To give them a future he has to take away their past...
Thrust into a new reality, Daniel desperately seeks the one person who is supposed to have all the answers, but when he finally finds the mysterious magician, he quickly realizes The Great Magnifio is nothing more than a stylish con man.
With only a letter and a handful of clues, Daniel is in a race to uncover the truth and discover a way to save Mary and the others. However, a sinister revenge is being plotted behind his back and with his own existence in the balance every action may cause his own demise. Knowing the trick spoils the magic, but Daniel is running out of hope...and time.
Publishing this final part of the Night Shift trilogy is bitter
sweet. These characters have been with me the longest, and in a
way they taught me how to write. It has always been my intent to
produce a story worthy of the inspiration they have given me.
I started writing this series in March 2009 and finished in
November of the following year. This was my first time writing
anything of this length and I fell in love with the process. The
novels went through two agents, countless editors, and many,
many, like, a lot of revisions. However,the initial thrill of visiting Willard’s department storenever lost itscharm for me.
In the end, I decided to self publish the series and was extremely fortunate to have the wonderful Penelope Jackson edit all three books for me. She was the editor who took on my very first published novel, Butterflies Don't Lie so I knew Daniel and the gang would be in good hands and a good heart.
FINAL SALE is now available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
Click here to visit the Pinterest inspiration board.
I'm a big supporter of sharing my work online. As some of you know, I almost gave up on writing and then I discovered Wattpad...you can read about that here.
Now, seven published novels later, I'm excited to be partaking in Swoon Reads!
What is Swoon Reads you ask?
It's pretty cool, actually. Like Wattpad, stories are posted on their site for free. Then readers can comment and vote, letting the Swoon Reads Staff know which books are resonating with the reading community, thereby helping them find their next author! But don't take my word for it, here's their twitter bio.
We publish the latest and greatest in YA fiction with the help of readers and writers like you, because we believe that great books are better shared.
Yes, books really are better shared! My mantra.
I've submitted my latest manuscript, NEVER ONCE to Swoon Reads, hoping it finds a loyal following to enchant and charm the pants off.
Hmm...sorry? What's my book about? Oh, right.
*clears throat* It's a gender swapped retelling of Cinderella with a sci-fi twist.
*cues epic romantic soundtrack with an underlying impish beat in the strings section* As heir to an impoverished planet, eighteen-year-old Princess Tianna is forced to select a husband from an array of interplanetary suitors to ensure a viable future for her people. But instead of choosing a wedding gown, she steals a spaceship determined to flee the arranged marriage.
Tired of being treated like a slave at his stepfather’s android repair shop, Sinter trades in his safety goggles for a tailored suit and executes a daring escape, only to end up stowing away in Princess Tianna's ship by mistake.
Sparks fly as the two opposites battle wits, but they soon realize their schemes of escape come at a dangerous price when they inadvertently uncover a plot to overthrow the monarchy. As they work together to expose the mysterious rebel leader, Tianna and Sinter are surprised to find they share an unexplainable bond and soon their attraction is too great to resist.
Racked with guilt, Sinter decides to reveal his true identity on the night of the ball, but testing Tianna’s affections will cause a deadly chain of events to unfold because the rebels are plotting an assassination and the hired killer is the very last person he suspects.
WHEE!!! How can you resist?
Guess what, you don't have to! Head over to Swoon Reads at this link right HERE and you can start reading Never Once speedy quick.
Psst...don't forget to rate the story and comment.
Wattpad was essential to me becoming a published author. I blogged about that here. My gratitude for the community of writers and readers goes far and wide.
I don't read reviews on Goodreads because those comments are meant for potential readers not me, the author. And I've never read a comment yet that could improve my writing.
However, I recently received a message from a Wattpad reader about NIGHT SHIFT. They were upset the rest of the books in the series were not on the site in their entirety and would have to buy them to find out how the rest of the story goes. And because of this they were boycotting all my present/future books.
I felt horrible. So I waited for the emotion to take a backseat to reason before I responded.
What bothered me was how this felt like an attack on my character as opposed to a comment about my characters. This had nothing to do with my writing, but rather my choice as an author to use Wattpad as a platform to further my brand. And I should add that when I made the decision to post NIGHT SHIFT, the other two books in the series hadn't been written.
