G.P. Ching

Help Me Reveal Grounded's New Cover (Coming May 21st)!

2013-05-10T07:54:00.003-05:00

Grounded is getting a new cover!

Artwork Via Xpresso Book Tours

Although I liked Grounded's original cover, I've been fielding comments from readers that the science fiction look of the artwork doesn't do justice to the electrifying romance within. In response, I worked with Steven Novak to create a new cover that better reflects the story and the results are AWESOME!

Want to be the first to see it and share it with the world? Sign up to be part of the cover reveal on May 21st at Xpresso Book Tours!

Hope you can join me in spreading the news!

Soul Catcher Release and Gift Card Giveaway!

2013-05-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

In honor of Soul Catcher's release, I'll be visiting a few blogs over the next month and giving away a $100 Amazon gift card. Enter below and follow me on Facebook for information on blog stops as they pop up. Don't forget to check out Soul Catcher and the rest of the Soulkeepers Series.

Book 4 in The Soulkeepers Series (13+)

Dane Michaels has been to Hell and back and isn't interested in repeating the experience. But as a human caught up in the Soulkeeper's world, his life isn't exactly his own. No one can explain why Dane was allowed through the gates of Eden, but it's changed everything. Now, the only one who can make him feel safe is Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper with a dark past and a heart of gold.

When Malini asks Dane to be part of a mission to find the last Soulkeeper, Cheveyo, more than one team member thinks she's tempting Fate. But Malini suspects Fate has had a hand in Dane's life for some time and that he could be the key to unraveling Lucifer's latest plan of attack.

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Author Exhaustion: When Things Get Tough

2013-04-24T10:04:00.002-05:00

I came across this post by an author friend this morning on Facebook:

Sometimes I get so tired I wonder if I can keep going, but the only other option is quitting, and that I won't do. -Maria Kelly

Maria's quote hit so close to home with me that I couldn't let it go without a blog post. The irony is, honestly, I don't have time to write this; I'm behind on all of my goals. But I need to write this. Because I think many writers, especially Indie authors, go through what I'm going through right now. And just to warn you, this post is going to be brutally honest.

When I published my first and even my second book, things were fairly simple. I was focused on the mechanics of finishing the books, getting them edited in the best way I could afford to, covers, formatting for various venues, and publishing to the world with a blog tour and some advertising. I did these things, and was very excited and surprised by the success my early books achieved. I was able to balance writing with marketing and social media.

Flash forward six books later, now I'm juggling development, marketing, and PR for titles under two names, and three potential series. And I don't usually talk about this, but besides being a mom, I'm a caregiver for a family member with a long-term illness and that role has pulled me away from work this year. There is such thing as a sales arc. Books are somewhat like balloons. You knock them up with one hand (tours, advertising, marketing) and they gradually float back down to earth. So you do more marketing. Tapping the books up again and again over time.

But I didn't write this to whine. I wrote to talk realistically about author exhaustion. I hear about authors setting crazy goals for themselves, 5,000 or more words per day 6-7 days per week. These are moms, dads, have other jobs both full-time and part-time, and I think to myself, that is AMAZING. You are AMAZING if you can keep that up and have a family life, and act as your own PR and marketing professional. And hopefully, it will pay off. Hopefully, those words aren't forced, will be used in your final version, and will connect with your audience. Hopefully, you won't regret what you missed while meeting those goals.

My warning is, sometimes it doesn't pay off. Here's my story. Most people know me as the author of the Soulkeepers Series, but in 2012 I published a book called Grounded. Grounded took a year to research and write. It was professionally edited by an experienced editor and read by more professionals before publication than any of my other books. It is my highest rated book by far and, believe it or not, actually spent time with an agent before publication.

I was so excited to release Grounded, a book I considered to be my personal best, and thought for sure with all of its professional development, it would be a bestseller. Well, it's not. In fact, it hasn't done overly well. Like I said, the ratings and reviews are great, but sales? Not horrible but not terrific. Grounded was written to stand alone but intended to be the first in a trilogy. Now, I am in the unenviable position of considering sending the synopsis for books 2 and 3 to an early grave.

My point is that we as authors need to have a healthy balance in our lives. Author Hilary Wagner often says to "write the story that's in your heart." I've thought about that over the last year. We as Indie authors do the work first then, maybe, if we are lucky, get paid later. If you don't enjoy the work, if the story isn't in your heart, if you're not "feeling it, it's hard to keep going. (I think that's why I connected with this post by Megg Jensen about changing her course to write Shucked.)

So, I'm admitting I'm at a crossroads. I'm a little exhausted. And I have to decide what comes next after the last two books of The Soulkeepers Series. For now, I'm:

breathing deeply
writing when the muse grips me
planting a garden
enjoying my family
critiquing and helping other writers where I can
and not forcing anything.

And as Maria Kelley says, I'm not giving up. Not an option. Just taking a beat to rest up, regroup, and revisit my goals.

Debt Collector Series by Susan Kaye Quinn

2013-04-23T07:32:00.000-05:00

What's your life worth on the open market?

A debt collector can tell you precisely.

The Debt Collector serial is a dark and gritty future-noir about a world where your life-worth is tabulated on the open market and going in debt risks a lot more than your credit rating.

Lirium plays the part of the grim reaper well, with his dark trenchcoat, jackboots, and the black marks on his soul that every debt collector carries. He's just in it for his cut, the ten percent of the life energy he collects before he transfers it on to the high potentials, the people who will make the world a better place with their brains, their work, and their lives. That hit of life energy, a bottle of vodka, and a visit from one of Madam Anastazja's sex workers keep him alive, stable, and mostly sane... until he collects again. But when his recovery ritual is disrupted by a sex worker who isn't what she seems, he has to choose between doing an illegal hit for a girl whose story has more holes than his soul or facing the bottle alone-a dark pit he's not sure he'll be able to climb out of again.

