Posted on

New Releases for April 2023

Dead Vessel

By Amanda Fasciano

Having died in the line of duty, Detective Cadence Riley has been recruited to help police haunted locations so that the spirits don’t give too much away to the living. She and her partner have also helped protect the living from non-human evil spirits. All is going according to procedure until someone alive appears before her.

Cadence has been reunited with her brother–who died ten years before when the majority of coeds in his dorm were slaughtered. Restoration of the old Victorian style dorm has begun as the college is intent on opening the building up once more. The construction does more than disturb the spirits of the dead, however.

The spirit of an old classmate, one not killed in the massacre, appears out of the blue. As Cadence and Snow begin to put the pieces of the puzzle regarding his sudden appearance in place, it becomes clear that more is at stake. This case, for both the living and the dead, is as dangerous as a raging fire. Someone is bound to get burned.

Judgement

By Valerie Willis

Death is the ultimate judge.

Talib and Hotan face off against Iapetos, the element of Death. When they fail, Talib’s life flashes before his eyes. As he experiences thousands of years, memories that were once forgotten bubble to the surface.

From the fall of Helike to the plague in London, he discovers his brother has something to do with every horrifying event. Hotan’s hands are slick with the blood of thousands-no, millions-of innocent people.

Chasing Hotan’s shadow, Talib learns that family is flawed, and he may not be able to repair the damage without making sacrifices. Will he find the answers in his past in time to aid Hotan?

The Raven and the Pig

By Lou Kemp

A magician, a widower from the Sudan, and an automat travel the world…

It is 1876. Three close friends—Jonas Celwyn, the automat Professor Xiau Kang, and Bartholomew, a scientist and widower from Sudan—set out on another adventure. Celwyn has been wounded and all that keeps the immortal peyote-eating magician alive are the skills of an old enemy, his half-brother Pelaez.

After Celwyn is taken aboard the submarine Nautilus by his companions, they must journey to Thales, the healer of the immortals. Even for the intrepid Captain Nemo and his fearless crew, the adventure will prove deadly. Vampires, witches, and warlocks are gathering nearby. Friends or foes? Who is the target: Jonas or Professor Kang and his plans for a world-changing flying machine?

The Raven and the Pig is a steampunk fantasy filled with murder, magic, and adventure.

Maxwell’s Demon

By Megan Mackie

The mysteries of the universe, a journey through space and time, and a cat and dog in the middle of it all.

Pavlov lived a contented life, being an experimental dog for the great scientist Ivan, until, of course, the day the cat showed up.

Schrodinger was very concerned that she may … well … not exist. Determined to solve the mystery of her existence, her search has led her to a very unusual dog.

Now the two must join forces to find their way through a mysterious building to find Schrödinger the answers she craves and Pavlov a way home. And the only clue they have may lead them to something called Maxwell’s Demon…

Oliver Possum’s Bicycle

By Chip Haynes

When Oliver Possum was just a young joey, he walked everywhere.

Well, everywhere he could, which wasn’t far. All of that changed when he got his first bicycle.

Now the whole world is his, as long as he was back by dark. And he made sure he was, mostly. Now he is making new friends, too! Well, mostly.

Manure: The Adventure of Jim Brown Godwin

By Peggy Godwin

This is not a once upon a time story with fire breathing dragons, aliens from outer space, nor giants climbing down beanstalks.

Even something as disgusting as manure can take on magical qualities that lead to adventures in your own backyard. In the summer of 1942, while the world was at war, Jim Brown Godwin found himself covered from head to toe in manure. This is his story, how he got there, what he did, and – most importantly – how he got out.

This is a real story complete with bratty brothers, adults who never grew up, and some very ordinary, everyday heroes… and, oh yes, manure. There’s no mistaking it. If you see it, smell it, or step in it, you know it. Call it poop, dung, do-do, cow pies, scat, turds – or as your grandmother might politely say, excrement, bowel movement, feces, or defecation, there’s only one word for it – Yuck!

So We Stay Hidden

By Nick Savage

Balancing high school and being a Legend is is more than they bargained for.

Scarlett and Briana are tested by a new relationship. Allison and Connor stumble upon a gruesome murder that hits close to home and tears them apart.

With changes to the prophecy, Vistrus must find out what the future holds for The Nation by uncovering the secrets of his wife’s past.

But corruption runs deep in the Chicago suburb of West Haven and the repercussions of the prom linger. The Legends must take matters into their own hands without losing themselves.

