Latest work (graphics)

Hey hey!

So thought I would post some of my latest graphics work. Hope people like them :D

New author logo

COVER WARS COMPETITION

Hey everyone!!

My book Leticia is currently in a cover wars competition. If you have time, could you please vote for me! I would be so so grateful!!

Vote by clicking HERE

Bloodlines and Leticia giveaway on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Bloodlines

by Lindsay Anne Kendal

Giveaway ends November 25, 2014.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Leticia

by Lindsay Anne Kendal

Giveaway ends November 20, 2014.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

New stuff!

Well it's been a busy few months. In fact, the fun filled crazy period started back in April... and I still have lots to do. Phew.

So what's been happening? Well, for starters I left my publisher, World Castle Publications, to become a self published author. WCP will always have a special place in my heart and I will continue to support them and their authors, but it was time for me to move forward. Therefore, Bloodlines, Torment, Revelations and Leticia have undergone new edits. Leticia has new artwork, and they all have a little extra something in the print versions. They look great (or at least I think so lol), read so much better (massive thank you to my lifesaver Jodi from TJS Literary Editing) and I'm generally much happier with them.

I've also been busy with my graphics work. Creating trailers, book covers and now, interior paperback formatting. I love it!! I'm learning new tricks all the time, and so far, everyone is happy! Always a bonus!
So here are a few!

And the trailers.

On top of this, I have day jobs and I'm working on three novels and one short story. One is a secret, shhh, don't tell anyone. But these are my current WIP's.

Betrayal (Leticia book 2)

Leticia has had her fair share of hurt and hardships, but it seems things are about to go from bad to worse.

Her ex-lover, originally thought to be behind all this upset and pain, is dead. Two of her friends are missing and presumed dead, and the attacks on her and the new man in her life, Jackson, are becoming more ferocious. Who is doing this to them? When will they discover who the man, known to them only as ‘Boss’ actually is? Will Leticia and Jackson’s love stay strong through it all?

It seems there is nowhere else to run, nowhere else to hide. They must fight, even if it means to their death... who will win is anybody’s guess.

Stranger (stand alone)

When Nick, Macy and a few friends go on holiday to a private island, they plan to relax and rebuild their slightly estranged friendships. They’ll enjoy each other’s company, catch up on each other’s lives and make the most of their time away from work.

After a particularly bad storm, Macy finds a small, badly damaged boat washed up on the shore. She and her friends search the surrounding waters for any survivors, but find nothing.

Frightening things begin to happen. One of the friends mysteriously vanishes. Another seems to have taken their own life. Then they lose power.

Fears grow, as one by one, the friends are disappearing.  The remaining members of the group must try to find a way off the island. Is someone playing a cruel joke? Is there a murderer among them? After all, one of them is a suspected sociopath. Or is there an uninvited stranger on the island?

Night Terrors 
(Haunted Dreams Novelette Series - Book 2)

After battling a demon in her dreams and finally being able to put her past to rest, Rayne has known peace. Although her eyes have been opened to things she previously thought impossible, she has been able to live a normal and happy life. That is until she receives a call from her friend Sasha, panic stricken and in desperate need of help.

Sasha’s client, a young girl of only ten, is showing the same signs and symptoms as Rayne did only a year ago. The child is frightened and refuses to sleep for fear the entity in her dreams will come for her. Sasha believes Rayne may be the only one who can save the girl.

Rayne must once again face her fears, open herself up to a new state of consciousness and help the child to conquer her dreams, before the intruder claims them both.



So all in all, its CRAZY!! But I absolutely love it and wouldn't have it any other way. If I didn't have million things to do, I would be so bored and miserable. Much prefer crazy to boredom!

Now that I've got all that off my chest, I think since it 3.20am here in the UK, I'm going to make a brew and continue to update my website... yes, the night is still young!

Love and hugs to all who read this post.

Cover Contest Winner!

I'm proud to say that one of my cover designs for Author Elissa Daye, has won a cover contest. So happy and excited! The contest was over on IWrite, IAm on Facebook.

And here is the winning cover!

