Teaser Tuesday: Erika and Ian from The Makers + Preorder Giveaway Bonanza

Here's a tidbit of a teaser for my upcoming release, The Makers (H.A.L.F. #2). I'll let the meme speak for itself and (hopefully) pique your curiosity about what it means.

Do you love Giveaways, Swag & Bonus Content?

I have such a fun package of goodies for people who Preorder The Makers!

• The first 25 who Preorder will receive the audiobook version of The Deep Beneath, my award-winning first book in the H.A.L.F. series
• Everyone who preorders the eBook is automatically entered into a giveaway to win an AUTOGRAPHED Hardcover copy of The Makers + Exclusive swag. (NOTE: This part of the giveaway open ONLY TO U.S. mailing address.
• **For every 100 copies Preordered by release date (May 10), I'll add another signed hardcover + swag to the prize package :-D
• An exclusive and exciting bonus book that is only available to people who preorder
• A second exclusive book that includes lost chapters with the author's commentary 

But you have to play to win! In order to claim your exclusive preorder package, follow these instructions:

1. Preorder The Makers HERE
2. Forward your receipt or Email the Screenshot or otherwise send proof of your purchase to this email: TheMakersBook@gmail.com
3. BOOSH! That's it. You will receive an email with links to download your digital content.
4. NOTE: If you were one of the first 25 to order, you'll receive a gifted copy of The Deep Beneath directly from Audible to the email address you mailed the receipt from
5. NOTE: When the Preorder period is over, the giveaway ends and winner(s) of the signed hardcover will be notified by email & asked to provide their U.S. mailing address

You can learn more about the book including the description & early reader reviews by visiting this page.

Teaser Tuesday: Jack Wilson's Point of View

Meet Jack Wilson from The Makers (H.A.L.F. #2):

We met Jack Wilson in The Deep Beneath (Book 1 of the H.A.L.F. Series). He's a dirty blond, tousled hair guy that prefers flip-flops and T-shirts over dress shoes and button downs. In The Deep Beneath, readers met Jack through the eyes of Erika Holt, his on-again, off-again, on-again (sort of) girlfriend.

Some readers fell in love with Jack and rooted for "Team Jericka." Other readers didn't see the Jack attraction. One of the biggest fans of the book told me she hoped Jack would be killed off to make way for another character that's her fave!

I don't want to spoil anything if you haven't yet read The Deep Beneath, but suffice it to say that things didn't turn out they way Jack and Erika planned. Hell, things didn't turn out the way I'd planned either! The story took a turn at the end that I hadn't anticipated and it has made writing Book 2, The Makers, a lot more interesting!

Lo and behold, Jack has become a point of view character. And I'm determined to make Jack naysayers into Jack Wilson converts.

SECRET TIDBIT ABOUT JACK: Despite looking like he's just rolled out of bed, he actually uses product in his hair to get it to have that messed up look. He uses a sea salt spray and works it into his hair with his fingers to give his hair the beach look without going to the beach.

Not even Erika knows that one!

WHAT'S JACK UP TO IN THE MAKERS?

Without giving too much away, circumstances will bring Jack together with Anna Sturgis. Yep, you heard that name correctly. Anna Sturgis, as in the niece of Commander Lillian Sturgis. I'll give you more insight into Anna in another post, but for now just know that Commander Sturgis isn't the only brainy, beautiful Sturgis woman on our planet. Jack's a loyal guy and wants nothing more than to have Erika back in his arms. But will his heart remain true to Erika? Or will he find himself falling for the enemy?

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT JACK: Jack and his mom, Kathleen Wilson, share their home with a somewhat psycho cat named Tater.

JACK'S THOUGHTS ON CHIVALRY:

"I know it's old fashioned, but I hold doors open for women. My mom said, 'Girls want a knight, Jack, whether they admit it or not.' And she's my mom and a smart lady so I figured she'd never steer me wrong.

But then I met Erika. Maybe I fell for the girl who's the exception to the rule."

In my recent interview of Jack, I asked him, "What do you loathe about yourself?" Here's his answer:

"I wouldn't say I loathe anything. I don't think like that. I don't get flipped out enough about things to hate on it. So no, I don't hate myself. That's not to say I wouldn't change a few things if I could. Like being taller.

And I guess sometimes - like lately - I wish I was more … Well when that guy had Erika and was hurting her? I had a shot, but I froze. I should have been the one that pulled the trigger."

This memory haunts Jack. I wonder how it will affect him? And will he do things differently if he ever faces a similar situation?

What do you bet he'll have a chance soon to find out?! ;-)

The Makers launches May 10, 2016 on Amazon.

Preorder by May 9 and receive Exclusive bonus material only available to readers that preorder. 

• FIRST 25 Preorders receive Audiobook of H.A.L.F. #1, The Deep Beneath!!! 

• Exclusive Behind the Scenes Material including Natalie's drawings of characters and handwritten character details 

• Lost Chapters, including an adorable character that was cut from the final, only available to those who Preorder by May 9.

