#BetweenTwoFires Giveaway!

Happy News Years! To celebrate the New Year I’m giving away a hardback copy of Between Two Fires! To enter the contest, simply sing up for my newsletter here: http://www.marknoce.com/contact.

Great things are afoot with the coming New Year, namely finishing up edits to the sequel to Between Two Fires, which will be entitled Dark Winds Rising. My publisher has finalized the release date for the second book for this coming September! How rad is that?

How have your holidays been? Any big New Year’s resolutions on your to do list? Mine is to get my edits for my sequel finished up ASAP.

Hope your next year is a great one! Cheers! 

How Did I Get a Literary Agent?

Next week I’ll be discussing how I first got my literary agent for my novel Between Two Fires. The full article will be posted on my e-newsletter! Sign up here to join: http://www.marknoce.com/contact 

2016 has been quite a year for me. My debut novel with St. Martin’s Press came out just a few short months ago, and it’s been a whirlwind of planning for the book tour and other events. On top of that, I’m working on the edits to the sequel with my publisher right now. I can’t wait to share the next installment of the series with you next year!

In the meantime, have a very happy holidays! I also hope you enjoy next week’s newsletter article about how I found my literary agent. Thanks again and take care!

Get your copy of Between Two Fires today!

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Macmillan

Speaking in Silicon Valley

Today I had the awesome opportunity to have a book talk at my actual day job! HR set up the whole thing and a few dozen employees from my company came to listen to me speak about my book. Everyone had great questions and were super supportive!

I’ve never done a book talk in a corporate setting before, and it can be a little intimidating at first to share with coworkers from my day job just what I do during my “other” job as a writer. But people had already bought my book and brought copies for me to sign. Everyone was really genuinely interested in the process of becoming a published author. Big thanks to all my coworkers!

My pictures aren’t the most photogenic and don’t really capture just how many folks turned up, but then I again I always seem to forget to ask people to take pics and send them to me after my events. I guess I get so into talking about my book that I forget about everything else. Oh well. J

Speaking at a Book Club

I had the pleasure of speaking at a book club the other night…a book club that just finished reading my novel! Pretty cool, right? Needless to say, I had a stellar time and the wonderful ladies who read Between Two Fires are all jazzed up for the sequel when it comes out.

I’d never spoken at a book club gathering before, let alone one where they had read my debut novel. I was honored to be invited and everyone had really great questions for me. It was definitely surreal to hear people discuss characters and events from my novel with such conviction and accuracy…characters and places that previously only existed in my imagination. This has turned out to be one of the benefits of being a writer that I’ve found a lot of joy in, the coming alive of my characters in other people’s minds and perspectives.

Anyhow, the book tour keeps growing, a bit more than I anticipated, but all for the best. I keep getting invited to events in which to speak and share my book. I’ll update you once I get a few more dates confirmed, but it looks like I’ll be speaking at gatherings well into next summer at this rate. Yay for book readings!  

Catalyst!

Catalyst!

Title: Catalyst (The Deception Game, Book One)

Author: Kristin Smith

Release Date: November 21, 2016

Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing

Genre: YA near-future thriller

Book Synopsis:

Too pretty.

Too smart.

Too perfect.

In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teens, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she's ever known and loved changes in an instant.

With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait.

In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.

About the Author:

Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels with enough kissing to make her mother blush. She's a beach lover and a Just Dance guru who enjoys belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). As a self-professed chocoholic, Kristin is a firm believer that if a dessert doesn't have chocolate in it, then it's not considered a dessert. (Except for crème brûlée. She can always make an exception for crème brûlée.) Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to scarves, you can connect with her at the links below.

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Timeless!!!

TIMELESS (#3 Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier 

Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)

Author: Crystal Collier

Genre: YA Paranormal Historical

Release Date: November 1, 2016

TIME IS THE ENEMY

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.

Speaking at My Old High School

Last week, I got a chance to speak about my book to students at my old high school. Needless to say, it was a blast talking to hundreds of kids about Between Two Fires, and how I had once been sitting in the very same seats they’re in now. A couple of my old teachers were still there as well!

The students asked some really great questions about books and writing, but some of the funniest questions occurred when they asked me about what my grades had been and what some of their teachers were like when I had them. It was a little surreal, but definitely a lot of fun recalling my years there and how it can seem at once like yesterday, but also a while ago. What really stood out for me though, was the overwhelming fact that so many kids are genuinely interested in reading and writing, and that the arts are alive and well in the hearts and minds of young students.

I spoke for about four hours straight, as they kept sending in classes two at a time to the school library where I spoke. Today my voice has still not recovered (I’ve had four speaking events in the last week alone), but it’s all of a good cause. Of all the great places I’ve spoken on my book tour so far, talking to students at my former high school has definitely been one of the highlights. 

Book Signing at Green Apple Books on Sunday, Nov.6!!!

Hey, everybody! I'm gearing up for my next Bay Area book signing event. I'll be speaking, reading, and signing books at Green Apple Books in San Francisco! Come on by on Sunday, November the 6th at 7pm if you're around.