Lady Reader's Bookstuff: Book Blast: LETICIA by Lindsay Anne Kendal [Guest Post Giveaway]

Lady Reader's Bookstuff: Book Blast: LETICIA by Lindsay Anne Kendal [Guest Post Giveaway]

Book Spotlight - Candy O'Donnell - Hysterectomy at 29. How it changed my life.

Hey guys, meet author Candy O'Donnell. 

Candy's new Non-fiction book Hysterectomy at 29. How it changed my life. Is out now!

You can get this on Amazon by clicking here.

My Review.

This book was sent to me for an honest and un-bias review.

5 Stars.

When I was first asked to read this book in return for an honest review, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Unless it’s regarding something historic or demonology I don’t read non-fiction work.

However, I did find this short read rather fascinating. I also have a lot of respect for the author. If anyone is contemplating having this procedure, or knows someone who is, I highly recommend you read this book. Candy does not speak at you like a medical professional. She speaks to you like a human being. Everything you will experience, she has experienced herself. She understands your needs, wants, concerns and fears.

I think Candy has done a great job in putting her thoughts and feelings into this book. It is also very brave of her to share this with others so openly.

Huge amounts of respect to this author.

Book Trailer

You can find out more about Candy O'Donnell and her work at her blog - Author Candy O'Donnell.

Leticia re-released. New cover and fully edited.

Hey guys,

So due to a problem I decided to take Leticia back from my publisher a few weeks ago. It was a big decision but I felt it needed to come home. It has now been re-written and edited. It reads sooooo much better now. It also has a new cover which I designed and I am completely in love with it.

This book has never really been promoted. Now it will be! I have a fantastic publicist helping me, and a lot of extremely supportive friends. Hopefully, I'll now be able to spread the word.... I just hope people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I'm working on the sequel, as well as other projects and hope to have it release in the next few months! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Leticia is available on Amazon in Kindle format - Paperback to be released next week!

UK Link              US Link

This is the new cover! Whoop!

Leticia has a dark secret, and somebody somewhere knows what it is. 

After being tormented and brutally attacked, it becomes obvious they want her dead. A mysterious group come to her aid. They want to fight by her side and help her win the war someone has declared on her. Together, they present a force to be reckoned with. 

Love, loss and longing put strains on the alliance. Not only must they fight their enemies, but their own fears and desires. 

Leticia must also face a harsh reality. If she wants a happy future, she must first confront her past.

Leticia re-release FB party!

Hey everyone,

My novel, Leticia, is being re-release on 8th April. I have decided to self publish the book and give it a makeover inside and out. To celebrate I'm hosting a Facebook party. It would be lovely to see you there. There are some amazing prizes up for grabs and you can win a $20 Amazon voucher (or UK equivalent) just for inviting your friends to the event.

Hope to see you there! Just click the banner below.

Special Valentines Day Post by Author Elizabeth J. Kolodziej

Warning:

Vampires Get Around

Be careful this Valentines Day. While the thought of kissing vampires may sound hot and sweet you should know that, though immortal, vampires share and trade blood therefore are the number one carrier of such diseases as: mono, a syringe of zombiepholio, malaria, hepatitis, fang rot, West Nile virus, and many more.

They are quite the dirty birdies. They seduce people and can manipulate you with there eyes.

To avoid these occurrences you can carry garlic with you, have a mirror handy to make sure your date has a reflection and have a cross at your side.

This is a real warning brought to you by the people who care most about your mortal soul: Slayers Incorporated.

Not to be confused with such people as “Slayers” the band, “Slayers” the TV anime or Jack the Giant “Slayer”.  

Please...be careful this Valentines Day and steer clear of those that crave your mortal soul.

Brought to you by the Slayers who care.

Links:
www.vampyrekisses.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1b3mmDI
B&N: http://bit.ly/1eQV2tB
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ejkolodziej
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ejkolodziej
Like Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vampyre-Kisses/121023447917851

Bio:
Elizabeth J. Kolodziej is a novelist and a lover of gadgets, writing, mysteries, and an avid reader. Her paranormal romance, The Last Witch Series, is coming up on its fourth book, Demonic Charms, and there is still more on the way!
While taking the past ten years to build this new age world, Elizabeth as done lots of hands on research such as experiencing flight, sensory deprivation, and much more to really master the art of bringing her descriptions to life for the reader.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Fiction Writing from George Mason University and her on going learning of the art of writing, Elizabeth believes she can truly help others master their own art and love of writing.
With the support of her family, friends, dog (Sherlock) and cat (Ahmeemotep) she is more than happy to give her readers exactly what they want in her books…adventure.

