Monthly Archives: June 2012

Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Nighthuntress World 2) by Jeaniene Frost

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ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS by Jeaniene Frost

ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS (Nighthuntress World #2) by Jeaniene Frost

Unlike Jeaniene’s Cat and Bones series of novels, ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS focuses on Mencheres, an ancient vampire, grandsire of Bones and ‘nephew’ to the power hungry Rajedef. Centuries old and fearing the ‘darkness’ that is slowly devouring his visions, Mencheres seeks to end his life before his ‘power’ becomes his enemy. Facing a warehouse full of ghouls seemed like a likely place to die, but his death would have to be postponed when one beautiful and stubborn human female decided to risk her life for his own.

Kira Graceling always had a sense when something was wrong. Her personal history with men, her brother and the police department should have been proof enough. But finding a man viciously attacked and bleeding from multiple wounds, spurred Kira into action without thought of her own safety. Knowing she was about to die only added another sorrow to her long list of regrets. And the sudden realization that the man and his attackers were not all together human was verified when the handsome stranger healed her wounds with his blood and ‘flew’ them both to the safety of his home.

Hoping to wipe Kira’s memories, Mencheres is surprised to learn the Kira’s mind is shielded from vampiric suggestions, and this adds a complication as she knows too much about his life. And he finds that he is oddly attracted to the spunky female who is slowly finding ways to get closer to the man who saved her life.

Letting her go was difficult but finding Kira beaten and held captive by a group of vampires forced Mencheres into a decision he never wanted to make. When his old enemy Rajedef gave him an ultimatum, Mencheres knew that if Kira never forgave him for what he was about to do, he would certainly take everyone with him when it was his turn to go. Siring another vampire had never been his intention, but Kira’s life was more important than his own. Knowing he could face the Guardians for his actions, Mencheres suddenly found himself thrust into a world of deceit, rivalry, power and forgiveness.

Throughout the storyline, the reader is privy to many of Mencheres abilities and quirks. His need to sit underwater in the pool or tub makes for some interesting visions, as well as his declaration of centuries of celibacy at the hands of his own wife. His revelation to Kira that he is ‘older than dirt’ will garner a chuckle, when she finally realizes that this could possibly be true. And vampire sex on the ceiling……wow…just wow. And picture one of the sexiest vampires at Disneyland…wearing a souvenir hat-Goofy ears anyone??

ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS is a revelation into the life of an ancient vampire that the reader has had many opportunities to encounter throughout Jeaniene’s Nighthuntress series. Bones and Cat make a couple of appearances, but if you are true fans of B&C, you will be disappointed, as they are only secondary characters with limited exposure. This is Menchere’s story-his life, his history, his reason for existing-all wrapped up in one book. Jeaniene reveals plenty of background information about Menchere’s connection to ancient Egypt, the pharoahs and the pyramids. If for anything else, the ‘history’ of this ancient vampire is worth the read. And of course, there is a HEA- we must not forget that Kira will make sure that even a vampire as ‘old as dirt’ knows when he is wanted and loved.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost Synopsis

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Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost Synopsis

The Night Huntress Series (Cat and Bones)

I love the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost.  I have been a fan from the start, and Jeaniene has two of the best characters in Cat and Bones.  Many of you will remember that Bones went neck and neck against the fabled Barrons for the best and hottest male character.   But as good as Bones is, Cat Crawfield is a super heroine, and their romance is awesome.  Each book in this series just gets better and better.  Jeaniene does a great job with the other characters that she brings in later, like Mencheres, Vlad (whom is the hero of the her latest book..Once Burned), Spade, Ian.  If you like paranormal, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, action, excitement, romance, sex, and some of the best characters ever, then this series is for you.

Halfway to the Grave (October 30, 2007)

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother’s life. Then she’s captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She’s amazed she doesn’t end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn’t have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

One Foot in the Grave (April 29, 2008)

You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide . . .

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won’t let her get away again.

At Grave’s End (December 30, 2008)

Some things won’t stay buried . . . at grave’s end

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave.

