Christmas Traditions and Trends

Merry Christmas, reader-friends!

We're two days away, and I'm feeling pretty good. I've got the shopping done, the ladies are (for now) contented... almost all the gifts are wrapped.

One of my favorite holiday traditions involves books!

Ever since my two daughters were little, we've ended the day with a storybook. When they were really small it was the picture books like Goodnight Moon or What Will Fat Cat Sit On?

Or our favorite, Dogzilla.

Now that they're older, we're reading chapters from novels. We started with Harry Potter, then we moved to the Warrior Cats series, and now the girls are reading The Chronicals of Prydian with my husband...

In the early years, however, we accumulated more than 30 gorgeous Christmas picture books. So our family tradition takes us back to the old days of Olive the Other Reindeer, Eloise at Christmastime, Angelina Ballerina, and The Jolly Christmas Postman (among many others).

It's the one thing we do consistently every year, and it really gets us in the spirit.

What about you guys? Any Christmas traditions you care to share?

On Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

On the "Trends" front, one you might've noticed in books is The Boxed Set.

I've even put my own for "Truth" companions together in one ebook "Boxed Set" you can get at a discount.

See it here -->

The Indelibles are joining the fun with a first-ever Indelibles Boxed Set to knock your socks off...

Fifteen complete, best selling titles by Indelibles authors including Addison Moore, Susan Kaye Quinn, RaShelle Workman, Chanda Hahn, Magan Vernon, Laura Pauling, Elle Strauss, and LM Preston!

The box is called 15 Winter Reads, and it will be officially "On Sale" starting December 29!

So mark your calendars, and pick up this beauty December 29~

Coming December 29!

And have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, joyful holiday season with your friends and family!

Best to you~

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Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a former freelance editor, a former journalist, a caffeine addict, a chocoholic, a beach bum, a lover of any great love story, and occasionally she sleeps.

-THE TRUTH ABOUT FAKING (link) is her debut young adult romance.
-THE TRUTH ABOUT LETTING GO (link) is her newest book available now!
-ROUGE (link) is her mature-YA/new adult romantic suspense novel.
-DRAGONFLY (link), UNDERTOW (link), and WATERCOLOR (link) Books 1-3 in her new adult, contemporary romance series are out now!

Leigh loves hearing from readers; stop by and say hello:
Blog * Facebook * Amazon Author page * Goodreads

#99cent SALE - Harvest Nine HOT Reads and #WIN!

The temperatures are dropping, and it's a great time to cuddle up with a new book!

So for One Week Only, we've dropped the price on NINE HOT New Releases and Bestselling Titles, and combined them with a chance to WIN Amazon gift cards, ebooks, and more!

Check it out and spread the word~

Get ALL for only 99 cents this week!

QUICK LINKS:

The Only One ** Dominus ** Dragonfly ** Crossing ** ClockwiseR ** Protected ** A Spy Like Me ** The Pack - Retribution ** Untraceable

READERS ARE SAYING...

**The Only One by Magan Vernon -- "Sweet and sexy!! Loved it! This is the type of story you read again and again." --#1 New York Times best selling author Rachel Van Dyken


**Dominus by Christine Fonesca -- "A thrilling end to a fantastic supernatural series!" --Leigh Talbert Moore, bestselling author of The Truth About Faking


**Dragonfly by Leigh Talbert Moore -- "The characters were intriguing, the mystery and story were interesting and definitely have ME WANTING MORE!!!!!!!" --Mandy, The Romance Bookie


**Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel -- "Beautiful. Heart wrenching. A true tale of love. It'll make you laugh, cry, and have you running out to buy a tube of red lipstick." --RaShelle Workman, bestselling author of the Blood and Snow series


**ClockwiseR by Elle Strauss -- "Time-travel adventures, scary cliffhangers... Strauss's strength in describing battle scenes and wartime add to the historical parts, and the resolution was not what I expected. Great writing and a superfun book!" - Leigh Talbert Moore, bestselling author of The Truth About Letting Go


**Protected by Cindy Hogan -- "This anticipated sequel sizzles with equal parts thriller, suspense and romance. A spine tingling story I could not put down." - C.K.Bryant, author of Bound