CLICK HERE for more details and to Preorder The Makers (H.A.L.F. #2). 

The Wishing Shelf Awards Silver to H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath

I write because life is better for me when I write than when I don't.

I write because stories keep me up at night unless I give them voice on the page.

I write because characters nag me until I tell their story.

I don't write just to sell books, though it's awesome when people honor me by spending their hard-earned bucks on my wares.

I don't write to win awards, but it's pretty freakin' cool when I do.

And today I learned that H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath was awarded the Silver in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards! Here's the new shiny badge for H.A.L.F.:

Yay! I especially appreciate this award because teens (my target audience) were part of the judging. It means a lot to me to know that they appreciated the story. Hopefully they'll enjoy the second book in the series, The Makers, just as much.

Thank you to all my readers, fans, family and friends who support me in so many ways on my writing journey. I appreciate each and every one of you.

Cheers,

Natalie

First Annual Natalie Wright Fan Art Contest!

The Regina from The Makers by Natalie Wright

If you've been following this blog for a while then you know that I go to a lot of comic cons. A LOT! Of course I sell my books and hand out nifty swag to readers. But I'm always thinking about new things that I can display in my six feet of retail space.

An artist friend suggested handing out fan art of my characters with free chapters and it was like BINGO! That would be so cool.

Imagine it: Your artwork being seen my hundreds, nay thousands of people. The adulation of the masses over the bad-assedness of your mad artist skills.

Now imagine that you also get a cash prize for said mad art skills. Even better, huh?

So without further ado, I hereby announce my first annual Fan Art Contest!

Want to play? Here are the rules, details, fine print, etc.:

Natalie Wright Fan Art Contest 2016:

WHEN:  Contest Entries will be accepted from through April 30, 2016

Jack Wilson from H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath
Art by Sarah Farley

WHAT: Contest entry can be either a drawing, painting, computer graphics or other 2D representation and must be submitted digitally. Quality of image counts, i.e. fuzzy and/or pixelated images will be unlikely to win. **IMPORTANT: The image(s) MUST BE FAN ART representing a character, scene or overall feel of the H.A.L.F. series. 

WHO: Anyone ages 13+ may enter. **IMPORTANT: If you're a minor, you MUST have parent permission to enter the contest (see below).

WHERE: Open worldwide. All submissions to be submitted via email to: NatalieWrightAuthor (at) gmail (dot) com

HOW: Entry is easy. Simply submit your final artwork via email to NatalieWrightAuthor (at) gmail (dot) com. **MUST INCLUDE: Name (Can be first and last initial if you'd like); a valid email address; age and if a minor (under the age of 18), your parent or guardian's signature on the permission form which you can download here. All submissions are final. Artwork will NOT be returned.

PRIZES:

     

1st Prize - $100 Amazon Giftcard + A Digital Copy of one of Natalie's Books + Posting Work on NatalieWrightAuthor.com website

2nd Prize - $50 Amazon Giftcard + A Digital Copy of one of Natalie's Books + Posting Work on NatalieWrightAuthor.com website

3rd Prize - A Digital Copy of one of Natalie's Books + Posting Contest Entry on NatalieWrightAuthor.com website

IMPORTANT RULES & NOTICES:

1. All submissions become the property of Natalie Wright, Author and will not be returned. By submitting a contest entry, you agree that Natalie Wright, Author has unlimited permission to use the image submitted in any way, including but not limited to use in her published works and promotional and marketing materials; her blog; Facebook; Twitter; and other social media.

2. Winners will be notified via email by May 10, 2016. Winners must respond to notification within 72 hours via email or forfeit the prize.

3. By submitting an entry, entrants understand and agree that any and all images submitted as an entry in this contest can and will be used by Natalie Wright, Author for sales and promotional purposes without remuneration of any kind to contest entrant. All submissions are final and become the property of Natalie Wright, Author when submitted.

What are you waiting for? Get creating!

And please share the news of this contest with your friends. Thanks!

Cover Reveal: H.A.L.F.: The Makers

The other day I posted a video announcement of preorder for H.A.L.F.: The Makers (Book 2 of the H.A.L.F. Series). In that post I promised you a cover reveal. And - ta da - here it is!

H.A.L.F.: The Makers by Natalie Wright
Book 2 of the H.A.L.F. Series

In the weeks to come I'll be teasing you with updates about your favorite characters from H.A.L.F. and entice you with insider info about some enticing new characters. But in the meantime, I wonder what this image evokes for you? What do you think The Makers will be about? What do you HOPE you'll find inside its pages?

PREORDER the Kindle version here: http://bit.ly/HALFonAmazon

The Makers PREORDER Announcement

Do you love to see life in numbers? If so, here are some stats from my life in 2015:  I travelled over 6,000 miles; saw nearly half a million people traipse by my table/booth at events; said good-bye to two loved ones; played over a hundred hours of Dragon Age Inquisition and Fallout 4; gained 25 pounds (but I deny a correlation between pounds gained and video game hours logged ;-); and - oh yeah - wrote my fifth novel!