Debt Collector is a nine-part serial, with each episode 12-15k words or 44-60 pages. The first four episodes are out, and the remaining episodes release every two weeks. Contains mature content and themes. For young-adult-appropriate thrills, see Susan's bestselling Mindjack series.

Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling YA SF Mindjack series. Her new Debt Collector serial is her more grown-up SF that she likes to call future-noir. Her steampunk fantasy romance is temporarily on hold while she madly writes episodes to keep Lirium (the titular Debt Collector) happy. Plus she needs to leave time to play on Facebook. Susan has a lot of degrees in engineering, which come in handy when dreaming up dangerous mind powers, future dystopias, and slightly plausible steampunk inventions. Mostly she sits around in her pajamas in awe that she gets make stuff up full-time. You can find her at www.susankayequinn.com What's your life worth on the open market? A debt collector can tell you precisely. Delirium (Debt Collector 1) is now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, Smashwords. See the Debt Collector website to check all the latest episode releases and goings on in the Debt Collector world.

FAQ: About The Fourth Book...

2013-04-20T09:45:00.000-05:00

It will come as no surprise to my readers that I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. I think J.K. Rowling is a genius and certainly her books are some of the most well worn on my shelf. In 2007, she surprised some of her fans by announcing that Dumbledore was gay.

Now, Dumbledore's background only became immediately relevant to the main story line in Deathly Hollows, when his relationship to Gellert Grindelwald played a role in the adventure.

Still, many readers didn't see the many clues Rowling dropped to his sexuality. She wrote middle grade fiction and his background wasn't obvious, although it was important.

Why do I bring this up? Because wether or not you as a reader picked up on the clues, Dumbledore's background colored his character from the very beginning.

What has this to do with The Soulkeepers?

I've received a few reviews that sound something like this:

First off, I find reviews like this personally attacking. They imply that I had some alternative motivation

than staying true to the story and the character. These accusations are false. If anything, I was motivated NOT to release book four, knowing there would be some small minded individuals who would drag it through the mud. But I'm not going to waste time thinking about hateful reviews.

What I really want to put in writing is that Dane was always gay (although closeted because he lived in Paris, IL.). If you didn't see it, here are some clues you might have missed but were there all along.

*Spoiler Alert*

In book one, Dane isn't himself because he's under the influence of Auriel's elixir. However, he talks about feeling repressed by the expectations of his family. And although Auriel is beautiful, his desire for her is always related to the drug she gives him that makes him feel free from this repression.

In Weaving Destiny, Dane takes an interest in organizing the prom, and is the only boy to do so. He goes to the prom without a date wearing a white tux with lavender cummerbund. Earlier in the book, when he is accused of "liking" Malini he suggests that he feels the same way for Jacob. In effect his "closeness" to Malini (and Jacob) is a way for him to feel safe and calmed by their presence (not attraction to Malini herself).

In Return to Eden, Dane has an immediate connection to Ethan, hugs him with everything he's worth, and attends Abigail's wedding with him where he chooses to sit with Ethan rather than his parents.

So, here we are at Book 4. If you've read it, you know that Dane is still closeted. He's reacting to Ethan physically in the beginning of the book but making every excuse possible to not act on those feelings. This is essential to the story because in every book, the main character dies:

In book one, Jacob dies and is brought back by Malini.
In book two, Malini dies and is brought back by Jacob.
In book three, Dr. Silva dies, is made human by God, and then brought back to life by Malini.
In book four, Dane dies, not literally but figuratively, to his expectations of himself and his family's expectations. When he lets go of the farm, and gives up on the closet, he dies to the person he's been trying to be for so long, and comes alive to the person he truly is. He saves himself.

It's no coincidence that Dane's power allows him to walk in other character's shoes. The power is a flip side of his greatest weakness, which is to not be truthful about his own journey, i.e. to not see himself clearly.

So, you see, Dane has always been gay, was meant to be gay, and the story would not make sense or have deeper meaning if he wasn't gay. I didn't throw it in on a whim because of some personal agenda. It was always there, even if you chose not to see it.

Volition by Lee Strauss

2013-04-16T10:36:00.002-05:00

VOLITION, the exciting continuation of Noah and Zoe's story from Perception, is HERE!

What doesn't kill you ...

Zoe Vanderveen is on the run with her captor turned rescuer, Noah Brody.

They're in love.

Or at least that’s what he tells her. Her memories have returned but her feelings are dreamlike—thin and fleeting. Her heart can’t be trusted. Just look at what happened with Taylor Blake.

Senator Vanderveen’s new team of cyborg agents are in hot pursuit, and a reward for their capture is broadcast nationwide. Record breaking cold and snow hinder their escape. Someone dies helping them.

And their fight for survival has only begun.

Haven't read PERCEPTION yet? It's FREE for a few more days!

Eternal Life is To Die

For seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans. Her brother Liam is missing.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.

Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.

It's FREE on Kobo itunes Barnes and Noble Smashwords and on Amazon!

To celebrate the arrival of VOLITION, Lee Strauss is giving away a $200.00 Amazon, Nook or itunes gift card! Contest ends tonight!

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About the author:

LEE STRAUSS

Lee Strauss writes historical and science fiction/romance for mature YA and adult readers. She also writes light and fun stuff under the name Elle Strauss. To find out more about Lee and her books check out her facebook page. You can also follow her on twitter @elle_strauss and on Pinterest. To find out about new releases sign up for her newsletter at www.ellestraussbooks.com .

Thank You!