I realize this reader doesn't understand the cost of self publishing, or that I'm presently saving money to finance the last book in the series, or that I'm losing revenue because NIGHT SHIFT is up in its entirety for free.
I considered not responding at all.
But when I reread the comment the next day, it was clear my professionalism was in question and I decided this was worth defending. I saw an opportunity to demonstrate that I'd heard their concern and then I offered a solution. Here's what I said...
To date there has been no reply, but the response from other writers has been outstanding. I think we love writing so much that we forget putting all those words down is actual work, and what we do—by creating stories for others to enjoy—should never be undervalued.
I'm trying a new way of tackling #NaNoWriMo, (National Novel Writing Month). I'm going to be posting my story chapter by chapter on Wattpad. Why? A few reasons actually. 1. Motivation: There is nothing that makes me write faster than a reader asking, 'What happens next? Dying for the next update. UPDATE PLEASE!' 2. Gratitude: Wattpad has been essential in helping me achieve my goal of being published. I want to share this story as a thank you for all the opportunity the Wattpad readers have given me. 3. Immediate feedback: It's like having a built in army of BETA readers. 4. Building a fan base: If more people are checking out your profile because you're currently engaging them, they'll also be more likely to be interested in other projects you're already written. 5. Connecting with other writers: Writing is a solitary activity and sometimes we need to lean on one another for support. Wattpad leads to all other online sites. Never underestimate the power of a good Twitter buddy. 6. Popularity: Just kidding, although it is another motivator when you see the numbers go up for your story. 7. Star Search: Since Wattpad is driven by readers, it can be an important tool in determining what the next trend will be, therefore, Wattpad is crawling with agents/editors/publishers who are trolling, regularly keeping an eye on the writers who are making an impact. What are your motivations for #NaWriNoMo?
The idea came to me almost twenty years ago when I got lost inside Harrods. I remember wandering around the sumptuous confectionery wishing I had the whole store to myself.
And now, after eight years of writing, revising, querying, two agents, and countless submissions, I've made the decision to make this dream come true on my own.
I'm self publishing NIGHT SHIFT!!!!!!
Having published three books the traditional route, (with a fourth out this July, DIADEM OF DEATH) and the wonderful support from Wattpad readers, I knew this was the best time for me to take the plunge into self publishing.
The first thing I did was contact the editor who had worked on my other books—lucky for me she was available. Next, I hired the artist who had done the cover for ASP OF ASCENSION. Emma Dolan was able to give NIGHT SHIFT a slick new look.
Here's a little bit about the book:
At Willard's department store, none of the night security guards survive for long, and eighteen-year-old Daniel Gale is about to discover why.
Tired of endless hotels and living out of his backpack, he ignores the clerk's gossip about the old building being haunted and takes the job as the newest night guard. On his first shift, Daniel narrowly escapes a fatal drop down the elevator shaft, and is rescued by Mary, a bossy and intriguing girl who is far too beautiful for after hours inventory.
Anticipating every night shift as a chance to be with her, Daniel thinks his traveling days are over hoping that New York City is the place to call home. But as his life becomes more entwined with Willard's, Daniel senses unnatural changes and bizarre coincidences, both with Mary and the store itself. Soon he suspects Willard's is hiding something more sinister than gossip about ghosts—something that could make him the next casualty of the NIGHT SHIFT.
Okay, enough words. Scroll down for the official cover of NIGHT SHIFT.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Emma Dolan was able to come up with this design simply from the query letter. She has no idea how intuitive she is! I love the colour scheme and of course the one tiny light on at the top.
he gray-haired security guard narrowed his eyes, taking
in Daniel’s faded pea coat over the hoodie, and his worn out backpack. Months
of travelling had left its mark; his clothes were dingy, he hadn’t shaved in a
few days, and even his skin was pale and tired-looking.
Daniel caught his
reflection in one of the video monitors that lined the opposite wall, tracking
all the movements inside Willard’s department store. No one from school would
recognize the zombie he’d become.
The man’s wrinkled fingers
drummed on the antique wooden desk beside Daniel’s pathetic, half-page resume.
“You left the education section blank,” he said curtly.