Destined for an Early Grave (July 28, 2009)

Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they’ve fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it’s time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She’s having visions of a vampire named Gregor who’s more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn’t know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won’t stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor’s hold over her. She’ll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she’s ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave.

This Side Of The Grave, (February 22, 2011)

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance…

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing.  A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”–the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. …to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

One Grave at a Time (August 30, 2011)

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’ voodoo queen just keeps on giving-leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

This is a fun series, with great characters.  If you haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for.  It’s time for you meet Cat and Bones.  🙂

Barb

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APHRODITE CALLING (Gods of Love 2) by Jennifer Lynne-a review

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APHRODITE CALLING (Gods of Love 2) by Jennifer Lynne-a new release review

APHRODITE CALLING (Gods of Love 2) by Jennifer Lynne

NOTE:  Mature Adult Content

APHRODITE CALLING is the second novella (June 2012 release) in Jennifer Lynne’s erotic Gods of Love series based on the Greek Gods of Love-the erotes. This series is NOT intended for readers under 18 years of age and contains sexually graphic content and deals with a male to female transsexual.

It had been 15 years since Gina Devereaux saw most of these people. A 15 year reunion and 8 years post-op still could not deter the rumors and innuendo surrounding the former student once known as Gerry. But Gina had other battles to fight, and Maris was not one. Hoping to shut Maris down, Gina flashes a hand at a beautiful stranger at the bar, claiming he is her fiancé. But what Gina does not know is that the man she inadvertently labeled her fiancé is Himeros, the Greek God of Sexual Desire- and the god wanted Gina.

Like his brothers, Himeros was missing something in his life. As a child of Aphrodite, Himeros enjoyed the benefits and rewards of immortality and sexual desire. But still something was missing from his life and he hoped that the beautiful Gina would fulfill his desire, even if for one night. Even a god wants to be desired for his true self.

Sexual desire is strong between Himeros and Gina, and the couple is willing to test the limits of their attraction. Gina is technically a virgin and frightened that she will not be accepted or able to complete the exchange. Knowing exactly how to please, Himeros is willing to take Gina on the ride of her life but what he discovers is that Gina will see and accept the true-self behind Himeros beauty just as Himeros accepts the true-self in Gina.

APHRODITE CALLING is a quick read and one that will make you look at the other side of life for those who have found themselves. The overriding message is acceptance of those that are ‘different’ and by showing ourselves for who we really are, there is always someone who is willing to accept those differences. Even the gods of love hide their true-self away and it will take a special person to see beyond the glamour and façade presented to those who would judge one unworthy

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers (The Winemaker’s Feast Outtake)

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The Winemaker’s Dinner: RSVP

Meet Dr. Ivan Rusilko: He’s a doctor at a world-class medical facility in Miami, he’s got a killer apartment on Miami Beach that overlooks Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, and he’s got a great group of friends and quite the social schedule. It’s a pretty damned charmed life, but something’s missing. He’d love a special someone to share it with—someone to laugh with, share his dreams with, and someone to just plain tickle his fancy. After a string of utterly forgettable blind dates and with no real prospects on the horizon, it’s time to take action. On the long drive from Miami Beach to Sarasota, Florida, for the annual Winemaker’s Dinner, Ivan makes a decision. He’s taking charge of his love life—and his fate.

 

RSVP is a short-story prequel to the highly anticipated erotic romance The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers by co-authors Dr. Ivan Rusilko and Everly Drummond. RSVP is an introduction to the romantic hero and real-life author Dr. Ivan Rusilko, and it marks the good doctor’s solo writing debut.

“Love is Beautiful” ~ Dr. Ivan

The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers will be released July 31, 2012.

 

 

FROM:  Facebook

Check out The Winemaker’s Dinner on Facebook: TWD

A personal short story introductory prequel to The Winemakers Dinner Series: The Feast debuting July 31st with its first installment… Appetizers.