Interview with lead editor, Jodi, from TJS Literary Editing.

Hi Guys!

I thought it would make a change to interview an editor. It's something I've never done before. Thankfully, Jodi, the lead editor with the new company TJS Literary Editing, took some time out to answer some questions for us. You will find the links to her page at the bottom of the interview, or simply click the image below. 

Tell us more about TJS Literary Editing.

Well, this was something I had thought about doing for long time, but it took the encouragement of a dear friend to bring it to fruition. After a debilitating medical condition made it impossible for me to work outside the home, I realized it was time to pursue the dream I’d had for many years; to become a freelance book editor.  I never wanted to work for a large publishing house, because I wanted the freedom to select from various genres, and not get locked into working on just one type of story.  My personal reading tastes vary from Romance to Paranormal, from Suspense to Comedy, even Erotica and Science Fiction.  I wanted the opportunity to work with a wide variety of talented authors, so TJS Literary Editing was born!  

I was always a voracious reader, choosing from a variety of genres.  While working the midnight shift as a Corrections Officer (Jail Guard) for the Sheriff’s Department, I would finish the average novel in a day or two, even while marking up all the errors I’d spot while I read.  I've always had an almost obsessive need to edit everything I read. While at University, one of my professors had written the text we were using.  It hadn’t been published yet, and was still held together by a black comb binding.  Before the end of the course, I handed the instructor the textbook.  I explained my compulsive need to correct all the errors I found.  I just couldn’t let it go.  His response?  Well, he tried to fail me.  I was shocked (and more than just a little pissed off.)  I actually had to go to the head of the department to plead my case.  I was relieved to be proven correct and my grade was changed back to an A-.

Eventually, my compulsion paid off, and I found I was being asked to edit, rather than just doing it on my own! I have a friend who was a Literary Agent, and I would do a LOT of editing for her, both with her established authors, as well as the dozens of manuscripts she would receive weekly. 

While I attended college as a Communications major (Broadcast media,) I was employed as a Secretary in the University Registrar’s office. In addition to the standard secretarial duties, I was also responsible for editing the course catalogue before every semester. I loved my job at that time, but I knew then that my editing career would not be focused on technical work. I loved stories, and realized that was where my editing strengths were.

   

What is the best thing about being an editor?  

I would have to say it’s cultivating a relationship with each author I work with. I try to connect on a personal level, because it makes it easier to maintain the perspective of the author when I make my edits/suggestions. 

And another thing… a real perk for me is, I get to read a LOT of incredible books! 

How would you handle sensitive writers who question every edit you make?  

I can’t really imagine anyone in this industry being so sensitive that they would question everything. After all, if an author can’t accept constructive criticism or advice from the person that is essentially working for them, how will they handle the reviews by the general public? I’d like to think it’s not just luck, that all the authors I’ve worked with actually want and expect me to be totally honest with my opinions. This is a good thing, because I can’t be anything else but honest.

Lindsay - You have helped me with the adult novel I am currently writing, and I couldn't be happier. I know some do not like honest opinions, but I truly appreciate yours. I don't offend easily as you know.

If you have a 300-page document that's a rush job and you must edit it by the end of the day, how would you approach the task? 

Well to be honest, I know I could not edit a 300-page document in 1 day. I don’t just skim through what I am editing. I read it thoroughly, and I re-read the same paragraph a few times to make sure it flows the way it should. I read it aloud as well, because sometimes you can hear a mistake you can’t always see. That approach probably has a lot to do with my alternate career as an Audiobook narrator. I love to act out the characters, giving them an individual protector. But if I was asked to handle a rush job, I would give that project 100 % of my attention, and assure my client that I would get it done as soon as possible. 

What annoys you most about the publishing industry at the moment?  