Posted on

New Releases for March 2023

The Ghost Hunter by Steve Altier

March 2, 2023

https://books2read.com/lizardville01

At sixteen, Gerald Dupickle faces his worst fear … college!

Awkward and shy, Gerald desperately wants to be part of the popular crowd—something he couldn’t accomplish in high school. He does his best to avoid the campus bullies, but after a brief run-in with the boys who wear black, he realizes things aren’t always what they appear to be. After a ghostly encounter in the library, it’s the boys who wear black that come to his rescue.

Fang and his team quickly realize Gerald has a gift—one that attracts ghosts.

But what happens when Gerald’s normal becomes paranormal?

Legend has it, a terrifying presence stalks the halls of the Blue Owl Inn, a decaying Victorian mansion. On his first ghost hunt, it’s Gerald who draws Lily out of hiding. Mesmerized that ghosts truly live among us, Gerald sets out to do more than just prove that they exist—he wants to help the spirits cross over to the other side.

But do the spirits want his help?

Steve Altier is at his chilling best in this new supernatural tale that’s certain to send shivers down the reader’s spine.

Mackinac Island Nation by Erik Deckers

March 11, 2023

https://books2read.com/mackinacnation

His wife wants to be Queen of Mackinac Island, Canada is conspiring against him, Russia is invading, and North Korea is looking to buy real estate for all the wrong reasons: where does Pete even begin?

After finding a 200-year old treaty, the residents of Mackinac Island discover that they’re going to be ejected from the union unless they reverse the process in two weeks. Except Congress has other priorities—hearings to hold, speeches to spew, Presidents to elect—and the process to repatriate the island will take at least two years.

Enter Pete Bidwell, the reluctant President of Mackinac Island, who only wants to keep everyone happy and return them to America’s warm embrace, even if America is treating them like something on the bottom of their shoe. If that wasn’t enough of a hot mess, the Russians are colluding against them and Canada is secretly conspiring—and canoodling—with Pete’s wife Lucy, who wants the island to remain independent. Not to mention North Korea wants to hide a couple of nuclear weapons on the island.

Two years is going to be an eternity when the whole world wants to screw you over.

Sara and the Secret Mission by JB Moonstar

March 16, 2023

https://books2read.com/ituria10

Sara will have to find her courage if she wants to protect her friends from poachers!

A cry for help wakes Sara, a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. The continuing calls compel Sara to slip out of her home to find the source. She doesn’t realize it was not a call she heard with her ears, but with her mind—a mother tiger is calling out for help to save her cubs!

But to save them, Sara must first find the cubs, and then hide them away from the poachers seeking to trap them. She must rely on her wits and courage to see it through; there is no turning back once she starts on her mission. Can she rescue the baby tigers, get them to safety, and get back home without anyone noticing she is gone? Can she stay one step ahead of the poachers?

Note from Author: Amur Tigers, or Siberian Tigers, are an endangered species dwindling rapidly due to illegal poaching and logging operations. Entire environments are being destroyed unless we find the courage to create change and aim to protect these now rare creatures.

Someone to Kiss by Robert Lewis

March 16, 2023

https://books2read.com/tolov3

Things aren’t going as planned…

Cameron Matthews never intended to be a social media celebrity. Now that his public break-up with his fiancé is the latest trending video and meme, he needs to get his act together and escape the world of people who wish to use him for his connections. Thankfully, his Aunt Lexi gets him a job working on a film in Walden Woods.

Right before Carlos Rodriguez is about to head out to film at Walden Woods, he learns Dennis is taking a break from the business, and Hunter is moving with Mark to the city. With all these sudden changes just as he got settled, now Carlos has to decide his own future.

Walden Woods was the place gay men went to get away from it all and enjoy some clothing-optional fun. Now, they are struggling to keep the place open. Hoping to turn things around, Daddy Lin convinces his friend to create an adult film in the camp. The only problem: an ex-employee with a grudge has other plans for Daddy Lin and his boyfriend, Nathan.

And Marvel by Cathleen Davies

March 16, 2023

https://books2read.com/andmarvel

Death is hard. It’s as inevitable as manipulation and misogyny; as inevitable as love, conflict, insanity, sleep-deprivation, and broken hearts. It’s coming. It’s here.

On the 28th April 2018, a young poet called Dan “DC” Collins was found dead in the woodlands by his home in Birmingham. He’d taken his own life. This was done, at least in part, because I had made the incredibly selfish decision to stop being his girlfriend. This decision would go on to affect the rest of my adult life.