RSVP will be available for FREE download starting July 1, 2012 on the Omnific Website. Make sure you “RSVP” yourself a copy before July 31st 😉 !! Check out the cover and summary on goodreads and add it to your wish lists! Please share, add, talk about, like, tweet, blog… do whatever to help make this Feast monumental. Also check out my co-authors short “No Reservations” due out the same time. Never forget… “Love is Beautiful” ~~Ivan

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ALEXIS MORGAN-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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ALEXIS MORGAN-Interview with the Author

Alexis Morgan-Interview with the Author: With the release of MY LADY MAGE in July 2012, The Reading Cafe would like to introduce the author Alexis Morgan.

LINK: Alexis Morgan Website

TRC:  Please tell us something about yourself?

Alexis:  I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from the University of Missouri—St. Louis with a degree in English. My husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest over thirty years ago and knew instantly that was where we wanted to stay.

TRC:  As a child, were you interested in writing? Have you always wanted to write?

Alexis:  I’ve always loved writing. I can remember writing short stories as far back as elementary school. However, I never even thought about writing a book until a writer friend dared me to try. Her name is Janice Kay Johnson, and we still brainstorm ideas together.

TRC: As Alexis Morgan, your writing genre is Paranormal Romance: as Pat Pritchard, the writing genre is Western Romance.Which genre is easier to write and why?

Alexis:  They each have their challenges, but both involve a lot of world building. I enjoyed writing the westerns, especially because in large part that is where I found my voice as a writer. My transition to writing paranormal romances was helped by the fact that the heroes in my westerns had much in common with those in my paranormal stories. Both feature strong warriors who are determined to defend those they care about with their very lives if necessary.

TRC:  Which genre, as a reader, do you prefer? Who are your favorite authors?

Alexis:  I like both, but I really love the rich diversity in the paranormal romance genre. For example, it’s truly amazing to me how the writers take a classic premise like vampires and take it in so many unique directions. Among my favorite authors are Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Ann Aguierre, and Jeaniene Frost.

TRC:  The Paladins series came to an end this past summer.What was your decision to end this particular series?

Alexis: It was a hard decision to make, but at 8 books and a novella, the series had a good long run. There was one more Paladin who I wanted to have his own story, so I’ve been doing a serialized novella about Lonzo Jones in the Members Only section of my website. There are also some other short stories there to let everyone know how some of the other Paladins and their heroines are doing these days.

TRC:  The Vampire series next storyline is Savage Redemption- Conlan Shea-to be released September 2012 .Will you tell us a little about the premise of his story? (“bats eyes and smiles nicely”)

Alexis:  Conlan first appeared in Vampire Vendetta as the head of security on Rafferty O’Day’s estate. I knew from the minute that Conlan appeared in that story that he’d have to have his own book someday. He’d been badly betrayed in the past that left him angry and reluctant to trust. When I thought about the perfect heroine for him, I realized that before he could be happy again he’d have to come to terms with his past. Of course, the last person he’d want to see was the woman who had betrayed him, but sometimes life and love offer second chances.

TRC:  You have not released a new full-length novel for the Talion Dark Warrior series since 2010. Will you continue to write the Talion series? Perhaps in novella or anthology?

Alexis:  I’d love to do another Talion book someday, and may do a short story or two at some point on my website just so people will know that Ranulf and the others are doing fine.

TRC:  Warriors of the Mist is your new paranormal romance series, and the premier novel is The Lady Mage to be released July 2012. Would you tell us something about your new series?

Alexis:  My very first complete manuscript, which never sold, was a fantasy, so writing this kind of story was something I’ve always wanted to do. I came up with the idea of a group of five men, known throughout history as the Warriors of the Mist. Centuries ago, they took a vow to redeem their honor by serving as avatars of their gods. They sleep beneath the River of the Damned until such time a worthy supplicant calls upon the gods for help. Then the warriors have from the spring equinox to the summer solstice to carry out their mission before they once again stand at the river to face the judgment of the gods.

TRC:  What is the premise of My Lady Mage and its characters, Gideon and Merewen?

