Brett Matthew Williams & 'Time is Relative for a Knight of Time' @Time1sRelative @GoddessFish #Fantasy

Today we have author Brett Matthew Williams visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?
* Brett Matthew grew up with a passion for both film and history. He began his career fresh out of high school as a Production Assistant/ football player on NBC Universal’s television series Friday Night Lights (of which he can often be seen in the first two seasons as a member of the championship team – Go Panthers!). He quickly moved on to serve as an Original Series intern with the USA Network in Studio City, California. Following work on shows like Monk, Psych, and Burn Notice, Brett returned home to Texas to continue his education, graduating with his degree in History from Texas State University. A proud Master Freemason, Brett thoroughly enjoys fantasy fiction, watching Netflix, running, baseball, Shakespeare, and spending time with his family and critters.

Today Brett Matthew Williams is sharing a post called, "Who I Am".
* We live in a pretty open, accepting society in the 21st century so I, Brett Matthew Williams, have a confession to make. I am a writer. It's true I swear, I do it every day. Like I drug I obsess over my word processor, often opening, saving, and closing it several times an hour like an obsessed significant other. Throughout the day I will think about them, the words I haven't written yet, and feel guilt, not for how beautiful they could be once put down on paper (screen), but because I know that the eventual fruits of my labors will be tantamount to a mere fraction of whatever it is I create. Let's face it, not even a quarter of the output of any given writer is readable. Literally. If you think otherwise then please sound off in the comments below.
* I digress, I consider myself a writer because I live by the rules I have set forth in order to be able to look myself in the mirror and call myself thus. There are but two rules I live by in order to call myself this thing, this title of which I have the highest respect.
* Rule #1 - Writers write. They do not wait until they have time to write, or until inspiration strikes. They write. Every day.
* Rule #2 - Writers finish what they write, no matter how much they may hate it.
* Yet even if I follow these two rules for myself, there are a myriad of others to remember as well. The life of a writer is one of constant deadlines, little respect, and a never ending sense of self loathing for not accomplishing more with the time allotted. Friends and family will not always read a writer’s latest, or even best work, because of pre-conceived notions of work done in the past ("I was three years old, Mom!"). Still, the writer cannot blame them, or hold them in contempt for this, as most people actively choose to be aliterate (being capable of literacy but actively choosing not to read on a regular basis) in the 21st century.
* The story of my undergraduate internship with NBC Universal is well documented by other sources, but for those unaware the WGA Writer's strike of 2007/2008 played a pivotal role. This introduction to not only a wide number of individuals within the film/television industry was important to my development, but not in the traditional means. What I noticed the most of these individuals was the lifestyle they lived was long (from 10AM to 7PM Monday through Saturdays), hard (due to network and corporate push-back), and stressful due to deadlines. Being one of these people was supposed to be the dream, the end-all be-all of my career aspirations, yet I felt hollow and meaningless when I thought of a future alongside them. I thought this was my dream, but I was wrong.
* So I moved back to my hometown of Austin, Texas an re-enrolled in Texas State University, majoring in History and Computer Science. The topic of History always stuck out to me as the purest form of storytelling due to the seamless, often conspicuous nature by which the right person is nearly always born at the right time in order to move mankind forward. A young, sickly Teddy Roosevelt seeing Abraham Lincoln's body being taken by his apartment widow as a young boy and then finding the strength to grow up and become one of Americas bravest heroes? No writer could make up a believable story that impressive.
* The labor of love that is the Time is Relative series can best be described in the same three words I would describe myself; Force of nature. This blending of historic fact with folklore from various cultures throughout history, science, and fantasy fiction blend together to create a world unlike an most readers have ever visited before. I welcome you to join me in their home, in Eden.
* Entrances to Eden are all around us, located somewhere within the confines of your nearest public library. Ask your librarian how you too can venture to Eden, or for further instructions, check out Time is Relative for A Knight of Time on Amazon.com A look into...

