Showing posts with label Pump Up Your Book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pump Up Your Book. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

🔥 Hot New Release! Ring of Rosin by Nancy Golden #newrelease

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Will the Ring of Rosin’s power on the Day of Questioning help Rugal defeat the foreign threat to Elayas, or will it be used to destroy him?



Title: Ring of Rosin

Author: Nancy Golden

Publication Date: September 2, 2024

Pages: 222

Genre: Fantasy

Many, many years ago, a wondrous bird flew into the mountains of Tolan. In its claws, it bore a giant stone, a stone of fire. The bird dropped the stone somewhere in the mountains, where it shattered. The one who finds its fragments shall have power beyond belief.

The Ring of Rosin has unexpectedly disappeared. Join King Rugal on his quest to recover the ring symbolizing his right to rule, forged from the stone of fire. A mysterious companion joins the young monarch on a perilous journey. Rugal’s shadowy ally leads him to the nomadic Kargoliths, who are locked in an ongoing dispute with the neighboring kingdom of Tolan. As destinies intertwine amidst the clashing cultures, the fates of Elayas, Tolan, and the Kargoliths hang in the balance.

Will the Ring of Rosin’s power on the Day of Questioning help Rugal defeat the foreign threat to Elayas, or will it be used to destroy him?

Follow King Rugal as he faces the greatest threat to his reign since his coronation. An exciting adventure of valor and unlikely friendships the whole family can enjoy!

Ring of Rosin is available at Amazon.

 

Book Excerpt

Thirty minutes later, they were all seated in the library, looking attentively at the messenger, a slim, proud youth about Rugal’s age possessing the distinctly dark, handsome features of a citizen of Tolan.

Dressed in riding leathers, the youth had thick black hair and the beginnings of a beard. He bowed formally from the waist, and with Rugal’s nod of acknowledgment, he began to recite his message:

“I, Johan of Sharvindar, in the name of King Handerbin of the kingdom of Tolan, bear greetings from my sovereign and wishes of health and happiness to the esteemed royal family of Elayas. News of Oldag’s overthrow and the restoration of King Rugal, rightful sovereign of Elayas, in accordance to her laws and traditions, has brought us great joy. Our sorrow has been long in knowing that the evil king Oldag’s birthplace was Tolan, and it gladdens us that he has finally met with justice.” Johan paused for breath, and his listeners leaned forward in anticipation of his words.

“We wish to reassure you of our good intentions. Long have our countries viewed each other with mistrust, kindled by Oldag’s rebellion. We are also aware of the theft of the Ring of Rosin, and we believe that those responsible are members of the Kargoliths, who have come to inhabit what has been the unsettled territory of Tolan, earmarked for future expansion.”

“How did you know?” Rugal interrupted. “About the Ring of Rosin?”

Johan met Rugal’s gaze squarely. “King Rosin had the ring made by one of the most skilled craftsmen in all of Tolan. It is a fragment from the stone of fire.”

Mura nodded. “That makes sense. I know my cousin had made a special commission for its creation. I was never told the exact details, but that it arrived from a mysterious location. I remember the day it was shown at court for the first time.”

Rugal’s voice sharpened. “That still doesn’t explain…”

“We intercepted a message from the Kargoliths, which is what prompted King Handerbin to send me here.” Johan hesitated, leaning forward. “The leader of their tribe has the Ring of Rosin. King Handerbin has sent me to help you retrieve it. You will need a guide, someone familiar with Tolan.”

“Just what are you proposing?” Jackal stood up, shoulders tense.

The Swordsman put up a hand. “It’s okay, Jackal. It makes sense.” He glanced at Soldar, who nodded. “The Kargoliths have been searching for the shards of the stone of fire for many years. It is woven into their history. Fables of old, when the wondrous bird captured it and flew to the mountains, are told around their campfires from one generation to the next. If they have the Ring of Rosin…”

“They will not give it up. This is the Year of Wisdom and the Day of Questioning approaches. They will demand King Rugal’s presence.” Johan looked significantly at Rugal. “For only he will be able to activate its power on that day.”

Rugal cocked his head. “Day of Questioning? I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Soldar cleared his throat. “An oversight on my part, Sire. We did not cover the fables of the Kargoliths, as I saw no need.” He glanced at Johan and raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps I was mistaken.”

“It certainly seems relevant now, Soldar,” Rugal let out a noisy breath. “Please explain.”