I decided to escape from this reality by moving away to Basque Country, hoping to Eat, Pray, Love my way out of the survivor’s guilt and PTSD. This did not work. Instead, I had a nervous breakdown. Away from all the people who loved me, un-medicated, and isolated in a country where I didn’t speak the language, I managed to incredibly successfully push myself over the edge. It was a bad decision. I did however, manage to keep a diary of this inevitable mental decline. That diary is And Marvel.

I wanted to show this reality from the perspective of a flawed, grieving person. I wanted, most importantly, to keep DC alive in the only way I could.

This book contains candid discussions of suicide and the ways the world holds women responsible for the actions of their partners.

Rebirth by Valerie Willis

March 18, 2023

https://books2read.com/tattooedangels01

An immortal who can’t remember his past has much to fear.

Struggling with a mountain of hardships, Hotan is just trying to make it to the end of his senior year and get his diploma, satisfying his mother’s dying wish. Friends know if he’s not at home or at the club playing lead in his cover band, they can always find him thinking at the old broken-down church. In a world of gray, this is the only place he can breathe.

Basking in the moonlight, Hotan finds himself under attack by an immortal named Geliah, better known as the element of Fear. Could this be the entity from his dream? The one that has killed him over and over again? When Talib, the element of Judgment, interrupts the fight, Geliah is furious. His aim? To force Hotan to awaken his own abilities and immortality before taking revenge.

Normally, when pulled out of the reincarnation spell, an immortal remembers who and what they are, but this is not the Hotan from the past. Despite the powers manifesting, Hotan must figure out what happened to the original entity who once held these powers and eventually face Geliah. Is it because he’s a failed reincarnation, or did something far more tragic happen during his last death?

Walk beside Hotan as he struggles to keep his chaotic life in order while uncovering the secrets of his own element—Rebirth.

This is a young adult, dark urban fantasy tale of discovering who you are and what you wish to become in life that is unpredictable at best.

Wrath & Redemption by Brandon Hill & Terence Pegasus

March 23, 2023

https://books2read.com/wildspace02

A Deadly Adversary. A Clash of Interests. A Colony at Stake.

Bound by a vow of vengeance against the murderous and psychopathic Dr. Hayashibara, a fortuitous message from his cousin on her whereabouts takes Xerx and his crew to the distant orbital colony of Tophanavar. A charity Gestalt tournament becomes the cover for his crew’s investigation into the colony’s seedy dives to find his prey, who has left a trail of occupied hospital beds in her wake.

Meanwhile, Paige, the captain of the Shadow Star, is wracked with guilt when her newest job may rob the Reckless’ neophyte captain of his long-hunted quarry. But in the depths of the colony, all is not as it seems. The cagey Doctor is a master of deception, leaving one of Xerx’s crewmates ill, and the enraged captain desperate for a revenge that may tear apart cherished relationships.

Can Xerx trust his friends, uncover the Doctor’s true plans, and save a thriving colony?

Stephen’s Second Chance: Part I by Lucas LaMont

March 25, 2023

https://books2read.com/chroniclesoffate03

Ten years ago, Stephen Matheson was a troubled 19-year-old Alpha who struggled between living in two worlds.

Although his Type 4 Status should have placed him among the elite, he was the lone exception to a Lower Type bloodline. With his family’s reputation keeping him from the preferred lifestyle, and his Type 4 Status isolating him from the community he was born into, Stephen decided drugs were his only answer. But when his younger Omega brother found his hidden stash and overdosed, his family and authorities blamed him. Now, ten years later, Stephen is back in Tauris City to prove he is not the lost soul and waste of a human he once was.

When Stephen stumbles into South Street Tavern and meets the pioneering Omega bar owner Alexander Daventry, he believes fate itself has intervened. The instinctual pull tells Stephen he has found what every Alpha waits his entire life for: his Fated Mate. There’s only one problem. Alexander doesn’t feel the same for him. Instead, he is completely disgusted by the Alpha’s former reputation and can’t believe he’s been coerced into offering him a job as his bar back. But Stephen is convinced Alexander is meant to be his and will do what it takes to break down Alexander’s tough exterior.

The Judgment by CK Westbrook

March 30, 2023

https://books2read.com/impact03

Kate thought the world was finally safe from Rex and the powerful, terrifying others — but was it?

