A bit of a ramble and a FREEBIE

I don't share too much of myself on my blog as I never really know what to say. Do people really care what I did this week, or what my thoughts are on stuff in the world? I feel like all I do is promote my work, which isn't such a bad thing, but you don't get to know me as a writer--which I've been told some people like.

So, first I want to say HI, and thanks all the bloggers who support me, share my posts, and generally offer a wonderful shoulder without expecting anything in return. Alex Cavanaugh is an example of a wondeful blogger who goes above and beyond with hardly anything in return from me. You're wonderful, Alex and I know I don't thank you enough--so thank you. :)

Secondly, if you haven't figured out yet. I write. A lot. I started fumbling around on my laptop almost four years ago and by gawd it was terrible! It took me two years and some embarrassing query letters before I found a place called Querytracker and met the wonderful Cassie Mae. She pointed out that using THAT in every sentence was not cool, and proceeded to introduce me to some other fantastic writers, beta readers, and critique partners. I'm honoured to say I'm friends with a lot of writers these days all around the world. My writing has improved drastically and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

My jounery to publication was a little all over the place. I wrote a fantastical book based on Hindu mythology which landed me a publishig contract with a small press. I then wrote an urban fantasy about a teleporting vigilante that earned me an offer by an agent. However, by this point I'd read some amazing success stories about writers who self-published. Because I'm a control freak and like to have the say in my story, cover, and formating, I thought it would be a great idea and rejected the offer to do it myself. Ocean Breeze is a favorite character of mine and I'm in it for the long haul with her and Callan.

Meanwhile, I wrote a contemp romance with a pilot and air hostess. I loved the story and it has a fairly large twist that I knew some people would love and some wouldn't. But I took the risk and it did well. :)

Now, I've written a short story erotica and figured something out about myself. I know as a writer I should pick a genre and stick to it so my readers know what they're getting when they buy one of my books--however, I don't want to be pigeon-holed. I love writing Urban Fantasy. I love writing Contemp Romance. I love writing Erotica. It's all fun and my imagination won't shut up. So... expect more randomness from me in the future.

In my personal life I like to keep what I do to a minimum--not shy--just don't really want to talk about myself, but I love to travel, and that's where I get a lot of my story ideas from. I wonder if air tickets are tax deductible as I use travelling as a writing tool... have to look into that. :)

I own an adorable house rabbit. There she is. Isn't she the cutest little thing? We even flew her over from Sydney, Australia to New Zealand. When we collected her from customs the big burly guy asked why the hell we brought a rabbit with us. He asked if we were going to eat her! She's now five and middle aged, and I'm proud to say she's never been in a cage, knows her name, sleeps on the end of our bed, is litter trained, and is my little bundle of bunny :)


Alright, enough rambling. Tonight Amazon released Mirror Amour (my little erotica) for free for a limited time. If you want some spice, a quick kinky read then this is the book for you.

Head here to download a free copy: Amazon
And to leave your thoughts (hope you like it) on Goodreads


Thanks again, everyone <3

Jade

 

 

Warning R18.

A Sexy New Adult / Adult Erotic Novella.

'I stared up into his green eyes, lit only by fake candlelight. Murmuring, Noah laced his fingers with mine. “If we do this we don’t talk about it ever again. It stays here. In this place. Agreed?"'

Linden Dylan, genius microbiologist and soon-to-be professor, almost crashes her car when the purple and grey bigtop comes to town. 
And it was all because of the indecent, and rather thrilling flyer: 

* * * * * * * * *
Circotica presents Tassels of Tantalisation.
Where fantasies are indulged, and reality is ignored.
One night only.
Strictly R18.
Couples encouraged.
Singles implored.
* * * * * * * * * 

Linden has fantasies, not that she’d ever tell anyone, and against her strict self-control to stay away, she’s drawn to the sinful call of Circotica. 

Strong and sexy acrobat, Carson Smith, is only too happy to help bring Linden’s fantasies to life, but tonight is Linden’s night and she’s got her lust set on bookishly handsome, Noah Carmichael, to fulfil them.

Cover Reveal for OCTOPUS LOTTO

I feel like I'm a writing machine these days, and couldn't help sharing with you this amazing cover that is totally brand new. Megan from Abuse of Reason and Art has literally JUST finished making it :)

Octopus Lotto is swiftly turning into a favourite book of mine. It's dark, twisted, sexy, hot--everything I like in a book.

Goodreads: Octopus Lotto

Luck can change with the flutter of a heartbeat.