~ Blurb ~ * Meet Rolland Wright - a seventeen year old orphan living out of his car in rural Woodland Hills, California. Aside from grappling with the fact of being abandoned by his drunken father two years previous following his mothers mysterious murder, his life mostly revolves around finding a warm place to sleep at night. When one day he is attacked by men claiming to have killed his father, Rolland discovers a strange ability to slow the flow of time around him, beginning a journey that takes him to places outside of time, space, and eventually to the early 19th century to fight the sinister General Andrew Jackson. With the help of a rag-tag group of historical and mythical figures with various supernatural abilities of their own (Joan of Arc, Jesse James, etc) known as the Knights of Time, Rolland solves the mystery behind his mother's murder, falls in love, battles the evil Edward Vilthe - reaper of souls, and finds a home of his own in the paradise known as Eden.
* The Time is Relative series chronicles the origin story of the mythical figure Father Time, beginning with the award winning first novel, Time is Relative for a Knight of Time. All dates and events are historically accurate. The participants... maybe not. ~ Excerpt ~ * “What do you think, then?” came Judah’s voice, as Blaisey zoned back into their conversation.
* Blaisey looked at him and saw him staring back at her. To her astonishment, Blaisey realized that Judah was asking for her opinion. Aside from his rather informal introduction, this was the first time that Judah had addressed her directly. Her surprise must have been evident to him, as Judah’s lips crept into a thin, lopsided smile around the cigarette.
* “I knew a man once,” Blaisey said, in a calm, soothing voice. Her father, Nahoy – leader of the Nabawoo, had told her that white people prefer when natives speak in a calm, slow, relaxing tone. He believed that it goaded the white man into a false sense of superiority that their people could use as an advantage.
* Blaisey had seen this as slightly sneaky and underhanded, but those were thoughts from before the days of Jackson’s terror, before the days of people falling out of the sky at daybreak and being kidnapped by American soldiers in the middle of the night.
* “This man, he rolled and smoked his tobacco, like you,” Blaisey continued.
* “Oh, yeah?” Judah asked, the cigarette in his mouth bobbing between his lips as he spoke. “What brand? I’m a Luckys man myself.” He sniffed and lifted his head proudly, his chin held high.
* “This I do not know,” Blaisey said, smiling out of politeness. “And we cannot ask him, for he is dead.”
* At this, Judah stopped his search for the lighter and looked at Blaisey head on, giving her his full attention for the first time. “From smoking tobacco, right?”
* “No,” Blaisey said with vigor. “He was an ass like you, and somebody shot him.” Buy Time is Relative for a Knight of Time here... Amazon Find Brett Matthew Williams here... Blog | Twitter | Website Thank you for joining us here today, Brett Matthew Williams! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Brett Matthew Williams will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour! So be sure to leave a comment AND use the Rafflecopter below. Also, visit the other tour stops for a greater chance of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking at character Taryn Rose Galendrin from 'The Temple of Ardyn' @TameriEtherton #Epic #Fantasy

Today we have Taryn Rose Galendrin visiting from all the books in the series The Song of the Swords. Welcome!

Taryn Rose Galendrin, what would you like to tell readers about yourself?
* Well, that’s kind of difficult to answer. I thought I was from Earth, but recently discovered I was born on another planet, one far from Earth and vastly different in almost every way. It’s beautiful and dangerous and shimmering with an ancient power.

Are you happy with the way people perceive you?
* Yes and no. People on Aelinae fear me because they’ve been told I’ll destroy their world, but what they don’t understand is I’m trying to protect them. I’ll admit, I don’t make a habit of announcing my intentions. A little fear goes a long way when sussing out your enemies.

Is humor important? Why or why not?
* If I couldn’t laugh at myself, or some of the ridiculous situations I find myself, I’d probably lose my mind. Have you met my family? They seriously need counseling.

If you were taken out of the story and placed into your author’s world, what would be the first thing you’d do?
* I’d get a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake. Or maybe some proper fish and chips. Oh! Pizza. Yes, I’d have a pizza with the works.

If you could pull your author into your world, what do you think would happen to them?
* Tameri on Aelinae? Ha! I’d spend all my time keeping her out of mischief. She’d be enthralled with every little thing. And we’d definitely have to keep an eye on the crown jewels. That woman has a thing for tiaras. One look at my star crown and she’d be a goner.

If you could time travel and/or live anywhere in the world, where would you go and/or where would that be?
* A year ago I would’ve said I’d time travel back to the day before my grandfather died, but now? Now I don’t want to be anywhere or in any other time than where I am. My life is difficult, but has purpose. Plus, there’s Rhoane to consider. That man wouldn’t know what to do with himself if I weren’t here. I tend to make his life interesting. Not always in a good way, but that’s what keeps it fun, you know?

Now for some author information!