Working together, Kate Stellute, Sinclair, Jo-Ellen, and Rex successfully implemented a risky plan to make space safer for everyone and everything. Kate hoped the others would accept the results and stay away. But when she learns the details of why Rex caused a global mass shooting, she realizes their plan may not have worked after all.

Rex suggests a way to protect Kate and her loved ones if the others decide to destroy what is left of humankind, but can Kate trust the violent alien that has already killed millions of people? If she wants to prevent more violence, Kate will need a new plan and new allies if she is to find a way to save the human race from more extraterrestrial wrath.

Back at Last by KT Bond

March 30, 2023

https://books2read.com/serendipity03

The virgin and the rockstar have a lot riding on their second chance.

If you ask Christina Marcus why she’ll never win the award for Rockstar Girlfriend of the Year, she can count the ways. Over thirty and still a virgin? Check. Never been in a relationship? Check. Unhappy in the spotlight? Check.

So why would Rory Stewart, lead singer of the renowned rock band Third Generation, who could have any woman he wanted, give her a second chance after she shut him down six months ago? When they meet again unexpectedly at their mutual friend’s wedding, she doesn’t know what to do, especially after Rory makes his intentions clear.

And Rory, aka Riordan, isn’t prepared to give up without a fight. He’ll woo the socks–and other items of clothing–off her if it’s the last thing he does. He has a lot to prove, both to her and to himself.

Posted on

Upcoming New Releases for February 2023!

My Wedding Date: Tales from the Tables

February 1, 2023 1:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/weddingdate2023

What is the most anticipated parting favor at a wedding?

Tulle-wrapped candied almonds? Engraved keychains? Pictures with the lucky couple? No. Gossip and drama. And this anthology is overflowing with both. Whether you like your wedding stories filled with loving reunions, playful references to cake stealing, or trained assassins aiming at the groom, the contributing authors bring you enough drama to keep you gossiping until next wedding season.

Romance is in the air, and we’re not totally focused on the wedding couple as we share tales from the tables. Come be our guest and have a front row seat to the escapades inspired by weddings and the shenanigans that follow. So, fill out your RSVPs and invite (or get stood up) by your Plus One, and get ready for eight wedding dates.

Petunias and Parenting at a Wedding by Carien Jordaan
Rocketship Derivative by Penny Myles
Stealing Cake by Kelly Fauth
Til Death Do Us Part by Jay Mendell
Complimentary Breakfast by Mimi Francis
Could be Worse by Rebecca Grace
Mine to Make by Devon Borkowski
Set Alight by Bevanny Stearman

The Devil’s Day

February 3, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/luckydevil03

Remember, you can always find help at the Lucky Devil.

Rune Leveau knew that better than anyone. She’d rebuilt her life at the Lucky Devil bar with her Aunt Maddie’s help. Now, in her memory, Rune continues that legacy. But when it is time for the Devil to claim his due, Rune could lose it all as she is forced to defend her claim to the House of Magdalene, including the bar.

With time ticking away, Rune and her partner, the cyber-spy St. Benedict, hunt for a way to defeat her challenger, the fire Talent, Abraxas. But instead of a way forward, all they discover are more long-hidden secrets about the bar, the House, and Rune’s past. But maybe, just maybe, those secrets hold the key needed to save the Lucky Devil.

But no matter what, the Devil will have its Day!

Us of Legendary Gods

February 1, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/whundead01

West Haven has its secrets of legendary proportions.

When Jack Taylor goes missing, a tight-knit group of high schoolers decide to take matters into their own hands. None of them believe the media stories after seeing the crime scene. Something super natural might be happening in their quiet Chicago suburb and they intend to uncover the truth.

Connor DeSalvo, his cousin Scarlett McAllister, and her bestie Allison Petrovsky dive deep into a rabbit hole in search of their friend Jack. They soon will discover impossible pregnancies, families gone missing, and legendary folks being hunted by a shadowy organization in attempts to “cure” the population. Evidence is piling up and the law won’t help…

Readers who enjoy conspiracy with science fiction and super natural elements will fall into the depth of this story. This book contains violence, gore, kidnapping, and torture.

Munderworld

February 9, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/jester01

What happens beyond the end of time?

In Munderworld, time has become meaningless. With the world of po gone, there isn’t much for many to do beyond endure their existence. Though there is one person, a jester from a bygone age, who chooses to spend his time high in the mountains looking at the stars.

