Historic Western Novel THE KILLING LAND by Jacqueline Seewald

I’m pleased to announce that THE KILLING LAND, a romantic Western suspense thriller is now published by Five Star/Cengage in hardcover as well as ebooks. The novel was years in the making and is my seventh book with Five Star--a lucky number I hope!  A special note of thanks goes to Alice Duncan, my excellent editor at Five Star.

This novel is set principally in the Arizona Territory of the early l880's where a courageous settler from the East and an aristocratic cattle baron become involved in a love/hate relationship. The two, although attracted to each other, are initially distrustful and antagonistic toward one another. The dangers they face draw them together.

Mary suspects that Cal is responsible for trying to drive the homesteaders and sheepherders off the land cattlemen consider rightfully theirs. When her uncle is murdered, Mary intends to discover who is responsible and why. In so doing, she becomes a person of interest to a vicious outlaw.

Here’s an excerpt from near the beginning of the book:

“You’re a fool.”

Mary MacGreggor stared up at the ice-blue eyes of the handsome cowman in front of her with surprise bordering on shock. She simply did not believe he could be so rude. Surely, even in the West, people must learn manners? The tall rancher looked from Uncle Isaac to her, shook his head, and then dismounted.

“Am I to understand you won’t do business with me?” Isaac asked in a calm, quiet voice.

“Didn’t say that, Mr. Stafford.” The rancher glanced over at Mary, raking her boldly from head to toe with a single look she found embarrassing. Unconsciously, Mary’s hand went to her head to straighten her bonnet.

“I never discuss business in front of a lady, not even a pretty one.” His tone was arrogant and patronizing. But then, wasn’t that just the way with rich people, thinking and acting as if they were so much better than everyone else?

And there was no doubt this cowboy was rich. Uncle Isaac had explained to her that Cal Davis owned Rancho Royo and the Thunderbolt, both of which were large spreads, and taken together, the biggest cattle ranch in Arizona. Cal Davis’s property also included much in the way of forested acreage, which was what interested them.

“Mr. Davis, I should introduce you to my niece, Mary MacGreggor. She is also my partner in the farm, since half of the financial investment is hers. You’ll also find she has a good head for business.”

The rancher looked down at her with what she could only interpret as an amused air of superiority. She felt the blood rising to her face and averted her gaze.

“I was told that you planned to meet me here today to ask about buying some of my lumber,” Davis said in a flat voice.

“That’s right. We intend to build a permanent dwelling, and therefore, it should be the best structure we can afford.”

“Why don’t you join me while I pick up some things in the general store and we’ll talk this over.” Although his voice now sounded polite, his manner was still disdainful.

They followed Cal Davis into a store that bore the sign “Emporium” in the front window. Once inside, Mary looked around, noticing that harnesses hung from the ceiling, along with saddles and bridles. The store seemed to sell a little of everything; big sacks of sugar and flour were piled up in one corner, bolts of calico in another.

Cal Davis walked up to the counter and asked the store owner about checking over some accounts. Then he turned back to them once again. Mary surveyed the man. He seemed just as tall out of the saddle as he had looked in it. He was lean but well-built, with broad, muscular shoulders and narrow hips. The man wore fine black leather boots which extended to his knees. A brown work shirt, jeans, leather vest, and brown Stetson completed his wardrobe. Strapped to his thigh was a holstered revolver that made him look dangerous.

“There’s plenty of good pine and fir trees up in the hills. We’ve been blessed that way. But the fact is, I don’t think you’ll be needin’ it.”

Isaac wrinkled his brow, looking much older than his thirty-seven years. “What makes you say that?”

“Plain truth is the land you’ve claimed ain’t fit for farming.”

“I don’t understand,” Mary said. It was the first time she had spoken and both men looked at her. Mr. Davis, in particular, seemed surprised at having a woman comment during a business discussion.

As he removed his hat in what seemed to be a gesture of deference to her, she could not help but notice how sun-streaked his light brown hair was or how it fell in waves over his long forehead. There were slight creases at the corners of his eyes as if he were accustomed to squinting at the sun.

“ Ma’am, we’ve always used that land for grazing Thunderbolt cattle. It just ain’t fit for anything else.”

“My uncle thinks it could be.”

His mouth smiled, but his eyes were anything but friendly. She met his level gaze directly, looking up into the tanned, weather-beaten face.

* * * * *

Here’s what the first reviewer had to say about the novel:

"The rugged West, a greedy villain, violence, and true love…Jacqueline 

Seewald brings it all."  

Pamela Nowak 

2014 Colorado Book Award 

HOLT Medallion Winner 

Booklist Top 10 

2010 RMFW Writer of the Year 

You can check out THE KILLING LAND at:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Killing-Land-Jacqueline-Seewald/dp/1432831194

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-killing-land-jacqueline-seewald/1122846630

and many other booksellers.

You can also put in a request for this novel at your local library.

I am offering a print giveaway of THE KILLING LAND. The ARCs were printed in trade paperback. Please leave an e-mail or web address in the comments section if interested. There will be a random drawing. The winner(s) will be announced here one week from today.

Thanks for dropping by!

When Do You Need an Agent?

When is the right time for you to approach a literary agent? For some writers the answer to this question is never.  Okay, maybe I better explain.

 

First, you should have written a complete book before you approach an agent.