* My author is Tameri Etherton. Rocker of sparkly tiaras, friend of dragons, and lover of all things sexy, Tameri Etherton leaves a trail of glitter in her wake as she creates and conquers new worlds and the villains who inhabit them. When not masquerading as a mom and writer, rumor has it she travels to far off places, drinking tea and finding inspiration for her kickass heroines—and the rogues who steal their hearts—with her own Prince Charming by her side. You can find my author, Tameri Etherton, here... eMail | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter | Twitter | Website Now for some book information! A look into the story

~ Blurb ~ It’s hard to save a world when your family is out to kill you…
* Taryn banished the phantom, but someone, or something, is invading her thoughts. To escape the torture and bring balance to Aelinae, Taryn must do the one thing she fears most—unlock her Dark powers.
* Rhoane swore an oath to protect Taryn, forsaking all others to keep her from harm, yet her independent spirit and lack of trust almost cost her life. Now, he’ll do what it takes to save the woman he loves from the Blackness growing inside her.
* But there’s evil in this world, and it’s just as desperate for them to fail.
(Author note: The Temple of Ardyn is the second book in the Song of the Swords epic fantasy series about honor, family, and love—of what it takes to become someone you never thought you’d be and to find the strength to face your inner demons.) ~ Excerpt ~ * “You have not been dismissed.” Lliandra stood to block Taryn’s path and the two women glared at each other in a stalemate. Lliandra’s power swirled with a constrained vengeance, slipping around Taryn’s body.
* She waited until her mother’s Mari wrapped her fully and a look of triumph clouded her mother’s eyes. The blue threads tightened about her, clammy and smelling of rot. Taryn blew gently on the strands and they crumpled into blackened snarls and fell to the floor.
* Lliandra gasped in horror at the sight of her power, visible and defeated at her feet. “How?” She choked. “How is this possible?”
* “You told me yourself, I am the Eirielle. Within me is the trinity of power, but that’s not all I possess. The phantom touched my soul with his Black ShantiMari. Perhaps if you were young and robust, your skills would be enough to overpower me, but your fade weakens you, Mother.”
* She scooped up the pile of ash and blew it into the air, where it became glittering motes of dust. “You really should control your anger. It isn’t becoming for an empress to be so disrespectful of her gifts.” With that, she pivoted on her heel and strode across the sitting room. When she reached the wall of crystal, she stopped.
* Lliandra stood in the doorway of the dining room, eyes wide with disbelief.
* “Never again use your ShantiMari against me. Are we agreed?” Lliandra gave the slightest of nods and Taryn swept from the rooms, her legs trembling beneath her full skirt.
* Her mother also had highly underestimated her. Buy The Stones of Kaldaar here... Amazon | Barnes & Noble Buy The Temple of Ardyn here... Amazon | Barnes & Noble Thank you for joining us here today, Taryn Rose Galendrin! It was a pleasure getting to know about you, the story you're in, and your author.

San Antonio, TX & EPICon 2015 - Registration Now Open! @EPICorg #conference

Please join us in the lovely city of San Antonio, Texas for EPICon 2015 EPICon- Bringing ePublishing Partners Together March 13 - 14, 2015 The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX Sponsored by the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! * Enjoy two days of all things ePublishing. With workshops for any author or publishing professional, this short period will be packed with information, news, and most importantly: education. Authors, old and new, will have the opportunity to learn about small press ePublishing and network with publishers, editors, and experienced published authors.
* For 2015, we have a full schedule of educational and informative workshops for authors and publishers, with guest speakers like David Wilk, Carol Berg, and many others. This action-packed two day conference will end with the annual Award Banquet where we will honor authors and cover artists.
* Registration this year will be $224 for members, and $249 for nonmembers. This will include the workshops, breakfast buffets for both days, guest speaker lunches for both days and the banquet on Saturday evening. To register, members need to log-in to the website first & non-members need to CLICK HERE
* This year we are also offering add on options for the Thursday before the conference. These options are:
~ Publishers’ Intensive Luncheon - Taking the Mystery out of Ebook Self-Publishing: A Guide for Publishers - $20
~ Evening Dinner Tour - A dinner cruise along the beautiful San Antonio River as it weaves its way through the historic Riverwalk. - $35