He and his friend, a small and chatty imp called Fiddle, decide on some antics to pass the time and end up angering a celestial entity. After barely escaping with their lives, Cynkz is given brief glimpses of an odd vision. Unsure of what to make of it, he decides it is a good enough reason as any to venture down through the depths of Munderworld and see if they can find an audience with the enigmatic Munder King–the lord of darkness, he who created Munderworld (and has not been seen or heard of for eons).

A simple, carefree decision to seek adventure soon turns into a series of growing perils as the dynamic duo meet many others just trying to get by. Cynkz’s own curiosities become entwined with the goals and wishes of others as his own resolve gets tested the further down they go.

Death and the Crone: A Lucky Devil Romance

February 10, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/crone

Why should the sexy immortal guy always fall for the swooning teenage girl?

In this reverse Beauty and the Beast retelling, Margaret has given up on life. In her late sixties, unlikeable, homeless, and unwanted, she has nothing left to lose when a mysterious, handsome young man offers to take her to his luxury apartment. Deciding it doesn’t matter if the encounter might end in her death, she takes the chance, knowing she has nothing else to live for.

Why would this gorgeous stranger be interested in her?

And when will his innocent facade drop to reveal the beast beneath the beauty?

But instead of dying, Margaret finds a magical savior–and nothing in this new world he’s brought her into is what it seems … including herself. As questions unfold, she will surely find the answers for what she seeks as well as her own soon enough. And most of all, is it really possible for Margaret to get a second chance at life … or love?

From the world of the Lucky Devil Series, join in this stand-alone about a second chance at love!

Finn Fairlane: The Complete Package

February 14, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/weddingdate2023

Finn’s a piece of shit, but you’ll root for him anyway. Faith’s no better, but he loves her just the same.

After years of writing songs for corporate labels, record producer extraordinaire Finn Fairlane moves from the Big Apple to The City Beautiful to redefine his career. While working with a choice client, he runs into Faith Suibhal, the love he left behind to chase fame and fortune.

Realizing he still holds a torch for her and hoping she holds one for him, he sets out to prove he has changed his ways since their split almost twenty years ago. With more than one woman vying for his affections and his heart strings pulled in every direction, Finn will have choices to make and situations to explain.

Finn Fairlane: The Complete Package compiles the three books of The Fairlane Series into one beautiful edition for the discerning reader. Give yourself everything you deserve. Give yourself … the complete package.

King

February 16, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/noman05

There will be no peace, not even for the people of Espar.

The people have suffered long enough under the reign of squabbling princes. Prince Tohmas of Galanth has the perfect solution: supersede the Princes with a King. With the blessing of his Goddess Inac and the strength of the enchanted sword SoulBurner, he will be that King.

While half of Espar pledges allegiance, the other half declares war. Tohmas’ eyes turn to his greatest opposition, the Princedom of Trulin, where Prince Kelland is readying his majestic warhorses for battle. Victory in Trulin will only come with persistence and faith, but Inac’s favor is becoming fickle. Without Inac, SoulBurner is nothing, and Tohmas’ claim to Espar cannot be upheld.

As magic powers collide and dragons take to the skies, Tohmas faces a threat his training and years of experience in war are useless against: Prince Kelland’s daughter Arnika Trulin.

The Roma’s Promise

February 17, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/roma02

I had a psychotic break…

At least that’s what the doctors and the man claiming to be my husband tell me. But after spending a month in a mental health hospital, I’m left questioning everything. The memories of Emiliano Calvano and our time together fade with each passing day until one day … they’re gone.

Was he ever real? Was it all in my imagination, a dark romance novel of my own making? Or is someone else writing the story? My heart tells me my dark Roma don will come for me, but will he make it before I’m written out of the story entirely?

A mafia romance full of mystery, intrigue, and steam, The Roma’s Promise will have readers on the edge of their seats to see if Emiliano comes back into Greta’s life despite the odds.

Arenas & Monsters

February 20, 2023 1:00 PM EST –  https://books2read.com/steel04

David might have forgiven him, but can he forgive himself?

Sacrificial cults, giant man-eating serpents, even ghosts – Khazak has seen it all lately, but with his avakesh David by his side, he knows they can weather any storm that blows their way. After unexpectedly doubling the size of their group and making a brief detour to the ruins of the ancient elven city of Karthani, things are finally back on track. As long as they keep following the road north, they’ll reach their destination in no time. The group just has to keep the stops they make and the trouble they cause to a minimum. Easy, right?