Green Apple Books is one of my favorite independent bookshops in the City, and has been a familiar haunt of mine over the years. Its winding aisles are just crammed with books from floor to ceiling, and the place has that lovely old book smell that only old independent shops have got. But don't just take my word for it.

If you're around San Francisco on Sunday, please come on by and say 'hello!' Thanks!  

Great Time at San Luis Obispo Books Signing!!!

I had a great time this last weekend at my books signing at the Barnes and Noble in San Luis Obispo! We had a pretty decent rainstorm to contend with, but still got a nice turnout of familiar and new faces. Students from Cal Poly came by and a bunch of my former professors stopped in. Needless to say, it was like reliving a bit of my past while presenting my book.

The staff at the Barnes and Noble in SLO were great, some of them even buying my book and asking for an autographed copy. It means a lot to me because my wife and I have so many fond memories of this particular Barnes and Noble. To see my book on the shelf there feels like a real milestone.

The book tour marches on, with a bunch of Bay Area stops coming up in a few weeks. Green Apple Books in San Francisco and my former high school will be part of the November leg of my journey. All lots of fun stuff to look forward to!

Book Signing This Weekend!

I'll be at the downtown Barnes & Noble in sunny San Luis Obispo this weekend reading from Between Two Fires and signing books! The event starts at 2pm this Saturday (Oct.15). If you're in the area, stop on by!

SLO is where I went to college, and my wife and I have a lot of fond memories of the town. A bunch of my former professors and fellow students will be in attendance, so I'm definitely looking forward to the reunion too. I've spent many hours of my youth and young adulthood in this Barnes & Noble store, so it's sort of a homecoming for me as well.

The book tour for Between Two Fires is going strong, with great turnout throughout the state, especially in the Bay Area and Sacramento. I can't wait to share my novel with my friends in SLO this weekend. Wish me luck!

Wine & Book Pairings

Ok, I'm taking a break from all my serious book promo stuff just to be me today. I've had this odd idea in my head about wine and book pairings - You know, like why not put good wine and good books together? We do it with cheese, right? The below list may seem like unusual pairings, but I've found that they work well for me.

Anyhow, here's some of my half-baked ideas so far...at least for red wines...

1. Cabernet Sauvignon lets you bring out the angst with Grapes of Wrath, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Hunger Games.

2. Chianti will allow you to savor romance and intrigue with the Alexandrian Quartet, Shakespeare, Arthurian, and even The Godfather.

3. Zinfandel for adventure with books like Treasure Island and anything by George R. R. Martin.

4. Pinot Noir for the more esoteric, and also what I like to call "dark wine mysteries," like anything by Agatha Christie or Ian Fleming or even The Great Gatsby.

5. Malbec works best with "for fun" reads like the Harry Potter series or Dune.


Anyhow, it's a work in progress, but I figured I'd share my wine and book pairing thoughts. Which wine and book pairings work best for you?

Last Chance Giveaway!

Last chance to snag a free copy of my novel, Between Two Fires, as part of my publisher's Goodreads and The Reading Room giveaways! Enter for a chance to win today!

Also, just for fun, I had to share one of my favorite John Oliver clips. The whole segment rocks, but you can also just check it out about 2 minutes in...you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Mega Giveaway from My Publisher Today!

St. Martin's Press is doubling down on giveaways this week by running not one, but two simultaneous giveaway contests for my new novel Between Two Fires! You can sign up for the chance to win a copy at Goodreads and/or The Reading Room. They're giving away a good amount of copies this round, so sign up today!

Also, I've been getting pings and emails from folks across the country when they've purchased my book, and it's been exhilarating to say the least. So far I've confirmed that my novel has sold in at least 33 different states of the union (including Washington D.C.). I'm sooo thrilled and humbled by the outpouring of support and interest in Between Two Fires, and I can't wait to see how many more customers in the remaining states end up sporting a copy of my debut novel in the days to come!

  

Crystal's Big Cover Reveal!!!

TIMELESS (#3 Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier #CoverReveal

Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)

Author: Crystal Collier

Genre: YA Paranormal Historical

Release Date: November 1, 2016

TIME IS THE ENEMY

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.

Want the first chapter free? Sign up HERE.

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Getting Good Reviews

I'm happy to report that I'm getting some good reviews on Amazon. Before going more into that, I also want to mention that I'm over at Tyrean Martinson's blog today. Stop on by :)

People have been leaving some great reviews of Between Two Fires on both Goodreads and Amazon! Of course, I can always use more reviews, so I've you've read a copy of my novel, I'd super appreciate you leaving a review. Good or bad, high or low, I always appreciate an honest review. Thanks!

Book Signing Vid

Hello, all, I'm over at Tony Riches blog today discussing Between Two Fires and the inspiration behind it. If you enjoy discussing Arthurian legends, head on over. Thanks!

Also, you may have noticed, I've post a video clip of one of my book signings. Just a little something to give you a small taste of the types of things I talk about during my book events. I've already gotten to meet some of my awesome blogger friends face-to-face. Can't wait for my next event!

Success in Sacramento!!!

