Introducing Crow And Pitcher Press!

I'm doing a spring cleaning of my writing and artwork, and most of it will be moving to my new project, Crow & Pitcher Press!

What does that mean, you ask? Crow & Pitcher Press will serve as the home of my independently-published books (such as more titles in the Faerie Crossed series, which began with Crow's Rest) and a range of gift items featuring my artwork (wall art, apparel, journals, etc).

I'll be sure to update you all on when new books are in the works, and the final links where you can find my writing and art projects. For now, I have a temporary website set up and you can see it here.

Pens for Paws Auction is happening in 2016!

It's official! Items in the Pens for Paws Auction 2016 will go up May 2nd through 6th! Look for critiques from agents, editors, and your favorite authors, plus signed books, jewelry, and handicrafts.

All proceeds go directly to support Fat Kitty City, a no-kill, cage-free, cat (and dog!) sanctuary in El Dorado Hills, California.

Feel free to explore past auctions to see the kind of items we've offered in the past. I'll be keeping a running list, too, as I get confirmation of donated items for this year's auction. If you'd like to donate but are not sure what we're looking for, go to the Donate page

Bean Counting for Authors

One of my original critique partners, Christina Mercer, has a secret identity as a CPA, and she's written a book especially with authors and artists in mind! She's taking over my blog today to tell you about it:

Authoring books is amazingly fun and creative and never, EVER dull . . . However, along with all that imaginative wonderment, Authors come closer to becoming mini-accountants than they realize. Why? Because once anyone becomes an official business owner, he/she crosses into the realm of accounting and taxes. 

Oh, the horrors of it, right? But never fear! 

When Authors Mean Business, they have propelled themselves from merely writing for “fun” to reaping well-earned monetary rewards. AND THAT IS A GOOD THING, RIGHT? Authors are not only wand-waving story weavers, but also real-world professionals running businesses that earn money. And, yes, along with that comes accounting and taxes. If that causes some of you Authors out there to squirm, just remind yourselves that it’s a sign of monetary success if your books are earning ENOUGH profits to generate said taxes. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own!

In order to help fellow creatives with all of this business and accounting stuff, I offer a handy little guide with some important must-knows of accounting, taxation, budgeting, and planning for the future. Learn the differences between a hobby and a business; get a handle on different business structures; learn about proper bookkeeping, sales tax, common and complex tax deductions, retirement options and more!

BEANCOUNTING FOR AUTHORS-Helping Writers& Creative Business Owners Grasp Accounting & Taxes

NOW AVAILABLE!!

Counting each and every “Bean” earned may not be the idea of fun and adventure for most, but having lots of beans in the bank is a pretty great way for Authors to keep on doing what they do love most—WRITING BOOKS! And understanding some important business and financial basics is a big step toward making that happen.

Once-upon-a-time, Christina Mercer worked as a CPA. Though she retired that formal hat, you can still find numbers buzzing around her head. She is also an award-winning author of fiction for children and young adults. She currently resides in Northern California enjoying life with her husband, sons, pack of large dogs, and about 100,000 honeybees.

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Introducing Beautiful Freaks by Katie M. John

#UpperYA #Gothic #Dreadpunk #VictorianLondon #FairyTales #Feminist

#ParanormalRomance #Detective #Murder

Beautiful Freaks: A Serialised Story in 12 parts.

SEASON ONE. Episodes 1-12

A dark and twisted saga that winds its way through the Victorian streets of London like a luxurious and lethal ribbon.

When a series of terrifying and seemingly paranormal murders occur at a rapid rate, panic and fear grip the city.

Still haunted by the ghost of the Whitechapel Ripper case, Inspector Steptree is forced to admit the murderer he now pursues maybe even more wicked and brutal. As the case closes down on the mysterious No.7 club, owned by the enigmatic Evangeline Valentine, Steptree discovers that evil is far from a fantasy.

It is against this backdrop that Kaspian Blackthorne turns eighteen and begins his apprenticeship under the scientific maverick, Doctor Greyson, a pioneer in brain surgery, and human transplantation. Whilst Kaspian is introduced to the horrors and wonders of man’s scientific progress, he also begins an epic adventure of self-discovery and infatuation. Guided into the decadent and luxuriant world of the London West End night scene by his new friend Hugh Denvers, Kaspian tastes the sweet temptation of a life less ordinary, but such a privilege comes at a terrible price.

A cast of timeless characters and dark, grown-up fairy tales interweave to create a rich and haunting tale of fear and desire.

Based on the original novel, ‘Beautiful Freaks’ written and published in 2013 by Katie M John, this series is a development of that world. This is the first season of a planned three seasons. You can find out more about this season and forthcoming seasons on the official site. www.katiemjohn.com 

EPISODE 1 & 2 are now available

Kindle US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0164JRJYU  

Kindle UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0164JRJYU

GIVEAWAY
For your chance to win a very special Beautiful Freaks Hamper, to include a beautiful Freaks Mug, pen, signed paperback of the original novel, 'Beautiful Freaks' on which the series is based, then follow the Rafflecopter giveaway prompts below.
The giveaway is open to international, but please be aware for places outside of the UK and Europe then prize will be sent surface mail and may take 6-8 weeks to arrive (especially over Christmas period)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Bazaar, Plus Haunted Castle Tours!