David’s been doing great. He’s got Khazak, his friends, and he’s even been able to reconnect with his twin brother, Michael. Now all he needs is for things to stay on track, and once they reach Maname they’ll hopefully be able to figure out the strange things that have been happening since that fateful night in the Temple of Zeus. But of course, nothing is that simple, and when danger rears its ugly head, it not only puts his relationship with Khazak at risk, but threatens to reveal the dark truth of how they really met to everyone.

This book is filled with laughs, adventure, would-be royalty, werewolves, and ridiculous costumes! Go on a journey with Khazak, David, and their friends as they continue their treacherous quest and explore more of the dangerous and magical world around them. If you like to read gay/male-on-male romances with Dom/sub elements, kinky relationships, and BDSM, give this story a try!

Brighde Reborn

February 23, 2023 12:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/brighde01

Bridget’s Senior Year Checklist includes:

  1. Hook the new guy, Trip
  2. Hang with newly discovered cousin, Cay aka the most popular boy at OCHS
  3. Find missing weather controlling Amulet
  4. Pass SATs
  5. Save the world

In her quiet Jersey Shore town, high school senior Bridget MacNamara just wants to get a date with the strikingly attractive new kid, Trip, but fate and her lineage have other ideas. Things get weird when the most popular guy in school, Cailean “Cay” McKay, won’t leave her alone. Turns out they’re distant cousins and what’s more—they’re the descendants of twin Scottish goddesses, Brighde and Beira.

The sisters originally shared an amulet that controlled the weather, and its sudden disappearance has sparked betrayal and vengeance, dividing the once-close family into two rival factions for the last few centuries. Bridget finds herself thrown into a modern version of Scottish mythology when she learns she’s directly descended from Brighde, and Trip can be traced straight to Beira.

After a century of family warfare, Trip and Bridget are now a star-crossed couple, forced to fight both their families and each other in a race to find the missing amulet.

Wasn’t senior year supposed to be a breeze?

Honorable Darkness: Story of Hex and Snip

February 1, 2023 1:00 PM EST – https://books2read.com/RealmSeries9

Legends claim they are a pair born with souls so tarnished that they steal all the light and happiness from those who dare cross their path.

Revered as beings of myth and legend, they are the first twins born in the Realm for eons. They have become the monsters parents warn children about when they misbehave. Many of the kingdoms see them as a dangerous abomination.

Authenticity has been lost in time, leaving only the twisted and embellished tales of the impossible twin princes that had everything but desired more. After the significant loss of their mother, their only source of joy was their sister, Evie. But when she is taken under mysterious circumstances, the twins clash with their father, each other, and the rules of life itself in an attempt to save her life.

When it comes to the truth of their lives, Hex and Snip find themselves wishing the twisted stories of their past were true. For the truth is much, much worse.

Posted on

Happy New Year and Goalsetting

Happy New Year! 

Let me guess–you have your brand new journal picked out and ready to go, right? You have expectations for this year, important goals that you will absolutely, positively, not-letting-anything-get-in-my-way-this-time meet before the end of the year. Your head is bursting with ideas for all the magical things you will accomplish in the next 365 days. 

Except you’ve been here before, right? How did it go last time? Many people start off the new year filled with hope and promises to create, but then a day goes by where the hours just slip away, and it’s easy enough to skip your art–just for today. And maybe just the weekend. And before you know it, it’s already June and you haven’t completed anything on your goal list for the year. 

How can you keep this from happening–to make this year the one that counts? Well, as Mr. Rogers and Neil Gaiman have both said in their own ways–you have to Do The Thing. And that’s hard! Here are five things to keep in mind as you set your goals for this year. 