2013-04-14T14:24:00.001-05:00

Popping my head out of the writing cave for a quick post to thank all of you who have supported Soul Catcher! I appreciate your positive reviews as well as your heartfelt emails regarding the story. I knew when I published the book, there would be a handful that would reject it simply because of who the main character was, and yes, that has happened. But many more have reached out to me with stories of how they connected with the book. The support and encouragement has been amazing and means more than you can possibly imagine. Thank you.

To answer a common question, books 5 & 6 are in the early stages of development, and currently, they are slated for release near the end of the year. I can't give you a date at this point as so much could change between now and then. The Soulkeepers are currently taking turns whispering in my ear about their final, epic adventure. If you want to make certain you don't miss any news, announcements, or releases, please sign up for my newsletter in the right hand column. You can also follow me on Facebook and twitter.

Until next time,

Magan Vernon's The Only Exception, Available Now

2013-04-08T08:48:00.002-05:00

Did you see? Magan Vernon's The Only Exception is out today. I haven't read this one yet, but the premise caught my attention. Also, Magan is due...like REALLY due, as in to have a human baby, in nine days. So, if you buy this new release you help support another, more important, new release! Check this one out. It has great reviews on Goodreads and promises to be an entertaining read.

**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative senator’s son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

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Available Now: Soul Catcher!

2013-04-02T21:54:00.000-05:00

Have you heard? Soul Catcher is available everywhere. Interested in being part of the blog tour? Please visit Supagirl to sign up!

Book 4 in The Soulkeepers Series (13+)

Dane Michaels has been to Hell and back and isn't interested in repeating the experience. But as a human caught up in the Soulkeeper's world, his life isn't exactly his own. No one can explain why Dane was allowed through the gates of Eden, but it's changed everything. Now, the only one who can make him feel safe is Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper with a dark past and a heart of gold.

When Malini asks Dane to be part of a mission to find the last Soulkeeper, Cheveyo, more than one team member thinks she's tempting Fate. But Malini suspects Fate has had a hand in Dane's life for some time and that he could be the key to unraveling Lucifer's latest plan of attack.

Amazon iTunes Nook Kobo Smashwords

So, Write 101: Building the Bones of Your Story.

2013-03-29T00:45:00.002-05:00

You’ve decided to write a book. You’ve researched your genre and stated your idea in one sentence. Now what?

There are dozens of methods out there for approaching your novel, from diving into your first chapter to writing a full plot synopsis, but the method I use is somewhere in-between. When you have a seed of an idea, writing a full synopsis or first chapter is like sprouting a branch before you have the trunk of your tree. What I do is create a plan for my synopsis based on solid, tested story structure.

With this method, I'm going to challenge you to think in terms of scenes in your novel. What's a scene? If you watch any popular TV shows, you probably already know, but here's how I think of it: a scene is a unit of a fictional work that takes place in a single setting and includes some action or dialogue that moves the story forward.

Most popular fiction follows the three act plot structure. If you are brand new, here’s a great explanation of what that is http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/pruter/film/threeact.htm. Don’t be concerned that this site is geared toward screenwriters. The fundamentals of story telling are the same. Here's another great take on the basics of story structure you should definitely read http://theindieelite.blogspot.com.

But how do you translate this structure into a quick guide for writing your first book?

I find it helpful to have a word count target before I begin writing my plan. A full length novel is usually 50,000-100,000 words. Young adult novels tend to be 50,000-80,000, Epic fantasy over 100,000.

For our purposes, I am going to plan a Young Adult book, so my first draft is going to be right around 60,000 words with the final version of the book closer to 70,000. (These numbers have a lot to do with my writing style. I tend to write lean and then edit detail into the manuscript. Other writers I know tend to be wordy in their first draft and cut words when editing. You will develop your own style and word goals with experience. )

So, using our 60,000 word target, that means the beginning of your novel should be around 15,000 words, the middle 30,000, and the end 15,000.

Here’s my method. To create the bones of your story, dole out 30 index cards. Each index card counts for 2,000 words.

Divide them into three piles:

1. Beginning: 7 cards, each with one to three sentences describing scenes that do the following:

Establish character, setting, premise and conflict.
Describe the Inciting Event (IE)- something happens to throw our main character completely off balance, thrusting him forward in the story. (I like to think of this as an event that happens to our main character (MC) that they don't see coming and causes change. For example, in Harry Potter, the IE is when Hagrid tells Harry he's a Wizard. In The Soulkeepers, Jacob breaks Dr. Silva's window.)
Delve into the MC's reaction to the IE and his or her attempts to return to some state of normalcy.
Plot Turn #1- An event that sets a new course for our MC, usually one they choose for themselves (Harry sorted to Gryffindor rather than Slytherin based on his choice. Jacob agrees to train with Dr. Silva in exchange for her help).

2. Middle: 15 cards

The MC moves toward their new goal, encountering many obstacles along the way but doing pretty well to overcome them.
Point of No Return- A major obstacle presents itself that seems insurmountable. The MC must continue toward their goal or lose everything. (The Medicine Woman tells Jacob to forget about finding his mother)
The Dark Moment- The MC losses all hope and considers giving up. (Dr. Silva refuses to help Jacob anymore)
Plot Turn #2- An event happens that revives the MC. (Malini and Dr. Silva unite to rescue Jacob)

3. End: 8 cards

The MC faces his nemesis. (Jacob vs. the Watchers)
The story reaches its highest point of tension. (Jacob dies and connects to his power)
An event results in the climax of the story. (The Soulkeepers overcome and escape)
Our MC returns to a state of relative calm or normalcy, although changed. (Christmas)

Keep it simple. At this point, all you need is a picture in your head that represents a scene and to describe that scene in as many words as it takes to prompt your imagination. I use index cards because they make it easy to reorder scenes as I go along. A scene is not necessarily a chapter or vice versa, but I've found a 2,000 word average per scene is a good place to start when planning the story structure, thus the 30 cards.