Dashiel Rosen’s luck shackled him a life of homelessness and drug use. Every chase of chemical highs slips him further into debt—in both crime and in his soul. To stay alive from men who want him dead, he’s become a master in Parkour. Running, even if it is leaping off buildings with gravity-defying ability, is cowardly, and being unable to function without a fix has made Dash hate himself, but he can’t see a way out of hell. 

Hazel Whitlock has the perfect upbringing. Passing her veterinary degree with honours, she’s earned a night on the town. Friends come. Drinks are enjoyed. And in the morning, her life is never the same again.  She won the lottery. And not just any lottery. The highest jackpot ever.

Zel does the logical thing and rents a super yacht, the Octopus, and her and her sister embark on a one year around the world adventure in the height of luxury.

What Zel didn’t plan on was a stowaway in the form of a dusty ragamuffin with eyes betraying secrets and pain. Unable to return Dash to port, they form an uneasy alliance, agreeing to stay out of each other’s way. But stuck at sea emotions run high, and tension consumes them. In a lucky, or not so lucky, twist of fate, Dash and Zel’s lives interweave, and the consequences of luck demand more than either of them can pay.

Luck can change in the flutter of a heartbeat.

Bad luck can destroy just as quickly.

MIRROR AMOUR is LIVE

It's a day early.

 

But it's available to be read right now!!

 

MIRROR AMOUR is published! YAY.

 

AMAZON--MIRROR AMOUR

 

 

Sneak peek (R18) only

 

Every part of this evening had been a surprise; turning me from bookish scientist to wanton, weak-kneed slut. I had no control over my transformation, and I hoped tonight would change me forever. I wished the outside world wasn’t so uptight. That everywhere was as honest as Circotica. Being sexy, and blatantly obvious how horny we were, was refreshing. Our needs weren’t hidden behind falseness. I had a feeling this experience would teach me what I’d never let myself contemplate. I liked sex. I liked the thrill… the chase… the catch… the temptation.

My eyes shot wide as the realization slammed into me.

I liked Noah.

Every time we circled each other in awkwardness made me aware of him, and yet, I convinced myself I barely tolerated him, when in reality, I’d been waiting for him to jump me. Had he been waiting for the same thing? Subconsciously aware of each other, but so conditioned by society that raw, animalistic need wasn’t proper.

Never again. My inner minx was free and no way would I chain her up—unless a sexy man was doing it, of course. Noah was wrong. We would talk about this again. And again. And again.

Shit, I wanted to scrapbook tonight. Steal a mirror as a memento and dress myself in candy floss.

We exited the corridor, and my entire body revved into red-hot chills. This is—wow! Carson let my hand go as I drifted forward, blinking at the splendour.

“Pretty. Isn’t it?” His voice was guttural, reacting to the room. The place where he’d fuck me and make me spend the best one hundred and fifty dollars in my life.

“I don’t think pretty is the right word.” My heart jumped. Was that my voice? That sex-kitten, low tenor that urged men to attack me.

Noah’s body pressed against mine from behind and my stomach somersaulted. “I’d call it carnal. Mind-blowing. The best room I’ve ever seen.” He bit the side of my neck sending shockwaves down my spine.

I had to agree. Noah’s fantasy had truly come life. If he wanted to watch, he’d have a hard time looking away with this many reflective surfaces.

Every inch was covered in mirrors.

 

* * *

 

Goodreads Link

 

* * *

 

Early review of Mirror Amour:

5 stars

With her amusing mix of quirky humor and scientific reasoning, I loved being in Linden's head--"Didn’t he know I favoured petri dishes and germs over a human specimen?" Neither a person who frequents carnal events nor a virginal girl--she's a woman most readers will relate to as Circotica ignites her desires and sexual curiosity. Her flatmate Noah--who Linden describes as lacking a libido despite his "bookishly handsome" looks--turns out to be quite the wild man when all of his pent up sexual frustration is unleashed. 

Fel from Peasants Revolt.

 

* * *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazing Art Festival

I'm blessed to work with an INCREDIBLY talented Cover Artist: Megan from Abuse of Reason and Art and she has an art show coming up at the summer. Travelling around Utah, she spreads the awesomeness of her work. I can't tell you how insanely talented she is with a camera, photoshop, and imagination.




Here are just a few of her great creations. :) I want to write books to match all these images they're just too beautiful.






 
These works are all for sale via her FB page or Devianart, and she does the most kickass covers--as seen above in my title page :)

To help her raise the funds for her festival, I'm spreading the word. If you want to help donate (from $1 to whatever you're comfortable with) Go here: Indiegogo




 And now some notes from Megan. (You can read this at the link to donate.)