The second stop on my book tour in Sacramento, California this weekend was superb! Before I expand on that, however, I'm over at Sherry's today for a groovy interview. Stop on by:)

So I had a great time signing books and talking about Between Two Fires at the Avid Reader bookshop in Sacramento this weekend. We sold out all of my books! It's a good thing to be sure, but I wish we could've gotten everyone a copy right then and there. Thankfully, that's what order forms are for. Thanks again to everyone who came out and offered so much love and support!

My Book in Libraries!!!

Ok, laugh if you want, but I'm super pumped to see my book appear in libraries! More on that in a sec, as I want to mention that Carol Kilgore is giving me a shout out on her blog today, so take a trip on over if you like:)

So libraries are very special places to me, locales where my wife, kids, and I often hang out. Not only have my local libraries started buying copies of my book, but so have others elsewhere. The Library of Congress and some big libraries in L.A. have ordered my novel as well, just to name a few. On top of that, I found online an unusually high degree of them being bought by libraries in Canada. I guess I have to make a visit!

Book Signing in Sacramento This Weekend!

I'm kicking off my second book signing event this weekend in sunny Sacramento! More details to follow below. Firstly, I'd like to mention that I'm over at Angela Brown's blog today as well, so come on over for a visit!

This Saturday at 2pm, I'll be at the Avid Reader at Tower in Sacramento! If you're in the area, stop on by as I'll be reading from my debut novel and signing copies. Books can be purchased directly at the store. Hope to see you there, thanks!  

Book Signing Tips

So, I'm learning a few things about book signings so far. But first, let me tell you where I'm at today. Come on over to Julie Flanders' groovy blog and hang out with us!

One thing I learned from my most recent book signing (other than how to talk and write at the same time), is the importance of dating a signature. I hadn't realized this before, but apparently in ARCs and hardbacks collectors prefer if an author writes in the date in addition to providing their signature and message. For hardcore collectors, this adds a layer of authenticity to the book. So I've been doing this myself, and attendees at my book signings have been appreciative of it. 

Audio Book for #BetweeTwoFires

The audio book version of Between Two Fires comes out at the end of this month! Before I elaborate on that, I'm chilling over at Stephanie Dray's fantastic blog today! She's a bestseller in her own right and every page she's written is worth the read.

And as far as the audio version of my novel goes, I couldn't be happier with it! Click the above link/image to give a listen to the first chapter. Barrie Kreinik gives a powerful performance as the narrator...I think I'll go give it another listen now:)

First Official Book Signing!

I had my first official book launch and book signing event last Saturday, and it surpassed all my expectations! But before I get into that, I'm over at Deborah Swift's blog today! Stop on by:)

At my book launch event, we had over a hundred attendees, and by the time I was done signing books we were only two copies shy of a complete sellout from my distributor (Books, Inc.). My writing hand is a little tired, but it was all for a good cause, and I definitely had a blast! I can't wait for my next book signing event this coming weekend!

Inside the Pocket

Lots of great stuff to discuss today! Firstly, I'm over at Christine Rain's blog today, one of my many favorite haunts in the blogosphere. Stop on by:)

Also, I'm being featured in the latest magazine edition of Inside the Pocket in Sacramento, CA. The incomparable Jessica Laskey interviewed me about my book along with all the ins and outs of my journey to getting published. It's available in print and e-versions. Hope you enjoy it!

First Book Signing Saturday!

My first official book launch event and book signing is this Saturday! But before I get into that, I'm also over at Elizabeth Varadan's awesome blog today. She's been a blogging buddy of mine for a long time, and a fantastic author in her own right!

As for the book signing this Saturday at 2pm, it will be held in the Burlingame Main Library (Lane Room), courtesy of Books, Inc. My novel will be available for sale at the event as well. We should have a pretty decent-sized crowd, so I'm super looking forward to it! Hope to see you there! 

Heroes & Heartbreakers

I'm chilling with one of my favorite people today at Kristin's blog. She's a fantastic writer, and Kristin has her own novel, Catalyst, coming out soon. I've gotten to read an early copy and it's awesome!

I was also fortunate enough to get to guest post on the Heroes and Heartbreakers blog. You can checkout my article there about "Love and Survival in Medieval Wales." Hope you enjoy it! 

Day Two of My Book

It's day two of my book being released into the wild, so to speak, and I couldn't be happier! Today I'm visiting Crystal and Donna's blogs, so feel free to stop on by and say 'hi.' It feels kind of strange to be in uncharted territory, all this build up and now the book is finally available for people to read!

On another bright note, my Thunderclap campaign was a resounding success! We surpassed our goal of over a 100 contributors, and reached over 300,000 people on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr accounts. Not bad for a single morning. :) 

Today's the Big Day!!!!!

Today is the big day! My debut historical fiction novel Between Two Fires hits bookstores today! Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Macmillan, you name, it's available! So pumped!

And to kickoff this big day, I've got quite a few volunteers who have generously posted info on my new book release. Here are their blogs below, where I'll be spending a good portion of my day today! Thanks to everyone for your generous and heartfelt support!

Lynda R. Young

David Powers King

Rachna Chhabria

Rebecca Green Gasper