**A Spy Like Me by Laura Pauling -- "Move over Gallagher Girls, there's a new spy in town! A Spy Like Me is a fast paced, high energy ride through Paris that left me almost as breathless as Pauling's hot hero. Super fun beginning, great story, and an ending that won't disappoint!" --Gemma Halliday, NYT best selling author of Spying in High Heels


**The Pack - Retribution by L.M. Preston -- "The action in this book was phenomenal! There was never a dull moment. Shamira and the group were always fighting off the bad guys and with style too." --P. Bradish, Amazon Reviewer


**Untraceable by S.R. Johannes -- "This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance.  The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page." -- Kirkus Review 

* * *

Enter to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Francis Ford Coppola Does It

Hey, writer-friends! *waves enthusiastically* It's my day to steer this bloggy ship, and I confess... I've been in The Cave.

I'm in the thick of revisions and edits, and my inspiration is all directed toward Anna + Julian in Book #3 of the Dragonfly series, Watercolor (link).

But I want to give you something you can use! So I went back and scoured my ole writer's blog for something readers seemed to like. That's Write, I'm recycling (wink). See what you think~

OK, I did it again. I got another Fresh Air podcast inspiration.

But this time I was listening to Francis Ford Coppola talking about his film career and being a writer. I mean, sure. It's screenwriting. But he had the greatest advice.

FFC says...

I was kind of already doing it (bet some of you were, too), so in truth, it was the greatest affirmation.

He said, "When you're writing, just keep writing."

OK, that's not exactly what he said.

The gist of what he said was that young writers don't trust themselves. They go back and read those first five pages right after they've written them, and lots of times, they tear them up.

Along with some potentially good ideas or inspiration.

(Historical Note: FFC's old, children. Back in the day, writers used to write stuff on paper. Which they cold tear. His point is sort of the equivalent of deleting it all today.)

Back to Frank! He said to write, write, write. (Just keep swimming.) Then put it away for a day or so (Stephen King says a month, doesn't he?), and then go back and read it.

Give yourself a chance to forget it, and then read it with fresh eyes. It's something I (used to) tell my editing clients all the time. Take a break. Let it rest a few days to a week. You'll be amazed how different it'll look.

Gene Hackman listens to FFC...

He also admitted that he copied all his favorite screenwriters and directors.

He confessed that his movie The Conversation was based on some movie he loved and wanted to copy.

And then he said the most important point: But that's impossible!

Which I interpreted this way: It's okay to emulate, to strive to write something like that book you love so much.

(The one that made you almost give up on writing because you'd never in a million years be able to ever write anything that good. Ever.)

I'm not talking about plagerism, as I've said before. I'm talking about being inspired. Being challenged. Being ticked off (or depressed) by other writers.

And then getting in there and trying to beat them, depending on your personality.

I'm a bit competitive, so after I get over the wallowing and the "Oh, I'll never write as good as Jessica Bell!" I get up, dust myself off, and then get ready to kick her tushie. (*wink*)

Yes?

OK, so here's the link to that podcast (link). And now hit it! I want to see some drills. Jumping jacks. Drop and give me 20K (words, that is)!

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! I'm planning to get some of my own revisions done this week. More soon~ <3

===================================================

Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a former freelance editor, a former journalist, a caffeine addict, a chocoholic, a beach bum, a lover of any great love story, and occasionally she sleeps.

-THE TRUTH ABOUT FAKING (link) is her debut young adult romance.
-THE TRUTH ABOUT LETTING GO (link) is her newest book available now!
-ROUGE (link) is her mature-YA/new adult romantic suspense novel.
-DRAGONFLY (link), and UNDERTOW (link) Books 1-2 in her new adult, contemporary romance series are out now!

Leigh loves hearing from readers; stop by and say hello:
Blog * Facebook * Amazon Author page * Goodreads

June New Releases by Indelible Authors

June releases by Indelible Authors
 

CROSSING
by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
 

 

Due to heavy subject matter, Crossing is recommended for readers 17+.

He stole her lipstick…and her heart.

