I'm an Australian author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Action/Adventure, and Historical fiction.
I live in Queensland, Australia.
www.noelleclark.net
Such a week it’s been with the inbox pinging non stop. I'm totally worn out! Who would have thought that a bunch of glen bandits could use email. Of course these are no ordinary bandits. They are the legendary Wolves, the guardians of Lochalpin Glen, and led by the hottie Scottie, in Shehanne Moore’s forthcoming release, His Judas Bride.
So I suppose sending an email is nothing to guys accustomed to felling three men with a single claymore blow and tearing people’s throats out. Serving it back to them too for supper if what I hear about the hottie Scottie is true. Although that’s not all I hear.
You know the story...of the giveaway anyway.What you’ve seen here the past week has been teasers.
We saw Big Tam yesterday, he wrote specially to me today.
Now, that GIVEAWAY I mentioned. Every person who leaves a comment on my posts about the Brotherhood of the Wolves between now and release day on August 2nd, will have their name put in a hat and I will draw three lucky winners who will each get a......sorry, not a Wolf... a $10 Amazon Gift Card but hey you can buy anything at Amazon...right?
There’s no moreteasing snippets to come. But that’s all right because His Judas Bride comes out 2nd August.
If, however, you simply can't wait - visit Shehanne's web site HERE for more sneaky peekies. Not only can you read more at Shehanne's web site, but you can see more pictures of the Brotherhood of Wolves on their own Pinterest board. Just click HERE.
As you know. I have been getting a lot of
male…oops sorry...mail, recently from a lot of Wolves. At least that is what
they call themselves, this bunch of bandits who protect Lochalpin glen.
I was
astonished receiving, not the letter, but the card, to see there was one guy
no-one had any idea about, Big Tam. But there, at least he’s here now...the now,
or the noo, as they say in Scotland.And, not justhim, we are finally hearing from Shug.
I didn’t know the guys could get
any taller but Shug, it seems, has proved me wrong.
SIX FOOT TEN! Aw, c'mon Shehanne... even I don't believe that!! Mind you, I do have some light bulbs that need replacing ...
The Lochalpin men, like the MacDonalds of
Glencoe who helped inspire His Judas Bride, Shehanne Moore’s forthcoming
release, are mostly tall.Their gorgeous
leader is probably one of the smallest at 6 feet. I think we can forgive him given
what Shehanne says about him. Well Shey, most women say size doesn't matter. Hmmm.
Anyway you can see Shug is giving us
another teaser AND we also have another picture of Lochalpin,
...not to mention a terrific GIVEAWAY?
Yes. Every person who leaves a comment on
my posts about the Brotherhood of the Wolves between now and release day on
August 2nd, will have their name put in a hat and I will draw three lucky
winners who will each get a $10 Amazon Gift Card (hopefully used to purchase a
copy of His Judas Bride).
And there’s the promise of more teasing
snippets to come from some of the other players in the story. Oh no, I'm
salivating again. And again!
If, however, you simply can't wait - visit
Shehanne's web site HERE for more sneaky peekies. Not only can you read more at
Shehanne's web site, but you can see more pictures of the Brotherhood of Wolves
on their own Pinterest board. Just click HERE.
Renea Mason
hails from Pennsylvania in the United States, and when she’s not writing steamy
paranormal romances, she spends time with her beyond-supportive husband, two
wonderful sons and three loving but needy cats. Renea’s sensational book, Symphony of Light and Winter, was
released recently with Etopia Press, and has taken the world by storm. I would
have to say that, for me, the cover is the most striking I’ve ever seen.
Noelle: Hi Renea, I’m so very pleased
that you are able to come chat with us today - I realise how busy you are
juggling family and writing. I’d love to ask you about a typical writing day.
I’m interested in the ‘where’ and ‘how’ of your writing routine. Do you have a
set routine for most writing days, or is it necessary to roll with the flow
most of the time?
Renea Mason
Renea: Thanks for having me Noelle.I have a full-time career and two very small
children, so finding time to write is a challenge.My writing day starts around 8 PM.My husband is kind enough to make sure the kids
are tended if their bedtime is extended for one reason or another.The night runs from 8PM to Midnight and I
start my other life at 6 AM. Not a moment is wasted. Without my husband none of
it would be possible.
Noelle: Do you have your own study
away from the children and other distractions, or are you able to be creative
and write pretty much anywhere?
Renea: No, I wish.We’re in the process of buying a new house but at the moment my writing
nook is in the master bedroom.So I’ve
learned to be flexible.
Noelle: Is there any particular view
from your writing room, or maybe a movie or some music, that helps inspire you
when the muse isn’t playing the game?