His eyes contemplative, Soldar exhaled. He turned his attention to the dark youth, and Johan nodded almost imperceptibly. Soldar turned back to Rugal.

“The Ring of Rosin has a property that no one knows about. It has been entwined in the lore of Tolan and the Kargoliths for many years and is thought to be conjecture. Apparently, that is not the case, or it would not have been stolen. Not only does it identify the true king of Elayas, but it also imparts wisdom to the king.” Soldar paused and rubbed his eyes. “The Kargoliths must know the Ring of Rosin has this power.”

Johan spread out his hands. “You are correct, Soldar.” He bowed his head briefly. “But there is more to the fable.” He continued with a storytelling inflection to his words, “The rightful king of Elayas will be able to ask the Ring of Rosin anything he desires, and the ring will impart that knowledge to him, but only once in every ten years. This day is designated as the Day of Questioning.”

Rugal’s eyes narrowed. “Anything? Even another person’s most deeply held secrets?”

“Yes, indeed,” Johan agreed. “Which is why it is so powerful. But it will only respond to the queries of the King of Elayas, and only for the Time of Sun Shadow on the Day of Questioning. This is when the sun is completely engulfed in shadow, but only for a few minutes. It is as if it is nighttime, yet it is still day.”

The room remained quiet as everyone contemplated the ramifications of what had just been revealed. Finally, Rugal rubbed his cheek. “So, they stole the ring in anticipation of the Day of Questioning. But what good will it do them without me?”

“Exactly,” Johan replied. “That is why I am here.”

– Excerpted from Ring of Rosin by Nancy Golden, Golden Cross Ranch LLC, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

 

About the Author

Nancy Golden wears a lot of different hats – She is a wife and mom, author, engineer, professor, horsewoman, and small business owner. She is also the founder of a writing group – the Carrollton League of Writers. Nancy lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas and she loves to ride bicycles and horses. She is a member of the National Space Society, and she has been a Trekkie for as long as she can remember. Nancy Golden Books provides a great reader experience with well-crafted writing that will brighten your day.

Website nancygoldenbooks.com

Twitter https://www.twitter.com/ncgolden1  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564426002283 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ncgolden1 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216235312-ring-of-rosin 


Nancy Golden is giving away one autographed copy of Sword of Fate and one autographed copy of Ring of Rosen (also included is a mini poster of each book)!

Terms & Conditions:

  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

  • Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive either an autographed copy of Sword of Fate or an autographed copy of Ring of Rosen

  • This giveaway starts September 26 and ends March 26.

  • Winner will be contacted via email on March 27.

  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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Sunday, November 24, 2024

📚 10 Things You Might Not Know About Terese Luikens, Author A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness #10things

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Terese Luikens has been married for forty-four years to the same man, although she is on her third wedding ring, having lost one and worn out another. She lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren. She is the author of A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness, a Memoir of her inspiring journey of emotional healing from her father’s suicide. She facilitates retreats and workshops focusing on forgiveness, and publishes her own blog, Why Bother?
 

You can visit her website at www.tereseluikens.com.



10 Things You Might Not Know About Terese Luikens

 

  1. My husband proposed to me three times before I finally said, “yes.”
  2. When I walked down the aisle on my wedding day I told myself, “If this does not work, I can always get a divorce.” We celebrated our forty-fourth wedding anniversary this year. So, I’d say, our marriage is working!
  3. I am on my third wedding ring, but still married to the same man.
  4. I get up at 3:00 a.m. because I write the best first thing in the morning. 
  5. I have three sons.
  6. I am a yoga instructor. 
  7. I talk with most of my six siblings twice a month on a conference call we’ve entitled, The Macek Maverick call.
  8. In the second grade, when I made my first confession, I lied to the priest. I couldn’t think of anything I’d done wrong, so I made up a list of sins.  
  9. When I was in the fifth grade, I wanted to be the president of the United States.
  10. My favorite genre is historical fiction of the WWII era.

 


For Terese Luikens, a picture-perfect childhood it was not. Frequent cross country moves, an emotionally absent mother and an alcoholic father who ends his life by suicide when Terese is just thirteen years old. 

The sixth of seven children, Terese grew up in an unstable and chaotic household–invisible to her mom yet cherished by her father. 

This heartfelt memoir documents the chain reaction of a tumultuous family history. From her stormy childhood to the far-reaching effects of her father’s suicide, Terese shares her inspiring journey to escape the shame of her past, find healing and live, learn to trust, and discover faith in a real and personal God.  