  1. Be reasonable.
    • I know it’s easy to imagine you will create everything in the next year–365 days seems like so much time! It is–and it isn’t. Remember that life doesn’t stop to accommodate your creative drive. While you may ache to write those words, play those strings, paint that image, the laundry still needs to be done. The groceries won’t magically appear in your kitchen (well, actually, delivery services are pretty amazing these days–but still, ordering takes time too). When you create your goals, think about how much time you can reasonably devote to your art–every day. 
  1. Work on your art every day. 
    • That’s right–I said you should work on your art every single day–even if it’s only for two minutes at a time. You’ll be amazed how those tiny increments of work can add up into something over time. Find a system that works for your lifestyle–narrate your story while waiting at red lights, sketch on a napkin on the bus, jot down lyrics while waiting for your appointment–whatever helps you create, however small it may seem. Take the small wins as they come. For writers, this may mean setting a five-minute timer while waiting for dinner to cook and writing the next scene on your phone! 
  1. Be kind to yourself. 
    • Realize that life happens and while you may have wanted to accomplish more over a certain time period, give yourself permission to re-evaluate and set new goals, especially after something unexpected happens. It’s never too late to set a reachable goal, even if it’s something small like “Today, I will write four sentences.” Give yourself a break, realize you are human, take a deep breath, and get back in there. 
  1. Consider rewards and/or punishments. 
    • Are you motivated by the idea of a reward for meeting your goal? Are you motivated by the notion of a punishment for not meeting your goal? Take a moment now to write down both for this year. Assume you accomplish your task–what do you deserve now that you’ve reached this goal? That dress on your Amazon wishlist? A day of binging Netflix? Write it down, so you can see it there taunting you on those days when you just aren’t feeling it. On the other hand, what if you don’t accomplish your task? What will prompt you to work on your art? (For me, I am motivated by punishments, so if I don’t write every day, I have to take the stairs at work. My office is on the third floor, and I am super lazy. When I want to skip a day, I think about walking up three flights of stairs up and down all day long–and I get up and write something. For an advanced version of punishment, consider having an accountability buddy–someone who suffers with you if you don’t meet your goal.) 
  1. Track your progress. 
    • I know this seems fairly simple, but if you are like me, you have a handful of journals with the first few pages filled in–and then trail off in a few weeks or months (for me, it’s always around March–when life gets too busy to track anything anymore!). Make goal tracking a daily habit, something you do automatically before bed each night, so that you don’t lose sight of your accomplishments and where you are headed in your creative pursuits. Even if you fall off the wagon for a few days, hop back on as soon as you can. Some tracking is better than none at all! Create a system that works for you. 

Now this is the part where I shamelessly plug the Author’s Accountability Planner from 4 Horsemen Publications (because writing is HARD!). This book helps you track not just word count, but time spent researching, organizing, editing, and even reading. Filled with writing prompts, exciting quotes, fun activities, and a delightful layout, this book can be the accountability partner you’ve been missing in your life! Find it here: https://books2read.com/planner23

Posted on

“You’re not a traditional publisher.” And here’s why:

As a hybrid company that doesn’t follow the present day practices, we are often faced with mixed reactions. When we encounter that moment, here’s how we respond, with the upmost transparency of who we are, why we are doing this, and what we hope to achieve for our authors.

We are often met with rejection where we are labeled and placed in a bucket of other publishing paths. This often includes a statement of “You’re not a traditional publisher” followed by “We do not support self-publishers, vanity presses, author services, independent presses, hybrid publishers, & anything non-traditional.” That’s a big mix of different companies and lost opportunities for authors who may not be aware of all the paths available.

Every author needs to be able to know the difference of each of these facets, what each do (or don’t do) for them and their readers, the risks and underlining terms each come with including how money is exchanged, and lastly, how your book is produced and sold on vendor sites.

So, that leads us to where do we fall as a publisher. Yes, we are a hybrid publisher, something not quite traditional (though we are modeled after them to a point) and not quite that edgy independent press.

Below is how we make it clear where we fall in the Publishing Industry where everyone favors large companies and “traditional publishers”:


Thank you for your response, however, we are requesting you take another look at us.

We do not fall under any of the categories you listed. We are approaching publishing in a very different way. We practice radical honesty and transparency. 

First, this year alone we will have published over 100 quality titles (we are hoping for 200).

We let our authors know in advance the cost to produce. We do not charge them this. It does come from the sales, however, unlike traditional publishers that take this money back by offering less than 10% on profits and hold the rights, we have 40% profits and the authors hold the rights and see what it is costing them. We also don’t give advances that may be pulled back. 

Also, yes, we started this because we were authors tired of how the industry works. However, as authors we are clients and treat our work the same way as every other author on our roster. We are the minority in this line-up. 

We have correct contracting and quality for all of our authors. We are trying to make a change so authors can get their work out fast, advertised well, edited correctly, epic covers and helping them to succeed. 

I am asking you to take another look. We are real, legitimate and we are here bringing authors to the front of the game.

Please help us to make this change in our industry. Feel free to ask us anything about what we are doing.

Best Regards,

The 4 Horsemen