Renea: Music.I
can’t write and listen to music but it is great for scene plotting.I love to turn it up on my commute and think
about how I’ll write the scene later that evening.
Noelle: When you’re not writing, what
do you like to do? (I notice you’re a huge Steelers fan). J
Renea: I am a Steeler’s fan.I love to watch the games with the
family.Honestly, beyond writing and my
other career, any free time is spent with my boys.
Noelle: Now that Symphony of Light and Winter is the first in the ‘Symphony of
Light’ series and is doing well, are you already into the second of this
series?
Renea: Yes.I’ve
started the second book.The hardest
part in writing book one was getting the beginning right.It’s still the weakest part of the book in my
opinion but I’m very pleased with chapter one of book two. I’m hopeful that
it’s setting the pace for the rest of the novel. I look to have the first draft to the
publisher by fall.My first novel took
me a year but that included, learning to write, networking, querying and
finding my voice.All I need to do this
time is write it.
Noelle: Your character, Cyril, seems
to keep quite a few secrets from your heroine, Linden. What prompted you to
write their story?
Renea: He did.I
kept imagining scenes—the ones I eventually wrote for the book—the cemetery,
the bathroom, the cabin.It seems I’m
not immune to being bent to Cyril’s will.
Noelle: The journey for Cyril and
Linden isn’t easy; the story is fast-moving and, as one reviewer put it, “a
sensual thrill ride”. Do you believe that love can really conquer all?
Renea: Conquer all?Perhaps…but eitherway it does make the bumps in life more enjoyable.
Noelle: What can your fans look
forward to from Renea Mason?
Renea: More in the Symphony of Light series.I’m toying with a non-paranormal piece but it
won’t be out anytime soon.
One woman. Seven men. All
bound by one man’s undying devotion.
Fundraiser Linden Hill has a
knack for reading people. She always knows which conversations will put a
prospect at ease, which drink will loosen a patron’s lips—or his wallet, and
how cleavage will make a donor sweeten the deal. She’s even foreseen her dateless
weekends four hundred and sixty-four times in a row.
But ten years after watching
life drain from her former mentor’s and first love’s eyes, her skills for
divining the predictable are lost. When Cyril returns, he’s still gorgeous, but
this time he’s beyond human, far less dead, and pissed. His lack of memory
drives him to desperate acts, and his turbulent re-acquaintance with Linden
pulls her into his war with a creature hell-bent on his destruction. His group
of six supernatural men share a tantalizing secret, but despite the hunger,
it’s love that leads her to sacrifice everything to save him…
Hoping you all have recovered from the
unwarranted intrusion the other day by Lord Ewen McDunnagh, the chief of clan
McDunnagh and the younger brother of Shehanne Moore’s new hottie Scot hero, the
Black Wolf - hero of the soon to be released His Judas Bride. I wasn’t going to ask why Ewen is chief and Calm, the Black Wolf’s not, when Ewen is
younger. I didn’t want to inflame things. You don’t know what has happened in someone's past. To quote the tag-line
from my own book, Let Angels Fly, about the second time round, but life is
certainly full of surprises.
I am just heaving a sigh of relief he’s
gone and I can now......just checking he’s not anywhere about... introduce you to
two guys who have been garnering a fair bit of attention with regard to
Shehanne’s book, His Judas Bride. Yes.Author Anne Lange thinks Snosh is a cutie pie, while author Aimme Duffy
thinks Wee Eck should have a fan club. Seriously girls, don't those names conjour images of what these particular fellas look like?
However, because of the girl's enthusiam, I’m thrilled to let you
have this.....
Another pair you would not want to mess with. Right?
And not just this...this too.
Aw, Snosh. A wee boy of only 17! No wonder young Anne Lange is smitten. (For English speaking readers, please cut and paste Snosh's postcard into Google Translator.)
There’s also a fabulous picture of
Lochalpin to share from Shehanne’s latest Pinterest Board on the place itself.
Och, what a beautiful part of the world! Definitely worth fighting over.
Not to mention a terrific GIVEAWAY?
Yes. Every person who leaves a comment on
my posts about the Brotherhood of the Wolves between now and release day on
August 2nd, will have their name put in a hat and I will draw three lucky
winners who will each get a $10 Amazon Gift Card (hopefully used to purchase a
copy of His Judas Bride).
And there’s the promise of more teasing
snippets to come from some of the other players in the story. Oh no, I'm
salivating again. And again!
If, however, you simply can't wait - visit
Shehanne's web site HERE for more sneaky peekies. Not only can you read more at
Shehanne's web site, but you can see more pictures of the Brotherhood of Wolves
on their own Pinterest board. Just click HERE.
