If you’re an author, actor, singer, entrepreneur, speaker, or business owner… And the list can go on.
If you want to get out there and find new clients and customers, then eZWay can help you.
I’m personally inviting you to join the Pitch Party happening on 19th January. Sign up at http://ezwayfamily.com for free.
Get your profile up on the Wall of Fame.
Make 2023 count!
If you love dystopian fiction, and you’ve yet to read any books by Sam J Fires, then keep reading.
Not only do Sam’s books hit the Amazon New Release title on EVERY new release. Yes, you can get one of these elusive orange tags before the book is officially out. On release day the orange tag changed to Best Seller on every one of her newly released books.
In fact, the first book of the series, which is priced at just 99c has been a bestseller since its release in April 2022. And to sweeten the deal, you can read the prologue of this fantastic adventure for free.
So, let’s start at the beginning, the prequel End Of Days.
You can download the prequel for free HERE
When ordinary life transforms into a fight for survival, can a young woman keep the chaos from pulling her under?
Go-getting twenty-six-year-old investigative journalist Cassandra Drews just wants her miserable day to end. And desperate to put her breakup behind her, she agrees to one last face-to-face to return belongings to her ex. But when they’re nearly killed by an out-of-control car, she’s horrified when the nightmare of her relationship takes a backseat to an eruption of violence.
In the blink of an eye, an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power and the world grinds to a stop. Surrounded by chaos, Cass is torn between tending to the injured or escaping her seething ex.
It doesn’t take long before panic and violence erupt on the streets of Portland. Out of options, Cass has no choice but to race home, hoping to outrun a looming ice storm. Can she make it to safety before experiencing the wrath of the bitter winter storm? Or will she find herself the victim of far more than the elements in a town thrust into bedlam?
From Sam J Fires comes the brand-new End of Days series, a post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller featuring flawed, complex characters and adrenaline-fueled action adventure. Perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Kyla Stone, and Jack Hunt.
“Surviving Chaos: End of Days Prequel” by Sam J. Fires
This is a short fast-moving glimpse of how quickly society can disintegrate. Under stress the thin veneer of civility disappears very quickly.
As soon as I completed it, I began “End of Days Book 1” and look forward to reading the whole series.
Picked this prequel as a free book and really enjoyed it. I became invested in the main character, and will definitely be ordering the next book in this series.
You can download #1 Amazon bestseller for just 99c. Right HERE
No lights. No power. No help.
During the coldest winter on record, an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power and cripples the country.
As the city spirals into lawless chaos, investigative journalist, twenty-six-year-old Cassandra Drews is forced onto the dangerous streets of Portland to begin the long walk to her parents’ home in Oregon.
But hypothermia and starvation aren’t the only dangers Cass and her rescue dog, Daisy, face on their perilous trek. Danger is stalking them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Help comes in the form of troubled ex-marine Isaac Winters, who slips back into soldier mode with the city’s collapse.
Now, the trio must work together in a fight for survival as they race to escape the city before violence, or the bitter wintry storm can claim them. Do they have what it takes to make it out alive? Or will they be crushed by the brutality of the unforgiving cold?
Grip of Fear is book 1 in this enthralling post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller. If you enjoy tales of ordinary folk thrown into harrowing situations, you’ll love the End of Days series!
“Grip of Fear: End of Days Book 1” by Sam J. Fires
I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The scenarios are credible, and everything just makes sense.
I have already begun Book 2 in this series. Good reading!’
‘Great reading!!! Lots of action and emotion! A great read. Can’t wait to read the follow-up books!!! Outstanding author!!! Superb!!!!!!!’
‘I was so absorbed in this book I lost track of time. I love the underdog hero and the post apocalyptic genre. It’s always great when I run across an author I haven’t read before. It’s a real treat.’
It’s very simple. You buy a book and you get one entry into the prize draw to win this awesome reading light from Amazon.
That’s it.
So here are some links for you to check out my books. Or click the links on the books on the righthand side of the blog.
And believe me, I have something for everyone.
Amazon Apple, Kobo, Nook, Dark romance (special offer)
And you can email me your proof of purchase or message me on FaceBook and please contact me with any questions you have. Yep, shipping is included.
kkantasauthorassist@gmail.com
Messenger
I was a guest on Dr Sandi Webster’s, podcast. Available on video MP4 and MP3.
I talk about my writing, my books and then about Author Assist. What I do for my clients.
I answer the questions, why it works, and why authors are anxious about hiring someone who can help with marketing or promoting, such as VA or PA?
And I talk about my own experience when hiring a ‘professional.’
Sandi then asks my honest opinion about her book cover and I give it to her straight. As I normally would.
I’m very open and honest when I talk about my work, experience and how I can help authors out there.
