Clean Indie Reads is a large group of authors that are dedicated to writing books free of sex, with mild language and violence. Although the group is less than two years old, it’s grown so much within the past year that the site had to be moved from a small blog to its very own website. New authors are joining daily, and we are all about supporting clean reads in a world where erotica is the main seller.

Right now, many of the authors have put their books free or on sale, and you should definitely check it out. Although my Unexpected Metamorphosis is free at the moment, you won’t find it listed on the sale page, as I was focused on finishing my first draft last month and got too distracted to add my information. However, there are a variety of books there.

They’re also having their first Facebook party, with many authors hosting and giving away prizes. The party began on Tuesday, and it ends today. It runs from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. so if you’re online, you may want to pop in and see who’s hosting at the moment.

I have a presence on Clean Indie Reads, and you can read my interview and take a look at my author information there. I highly recommend you check out some of the other authors on the site if you’re into cleaner reads. The writers in this community is a great group of people–professionally and as friends. They are highly supportive, and there are some amazing reads over there.

If you’re an author, you can join by going to the private Facebook group. As a reader, you can follow the new Facebook page dedicated to readers. I hope to see you over there, as it’s a great way to support clean authors.

In a market where erotica rules, it sometimes gets discouraging as a clean writer–especially a clean romance writer. It really does mean a lot when a reader thanks an author for keeping their writing clean. It’s not all that easy to write passionate, fantasy romance–notice the word passionate. Each time I type out a romantic or death scene, I struggle to keep it real and passionate, yet clean. It’s truly a balancing act, as clean fantasy romance does not mean sweet fantasy romance. I could easily cross certain lines when typing out those scenes, but I struggle to write them without taking my readers’ minds to dark places.

Welcome to Cozy Creek, a quaint tourist town nestled along the Pacific Coast.

Daisy McDare is busy nursing a broken heart, trying to build up her interior decorator business, and baking cookies when murder strikes Cozy Creek.

At first she leaves the investigation to Chris Crumple, the local bumbling police detective. But when Crumple arrests the wrong suspect, Daisy takes the investigation into her own hands.

Cracking the case won’t be easy. She’ll need help from her pastry-baking best friend Samantha, her wise-cracking Granny Annie, and her trusty West Highland Terrier Shamus.

It’s up to Daisy McDare to find the murderer in Cozy Creek before they strike again.

Amazon

Author K.M. Morgan
K.M. Morgan loves baking, crafts, cute cat videos, and reading mysteries.

Amazon Author Page

Praise for the Book Daisy McDare

“Quick and pleasant reading.”
Barbara J Tobey

“I can’t wait for the next one to come out!”
Connie Correll

Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/29/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nightmares really do come true, and for fifteen-year-old Kyler Birkwood, they are just beginning. Raised on a farm by his Aunt Martha, Kyler has no clue about the magical heritage swimming through his blood. When he discovers evidence of a mythical creature, a terrifying beast thought only to exist in fairy tales, his safe world shatters.
Left at a school of magic to hunt for clues, he is overwhelmed and disbelieved. As loved ones begin disappearing and Orcs roam the land, Kyler must undergo a journey that takes him from the High Courts of the King to the unknown forests of the East. His magic just awakening, Kyler is the lone hope for a world that will not listen.

Purchase Your Copy

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise for The Awakening

“Dorine White delivers twists and turns to the plot that will keep you turning the pages.” ~ Melanie Mason, author of the YA historical, The Line That Divides

“The Awakening is a clever blend of folklore and fantasy, perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. A furiously fun read!” ~ Laurisa Reyes, author of the YA thriller, Contact

Author Dorine White

My name is Dorine White. I am a children’s fantasy author and a book reviewer. I grew up back East in Maryland and attended BYU in Utah. I have a BA in Humanities with an interest in Art History and French. Currently I live in the beautiful, yet rainy Northwest with my husband and 6 children. My first novel was published in 2012 and is the beginning of the Cleopatra’s Legacy series. The first two books are out, The Emerald Ring and The Ruby Pendant. Look for the third book, The Diamond Looking Glass in the summer of 2015.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

$50 Blast Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/29/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from
AMAZON

Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer!

Beam n Read Hands-Free Light delivers a wide & bright light that lights up 2 book pages and doesn’t disturb others. It’s a true reading light that works with all printed books, Kindles and other eReaders (whether naked, skinned, or covered), PLUS newspapers, magazines, newsletters, loose documents, and other items that can’t support a clip-on light. Worn around the neck, there’s no need to shift it when reading paperbacks.

