Guest Post & Giveaway: Isaiyan Morrison Talks Different Vampires in Deamhan

Today I am happy to have Isaiyan Morrison stopping by for a guest post. Vampires can be a little overdone lately, so it's always great to get a fresh take on them. Isaiyan is here to tell us more about the Deamhan, and to giveaway several awesome prize packs: 

1st Place Prize Pack

$50 Amazon Gift Card

1 Large Deamhan Shirt

4 bookmarks

1 box vampire incense (100 grams)

Deamhan Sticker

1 copy of Deamhan (paperback or ebook, winner's choice)

2nd place Prize pack

$20 Amazon Gift Card

1 Large Deamhan Shirt

4 bookmarks

1 box vampire incense 40 grams

Deamhan Sticker

3rd Place Prize Pack

$10 Amazon Gift Card

4 bookmarks

Deamhan Sticker

Check out the Rafflecopter code below to win, and be sure to follow Isaiyan on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Google+, and read more about her books on her blog. And now I will turn the blog over to Isaiyan!

Thank you for having me on your blog today! I'm excited to explain to you what Deamhan and how they differ from sanguine vampires.

Most readers are familiar with sanguine vampires (bloodsucking vampires.) You read about them all the time. When you think "vampire" you imagine a creature of the night with sharp canines. They avoid the sunlight (depending on what book or movie you watch.) Well, I grew up thinking that this was the only type of vampire and like many writers, I wanted to write about them. However, I didn't want to write about the same thing.

Realizing that there are tons of books out there with the same type of vampire character, I wanted to do something different. I started to research and after a few months I found some surprising things.

I didn't know that other different types of vampires existed. I learned about vampires that feed off of psychic energy. For example, Lamias (also spelled Lahmians) are related to the Queen Lamia (or the child of Poseidon, depending on where you read the tale) who was turned into a demon and now devours children. Lugat originates from Albania. They feed on their victims energy (or blood, each source is different,) just enough so that they don't kill them. Some vampires can shapesshift, they don't have pointy teeth, and they can roam during the day time. I found these type of vampires interesting and I decided that I wanted to write about that.

After gathering as much information as I could, I had to chose what type of psychic vampire I thought fit into my story. I couldn't also ignore their weaknesses and because there were so many, I had to pick and choose which ones easily fit into the world I created.

After the dust settled, I focused on eight different types and I narrowed that down further to four:

Ramanga - Live off the psychic energy in human blood. They have retractable and sharp canine teeth.

Lamia - Feed by draining the psychic energy from their victim’s mouths, sucking them into dry husks.

Metusba - Feed from the psychic aura of their victims around them. They don’t have to kill their victims to live.

Lugat - Feed on the psychic imprints of their victims and like the Metusba, they don’t need to kill their victims to live. Often, the Lugat Deamhan prefer to move freely in the human world and enjoy human company.

Deamhan are mean and ruthless. They don't cry about their existence. They kill to survive, if they have to, and majority of the time they like it. Survival is their main goal and an important aspect of their nature.

Researching and writing the novel took about 10 years (I did drag my feet for a few of those years) but I'm proud to say that I've finally accomplished what I wanted to do from the beginning. I've written a creative novel, different from any other vampire novel, with the focus on psychic vampires. I gave them the spotlight and now it's time for them to shine.

http://isaiyanmorrison.com

http://deamhan.com

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Her soft golden skin, her warm smile…these are the only images Veronica Austin has left of her mother who disappeared without a trace twenty years ago on the streets of Minneapolis while researching the Ramanga, the Lamia, the Metusba, and the Lugat. Known only as the Deamhan, they are a different breed from the modern bloodsucking vampire.

A stranger to this world,  Veronica’s search for the truth about her mother’s unexplained disappearance takes her into their sinister and precarious world. She gains the trust of the only other human familiar with the Deamhan lifestyle. With his help she finds not only can the Deamhan not be trusted but it’s her own father, president of a ruthful organization of researchers, who has diabolically maintained that distrust.

Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/JvXvINwJpH0

Amazon

 

Writerly Lesson: Success Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

We all know by now that I'm still a bit of a newb-sauce when it comes to the writerly world. Which is why I love sharing my little epiphanies with you guys. And lucky for you, I had one today.

I've been in a funk all day. I haven't wanted to write. I haven't wanted to read. All I've done is play Candy Crush Saga (I caved and joined the craze yesterday) and listen to music with the general attitude of blarg. But I haven't been able to figure out why.

At first I thought it was because I had just written a really really rough death scene yesterday. (Trust me, it's bad. Like, people might come after me with pitch forks kinda bad. Hell, I want to come after me with pitch forks after what I wrote. But I digress...) I don't think it was that, though. Yes, that sucked. But this wasn't my first death rodeo. Just my worst.

