. The woman had the best ass in the world. God, she was gorgeous. Tomorrow was soon enough to worry about that evil shifter bastard. For now, he was going to have an enjoyable morning meal with the woman he loved, and make love to the woman he loved. Tomorrow was soon enough to worry about the danger he was very afraid they were both soon to face.*

Hope you enjoyed the teaser for the beginning of Holding the Link

And don't forget to check The Romance Reviews between now and March 15th for a chance to win Once Forbidden, Book One of the Hunted Series currently on Amazon. The Romance Review folks are doing an anniversary party! Over 400 authors and hundreds upon hundreds of prizes each week.  My day is March 23. Be sure to check it out on that date!

Book Three, Once Hunted, is scheduled for a May release.  Here's the cover for that one!  Like it?

Want a teaser for this one, too?

Prologue

He’d been watching her for months now. It was his job to ensure her destroyed, but the more time he spent watching her, the more he found himself not wanting to do what he’d been trained to do.

What he’d been born to do.

Jerico West was a Hunter. It was his job to destroy the vampires, and she was one of their leaders. Her name was Carina. Though she looked like she was in her late twenties, he knew that she was at least one thousand years old. How she’d survived this long was a mystery to him. Hunters had been watching her for centuries, that’s how he knew how old she was.

Actually, there was quite a bit he knew about Carina Moroeu. She had been on the Hunter’s radar ever since she’d turned a vampire about three hundred or so years before. For the most part, most of the modern hunters left the vampire community alone as long as they weren’t actively turning humans.

Years had gone by and there had been something resembling a truce between the Elders and the Hunters, but in the last year, there had been at least two in her clan that had turned women. It simply couldn’t be allowed to continue. He knew that. Still, Carina hadn’t turned anyone herself. However, those that were under her rule had turned them, and he knew that Carina was fully aware of the situation.

Jerico had been hired by the human company she owned. It was ironic that Carina owned a private investigation firm. One would think that she would do better on her background checks for her new hires. After almost three months, it didn’t seem that she had the first clue who and what he was.*

*Both books are with beta-readers and subject to last-minute edits