Alexis:  Captain Gideon is the leader of the Warriors of the Mist. He and the others are awakened from their slumber beneath the river when Lady Merewen risks everything to call upon them to end her uncle’s tyranny in her homeland of Agathia. For the first time in Gideon’s long life, he has met the one woman who not only lays claim to his protection, but his heart as well. Together they face the evil that has infected her family’s land.

LINKS to pre-order:
B&N Nook
B&N Books
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
The Book Depository

TRC:  Where did you come up with the idea for the Warriors of the Mist series?

Alexis:  I wanted to create a world with magic, handsome warriors, and strong heroines. I loved the idea of the warriors serving the gods over centuries and had to decide where they would be in between callings. The river just felt right to me. I also wanted Merewen to have her own magic, so she has a special gift for working with horses.

TRC:  Do you have any idea as to the number of books that you will write for the Warriors of the Mist series?

Alexis:  As of right now, we have three books scheduled, but we’ve left the door open to the possibility of more stories set in the same world.

TRC:  Her Knight’s Quest is book number two in your new series .Would you be able to release any information about the characters in your next book?

Alexis:  One of the Warriors of the Mist, Duncan is that really sexy combination of warrior and scholar. As an increasingly dark evil is spreading across Agathia, he is hunting for a way to stop it. In his search for answers, he finds something totally unexpected—love.

TRC:  What are you currently working on today?

Alexis:  I recently sold a second new series to Signet Eclipse called Snowberry Creek that I’m really excited about. It’s a contemporary romance set in the Pacific Northwest. I’m currently working on an e-novella that will be released in August 2013 to introduce the series. The first book, as yet untitled, will be come out the following month in September 2013.

TRC:  Many artists and author use their spouses and partners as sounding boards to throw information and ideas back and forth. Does your husband influence your writing, or make suggestions as to ideas etc?

Alexis:  My husband has been very supportive of my writing from the very beginning. I don’t usually use him as a sounding board for story ideas, but we do discuss my career decisions. He’s also good to help track down details I need for my stories. For example, what kind of material were tents made from in the Middle Ages.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything at this time?

Alexis:  I want to thank you for having me here and your interest in my stories!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Movie—I Robot Favorite

FavoriteTV Show–NCIS

Favorite Book—Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard

Last Book that you read—Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick

Dark or Milk Chocolate—Dark

Favorite Restaurant—anything Italian

Red or Pink Roses–Red

TRC:  Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. WE are looking forward to your new WARRIORS OF THE MIST series and the release of SAVAGE REDEMPTION.

******GIVEAWAY******

Alexis Morgan has graciously offered her new Warriors of the MIst novel-MY LADY MAGE as a giveaway to 2 eligible members at The Reading Cafe. To be eligible for the giveaway:

1.  You MUST be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the LOG-IN at the top, or by using one of the social log-ins (e.g.Twitter etc).

2. If you register by using one of the social log-ins, please add your email address to the comments.

3. The winner(s) will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond.

4.  The contest is open to TRC members in the continental USA and Canada only.

5.  Contest runs June 25- June 30, 3012

 

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ALEXIS MORGAN-Book list and bio

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Alexis Morgan-Book list and bio

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alexis Morgan

Although originally from the Midwest, Alexis (aka Pat Pritchard) and her husband have made the Pacific NW their home for more than thirty years. She has always loved reading, and she loves spending her days with hunky heroes and gutsy heroines. By the end of this year, she will have published twenty-five books, novellas, and short stories, including contemporary romances, American West Historicals, and Paranormal Romances. She has been nominated for numerous industry awards, including the RITA© from the Romance Writers of America, the top award in the romance genre.

LINK to website: Alexis Morgan

WARRIORS OF THE MIST series
My Lady Mage (July 2012)
Her Knight’s Quest (March 2013)

VAMPIRES AND FRIENDS
Summer Nights with a Vampire
The Vampire’s Desire
Vampire Vendetta
A Vampire’s Vindication
A Vampire’s Salvation
A Vampire for Christmas
Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance

PALADINS
Dark Protector
Dark Defender
In Darkness Reborn
Redeemed in Darkness
Darkness Unknown
Defeat the Darkness
Bound by Darkness
The Darkness Beyond
Darkness on Fire

TALIONS
Dark Warrior Unleashed
Dark Warrior Unbroken
Dark Warrior Untamed

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Defining Literature for the Under 18 Crowd-Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade and YA

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Defining Literature for the Under 18 Crowd-PIcture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade and YA

By Kimberly Kinrade

NOTE:  This is a guest post by Kimberly Kinrade (reposted with permission by the author and Novel Publicity

LINK: Novel Publicity

LINK: www.kimberlykinrade.com.

