Meet Rick McQuiston and HisNew Book

Rick McQuiston is a forty-six year- old father of two who loves anything horror related.  By day, he works for a family-owned construction and management company. By night, he churns out horror fiction.

Rick has well over 300 publications so far. He’s written seven anthologies, one book of novellas, and edited an anthology of Michigan authors. He’s also a guest author each year at Memphis Junior High School, and is currently working on his fifth novel, a Cthulhu-based anthology. Rick currently has two novels with Class Act Books:  Fear the Sky and When Only the Nightmare Remains, which was voted #2 in Horror for 2015 by the Paranormal Romance GuIld’s Reviewer’s Choice.

Author Interview with Rick

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Rick: Without a doubt, horror. I like fiction with a bite. To me, the whole purpose of a story is about the conflict and resolution between protagonists and antagonists.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Rick: My older brother. He wrote an excellent short fantasy novel some years ago (but never had published) and it inspired me to try my hand at it.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Rick: A hot cup of tea, a comfortable chair, and a quiet house.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Rick: Bugs Bunny. I like the way he always outsmarts his adversaries.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why?
Rick: H.P. Lovecraft. Even though he was an odd fellow, I would love to hear firsthand where he came up with his ideas.
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
Rick: I would probably do some writing, watch movies, and work on my music.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Rick: A short story about nightmares that leak into reality, my sixth novel, and another anthology.

Blurb for When Only the Nightmare Remains:

A town sheriff and three young boys manage to overcome an evil entity threatening their town.

Excerpt for When Only the Nightmare Remains:
Emily nudged closer and closer to the spider-webbed pane of glass. The window offered little in the way of a view—being octagonal and no larger than a dinner plate— but what it did reveal was adequate to say the least. It allowed anyone gazing through it to see the lush rolling landscape surrounding the house…and all it contained.

Feeling her already weak heart pound heavily in her chest, Emily scanned the grounds intently, watching for any signs of movement, for any hint of life. For any signs of William. She held the Book tightly in her small hands, refusing to relinquish it to anything or anyone. She had only scratched the surface of its contents, but that was still enough to impart its importance to her.

Her eyes moistened with tears as she thought of earlier, happier times in her life and her marriage to William.  She should have been thinking about raising a family and planting flowers around the front porch of her home. She should have been thinking about what to cook for dinner when her husband returned home from a hard day’s work. All these simple notions, ones so many young people took for granted, were well beyond her grasp. In their place were terrifying visions of a dim future. Or worse—no future at all.

Movement caught her eye, sending a fresh batch of fear down her already frail spine. She rubbed her eyes to clear them and stared at the spot where she thought she had seen something. It took only a few seconds before her fears were confirmed. Something had moved. She was sure of it, but it was not easily noticeable. Whatever was lurking in the dense foliage was crafty and using stealth to its advantage.

Despite expecting it, Emily found herself cringing from the implications. She knew what it was, slithering around the fields, worming its way closer and closer with each passing minute. She also knew that eventually, inevitably, it would reach her house.

Her house. It was her house and hers alone since her beloved husband died earlier that year. Nearly eight cold, empty months had passed since that fateful day when a bullet found its way into his forehead, killing him instantly. Some said that it was a suicide. Perhaps it was, but Emily was not so sure. William had no reason to kill himself.

The pain of that day pushed its way into Emily’s heart, so slowly at first as to be almost unnoticeable, but gradually increasing in its intensity. William had been a good man and a good husband, at least he was before he had changed into a cold, cruel person wholly incapable of compassion or love.

Emily stepped back from the window and slumped into a small, worn leatherback chair. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and the alluring thought of sleep entered her mind more than once. She ignored it. She had too many problems, too many things to think about to be able to enjoy a good rest. Not that she didn’t deserve it.

Outside the house, nestled snugly within the green vegetation of the fields, something waited for its chance to move, to advance toward the house and reach a solitary figure huddled in the attic of the building, and end her life.

 

Buy Links for When Only the Nightmare Remains:

Paperback available from the publisher's website: www.classactbooks.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Only-Nightmare-Remains-McQuiston-ebook/dp/B00NKX4TAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479149882&sr=8-1&keywords=When+only+the+nightmare+remains
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-only-the-nightmare-remains-rick-mcquiston/1120364310?ean=2940046171884
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/476484

 

Find out more about Rick at:
Publisher's website: www.classactbooks.com
Author's website: www.many-midnights.com

Izzy Szyn's Tour and New Book

New York Times Best-Selling author Izzy Szyn was born in May of 2014 when a friend dared her to write. Born and raised in Detroit, Mi. Izzy now lives in Oklahoma City with her furchild Misty, the friendliest Chihuahua/Terrier you will ever meet. Currently works in a call center, where she writes in between phone calls.