Watch or listen to this very engaging interview with tips and advice throughout.
iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/…/karina…/id1572493336…
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zTjtdwveTXnQug6pzGRG5
Their hearts will never forget… But the approaching danger may take away their forever.
Possessing vital information that could bring down a crime cartel, Arely Bernal flees to Orlando, taking a job as far under the radar as she can get—bartending at a BDSM club. Where she encounters the man she’s never forgotten.
Wracked with post-Afghanistan PTSD, Kurt Allendorf limps through his days, barely taking an interest in his Club Nexus anymore. Until he’s stunned to spot a face, he hasn’t seen in twelve years. Arely has grown into a seductive beauty who awakens his inner Dom like no other woman, ever. But he’s too broken to be worthy of her trust, much less her submission.
When the danger Arely’s running from tracks her down, there’s no place safe to hide. And both Arely and Kurt will have to rise above their demons to survive…
Stand-alone strictly 18+
Excerpt
Kurt planned to arrive at the club fifteen minutes after the trial began. He wanted to slink into the cocktail lounge as unseen and unheard as possible. It was crucial to watch the applicant’s behavior from a distance. He had nothing against women working jobs usually associated with men. He was all about equality and qualifications. If she knew her stuff and Ross approved her abilities, great. His suspicions rested elsewhere. The faint flash of vulnerability Ethan had showed last night was concerning. He hadn’t been this way since the debacle with Joyce; a predator with a great act. Before the wedding, Ethan discovered she was after his money. After that he closed himself off to anything meaningful. Missing the initial interview pissed Kurt off. That would’ve been the perfect opportunity to assess the woman’s intentions and nip any ulterior motives in the bud. But no, he’d been socializing instead.
Whatever, he still had enough time to remedy the situation. The position hadn’t been offered yet. Pete wasn’t around, and that avoided undesired conversation. He slipped inside the lounge, grateful for the rubber soles of his shoes, moved to a back table, and sat down to watch the activity in the bar.
The trial was underway.
Perched on a stool, Ethan had his back turned to Kurt. His friend was focused on the applicant and few words were spoken. Kurt couldn’t see the woman working in front of Ethan. He did hear ice and liquid jiggling quickly inside a metal shaker.
“Delicious.” Ethan’s remark reached him.
The woman shifted to the side…
Kurt’s world imploded.
Not caring if he made a racket, he jumped out of his chair. Arely Bernal was here, now, and in his club. How could this be?
Ethan swiveled toward him and frowned. Ross stared at him.
Arely mouthed, Kurt.
Suddenly aware of his stiff knee and awkward gait, he leaned on his cane, attempting to move as nimbly as he could. He had to confirm this wasn’t a figment of his imagination, an uncanny lookalike, or a cruel joke from the creator above.
“Kurt, what’s wrong?” Ethan asked.
He ignored his friend. His gaze was fixed on the girl’s golden eyes as he took in her stunning beauty. After a frozen moment, he managed to speak. “Arely?”
She blinked; her full lips trembled, and the room tilted. Recognition struck him deep in his chest. Except for some tiny lines at the corners of her eyes, this was the Arely Bernal of College Park and his youth.
His youth…
Kurt frowned. Circumstances and events clicked in rapid succession. A strange pattern emerged. Could Arely’s presence here be more than chance? Especially on the heels of Abelard’s visit? He didn’t believe in coincidences. The connection, however buried, vibrated in his bones.
On the other hand, the Arely he knew would never be part of an evil conspiracy. She’d always been good and honest. A feisty straight shooter who hated violence. Had been, he reminded himself, and long years had passed since. He’d witnessed the most upstanding individuals falter under the weight of hard times. What did he know about Arely and her life?
Something darker, even nefarious, lurked at the bottom of this seemingly innocent development. Until he had a long conversation with her, he’d keep his suspicions private.
“Kurt, you’re staring.” Ethan snapped him back.
Arely’s expressive eyes had gone from surprise and delight to doubt and concern. She knew him too.
He forced a smile. “I think I left my manners in the truck. I’m shocked. Stunned, really. Arely and I used to be neighbors. We actually lived two houses apart. I’ve known her since she was yay high.” He stretched out his palm, illustrating the height of the cute girl he remembered. “Her brother was one my best buds.”
He let that bit of history slip out for Ethan’s enlightenment. His eyelids flickered. Good. His friend noted the odd coincidence.
“Wow, Arely. I can’t believe it,” Kurt murmured. “You’re here. How long has it been?”
“Twelve years, Kurt. I thought I’d never see you again.”
Why did he pretend forgetfulness when he knew down to the day how many years had passed? In that span of time, her voice had turned smoky, seductive. And… Did he hear a hint of reproach in her words?
“Should anyone be interested,” Ross cut in, “Arely passed with flying colors. Her Bobby Burns and cosmo were outstanding. I approve. Hire her.”
