Found at http://bit.ly/1673Wor

We all hear the preaching about how writers should regularly back up their work in multiple locations. If you have a self-hosted blog–or any blog, the same is important for you!

BlueHost keeps 3 backup records of my site–created daily, weekly and monthly. And, I backup my site automatically (though you should always check regularly to make sure) to DropBox via a handy plugin. As some may have noticed, my site had a meltdown which resulted in some compromised the basic components and settings that make my blog run. It’s getting back on its feet, but I still haven’t restored my image files or put on the finishing touches.

Luckily, thanks to the backup records, nearly everything is recoverable from posts to comments.

Anything could go wrong, so don’t assume your precious posts are safe out in internet-land.

Today, I’m pleased to be hosting Kourtney Heintz as she kicks off her blog tour for her debut novel (and 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Semifinalist) Six Train to Wisconsin.

Kourtney Heintz

Welcome to The Peasants Revolt, Kourtney!

Thank you for having me Fel!  

For the first item of business: if your described yourself as a drink, a color, and a place, what would they be and why?

Ohhh. Fun! I love these kind of questions…

Almdudler because I’m a little sweet but tart at the same time. I can be sparkly too.

Green. It’s my favorite color and the thing I aspired to be as a child.

Nai Harn in Phuket. A little hard to reach but completely worth the effort. 

Your debut novel, The Six Train to Wisconsin was the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Semifinalist, can you tell us how the story developed?

I was trying to think up a short story concept for a Writer’s Digest contest. Something to get some attention for my YA novel. As I cleaned my bathroom, I thought about how impossible this simple chore had been a year ago. 

Back then I had herniated a disk for the fourth time in my spine and it crippled me. I couldn’t sit or bend without incredible pain. Luckily, I found an amazing surgeon, Dr. Bitan, who performed a disk replacement surgery. He gave me back my life. 

But before my surgery, I had been in a very dark place. As I scrubbed the toilet, I thought about how hard it must have been on my support system. And the idea of a woman whose telepathy was spiraling out of control and the husband who wanted to save her came to me. 

It was a huge departure from my YA, but much more personal to me. 

How did you go about getting the book published?

I shopped it to agents. I got it critiqued at conferences. I participated in charity auctions where the prizes were critics from editors, authors, and agents. I revised and revised. 

I entered it in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. I reached a point where agents kept saying “beautiful writing, but not a bestseller” and suggesting that I “indie publish”. At the time, several of my friends had indie published and I started researching that option. I spent months trying to figure out how to do it and if it was the best route for this book.

I hired an editor, copyeditor, cover designer, interior formatter, and a publicist. I created a marketing plan. And I indie published with Createspace. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Setting. I hate setting in books. If it’s longer than a paragraph, I skim it. Go on for a page and I start skipping ahead. But I know readers need it to ground them. 

On the first draft, there is very little setting. I have to go back and find 2-4 sentences that conjure up the images in my head and add them in. 

How would you describe your writing process?

Adaptable. 

When I first started drafting I had a full time Wall Street job. Drafting was done at home late at night and editing happened on the subway ride to and from work. I learned that five minutes can make a difference in your writing.

I am a revise-as-I-go type of person. I can pound out 20k words in a month, but then I like to pause and rework them. There are days I can’t get going and I go back over the previous 5-10 pages and edit. Somehow, I find the next step in the story and write forward. 

What books and authors have most influenced your writing?

Charlaine Harris–I’ve read each of her series. Especially the Harper Connelly ones. They are a bit darker and I love them. 

Laurell K. Hamilton–The Anita Blake series–I love how cross genre the book are.

Sue Monk Kidd–She has such beautiful sentences and such an ability to bring setting to life. I savor ever word of her books. 

You also write YA contemporary fantasy as K.C. Tansley, why did you decide to use a pen name?

Mainly for branding purposes. My YA stuff is a different tone and style of writing. My adult stuff also has swearing and sex and some violence. 

I don’t want a teenager picking my book up and it being inappropriate for them or them feeling like I pulled a “bait and switch”. I want to properly set and meet (and hopefully exceed) readers’ expectations.