Don't worry, about having names for all of your characters, full descriptions of settings, or even knowing exactly what will happen in detail. It's okay to be vague or write yourself notes to research something in the future. All you are trying to do is to get the most basic structure of your story on paper.

It’s very important that I clarify that your book will not necessarily follow this progression closely once you let the words fly. My books never hold exactly to my plan, nor should they. But, using this method, in under an hour I can create the basic bones of a story, bones that I can then use to build on as I move forward.

Next time-- Developing your story: Characters.

Review Copies Available

2013-03-15T08:35:00.003-05:00

If you are a blogger who would like an ARC of Soul Catcher, please email me. Please include a link to your blog. Thank you.

So, Write 101: What should I write?

2013-03-06T08:46:00.000-06:00

In case you missed my earlier post, So, Write 101 is my personal advice on getting started as an author. This series of posts is a no nonsense, realistic approach to successfully writing, publishing, and marketing your work.

You've decided to write a book. What should you write about? Chances are you have an idea or you wouldn't be serious about writing. However, it's likely that your idea isn't well developed. For example, my earliest thoughts of The Soulkeepers revolved around Dr. Silva's garden. I was obsessed with the garden. It took some work on my part to discover my story was about Jacob, not the spooky house or the creepy garden.

Write what you read.

Many books on writing will tell you to "Write what you know." I disagree. My advice is to "Write what you read." Why? Because every genre has its own rules and expectations, and if you read a number of books in a certain genre your writing voice will tend to gravitate in that direction. This power is so strong that I am careful what I read while I'm writing the first draft of a novel, so that I don't accidentally pick up elements of the voice of another book. One author I know admitted to me that she accidentally shifted from first person past to first person present in her work-in-progress simply because the book she was reading for pleasure at the time was written in present tense.

What you need is a literary seed that you can plant on the page to grow into a novel. (See! Garden obsession.)

Step 1: Write your idea in one sentence.

Example: An orphaned fifteen-year-old boy makes a deal with a mysterious stranger to train as a Soulkeeper, a gifted warrior tasked with defending humans from fallen angels, in exchange for her help finding his missing mother.

Step 2: Decide the genre.

Based on your single sentence idea, what you read, and how you picture the story playing out, make a conscious decision to direct your story in s general direction. Not sure what the genres are? Here's a good reference.

Example: Fallen angels, gifted warrior, and mysterious are key words that mark this book as Fantasy. The last 200 books I've read have been speculative fiction (Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror). I'll be writing a Fantasy and since it takes place in the contemporary world, I'll say it's paranormal or urban fantasy.

Now, if you've read the Soulkeepers, you know that it is cross genre. I've got a little Sci Fi (Soulkeeping is genetic), Paranormal, Romance, and Thriller elements in there. That's okay! You will likely have elements of other genres too. Don't worry about that at this point. What you want is a target genre that will inform your work as you move forward.

Step 3: Do your research.

Visit Amazon or iBookstore and survey the top ten books in the genre you plan to write. Read the reviews. What do people like? Hate? What do the covers look like?

Step 4: Start a journal.

Oh how I wish I had this advice before I started writing! Buy yourself a pretty writing journal to take notes in. Write your best one sentence summary, your goal genre, and your notes on the market on the front page. You'll want this to refer to later.

Next time: Creating the backbone of your story.

New MG Release: Jump Boys by Alex Banks

2013-02-28T00:30:00.000-06:00

Jump Boys: SOS
by Alex Banks
MG Science Fiction

A dare gone terribly wrong.

An SOS from another universe.

A threat from right next door.

Thirteen-year-old twin brothers Jayce and Val are about to jump the multi-verses on a dangerous dare, but true danger is closer to home than they realize. The Jupiter Prime colony has been orbiting the stormy gas giant for nineteen years and all anyone wants is to get back to Earth. Sent to preserve the best and brightest of the population, a grievous error in the Prime’s navigation coordinates sent the colony to an alternate dimension with no way to return to the Earth they call home.

In a society where technical expertise is valued above all else, Jayce and Val are among the most privileged—until they uncover their uncle’s plot to claim dominion over space and time. While attempting to rescue a lone girl from a post-apocalyptic earth, Val will come face to face with space pirates and Jayce will lay his life on the line for the sake of his brother and the little girl who holds the key to time itself.

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Alex Banks doesn’t live on Planet Earth. Alex lives on the Prime Colony Ship orbiting Jupiter or on a pirate ship off the Nova Scotia coast,or on a world called Insulunda where the land masses shift and move like clouds.Wherever there are dreams to be charted like stars in the sky or fun to be had just down that street . . . that’s where you’ll find Alex Banks.

FAQ: Any Advice for a New Writer?

2013-02-27T09:43:00.001-06:00

Several times a week, I get a question like this:

Hi G.P! I've read all of your books and love them. I've wanted to be a writer since I was young, and I heard you are self-published. Any advice that you can give me as I start out writing my first book?

I always struggle with this question because it's a loaded gun. Truth is I have abundant advice for new authors, and I would like to share it with you. Practically though, I can't do so in the course of a few paragraphs without misleading you.

But here are a few things to think about:

First things first, should you pursue a fiction writing career?

Writing, like many of the arts, is a job where you do all of the work up front and then try to sell it. There are some exceptions to this rule but, if you are asking me about self-publishing, likely they don't apply to you. That means that for an extended period you will have to devote time, mental energy, and some money to a create a product that is not guaranteed to produce any income. Ninety-nine percent of the people I talk to who close the book they are reading and say, "I could do that," never do or can't. Some never start. Others never finish. Still others rush through the process without allowing their work to develop and, therefore, the resulting manuscript ends up in an early grave.