“Okay,” Ethan said. “Since Kurt is here, he should be involved in the decision. Maybe he’d like to ask Arely a few questions.”
Ethan moved to a club chair and gestured for the others to join him.
As Arely came around the bar, Kurt watched her, overwhelmed by the changes. She’d grown about half a foot or so and had developed into a gorgeous, long-legged creature.
Slow down. This is little Arely! His brain commanded, but faced with the reality, his libido rebelled. Yes, the little girl was gone. A glorious woman stood in her place. Her golden eyes glittered brighter than he remembered, and his fingers shook with the desire to caress and explore her luscious curves. Was her dark hair as silky as it seemed? And her tan skin, was it soft and perfumed? He wanted to know just like he wanted to taste her, feel her full lips under his…
Fuck! He wondered what had happened to the tedium and general disinterest with everything in life that had sent him to Key West.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XVP13H4
Kobo, Apple, B&N: https://books2read.com/b/bz1PBD
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=PIBqEAAAQBAJ
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1144447
Award-winning, prolific author Victoria Saccenti writes romantic women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and paranormal romance. Not one for heart and flower stories, she explores the strengths and weaknesses of the human spirit and the twists and turns of intimate interactions. Impossible, against-all-the-odds love is her preferred trope. Flawed characters seeking redemption are her central figures.
After thirty years of traveling the world, she’s settled in Central Florida. She splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores. On a side note, in one form or another, she mentions Scotland in most of her stories.
Other Works by Victoria:
Noémie’s Journey
Central Florida Stories:
Deception
Undeniable
Titanian Chronicles:
Beloved Titanian
Titanian’s Phoenix
The Last Danann
Destiny Saga:
Destiny’s Plan
Destiny’s Choice
Destiny’s Way
You can find all Victoria’s links to her books, social media, website and online presence here.
https://linktr.ee/victoria.saccenti.author
How good is your imagination?
Here are three monsters from The Quest, book 2 of the YA fantasy, duology, Illusional Reality.
These evil creatures have names, but I want you to dig deep and come up with three names for these monsters. Everyone who plays will have their name put in a hat and one winner will be shipped this original set of prints.
Now, if you go and buy the book and learn what their real names are, please contact me at kkantasauthorassist@gmail.com and I will need POP so only new purchases are allowed to enter.
If you know the real names, and you are the winner, I will throw in something very special with the prints.
This contest is open to everyone. Get your imagination going and name these three monsters from the epic fantasy novel, The Quest, book 2 of Illusional Reality duology.
Just leave a comment or email me your three names to kkantasauthorassist@gmail.com
People to follow.
FOR READERS:
There are so many great books out there, I can only name so many and sorry for the ones I have left out.
Follow on Goodreads or Bookbub. And if you can find them on social media.
Vanessa Giunta – paranormal thriller/suspence/fantasy
Ron Lahr – humourous fantasy/scifi/newadult
Wesley Britton – sci-fi/non-fiction, Bond and TV, film and lit spies.
Micheal Scott – dark fantasy/horror
JD Estrada – poetry/dark/fantasy/horror
JD Blackrose – contemporary fantasy/paranormal romance/new adult
Victoria Saccenti – Fantasy/romance /adult romance/historic
Joe Compton – political thrillers
Teri M Brown – historical thriller/epic
Paul White – flash fiction/thriller/children’s stories
Sephe Haven – memoir/humorous
Alexia Kantas – illustrated children’s book.
(Yes, I know she’s my daughter, but she’s also my partner in crime when I need help with covers, graphics, trailers.)
Oh, and she had her first book published when she was just 8.
Please support.
FOR AUTHORS:
Go Indie Now – A HUGE media platform that showcases and promoted indie artists. that’s authors, filmmakers, musicians….
The Writing Tribe: Friendly, knowledgeable, cheerleaders and motivators. They have regular sprints and zoom chats.
Story Origin – Everything an author needs to not only run their newsletters, find cross-promoting authors, find reviews, beta readers,… A huge platform. This list goes on.
Author Assist – Can help authors with every aspect of the writing, publishing and marketing of their book. A distinction when it comes to trust, work ethic and knowledge. The Testimonials don’t lie.
What’s your brand?
Good question and I bet many authors can’t answer that. One of the services I provide with Author Assist is branding and design. Many authors don’t see their book as a business but that’s the mindset you need to succeed in this industry. Writing, publishing and selling your book is a business and now it’s time to put that business hat on and take hold of the reigns.
Why brand?
Because you need to stand out in this overly saturated market and having a brand and logo will make you stand out. A unique branding, a unique logo. Everywhere you post, you show your brand and soon people will recognise the logo and know it belongs to you. You get your merch printed with your branding. At cons, your table, banners, bookmarks should all carry your unique brand.
How do I come up with a concept?