As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for great books for my kids. As a reader, I love to find a fantastic new author with whom to fall in love. As an author, Sr. Project Manager for Novel Publicity and Marketing Director for Evolved Publishing, I’ve taken an interest in how books are classified, especially for younger readers.

The fiction genres for adults are pretty clear-cut. There’s literary fiction and genre fiction, and you find what you like within those choices. Some like to mix it up with a little of this and that, but whether you’re looking for romance, horror, magic, science fiction, or a thriller, you generally know what you’ll find within your genre.

For the under-18 reading crowd (and those of us who write for them), it’s not so simple. When does a child graduate from Goosebumps Horror books for young readers to real horror that would give grown men nightmares? How much is too much with the language, sex or violence?

Historically, children’s literature has not shied away from dark themes. I think back to the original telling of Cinderella and remember her evil stepsisters cutting off parts of their foot to squeeze into that coveted glass slipper. Hey, at least they were committed!

Even stories featuring younger children often portrayed them alone and fending for themselves. Guardians and parents were removed in order to give the child the freedom to move about the adventure and learn the lessons they needed on their own. This is still true in children’s literature and cinema, from Dora the Explorer to Harry Potter and the whole trend of boarding school books in Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction.

There will always be books that push the envelope of what some consider ‘appropriate’ for a particular age group, but, for the purpose of this article, let’s look at the ages typically assigned to each category and what they mean.

Categories of Children’s Literature
Picture Books: Ages 0-4: These are illustrated books that rely more on images than on text. For pre- to new readers, these offer a fun way to introduce children to the world of books. For the very little ones, you’ll often find a focus on learning numbers, shapes and letters, or an introduction to tactile stimulation (like furry baby ducks and leathery elephants). When my girls were in pre-school, their favorite book was Brown Bear. I still have it memorized!

Early Reader Books: Ages 4-7: As the child grows, they’re ready for more advanced reading. This is when the blend of dazzling artwork and engaging story become most important. You will see an example of this in Honey the Hero by Emlyn Chand. This is the first of the Bird Brain Books created for 4-6 year olds. As you can see, this crosses over between picture book and early readers, which are often lumped into one category.

Chapter Books: Ages 7-9: At this level, children are offered longer stories with chapters (previous books did not have chapters.) Most chapter books are not illustrated, or may only have a few black and white sketches. The focus is on improving reading fluency and comprehension. Two popular examples of this category are the Magic Tree House Series and A Series of Unfortunate Events.

I have also written a series of chapter books, The Three Lost Kids, but chose to include full color illustrations (by Josh Evans) in order to appeal to younger readers who are ready for longer stories, as well as older readers who still love great illustrations. They are geared for 4-9 year olds, though older kids and even adults have enjoyed this series for the beautiful images and important life lessons.

Lexie World, the first of the series, is written from the point of view of a six year old, Bella World from an eight year old and Maddie World from a nine year old. Each of my daughters helped create these books, so they are extra special.

Overall, none of these books are controversial, even if they get difficult to categorize. (Is it a picture book or chapter book?) But they can be scary. In A Series of Unfortunate Events, those kids face some pretty frightening situations and it’s not a happy book, as the narrator is fond of reminding the reader. Still, things are pretty tame in the world of the little people, but as they get older, defining their books gets harder. (Puberty makes every area of life difficult, doesn’t it?)