Izzy is giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Certificate and 2 ebooks of the winners' choice from her backlist. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here.

Character Interview

Question: What’s your name? Lizzy Holloway

Lizzy: Where did you grow up? I grew up in Detroit.
Question: During what time period does your story take place?
Lizzy: Contemporary
Question: What’s your story/back story?
Lizzy: When I was in college, I saw the movie Wedding Crashers and got the idea to do the same. Except I also crashed funerals, bar mitzvahs, retirement parties while in college so I didn’t have to live on a dollar store food budget.
Question:Why would someone come up with a story about you?
Lizzy: Old habits die hard and when I found out my favorite actress Ivory Rodgers was in town and was doing a press event, well I just had to go and see her. I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve always been sort of half in love with her.
Question: What’s your goal in this story?
Lizzy: My goal is to make Ivory realize that I belong with her.
Question: What conflicts are you facing?
Lizzy: My parents are older and have health issues. Because they live on a fixed income I try to help with their medications. They tend to skip their medications to stretch them out. And also, someone that I thought was a friend, turns out she is anything but and is trying to destroy my relationship with Ivory before it gets started.
Question: Do you have a plan for resolving them?
Lizzy: Kicking her ass or finding someone else that will.
Question: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
Lizzy: I just found out that Ivory doesn’t live here. What I mean is in this realm. Apparently, she lives in a place called Helotry, one of seven different versions of Earth.

Blurb for Lizzy’s Temptation

When Lizzy sneaks into an event where actress Ivory Rodgers was scheduled to appear, she gets more than she bargained for. Ivory Rodgers is hotter, sexier in person and takes Lizzy under her control.

Excerpt from Lizzy’s Temptation

“Looking for the Ivory Rodgers’ party?” asked a soft feminine voice behind her.

“Yes,” answered Lizzy, turning her head. Holy shit, it was Ivory Rodgers. Just be cool, just be cool, she told herself.
“Come with me,” she smiled.
“Okay,” admitted Lizzy.
“I’m Ivory Rodgers,” she introduced herself, holding her hand out.
“Lizzy Holloway. It’s very nice to meet you,” she replied, shaking her hand. Damn, the woman was even hotter in person, tingles ran up her arm. Damn, she’d never been this way with anyone before.
“I love your hair and dress,” complimented Ivory, walking towards a ballroom.
“Thanks.” Self-consciously, Lizzy touched her hair, still getting used to the different shades of purple spiral curls hung down her back. “I just got it done today.”
“I like it,” smiled Ivory, her jet-black hair hung down the middle of her back. Her trademark hazel eyes, made it hard for Lizzy to turn away.
“There you are Ivory,” said a man that seemed to command the room with his presence. Tall, elegant in a black suit. “We’re about to start. Who’s this?”
“My new friend Lizzy Holloway,” introduced Ivory. “Lizzy this is Spencer.”
“Hi,” something about him told Lizzy he was used to commanding attention. That most people he encountered would do whatever he would say.
“Ivory, I warned you about doing this,” he said to her, looking worriedly at Lizzy. “I told you this needs to stop.”
“Why? When I can make new friends like Lizzy,” questioned Ivory. “Get something to eat, and I’ll be back soon. I won’t stay here long, then we can go somewhere quiet and get better acquainted.”
“Me?” Lizzy couldn’t stop the shock from her voice. Lizzy wanted to get better acquainted with her?
“Yes, you,” confirmed Ivory. “I can’t wait until I get you alone.”
Why did it sound like she’d been expecting Lizzy? Maybe she should leave? But then she’d miss the chance to get to talk to Ivory. This could be a night she’d never forget. Walking to the tables that lined the wall, she picked some stuff off the plates.
“Drink?” asked a waiter behind her.
“Thanks, do you have any Pepsi?” she asked. Thinking it might be better to keep her mind clear.
“Of course,” he nodded, “I’ll be right back.”

Buy Link for Lizzy’s Temptation:

Amazon Buy Link

You can find Izzy at:

Email her at izzyszyn@gmail.com
Find her on Facebook :) https://www.facebook.com/izzyszynhome/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/izzySzyn
Blog: https://izzyszyn.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13836241.Izzy_Szyn
Google Plus link: https://plus.google.com/100905614042668276073
Newsletter: https://goo.gl/forms/Qh7MUUMhfmqdPupx2
a Rafflecopter giveaway (http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/801c221b27/)

History of Saint Patrick's Day

Almost everyone becomes Irish for one day of the year, so I thought I’d do a little checking on St. Patrick’s Day. Off I went to Wikipedia.

Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick"), is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, ceilidhs, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians who belong to liturgical denominations also attend church services and historically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption.

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (for provincial government employees), and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Modern celebrations have been greatly influenced by those of the Irish diaspora, particularly those that developed in North America.

                                  Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone!

Meet Linda Burson and Her New Book

Linda is an author from Connecticut. After years of writing and editing for others, raising a family, and over twenty years of running her own businesses, Linda decided to tackle her first fiction novel entitled Rage, which began as a single book. Eventually, the novel became a trilogy, and finally a much longer series. All the books are a part of The Marcy Series, a romantic suspense series.

There are currently six novels in the series.

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Linda: I enjoy writing murder mysteries and romantic thriller/suspense novels. The main reason I choose to write these types of stories is because these are the types of novels I prefer reading. I’ve always enjoyed trying to figure out the culprit. It’s the edge-of-your-seat feeling I get while reading that keeps me excited to turn page after page. The best part is the thrill when you find out you are right when guessing the murderer.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Linda: I always enjoyed English class and spelling in school. Considering I seemed to do the best in these types of classes probably has a lot to do with it. I was also a shy, quiet child. I enjoyed spending time alone. I was a huge daydreamer. I think that was the biggest part of my writing. What does one do with all those imaginative ideas floating around in one’s head? They write them down. I was also an avid reader. I used to curl up in the corner recliner next to the window in my living room and read book after book. The library was a few blocks from my house. I’d walk there, pick out as many books as was allowed to take home, then snuggle into the corner of my living room reading one after the other. I had so many ideas swarming around in my head; I suppose they had to go somewhere.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Linda: Dreams I have at night sometimes gets me revved to open my laptop. I find the biggest influence of creativity is getting out in a car and taking a drive. The drives on two lane roads out toward the more rural areas, drives toward the coast, or heading toward the mountains bring me perfect inspiration.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Linda: Hum, interesting question. I have to admit not something I’ve thought about recently. Choosing one off the top of my head, I’d have to say Dory from Nemo. She was fun. She made me laugh. Her biggest attraction to me was that she always seemed happy and positive and that’s uplifting. Who doesn’t want to spend time with a cheerful person/character?! I also loved her innocence. It warmed my heart.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why?
Linda: I’m sure to some people this would be an easy question. For me, it’s not. Thinking without thinking long, I’d have to say I’d most love to meet an ancestor of mine. I would love to be able to sit down and talk to a matriarch on my maternal side. I’d love to hear her thoughts, know her wisdom, learn of her past, present, and what she thought of future years. I’d want her to know who I am and understand that I come from decades upon decades upon decades of the future. Hey, this sounds like another good idea for a new novel!
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
inda: That depends on the weather. If it’s a snowy, cold day, I’d stay home. I may spend time writing because often for me, it’s not work, but fulfillment. Or, I may just turn on the television and binge watch TV shows that I enjoy that I haven’t seen. If it’s a beautiful, warm, sunny day, I’d get in my convertible and take a drive. I probably wouldn’t know which way I was going until I got there.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Linda: I have two stories I’m working on—one is a regular novel, another romance suspense-type, and the other is a Novella. The Novella, which I’m hoping to have completed in a month, has a carry-over character from the book that is due to be published April 15, 2018 called MURDER BETWEEN FRIENDS. The protagonist in MURDER BETWEEN FRIENDS is named Cammy Thurston. She is a private investigator and I use her in my Novella as an add-on character in this suspense story.

Blurb for The Agreement, Book 4 in the Marcy series:

After the perfect honeymoon, Brad and Marcy return to reality to begin their new life together. Unfortunately, Brad and Marcy’s wedded bliss runs into complications. Brad seems distant and cold, and Marcy is confused by his unexpected behavior.
When Marcy goes into labor, Brad is by her side. Later, Marcy confronts Brad about their crumbling marriage and decides it may be better for them to separate. Brad begs Marcy to reconsider, pleading with her not to leave.
For now, Marcy agrees to stay put with their son. Brad and Marcy reconcile. Brad forms a surprising and unexpected friendship which changes the course of their lives.

Excerpt from The Agreement:
We go to find Brad. He’s talking to his brothers. I walk up behind him, wrap my arms around his waist, and kiss his back. He turns his head, sees it’s me, and puts his arms around mine.

Matt says, “I’m glad this brother of mine finally got smart and asked you to marry him. I was thinking I might have to step in and see if you’d like to switch brothers.”

“The best gifts in life are worth the wait,” Brad says squeezing my arms, then picking them up and bringing me around to the side of him so he can kiss my head.

“You always say the most wonderful things to me,” I convey.