“I’m a few credits short of
graduating from high school.” A few plus some more, Daniel thought to
himself. Then he added quickly, “I’m hoping to finish by correspondence in the
next few months.” A lie. A diploma was the last thing on his “to do” list.
“You dropped out?”
“No.” Daniel’s cheeks grew
warm. He faked a cough, hoping to disguise the blush. He hadn’t anticipated
having to explain his circumstances. “I just didn’t finish the last semester.”
“Any trouble with the law?”
“No, sir.”
“You can call me Mr.
Oliver,” he instructed. His eyes barely stayed on Daniel before his attention
returned to the paper.
“Okay…” There was an
uncomfortable pause, then he added, “Mr. Oliver.”
“Daniel Gale,” he read, his
finger going over the resume as if reading it by brail. “Not a very common
name.”
Daniel stayed quiet, unsure
how to respond. He didn’t think his name was all that special.
The questions started
again. “You’re a long way from home. Why?”
“I’m eighteen,” Daniel
answered, slightly put out by the insinuation he was a helpless kid. “I’ve been
travelling.”
“But not anymore?” One
white eyebrow arched, but Mr. Oliver didn’t look up.
Daniel was struck by a
heavy gloom. He needed this job; it was his last hope.
The thought of getting on
another plane made him sick. Long ago, he’d made a game of trying to guess
which of his fellow passengers had someone waiting for them. A woman with an
infant would more than likely be embraced by anxious grandparents, waving a new
teddy bear. The middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap was always picked up by
his brother or sister. And the girl who checked her makeup just before the
plane landed was meeting a boyfriend.
But there was never anyone
waiting for Daniel.
Before he could put a spin
on his situation, Mr. Oliver spoke again. “Next of kin is your lawyer.” It
wasn’t a question, but he paused, waiting for an explanation.
“My parents are, um…gone.”
Daniel looked down at his scuffed loafers, taken from his father’s closet the
day he left home.
“Ever work in a department
store?” Mr. Oliver asked. Clearly, the fact that Daniel was on his own didn’t
concern or interest him. Daniel guessed if he’d been purposely going for the
sympathy angle, it wouldn’t have worked on this tough crank.
“No,” he answered.
“Any experience with
security?”
“No.”
“How long have you lived in
the city?” he asked suspiciously, as if trying to catch Daniel in a lie.
“Just arrived.” Daniel felt
like he was in his school’s state hockey championship all over again, but this
time, every slap shot was missing the net. His fingers slipped inside his
jacket pocket and found the small round object. He managed a half smile—feeling
the Magic 8 Ball keychain always made him relax.
“I see,” Mr. Oliver said,
studying him. He smoothed out his royal blue tie, letting his fingers pause at
the golden W on the clip.
Daniel squirmed, making the
wooden chair squeak.
“Do you believe in
ghosts?”
He cocked his head to one
side, unsure if he’d heard correctly. “Um, ghosts?” Daniel didn’t dare crack a
joke; in fact, the old guy was creeping him out. Why was it important for a
night security guard to believe in ghosts? He shifted his weight in the chair
again, trying to buy time to think. He was totally unprepared for this
interview. The silence grew painfully long; he had to say something.
Daniel took a deep breath. He knew all about the finality of death. “No,” he
said. “I don’t believe in ghosts.”
“Good. Willard’s has a bit
of a reputation—unfortunately. The store goes through a lot of night guards.”
“Oh,” Daniel said. His gaze
flicked around the room, wondering if there was a hidden camera on him. Maybe
this was some psychological component of the interview? “Excuse me, but by ‘go
through,’ what do you mean?”
“They quit.”
“Oh,” Daniel said again.
Mr. Oliver folded his hands
on the green blotter and stared back. “Why do you want to work here?”
Daniel’s fist squeezed the
keychain inside his pocket. He met Mr. Oliver’s gaze and told him the truth.
“Because it’s just what I need.”
Mr. Oliver let out a long
breath, and then added Daniel’s thin resume to a pile of more substantial
hopefuls, making the outcome of this disastrous interview obvious. Daniel’s
last bit of hope faded, and the disappointment weighed on him like a wet
blanket.
“Thank you for your
interest in Willard’s,” Mr. Oliver said, nodding toward the door. “Come to the
office tomorrow, half an hour before the store closes. We’ll get you fitted for
a uniform.”