Middle Grade: Ages 9-13: This age bracket is really tricky. What’s the difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult (the next category)? Well, mostly, it’s content. Middle Grade books can be shorter to longer, there’s really no restriction. Think of Harry Potter; it started as a Middle Grade series, but became longer and darker with each book. In October I’ll be publishing The Reluctant Familiar, a book whose protagonist is a 13-year-old witch, so it could be MG, but it could also be YA. There’s a lot of cross-over here.

The general consensus seems to be that this category should be fairly tame with the language, sex and violence. Nothing graphic. Main characters tend to be younger (within the 12-14 age range) and are dealing with issues typical of those grades. However, as I said, it bleeds into the YA category.

Young Adult: Ages 14+: This is probably the most problematic genre of all. Some think YA caters to readers as young as 13, or stops at 18. As the name of this genre (and it’s become a whole genre in and of itself) does include the word adult, I think it is for the older teens and, well, young adults. This genre (along with some MG) also has a huge cross over to adult readers (mostly female) well into their 30s, 40s and above.

The most challenging aspect of the YA genre is figuring out what’s appropriate for this diverse age group. Topics such as sex, drugs and violence are often explored in YA books, and have created conflict for those who feel we should be protecting young readers from such things. Is swearing okay? Depends on whom you ask.

Some are coining terms such as Upper YA or New Adult to further categorize books that have more mature themes. Generally a YA book has an older teen main character who is struggling with coming of age themes. Romance, sex, drugs, violence–these are all issues that many teens deal with, so a lot of writers choose to include them.
In my award-winning YA paranormal thriller/romance Forbidden Mind, there is light swearing, and some of these issues are touched on, though not graphically. Like Harry Potter, the Forbidden trilogy does get darker in Forbidden Fire and Forbidden Life. It’s not for everyone, but its target audience is the older YA crowd.

So where does this all leave us?
While there are some basic age delineations for different types of children’s literature, at the end of the day the choice has to be based on the child’s reading level and what parents are comfortable letting their kids read.

What works for one 12 year old might not work for another, and that’s okay. There are thousands and thousands of books out there, so there’s no shortage of reading material. It just takes a discerning eye to find a book that speaks to a child’s unique personality and preference. As a writer, you must write the story that is in you to tell, even if it gets flagged as too mature for young audiences.

At the end of the day, these lines are arbitrary and relatively new. There once lived children who read the same books as adults, and they turned out just fine. Many of them even went on to become great writers themselves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberly Kinrade serves Novel Publicity as a Project Manager. As an author with multiple book launches always in progress, and Marketing Director for Evolved Publishing, Kimberly stays busy doing what she loves.  But she always makes time to play with her three little girls who think they are princess ninjas with hidden supernatural powers, her two dogs who think they are human, and the one man who is her soul mate and writing partner. Learn more at www.kimberlykinrade.com.

 

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S.R. (Shelli) Johannes-Interview with the Author

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S.R.(Shelli) Johannes-Interview with the Author

S.R. (Shelli) Johannes-The Reading Cafe has been featuring a number of the INDELIBLES authors. The INDELIBLES is a group of indie authors who write novels for Young Adults. We would like to introduce S.R.(Shelli) Johannes.

TRC: Hi Shelli and welcome to The Reading Café. Please tell us something about yourself?

Shelli: After working in Corporate America for 15 years, I traded in my expensive suits, way-too high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and my love of writing. I own my own marketing company and currently write books for Middle Grade and Young Adult

TRC: Would you please tell us about the INDELIBLES and how you became involved with the group of authors?

Shelli: When I decided to indie publish, I needed a group of strong indie authors to go to for advice. There are so many differen tissues you hit as indie authors because you wear all the different hats in publishing. I decided to start the Indelibles and found 25 amazing ladies who had credibility and produced high quality books. The Indelibles functions as a support group and cross promotional group. I really depend on these ladies to stay sane.

TRC: What has been the most difficult aspect about indie publishing?

Shelli: Getting past the stigma of indie publishing. That is the hardest part for me. I just want my book’s to be judged like evryone else’s book. So when doors are closed just because I am not traditionally published – it is frustrating.

TRC: UNTRACEABLE is your first book in The Nature of Grace series. Will you please tell us about the premise of this story?