* Our venue will be the Menger Hotel. With 150 years of history, it is a must see in the beautiful San Antonio. Two blocks from the vibrant River Walk, it is the border between San Antonio’s colorful past and its cosmopolitan present.
Room rates* are:
One King Bed at $110.00/night or Two Double Beds at $110.00/night
* Rates* are set by hotel for the EPICon convention. Rates apply by room, not by person. For other room options and price listings please go to the Menger website at Menger Hotel

* While you are thinking about registration, this is a great time to consider EPIC membership, if you are not a member already, since the membership cost will practically pay for itself in the discount for the event. To become a member CLICK HERE

* For more information about the conference or how you might participate (vendor, promotional materials, sponsorships or as an industry professional), visit epicorg.com or contact Kim Wollenburg at E-mail or Desiree Holt at E-mail
Information/details for this post provided by, Kylee Howells. Questions, comments, etc.? Please contact Desiree or Kim as listed above. Thanks!

A Look At Joshua Heights & 'Knight in the Forest of the Pons' ~ @joshuaheights @GoddessFish #fantasy #sword #Sorcery

Today we have author Joshua Heights visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Joshua Heights is a professional chef and a passionate writer. His first work TEAR AVENGER soon went to number one in the thriller genre of the e-book world. Next, a burst of heartfelt poems filled the pages of LOVE , MARRIAGE,FRIENDSHIP, HATE. His latest release, a super novella entitled, KNIGHT IN THE FOREST OF THE PONS is an epic journey into spirituality, oneness and love. In the creative stage is a screenplay, bearing the name NANO TATTOO, a nail-biting sci-fi thriller. It comes to life soon and is currently charming the curators of JUNTOBOX FILMS.

What are you going to tell us about today?
* My story Knight in the Forest of the Pons.

A look into the story

~ Blurb ~ * Prepare yourself for a magnificent journey… Nassor Wickem, leader of the Knights of Sperenza, has been in many battles, with two headed dragons, with beasts that creep and crawl, and with fierce lions who have pierced his flesh in death brawls. But after learning that his beautiful daughter has been stricken by a terrible brain syndrome, his body trembled and his nerves shook like never before. The brave Knight, hell-bent on slaying and saving the day, tries everything he can to cure his daughter. However, with the help of a mysterious Shaman, he quickly comes to terms that in this battle, love, not the sword, is the weapon of choice. ~ Excerpt ~ * Rahu knows the Warrior Knights lie in wait, ready to attack. He searches his surroundings with his ill-willed, red glowing eyes for any movement within the trees and does not see anything. But he knows, with all his cold, calculated blood that he and his beastly brothers are being hunted. For this is not Rahu's first time at the legendary lake for it was the same lake his grandmother, Queen of the Moon Eaters, was destroyed. With a long horrifying roar and four short grunts, in a language only dragons could understand, Rahu gives the order to his militia of monsters to drink from the ice-covered lake and give respects to their fallen queen. At this point, the dragons lap at the ice with their hot forked tongues causing a velvet-like vapor to form above the languid lake. As the chilled water flowed down the dragons throats, it placed those Moon Eaters in a spell, making them unaware of anything for about twenty seconds, but long enough for Nassor and his Warrior Knights, choked with anxiety, to wallop those abominable aliens.

Buy Knight in the Forest of the Pons here...
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | CreateSpace | Amazon - Print

Find Joshua Heights here...
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Thank you for joining us here today, Joshua Heights! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Joshua will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card and a digital copy of the book to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour! So be sure to leave your name and email with your comment, visit the other tour stops (find them here: goddessfishpromotions-book-blast-night-in-forest-of-pons) for a greater chance of winning! (Please note - the author has had a personal emergency, so he may not answer back on comments. Feel free to leave a comment anyway in a show of support for him. :) Thanks!)

An EPIC(TM) Blog with Desiree Holt, EPICon Chair ~ ( @EPICorg @desireeholt #SO )

* Today I'm happy to welcome EPIC's Convention Chair, Desiree Holt. But first, a little bit about the wonderful organization...

* EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition(TM), was incorporated in 1998 to provide a strong voice for electronic publishing. Once an authors' organization, EPIC(TM) has expanded to include hundreds of professionals from all facets of the electronic publishing industry: authors, publishers, editors, artists, and others. EPIC(TM) members work together in a unique collaboration to further the industry. EPIC(TM) is not a publisher, but aspiring authors are invited to look at our member publishers. Check out "Our Members" for listings of our author, publisher, and other industry members.
* For more about the organization, visit www.epicorg.com

Now onto the interview! Welcome, Desiree Holt! Tell us, when did you join EPIC?