A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness is available at Amazon.

 

 



 

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Q&A with Jens Boele Author of Urbex Predator #Q&A

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Today's guest is Jens Boele, author of the horror/thriller, URBEX PREDATOR. Jens is here with us today to tell us more about the author behind the book.

Jens, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.

 

 
 

Can you tell us how your book got its name?

 

Well, considering the book revolves around Urban Explorers, often shortened to Urbexers, it felt natural to incorporate that term into the title. The inclusion of the 'X' at the end lends it a somewhat scientific vibe. Building on that, I decided to add the word 'Predator' to the mix. Interestingly, there's a Latin term for the predator, which sits atop the food chain, known as the Apex Predator. The similarity struck me. Within the narrative, the abandoned barracks are teeming with various predators. It raises the intriguing question: who truly holds the mantle of predator, and who becomes the prey?

 

What is your favorite part of Urbex Predator?

 

My favorite part of Urbex Predator is definitely the final segment, where chaos and violence converge in an ultimate showdown. It’s an intense climax where Nela and Yelka face off against the gang of thugs hunting them down in the eerie, abandoned hallways of the old military hospital. But there’s a twist—an unseen hunter lurking in the shadows, preying on either our final girls or the hoodlums. Want to find out who he is? Well, that’s another one of my favorite parts. It’s not just about the good and the bad; you’ll also witness the emergence of a truly ugly and wicked character. I can tell you, this character is nasty and twisted. Let me know what you think of him!

 

Can you give me a brief description of your characters?

 

Absolutely, that’s a fantastic inquiry, delving into a crucial aspect of the book. Some readers have mentioned concerns about the number of characters, so I created a comprehensive character cheat sheet available for download on my website. However, I respectfully disagree with the notion of an excessive character count. In a horror novel with a high body count, each character serves a purpose, contributing to the intricate tapestry of the narrative.

 

Let’s zero in on the key players: Nela and Tess are inseparable friends on a mission to document the abandoned barracks for Nela’s photography thesis. Nela is focused and determined, while Tess dreams of a glamorous modeling career. Their dynamic is like yin and yang, revolving around their differing perspectives on the significance of photography.

 

Then there’s Yelka and Zander, childhood companions drawn to urban exploration for the sheer thrill of discovery. Yelka radiates warmth and curiosity, reveling in the exploration of abandoned sites, while Zander harbors unspoken affections for her and channels his expertise in urban exploration to fuel her passion. Accompanying them are Vivien, Yelka’s sister and an emerging social media influencer, and her manager Damon, who is solely focused on boosting Vivien’s online presence.

 

When faced with the menacing gang of hoodlums, our protagonists find themselves navigating a perilous struggle for survival, prompting reflection on who will survive and, as a famous quote suggests, what will be left of them. Prepare for a riveting exploration of friendship, survival, and the shadows that lurk within the abandoned corridors of the human psyche.

 

Will there be a sequel?

 

What an intriguing question, one that has been swirling in my mind as I penned the final pages of Urbex Predator. While I'm careful not to unveil too many secrets just yet, I'm thrilled to share this glimpse into what lies ahead: the potential for revisiting certain characters in new and thrilling escapades. But here's the twist—it’s not just our heroes who may make a return. Every character, from the protagonists to the villains, has captured my imagination.

 

In fact, I’ve already begun to sketch out ideas for potential sequels or perhaps even an entire series. Imagine it: new abandoned sites, deeper rivalries, and a shadowy cult lurking in the periphery. Yet, the fate of these future tales ultimately rests in the hands of you, the readers. Your embrace of the characters and their world will determine the course of the narrative yet to unfold.

 

But amidst the allure of sequels, I’m also brimming with fresh concepts for entirely new literary journeys. Time, as they say, is a precious commodity. So, dear readers, if the thought of further Urbex Predator adventures ignites your imagination, I’m all ears. Your voices may very well shape the destiny of what’s to come.

 

Do you have to have music or the TV on when you write?

 

No, I never have music or TV on when I write. I’m a purist in that regard—it's either writing or listening, never both at the same time. When I'm writing, I strive to truly dig down and become one with the story. I immerse myself in the narrative, letting the characters and their world take center stage.

 

I’m one of those people who can bear and even thrive in silence. I don’t need voices or background noise to keep me company. In fact, I find that silence helps me focus and connect more deeply with the story I’m creating. It’s in the quiet moments that the best ideas often come to life, allowing me to craft the intricate details and atmosphere that make a story truly compelling.