Phew! I've been hosting this Hot Scot giveaway for a few days now, and we all think Scots are hot - don’t we?
Well, today I was all set to show you Wee Eck and Snosh....already not just building a fan club but I am getting offers here for them! (Stop blushing Anne Lange and Aimee Duffy).What did that other famous Scot, Rabbie Burns say about the best laid plans? Quite a great deal. It seems that Lord Ewen McDunnagh, the clan chief, Callm’s younger brother (whisper)has got a bit jealous and he has burned the cards.
I’m really not sure about Ewen being here when I see some of the things written about him. The way he drinks and swears for a start, never mind the way he smells, would hardly set a girl’s heart a flutter. Then there’s what it says on the card.
Did I say I was salivating yesterday? I must say today thatI wouldn’t much like to be in Kara’s shoes, that's for sure. (She is the heroine of Shehanne Moore’s forthcoming book His Judas Bride.)
I’d rather meet Callm, the Black Wolf or the Murdies. And dear reader, if you haven't already, you can do so here.
And did I tell you about the three $10 Amazon Gift Cards up for grabs? Yes. Every person who leaves a comment on my posts about the Brotherhood of the Wolves between now and release day on August 2nd, will have their name put in a hat and I will draw three lucky winners who will each get a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Okay, not a hot Scot, but hey you get can get anything on Amazon!
If, however, you simply can't wait - visit Shehanne's web siteHERE for more sneaky peekies. Not only can you read more at Shehanne's web site, but you can see more pictures of the Brotherhood of Wolves on their own Pinterest board. Just click HERE.
Ask Shehanne questions about HIS JUDAS BRIDE here: Website
Today, I have the pleasure of welcoming to my blog, the effervescent Theresa McClinton - author and owner of Making it Reel, a book trailer boutique that creates high quality, tantalizing video trailers that help sales soar. Let's hear what Theresa has to say:
Hello to all of you wonderful readers out there. First, I’d like to thank the fabulous Noelle for having me on
her blog today to talk about my book trailer boutique, Making It Reel. I’ll be highlighting how trailers can be used to help market your novel, and why you might want to think about getting one.
First, a little history. I first began Making It Reel when I wanted a book trailer of my own, but couldn’t afford any of the five hundred dollar packages offered by other industry professionals. I was struggling to find ways to promote my debut novel, as most of us do, and just wanted something quality for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, I found that was asking a little too much.
So after suffering some serious sticker shock, I decided I’d do it myself. Because really, how hard could it be...right?
About six weeks later, my first book trailer was complete. And after launching it on YouTube, I discovered people liked it. Like...really liked it. And that got me thinking...
Why should other authors like myself have to be stuck in the same boat I was in? Why couldn’t I use the tools I’ve invested quite a bit of money in, and offer affordable, quality book trailers to everyone?
The answer was: I can!
So after a few rounds of e-mails with my graphic designer, the logo for Making It Reel was created, and my concept was born.
Making It Reel. For authors with a six-figure book, not a six-figure budget.
Since the launch of my modest boutique, I’ve produced book trailers for suspense authors, paranormal authors, Harlequin authors, indie authors, and a few of my trailers have even been featured on USA Today.
Now, as promised, I’ll talk a bit about how you can use a trailer to promote your book, and why it may be worth looking into.
First, I won’t sugarcoat the obvious. Not everyone likes book trailers. You’ll find readers who haven’t watched a single one. But when you schedule your next blog tour, and readers see your trailer highlighting your book, do you think will hit play? Absolutely. Why? Because trailers are not only visually appealing, but if done well, can summarize the very essence of your novel, portraying your writing style with music, photos, and video, all to showcase the story in an accurate and creative way to help the reader decide if it’s something they want to buy.
And much like the contest Noelle has entered her trailer in for Let Angels Fly on yougottaread.com (Go vote! ;) there are tons of other ways to attract attention to your novel using your trailer.
Can you produce a book trailer yourself, and what does it take to make one?
Great questions. First, yes. You absolutely can produce a trailer yourself—as long as you have the right software, resources, and knowledge. It’s not horribly difficult, but it’s also no secret some book trailers are better than others. Why? Because professionals, like Making It Reel, have invested in the most functional software available, and have multiple memberships to the top stock video, photo, and audio track websites around.
Now for the big question: Do book trailers sell books?