* I joined in 2006, right after my first digital book was released. And I attended EPICON at The Menger Hotel in San Antonio. A lot of authors from my writers’ group were there but I also met many, many new people who are still friends.

What did you hope to gain from being a part of the organization?
* I really wanted to make connections in an industry that was brand new to me. I was a neophyte writer, freshly published and greener than grass. I was trying to desperately understand the new digital publishing industry and learn who to maximize exposure and promote myself. Also how to improve my skills.

And, what have you gained from being a part of the organization?
* Besides the wonderful friends? I learned about online writing workshops, how to create a promotional program for myself without ever leaving my computer, and what the benefits and pitfalls are of digital publishing. I learned about new opportunities opening up because of digital publishing and how to take advantage of them. I was delighted to see EPIC kept a list of resources for its members on the web site and the conversations on the loops have answered a lot of questions. It seems problems are addressed as soon as they crop up.

Do you hold a position within the organization, and if so, could you tell us how you stepped into the position and what it entails?
* I serve on the Board of Directors and have since 2011. Mostly I think it happened because I stepped into the position of chair of EPICON less than five months before the 2012 event. I had become very good friends with President Betty Kasischke, she knew I had experience chairing events and since it was scheduled to be in San Antonio she recruited me. I co-chaired 2013 with the wonderful Kim Wollenburg/Cassiel Knight and am chairing EPICON 2014. I used to handle special events for a living in one of my many career options and brought that experience to the table with me. It is such a pleasure to put together an event that offers so much for members. This year is especially exciting because we have a lot of new members involved in active roles.

If you were speaking to someone who was interested in joining, what would you tell them are the benefits of membership?
* First and foremost it gives you a place on the loops and forums to ask questions and get answers. I don’t care how long you’ve been in the industry, new problems crop up all the time. It’s wonderful to have a place where people are always researching what’s happening and so are able to give out information. Secondly, EPIC provides a concise list of resources from editing to checking out publishers that is constantly updated. Third, on the forums things are set up so there are multiple topics. I don’t care what you want to chat about, there’s a group you can do it with. Kind of like having people into your living room for coffee. And it’s great knowing I’m part of an organization that’s really on top of the digital industry and is looking gout for my welfare.

Thank you for joining us today, Desiree, and telling us about EPIC(TM) and your part in the organization.

Desiree Holt’s writing is flavored with the rich experiences of her life, including a long stretch in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her, many of whom might recognize themselves in the pages of her stories. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award for best BDSM book of the year, winner of the Holt Medallion, multiple winner of the Whipped Cream Book of the Week Award and is published by five different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” You can find her at: Website | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

An EPIC(TM) Blog ~ Debi Sullivan, Competitions Chair ( @EPICorg #MM #SO )

* Today I'm happy to welcome EPIC's Competitions Chair, Debi Sullivan. But first, a little bit about the wonderful organization...
* EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition(TM), was incorporated in 1998 to provide a strong voice for electronic publishing. Once an authors' organization, EPIC(TM) has expanded to include hundreds of professionals from all facets of the electronic publishing industry: authors, publishers, editors, artists, and others. EPIC(TM) members work together in a unique collaboration to further the industry. EPIC(TM) is not a publisher, but aspiring authors are invited to look at our member publishers. Check out "Our Members" for listings of our author, publisher, and other industry members.
* For more about the organization, visit www.epicorg.com

Now onto the interview! Welcome, Debi! Tell us, when did you join EPIC?
* I joined EPIC in 2001.

What did you hope to gain from being a part of the organization?
* As a freelance editor, I initially joined EPIC to expand my contact base. I was intrigued by EPIC’s focus and wanted to be an active participant in an organization which, at the time, was the only one actively supporting epublishing while educating the public about electronic publishing.
* EPIC continues to maintain its reputation as a global forward-thinking organization that supports electronic publishing and I am excited to be a part of such an innovative and encompassing organization.

And, what have you gained from being a part of the organization?
* LOL…so much! I have gained wonderful friends, broadened my contact base and clientele, and expanded my personal knowledge of the electronic publishing industry.