Do you have any other news or projects you’d like to share with us?

My YA novel, Reckonings, is being represented by ICM Partners and Harlequin has made an offer on it. I’m incredibly excited to go the traditional publishing route and see how it differs from the indie route.

If you could go back to when you first started writing and give yourself one piece of advice or knowledge, what would it be?

One editor will reject you and suggest major overhauls. One editor will make an offer with minor revisions. It’s going to be a very subjective ride. Stay true to your story, but put your ego aside and be willing to learn your craft and revise.

What’s life like when you’re not writing?

Usually I’m squeezing in a workout, cooking a meal, playing with my dog, traveling or promoting. I do like to search out a new fruit/food and give it a try. Just to keep things interesting. Occasionally, I get a girls’ night out.

The Character Q is for Oliver, who is your favorite author and why?

Harlan Coben. He’s a master of suspense. Pulls me into his story and doesn’t let me go for a second. My wife Kai used to do the same thing with her writing. Back when she wrote.

 Where can we find you:

• Blog/Website
• Twitter: @Kourhei
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Amazon Author Page

The Six Train to Wisconsin

Sometimes saving the person you love can cost you everything.

There is one person that ties Oliver Richter to this world: his wife Kai. For Kai, Oliver is the keeper of her secrets.

When her telepathy spirals out of control and inundates her mind with the thoughts and emotions of everyone within a half-mile radius, the life they built together in Manhattan is threatened.

To save her, Oliver brings her to the hometown he abandoned—Butternut, Wisconsin—where the secrets of his past remain buried. But the past has a way of refusing to stay dead. Can Kai save Oliver before his secrets claim their future?

An emotionally powerful debut, The Six Train to Wisconsin pushes the bounds of love as it explores devotion, forgiveness and acceptance.

About Kourtney

Kourtney Heintz writes emotionally evocative speculative fiction that captures the deepest truths of being human. For her characters, love is a journey never a destination.

She resides in Connecticut with her warrior lapdog, Emerson, her supportive parents and three quirky golden retrievers. Years of working in financial services provided the perfect backdrop for her imagination to run amuck at night, imagining a world where out-of-control telepathy and buried secrets collide.

Her debut novel, The Six Train to Wisconsin, was a 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Semifinalist and will be available in e-book and paperback in May 2013.

Amazon | B&N Nook | Smashwords

Thanks for visiting Kourtney

Thank you so much for having me Fel!  This was an awesome place to kick off Six Train’s blog tour!

Review by Fel Wetzig

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Edgar Wilde is a fifteen-year-old who would rather be running cemetery tours than worrying about high school. He volunteers at the library so he can dig up the best historical research for his tours. When he finds records of a man who seems to be left out of the official records, his need to find the truth compels him to dig deeper. Along the way, he discovers a mysterious book with powerful secrets–the Lost Grimoire–a book that others would do anything to obtain.

Edgar Wilde and the Lost Grimoire is a quick read for a novel. The writing quickly sucked me into another world. I’m not always fond of books that start in another time and then change to present-day in the second chapter, Paul Ramey pulls off the duel timeline very well–with a few trips back in time, each is well-paced and provides another clue to Edgar’s mystery.

Edgar… Do people these days really name their kids Edgar? When I picked up the book, I expected it to be about an old man not a fifteen-year-old. It isn’t any wonder the kid isn’t interested in school or girls, but instead prefers to spend his time doing historical research on cemeteries (that makes him pretty cool in my book). He’s an interesting and strong character, with a unique perspective and voice. Then, we have Shelby, she’s also not like the other high-schoolers. She gives Edgar a chance, and even more than that as the two develop a relationship. She supported Edgar and remained loyal to him–even in the face of her friends.

Despite the high school protagonists, I forgot that this was a Young Adult novel as I got wrapped up in the mystery and storytelling. The characters weren’t cliché–they may have been “outcasts” as far as the rest of the High School was concerned, but they were the kids I would have enjoyed hanging out with. There were a few places where problems seemed to be solved too conveniently, but overall–considering this is his debut novel–Paul certainly has a handle on weaving a good, mysterious novel.