Included are two 2 special Relaxation Filters: BNR Orange for a softer, warmer light that blocks energizing blue light (especially useful when reading to relax in bed); BNR Red to block blue light and reduce ambient light for sensitive bed partners.

Standard alkaline AA batteries (not included) last an extra long 100 hours, far longer than flashlights and clip-on lights resulting in a lower cost to use (and fewer batteries in the trash). This light is still bright when others have gone dim. Save batteries for when you’re on the go with the optional USB/AC Power Kit with 12 ft of cable that lets you plug into the included USB/AC adapter. Or plug into a USB car adapter/charger, or a computer USB port, or a USB adapter/charger for cell phones, etc.

In addition to reading, this 3 LED hands-free light is great for crafts, travel, and walking in dim or dark places such as an attic, basement, or around the house during a power outage. Use it for writing journals, working, camping, changing diapers at night, and a lot more.

Testimonials

“I am not sure how I lived without this product all these years. I am a massive reader, especially at night in bed… From the first moment I started using the Beam n Read light, I could read my books so much easier and it didn’t keep my husband awake…We give this 5 paws, and if my scale went higher I would rate it higher!” – Leslie, StoreybookReviews.com

“I’ve tried using other book lights before, but they have always been a real fail for me… the Beam N’ Read Personal Light…met all of my expectations and more!… One of my favorite things about this product were the “Relaxation Filters”. They come with an orange one that is a softer light that is perfect to help me fall asleep faster. …. This product is highly recommended for all readers and crafters. I like the Beam n’ Read so much, that I’m buying one for my mom for Christmas.” – Sheila, WhyNotBecauseISaidso.blogspot.com

“The Beam n Read personal light is much more than just a book light… I have tried so many different types of reading lights, several of the clip types, one head lamp, and a few that slide on your page like a paperclip. This has been the best light that I have tried to far.” – Mary, BookHounds.net

“I really love this Beam n Read! It is very bright when you use it without the filters, but I love using the filters. The orange filter is my favorite. It really soothes me when I’m reading in bed. If you’ve got someone in bed with you who is trying to sleep, use the red filter as it also blocks ambient light. This is really convenient to use because it is totally hands free. You just hang it around your neck and start reading. I feel like it is really better for my eyes to use this too… If you are a reader, I highly recommend trying this product! I think you’ll love it!” – Christy, ChristysCozyCorners.com

Features

• For hands free personal light anywhere; extra bright light is easy on the eyes; doesn’t disturb others
• Wide light from 3 LEDs in a row lights up 2 book pages; works with ALL Kindles, eReaders
• BNR Orange Relaxation Filter softens and warms the cool LED light and blocks energizing blue light
• BNR Red Relaxation Filter blocks blue light, reduces ambient light, & helps maintains night vision
• Alkaline AA batteries (not incl) last Extra Long 100 hours, 3-10x longer than most clip-on lights

Also Available

Beam N Read USB/AC Power Kit

Save batteries for when you’re on the go or the next power outage by plugging in with the Beam n Read Accessory USB Power Kit. When you need portability, just unplug and go. It works with all Beam n Read LED Hands-Free lights (3 and 6 LED lights).

In addition to the adapter’s 6 foot BnR to USB cable, this kit includes an additional 6 foot USB extension cord letting you work up to 12 feet from a USB-A socket. Need a longer cable? – just add a standard USB extension cable.

Use the included USB/AC adapter or a USB DC car adapter/charger, or a computer’s USB port, or the USB adapter/charger for your cell phone, e-reader, etc.

You may leave batteries in the Beam n Read or take them out to make a super lightweight light.

Please note this kit is for external power and will not recharge batteries.

Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from
AMAZON

Product Review Tour

November 10th to December 10th

$50 Blast Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/21/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the celebration of the 4th annual Black Friday Book Bonanaza, hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and BookShelfery. I am a writer of passionate, fantasy romance without the guilt, and the first book in my Alissia Roswell Series titled Unexpected Metamorphosis is free at most online book stores. As a way to celebrate Black Friday, you can win a copy of the second book in the series by entering the Rafflecopter below.

Unexpected Peril, the third book in the series, will be available Spring of 2015.

I don’t know about you, but I have a house full of guests, a lot of cooking still left to do to feed them, and I’m getting in on the Black Friday rush. I’ll need a good read by the fireplace once the chaos is over. How about you?