Putting my business hat on, I will explain a couple of concepts I have created for my clients. Victoria Saccenti was an award-winning author with a three-book series called Destiny and had a stand-alone book called Noémie’s Journey. What these books had in common was they were set in the 20th century but during a historical time. Now there are thousands of writers that write romance and again historical romance, so how would Victoria stand out? I asked her what plans did she have for her next books, and she surprised me when she said fantasy paranormal series and then something even darker. How was I to tie them all together? I started thinking about what romance represented and it certainly wasn’t all candy floss and chocolates. I thought about the colour of romance and then it clicked smell. The perfume. The Essence of Romance. So we had a branding now to design a logo. I saw a perfume bottle. I played around with the initials, and a signature and then we decided how about the bottle with the scent coming out and making the essence shape into VS.
Here’s how the completed branding looked. I came up with the initial concept, and design but I did not create the logo. but I take no credit for the creation of the banner.
All her following books all fitted so well under the branding of The Essence of Romance.
https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Saccenti/e/B013H2XYPK
As for me, I write in most fiction genres so trying to find a box I fitted in could have been a difficult path to be on and so I jumped off and branded myself as Explosive Writer, as all my books are explosive.
Here’s a testimonial from a client who needed branding and logo.
I only had a vague idea about branding myself as a dystopian author. After a brainstorming session with Karina, she created an identity and brand for me that I wouldn’t have ever considered. Karina is very easy to work with. She is very receptive to an author’s input and thoroughly explains how all the elements of the brand design work together.
Karina is an extremely talented designer she creates beautiful logos and social media banners that are not only original but beautiful as well
I’m very happy with the brand she created for me and I’d highly recommend her services.
James Ayling author
You can read more about what services Author Assist provides and check out the other logos and promo graphics I’ve created over the years.
https://kkauthorassist.wordpress.com/graphics
Bookmark Brag
Ummm this could quickly become redundant if you don’t read paperbacks.
However, one of the earlier services Author Assist offered was designing Bookmarks.
So take a look at my gallery.
So these are the only ones I can find on this computer. I’ve had many laptops since Author Assist started back in 2015. Here is the website where you can see more of my graphic designs scroll down a little and you’ll see more books marks.
3 lucky peeps will get a master sheet of bookmarks. No matter if you’re an author or reader. We can discuss the design.
For a chance to win some unique bookmarks from Author Assist, just read and comment on a few of the #MarchoftheWriters blogs.
Don’t worry if you can’t see your comment, it has to be approved.
Good luck.
How do you social?
On Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Linkedin… actually that’s not what this is about.
How do you connect with other writers, with your tribe and with potential new readers?
I have two answers for you.
The first; Go Indie Now.
Yep, you’ve seen me mention the media platform Go Indie Now and the workaholic, Mr Joe Compton.
Joe has created a platform where the indie community can meet, chat have heated debates, get drunk at Joe’s bar (Just kidding) – no I’m not!
Find out about new indie films, books and what’s hot in the gaming community. These shows, panels, interviews, and reports are entertaining for the public and the indie community.
Authors, there is so much you can learn from those that have done it all. We’ve all made mistakes so learn from those that have tried and failed but don’t give up. Get tips and get the inside scoop on what’s going down in the indie world.
Have you always wondered what’s inside a writer’s mind? How do they build these magical, dangerous and extraordinary worlds? How do they come up with the characters you love, with the plot twists and write stories that will keep you turning the page and gasping for more?
You will find these answers and more on the media platform Go Indie Now. So please support Joe and all the hard work he does for the Indie community. Seriously, this man just never stops.
The reason I mention this in my article about being social, is I have made some wonderful connections and long-lasting friendships with indies I’ve met while being a guest on the shows. This then takes me to their safe place. Their group, where I’m welcomed and treated as one of the family. Thus creating more connections and friendships, thus learning more from my peers.
Please subscribe to The Go Indie Now YouTube channel and take a look at the shows he hosts. Watch and be entertained, leave a comment and like the videos.
Thanks, and remember, it’s always time to Go Indie Now
And my other way to socialize is not knowing who is Behind The Pen. (Did you see what I did just then. lol)
Podcasts, Zoom interviews, Radio shows, they are so hot right now. If you want to find new readers, you have to step up, show your face, and let us hear your voice. There are thousands out there waiting to hear about exciting new books and authors they have never heard of. The world is yours to conquer!
Okay – maybe I went a little too far with that last line. But I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say. People don’t know you. They don’t know your name, they don’t know your books, and now you have a chance to be seen, heard and noticed.
If you’re camera-shy, contact podcasts and radio stations. If the camera loves you, get on some pannels, shows and interviews. Your readers are out there waiting.
Behind the Pen is a YouTube show and audio podcast where I chat with all artists; musicians, authors, illustrators, writers, editors, anyone who uses a pen for work.
Explosive Writer 