The lack of respect given to authors for their work. You have distributors who allow people to purchase an e-book, and then return that book for a refund. No questions asked. No time limit. So what is to stop people from purchasing, then reading, then returning a book?  And the author is the one to get screwed over. They aren’t getting rich selling their books for .99¢ but to then have to refund that money when the purchaser has had MORE than enough time to read that book? Really upsets me. I can only imagine how much it hurts the authors.  Also all those sites that post the books for free. They are stealing from the authors. I don’t know how they do it, and not feel the slightest remorse. 

Do you have any pet-peeves? 

Several haha… but I guess the biggest one would be going on sites like Goodreads, and seeing reviews… BAD reviews… for books that haven’t even been released yet… Really?  And how did you manage to review that book without reading it first? ARGH!  

What must-read book have you never read and why? 

I never read The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings. I guess because I originally thought they were kids books. Then it was just the timing.  Maybe when I'm in between projects, I’ll try 

What do you think new writers should know that they don’t seem to?  

Don’t rely on your spellchecker. It is helpful, but it doesn’t know if you meant to say “three” when you typed “tree.”  Don’t overuse clichés and idioms. Use the “find” feature of your word processor and see how many times you have already used a particular sentence.  You don’t always need the extra fluff... and remember… the Thesaurus is your FRIEND.  USE IT. 

Lindsay - I'm doing that at the moment! I'm becoming a word junkie lol.

Who are some of your favorite authors? Why? 

I love Stephenie Myers.  I had taken a long break from reading after moving to Florida and becoming a Mom. I’d almost forgotten how I enjoyed reading - life just got in the way for a while. Anyway, my cousin introduced me to the Twilight movie. I was going in for another spine surgery, and decided to read the Twilight books while I was in hospital. The reminded me just how much I loved to read. I finished reading the entire saga before being discharged after my surgery! I'm also a big fan of Janet Evanovich... I guess after all the horrors of day to day (watching the news, reading the paper) I really need a good dose of sarcastic fun with my suspense... I just like to laugh sometimes.

Well Jodi, thank you so much for taking the time to speak to us. 

If anyone is looking for a top quality editor, who treats you with complete respect and who is more like a friend than your editor, then please get in touch. 

You can visit TJS Literary Editing on Facebook by clicking here. I do believe they will have a new website up and running in the near future. 

I wish the company every success. I wish you were around when I first began writing. 

All that is going on!

So what’s new?

Well, just before Christmas, Bloodlines was officially released in audio format. Yay!! Very exciting. The narrator, Angie, is absolutely perfect. The editor Ben is a diamond to work with. The music and sound effects he’s used are wonderful! It’s like he’s known me all my life and gets me! So dark and delicious, perfect for the story.

The audiobook was released through Empire Voices. The owner of which, Joann H. Buchanan (also a great author) is great to work with. I hope this company goes far. She’s worked really hard.

Revelations was released mid last year and has so far been warmly received. PHEW!

I've had some wonderful reviews and feedback. This means so much to me. It was hard to finish this series. I suffered severe writers block - it lasted for months. I think my problem was that I just didn't want to let go of my characters. Writing this trilogy got me through some very hard, sad, and dark times in my life. It's my baby and I was genuinely heartbroken when I finished it, but knowing people have enjoyed it has put a smile on my face on more than one occasion. Thank you to all who have left the reviews and sent me messages. 

In other news, I’m re-writing Leticia. There are a few things I’m not happy with. I feel I’ve grown as a writer and I need to take it back to the drawing board. It will flow better and be much more atmospheric. There are also a few good ‘one-liners’ being thrown in there. 

It will also be getting a new cover. I've toyed with a few and now finally have a winner. I'll be posting it shortly. But for now, I'll stick with the old one. I'll be having a re-release party and I will show it there. Hoping everyone likes it. Personally, I can't stop looking at it LOL. 

I’ve been on location to where Betrayal will be set. It’s only about twenty miles away from where I live and is a beautiful place. It’s not too far from where Leticia began. For those who may want to know, it's set between Bamford and Castleton, Derbyshire, UK. Still steeped in history and some haunting mysteries. 

There is a big twist coming up, I just hope nobody sees it coming. 

