I’ve got a fantastic indie author for you today – I’ve read some of her work, and it’s amazing, and she’s also had audiobooks recorded (using the same narrator as I did – the wonderful Heather Jane Hogan).

So here’s Uvi…

 

Uvi Poznansky is a California-based author, poet and artist. Her writing and her art are tightly coupled.
“I paint with my pen,” she says, “and write with my paintbrush.”

She earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel. During
her studies and in the years immediately following her graduation, she practiced with an innovative
Architectural firm, taking part in the design of a large-scale project, Home for the Soldier.

At the age of 25 Uvi moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children. Before long, she
received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she guided teams in a variety of design projects; and where she
earned her

M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S.
degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.

Her versatile body of work can be seen on her website, which includes poem, short stories, bronze
and ceramic sculptures, paper engineering projects, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and
pencil drawings, and mixed media. In addition, she posts her thoughts about the creative process on her
blog.

Author Links:
Blog:
http://uviart.blogspot.com
Art site:
http://uviart.com
Amazon page:
http://tinyurl.com/uvi-amazon
Audible page:
http://tinyurl.com/uvi-audible
AUTHORSdb:
http://tinyurl.com/uvi-authorsdb
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/UviPoznansky

 

Here are her books…

Apart From Love (published 2012) is an intimate peek into the life of a strange family: Natasha, the
accomplished pianist, has been stricken with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her ex-husband Lenny has never
told their son Ben, who left home ten years ago, about her situation. At the same time he, Lenny, has
been carrying on a love affair with a young redhead, who bears a striking physical resemblance to his
wife—but unlike her, is uneducated, direct and unrefined. This is how things stand at this moment, the
moment of Ben’s return to his childhood home, and to a contentious relationship with his father.

Home (published 2012), her deeply moving poetry book in tribute of her father, includes her poetry
and prose, as well as translated poems from the pen of her father, the poet and author Zeev Kachel.

A Favorite Son (published 2012), her novella, is a new-age twist on an old yarn. It is inspired by the
biblical story of Jacob and his mother Rebecca, plotting together against the elderly father Isaac, who is
lying on his deathbed. This is no old fairy tale. Its power is here and now, in each one of us.

Twisted (published 2012) is a unique collection of tales. In it, the author brings together diverse
tales, laden with shades of mystery. Here, you will come into a dark, strange world, a hyper-reality
where nearly everything is firmly rooted in the familiar—except for some quirky detail that twists the
yarn, and takes it for a spin in an unexpected direction.

Rise to Power is the story of David as you have never heard it before: from the king himself, telling the
unofficial version, the one he never allowed his court scribes to recount. In his mind, history is written to
praise the victorious—but at the last stretch of his illustrious life, he feels an irresistible urge to tell the
truth.
With the exception for her new release, Rise to Power, these books are available in all three editions
(audiobook, print and ebook.)

Links to books:
RISE TO POWER
♥ Ebook ♥ http://tinyurl.com/risepower-e
TWISTED:
♥ Audio ♥ http://tinyurl.com/Twisted-audio
♥ Ebook ♥ http://tinyurl.com/Twisted-ebook
♥ Print ♥ http://tinyurl.com/Twisted-print
HOME:
♥ Audio ♥ http://tinyurl.com/Home-audible
♥ Print ♥ http://tinyurl.com/Home-print
♥ Ebook ♥ http://tinyurl.com/Home-ebook
A FAVORITE SON:
♥ Audio ♥ http://tinyurl.com/afavorite-son-a
♥ Print ♥ http://tinyurl.com/afavorite-son-p
♥ Ebook ♥ http://tinyurl.com/afavorite-son
APART FROM LOVE:
♥ Audio ♥ http://tinyurl.com/apartfromlove-a
♥ Print ♥ http://tinyurl.com/apartfromlove
♥ Ebook ♥ http://tinyurl.com/apartfromlove-e
Blurb from her new release,Rise to Power:

I hold my breath until she lulls herself back to sleep. Faint shadows start dancing on the wall. I read
the shapes, trying to invent someone, a listener.
You.
I whisper, Come in… Call me insane, who cares? Who the hell cares if you refuse to trust me, if you
insist on clinging to your kind of reality, which is as dull as it is solid… Mine, I insist, is not a dream.
But even if it is… Even so, it is true! How can you deny it? Here is my story. I am opening it up to you.
I can see why at first glance what you see here—these letters which I jotted here, on these papyrus
rolls—may seem scattered, even scary. I understand why you step back from my door, why you look over
your shoulder to find the guard…
Come in! Will you? Will you read these scribblings? Can you see my sword, which I have drawn here,
look! Can you see it the way I do, lifting out of the ink and into the air, turning magically over, around
and around, right here in the center of the space?
If you can, then—by the flash of it—I shall take you along, to leap with me into the surface of the
steely thing. Down into its depths. Into my reflection.

