A Word Please

I’m excited to announce the ‘grand opening’ of my new message board BestsellerBound! This is a gathering place for readers and indie authors; a place to talk about books and the writing process, find new gems to read, and get to know one another.

As I’ve traveled my own publishing path, I’ve learned a lot. One of those lessons has been how incredibly difficult it is for indie authors to get noticed. The mainstream world refuses to recognize us. My own local newspaper will not review my books, simply because I have the “self-published” label stuck to my forehead. Major publications will not review indie authors. Bookstores will not carry our books on their shelves. It’s an uphill battle. But each time a reader contacts us to say that they enjoyed one of our books, we know that what we do is worth the time and effort we put in.

Now that I’ve become part of the network of indie authors, I realize how many incredible books I’d been missing out on. I read their work and I’m amazed that no agent or major publisher has picked them up. Many of the books I’ve read could easily stand on the bestseller list beside Patterson and King and Roberts. Yet, they go unnoticed and unread. As a fellow author, I’m able to find them. Although, not that long ago I was among the readers who had no idea these people existed.

For these reasons, BestsellerBound was born. I wanted a place where we indie authors could connect with our readers as well as one another. I hope you’ll drop in and hang out with us. We’ll be discussing books of all sorts – and not just our own. We’ll also be sharing our stories, sort of the backstage pass to an author’s life. You’ll be the first, and perhaps the only ones, the hear about discounts and specials we run for our books. You can request books to review, read articles and essays, and share your thoughts. So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of wine and come on over. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

http://www.BestsellerBound.com

Here we are with the unveiling of the cover for my new book The Cutting Edge! First, however, let’s discuss giveaways! I was recently contacted by a representative from CNS stores and given the opportunity to offer my readers a fantastic prize! CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from cookware to cribs to dining room sets and dog beds! The winner will receive a $60 gift certificate from CNS stores. I can’t imagine anyone having trouble spending that! The second place winner will receive a copy of my new book The Cutting Edge. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment!

And now – ta-da – the first look at my new book:

The blurb from the back cover:

My name is Skye Summers. I’m a hairstylist and I can’t stop fantasizing about killing my clients. Not all of them, of course. I only want to kill the ones who irritate me, which, if I’m being honest, is most of them. My occasional fantasies have turned into chronic daydreams. They’re bloody and vivid, like watching a slice-and-dice movie on IMAX.

I also want to kill my husband’s ex-girlfriend. She’s not a client but she tops my list. Eighteen years ago, she gave birth to his daughter and she has tormented him ever since. I should be troubled by this growing desire to use my surgically sharpened shears for more than a haircut. Instead, I wonder how I can get away with it.

Read an excerpt: www.QuietFuryBooks.com/thecuttingedge.html

***
Please be sure to include your email address in your comment. That’s how CNS will send the winner’s gift certificate, and I will contact the second place winner for a mailing address to ship the book. I will pick the winner on July 7 after 5 PM EST, so enter before then!
***
The winners are:
1st place: Raven
2nd place: Kelly

Thank you all for participating!

The June issue of Guilty As Charged is online! The newsletter, titled Human Trafficking: Lives Bought and Sold, explores the topic of modern day slavery. I’m truly horrified by this. If you think it doesn’t touch your life, think again. Slaves are taken from and are harbored in almost every country. The slave trade rivals the drug trade, yet no government agencies are forming to help rescue these men and women, boys and girls. We fund billions into the DEA, so they can raid pot farms. Isn’t it time we channeled more of that into stopping the slave trade?

www.QuietFuryBooks.com/newsletters.html

Purchase Miami Snow through Amazon and receive a 15% discount! The discount code you’ll need is ZVHD6ZWL. This discount is good until June 1st.

Miami Snow Synopsis:

One day, Nick Donovan has it all; a beautiful, pregnant wife, a nice house, a great job. The next day he is on his own, starting from scratch with nothing but a few suitcases and his old truck. Nick flees to the opposite coast of Florida, trying to leave his ex-wife and the memories behind. But that couldn’t happen. Soon Nick finds that he is tied to Shelley in a way that he hadn’t expected. And, in her bitterness, she does everything she can to ensure his misery.

Brandy is Shelley’s opposite; wild, sensual, free-spirited. With Brandy, Nick is able to rebel against all that Shelley stands for. Brandy quickly leads Nick into a world of sex, drugs, and cash. And now Nick finds himself caught between the two worlds, desperate to stay afloat.

I swore I’d never do it — but I have. You can now find me on Twitter! Be gentle with me. I’m new at this.

http://Twitter.com/DarciaHelle

Like e-books? I’m giving away copies of my novel Enemies and Playmates! Just go to Smashwords, where you can download whichever format you prefer, and use the coupon code PJ89P. It’s good through May 7.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/3957

Enjoy!

The May issue of Guilty As Charged is now up on my site! This month, we’ll take a look at Dr. Guillotin and his beheading machine. This was considered a more “humane” and “noble” way to die. I’m pretty sure my heart would stop, just being faced with the thing!

www.QuietFuryBooks.com/newsletters.html

I added two new pages – “Have you read…?” and “Have you heard…?”. The links are in the column on the right. They’re samples of a some of my favorite books and music. It’s a work in progress. The list could be endless!

Do you have a favorite book, a book you’ve written, or a favorite song you’d like me to include? Share it here and I’ll do my best to add it!

I’ve updated my Smile! page! Have a few spare minutes? Need a distraction or a reason to exercise your facial muscles? Check out the Smile! page on my website!

www.QuietFuryBooks.com/smile.html

Now through May 1, you can get 25% off my newest release Miami Snow when you purchase the book on Amazon!

Enter this coupon code to receive your discount at check out: PJ2Q2A9L

Click on the cover above to read an excerpt on use the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon.