I'm in our local newspaper!

Our local newspaper, the Tyler County Booster did a nice little article about me and Next Move, You're Dead-The Trilogy in today's paper.  I brought home several copies to give to family, and I look forward to doing a book signing soon.   

Books headed to the local bookstore

These books are going to the local bookstore tomorrow, and hopefully they won't be the last.  The Tyler County Booster has graciously requested to carry them in their store, and I couldn't be prouder.  I look forward to doing a book signing in the near future, as well.

You can find them in digital or paperback on Amazon.

There are exciting days ahead for me, and I'm thankful to everyone who has read my books because you make the hours of writing all worth it.

Hometown Newspaper Article

I'm so excited to announce that the Tyler County Booster will be doing an article Thursday August 22 on how my novel Next Move, You're Dead-The Trilogy is a gift in the VIP Swag Bags at the 2013 Emmy Awards September 22nd.  They are also talking about organizing a book signing! I'm still grinning...

Interview with Author OG Tomes

I’m honored to have OG Tomes, who wrote the deliciously dark and twisted Thriller, She Becomes You with us to share some insight of what it takes to be a Thriller Author.  First, I would like to thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to be with us, OG.

I am delighted to give this a go.  I felt honored when you asked, Linda. ‘Busy’ is definitely one way to describe an Indie author.

Thrillers are a very popular genre for readers, but few know what it takes to create the characters that everyone loves to hate.  I have to say the characters Tina and Sassy in your book, She Becomes You brings the reader to the dark and terrifying place inside the mind of the psychopath.  Could you please explain how you were able to bring them to life in your mind before putting them on the pages of your book?

During research for The Sanctuary Saga, I came across an empowering article by Eri Nelson which detailed her non-traditional take on the literary rules that could hamper her creativity and style.  This led me to another article by a different author that recommended that a writer should pick a genre and stick with it to become successful.  I was looking for something to inspire me to take the steps to kill off some of my characters in the saga. Knowing I needed to kill off a few, I asked Google in what genre do you find the most deaths? I weighed the answer then challenged myself to write outside of my comfort zone.  

Researching ‘psychopath’ had me off and running.  And to twist things up more, I wrote the ending first which made the path there riddled with decisions ripe for the picking. You can imagine what research was involved to create the scenes and more than once I questioned what I was doing and why. Visiting creepy, creepy places filled with the harsh reality, manipulation and mindset of psychopaths are where they came to life.

I have to admit I raced through the writing of it. If by chance I was home alone and a storm popped up during that time, I simply had to stop. It took 528 hours total writing time and all 528 hours felt as if a bow was being pulled across the strings of a violin in anger.   Even before I started editing I boxed things up and stuffed them away out of sight.  That bit of research made its mark and even though I am writing a sequel I won’t open that box again.

I was amazed at how you were able to pull the reader into the violent scenes in your book, and trap them there while experiencing the horrible deeds done to the victims.  I know readers of thrillers often wonder where the author gets their inspiration for the gruesome parts in their books.  Would you mind sharing with us how you are able to write such vivid scenes?

The research for building the characters took on a life of its own. Torture methods to serial killers and beyond, touched the characters while it wreaked havoc on my nerves.  I used graph paper, lots and lots of graph paper to diagram the physical attributes of the scene as well as the actions needed to carry the scenes out. Many a time I fought sleep and pushed on to be finished with the list of their possible deeds and to avoid the vivid nightmares the research was giving me.  I went through many sets of crime scene photographs to get a feel for what would be needed to depict the characters’ twisted sickness and the force of their wrath.  As disturbing as it was, one thing remained very clear, anyone could be a psychopath and it is a fine line between the hidden and the exposed parts of their nature, some of which they are aware of and then those they keep hidden from even themselves.  They simply do not have a warning sign on their foreheads and the average person does not know the symptoms displayed in their behavior.  They are very adept at avoiding exposure most of the time.

I reached this conclusion standing in the checkout line while people watching and seeing hints of behavior in the people around me that I had listed during research and it gave me a chill. Knowing I had no choice of the people who stood by me in line made me feel trapped and I knew that trapped feeling would be what made the story work. That was the scariest part of it all, realizing the lack of choice, lack of control and lack of human emotion that I would need to portray.  Any individual standing in line with you anywhere could be capable of such actions, thoughts and plans. Knowing this and feeling that initial fear instilled by it, made it stay close throughout the whole writing process.  I had a bowl with tortures written down on little strips of paper that I would randomly pull one for a character to do then I would embellish it with as much reality as I could muster from the research.  Measure your plot by this:  If it scares you while you write it more than likely you will scare the reader.