Do you hold a position within the organization, and if so, could you tell us how you stepped into the position and what it entails?
* Wow! You have some tough questions. Let’s see if I can remember that far back. LOL Ok, here is the boring timeline. *grin*
* From the beginning, I was actively involved in EPIC’s interests. In my mind, volunteering to be a part of the eBook competitions was just another aspect of my membership.
* In 2005, as an ardent supporter of EPIC’s desire to educate young writers in all aspects of epublishing, I volunteered to judge our newest competition, The New Voices Young Writers Competition. In 2006 I took on more responsibilities when I was asked to assist the New Voices Competition Chair, all due to the overwhelming response to this new competition. Guess I did a pretty good job (*grin*) as I was asked to take over her position later that year.
* I learned a great deal about the behind-the-scenes workings of our eBook competition when I was asked to assist the new ebook Chair with the 2007 eBook competition, then known as the EPPIES. The dedication and attention to detail required for such an evolving and global competition was illuminating.
* It was during our 2008 Portland conference that I was handed the keys to the competition kingdoms and became EPIC’s Competitions Chair, responsible for our current competitions: the eBook, Ariana Art, and New Voices Young Writers. You can address me as “Queen of All Things Competition.” *big grin*
* But I do not do all of this alone. No one could.
* I am blessed to have remarkable and staunch volunteers who provide constant support and insight as I coordinate EPIC’s competitions, allowing our competitions to maintain an unsurpassed reputation for confidentiality, for fairness and excellence in performance and results, as they evolve with the industry.

If you were speaking to someone who was interested in joining, what would you tell them are the benefits of membership?
* Gee, where do I start?
* EPIC’s membership is welcoming and their unfailing support is never-ending; whether personal or professional, through the good and bad, we are there for one another.
* Yes, we do have our moments of dissension and heated discussion, but show me any family or group where there is constant peace. *grin* I believe that our constant communication, however, is one of our strongest mainstays.
* As for membership benefits, they are constant changing. We offer significant entry discounts for our competitions and have an excellent and passionate promotional team who are constantly on the lookout for advantageous offers for our membership.

Thank you for joining us today, Debi, and telling us about EPIC(TM) and your part in the organization. Do you have a bio and/or any links you'd like to share?
* I am the worst one to ask this question, as I do not have a website. Yeah, I know I should, but my time has been devoted to other endeavors. As for background, I have been a freelance editor since 1999 and currently work with a limited number of authors who are extremely patient with the time-constraints EPIC has inadvertently imposed on my time. I am working on a website. *grin* But only time will tell when it will be accessible.
* Anyone can reach me through competitions@epicorg.com. I am always accessible and welcome inquiries about our organization and competitions. If you are seeking immediate information about our organization and competitions, your best bet is to visit our website at www.epicorg.com.

An EPIC(TM) Blog ~ Karen Cote' PR Chair ( @EPICorg @KarensRomance #SO )

* Today I'm happy to welcome EPIC's Public Relations Chair, Karen Cote'. But first, a little bit about the wonderful organization...
* EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition(TM), was incorporated in 1998 to provide a strong voice for electronic publishing. Once an authors' organization, EPIC(TM) has expanded to include hundreds of professionals from all facets of the electronic publishing industry: authors, publishers, editors, artists, and others. EPIC(TM) members work together in a unique collaboration to further the industry. EPIC(TM) is not a publisher, but aspiring authors are invited to look at our member publishers. Check out "Our Members" for listings of our author, publisher, and other industry members.
* For more about the organization, visit www.epicorg.com

Now onto the interview! Welcome, Karen! Tell us, when did you join EPIC?
* I had the pleasure of joining a couple of years ago on the enthusiastic recommendation of my publisher. I discovered she did not overstate the benefits and at thirty dollars a year, where else can you get such quality of membership and value?

What did you hope to gain from being a part of the organization?
* As a new author in the exciting world of all things digital, I was excited to learn more about this amazing and ever-constant evolving industry. I was told I could find that at EPIC and more.

And, what have you gained from being a part of the organization?
* That my publisher's savvy and knowledgeable innovation had steered me to a place of camaraderie and overwhelming support for the eWorld. EPIC established its mission statement in their by-laws as being the Voice of ePublishing. It is that and much, much more.