Are you ready to be a writer? Ask yourself these questions:

1) Did you enjoy writing lengthy assignments for school?

Remember that ten page paper your teacher gave you analyzing a certain work of literature or historical figure? Did you balk at the challenge? Ten pages! Wow, that's long. Did you get frustrated trying to edit or format those pages to your teacher's specifications?

My average book is around 300 pages long. Not only do I plan and execute the writing of those 300 pages, I edit, format, and market the content. Even with the help of an editor, I as the author have to decide if the edit suggested is right for my style. That means understanding the rules and knowing when I can break them and when I can't. The process can be exhausting. And, frustratingly, errors still make it through because finding a missing article in 300 pages can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

For me, I love the process but you have to understand that, when I was in college, I LOVED long papers. My favorite classes were the ones where a paper was the final exam.While the work is difficult, it's ENJOYABLE for me to work for several months on a writing project.

If you can't honestly answer yes to this question, think again about wether this is right for you.

2) Do you need regular feedback to feel good about what you are producing?

When I worked at a corporate job, I had regular meetings with my boss when he would hear what I was working on and give me guidance. I'd bounce ideas off of him. I'd get credit when credit was due.

Writing is not like a regular job. While you might have a critique group that can give you some feedback on your pages, more likely than not that feedback will be contradictory, untimely, and maybe even destructive (more on that later). Think of it this way, the people who actually have the know-how to really help you are too busy or in demand to do so for free, while the people who have the time are often also new or unsuccessful.

The hard truth is that with writing, for the most part, you row your own boat. It's a thankless job. Are you okay with spending several months creating a manuscript that might not be salvageable when complete for the sake of learning how to write? Are you okay with not receiving regular encouragement on your writing?

If you need regular feedback, think again about pursuing this career.

3) Are you disciplined?

Look at your schedule. Can you realistically devote one hour per day, five to six days per week on your craft? Lots of people start novels. Few people finish.

If you can't be disciplined, or your family won't respect your writing time, chances are you will not finish your book.

4) Do you have a thick skin?

I'm talking rhino tough, people! I don't care if you have your MFA in creative writing, as soon as that book comes out you will be criticized in one way or another. Too literary? Your work is inaccessible. Too accessible? You write like a third grader. Too mainstream? Book is boring. Too much action/sex? Your book is escapist. Believe me when I tell you that you can not win with the critics out there. There are people who love to hate, not to mention that writing is subjective.

If you don't believe me, look up any phenomenal success and read the one star reviews. I recommend the Harry Potter books, The DaVinci Code, and the Hunger Games. Each of these books had a team of editors and the backing of traditional publishing and they have THOUSANDS of scathing one star reviews.

Aside from reviews, you, as a new author, can not expect to write perfectly from day one. Your first draft will be crap, and that's okay. But unless you are willing to to take criticism from editors, a trusted partner, and/or the reviewing public, you will not survive in this business.

If your spirit is easily crushed, walk on.

One more thing I need to address here. Rarely, I get a note that says something like this:

I have a GREAT idea for a book. Definitely a bestseller. All I need is someone to write it for me. Would you consider writing my book with me for a percentage of the royalties.

If you've been paying attention, you now know how ridiculous this question is. Great ideas are a dime a dozen, its the execution of the idea that's difficult. Unless you are James Patterson, willing to give both your name and your idea to a project, you probably won't find a writer willing to go for that deal.

Are you still with me? Are you a rhino-skinned, self-motivated introvert who loves the process of writing and is willing to devote regular time and energy with likely no return? If yes, welcome aboard! You can do this!

New Release: Found by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

2013-02-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a great new release from a fellow Indelible author.

From Stacey Wallace Benefiel, the author of the Zellie Wells trilogy, comes a New Adult trilogy set in the Society world.

Penny Black hasn’t had it easy. Just about everything you’d expect to happen to a harassed foster-kid turned junkie has happened to Penny. Add in the mysterious power to rewind time, conducting events around her, and it’s a wonder she held up on the streets for so many years. Now, at seventeen, the New Society has found her. Finally, Penny is where she belongs. But that doesn’t stop the visions, or the need to protect the victims shown to her.

*The Penny Black trilogy is a companion to the Zellie Wells trilogy and not a continuation of the series. (It's set 18 years in the future with a new cast of characters.)

*Due to language and sexuality, FOUND is recommended for older teens. (Most of the characters are out of high school and preparing for college.)

Purchase links:

Amazon Nook Kobo Smashwords

Coming soon to the Apple iBook store and in paperback!

Haven't read the Zellie Wells trilogy yet? Pick up all three novels together for $6.99 at
Amazon Nook Kobo Smashwords Apple

Grounded Tour and Giveaway

2013-02-25T18:12:00.001-06:00

Grounded is on tour with Promotional Book Tours. Visit their site to enter to win a $100 Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Apple Giftcard!

Here's what reviewers are saying about Grounded:

“I am seriously impressed with how the author took the simplistic Amish life and combined it with a futuristic, almost dystopian story line as seamlessly as she did. I highly recommend it.” Crafty Cauldron

“I am also a sucker for Amish stories, and love the idea of the new paranormal/supernatural/dystopian twists using them. This book is electric. You are pulled into Lydia’s story and keep on reading, trying to find out what happens next.I tried to figure out what I would do if I were in her situation. I am impressed by the strength she is able to find within herself.” Andi’s Young Adult blog

“I never know what to think when I start reading a book by a new author. But this one was electrifying!!! This book had me on the edge of my seat all the way to the last page. “ Taking Time for Mommy

“It begins with the perfect bang, and lights up your mind in ways you may not have thought. As much as it is dystopian it is speculative, and I am all for challenging the minds of the human race.” Literary Sweet

“The characters were so well written that I felt like I knew them. Lydia stayed true to who she was and her personality even when she had to make decisions that were not at all what an Amish would have ever imagine anyone would have to make.” Delphina Reads too Much

If you haven't read it yet, get yours today and find out what the buzz is about!