I know from personal experience that writing Dark Thrillers can be a drain on the writer.  Do you ever find yourself needing to step away for a while, and write something lighter?

Yes, of course I do.  I have an array of things to keep me distracted.  More than once I scared myself silly and I can’t count how many times I ‘quit’ because of Tina.  Leave and lock the door behind you in denial kind of quit.  Luckily I have very supportive family and friends who encouraged me not to give up.  Everything about this project gave me angst, from the research to the cover and even the act of publishing.  I can say with all honesty, a ‘psychological thriller’ is not for the faint of heart to create.  

I know that you are constantly working on different projects.  Would you like to share with us what you’re working on now?

I am working with a wonderful writer, Darcee Van Mullekom, on her debut book, Ravenous for her saga, Myth of the Raven and her subsequent jump into the swirl of self-publishing, so watch for that to be out hopefully this fall.  A romantic comedy titled, Yes Dear.   She Loves You to Death, the sequel to She Becomes You and Tales from the Tomes, a spooky set of short to possibly novella length stories to be published individually for a quick shot of scary, so far there are about 20 titles with covers.

See the Light, book three and book four (untitled) of The Sanctuary Saga.  And of course book trailers and reveals alternated with covers when I am inspired to create them.  Mentoring, editing, marketing and promoting others round it out.

She Becomes You

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like scary, psycho=thrillers, this is for you.

January 25, 2013

By essgee  

This review is from: She Becomes You (Kindle Edition)

Having read The Sanctuary Saga series by O.G.Tomes , I was astounded (in a positive manner) by her ability to switch into this genre so flawlessly... the art of psycho-drama is to bring the reader along at a pace that scares, almost wanting to put the book down, but HAVING to keep reading to see where the next chapter leads...splendidly done, Ms Tomes...and like most of the best of this genre...it's all so credible ... let's be honest...weird people do live amongst us... this story slams into a small unsuspecting community, but it could equally be anywhere in the large cities too...look out behind you ....great tension, great story-telling, great book... Loved it...No spoilers needed here ... just read and enjoy ...and keep your doors locked.

5.0 out of 5 stars Horribly Enjoyable! November 17, 2012

By Miss R. Wood "Roz Wood" (Birmingham, England)

This review is from: She Becomes You (Kindle Edition)

Well it didn't take me long to finish this! Right from the very first page you are inextricably committed to this book and you consume the words with a grisly fascination.

The book was very well written and I felt the grief and sense of loss experienced by Amy, the writer you are first introduced to. I won't say much more for fear of ruining it for other readers. Evil without conscience fill the pages of this book.

I'm surprised at O. G. Tomes as she seems such a nice lady on Twitter! Having read this book, I would think twice about inviting her round for a cup of tea in case the evil spirit within is unleashed on me!

This is definitely a great read but shiveringly frightening at the same time. I look

forward to the next book with trepidation!

PaulWADE PulpKult's review Nov 07, 12 Goodreads

4 of 5 stars

Read in September, 2012

Its grip is tight, it will not let go.

It draws you in from the first page.

This story departs from O.G Tomes earlier works and takes you into different places, some of those places are a person's greatest fears.

This is the 21st century. It’s really hard to shock and/or thrill anyone these days.. Is that not true? S. King is a 20th century writer and when a reader knows that a person should be saying one thing, but they come out with another, more politically correct word....... it leaves you wanting.

It does me anyhow.

Here's the thing, it’s not the fact that a knife cut is made, or something like a body part, is cut off; it’s the "circumstances," along with the inability to DO anything about your dilemma, you can’t move, you cannot run--- all you can do is scream. Everything else, is what makes the foul act complete.

SHE seems to have an effect on people.  YOU THINK?

Hey Linda, let’s end this with a trailer for the sequel?! 

SHE LOVES YOU TO DEATH

COMING SOON

OG, I want to thank you for stopping by and giving us a glimpse into the mind of a GREAT Thriller Author, and how you give the readers spine-tingling stories that keep them turning the pages.

Thank you Linda, it has been an eye opening experience for me, in trying to explain how I came up with such characters and the plot.  Horror Revisited! Bwahahahahaha, so now I am in the mood to work on the sequel.  