Find it on Goodreads | Amazon

Review by Fel Wetzig

Disclaimer: This review is based on a pre-published version of this book that I received in exchange for feedback.

Holy hotsauce, Batman. This book had my mind running amok with steamy scenes.

Microbiologist, Linden Dylan isn’t known for being wild–in fact she spends her days at the lab studying germs and viruses and her evenings curled up with books. She’s focused on her life goals: becoming a respected professor and curing cancer. Then, a circus of sex rolls into town and Linden is met with the idea of living out her fantasies for just one night. One wild night, with no one to recognize her, and then she’ll move on with her life–unless she runs into someone she knows, like her roommate and co-worker Noah Carmichael.

Linden is in for an unexpected and erotic evening.

With her amusing mix of quirky humor and scientific reasoning, I loved being in Linden’s head–”Didn’t he know I favoured petri dishes and germs over a human specimen?” Neither a person who frequents carnal events nor a virginal girl–she’s a woman most readers will relate to as Circotica ignites her desires and sexual curiosity. Her flatmate Noah–who Linden describes as lacking a libido despite his “bookishly handsome” looks–turns out to be quite the wild man when all of his pent up sexual frustration is unleashed.

Noah tugged my throat so my neck bent, giving him access to kiss me from behind. As Noah’s lips descended and turned all my thoughts to nothingness, Carson pealed my dress off my shoulders.

Without revealing much more, I’ll just say the sex scenes are hot! Intensified by the build up of emotions as Linden and Noah play out their hidden desire for each other. Will this really be a one night occurrence as Noah insinuates?

If you’re game for an erotic romance with a fun and sexy cast, put this on your reading list. Amazon|Goodreads

Wild Guardian (NA paranormal)

Chloe’s feet slid against the packed snow and ice as the dogs barreled toward her. Then, the first dog bucked and ran down the hill with a whimper.

The lab turned to her, its tan coat clumped with ice and debris. She fought an eruption of adrenaline, keeping her body still as she waited to see how the Labrador would react.

It approached, lowered its head into the snow as if taking a celebratory bow, and watched her.

Keeping her distance, Chloe clambered to her feet, careful not to break her stare from the dog. As she brushed the clumps of snow from her clothes, the dog also stood, looking her over once more before dashing down the hill, kicking up a cloud of loose snow as it disappeared.

Chloe wrapped her cold arms around her core and scanned the paw prints and smudges in the snow–the only evidence remaining that what she saw really happened.

—

Check out Weekend Writing Warriors, to see everyone else involved in this bloghop.

Blurb:

Kharisma Rhayne:

How would you like to win a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate?

Well, Curiosity Quills is offering you the chance and all you have to do is purchase a copy of Colour Wielders. If you’re still not familiar with the book, you can look up my review or my interview with the author, Dawna Raver.

To enter to win, go to Amazon and purchase your copy of Colour Wielders.

Copy your confirmation code and email it to Marketing@curiosityquills.com.
For an extra chance to win, share your purchase on Facebook. Make sure to tag Curiosity Quills.
Contest runs until Friday, May 10th at 11:59 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity!

We know how tough it is to finish JuNoWriMo. You’re going to need strength, stamina, determination, and…chocolate! But never fear, we’re here for you.

One of our awesome participants from last year, Vicki Trask offered to put together and donate care packages for a couple lucky WriMos. (Seriously, how cool is that? Go follow her on Twitter now and say thanks!) Here’s what a care package includes:

• Notebook
• Sticky notes
• Chocolate bar
• Pen/pencils
• Tea
• Stress balls
• Bookmarks

Win this care package and you’ll be set to start off June the right way. What do you have to do? Just sign up for JuNoWriMo and enter the giveaway below. Easy peasy! If you’ve already signed up, you’re good to go. The only catch is you have to have a valid US or Canada address (since Vicki’s most graciously paying for shipping as well).
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~

You might also be interested in:

So You Want to Be a Writer

Prewriting for JuNoWriMo

New Swag

Wild Guardian (NA paranormal)

The animal growled and jumped forward, red hair marking an angry mohawk down his neck. Chloe toppled backward, landing in the snow. Without daring to take a breath, she waited for the dog to make its next move.