Greetings, humans! I’m Megan Kennedy, a writer and artist from Salt Lake City, Utah and owner of Abuse of Reason Art and Photography. I’ve been doing art for over ten years now, and have been given some amazing opportunities, including being published internationally and working with musicians and authors to achieve their dream project covers. Fans of the official Bioshock Facebook may recognize my work “Rapture”, which was featured there last year and has since become the best-selling print in my gallery.

For the last two years, I have participated in Craft Lake City, Utah’s second-largest arts festival, and each year has been more successful than the last. I feel my studio is on the cusp of a fantastic explosion into greatness I’ve only yet dreamed of, and I want to give it the rocket fuel it needs to make that happen.

Previous years at Craft Lake City, I’ve gone small with only a table set-up and a modest display. This year, with the festival expanding to two days, I want to upgrade to a booth and expanded print selection to draw the crowds in like never before. I’m also looking to be a part of the Urban Arts Festival as well this summer, which is expanding to the Gateway mall. My only obstacle to this goal is being a broke college student. I’m asking for your generous contributions to help me solidify Abuse of Reason Art as a business by investing in a stand-out festival presentation this year.

--

Last year's booth

--

What This Campaign Will Fund:

• Print displays for the larger booth space: We are penny-pinching folk and will stretch every dollar contributed by exploring creative and non-traditional display options, such as old window shutters, magazine racks, etc., to be both budget-friendly and eye-catching for the festival.
• Prints: The majority of the contribution will be spent purchasing prints to sell. We will have a range of smaller sizes (4x6-11x14), as well as larger poster-sized prints, and hopefully even a canvas or two available for the festival public.

• Various business expenses: Business cards, plastic bags for print purchases, battery-operated lighting for the booth after dusk, clear bags and cardboard backing to protectively package prints, frames for the poster-sized prints, printing of signs/price tags, etc. This will also help us cover the entry and booth rental fees of the festivals.

--

Rapture

--

What You Get:

For a $1 Contribution: You get a ginormous THANK YOU from AOR for your support of the arts. At the festivals, we will have printed a list of names of every donor, and any donation amount gets your name on that list for all the festival to see. Your name will also be entered in a drawing for an 18x20 print of “Rapture”.

For a $10 Contribution: Send us a photo of you, your mom, your dog, whoever, and we will zombify them!

For a $20 Contribution: We will send you a 4x6 print from the AOR Etsy Store, chosen and signed by the artist.

For a $25 Contribution: We will send you a 5x7 print from the AOR Etsy Store, chosen and signed by the artist.

For a $30 Contribution: We will send you an 8x10 from the AOR Etsy Store, chosen and signed by the artist.

For a $50 Contribution: We will send you an 11x14 print from the AOR Etsy Store, chosen and signed by the artist.

For a $100 Contribution: If you are in a band, an author, or have some other comparable project, I will do your cover art. My work has been commissioned internationally by musicians, indie authors, and publishers like Random House; I guarantee you professional quality work. You can find my portfolio at:

http://www.facebook.com/abuseofreason or

http://abuseofreason.deviantart.com

For a $150 Contribution, you have several choices: If you are in a band or an author, I will set up a photo shoot with you and provide you with promo pictures you can use on social media, show flyers, book jackets etc. If you’re SLC local and just need some traditional photos, we can also set up a photo session for anything you want! All options receive a CD with high-res copies of photos, with 10-15 edited, and full copyright release to print and post as you so desire.*

For a $200 Contribution: You will receive both promo photos AND cover art for your project. (SLC locals for photos)*

For a $300 Contribution: We will send you a gorgeous 26x26, ready-to-hang canvas print of your choice from the AOR Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AORArt

For a $500 Contribution: We will send you the 26x26 canvas of your choice, as well as certificate guaranteeing that the print you selected will NEVER be printed in large-format again. You will own the one and only copy of this print in wall-hangable size. (Only exclusion to this being “Rapture”, which has already been printed in large-format prior to this campaign.)

For a $1000 Contribution: I will work with you on a commission of your choice. You don’t have to be in a band or an author; any art you want to see done, I will work with you to create it. Once we create your dream work of art, we will send you a 26x26 canvas print of your commission. This work will NEVER be sold by me in ANY format; not on Etsy, not at festivals, never. It will be a one-and-only piece for you, generated from your beautiful brain.

*Please note: photoshoots are not included for residents outside of SLC. However, if you’re outside the area and willing to come to the Salt Lake Valley at your own expense, arrangements can be made.

