Writer Wednesday: Vote in a Poll for the Best Author Logo

HELP!

I've needed a logo for my author brand for quite some time. Now that I'm going to more and more events, I find that I need a logo often to put on all kinds of things (think buttons, stickers, bags and of course business cards).

There's an awesome site called 99Designs where anyone can put out a call to designers from around the world to get design work done for darn near anything. I decided to run a contest on the site for an author logo for the Natalie Wright, Author brand. The designers produced some intriguing designs. I narrowed it down to six finalists but now I have to choose one winner. I NEED YOUR HELP!

Which logo catches your eye the most? Which would you like to see stamped on things, emblazoned on T-shirts, put on a business card, stickers and other such stuff?

My mission to the designers was to: "Create a creative, kick-ass log for an author of creative, kick-ass sci fi and fantasy fiction." Which one do you think best accomplishes that mission?

I really appreciate your votes and thanks for helping me choose!

New Teen SciFi on Audible - H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath

You asked for it and here it is: H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath audiobook! Narrator Andrew Tell did an amazing job brining this story to life. I especially like the way he switched so effortlessly between male and female characters. I'm particularly fond of how he portrayed Commander Sturgis and H.A.L.F. 9.

If you're an audiobook fan, please check out H.A.L.F. on audible.

Here's the link to the title on Audible:

http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/HALF-The-Deep-Beneath-Audiobook/B0100THZPI

Want it for FREE?! If you're not already an audible customer, you can get H.A.L.F. for free when you sign up for an Audible account. Here's a link to use and boosh - it's yours for no coin. :-) 

http://www.audible.com/offers/30free?asin=B0100THZPI

I recently sat down for a chat with fellow geek Eddie Espinoza of Front Row Geeks. We talked Dragon Age, writing character driven fiction, writing for video games and generally had a nerdfest. You can check out the podcast here:

Audiobook Booyah: Emily's House Audio Now Live

While I was busy taking care of family emergencies over the past couple of months, narrator Chloe Golden was hard at work finishing production of the audio book of Emily's House (Book 1 of the Akasha Chronicles). I'm so pleased to announce that at long last, the much requested audio book version of my first novel is available for readers who prefer to listen to books! You can download the audio book on iTunes or Amazon AND you can use your Audible credits as well and download on Audible (links below).

Narrator Chloe Golden did a great job bringing Emily, Hindergog and the rest of the characters to life. Here is a sample of Chloe's narration of my first novel (purchase links are below).

What do you think?

Purchase on iTunes:

This link will take you to Amazon where you can either purchase or use your Audible credits:

IndieReCon Winner and New Audio Book by Natalie Wright

While I was away, dealing with family business, a couple of super cool things happened in my writing world. First, I won the Indie ReCon "Best Book Description" contest in the Young Adult books category for the description of H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath. Yay! It was a nice surprise amidst the gloomy I've been going through. Thanks to all of the fans that voted. We did it! Here's my spiffy new badge:

The second thing that happened is that the audio book for my first novel, Emily's House, went on sale! Woot, woot!! The narrator is actress Chloe Golden and she did a great job bringing the story to life. I can't wait for y'all to hear this book :-D Now books 1 and 2 of the Akasha Chronicles series are available in audio. If you're an Audible subscriber, you can snag Emily's House for only 1 credit (or you can purchase it on Amazon, Audible and iTunes).

Fun stuff :-D Thanks for reading and take care of yourselves and each other.

Teaser Tuesday: Meet the Future Ruler of the World - Elizabeth "Lizzy" Croft

Last week I introduced you to William Croft, leader of The Makers. William took over leading the world's most powerful organization (that no one has ever heard of) when his father died. William has been quietly ruling the world since he was in his early 30's.

Now in his early 70's, it's time for him to groom young blood to take over when he's gone. Not that he plans on leaving any time soon, mind you. (But then again, neither did his father.)

William had three sons with his wife, all of them disappointments in one way or another to their father. None of them had the brass cajones required for the job of top boss of the world's most powerful elite.

Then along came Elizabeth.

Emilia Clarke would be perfect as
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Croft in The Makers

Affectionately called "Lizzy" by her father, Lizzy was the product of the dalliance William had with the only person he ever came close to loving. From the moment he laid eyes on her, Lizzy was William's favorite child.

She trained at her father's knee from the time she was born. Lizzy went to the best schools, met all the right people, and made all the right friends.

And she'd kill any one of them without hesitation if her father told her to.

She's an obedient child. Heir apparent to more money - and power - than most of us can imagine.

Emilia Clarke

But is she as obedient as her father thinks? Does Lizzy hunger for more than just being the daughter of the most powerful man in the world? And is she willing wait her turn to rule?

She has charisma, charm, smarts and beauty. What will happen when Jack Wilson meets her? ;-)

Emilia Clarke who plays Daenerys Targaryen (aka Khaleesi) in the Game of Thrones television series would be the perfect Lizzy Croft. Anyone who can pull off the part of eating a raw heart while still managing to look hot would be great as Lizzy Croft! Beautiful, brainy and fearless. That's Lizzy Croft.

Emilia Clarke

Teaser Tuesday: Meet the Maker - William Croft

One of the best parts of creating a new novel? Developing a new character. And it's particularly enjoyable when the new character is a "baddie."

If you've read The Deep Beneath (Book 1 of the H.A.L.F. Series), you may have a "love to hate" relationship with Commander Lilly Sturgis. She really can be a nasty wench, huh?

If the book were to ever be made into a movie, Charlize Theron would be a great Commander Sturgis. I wouldn't have thought that until I saw her in Snow White and the Huntsman. Theron's evil queen was the highlight of that movie (well, and Chris Hemsworth, of course ;-). Can you see her as Commander Sturgis?

Charlize Theron in  Snow White and the Huntsman

As nasty as Sturgis can be, I have something delicious in store for readers in book 2, The Makers.

Meet William Croft III, head of the covert organization known at The Makers. William people. Never call him Bill or Will or any such nonsense.

Jeremy Irons could play William Croft, III
The Makers, Book 2 of the H.A.L.F. Series

This British gentleman took over top spot of the most powerful organization in the world when his aging father met a - shall we say - unforeseen end (that William may or may not have had a hand in). William's father may have been the mastermind behind the secret deal with the greys back in 1953, but William is the one behind A.H.D.N.A. and the creation of Aphthartos.

Jeremy Irons

But what, exactly, is his plan? And what's the real story behind A.H.D.N.A.?

I'm not telling. Yet. You'll have to wait for Book 2 to find out.

In the meantime, feast on pics of Jeremy Irons who would be my pick to play William Croft. Jeremy is a dead ringer for how I've pictured William. Stately. Commanding. Good looking but not a "beautiful" person. Powerful. Smart.

And ruthless.

Jeremy Irons from The Borgias
Perfect to play William Croft, III in The Makers

Seriously, wouldn't you love to see Charliez Theron and Jeremy Irons in a film together?

Bonus points to anyone who knows what fictional character Williams Croft's name pays homage to. :-D