Daniel almost fell out of
the chair. “I got the job?”
“Don’t be late,” he said,
then paused, and his voice dropped a few notes. “Daniel Gale.”
“I won’t. Thank you!”
Daniel was stunned for a moment, unable to move. Mr. Oliver frowned at him, and
then motioned impatiently to the door again.
Daniel left the security
office, shouldering his backpack, suddenly giddy with his change in luck. He
leaned against a long glass counter and grinned. He was finally getting closer
to finding an answer.
I usually post this the end of December, but I was knee deep in revisions for two different books, and then Christmas came ... and Netflix.
Anyway, the 'year in review' post has become a bit of a tradition for me. I recommend all writers (published and otherwise) take on this annual exercise. I've found going through the year a great way to re-examine my original goals and help set new ones for 2016. Plus, there's all those 'oh yeah, that happened' moments.
Here are my posts for 2012, 2013, and 2014. So ... grab your popcorn folks, here's what happened in 2015.
Sent off final edits for JUST JESSE (companion novel to BUTTERFLIES DONT' LIE) to Nimbus Publishing.
Met with Fierce Ink Press to discuss cover ideas and book launch venues (whoo-hoo) ANNNND signed contract for book two of the series, DIADEM OF DEATH! (double whoo-hoo)
Traveled with family to Barcelona! So, so, so wonderfully gorgeous and delicious. I recommend the bikini sandwich at Tapas 24.
Halifax has two crippling snow storms three days apart. No one can remember why we still live here.
Most popular blog post that month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 16 "Poor Unfortunate Soul"
April Happy Easter!
Worked on first draft of DIADEM OF DEATH.
The last of the snow finally melts. No, seriously.
New title for JUST JESSE is *drum roll* ... GIRL ON THE RUN. The editor and I discuss cover options. Good times!
A few rejections roll in for NIGHT SHIFT. It's still a featured novel on Wattpad and has consistently ranked in the top fifty since it was posted a year before.
Lovely weekend spent in Old Quebec city. Let me tell you, they do poutine and coffee like nobody's business.
Had book blitz and cover reveal for GIRL ON THE RUN. The fantastic publicist at Nimbus, Tom Ryan (who also happens to be a prolific YA author) made the snazzy trailer.
Celebrated Word On The Street at the bee-u-tee-ful Halifax library, or as Sarah Sawler likes to call it, Halifax's Book Palace. I had the opportunity to share a YA panel with the effervescent and hilarious, Melody Fitzpatrick. I don't have a picture of us together, but here's the Nimbus gang working hard at the book signing booth.
Had book launch for GIRL ON THE RUN! Some of the prizes included ...
Received four stars, highly recommended reviews for both ASP OF ASCENSION and GIRL ON THE RUN from the CM Magazine!
"...an amazing mix of reality, mystery, and fantasy. Asp of Ascension is a really gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their chairs right to the end."
"Quick-paced with lots of twists, readers will love Girl on the Run."
I celebrated with sushi from Wassabi House.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time, Season 5 Episode 1 "Dark Swan"
October
Now that all the books had been launched, it was time to get to my reading pile. I was thrilled to discover, AMRITAby Banana Yoshimoto. I also finished GIRL ON THE TRAIN, and THE MARTIAN.
Most popular blog post for month is "Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 5 "Dream Catcher"
Went to my first Hal-Con and signed copies of ASP OF ASCENSION; fitting since Star Trek is mentioned in the dedication.
November
Book signings galore! I love book signings when the store is all decked out for Christmas. I was especially grateful to have three books on the table this time.
Received my last EVER rejection for NIGHT SHIFT. That's because I made the decision to stop querying and self-publish the series. *takes deep breath, plugs nose, jumps from high diving board*
Lucky enough to enlist Penelope Jackson (editor super star) to edit NIGHT SHIFT.
Worked on creative portfolio for cover artist.
Began work on final edits for NIGHT SHIFT!
Got a sample of covers that are all beautiful. Picked the one that was a perfect mix of style and mystery. (I'd love to show you, but you'll have to wait for the reveal).
Tackled first round of edits for DIADEM OF DEATH. I can't wait to make book art for this one!