That’s a question I don’t have any hard data for, and I don’t think anyone does. But what I can tell you is I have received e-mails from multiple clients, telling me about comments they’ve gotten from prospective readers on how much they loved that author’s book trailer. In fact, they loved it so much, they purchased the book, which not only leads to more sales, but hopefully more reviews. It’s just like any other marketing tactic. If you present something irresistible to your reader, they’ll see the value in it and invest. That’s the goal anyway. And that’s why I work so hard to tailor make each book trailer to the author’s specific needs.
And just so you know, Making It Reel is running a super special during the month of July, for new clients only.
We are offering the Diamond package for only $100.00.
So if you’ve been thinking about it, but haven’t quite decided, this is a perfect opportunity to have a premium book trailer professionally produced for your novel at a fantastic price. You can also check out my other packages at www.makingitreel.net.
Thanks so much for having me today, and I hope you’ve all enjoyed hanging out. I look forward to chatting with you guys, and answering any questions you might have.
A final word from Noelle:Theresa, thanks so much for coming along and letting everyone know about the importance of book trailers as a marketing tool to promote their books. As Theresa mentioned, there is a book review site that runs a monthly competition which showcases book trailers. I had my trailer created by Making it Reel, and have had so much good feedback from readers and other authors, I decided to enter it. So, how would you like to click herehttp://www.yougottaread.com and scroll down to the list of 20 videos, then click on No. 4 - Let Angels Fly. Theresa and I would both be most appreciative of your support. :-)
Well, after the excitement of introducing,
Shehanne Moore’s new hottie Scottiehero,the Black Wolf, the other
dayI found
myself salivating a bit to know more. Come on...all these Scots guys, although
I have to admit my choice would be the Wolf.
How amazing though to get the low down, not
just on the Black Wolf’s right hand man, Wee Murdie and his brother Big Murdie,
but to receive another teaser as to the story of His Judas Bride. This is
Shehanne, the author of The Unraveling of
Lady Fury’s forthcoming book set in her native Scotland.
I have to say the Murdie boys, both members
of the Brotherhood of Wolves, don’t sound like the sort you would want to
cross.
If you haven’t met them already then you can do so
here. Not only that but - did I mention there's a terrific GIVEAWAY?
Yes. Every person who leaves a comment on my posts about the Brotherhood of the Wolves between now and release day on August 2nd, will have their name put in a hat and I will draw three lucky winners who will each get a $10 Amazon Gift Card (hopefully used to purchase a copy of His Judas Bride).
And there’s the promise of more teasing snippets to
come from some of the other players
in the story. Oh no, I'm salivating again.
If, however, you simply can't wait - visit
Shehanne's web site HERE for more sneaky peekies. Not only can you read more at
Shehanne's web site, but you can see more pictures of the Brotherhood of Wolves
on their own Pinterest board. Just click HERE.
If you would like to take down Callm's statistics and look up his dossier, contact Shehanne Moore here:
No-one was more astonished than my stable and writer mate, Shehanne Moore, author of the Unraveling of Lady Fury, to get the fantastic word her new book, His Judas Bride, is coming out,2nd August from Etopia Press.
So was I to receive by special delivery a letter from the hero of that book. Especially when it says this about him....
‘Good was not something he looked like he was much accustomed to being. Except perhaps in bed.’
He’s one of the Brotherhood of Wolves ,
the guardians of Lochalpin Glen.
In fact he’s their leader, the Black Wolf, and not the only one to write to me.I’m going to be sharing these letters every few days, so keep popping back.
Dear reader, I want to share with you my letter from this man. Here it is:
So, I emailed Shehanne immediately, to let her know about the letter I received. Here's what Shehanne says about the Black Wolf - and she knows him better than most.
After reading Shehanne's revealing words, I found myself wanting to know more. But I think that it would be remiss of me to give you, dear reader, more details of the Brotherhood of Wolves than any normal person could handle in one day. Therefore, pop back here every couple of days, and I'll share the other letters I received from members of the Brotherhood.
If, however, you simply can't wait - visit Shehanne's web site HERE for more sneaky peekies. Not only can you read more at Shehanne's web site, but you can see more pictures of the Brotherhood of Wolves on their own Pinterest board. Just click HERE.
PLUS!! There's a terrific GIVEAWAY!!
Yes. Every person who leaves a comment on posts about the Brotherhood of the Wolves between now and release day on August 2nd, will have their name put in a hat and I will draw three lucky winners who will each get a $10 Amazon Gift Card (hopefully used to purchase a copy of His Judas Bride).
Today I’m thrilled to have my good friend, and fellow
writing group buddy, Kendall Talbot on my blog. Kendall and I belong to a small
but productive writing group called YON Beyond. There are only 7 of us, but we meet monthly at either our State Library in
Brisbane, or at a local coffee shop. We also meet online once a week and chat,
write, and generally catch up.