H.A.L.F.: The Makers (Book 2 of the H.A.L.F. Series) is available for preorder NOW! *Does a happy dance* I'm so excited, a made a video. (You'll have to watch the video to see why I look like a reproachful librarian in this thumbnail.)

PREORDER

Link to PREORDER The Makers on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PDruTp

Want to see if I'll be in a town near you this year? Stay up to date on my appearance/travel schedule here: http://bit.ly/1v50fdJ

As usual, I tend to do things a bit bassackwards so you're getting a preorder announcement BEFORE a cover reveal! Go figure. But I promise you a cover tomorrow so come back to see the lovely package your new H.A.L.F. book will come in :-)

Take a Bite out of First Fruits with Amanda Carney

Happy Writer Wednesday!

I'm happy to welcome author Amanda Carney back to the blog. I'm raising my glass and cheering for her as she has just released her first two novels: Cheers, Amanda! Enjoy that special feeling of a new book baby birthed into the world.

And Amanda is generously offering a free ebook to my readers (see the Rafflecopter at the end of the post). Learn more about Amanda and her fabulous new novels and don't forget to enter the Rafflectoper for your chance to win First Fruits:

Writing First Fruits and Second Coming 

By Amanda Carney

I’m so excited to have finally released my adult paranormal romance novels, First Fruits and Second Coming! These books have been in the makings for a long, long, time, so having them out there in the world is a really magical feeling. When I began First Fruits, it was just that—First Fruits. There was no Second Coming. But throughout the years, the novel underwent so many revisions by not only me, but by my amazing beta readers and dedicated editor, that it evolved into something that couldn’t be contained by only one novel. But long before I ever contemplated hiring an editor or even knew what a beta reader was, it was just me and my laptop in a camper. When inspiration for the novels struck, my husband and I were traveling with his work, so my days were spent wandering the campground with my dog and my nights hunched over my keyboard, whittling vampires and fairies into being with each tap of my fingers. So the story not only grew with me over the course of five years, but it also journeyed from state to state, the words rolling and bumping along just like our tires. We’re back home now, putting down roots once again, and First Fruits and Second Coming have finally ripened on their vines and are ready for harvest. It overwhelms and blesses me daily to know they’re filling people’s heads with visions of romance, treachery, and, of course, fangs.

About First Fruits:

Reading minds can be dangerous. 

Parsley Walker can hear people’s thoughts and it’s made her a target. As a natural born telepath who’s also telekinetic—two things that can be disturbingly lucrative in the wrong person’s hands—she’s learned to hide who she is. To be always moving and never at ease. To run from that inevitable moment of discovery. She’s a nomad in a waitress’s uniform. This is how she survives. 

Until him. 

Jesse Linwood is a vampire with a problem. An automaton with sharp teeth, he was sent to evaluate and ultimately abduct her. What he doesn’t expect is the way her blue eyes turn him inside out. Stalking her wasn’t supposed to make him feel anything. She was supposed be like all the others. He begins to unravel and, in the end, makes the choice to pick a fight he knows he cannot win in order to save her life. 

*PG-13 for erotic scenes and graphic violence.

Purchase First Fruits on Amazon:

First Fruits - Kindle edition by Amanda Carney, Keith Morrill, Emily Horn. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

About Second Coming:

There is no sanctuary without him. 

At last, she has it all. Everything she thought she’d never have. Acceptance. Friendship. Love. Parsley Walker is finally home. Allswell, the magical refuge for supernaturals, is all she’d imagined and more. She’s making friends. Learning not to hide her telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Learning not to fear. And most importantly, planning a future free from that ever present sense of foreboding with the vampire she loves. Her life, the life she was always meant for, is about to begin. 

Then she gets the letter that turns her new world upside down. 

Jesse Linwood has just done the hardest thing he’s ever had to do—turned his back on the only girl he’s ever loved. With Parsley safe in Allswell and believing he’s dead, Jesse returns to his sire, Patrick—the ancient, wicked vampire who lusts for Parsley’s blood—to convince him she’s somewhere he’ll never be able to find her. To eliminate the threat to her once and for all, even at the expense of Jesse’s own life. Because love isn’t about the heart. Love is about the soul and how much of it you’re willing to lose.

*PG-13 for erotic scenes and graphic violence

Purchase Second Coming on Amazon:

Second Coming (First Fruits Book 2) - Kindle edition by Amanda Carney, Keith Morrill, Emily Horn. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com

Amanda Carney grew up barefoot and freckle-faced in the beautiful hills and valleys of rural Ohio. She resides there still with her husband, loyal old dog, and menagerie of beloved cats. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in one hand and a crochet hook in the other. Follow her on Twitter @MandyLovesWords or on Facebook for updates on new releases, appearances, contests, and more.

Stay in Touch with Amanda:

Amanda Carney (@MandyLovesWords) Twitter

Amanda Carney FB

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