--

Cover for "Coffee and Cockpits" by Jade Hart

--

The Impact

Contributions to this campaign will be far-reaching and felt long after this festival season is over. Displays purchased for the festivals can be re-used for years to come, allowing me to apply to bigger festivals without worrying about running with the big dogs on presentation. Prints that remain unsold after the festival will immediately be up for sale on my Etsy store, as well as becoming surplus inventory for future festivals, art galleries, etc., which will again enhance my reach to new audiences. Everything this campaign is funding will allow my business to run smoother and reach higher for months and years into the future.

Aside from the material impact, the exposure gained through this festival will obviously impact the growth of my business, and potentially expand my clientele of authors, musicians, etc., who come to me for commissioned work. The money I make from these commissions literally sustains my survival during the school semesters, allowing me freedom to pursue my education whole-heartily. Art is what I love doing, and I would be endlessly grateful if I were able to transform this business into something making enough to contribute to my family’s budget (beyond just surviving).

--

When I Grow Up

--

Other Ways You Can Help

I understand that even in the best of economic times, it’s not always easy to support the arts financially. Anything you can do to spread the word of this campaign, or of Abuse of Reason Art, will be incredibly appreciated!

• Share this campaign!
• Share my Etsy Store! Every print sold here will help me reach my goals:http://www.etsy.com/shop/AORArt
• Share the AOR Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/abuseofreason
• Share the AOR Twitter! @AORArtandPhoto
• Got a friend in a band, or one about to finish the Great American Novel? Let them know about my contribution rewards for CD/book cover art! My work has been commissioned internationally, by indie authors and by publishers like Random House. I guarantee them professional quality work.
• SLC locals, get out to Craft Lake City this August!
• Support your local arts wherever you live. Culture in the US needs a boost. 

MIRROR AMOUR has a release date!

 

****

Circotica invites you to Tassels of Tantalization.

Where fantasies are indulged, and reality is ignored.

One night only.

Strictly R18.

Couples encouraged.

Singles implored.

 

***

 

RELEASE DATE: 12th May 2013

 

***

And for a sneak peek... (warning R18)

 

I couldn’t look around fast enough. Circotica was sex amped on Viagra, laced with speed, cocaine, and every aphrodisiac known to man. And I loved it. Had I always been secretly into this stuff? Or had it opened my eyes?

A small flare of panic filled me. Life was draped in decadence and undisputed passion here; how could I go back to my boring life after tonight? I was ruined for my bland apartment, my work with germs, and my shy, uncommunicative flatmate. I wanted to dance and fuck. I wanted to live to the full potential of my body and die shivering with uncontrollable orgasms.

We passed the food stalls. My mouth watered at the scents of sugar and grease even as my eyes widened.  

Cotton candy was offered, but instead of coming on a stick, it was offered on a man’s penis or a woman’s breasts. Popcorn was threaded on necklaces and wrapped around naked forms to be eaten with lips. Were they workers of the Circotica or willing participants? Did someone pay one hundred and fifty bucks to become an eating utensil? And why was I contemplating it?

My core clenched as a fully dressed man in a suit leaned over a naked woman wearing a belt of dangling confectionery. He took a sweet into his mouth, grazing her navel as he did. I gasped as his tongue speared and entered her bellybutton, swirling around once before pulling away.

Carson leaned toward me, jerking me into his chest. He bit my ear, whispering, “You like watching, too. Does it turn you on to voyeur others?” He kissed my neck, licking with a pointed tongue. “I do. It makes me hard. I can’t wait to watch you.”

***

 

And if you aren't blushing too much you can add it to Goodreads: HERE

AWESOMESAUCE Cassie Mae has a cover reveal!

Let's all dance together!

Take it away, Cassie!

I'm super thrilled to show you all my cover for my New Adult debut, FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI, published by Random House Flirt. This baby comes out on July 29th, but you can buy it now! And it'll just zap onto your ereader the day it's released.

Wanna know what it's about? Well, it's about this pig who learns how to fly, but only on friday nights and he grants wishes to people who are not where they're supposed to be, to get them out of a bind. You know I'm totally joking. I just wanted to see how many people just skipped over all these words to get to the pretty cover, lol. You mention the pig in the comments and you get cyber gold stars.

Here's the blurb :D

Rising star Cassie Mae introduces New Adult readers to a practical soon-to-be college freshman who seems to have everything—until a special guy shows her what she’s been missing.

In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s dream: a Friday-night alibi, the “girlfriend” or “BFF” that parents dream about. With college approaching in the fall, Kelli’s services are in demand more than ever, which means that her social life is nonexistent. But Kelli is A-okay with that. She’s raking in cash for school. Besides, relationships are tricky, and sometimes very messy. She’d rather be at home on Xbox LIVE, anyway. Then the unexpected happens: She meets college stud Chase Maroney.