The Soulkeepers an iBookstore Breakout Book!

2013-02-22T08:08:00.001-06:00

What's the definition of a good day? Well, if you are an indie author, it is waking up to an email from the iBookstore with this header.

For the Soulkeepers to share the company of such inspired books and talented authors is a huge honor. If you haven't read the book yet, download it now for free from the iBookstore. Learn more about the Breakout Books promotion at the Smashwords Blog. Thank you so much readers for spreading the word about this series! You did this.

XOXO

FAQ: Are You Trying To Make Me Believe...?

2013-02-21T09:35:00.001-06:00

No. No. And No. I write fiction. My writing is a form of art. The words, just like a painter's brush strokes, are supposed to be thought provoking. Things that happen in the story should evoke feelings and emotions in you, the reader, based on your personal experiences. With that in mind, the experience of reading the Soulkeepers is going to be different for different people, and that's okay. The story isn't meant to lead you to any particular conclusion, it's supposed to entertain you and challenge you to critically think about diversity and self-acceptance.

The Soulkeepers is a story that takes place in the Bible belt (southern Illinois) and is based on Judeo-Christian mythology. The main character resists the pressures around him to conform to the beliefs of his family and community, and even in the end does not believe in a higher being in the same way as anyone else in the story believes. He connects to his role, the small part he plays in defending good against the evil in his world.

This is vastly different than Christian literature where the main character accepts Christ specifically as his or her personal savior. Nowhere in The Soulkeepers does that happen because, as an author of fiction, that's not the story I wanted to tell with this book. I'm really not concerned with what you believe. Your beliefs are as personal and individual as you are, and you should find them for yourself.

What I am concerned with as an author is this concept of traditional cultures merging with modern secular society. There are those who would say that as science and technology advances, we have no need for any religion or personal spirituality. There are others who think that as our society moves forward, we need those things even more. I am interested in this conversation, this clash of opinions, and it influences my writing.

I usually get the follow up question of, 'What religion are you?' I am now a practicing ELCA Christian. I was raised Catholic but converted after spending a short time identifying with other religions. I have an open heart and an open mind. I like hearing about how other people find their own personal peace.

So, if you read The Soulkeepers and it brings you closer to your personal faith or makes you think about faith in general and its place in our society, I'm happy about that. I hope my story made some difference for you. But if you are one of the very few (usually those who don't finish the book and make assumptions about how it will end) who thinks that the books are Christian propaganda, I'm sorry to say that you didn't read very carefully, and most likely those feelings came from within you, projected onto the work.

And if you are one of those people who just wants to enjoy the action, adventure, romance, and intrigue of the story itself--YAY! It's fiction after all. Enjoy!

FAQ: When's the Next Book Coming Out?

2013-02-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

Soul Catcher is on target for a late March/early April release. Why can't I give you an exact date? Well I learned with the release of Return to Eden that it isn't a good idea to do so. As a small, independent publisher, there are some things that I can't control about the release process. For example, Return to Eden took an unheard of six weeks to publish on Apple last March. In comparison, Grounded, my latest release, was available within ten days. Sometimes my books are available on kindle and nook in a day. Sometimes it takes four.

The book is complete and currently at the editor. It's already been through a round of developmental editing and those early readers enjoyed the story. When it comes back to me at the end of February, I'll make the changes this editor suggests. If the changes are minor, I'll make them, read through it twice, format it and publish it. If the changes are substantial, I'll make them, read through it twice, and then send it to an additional proofreader. The first scenario takes about a week. The second could take three.

The bottom line is I don't want to disappoint you.

In 2012, I made the shift from writing as a hobby to writing professionally. I won't release a book I don't feel is ready for my readers. And while every book, even those with teams of editors, formatting gurus, and publishing professionals, has its issues, my goal is to put out the best book possible with the resources I have.

If you want to be the first to know when the book is available, sign up for my newsletter. Newsletter subscribers are the first to know any and all G.P. Ching news. I will never spam your inbox. My emails are infrequent (3 in the last year) and only for the purpose of reliably delivering G.P. Ching news to you.

Thank you to all of you who have followed the Soulkeepers Series. I'm so excited to share this next installment with you. Soon. *rubs hands together* Very soon.

My Soul Catcher Playlist

2013-02-12T09:04:00.002-06:00

Music fuels my muse. Often the more eclectic the mix, the more visual my writing becomes. It's become a tradition for me to create and share the playlist of songs I listened to while writing my novels. Here's the one for Soul Catcher, if you are interested. Enjoy!

Bush-Little Things
The Toadies - Possum Kingdom
Alex Clare-Too Close
Gossip-Heavy Cross
Tool-Forty Six and Two
Korn-System
Cure-Burn
Bruno Mars-Locked Out of Heaven
Jennifer Lopez- On the Floor
Adam Lambert-Whataya want from me
Pink-Try
Christina Perri - Arms
Florence and the Machine- Seven Devils
Within Temptation - Stand My Ground

FAQ: Will there be a Soulkeepers movie?

2013-01-22T10:18:00.000-06:00

On a daily basis, I receive multiple emails, wall posts, and tweets asking me if there will be a Soulkeepers movie. Actually, they range from cheers of "MOVIE! MOVIE! MOVIE!" to demands of "You MUST make a Soulkeepers movie!" Because this question has become so frequent, I can no longer respond to inquiries on an individual basis and have decided to write a post about it.