And here’s an interview with Uvi…

How do you describe your writing style?

I strive to make the story as direct and accessible as I can, which I do by
using present tense, so you can experience the story moment to
moment. Also, I write in the first-person narrative, which makes the
story telling an intimate exchange between the character and you. Here
is how my writing is described (in a review of Apart From Love) by
Dolores Ayotte (a top Amazon reviewer):
“In my opinion, Uvi Poznansky writes like a painter. She starts with a
clean canvas and dabs a little paint here and a little paint there as she
develops her characters and creates her masterpiece. Her strokes then
become broader, more passionate, more vivid and vibrant as she
continues to let her characters’ stories unfold. She draws you in to a
deeper level than you might actually want to go as she ignites the fire to
your own love, passions, and fears.”
Why should we read your book?
This is David’s story as you have never heard it before: from the king
himself, telling the unofficial version, the one he never allowed his court
scribes to recount.
If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day
which character would you choose and why?
I would exchange places with Anita, the heroine of my novel Apart From
Love, because I love her Southern twang, and the way she explores a
way out of a tight place in my novel, Apart From Love.
“What matters is only what’s here. I touch my skin right under my
breasts, which is where the little one’s curled, and where he kicks,
‘cause he has to. Like, he don’t feel so cosy no more. Here, can you feel
it? I reckon he wants me to talk to him. He can hear me inside, for sure.
He can hear every note of this silvery music.
It ripples all around him, wave after wave. I can tell that it’s starting to
sooth him. It’s so full of joy, of delight, even if to him, it’s coming
across somewhat muffled. Like a dream in a dream, it’s floating inside,
into his soft, tender ear.
I close my eyes and hold myself, wrapping my arms real soft—around
me around him—and I rock ever so gently, back and forth, back and
forth, with every note of this silvery marvel. You can barely hear me—
but here I am, singing along. I’m whispering words into myself, into
him.”
Beatles or Monkees? Why?
Beatles! I love their experimentation with different genres, and their
songs bring back the feel of the 60’s, which is such a transitional period
in my life.
Who should play you in a film of your life?
Meryl Streep. Readers often write to me that we look alike, which to me
is a great complement. I love the elegance about her, and her complete
immersion in the characters she plays.

Author Links:
Blog:
http://uviart.blogspot.com
Art site:
http://uviart.com
Amazon page:
http://tinyurl.com/uvi-amazon
Audible page:
http://tinyurl.com/uvi-audible
AUTHORSdb:
http://tinyurl.com/uvi-authorsdb
Twitter:
@UviPoznansky

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Awesome Indies Discovery Book Tour

(this was originally posted at Mary’s blog, linked above)

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I always like to feature my fellow indie authors and their books, and today is no exception – L.A.Ramsey has a brand new novel out today, “Priceless.”  First thing, here’s Lori…

LA Ramsey enjoys writing about her faith in novels from her home with her husband and six children.  Priceless was 19 years in the making.  This is her second novel.  Her first novel is Sunny Beam – The Holy Lion, a Christian romance, available on Amazon.

Find Lori at:  LA Ramsey, Facebook , Pinterest, and Twitter.

Here’s what she’s got to say about her new book…

Why I Wrote Priceless

I wrote this novel wanting to show that not everyone starts on a pristine path to his or her Christian walk.  Some people may have unfortunate circumstances that leads them down the dark paths of sin and then choose to turn their back on the One who can redeem them.  In Priceless, I show that no matter how dark the night may be, God’s light can find a way.

Have you ever wondered if there was any sin that God’s grace doesn’t cover?  Does a person live who has fallen so deeply in the mire of sin that even God’s love and mercy can’t reach?  Even when all hope seems lost and you think life is no longer worth living, God’s love shines through…somehow…

He works in mysterious ways, even when we make the conscious choice to deny Him.  He wishes for no one to be lost.  No one…

Priceless – Love’s True Worth is such a story, a coming of age romance about a young girl faced with almost more than she can handle.  Her life leads her to ill choices that lead her down a dark and unworthy path…until she meets him…until he introduces her to the One who can reach down and save her.  The question remains, will she accept it?  Will she change her ways?

Of what value is a life?  For some the cost of companionship is a few dollars while to others the cost is a lifetime of commitment to another.  Annequin’s life in Shady Grove begins simply enough, a caricature of the early lives of many young girls who find themselves the victims of circumstance.  Loss and a lack of deep caring in her home eventually drive this beautiful young woman away from her difficult home life to another life that she believes will be her way to happiness.  As far too many in Annequin’s position discover, the road chosen is sometimes paved with pain and disappointment.  With time and the testing of a young heart and soul, the woman from Shady Grove learns the true meaning of love and grace given by others.