So what else could it be? Things are pretty awesome in my writerly world right now. Wattpad is going amazingly. I have over 1000 followers and votes now and close to 100,000 reads. And I was lucky enough this weekend to go meet two of my critique partners, Leigh Statham and Heather Raglin. Leigh is quite the social butterfly, enthusiastically going around to authors she might might not have even heard of and chatting them up. She would introduce me, and tell them that my book is coming out next month. And they would congratulate me, which left me turning beat red.

Why? Because I wanted to brush off the congratulations in the same way I do with my friends and family who are excited about my book being published. I want to tell them "Pfft...I'm doing it myself. It's not that big of a deal."

And that's what has hit me tonight. You see, it is that big of a deal. I want to downplay it because, in my mind, it's not like anyone has chosen to publish me. No one has picked my work out of the slushpile and said "Yes! This!!" No one chose me, so I don't deserve the congratulations.

But they did. The thing is, those Wattpad views, followers, and votes mean something. As I type this, around 1500 people have finished reading my book in the three weeks since it has been featured on the Wattpad site (only around 20 had finished up to chapter twenty-five before). Does that mean I am destined to become the next Amanda Hocking? No. But it's a pretty good start.

I suppose that is my point. Success comes in all shapes and sizes. It doesn't have to mean sales (especially if you aren't selling anything yet) or contracts. You don't have to become an overnight success. But those people that are reading your work and encouraging you? They matter more than I can say. That is how we as authors should measure our success. Because let me tell you, the highlight of my day is reading the comments people leave me and answering the messages they send. Sometimes I think my book can't possibly good enough to warrant this, but in the end, I'm not the judge of that. The readers are. And I have to say, my readers are pretty freaking awesome.

Blog Tour: Remembering Joy by Jenni Moen

Alexis doesn’t believe in fairytales. She knows first hand that life can turn on a dime – that one stupid mistake can shatter dreams and irrevocably shape the future. Even though her memory of that day is hazy, she has spent the last ten years trying to put it behind her and focus on the future.

Armed with the knowledge that her career will be her only legacy, Alexis works night and day to prove that she is more than just her last name. It’s not only that she doesn’t have time for love – she doesn’t have the heart for it. After all, there’s no point in starting something that you can’t finish.

However, when she meets Adam, she’s drawn to him in a way even she can’t deny. He is dark and brooding and strangely charming. He’s the perfect distraction from the mundane life she’s created for herself. And, as if fate is pushing them together, he seems to be around every corner. It’s enough to almost make her entirely forget about her past and take a chance.

Unfortunately, Adam’s memory isn’t hazy . . . not in the least. And, what she doesn’t remember, he can’t forget.

*Mature New Adult/Adult novel – contains adult situations and sexuality and is suited for ages 18 and up*

You can add Remembering Joy on Goodreads, or purchase it at Amazon.  

About the Author:

Jenni Moen lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids that have the potential to burn the house down at any moment.

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard at her big girl job as a patent attorney. While vodka and exercise have provided some relief from the daily grind, it is reading … and now writing … that are her true escapes.

Find her on Twitter or Facebook, or read more about Jenni on her website.  

Blog Tour: Dark Souls by Ketley Allison

19-year-old Emily desperately wants a name for what she is. For what is consuming and torturing her. For what is changing her.

But she’s not crazy like her mother. She’s not.

Emily may not be as crazy as she thinks, because her body is no longer her own. Something is stirring inside her. It is soft, seductive, and tells her what to do to survive. As Emily learns that her world has been infected by demons that consume human souls and fit seamlessly into the bodies they empty, she must also accept that she is one of them. Yet, she is different from the rest, because her darkness didn’t inhabit her, it was awakened. And it doesn’t just want the humans.


Find this book on Goodreads, or you can purchase it on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble for just $0.99!






About the Author:

Ketley Allison is a twenty-something (maybe almost thirty-something) author who believes that supernatural love shouldn’t stop at eighteen. She began her career by writing books as birthday presents for her friends (with her friend as the main character and opposite a super sexy lead, of course) before ending it in order to walk down a path she thought she was supposed to follow.

The writing bug never left her—and, in fact, would often bleed into the official papers she was supposed to write—so now Ketley’s putting down her suit and finally following her dream. While her friends are no longer the stars of her books, she still throws in bits and pieces of them into each and every one of her characters.

As a result, her books tend to focus a lot on friendships as well as love, because let’s be honest, friends are what really get you through—especially when your epic love turns into epic heartbreak.

Check out her website, or you can follow her on Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. 