I'm excited to announce that my interview with Author OG Tomes will be posted Tuesday! She has graciously agreed to do her first interview with me, and it's going to be an informative look into the mind of a Thriller Writer. So, clear your calender on Tuesday because this interview is going to be a pure delight!! 

I'm so excited about my upcoming interview with a GREAT Author, and  I'm proud that she has graciously agreed to do her first interview with me on this blog.  She will be sharing with us her insights on writing dark thrillers, so I know this will be not only an informative interview, but loads of fun!  

I know I haven't announced who she is yet, but what can I say...this is a blog from a Thriller/Suspense Writer. LOL

Say turned because I will be announcing who she is VERY soon!

As I sit here enjoying a cup of coffee on this beautiful Saturday morning, I can't help but be thankful for all the blessing in my life.  With my writing career taking a new direction, I find myself humbled by the developments happening everyday.

First, I'm proud to announce that I am now published with Storyteller Entertainment.  I know over time this company will be a power-house in the publishing industry, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

Second, I'm proud that I finished my first trilogy.  It was a long road getting here, but worth every moment.  Next Move, You're Dead came to life 10 years ago when my husband, Bob turned to me and said, "I have an idea for a book." I was still driving truck with him at the time, so it was written while traveling the highways of this great country delivering freight.  Neither of us knew at the time the exciting adventure his "idea for a book" would begin, but we've enjoyed the ride. 

Lastly, but most importantly, I'm thankful for the love and support I receive daily from my family and friends.  Writing books can sometimes consume so much of your life, so knowing that you have those who support you is a blessing.  

Writing dark thrillers is a passion for me, and I only hope I can continue to offer books that people enjoy.

Thank you, and I wish you all a blessed day.

I began writing my new book last night.  It's going to be a paranormal thriller, which is a slightly different type of book for me, but I'm having a great time with it already!!

I'm excited to announce that Next Move, You're Dead - The Trilogy will be 1 of 100 pre-loaded ebooks on Kindle Fire's being given away in the VIP Swag Bags at this year's Emmy's on September 22nd! I'm very honored to have the opportunity to be involved in this promotion.

The scheduled publish date for The Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy is June 28, 2013!!  

I am excited to announce that the final installment of my Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy titled Erebus,  is about ready to be sent to the Beta Readers!  This has been a long, hard road, but I know everyone will enjoy the outcome.

I plan to hold a contest to give one lucky reader a FREE copy of the ENTIRE Trilogy each week, so stay turned for how to win!

Why You Might Be Breaking Facebook Rules and not know it By: Lili Tufel

Thank you so much, Linda for inviting me to be your first guest blogger. I am truly honored. Linda and I met while we were both indie publishing our first novel. She went on to publish again and continues to write regularly. I’ve taken a different path. I started a new business, Tufel Media. I still consider myself a writer and will always write because it’s embedded in my genes, yet I’ve not published my second novel and my writing has slowed quite a bit. After some reflection, I realized that this one thing, the business of writing books doesn’t define me. I have an entrepreneurial spirit, a sales background, a love for teaching. I’m a mom. I homeschooled my kids.  I continue to teach at my church. I helped manage a company that was sold to an e-commerce business for millions of dollars. I’m a Realtor and have listed and sold a million-dollar-home in nine days. There are so many other elements that make me who I am. Social Media is second nature to me. I found that because I was able to navigate social networks with ease, I could help others who were struggling. After trying to help a few business owners, I found that they’d rather pay me to do the work for them. And that’s how Tufel Media began.

At Tufel Media, it’s our business to stay ahead of the trends, stay on top of rules and regulations and know all the dos and don’ts. Today, I’m going to go over some Facebook rules for fan pages. This doesn’t apply to personal Facebook pages. Personal Facebook pages are intended for personal use. If you look under “Statement of Rights and Responsibilities” under “Registration and Account Security” it states, “You will not use your personal timeline primarily for your own commercial gain, and will use a Facebook Page for such purposes.”

Here’s why you might be breaking Facebook Rules and not know it:

Under “Facebook Pages Terms”

Covers may not include:

i.    images with more than 20% text;

ii.    price or purchase information, such as "40% off" or "Download it on socialmusic.com";

iii.    contact information such as a website address, email, mailing address, or information that should go in your Page's "About" section;

iv.    references to Facebook features or actions, such as "Like" or "Share" or an arrow pointing from the cover photo to any of these features; or

v.    calls to action, such as "Get it now" or "Tell your friends."

Did you know that cover images can not include more than 20% text? Is your cover photo compliant?

Be sure to follow me on Facebook.com/TufelMedia where I will be posting a series of helpful tips on how to make sure you have 20% text on your cover photos. Also, check out our blog at TufelMedia.com/blog for more helpful hints. Here’s a post on how to prepare for Facebook’s latest “Graph Search” by editing your privacy settings: http://tufelmedia.com/2013/01/25/getting-ready-for-graph-search-on-facebook-privacy/

I’d love to hear from you. Follow me on Twitter:

@Lili_tufel

Check out my Bestselling book SAND: The Colonel’s Daughter on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

I am excited to announce that Lili Tufel of Tufel Media will be joining me on Monday, January 28, 2013 as a special guest blogger.  She has graciously agreed to share ideas on how we can improve our social media presence to help with reaching followers and potential customers.

As stated on her website, Tufel Media.com: Social Media is the most effective way to acquire highly targeted customers.

Are you a busy professional who recognizes the importance of social media, but simply don’t have the time?

Tufel Media helps you establish a brand presence on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and many more.

We help you build a social media empire by creating and managing accounts for you with fans/followers.

I don’t know about you, but I can always use information on how to attract followers for my writing business.  We put so much time and effort into our businesses, be it writing books or running a small retail business and with today’s new social media, we have the opportunity to reach more people than ever before.

I know Lili will have some great pointers for us, so I hope you’ll come back and learn some great ideas to help you improve you social media presence.

Lili is also the bestselling author of the thriller SAND: The Colonel's Daughter available on Amazon.

As I got out of my bed this morning, I found myself consumed with a feeling of pure contentment and peace.  I know you probably wonder what special thing happened to bring about my mood, but to be honest it was just my life and the joy I have living it.  So many times, we find ourselves caught up in the everyday drudgery that we forget to stop and just enjoy the simplest things.  Like the way the dew sparkles like diamonds on the grass as it’s kissed by the sun for those first moments, or how the animals scurry about in search for their morning meal.  Too often, we forget to stop and enjoy these simplest pleasures of life.

Being an indie writer can distract you from those pleasures.  You find yourself so caught up in the lives of your characters that you sometimes forget to live your own life.  Then you add all the long hours for editing, formatting, and promoting that soon this career choice has selfishly consumed every hour of your day.  So, why would someone choose to write?  In spite of what everyone may believe, it’s not for the riches or fame because I have yet to see either.  No, it is for something much simpler.  You see, a writer has to write because we have a story inside of us begging to be told.  Some have a great love story, others a terrifying book of monsters or vampires while writes such as myself, love to spin a tale of thrills and suspense.

Therefore, tomorrow morning when you climb out of your warm, cozy bed take a moment to look outside and enjoy those simple pleasures that life has to offer because before you know it your life will be over and you would have missed it all.

Hello,

Linda L Barton-Indie Writer here and I’m ready to jump into the World of Blogging with everyone else.  So, let me see, where do I start?  I guess a good place would be to tell you why I write, and the reason I chose my genre.

I had a friend ask my once why I write and I had to admit the question stumped me for a few moments, but then it came to me.  Since the dawn of time mankind has loved to tell stories; from the cave man carving his tales of the Great Hunt on the walls of his cave to the great authors of today who have a story burning deep inside of them with the need to be told.  Now, I'm not trying to say that I'm a great author, but I do have stories inside of me that I love to share with readers.  I've tried to write Romance and SciFi, but I soon learned I love to write dark and twisted stories were the reader loses themselves in my world and begins to question their own reality.

My debut book was Next Move, You're Dead. When I was ready to publish for the first time I sent it to an ex-publisher who specializes in helping first time authors.  I had read his newsletter for months as I finished my book, so when it was time to take the next step I sent him part of my manuscript to see what he thought.  While he told me that he enjoyed it, he also told me that I hadn't followed the proper rules in laying out my story plot.  While I was thankful for his feedback, the suggestions he offered not only completely changed my story, but also took all the mystery and surprise out of it for the reader.  Therefore, I decided to take the chance and believe in the story as it was written.  You see, that's what's great about being an Indie Writer. We make the decision on what to write and publish, so if it's a failure we have only ourselves to blame, but if it's a success....well, then it's time to do the Happy Dance and grin like a damn fool.  So, while I haven't written a New York Best Seller yet, I have written a few books readers seem to enjoy and with the help of my friends "the voices", I'll write many more.

So, welcome to my little blog and I hope you drop by often to see what crazy stuff I'm up to and hopefully you’ll leave me a comment.