Be sure to click on one of the names below to continue in on the blog hop to check out some new authors and win some great prizes. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

Click here to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

What does this mean? It means the story is out of my head and onto paper, and I’m moving on to the editing stage. After a week off for Thanksgiving, I’ll begin my first read through. It’s a slow and tedious process (I truly dread), where I sit and stare at my computer screen and read aloud. It’s a bother, because I can’t drink hot tea or eat dark chocolate while reading out loud.

I’ll also have my beta readers going behind me to give me their thoughts and check for things I may have missed. Once I feel it’s done, I’ll send it to the editor–with a massive happy dance. I’ll start some marketing while I’m waiting to get it back. When it’s returned to me, I’ll go through the edits that were made–which means another read through out loud.

I’m thinking I’ll put the Unexpected Peril Pinterest board up next month so that you all can get a glimpse of what to expect (kind of like seeing a trailer for a movie). The pictures on this board will be MUCH different than what you’ve seen on my Unexpected Metamorphosis and Unexpected Entrapment boards. As the title suggests, there is a lot of danger, and she’s not in a beautiful castle anymore. (Expect some creepy.)

Thanks so much for all the feedback. I’ve heard of readers going through my books twice! Some are picking them up and reading through certain scenes over and over. Wow! I had no idea people would do that. It makes my heart sing to know people love Alissia Roswell almost as much as I do.

I plan for a cover reveal in January–maybe sooner!

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Over the summer I won about forty books in a raffle through a publishing company. The books ranged from erotica (which I don’t read) to children’s books. Some were paperbacks and some were eBooks. However, one of the packages I received was above and beyond. My middle child waited expectantly for it in the mail and was delighted when she opened the package.

The sender was Janice Clark, a children’s author. Her books have illustrated pictures within them and are very artistic. Not only did she send her book, but the package contained bookmarks and notecards my daughter could use, and she loved the entire package.

This week I signed my daughter up for Goodreads and told her she should start rating and reviewing the books she reads, as this is the biggest way to support authors. After she gave some reviews, I contacted the middle grade authors over at Clean Indie Reads and told them I need a list of all the books they’ve written in her age range. That way I could add them to my daughter’s “To Read” list.

During this process, one of the authors noticed the five-star rating and review my daughter gave for her book, and since I know the author from social media, she decided to personally send a message thanking my daughter for the review. (Authors usually do not contact their reviewers from Goodreads or Amazon, as that is the last thing we are supposed to do. However, since I’m a fellow author, these rules don’t really concern my family. Authors contact me all the time.)

Anyways, when my daughter read the message, excitement filled her. I’ve never seen fandom from her until that moment. She could not believe the author of one of her favorite books contacted her. She rambled on for a moment about how happy she was, but then she turned to me and said,”No offense to you, Mom, but you haven’t let me read your books.” I guess she’s not yet a fan of my writing.

Where am I going with this post? I’m trying to show you how young readers react to the personal touch from an author. My daughter has an author for a mom, yet she still gets excited over getting signed copies and notes from other authors.

It’s not the same as going to the bookstore and buying a paperback to read or an eBook for their Kindle. I compare this to Walmart shopping versus a small gift store. When you walk into a gift store, you find specialty items that aren’t mass marketed and everyone has. The same goes for getting a signed copy or package from a great children’s author. Your child will be excited that he/she received something rare and special.

With that said, how are you supposed to get a gift package from an author? That’s easy! You contact them. The publishing industry has changed drastically in the past ten years, and even authors from big publishing companies are now having to do their own marketing. This means they’re more involved with their readers than in the past. However, famous authors hire people to do their marketing, so don’t expect the same personal touch as most other authors.

There are many authors that will send you signed copies of their books, and some of them will even go to the extreme of having cute gift packages. My advice is to go to Clean Indie Reads, check out some of the children’s authors over there, and then contact one of them. The site is in the process of being converted from a blogspot, so many of the authors are not yet listed. You can also go to the Facebook page and ask a question on the page. I personally recommend Ben the Dragonborn by Dianne Astle as a middle grade fantasy read.

There’s also a site called Kidtales Adventures in Reading, where you can find many children’s authors.

Also, check out my recent posts titled Why Kindles Make the Perfect Gifts for Children–Better than iPads and Youtube Video Review of Various eReaders. If you have a young reader in your life, give the gift of reading!