My Favorite Middle Child

SN_PARALYZED

I always knew there would be three of you. A first, a second and a third. Some call it family planning. I call it a complete series.

And I knew you were going to be unique as an installment. Second children are usually less anticipated than the first. They are less doted on than the third. But they are the glue that holds it all together. Without you there would be no middle. There would be a setup and an ending. But you, my sweet second book in a series, you created the depth. It wasn’t until I created you that I truly fell in love with those characters. Like I somersaulted, head over feet and knew that this was a series that would live in me for the rest of my life. That’s because of you.

My little middle child in a badass epic series, you did something that was unique.  You individuated yourself from the first and the third. You’re not only different in your arrangement than your siblings, but you’re wrapped in a cover that represents your mystery. I love you in a way I’ve never loved a middle book. Please don’t tell the others, Stunned and Rebels. They might get their feelings hurt. It’s just that you came into my life and did something really strange. Usually I love a book and therefore choose to write it. I love characters and choose to tell their story. I remember sitting down and writing you and in the process you rewrote me. You made me fall in love with you.

Order Paralyzed today to find out what this mess is all about. Start the series here.  And preorder the final book, Released.

Feb 14, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on My Favorite Middle Child

Cover Reveal: Released (Vagabond Circus, #3)

I feel for the people in my life. I’m demanding, stubborn, and have unrealistic expectations. And yet, the people I work with don’t disappoint me. It amazes me sometimes. As an author, I really work with fantastic professionals. And often I’ve praised Andrei Bat, my cover designer, for his work. He deserves it. And after designing ten covers for me, he might need therapy. But still he should be proud. Here’s what I sent him when we started work on the final cover for Vagabond Circus series.

Capture - Released

Yes, I know. It’s pretty awful. That’s why I’m a writer. The world would be full of stick figures if I had become an artist. Andrei is the artist and I believe he’s created one of the best covers yet for me. It definitely captures the magic of Vagabond Circus. Without further ado, I’ll reveal Released for you. Preorder here.

ebook - Released

Feb 10, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Cover Reveal: Released (Vagabond Circus, #3)

This Is Why I Wasted Money On Vitamins

bannerI’m sitting here contemplating the last two years as a writer. Can I take you back to when it all began? Of course I can. I am writing this damn blog. Anyway, when I started writing my first novel, Awoken, it was like I was picked up by a spaceship. I was worried, and then again not at all, that something had happened to me. I was infected. All I wanted to do was write about these characters in my head. They were a part of me suddenly. And it was like overnight I’d been changed. It was beautiful…and bewildering. And I was worried. I was absolutely terrified that whatever had happened to me was going to stop. That the writing monster would vacate my system suddenly. That I’d be abandoned halfway through this book with no creative inspiration.

So I kept up the regimen. I kept taking the vitamin B complex. I drank lots of water. I exercised. I meditated. I did whatever it took so that the creative juices kept flowing. Here’s what I’m telling you for the first time. I thought I’d been given a secret location. Like writing is a place where you’re invited to and can also be banished from by little gnomes.

And now I’ll tell you what I know to be true. Writing is a place where you invite yourself. You’re only there as long as you wish to be. And  you, the writer, are the biggest distractor.

I’ve quit the vitamins since. I don’t sleep…not really. I exercise, but that’s a totally different blog post. And I drink water, because that’s life sustaining. But I know now that the stories that come through me are a part of something that I’ve allowed, not something that’s suddenly happened to me.

So plug in people, there’s a story in you.

Jan 28, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on This Is Why I Wasted Money On Vitamins

Tuesday Takeover!!!

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First I’ll start with a confession, then I’ll share my big news.

The confession isn’t really that interesting. It’s not about how I secretly take pictures of strangers with funny hair and send them to my hairstylist. It’s not even something embarrassing, like that I still can’t remember how to spell the word garentee. This confession is actually a little lame.

Here we go.

Are you ready?

I’m a little, tiny bit overwhelmed.

There, I said it. That felt good.

With nine books published, two in the pipeline, and two in the works, I’m feeling the pressure. Let’s not even talk about the audiobooks and translated versions. Well, you can talk about it, but I won’t be listening. Anyway, the truth is that it’s a lot to keep up with. But I owe you interesting content. And I’m committed to giving it to you. Soooo…

Here’s the news. It’s that I’ve started a new, fabulous feature on the blog. I’ve recruited dozens of awesome authors and every Tuesday one is going to take over. And in my very stern style, I’ve demanded that they entertain you with something you can’t find anywhere else. These won’t be lame articles that you can pass on. They will be Matt Bellassi, Wine Wednesday-worthy posts. You’ll start to look forward to them. And then it will get worse. You’ll toll away the rest of the week wondering when Tuesday is coming back around.

Oh yes, that good. I’ve already scheduled out the next several months with amazing and successful authors. They are going to entertain you with their wit, school you with their knowledge, and in some cases touch your heart with their poetic stories.

First Takeover Tuesday starts tomorrow!!!!

Jan 25, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Tuesday Takeover!!!

Official Release of Warriors

ebook - Warriors
Today is the official release day for Warriors #3. The entire Reverians series is now out and ready for binge consumption. I decided to only put a month between the release of each book because I don’t like having to wait for sequels and why should my readers. This is my second series and I cannot even express how excited I am for this one. Writing this series was truly a magical experience. I went through so many emotions and really lived in another plane of consciousness at times. There were moments when the creative process truly took me away and made me in awe of the story unraveling inside of me. I love these books. The characters are so dear to me. And the setting, well it’s one I know and have lived in. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share and I dearly hope that you find something inspiring in these books as well. Grab the first, second or third book in the series here. Oh, and the first book, Defects, is free from Oct. 15th – 19th! Grab it!

Oct 15, 2015 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Official Release of Warriors