Enjoyed getting my skates on again as the Oval opened for another season.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time Season 5, Episode 11 "Swan Song"
Goals for 2016
Write a combined novel for both Kelsey (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) and Jesse (GIRL ON THE RUN).
Skate on the Oval more.
Somehow get chosen to be a parade marshal.
Outline third novel for The Nefertari Hughes Mystery series.
Find the agent who is the right fit for my secret project.
"Quick paced with lots of twists and turns, readers will love 'GIRL on the RUN.' ~ CM Magazine. Four star review, highly recommended.
I am more than thrilled to FINALLY share Jesse's story. I first wrote this book five years ago. The manuscript went through two agents and almost a total of two years of being on submission. I was so completely disheartened by all the rejections, I almost gave up on writing.
Then I discovered Wattpad. I posted a novella with cross over characters to boost interest in Jesse's story. That story (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) quickly gathered its own audience of over two million reads, demanding to buy the book. I decided to send my novella out on my own. Soon afterward, my agent and I amicably parted ways.
Nimbus Publishing, the largest publisher on the East Coast, picked it out of the slush pile and BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE was sold. A week later, GIRL ON THE RUN was bought by them as well.
So, lesson learned. Don't ever give up.
But I'm so grateful for the previous rejections because Jesse ended up with the right publisher. I couldn't be more pleased with Nimbus and the awesome editorial magic of Penelope Jackson and Whitney Moran.
And now you can WIN your very own copy of GIRL ON THE RUN, plus the book that started it all, BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE!
Check out the blitz that's happening this week for your chance to enter!
Here's some eye candy on the Pinterest Board to further tempt you.
And you can add it on Goodreads too, you lucky doll!
FINAL SALE, the last book in the NIGHT SHIFT series, will soon be published on Wattpad! In honour of this event, I gave the covers fresh new looks that hopefully reflect the elegant yet mysterious quality of Willard's department store.
And yes, that is the Manhattan skyline on the key in BLACK FRIDAY.
Look closely at the cover for FINAL SALE, you'll notice the number twelve on the pocket watch is replaced with a W...for Willard's, of course.
No one lasts for long on night shift and sixteen-year- old Daniel Gale is about to discover why.
As Daniel searches for clues to Mary's mysterious existence and a means for her escape, a confession from beyond the grave makes them question everything they thought was true.
Flung into a different reality and desperate for answers, Daniel must rely on the one person he trusts the least or risk never seeing Mary again.
What do you think? Did I get your attention? You can read the series here on Wattpad for FREE!
Sometimes the best matches are the ones you least expect.
Sixteen year old, magazine quiz junkie, Kelsey Sinclair wants to make this summer unforgettable by (hopefully) seducing her secret crush, Blaine Mulder. Armed with romance advice articles, Kelsey tackles true love with scientific precision, including getting a job at the seaside restaurant that overlooks the yacht club where Blaine teaches sailing.
However, visions of rendezvous on the beach are clouded when the new kitchen guy's laid back attitude and smouldering stare quickly get under her skin. With his renegade demeanour and unpredictable stunts, Luke is the opposite to Blaine's golden boy reputation.
Determined to follow through with her original goal, Kelsey ignores her growing attraction to Luke, certain he's not the guy for her. But when she finally manages to get Blaine's attention, Kelsey worries the magazines are all wrong, and that sometimes the best matches are the ones you least expect.
Originally featured on Wattpad, it received over 2.5 million reads in three months!
For character pictures, quotes, a playlist and various other interesting folly, check out the inspiration board on Pinteresthere.
BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE, is loosely based on my own summer job experiences (except the romantic bits, unfortunately) working as a busgirl at The Captain's House restaurant in my beautiful hometown of Chester, Nova Scotia.
Psst ... Kelsey's mix ups and blunders at work were inspired by my own debacles as a busgirl, but one particularly embarrassing episode that didn't make it into the book was the time I got stuck in the dumbwaiter — I guess it was a slow day.
And now for the moment you've all been waiting for, stuff you can win ...*drum roll*
2 autographed copies of BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE
1 Alex and Ani butterfly charm bangle
PLUS ... a mystery prize that is guaranteed to make your friends jealous.
.jpg)