Chase isn’t like the preppy, privileged guys Kelli usually meets in Sundale. For starters, he’s twentysomething, always wears black, and he shoots back one-liners as fast as she can dish them out. But Kelli’s attempts to drive Chase away falter when she realizes that he treats her like he really knows her, like he cares about knowing her. When Kelli finally gives in to the delicious kiss she’s been fighting for so long, she faces a tough decision: make Chase a real-life boyfriend and risk her heart . . . or keep her clients and lose her first true love.

Advance praise for Friday Night Alibi

“Totally entertaining with as many swoon-worthy moments as hilarious ones, Friday Night Alibi is a must-read.”—Jolene Perry, co-author of Out of Play

“A fun, funny, and fantastic story, this is one you will read in a day, and pick up to re-read again the next.”—Kelley Lynn, author of Fraction of Stone

Oh, and stuff about me too.

Cassie Mae is a nerd to the core from Utah, who likes to write about other nerds who find love. Her angel children and perfect husband fan her and feed her grapes while she clacks away on the keyboard. Then she wakes up from that dream world and manages to get a few words on the computer while the house explodes around her. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with the youth in her community as a volleyball and basketball coach, or searching the house desperately for chocolate.

And now the pretty!

You can buy this book HERE, and it takes you to all the places it's available. Yay! My first published book with MY NAME ON IT! Squee!!!

Anyone need some fabulous editors?

I have the pleasure to recommend TJ Loveless and Robin Alexander as editors to any writer who needs a good set of eyes, honest opinions, and a team who supports their book as much as you do.

I don't know how many know this, but I'm the Production Manager for the publisher Curiosity Quills and have worked with TJ and Robin on many manuscripts inhouse.

They have since teamed up and started their own editing company: Cliffhanger Editing

I highly recommend them, not only have they helped my own books, they're friendly, helpful, and speedy :)

To get in touch with them use this Form

Here is a bit of information about the editors:

T.J. Loveless  has been reading and writing since fourth grade. She writes predominantly in the Speculative Fiction genres, with a novella series to be self published the summer of 2013 and one manuscript currently in the query trenches. Experience in editing include as a current copy/content editor for a small publishing house, former technical editor for a large company, writing and publication of technical and training manuals. She also brings to the table experience in labs and science, law enforcement, and can swap stories about shoveling water in the hot Florida summer. With over twenty years in customer service, she knows how to take care of clients, and fully understands what it means to be a writer. 

 

Robin Alexander has been writing since she was ten years old. The query maze is a familiar journey for her, where she's backpacked with paranormal, scif-fi and romantic women's fiction. She is a copy/content editor for a small publishing house, has built and managed several websites, and worked in a quality control in a major pharmaceutical company where attention to detail was key. Her professional resume also includes 15+ years in the travel industry, where she's indulged her curiosity of the world and satisfies her need to talk Disney with clients (and anyone else who will listen). Add it all together, and it really just equals years of customer service for someone who loves writing, loves helping people, and understands the challenges authors go through. 

and their services:

Menu

A LA CARTE 

30 Minute Private Phone Call with Editor of Your Choice 

(Outside of the U.S.A, please contact first for more details.)

$25.00

 

Beta Read by Both Editors

$0.0015/word (example: $120/80k MS average)

 

Proofread by Both Editors

$0.002/word  (example: $160/80k MS average)

 

Light Edit by Both Editors

$0.004/word  (example: $320/80k MS average)

 

Comprehensive Edit by Both Editors

 $0.0075  (example: $600/80k MS average)

 

All reviews include a letter outlining a summary of each Editor's thoughts on the manuscript (ie. things they loved, constructive thoughts for improvement-if needed-, overall impression of story)

 

 

PACKAGES

One comprehensive edit + proofreading by Both Editors

$700

 

Two comprehensive edits + proofreading by Both Editors

$1000.00

 

All reviews include a letter outlining a summary of each Editor's thoughts on the manuscript (ie. things they loved, constructive thoughts for improvement-if needed-, overall impression of story)

 

DEFINITIONS

Beta Read - Reading as the audience. Overall feel of the MS.
Proofread - Looking for any overt mistakes, inconsistencies, glaring issues.
Light Edit - Paragraph by paragraph edit. Noting telling, grammar, etc.
Comprehensive edit - Line edits include, but not limited to, looking for redundancy, passive writing, inconsistencies, misspellings, punctuation, grammar, characterization, POV, world building, transition and plot issues. 
 

 

FICTION ONLY

Timeframes for completion will be given at time of order based on word count and genre.