A Teaser! An E-Book Extravaganza! Another Heirs of War (and more!) Giveaway!

I swear, I just can't help myself. I finish one giveaway, and I can't help but think of how I want to do the next one. This time, I've decided to make the giveaway as special as can be in two different ways:

1.) I'm not just giving away my e-book. One of the most amazing things about this whole writerly experience has been the vast amount of support I've received from all around the web. So I am also giving away three purchased e-book copies from three incredible people that have supported Heirs of War (and me) along the way. So you can not only win an e-copy of Heirs of War, but the following titles from authors that continue to inspire me:

• Coldness of Marek by Rachel O'Laughlin
• First of Her Kind by K.L. Schwengel
• Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh by Katie Hamstead

2.) Heirs of War became a feature on Wattpad September 11th, and I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouraging words people have given me. As I am writing this, I have 789 followers, 524 votes for Heirs of War, and over 46k reads. My jaw hits the floor every day when I look at it. So, as my way of showing how incredibly appreciative I am of all my new followers and readers, I decided to include a way to enter the giveaway with Wattpad. It isn't really intended to gain new followers so much as give the followers I already have a chance to enter their own way. In fact, if you've never used Wattpad before, I would encourage you to use the other ways to enter.

I'm also doing something else a little bit different. I'm not including an option to tweet about the giveaway. I know this is a great way to earn entries, but it is also kinda spammy, so I'm not a fan of it. If you want to continually comment on my blog to earn entries, that's cool. But I don't want to clog people's Twitter feeds. =)

And now, without further blabbering from me, here is the teaser for Heirs of War, and the Rafflecopter giveaway! If you want to enter the giveaway with a comment, here are the questions to answer:
What books are at the top of your TBR list? What is your preferred genre? Do you prefer e-books or physical copies? Why?
(Note, answer whichever ones you choose, let's just keep the conversation going!)

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Guest Post & Giveaways: Kate Roth's Soundtrack for Reckless Radiance

Today on the blog, I'm happy to have Kate Roth! She's here to talk about her soundtrack, and giveaway some awesome prizes (see the Rafflecopter entries below). Don't forget to check her blog for exclusive daily content during the tour!

Thanks so much for hosting me today, Mara! This is such a fun stop on the blog tour!

This soundtrack is made up of songs I imagine would be in the movie version of Reckless Radiance. I listened to this playlist as I drafted and edited and I still turn it on every now and then! Head over to my blog today to enter the drawing to win a CD copy of this soundtrack and a copy of the e-book! www.katerothwrites.blogspot.com

1. Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg
2. Headlights on the Highway by Ron Pope
3. The Moon by The Swell Season
4. Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift
5. Run Away by Sara Jarosz
6. Full of Grace by Sarah McLachlan
7. Treacherous by Taylor Swift
8. Ready to Fall by Meredith Edwards
9. Only Girl (In The World) by Boyce Avenue feat. Alex Goot
10. Stay by Sara Bareilles
11. Turning Page by Sleeping At Last
12. I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
13. The Light by Sara Bareilles
14. My Heart With You by XIV Hours
15. Been A Long Day by Rosi Golan

Reckless Radiance is a story of love and loss, secrets and healing. Read more about the book and be sure to pick up a copy, now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and All Romance E-books!

After the loss of her childhood love, Valerie Gilmore runs away from the life she's always known to try to start again. Between her job as a diner waitress and her toxic relationship with the first guy to help her forget her past, Valerie feels more alone than ever before until she meets Russell. He's sweet but strange and Valerie can't help but think he's hiding something. He acts as though he knows her and he seems to be looking past her broken heart, straight into her soul.

Russell has pushed aside the ancient laws of his angel brethren to find Valerie and stay as close to her as possible. He’s forced to contemplate sharing the truth about what he is after a deadly turn of events cause Valerie to run away once more. His feelings for her and a promise he made long ago help him to realize he longs to leave his life as an angel behind for a chance at love.

You can purchase Reckless Radiance on Amazon in paperback and e-copy.

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Blog Tour: Because of Lucy by Lisa Swallow

Synopsis: *Recommended 17+ due to strong language and sexual content*

Ness’s parents are shocked when she turns down her place at Leeds University and takes on a full-time job in a call center. Determined to begin her adult life the way she wants, Ness moves to Leeds to live with her best friend Abby.

One night she meets Evan, who is everything she hates about guys. He may be hot but he’s also drunken, arrogant, and on top of that, he apparently has sex with girls and forgets about it. But Evan isn't what he seems and Ness soon discovers they have more in common than she thought.