How many Victorian/Olde Tyme Christmas Bazaars in California also offer tours of a HAUNTED CASTLE? If shopping for handicrafts (and books from four authors at my booth!), a parade, a gunslinger show, tours of Preston Castle, and holiday lights after dark sound like your idea of holiday cheer, then join me on December 12th and 13th for the Preston Castle's Olde Tyme Country Christmas!

I'll be in Victorian garb both days, but I can't speak for Linda Joy Singleton, Christina Mercer, Author, or Nancy Herman, Author! Guess you'll have to stop by and see whether they come in costume.

October Events

First up is an online event on Facebook:

"Embrace the Darkness" Paranormal Nights (2 Night Event)

Sponsored by the Wordsmithe Book Blog

(who interviewed me back in July)

Looking for some new paranormal reads? Over 40 authors have banded together to hold a two-night event on Facebook, and it's going to be full of chills and thrills! I'll be working the 8:45-9:00 PM (EST) slot on Saturday, October 24--stop by and check it out!

The party is happening on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/events/1640573729542675/

 On October 30, at 6 pm, I'll be joining up with some other authors at Face in a Book:

PARANORMAL PAGES: A FOUR-AUTHOR EVENT

October 30, 2015 in El Dorado Hills

El Dorado Hills, CA—In celebration of the spooky season, four accomplished authors of paranormal novels for teens are gathering at the indie bookstore Face in a Book for a night of haunting tales. The free, themed event goes from 6 to 8 p.m. on October 30. Each author will share an eerie excerpt from her book, followed by a group Q&A session. Costumes are encouraged for attendees, but not required. Seasonal, themed refreshments will be served.

The movie industry has spawned a growing demand for supernatural stories, spurring book sales and increasing the number of paranormal titles on store and library shelves.  Halloween is the perfect excuse for buffs of the genre to celebrate their favorite creepy book characters, and this event is one way for them to gather with fellow fans.

About the authors and their novels:

Angelica R. Jackson’s darkly funny, young adult urban fantasy novel, Crow’s Rest, is set in a fictional town in the Sierra foothills, and was partly inspired by a nearby haunted landmark, Preston Castle. She sometimes haunts the Castle’s hallways herself, as she photographs the arrested decay, and will be sharing a real-life ghostly encounter that made it into the pages of her novel. She was featured on Sacramento Access’s Story Connection in April, and the video is at https://youtu.be/JwRtQ3i06Ow. In Crow’s Rest, sixteen-year-old Avery Flynn is determined to reclaim her almost-boyfriend from the Fae, with the help of the creature who stole his body in the first place.

Linda Covella will be reading from the first book in her Ghost Whisperer series, The Castle Blues Quake. This tale of ghosts and friendship for teens and tweens received the Literary Classics Seal of approval and is “highly recommended for home and school libraries.” It’s also a finalist in the Literary Classics Book Award (winners will be announced soon), along with her other published book, Yakimali’s Gift, which  won an honorable mention in the RONE awards, young adult-general category. Recently published, The Ghosts of Pebble Brook Lodge, is the second book in the Ghost Whisperer series; both Ghost Whisperer books take place in Santa Cruz.

Linda Joy Singleton is the author of over 40 books for kids, including  the YALSA honored The Seer series, the Dead Girl Walking trilogy, and The Curious Cat Spy Club. Her latest book, Never Been Texted, is a sweet romance with a touch of magic: When Ashlee’s stepdad completely forgets her birthday she takes matters into her own hands to get the one thing she really wants: her own cell phone. But text messages start rolling in from a broken-hearted boy, and though Ashlee knows not all stories end happily, she’s determined to make hers the best it can be.

Tracy Clark formerly served as the Regional Advisor for the Nevada chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and is currently a contributing writer on the YA Series Insiders group blog. The first book (Scintillate) in her young adult paranormal romance series, The Light Key Trilogy, won the YA category of the 2015 Golden Quill Contest. Kirkus Review said of Deviate, the second book in the trilogy, “Passion and power are the driving forces behind this series that continues to deliver.” The trilogy was completed with the publication of Illuminate in September, and her next offering, Mirage, a young adult thriller, is due in the summer of 2016.

Face in a Book is located in the El Dorado Hills Town Center, at 4359 Town Center Blvd., #113, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. 916-941-9401.

All authors are available for phone or email interviews.

Learn more:
Face in a Book: http://www.getyourfaceinabook.com/

Angelica R. Jackson: http://www.angelicarjackson.com/

Linda Covella: http://lindacovella.com/

Linda Joy Singleton: http://www.lindajoysingleton.com/

Tracy Clark: http://www.tracyclark.org/

I'll be costuming for this one--will you?

Event this Saturday, September 19th!

I get to stretch my visual artist wings at a show called Literary Palette, viewable at the El Dorado Arts Council gallery in Placerville through October 20. This Saturday, September 19, there is an artist's reception from 5- 8 PM, and I'll be there to share my love of art!

This is a fun show where all the works are inspired by literature, and they've also arranged a fun scavenger hunt where you match up the art with the written work to win a prize. Hint: of my two works in the show, one of them inspired a section of Crow's Rest!


Can you guess which book this one reminds me of?