This will also be getting a new cover. While I liked the old one I had in place, I feel the model is overused and I wanted something a little more unique. I'll be releasing this soon. But for now, I'm posting the older cover. 

My new websites are up and running. One is for my books and anything book related (be it mine or to share news of other authors releases). The other is for my graphics and photography. Happy with both and they will be regularly updated. 

I’m also working on my first adult novel. An urban fantasy. It’s coming along well and I’m hoping for great things.... fingers crossed! Even wrote my first naughty scene....eeeeek!

 

I’m growing my photography. I have a lovely young girl who will be modelling for me. So any book covers I create using her images will be unique. These photos will not be available on the stock sites! Originality is a great thing! Just need the weather to perk up a little so we can get started.

And for now I think that is about it. This year is starting off quite well and I have lots of things I want to achieve. I’m not being involved in anyone’s drama. I’m being cautious of who I trust and class as friends. Of course, as always, I will still be here for my friends and to help promote others in any way I can. But, I do intend on concentrating on my career. Let’s just hope luck is on my side this year!

The Hunter by Joann H. Buchanan - COVER REVEAL

Destiny chose her, vengeance drove her. Seventeen year old Carly was born to be a hunter, a destiny she rejected until one fateful night when the only person she had in the world was taken, her mom. Now Carly is on a mission to hunt down the entity that destroyed her world.

Excerpt

My name is Carly. I belong to The Order of the Hunters—a group of chosen who are given the gift to track and kill those beings that go bump in the night. Oh yes, they are real, the monsters that creep in the darkness. They hide in the gardens of our own minds by making us believe they are nothing more than myths and legends. I’ve traveled this road for two years now. It’s not the same highway, but at times, when the sun is high in the sky and the road sweats from the heat, it feels like it. I wish I could say what brought me to this point was a sense of honor and nobility. In reality it was much simpler, it was revenge. Mom was taken by Shai, the weigher of souls.

The Hunter is scheduled to be released on January 31st 2014

Cover art by Lindsay Anne Kendal Graphics

HEARTFELT PLEA FOR HELP!! Please read.

Hello all my lovely friends. I’m asking for your help here. My sister Cheryl’s friend, Fern, tragically lost her partner, David, in a car accident. At the time, Fern was 36 weeks pregnant with their beautiful daughter, Macy.

As if this was not upsetting, distressing and heartbreaking enough, when Macy was born, Fern was told they would not allow David’s name to be put on the birth certificate because he had passed away. As I’m sure you’ll all agree, this is just terrible and causes even more pain to already heartbroken people.

Fern and Macy SHOULD have the right to have the Daddy’s name on the birth certificate. Fern has contacted the House of Commons and had been told she needs 100,000 signatures to have this address in said House. They will then be able to legally fight to have David’s name put on Macy’s birth certificate. It may also become a new law that if you lose a partner during pregnancy, you will be still be allowed to register them as the father.

I’m asking all my friends to PLEASE sign this petition. It only takes 1-2 minutes and is done online. PLEASE also share this post and help me to get some attention to Fern’s cause.

Please sign the petition here.
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54677

Review - Counter Measures by Andrew Hixson

Counter Measures by Andrew Hixson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I desperately wanted to like it... I really tried. If this book had been any longer than its 49 pages, it would have ended up in my very small DNF pile. Thankfully, it took me less than an hour to read it.

Okay, where to start.
Good Points
The book is short.
Very few typos and only two very long run on sentences. One which contained the word and about six times.
Set in the UK.

Bad Points
It seemed rushed.
I knew who the killer was almost instantly.
No surprises anywhere.
Flat characters.
Bad sentence structure.
While the book had very few typos etc, the writing style really didn't work for me.
Predictable.

I think this could have been a good short story if the author had showed it a little more TLC. I haven't read any of the other books by this author, and sadly, I don't think I will after reading this.

I spent more time reading about what beer the guys were drinking, the weather, and home interiors than I did reading a good murder mystery.

I would encourage others to make their own minds up about this book. I also think it may have helped if I had read the previous books. However, since they are all different cases, I doubt I would feel any different. But who knows?

2 stars. One to support the author and one because it kept me busy for an hour.



View all my reviews

Revelations Official Teaser by Lindsay Anne Kendal