As dog hunched back, preparing to lunge, she abandoned her slow retreat and threw her arms over her face. Seconds ticked away as she waited for teeth to sink through her skin and muscle.

Padded feet charged through the snow, but stopped with a thud before reaching her.

Hearing the dog yelp, Chloe forced her eyes open and peeked between her arms. Barely a couple of feet away, a tan colored Lab pinned the first mut to the ground.

—

That’s all she wrote for this weekend. Check out Weekend Writing Warriors, to see everyone else involved in this bloghop.

That’s the slightly dramatized mini-story of my first encounter with…

Dawna Raver

Welcome to The Peasants Revolt, make yourself comfortable, but don’t sit on any of the stick figures or invisible folk–they don’t like that.

Crap! I think I just did. Something poked me in the ass.

LOL, *shakes head* writers… you really can’t invite them anywhere without them causing havoc.
If you described yourself as a color, a drink, and a place what would they be and why?

Geez. You don’t ask easy ones do you. Color would be red. I’m fiery at times, spicy at time, and hot tempered at times. Drink would be a margarita because I love tequila and I can be a lot of fun when drinking them. A place would be Ireland or Scotland because that where my ancestors come from.

Colour Wielders was released on April 19, how did the idea behind this story originate?

The story started out as a memory that morphed into a story. Then I started to think about the stories I like to read. I love the idea of Celtic and Arthurian mythology. Oh, and I love faeries. I thought, how cool would a story be if it had all those things? If the gods, faeries, mystical creatures, as well as some infamous Arthurian characters, all lived together? As far as I know, there isn’t another book out there with this combination. So, I wrote one.

I think it turned out to be a brilliant combination.
Did any of the characters or events not turn out how you had imagined?

Yes. Arik Morgaine was originally the antihero of the story. But as I wrote him, I began to fall in love with the character. I started see his depths, his good and bad attributes. He ended up taking over the story and changing it. Sometimes, he even eclipses Quinn, and I have to remember this is her story too.

 Any hints at what might come next for the Colour Wielders crew? (Subtle reminder, I can’t wait!)

Hmm. In book two, the Magykal Realm is featured more. In fact, the entire Magykal world is highlighted for reasons I won’t elaborate on. That’s all I’ll say. Oh, and Arik will drink more tequila.

Well, duh! What would Arik do with out his tequila… I think that could be an interesting experiment.
What were the toughest and/or scariest parts of writing and publishing the book?

The scariest part is worrying that it’s not good enough. That people will look at your baby and say it’s ugly. Now that’s it’s out in the world, the even more scary is how to you get people to read it. I’ve learned somethings recently I wish I’d know about six months ago. Live and learn.

How do you fuel your creativity when you’re not writing?

Reading. I love to read. Even if I’m too tired to actually read, I listen to audiobooks as I’m falling asleep. But, truly, my brain is always going, even when I wish it would STFU!

 Who are your favorite authors and what strikes you about their work?

Right now, one of my favs is Darynda Jones. She writes the Charley Davidson series. What I love about her is her humor, it’s off the wall and so funny. Plus, Reyes is hot! I also love Jim Butcher for many of the same reasons, and JR Ward. And of course, J.K. Rowling!

 If you visit the world of any book for two weeks, where would you go and what would you do?

Well, this will probably sound self-serving, but I’d really like to be invited to the Magykal Realm. I’d love to see the world beyond the Faerying Mysts. Maybe Arik will invite me. I’d love to wonder around the palace or see the Standing Stones. But, if I can’t go there, I’d love to go to Hogwarts.

Can I go to the Magykal Realm too? While you’re with Arik, I’ll have Iain.
The Character Q is for Arik: What are your 3 biggest fears?

That I’ll never get laid again or that the world will run out of tequila.
That I’ll be forced to live with my mother.
That the Foo Fighters will never make another album again.

And, where can we find you?

• Blog: dawnaraver.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaver
• Twitter: @dawnaraver
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders

Thanks for stopping by Dawna!

And now for all of you in the audience, I present Colour Wielders:

Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she’s an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

Amazon | Goodreads | The Peasants Review

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