Kendall’s debut novel, Lost
in Kakadu, is being released on August 1st through Escape
Publishing, and I can’t wait! I’m also attending a private book launch party,
which should be fantastic.
Kendall Talbot
For those of you not from Australia, Kakadu National Park is
Australia’s largest park. Situated in the very far north of Australia, in the
Northern Territory, it is a rugged, crocodile infested wilderness area, the
likes of which is rare to be found anywhere else. I was lucky enough to go on a
camping trip through Kakadu many years ago, before it was designated a National
Park, and trust me, it is a stunning place.
So, I’d like to introduce you all to Kendall, and hear about
her adventurous life, and her marvellous book.
Noelle: How long
have you been writing Lost in Kakadu?
Kendall:I started and finished ‘Lost in Kakadu’
during the ‘Year of the Novel’ course at the Queensland Writers Centre in 2008.
But it has taken me five years, dozens of re-writes, and a year with a professional
editor to get it to where it is now.
Bird's eye view of Kakadu
Noelle: Sounds
like a labour of love, but well worth it.What or who inspired you to write about Kakadu?
Kendall:I love a great survival story – ‘Titanic’, ‘Bear
Grylls’, ‘I shouldn’t Have Survived’, I also love a good romance. But it was
while I was hiking the Milford Trek in New Zealand that the idea formed to have
a survival romance set in Australia’s heritage listed Kakadu National Park.
Noelle: What sort
of research did you do to bring your story to life?
A young Aboriginal boy eating witchetty grubs.
Kendall:I love hiking in our great Australian bush
but I also did some pretty crazy things. I ate witchetty grubs that I dug from
my garden, made slingshots with my bras and sat in the bush in the pouring
rain. Thankfully I’ve never experienced a plane crash, that scene is pure
fiction – though there are plenty of movies that I drew on for inspiration.
Noelle: Okay,
well remind me not to come over for dinner when you’re researching! Tell us
about the heroine and hero:
Kendall:Abigail was inspired by a previous boss I
had who was a complete bitch. I imagined what would be the worst thing I could do
to her. And crashing her into rugged Australian bush without any luxuries was
the answer. But then I wanted to make her suffer more so I made her survive the
crash with a complete stranger. Someone she’d never associate with…are you
ready…a bisexual man (gasp). During the course of the book, Abigail learns more
about herself than she did in her whole life. It’s beautiful to follow her
transformation.
Mackenzie on the other
hand is a true hero. He’s deliciously handsome, has an Adonis body, eyes the
colour of molten honey and cooks a mean snake kebab.His life has been a rollercoaster of tragedy
and triumph. Mackenzie is unashamed of being bisexual and during the course of
the book, he teaches Abigail what love really means.
Together Abigail and
Mackenzie must learn to survive in an environment that’s as beautiful as it is
brutal - if they don’t kill each other first.
A salt water croc in Kakadu
Noelle: I wonder
if your former boss will ever read this book and say, hey, that’s me! JHave you written any other books? Are they also set in the rugged
bush?
Kendall:I have a couple of works in progress. Treasured
Love is the next book I hope to have published. It’s a modern day treasure hunt
with a 700 year old mystery, an evil priest, and a dash of romance. It takes
you on a journey from the stunning beaches of Australia, to historical Tuscany
and into the exotic waters of the Greek Islands. It’s a fabulous ride and was loads
of fun to write.
Noelle: What tips
would you have for aspiring authors who feel passionate about the stories they
write:
Kendall:Firstly - if your story isn’t written down
then just write the next 250 words. And then the next. Gradually it will come
together. Everyone has time for 250 words. Each day you’ll find yourself
thinking of the next section, so when you do have time, you will produce it with
ease.
Secondly - Set
yourself milestones and go for them. Whether it’s finishing the novel,
researching it, submitting it to publishers or planning a complete series.
Write your goals down and stay focused on them.
Thirdly – Surround
yourself with writing help. Build a network of writing buddies, join writing
organisations such as the Queensland Writers Centre and Romance Writers
Australia, or hire an expert. My book would never be where it is without all of
these, especially my editor. Oh and never stop learning your craft, join
courses, read what your favourite authors have to say, and subscribe to writing
magazines or websites.
Finally – believe in
yourself…if you LOVE your story then the chances are someone else will too.
Noelle: Kendall,
thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us about your forthcoming book. I
can’t wait to get my hands on it on release day – 1st August. Where
can readers get a hold of it?
Kendall: It will be out on Amazon and all good online booksellers. Best ideas is to visit the Escape Publishingwebsite.
Noelle: And
finally, where can readers connect with you?