Evan is struggling to escape from his past too, and when Lucy appears she threatens his new relationship with Ness. Unsure if she can deal with the effect Lucy has on Evan, Ness makes a decision about her future which pulls them apart.

When their new lives don't go as planned, Ness and Evan are both faced with difficult choices. All because of Lucy...

Author bio: Lisa is originally from the UK but now lives in Perth, Western Australia. She splits her time between writing, raising a family and running a business. She even leaves the house occasionally.

Lisa writes romance and is currently working on a series of new adult paranormal romance novels, the first book, Soul Ties, was published in July 2013. She also writes new adult contemporary - Because of Lucy was released August 2013.

Find Lisa on:

Blog     Twitter       Facebook

Buy it on:

Amazon

New Adult Authors: Jaden Wilkes!

Jaden is the pen name of a girl living on the prettiest farm in Brittish Columbia. She shares her space with her husband, her children, and an Irish Wolfhound named Tiberius. She can now be found lurking in the dark corners of the internet looking for artful porn gifs, dirty poems, and places to promo her work.

Sarah Miller is known as a dreamer in her stifling Mennonite community, but she's hiding something from them all. A simple wish to avoid the strictly enforced life path expected of her... early marriage, babies, and work on the farm.

She wants more, so much more. Education, travel, love... sex...

A chance at university hundreds of miles away is too much to pass up, so she follows her best friend Naomi and decides to take her future into her own hands.

She had no idea this decision would change her in ways she never imagined, will the one person she falls in love with hold her back from everything she ever wanted?



To enter the Rafflecopter, please go to each of these blogs and enter the corresponding blog code.



This is Blog #5 and the code is: JADENMARA

Blog #1: www.dawnpendleton.com

Blog #2: www.StephanieLawton.com

Blog #3: www.chasingemptypavements.com

Blog #4: http://lisaswallow.net

Blog #5: http://maravalderran.blogspot.com

Blog #6: http://www.lgcastillo.com

Blog #7: http://sophielira.wordpress.com/

Blog #8: http://naughtylittlekisses.blogspot.com

Blog #9: http://danielelanzarotta.blogspot.com/

Blog #10: http://authoryolandaallen.blogspot.com/

Blog #11: http://dawnaraver.com/

Blog #12: http://tawdrakandle.com

Blog #13: http://midtown-underground.com

Blog #14: http://tyffanickemp.com

Blog #15: www.authorstiffanyandashley.com

Blog #16: www.KristieCook.com

Blog #17: www.jlfynn.com

Blog #18: www.nancystraight.com

Blog #19: www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com

Blog #20: www.adriannejames.com

Blog #21: http://jadenwilkes.blogspot.ca/

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Blog Tour: Heaven and Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro

Heaven and Hellsbane
Hellsbane Series,

Book Two

Paige Cuccaro

Genre: Urban Fantasy

 

Someone’s killing angels and turning the half human, half angel illorum warriors against their angelic supporters. If the supernatural baddy behind the attacks isn’t stopped soon, Heaven itself could fall victim. The Council of Seven has called in the best they’ve got to find the killers, and no one’s more surprised than Emma Jane Hellsbane when it’s her phone that rings.

But when her own angelic mentor—and off-limits hottie—Eli is targeted, Emma takes it personally. With Emma hot on the trail of the growing army of assassins, though, hackles start to raise around her. Everyone wants to know if she’s in it to protect all angels or just one in particular. The Council has their suspicions…and so does Emma’s boyfriend.

Now Emma isn’t just fighting off demons, rogue nephilim, and Fallen angels, but she’s defending her honor as well. The problem is even Emma Jane isn’t sure of her motives. One thing she does know: if she doesn’t figure out the killers’ identities soon, she may not live long enough to know what, or who, she really wants.

It’s all in a day’s work as Heaven’s ultimate bounty hunter.

Amazon   BN

About the Author:

Writing was never a foregone conclusion for me. I once had dreams of being a psychologist, a pediatrician, a school teacher, a photojournalist, a bartender, and/or an EMT. And then I met my husband and my world came into focus. Being wife and mother are my highest priorities and greatest joy. But escaping to the fanciful, sexy worlds twirling through my mind is an absolute necessity. Putting those worlds, and the cornucopia of characters that people them, on paper is just plain fun.

Paige lives in Ohio, with her husband, and three daughters. When she’s not writing she can be found doing the mom thing with a book in one hand and a notepad and pen in the other. Ideas come without warning and the best way to stimulate your imagination is to enjoy the imagination of someone else.

http://www.facebook.com/PaigeCuccaro

https://twitter.com/PaigeCuccaro

http://www.goodreads.com/PaigeCuccaro

www.paigecuccaro.com

http://beingpaige.blogspot.com/