“Well, if you two are going to get mushy, I’m leaving. Come on, Ryan. Brad’s making us look bad. Good thing Kelsey and Samantha are in the other room.”

Dave comments to Brad, “You know, Brad, you and your brothers aren’t that different from LM, JJ, Elb, and me. You have that good, bad, fun, and serious sides that we all have. I can see you understand the way it was and is between us. So, I owe you an apology. I suppose it’s difficult for us now, with Liam not being here, considering how we feel about Marcy. We want to be a part of her life. Her life now includes you. It’s unfortunate you and Liam were in love with the same woman. If it weren’t for that, you and he would’ve probably been good friends; but then again, if it wasn’t for the two of you loving the same woman, none of us would’ve ever met.”
“If it wasn’t for Liam, Dave, I would’ve never met Marcy,” Brad answers. “She probably wouldn’t be here now, which means none of us would have her in our lives. I’m aware she’s here now because of his heroic actions all those years ago. To be honest, he may have been competition to me for her heart, but I can’t fault the guy for that. I understand him being in love with her. I may be slightly sensitive when it comes to him, but that’s only because I know she’s in love with him as well. I still blame myself for letting her go in the first place. If I hadn’t, their relationship wouldn’t have started. I don’t dislike Liam. He loved Marcy, I love Marcy, I like all of you guys, Marcy loves all of you and you’re all friends with Liam. I’m aware he was a great guy, which means I don’t mind hearing stories about him. What makes me annoyed and uncomfortable is when everyone else acts like they’re uncomfortable talking about him in front of me. He was a part of all your lives, and whether I like it or not, he was a part of Marcy’s life. I won’t deny it and pretend it didn’t happen. Besides, I can’t deny her relationship with him. The baby she’s carrying might be his. What kind of a person would I be if I try to deny his existence in her life, and this baby is his and not mine?”
“I said it before and I’ll say it again; you’re a hell of a man, Brad. And if Liam were here right now, I’d tell him so. I’d be happy to tell him you’re an honorable man and
Marcy’s in good hands.” Dave puts his hand out for Brad to shake. “Brad, if you’ll accept, I’d be proud and honored to call you friend.”

“I do accept and thank you. That means a lot to me.”

They start talking about sports, and that’s when I excuse myself.

Buy Links for The Agreement:
The Agreement: https://www.amazon.com/Agreement-Marcy-Book-4-ebook/dp/B01IG982NS/
Paperback also available at the publisher’s website: www.classactbooks.com

Find out more about Linda at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lbursonbooks/?fref=ts
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindajeanburson
Website is lindaburson.com 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2258525.Linda_Burson
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Burson/e/B016SOB3S4
Twitter: @lindaburson23 

How to Write a Synopsis of your Self-published Book – and Why Indie Authors Need Synopses Too

 How to Write a Synopsis of your Self-published Book – and Why Indie Authors Need a Synopsis Too

By Richard Bradburn on February 21, 2018 in Writing A Book

Do you write a synopsis of yur book? I admit I don’t know. When I was submitting to agents and editors I did, but as a self-published author I don’t. It’s one of those horrible steps I eliminated. However, I found this article so I’m reconsidering and thought I’d share the article with you. It covers some good points if you haven’t written one for awhile

A synopsis is an outline of your entire novel, from beginning to end, summarizing the narrative arc of the book and one or two of the major characters in it. It does include the end (any twists or climactic revelations) but doesn’t include details of every sub-plot and minor character – it doesn’t need to be comprehensive.

Writing a synopsis is a great exercise to undertake after you’ve finished the first draft of your book. It encourages you to look more analytically at your book’s structure, it can suggest to you at an early stage of the rewriting process that there are perhaps flaws in your plot or character arcs that otherwise might remain until a developmental editor pointed them out.

It can be used as a great tool, therefore, for kicking off a round of self-editing.

It’s a good idea to start with a strong paragraph that outlines the entire story in essence. For plot-driven books, that’s a thumbnail of the whole plot. For character driven novels, it should be a summary of the main character arc.

Don’t forget what you’re trying achieve. There are four key elements. You’re trying to demonstrate:

-       an original and entertaining premise
-       a compelling main character
-     interesting and perhaps topical subject matter
-     a good plot that doesn’t rely on insane coincidence or acts of god for its    resolution (and he woke up and it was all a dream!)
You need to include the main character(s), what their opening situation/problem is, what inciting incident happens to start the ball rolling, what they need to achieve as a result of this event, what the forces or characters opposing their aims and ambitions are, how the crisis is resolved and how the characters have changed by the end of the book.

To read the whole article go to

https://selfpublishingadvice.org/writing-how-to-write-a-synopsis-of-your-self-published-book-and-why-indie-authors-need-synposes-too/