Do you hold a position within the organization, and if so, could you tell us how you stepped into the position and what it entails?
* Yes. My title is the Public Relations Chair so coddling the image EPIC has enjoyed as well as being a part of the continued growth of the brand has been a humbling experience. Truthfully, however, titles at EPIC would be better described as family and we all work together to make it a warm environment to thrive in. We all take our jobs to heart as the loyalty and trust of the membership is at the core of it and there is much we need to accomplish to protect our mission.
* How I stepped into the position can be credited in part to Marketing for Romance Writers as its Promotion Director. Having said that, receiving that email to assume the Public Relations Chair position from Betty Kasischke (EPIC's President) was a surreal moment in time I have yet to fully grasp.

If you were speaking to someone who was interested in joining, what would you tell them are the benefits of membership?
* As mentioned in my own discovery, EPIC as the Voice in ePublishing is a need and must to help drive this industry. Mired in history and built on a strong tradition of ethical guidance since 1998 for the digital community, EPIC also hosts the longest standing eBook competition in the world. The Ariana eBook Cover Art Competition and EPICon are also powerful events worthy of the notoriety and success they've garnered. The New Voices Young Writers Competition is another event EPIC hosts and I believe everyone at EPIC is simply in love with the opportunity in working with the promise of new and young writers.
* Finally, there are many benefits to membership. Along with the support each member gives to the other, we work with organizations in providing our members discounts that more than pay for the annual fee of being a member. BookBaby, Coffee Time Romance & More, Working Advantage, Scrivener…are just to name a few. There are many more that can be found on our home page at www.epicorg.com with more being added so stay tuned.

Thank you for joining us today, Karen, and telling us about EPIC(TM) and your part in the organization.

Karen Cote', Best Selling Romantic Suspense Author, lives in a California Castle with Prince Charming and a Magnificent Black Stallion. Okay, it’s a bungalow, a corporate husband and a small black pug who totes a sense of humor and lotsa attitude. But it is her dream. A real life dream to inspire the romantic suspense novels she writes. She can be found at www.karencote.tv

Competitions are open! Welcome Debi Sullivan, Competitions Chair for EPIC

Debi Sullivan, Competitions Chair for EPIC and EPIC (the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition™) are proud to announce the opening of EPIC's yearly contests for electronically published authors and young writers.

*** EPIC’s eBook Competition™ is the oldest competition honoring eBooks and the ePublishing industry and is a premier event for authors and publishing houses. This competition opens for entries June 1 and closes July 15.
*** “Literacy is close to the hearts of EPIC members and we are very proud of our New Voices Young Writers Competition™. It is the perfect forum for young people to learn the versatility of eBooks and to experience a taste of the ePublishing world,” states Ms. Sullivan. The competition encourages young people, whether in public, private or home-based schools, to read and write, to interact with their surroundings and explore their imagination. To enter, young writers need to be eleven (11) to eighteen (18) years of age. The New Voices Young Writers Competition™ opens for entries August 1 and closes October 20. Continuing to inspire young people to be involved in all aspects of electronic publishing, EPIC also invites young artists (ages 11 to 18) to enter the New Voices Cover Art Competition™. Artwork must be produced by any electronic method of pen, pencil, and ink, and entered in a JPG format. This competition opens for entries August 1 and closes October 20.
*** EPIC's ARIANA Art Competition™ celebrates art from imaginative and eye-catching eBook covers with this prestigious award for superlative ePublishing artwork, applauding the finest artwork of eBook publishing. This competition opens for entries June 1 and closes July 15.
*** EPIC’s annual conference, EPICon™, invites industry professionals to share the latest eIndustry information, hone writing and editing skills, and explore new markets and promotional ideas. Keynote luncheon speakers range from world-renowned authors to established publishing houses to eBook and print agents.

EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition™ was established in 1997 and is a global organization of published authors and industry-related professionals who actively advocate continuing education and further enlightenment of electronic publications. For more information about the competitions and annual conference, please visit http://www.epicorg.com.

Contacts:
*** Debi Sullivan, Competitions Chair, EPIC - competitions@epicorg.com
*** Celia Kyle, Public Relations, EPIC - celia.kyle@gmail.com

Some Great News!

Angela Waters, the cover artist for my book, 'Beautiful People,' won the EPIC Ariana Art Award (tm) in the Horror category! Congrats Angela! Information on EPIC and my book can be found in the following locations:
www.epicauthors.com
and
http://www.crmoss.net/BeautifulPeople.htm

For a limited time, select Kindle books are on sale at amazon for only 99 cents!
Find the books here:

http://www.amazon.com/C.-R.-Moss/e/B002DBE49W