Will there be a Soulkeepers movie? My answer is: I hope...someday.

Authors have remarkably little control over whether their work becomes a movie. People in the film industry buy the option to make a book into a film, and then can decide whether to make the film or not. Over the last year, I've been approached by several interested parties asking about the film rights to the Soulkeepers, but as of today, no one has purchased the option.

Your next question might be, why not?

I can only speculate about why an interested party might not follow through on an inquiry. The series has sold over 100,000 copies. The books are in the top 10 in Sci Fi and Fantasy series and have held that position for most of the year. But here are some things that have crossed my mind.

The books are cross-genre which can be difficult to market effectively and, similar to Golden Compass, is spiritual but not precisely Christian.
The esoteric themes in the book might be a challenge for a screenwriter to capture
The series' steady sales aren't as flashy as immediate or NYT best sellers
Angels and demons play a role in the story, and people are fearful that these characters have been or will be overdone in film (similar to vampires)
I don't have literary representation... yet (I'm looking. Referrals welcome)

Of course, anyone who's read the books could easily debunk these arguments. My dream is to find the right person who will be as passionate about this story as I am. Preferably someone who has read the books and gets the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and acceptance.

I want to thank those readers who have and continue to spread the word about The Soulkeepers. If a film is optioned and eventually made, it will be because of you. For my part, I remain open to all serious inquiries. My dream is to have a better answer for you in the future, but until then, the only answer I can give you is "I hope...someday."

Cover Reveal: Soul Catcher, Book 4 in the Soulkeepers Series

2013-01-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's here! I can finally share with you the cover of the fourth Soulkeepers novel, Soul Catcher.

Add it on Goodreads!

About The Cover

Adam Bedore of Anjin Design creates all of the covers for The Soulkeepers Series. Book four revolves around Dane, pictured here, and introduces Cheveyo, a Hopi indian boy and the last Soulkeeper on the list Dr. Silva conjured in book 3. Cheveyo is represented by the dream catcher and adobe wall behind Dane. Fate, also known as Fatima, plays a role in the story. You can see her shadow hanging from the red stone in the dream catcher. (Yes, she is represented as a spider. She is a master weaver after all!) And if you think there is something up with that shadow behind Dane, you are not mistaken. There's more to him than meets the eye.

About The Book

Soul Catcher is slated for release in March. Much depends on how fast it makes it through editing. The manuscript is currently in development and hasn't been seen by anyone but G.P. But for those of you interested in Dane and Ethan's relationship, you won't be disappointed. Malini and Jacob are back and you will also get a glimpse into Dr. Silva and Gideon's new life as well as the lives of the other Soulkeepers.

100,000 Copies and Counting

2013-01-14T13:03:00.000-06:00

It's official. I've sold more than 100,000 books!

(And, in case you were wondering, that number does not include any free or nearly free downloads.)

Original Cover March 2011

If you had asked me in March of 2011 if I ever thought I would sell 100,000 books as a self-published/independent (whichever term you prefer) author, I would have said no. The first version of the Soulkeepers was written more for my personal enjoyment than as a serious business venture. I thought my family and friends might read it. Some did; some didn't. I was happy when I sold 100 copies and thought my head might explode when I reached 1,000.

When Weaving Destiny came out in September of 2011, I swooned when she sold 10,000, surfing on the wave of a free Soulkeepers.

Today I get to tell you that I've sold 100,000 copies. Most of those for 2.99 or more and most sales from Weaving Destiny(Sept. 2011) and Return to Eden(March 2012). Of course, The Soulkeepers has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times for free, but I do not count those figures as sales. Grounded contributed to the goal but a problem with the book's release has meant a slow but steady start for the trilogy. (The book was delayed with an interested agent who ultimately rejected it and then a scheduled/paid for review tour never happened due to a tragedy concerning the tour coordinator.)

One interesting thing about this milestone - 30% of my sales have come from Apple (iBookstore). I see this platform as a major, up and coming ebook competitor. As you might expect, 60% have come from Amazon, and the remaining 10% from Smashwords, Createspace, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, and Barnes & Noble.

This week, I'll be revealing the cover of the fourth book in The Soulkeepers Series: Soul Catcher. As I approach the end of my second year as a professional author, I am so thankful for all of my readers, fans and reviewers and to all of those friends and fellow authors who believed in my work early on. Also a big virtual hug to my artist, Adam of Anjin design, for the cover art.

I still pinch myself at the thought of 100,000. What's next?

I'm not sure, but I can't wait to find out!

Where I relate to Gollum a bit too closely...

2013-01-05T21:26:00.001-06:00

Have you seen The Hobbit yet? I have. Fabulous movie no matter what the critics say. I'm not completely happy with Peter Jackson splitting the story into three parts but still, brilliant, remarkable film.

Of course, unless you've been living hermit-like in a cave, you know the character of Gollum, aka Smeagol, is obsessed with the One Ring. The addictive qualities of that particular enchanted circle of gold drive him to murder, warp his appearance, and split his personality, ultimately leaving him a slave to "the precious".

I never thought I had much in common with Gollum...until this week. See, I've been working long hours lately putting out three new releases since September while simultaneously writing the fourth Soulkeepers book. (Soul Catcher is coming right along. Cover and release date will be revealed soon.) Between writing, editing, formatting, publishing, and marketing my own work, I also read and critiqued four manuscripts for fellow writers during that period and mentored a new indie to publication. To throw another iron in the fire, one of my manuscripts was with an agent for a while and although ultimately rejected was entertained for long enough for even my jaded personality to feel hopeful. But I digress.