You can buy it, right now, for Amazon Kindle, Nook, SmashWords, and soon on Kobo, iTunes, and Sony.  Priceless is available on Amazon as a paperback, right now, as well!

 

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I’ve written the prologue for the next (still untitled) Dream Series book.  It’s a quick little piece, coming in at 2,100 words.  In comparison, the prologues for the previous books are all over the map:

Dream Student – 1,000 words

Dream Doctor – 4,100 words

Dream Child – 2,000 words

Dream Family – 2,300 words

Waking Dream – 3,400 words

Dream Reunion – 4,000 words

 

And here’s a very brief snippet…

 

Brian and I have been living with this reality for a long time now, but the kids haven’t.  I suppose it’s not fair to expect them to love the idea immediately.  But that doesn’t make it any easier to watch all of them join together in open rebellion.

“There’s nothing to think about,” Grace answers me.  “It stinks!”  At least she didn’t say “sucks.”  I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies.

“I wish we could stay here, honey,” I answer.  “But we’ll never have a bigger house.  And your father will never be happy working at the Pentagon.  And if we don’t do it, we’ll never be able to save up enough money for all you guys to go to college.  Or even to take you on a real vacation, somewhere really good.”

They’re not hearing any of it.  Steffy shouts, “I don’t want to go to college anyway!”  She actually stamps her foot as she says it.  I never, ever shouted at my parents like that.  Did I?

I look over to my father, who catches my eye and gives me a knowing smile.  Maybe I did.  Or, maybe it just didn’t seem like shouting when I was the one doing it, filled with teenage anger over something or other that was the End of the World to me.  Until I forgot about it a week later.

 

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THE MIND-BLOWING FINALE TO THE DIAMOND PEAK FANTASY SERIES IS OUT NOW!

(this was originally posted at Tahlia’s blog, linked above)

 

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Reflection and Lessons Learned (?) On Writing the Daimones Trilogy

(this was originally posted by Massim at his blog, linked above)

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I was absolutely thrilled a couple of months ago when the first book in the Dream Series, “Dream Student” won the Awesome Indies seal of approval – it was a very nice bit of recognition.  It’s also sold several hundred copies, been turned into an audiobook and gotten dozens of great reviews.

And, honestly, I’m really proud of it.  What I’m most proud of is, ironically, the very thing that makes the book difficult to categorize: the way it straddles genres and balances several different aspects of Sara’s life.

It’s not exactly a traditional romance novel; it isn’t a straight-out thriller; it’s not primarily a coming-of-age story; or a slice-of-life.  It’s all of that – or elements of all of those.  I tried very hard to maintain a balance in the book (and in the later books, as well) – showing Sara’s dreams and following them as they lead Sara into danger, but also giving plenty of attention to her day-to-day life.

And in the reviews, I can see that one of the biggest factors in readers’ reactions is what they expected the book to be.  Some people loved the time spent on Sara’s everyday activities and her friends and the minutae of college life; but others, who I think came to the book looking mainly for a suspense-filled thriller, didn’t like that at all.

Personally, I do think those parts of the book are important (obviously, since I wrote them!).  On a basic level, I wrote the story I wanted to read, but on a story level, I do think it’s vital to ground characters in their world, and make their lives relateable to readers – once readers can truly see themselves in Sara’s shoes and see their daily lives reflected in hers, then her supernatural dreams will be that much more effective, and readers will be willing to accept them and follow Sara as she tries to handle them.

Which leads me back to the question: what do I call this book, how do I pitch it, what genre do I stick it into?  I’ve been calling it a “paranormal romance/suspense” novel, and I’m still not happy with that, but it’s the best I’ve been able to come up with…

 

Thanks for visiting, by the way – and as a thank you, I’m gibing away an ebook copy of “Dream Student” – and an audiobook copy as well.  I’ll pick from the commentors randomly, so be sure to let me know you’re here!

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I’ve got another great indie author for you this morning…H.M. Jones, and her debut novel, “Monochrome”…

 

Here’s what she has to say about herself…

I wrote Monochrome three years ago, after having my first baby and getting my MA in English Lit. (which happened only months apart). Severe postpartum depression, combined with a passion for writing and a love of fantasy led me to write a story about a mother whose postpartum thrusts her into a world that resembles the depressed mind: all blues, dull to the senses and void of love.

As an editor on he side, Monochrome needed to be a representation of my skills as a storyteller and writer/editor, so it took three years for me to be satisfied, but I’m glad I took the time, as early reviews are raving. People relate to Abigail, her depression, her anger and her love of her family. They love the flawed nature of my main protagonists because their weaknesses (lust, anger, selfishness, etc.) are human to the core. And they want to see Monochrome on the screen, they are so curiously drawn to it’s bleak beauty.

