What Makes A Book LitRPG or GameLit?

Posted on Leave a comment

One of the biggest questions I get is, “What makes a fantasy book a LitRPG book?” A close second is, “What’s the difference between LitRPG and GameLit?” For me it’s all in the stats. GameLit is a broader category that encompasses anything that has to do with gaming and a fantasy world. LitRPG is a subset of GameLit that includes some level of statistics and leveling up a character or characters. I write books that fall into both categories. The two Accidental Trilogies (Accidental Traveler and Accidental Champion) both are full-on LitRPG stories. My most recent series is an urban fantasy that fits into the GameLit area. The Huntress Clan Saga has strong elements of Virtual Reality Gaming and that VR world has consequences in the real world for the main character, Quinn Faust. There are no stats or leveling Read more…

The Trouble With Magic (for your weekend reading)

Posted on Leave a comment

While you’re waiting for my next book release, I thought you might be looking for another book to read.   Here’s one I just heard about from another author friend of mine named Trudi. I think you’ll like it.   AND… it’s just 99¢ (For a limited time)   Enjoy, have a great weekend, and get ready for more great books to share soon.   Don’t forget to come join the Fun Fantasy Readers Group on Facebook. I run contests, giveaways, and we talk about all the fantasy books you’re reading as well as the books I offer from time to time.   The Trouble With Magic (The Elemental Witch Series Book 1) I didn’t quit being a witch… It was more like getting fired. But now witches are dying, and my unstable magic might be the only way to Read more…

Audiobooks for Charm Runner and Prophecy’s Child

Posted on Leave a comment

I know a lot of you are audiobook listeners. You’re in for a real treat if you are.   The amazing Stacy Gonzalez turned in an amazing performance on the first two books in the Broken Throne series. Plus she’s already lined up to begin work on book three!   You can get both books now at Audible or via Amazon and take in the best new audiobooks you’ve heard in a while.   The Charm Runner and Prophecy’s Child are the first audiobooks in the action-packed Broken Throne series.   Enter a magical world with gangsters, crooked cops, and a dark secret threatening to end it all.   Join Winnie and her crew and find out what life is like as a charm runner.        

Is There A Book About You?

Posted on Leave a comment

I think there are stories going on around us all the time. Whether it’s watching the interaction of the people around me, taking a note from something happening in my own life, or even writing a story based on something my two dogs did, there are plenty of stories to write about.

Sure, my stories have magic in them, but that doesn’t change how people interact or talk with each other. A good book and story always comes down to interesting characters with real world problems that need solving. Read more…

Writing and Audiobook Update and a 99¢ 3-book SuperHero Bonus

Posted on Leave a comment

As I get ready to head off to an author retreat and conference in Chicago this week, I wanted to pass along some exciting updates I had to share.   I just finished up writing a new GameLit Urban Fantasy. It’s off to my co-author and the editor for some additional review. The working title is Huntress Initiate. It’s a little twist on the typical urban fantasy demon hunter theme with some awesome gaming elements that really make it something different for both genres.   I will also spend the next week working on plotting the outline for book 3 of the Sapiens Run trilogy – Cyber’s Underground. I hope to start writing on that project in a week or so. More on that to come soon!   In the meantime, I’m also am getting ready to review several audiobooks Read more…

Accidental Thief Audiobook Nominated for IAA GameLit Award

Posted on Leave a comment

I’m so excited to announce that the audiobook for Accidental Thief, narrated by the super-talented Roberto Scarlato, has been nominated for an Independent Audiobook Award. It’s up against some truly amazing talent from some great authors and narrators. Nominees include authors Dawn Chapman, Matt Dinniman, Dave Willmarth, and K.T. Hanna. The Narrators nominated included Andrea Parsaneau (twice!), Justin Thomas James, Laurie Catherine Winkle, Jeff Hays, and Anneliese Rennie. Read more…

The Writer’s Angst of Launching Books

Posted on Leave a comment

Every time I have a new book come out, especially one I’ve put a lot of personal value into, I get more than a little anxious. I’m not gonna lie, I’m probably not a lot of fun to be around.    I know. I shouldn’t judge myself based on the success, or failure, of a book. I don’t have any control over what the reader response is going to be.    That is the crux of what it means to be a writer (or any other kind of artist). You invest yourself in a project, giving it your whole being as you become invested in the characters and what they mean to each other in the story, and to you outside it.   Cyber’s Change is special to me for a lot of reasons I won’t go into again. If you want Read more…

Awesome Audiobooks At A Discount (Or Even FREE)

Posted on Leave a comment

I was chatting with my friend JM Bannon about his latest project. He’s working on creating audiobooks for his groundbreaking Alchemists steampunk fantasy series. He describes them this way:  “The stories are set in an alternative universe very similar to ours, but magnificent steam-powered machines and magic exist. In this 19th century, three powerful Guilds vie for power behind the scenes,  our heroine and her eclectic group find themselves using their unique skills to solve thrilling mysteries.” He’s even put together a kickstarter for the project with some pretty awesome perks and bonuses (including a custom musical soundtrack for the series). I jumped on right away to support it and told him I’d love to help out in spreading the word. He offered to do a special contest for the last week of the program and giveaway 5 free audiobook Read more…