Shelli: Grace grew up in the woods. When her forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, Grace is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. It will take more than a compass and motorcycle for this tough heroine to save all she loves.

 

TRC: What type of research was involved with some of the specific aspects of the storyline? e.g. bear poaching: hiking: ranger

Shelli: My husband is an avid camper so the wilderness and outdoor stuff was easy. I took self defense classes and fly fishing classes to get into Grace’s head. The bear poaching issue was just reading and researching in animal organizations. I am an avid supporter of nature and animals so that part was the easiest for me to dive into.

TRC: Are any of the experiences based on events in real life?

Shelli: Well, I think there is always a little of every author’s real life in their books. But more specifically, the bear pits in Cherokee and the issue with the Native American Reserve is very real. Those pits exist and they are horrid. There have been many efforts to shut them down but they are outside the state and national jurisdiction because they are an acting reservation.

TRC: The road to publishing any novel can be frustrating. What were the challenges in researching and writing UNTRACEABLE?

Shelli: Oh gosh. I posted about this a while back. The reason I indie pubbed was because after 2 years with a NY agent and 2 books that went to aquisitions, I still didnwasn’t able to sell. Last summer, my agent and I separated and I was at my lowest point. To love writing again, I needed to do something for myself and give these books a chance. I knew there was no life left in those books in the big 6 so I decided to have fun and do them myself as an experience and a way to move forward. I had no idea they would do as well as they are doing. It’s been fun but someday I hope to straddle indie pubbing and traditional pubbing. I do believe in both models.

TRC: UNCONTROLLABLE is the second story in the series. Will you please tell us about the premise of the story?

Shelli: Grace’s science class is chosen by Agent Sweeney at the US Fish and Wildlife Service to help with research on the new “Appalachian Red Wolf Reintroduction Program”. While she’s excited about helping the conservation of the endangered wolves, Grace knows this means being outdoors in the worst winter recorded, working with Wyn (her ex boyfriend) and his girlfriend (Skyler), a girl whose idea of nature is growing silk plants. Skyler makes Grace’s time in the woods miserable. After some fellow students are attacked, Grace continues the assignment under renewed suspicion that –someone is trying to sabotage the Red Wolf program. Eventually wolves start showing up dead and Grace is determined to find out who is responsible, but little does she know, she is being hunted too. By more than one person.

TRC: There is a potential for a love-triangle between Grace and, Wyn and Mo. Will you address the relationship between Grace and the two young men in
UNCONTROLLABLE?

Shelli: I can’t tell you that! You will have to see what happens in the next book 🙂 I will say that Wyn is seeing someone in Uncontrollable so the comic relief and tension between Grace and Wyn grows.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for The Nature of Grace series?

Shelli: Right now, three. I can’t see beyond that but who knows if something will grab me.

TRC: Would you please tell us about your new BREATHLESS novelette series?

Shelli: I wanted to create a series of short novels. Breathless is a trilogy of novelettes – Suffocate, Choke, and Exhale. They are about 15,000 words and come out about 4 months apart.

TRC: What is the premise behind your first novelette SUFFOCATE?

Shelli: It combines the dystopic and science fiction genres. The book will be available on ebook only for 99 cents!

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It’s a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won’t stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas between other authors or friends and family. With whom do you share ideas and troubles???

SHELLI: I have many writer friends that offer support in writing, publishing, and the challenges we all face as writers 🙂 I would not be functioning without them.

TRC: What are you currently working (on)?

Shelli: Uncontrollable and a SEKRIT project – another contemp thriller.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
cheese dip

Favorite Dessert
magnum double caramel ice cream bars

Favorite TV Show
Walking dead

Favorite Movie
of all times? Casablanca or Blazing saddles

Last Movie you Saw
On the big screen? The Hunger Games

Favorite Flower
gerber daisy

Dark or Milk Chocolate
the darker the better 😉

What book are your currently reading?
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Shelli:  Thank you! 🙂

TRC:  Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. We look
forward to your next release later this summer. All the best with your
writing career.

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