Monochrome is my debut novel, but I am editing my next, a YA Fantasy, right now. A full time mother and author, my readers are are my customers and are second only to my family. I appreciate feedback and love reviews! My hobbies are reading, writing, running, watching period pieces and second hand bookstore hopping.

You can follow H.M. on her website, Facebook and Twitter.   You can also find her on Google+ (look for HMJonesWrites) and Tumblr (look for H.M. Jones Writes or booksarewonderful)

 

And here is the book…

 

Abigail Benet battles postpartum depression, marital troubles and addiction. Her weary mind plagued with horrible thoughts not her own, she decides to end it all. Suddenly, her mind and heart begin to race, her vision blurs and goes black. She awakes in a strange, dull, monochromatic blue world. Here, she comes face-to-face with the most beautiful and ugliest moments of her life, choosing those that she will lose forever, and those that are too precious to let go.In a world where many choose a living death, and no one is above suspicion, will her handsome Guide help her fight her way back to the beautiful life she left behind, or will she succumb to her ugliest urges and let her sweetest memories disappear into the blue?

You can find it at Amazon and on Smashwords.

The book is just now out in paperback, as well…

 

And, last but not least, H.M. has provided us with an excerpt of the book…

Abigail was shocked out of her reverie by the sound of someone entering the bathroom. She hadn’t seen any other residents about, but that was not surprising. She figured she would pretty much stay secluded after her shower, not wanting to mingle with the likes of the man downstairs.

She continued to rinse herself, fighting the urge to peek out of the stall and see who had entered the bathroom. Even though the water was getting colder by the second, she would now have to wait until the other person left before getting out of the stall.

Five minutes passed and she was getting frigid and impatient. Maybe the other woman had left already and she had simply not heard her exit, over the sound of the water. She turned off the now icy water, rubbing warmth into her arms. She pulled back the thin black curtain a crack, in order to check to make sure the bathroom was clear, and was shaken to see that she was not, in fact, alone.

The man with the grey hair stood by the sink where she laid her clothing. He smiled towards her and held the dress up with one hand, offering it to her. “Looking for this? We’ve been waiting for you to be done.” Abigail’s whole body shook from fear and from the cold water still sitting on her skin. “We?” She was annoyed that her voice was shaky and weak. Another stranger walked slowly into view.

This man was younger but just as desperate looking as the grey haired man. His eyes were the same pitch black, his brown hair stringy and unwashed. He bit a chapped lip, staring at her head, peeking out from behind the curtain. “If the rest is as pretty as her face, we’ve hit the jackpot, Chuck.” He addressed the grey haired man, but didn’t take his eyes from her. “Where’s the man she was with?”

Chuck shrugged his shoulders. “He not with her. He’s a Guide. I’ve seen him before. I didn’t see him out there, so he must have his own room, right baby?” The last question was aimed at her. All she could think was that these men looked like the type who would kill for what they wanted, and since Ishmael’s death would not help her, Abigail nodded. “He’s sleeping. The room next to mine.” Her voice shook as badly as her frigid body.

The grey haired man walked slowly towards her. “You’re cold. Come on out of there, beautiful. We’ll warm you up.” Her years of self defense and martial arts had not prepared her for the fear that disabled her right now. It paralyzed her body and mind.

All she could think to say was, “Give me my dress.” The brown haired man snorted. “Come get it.” He laughed the same sick laugh that his friend laughed when she and Ishmael passed him in the bar, and, for some reason, that angered her.

“Don’t laugh at me,” she warned the man. Her anger amused both the men and they laughed more boisterously. Her body shook even more ferociously, but not from fear. The last six months of stress and tension overcame her, looking at these slimy perverts, waiting to force her, to take away her power and her say.
Too often, lately, she felt like her life was not her own, and she wasn’t about to concede to this violation. She couldn’t believe what she did next. She pulled back the black curtain and stepped confidently out of the shower.

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If you’re looking for audiobook reviews, info and plenty more, take a look at Brian’s Audio – it’s a new but really interesting site with a ton of information…

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The launch of “Dream Reunion” is still on schedule for December 16th.

Which means it’s time to focus on the next book.  I still don’t have a title, although “Dream House” or “Dream Home” are possibilities.  I DO, however, have a plot, some chapter titles, a new character (well, an idea for one, anyway; he needs to be fleshed out a bit once he hits the page), another new character (Sara’s Great Aunt Mindy) an ending (pending a couple of research questions), and an explanation, finally, for why exactly Sara has the ability to visit other people’s dreams.

As a very, very preliminary tease, here are the chapter titles I know I’ll be using (in approximate order of appearance):

Mutiny on the Bounty

The West Point Story

The Mindy Project

ER

The Music Man

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