I've always been slightly prone to workaholic syndrome but somehow Thanksgiving and Christmas happened successfully. The kids got fed. And we planned a getaway to Hilton Head, South Carolina to ring in the New Year. Of course, I brought my laptop. I have a book to finish. So while my husband and kids did beachy, Hilton Head things, I happily holed up in our villa typing away. Only, our room didn't have a desk so I was hunched over the dining table or bent into a rather uncomfortable chair.

At some point, my back began to ache and I got up to get something--I don't remember what it was. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My back was rounded, my eyes bugged out from hours staring at the screen, and my skin, ghostly pale. In other words, I was in stage 1 Gollum metamorphosis!

Was I a slave to "the precious"--putting my work above all else, rotating the golden ring of my publishing career in my hands while hiding in my cave from the world? It was too close for comfort.

I closed the laptop. I took a walk on the beach. I read an entire book for pleasure. And, the first thing I did my first morning home was text a couple of non-author friends to meet for coffee. I spent two hours visiting and then did some grocery shopping.

This morning, a friend of mine passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was much too young and leaves behind a daughter not much older than my own. Her death was expected but somehow still tragic and, of course, reminded me of my recent Gollum-like qualities.

Life is short.

Tonight my back is a bit straighter and there's more color in my cheeks. Also, I'm adding a picture of Gollum to my desktop. This year he's going to remind me of what all work and no play can do to a person.

Indie-Licious Christmas Sale!!!!!!

2012-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

Supa Christmas Sale!!

With the stress of the holidays nearly over, now is a great time to sit back, curl up in your favorite reading chair, and get lost in fabulous new worlds. To help you do just that, some authors have banded together and put all their titles on sale, right NOW!! Some of this season’s most popular e-books have been discounted to just $0.99!!! Don’t miss out!

For all of you who got new Kindles for Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity to start your new library!! Please spread the word and share this post with all your friends – they’ll thank you for it!

Heather Hildenbrand ::Across The Galaxy:: Amazon Link B&N Link	RaShelle Workman ::Blood and Snow Volumes 1-4:: Amazon Link	Michelle Muto ::Don’t Fear The Reaper:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Stacey Wallace Benefiel ::Zellie Wells Trilogy:: Amazon Link B&N Link
Christie Rich ::Five - Elmental Book 1(FREE):: ::Dark Matter Book2:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Laura A.H. Elliot ::Transfer Student:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Karen Amanda Hooper ::Grasping At Eternity:: Amazon Link B&N Link	David James ::Light Of The Moon (Legend of the Dreamer, Book 1):: Amazon Link B&N Link
Leigh Talbert Moore ::Rouge:: Amazon Link	Helen Boswell ::Mythology:: Amazon Link	V.J. Chambers ::Breathless (FREE):: ::Trembling (Jason & Azazel #2):: Amazon Link	V.J. Chambers ::Tortured (Jason & Azazel #3):: Amazon Link
Elizabeth Sharp ::Natural Selection:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Leigh Talbert Moore ::The Truth About Faking:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Taryn Browning ::Dark Seeker (Seeker Book 1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Heather Self ::The One:: Amazon Link B&N Link
L.P. Dover ::Forever Fae:: Amazon Link	Nancy Straight ::Blood Debt (Touched Book 1):: Amazon Link	Nancy Straight ::Meeting Destiny:: Free Amazon Link B&N Link	Chelsea Fine ::Anew (Archers of Avalon, Book 1):: Amazon Link B&N Link
Raine Thomas ::Becoming:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Alyssa Rose Ivy ::Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Magan Vernon ::How To Date An Alien:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Janine Caldwell ::Rematch:: Amazon Link B&N Link
Courtney Cole ::Soul Kissed:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Karli Rush ::Crescent Bound (Book 1):: Amazon Link	Jennifer Snyder ::Marked (Marked Duology 1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Shelly Crane ::Significance:: Amazon Link B&N Link
Bethany Lopez ::xoxoxo (Stories About Melissa, Book 2) Amazon Link B&N Link	Jill Cooper ::The Dream Slayer (Book 1):: Amazon Link	Jill Cooper ::Demon Royale (The Dream Slayer Book 2):: Amazon Link	A.M. Hargrove ::Determinant (The Guardians of Vesturon #3):: Amazon Link B&N Link
Bonnie R. Paulson ::Barely Alive (Barely Alive #1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Bonnie R. Paulson ::Falling Apart (Barely Alive #2):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Bonnie R. Paulson ::Mostly Dead (Barely Alive #3) Amazon Link B&N Link	Addison Moore ::Ephemeral (The Countenance #1) Amazon Link B&N Link
C.A. Kunz ::The Modified:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Addison Moore ::Ethereal (Celestra Series #1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Addison Moore ::Tremble (Celestra Series #2) Amazon Link B&N Link	Sarah M Ross ::Echo Of An Earth Angel:: Amazon Link B&N Link
Sarah M Ross ::Awaken:: Amazon Link B&N Link	Amy Maurer Jones ::Soul Quest (Soul Quest Trilogy #1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Amy Maurer Jones ::Wildflower (Wildflower Series #1):: Amazon Link B&N Link	Thomas Amo ::Forever ME:: Amazon Link
Amy Harmon ::Slow Dance In Purgatory:: Amazon Link	Cheri Lasota ::Artemis Rising:: Amazon Link B&N Link	G.P. Ching ::The Soulkeepers:: Amazon Link B&N Link	G.P. Ching ::Grounded:: Amazon Link B&N Link
Mina J. Moore ::A Vampire’s Touch (Prequel to The Red Velvet Trilogy):: Amazon Link	LK Gardner-Griffie ::Misfit McCabe (Book 1):: Amazon Link	M.R. Polish ::Wolf Spell:: Amazon Link B&N Link