Twenty-year-old Dani Walker can’t believe her luck when she’s paired up with the gorgeous Liam Garrett as her Acting I scene partner – or when he ends up in her bed. Being a Plain Jane with a mouth on her hasn’t exactly served Dani well in the guy department. In fact, she’s had nothing but one night stands. Still, she lets go of her insecurities and falls for Liam, despite feeling like he’s holding something back.

When Dani finally discovers Liam’s secret, she must learn the true meaning of accepting the ones we love for who they are, or risk losing the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Amazon Kobo B&N itunes smashwords ( *75% off for the month of July!)

 

 

CHOKE
by S.R. Johannes
(book 2 in the Breathless novella series)

When Eria escapes her home in the Biome, she uncovers more about her
features and specifications as a HumaNot. Following her father's
instructions, Eria embarks on a journey into a dangerous and unpredictable world.

Along the way, she encounters a young rebel, Dirk, who explains he's from the Anarchy, an underground human resistance rising up against the BOTs--advanced man-made robots gone wild. Together, Dirk and Eria battle underground serpents, desert dingos, sand storms, and advanced Bots that are always hot on their trail. As they become closer, Dirk reveals his hatred of machines, forcing Eria to hide the secret of what and who she really is.

When the truth of her identity comes out, Eria is forced to become the very thing she hates the most.

 

Amazon

LOVE, TINK
(the complete series)
by Elle Strauss

 

Enchanted meets Peter Pan in Love, Tink.

Tink is hopelessly smitten with Peter, the leader of the lost boys who'd mysteriously arrived at Neverland two years ago. Unfortunately, Peter is tired of the adventure and especially tired of dodging Captain Hook who is after his head. He just wants to go back to New York City and live his life as a normal fifteen-year-old.

Tink is the only one who can help Peter return, but it breaks her heart to do it. She just wants to make him happy, so she does the unthinkable and betrays the fairy king. Now her heart is filled with remorse. Should she go after Peter? Should she follow him to his New York?

Originally published as six separate novella episodes, Love, Tink the complete series is all six stories together in one volume.

Amazon Kobo itunes smashwords (coming soon to Barnes and Noble)

DRAGONFLY

by Leigh Talbert Moore

 

“Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.” –Magan Vernon, international bestselling author of The Only Exception

 

Three bad things I learned this year:

-People you trust lie, even parents. 

-That hot guy, the one who’s totally into you, he might not be the one. 

-Things are not always how they appear.

 

Three good things I learned this year:

-Best friends are always there for you, even when they’re far away. 

-That other hot guy, the one who remembers your birthday, he just might be the one. 

-Oh, and things are not always how they appear.

 

Anna Sanders expected an anonymous (and uneventful) senior year until she crossed paths with rich-and-sexy Jack Kyser and his twin sister Lucy.

 

Pulling Anna into their extravagant lifestyle on the Gulf Coast, Lucy pushed Anna outside her comfort zone, and Jack showed her feelings she’d never experienced... Until he mysteriously withdrew.

 

Anna turned to her internship at the city paper and to her old attraction for Julian, a handsome local artist and rising star, for distraction. But both led to her discovery of a decades-old secret closely guarded by the twins’ distant, single father. 

 

A secret that could permanently change all their lives.

 

Amazon B&N iTunes

 

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Congratulations to our Indelible authors who made the 2013 Kindle Book Review Awards semifinalist lists in the YA category!

G.P. Ching for GROUNDED,
Leigh T. Moore for THE TRUTH ABOUT LETTING GO,
and Christine Fonseca for TRANSCEND.

Congratulations!

New Books, Sale Books, FREE Books!

Happy Summer, reader-friends! 

It's the season for great books and books on SALE!

But first, let's wish a Happy Book Birthday to fellow Indelible Karen Hooper whose new book Taking Back Forever releases today!

whoop whoop!!! *throws confetti*

Taking Back Forever is the exciting sequel to her book Grasping at Eternity, which I read about a month ago and LOVED. I'm reading TBF right now, and it's just as awesome.

I highly recommend this one!

On Amazon

Taking Back Forever (Book 2 of The Kindrily series)

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. 

Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

And visit Karen's website (link) where she's having a Huge Party with prizes and giveaways. Hooray for Karen!