 

What is the snack and or beverage you need when you write?

 

Ha ha, that’s a fantastic question! Up until last year, my go-to answer would have been Diet Cherry Pepsi without a doubt. It was my writing fuel, keeping me refreshed and energized. However, I decided to make a change at the beginning of this year, stepping away from flavored soft drinks and especially diet beverages. Now, I stick to sparkling water—it’s hydrating and keeps me focused without the sugar rush.

 

But let’s be honest, writing isn’t always a strictly disciplined activity. There’s a famous quote attributed to Hemingway, though he probably never said it: “Write drunk, edit sober.” While I don’t make a habit of this, there are moments when the mood strikes, and I indulge in a good Japanese whisky or gin. There’s something about the smooth complexity of a fine whisky or the crisp botanicals of a well-crafted gin that can make a writing session feel a bit more special and relaxed.

 

As for snacks, I usually keep it simple. A handful of almonds or walnuts can be perfect—something that’s easy to munch on without being too distracting. These little treats help keep my energy up and my mind sharp, allowing me to stay immersed in the world I’m creating.

 

Out of all the books you have written, which one would you like to be remembered most for?

 

Well, probably the next one I write, although I don't know what it will be about yet! Joking aside, there’s a kernel of truth in that sentiment. As an author, I always aim high and only start writing when I’m completely passionate about the story. Each new project becomes my favorite, as it embodies the latest culmination of my creativity and dedication.

 

Currently, I'm most in love with "Urbex Predator." It has been my most successful book to date, garnering significant attention and positive feedback from readers. The thrilling narrative and intense character dynamics have really resonated with people, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

 

However, in the grand scheme of things, I'd like to be remembered for my complete body of work. Each book I’ve written, from "Sunshine" to "Son of a Bitch" and now "Urbex Predator," reflects different facets of my interests and storytelling abilities. My hope is that readers will appreciate the diversity and depth of my writing as a whole.

 

Ultimately, it’s the journey of writing and the connection with readers that matters most. Whether they remember me for a single book or the entirety of my work, I hope my stories leave a lasting impression and offer a thrilling escape into the worlds I’ve created.

 

What do you hope readers will take away from your book after they've finished reading it?

 

I hope they had a thrill ride through the horrors of abandoned places and the world of Urbexing. Beyond the adrenaline and suspense, I hope the topic of Urban Exploration sparked a newfound interest in them. There’s an undeniable beauty in decay and a unique magic in abandoned places that I strive to capture in my stories. If you want to experience this captivating world further, please take a look at my Instagram at broken_window_shots.

 

Thank you so much for your interest and for taking the time to read my book. Your support means the world to me. Happy exploring, and stay tuned for more adventures!



 

A relic from the Cold War, the old barracks beckon photographers, influencers, and adventurers, shrouded in secrets and peril. Nela and Tess dare the eerie ruins for their photography thesis, while Zander, Yelka, Vivien, and Damon embark on a simultaneous shoot. Amid the abandoned shadows, Yelka’s group runs into Steven and his ruthless gang, initially outsmarting them. Yet, Nela and Tess fall victim to a nightfall ambush, escaping but torn apart. As adrenaline courses through the gang, they stalk Yelka and her friends, unleashing a relentless manhunt. Vivien becomes their captive, setting off a chain reaction. Tess encounters Damon and Yelka, while Nela, guided by Ben, the barracks’ security manager, races to find Tess. Yelka strives to rescue Vivien, trapped in an abandoned outdoor pool. On his lone pursuit, Zander witnesses the gang’s brutality, delving into a darker realm within himself, spurred by the horrifying thrill of Steven’s actions. The scene propels Yelka, Damon, and Tess into a frenzy, unleashing chaos to liberate Vivien. Nela and Ben, attempting to overpower the gang, witness Yelka and Vivien’s escape as the gang closes in. With the arrival of Steven’s older brother, Henry, the stakes are set; the old military hospital transforms into a battleground. No one is to leave alive, and a matter of life and death ensues. In the ruthless clash, Nela and Yelka emerge as the lone defenders, while Zander pursues a mission for his own catharsis. In Henry’s basement, dubbed his Hades, the teams converge for a pulse-pounding final duel, where survival is the ultimate prize. You can pick up your copy at Amazon

 


 


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