Now for the Books on Sale!

Playing with Matches by Elle Strauss

On Amazon

Was: $3.59
Now Only: $1.99

On Amazon









The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore

On Amazon

Was: $2.99
Now Only: $1.99

On Amazon | Barnes & Noble

* * *

Want FREE books? Be sure to check out our Indelibles Free Books listing here (link)!

And have a super reading weekend!


===========================

Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a former freelance editor, a former journalist, a caffeine addict, a chocoholic, a beach bum, a lover of any great love story, and occasionally she sleeps.

-THE TRUTH ABOUT FAKING (link) is her debut young adult romance.
-THE TRUTH ABOUT LETTING GO (link) is her newest book available now!
-ROUGE (link) is her mature-YA/new adult romantic suspense novel.
-DRAGONFLY (link), Book 1 in her new contemporary romance series releases June 6!

Leigh loves hearing from readers; stop by and say hello:
Blog * Facebook * Amazon Author page * Goodreads

Book Categories & Sassy Surveys!

I've always loved taking fun quizzes (not school quizzes).

Like back when I used to get my Sassy magazine (I had a subscription), I always liked filling out those surveys that told you if That Boy Was a No! or a Go!

I saw him first.
Neener neener.

Or if I had a Bookish Betty personality or a Bubbling Brooke...

(I made those up in case you're wondering. #nerdalert)

So anyway, I've bumped into a Burning Question, and I've decided to turn it into a fun survey for YOU, reader-friends! (whee!)

Here, sit down. I'll French braid your hair while I explain it to you.

It's about Amazon Categories and buying books from online bookstores...

Background: On Sept. 4, 2012, when I hit "publish" on my very first indie book The Truth About Faking (link), I was pretty ignorant about how to reach readers.

I mean, we're talking about a place where there's no bookstore, no clerk, no nothing. How do I let people know what to expect? Well, write a good blurb, and then there's this...

Where do I belong?

Amazon gives indie authors two choices for where to put their books, taken from pre-established BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) categories.

The Truth About Faking is a light romantic comedy in which a 16-year-old girl falls in love with one guy while chasing another. Several things happen, and by the end of the story, she realizes things aren't always as they appear and not to judge books by their covers.

That's the short version. So I say...

Category 1: Juvenile > Fiction > Love & Romance
Category 2: Fiction > Genre Fiction > Coming of Age

There's no "Teen" or "YA" category, so my additional search terms (Amazon allows seven) are: romance, teen, clean, romantic comedy, chicklit, contemporary, young adult

Easy peasy, yes?

Well, it was in September. Readers found the book, it was exactly what they expected, and they either liked it or didn't. Lucky for me, most of them liked it--yaaay!

Fast-forward six months, and along with the 5-star (happy!) reviews, I've been seeing more 2- or 3-stars that complain either, "I didn't expect this to be so innocent." Or simply, "High school." Or this recent 2-star review: "Honestly, this was not a bad read, it was just too young for me. But there were some good messages."

Me = *head scratching*

[Important Note: The reviews are NOT the point. I am NOT slamming these reviewers.]

The Point is finding our intended audience in this new bookstore setting.

I don't want people buying my book expecting one thing and getting something that makes them feel... frustrated. But even more importantly, I want to connect with the readers I'm writing for. I want them to find the book I wrote for them.

So here's the Sassy Survey! Answering the Burning Question, "How do you buy books on Amazon (or online)?" (Whee! Let's see what we learn~)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

And please tell me in the comments your thoughts. Is there some other method I haven't thought about? For example, some people only buy books recommended by friends. Is that you?

Thanks for playing, and have a great week, reader-friends! &lt;3

=================================

Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a former freelance editor, a former journalist, a caffeine addict, a chocoholic, a beach bum, a lover of any great love story, and occasionally she sleeps.

-THE TRUTH ABOUT FAKING (link) is her debut young adult romance.
-ROUGE (link) is her mature-YA/new adult romantic suspense novel.
-THE TRUTH ABOUT LETTING GO (link) is her newest book available now!

Leigh loves hearing from readers; stop by and say hello:Blog * Facebook * Amazon Author page * Goodreads