Also, agents do not represent short stories or articles or poems. They do, however, represent screenplays, collections of short stories or poetry.

Second, an agent is an agent is an agent—right? Wrong!! There are all kinds of agents, some reputable, some not. A reputable agent doesn’t charge you fees but instead takes a percentage of the sale, usually anywhere from 10 to 20%.  Anyone who asks you for money upfront is a scammer.

Third, you have to look for an agent who represents the type of book you have written. Some agents only want nonfiction, some are looking for formula romance.  Some are into mysteries while others want literary work. Agents for children’s work might be looking for picture books, middle grades fiction or YA.

 Four, is this agent open to new submissions? You have to find this out before you ever submit a query letter; otherwise you’re just wasting their time and more importantly your own. WRITER’S MARKET can help you. Ask for the latest edition at the reference section of your local library. Also there are plenty of online listings that offer information. All you have to do is use Google to search. Agents list their areas of interest and expertise.

Check out:

http://www.victoriastrauss.com/advice/safest/ (Helpful advice)

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/literary-fiction-agents

http://www.pw.org/literary_agents?perpage=*

http://www.agentquery.com/

http://aaronline.org/dirlit

What can an agent do for you? An agent will try to sell your manuscript to a publishing house, will handle contract negotiations and will stand as a buffer between you and the publisher. They will also try to negotiate an advance against royalties.

An agent will shop your manuscript around publishing houses, using inside knowledge to (hopefully) place it with the right editor. Maybe the agent was formerly associated with a particular house as an editor. If the agent and publisher are located in the same place like NYC, maybe the agent can “do lunch” with the appropriate editor. The major agents network with editors at the big publishing houses, the ones you really hope will buy your writing. These are the publishers who only look at work submitted through agents.

In addition, before you approach an agent with your well-written query letter, make certain that your manuscript is as polished as possible. This means making certain there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Quality writing is crucial. If you were an English major or a journalism student, that’s great. If not, consider taking a writing course, if you haven’t had at least one already. The competition is tough.

If an agent does consent to look at your work, make certain to read carefully and follow their guidelines exactly. Some will look at a synopsis and sample chapters, others want to see the entire manuscript.

As for me, I currently have contracted with a reputable agent and hope this arrangement will work out. I had several agents in the past that sold none of my work. I myself sold fifteen books of fiction to publishers, negotiated contracts and advances.

So does everyone need an agent? Probably not. Each writer has to make that decision for herself or himself. What do you think?  Any insights or experiences that you care to share are very welcome.

Best Books of 2015 by Jacqueline Seewald

As 2015 quickly draws to a close, let’s take a bit of time to recall some of the best books of 2015. However, I’m requesting that readers and writers comment on the best Indy books published this past year, books that were likely overlooked because they weren’t out with the Big Five publishers but rather small publishers or even self-published. Let us share together and give these books some recognition before the year ends.

Here are a few of the Indy authors I read this year, whose writing I liked and reviewed: Nancy Cohen, Susan Coryell, Allan Emerson, Patricia Gligor, Karen King and Nancy Means Wright. Each of these authors is with a small publisher. On the self-publishing side, I recently read and reviewed Larry Spinrad’s first novel, a political thriller.

Two of my own novels were published this year as well:

DARK MOON RISING from Luminosity, a gothic romantic mystery thriller for adult readers in all ebook formats and print.

STACY’S SONG from Clean Reads Press, a YA romance/coming-of-age novel follows THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER, also a YA novel published by Clean Reads.

So what books do you like? It doesn’t matter whether or not they received just a few reviews, little recognition, promotion or publicity. A lot of talented writers remain virtually unknown. Help fellow readers discover them. Authors are welcome to mention their own books.

Perfect Presents for the Holidays by Jacqueline Seewald

 The holidays are a great time to gift friends, family or yourself with books to read. With people going on vacation, many individuals enjoy relaxing with a good book. And there certainly are a lot of them being published! You can find books to suit every age and taste whether fiction or nonfiction.

I’m going to recommend my own most recent book to readers and hope you’ll forgive the commercial message. STACY’S SONG from Clean Reads Press is a perfect YA coming-of–age/romance for the holidays. The novel has positive family values and ends at Christmas on an inspiring, uplifting note. Friends, mothers, aunts, grandmothers should consider gifting this novel to teenage girls. Available in ALL ebook formats.

Check out the great reviews on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0177E67CQ

Okay, now here’s your opportunity to share the books you think will make for good holiday reading. Feel free to mention books you’ve recently published if you’re an author, books you have on your wish list or recently read and enjoyed as a reader. Comments/suggestions are welcome here to share.

Interview With Author Karen King by Jacqueline Seewald

Karen King is my guest today. She’s a well-published author. Karen has had over one hundred and twenty children’s books published by mainstream publishers such as Walker, Scholastic, Harper Collins and Macmillan. She’s written for many children's magazines too including Sindy, Barbie, Winnie the Pooh and Thomas the Tank Engine. She writes for all ages and in all genres; story books, picture books, plays, joke books, non-fiction and YA.

Karen, how did you get started writing?

I've always written. I had my first poem published when I was 11. I started my writing career with Jackie magazine, writing articles and photo stories.

Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?

It depends whether I'm writing to a commission or not. If I'm commissioned I have to plot as I have to send a synopsis and the first couple of chapters to my editor. If I'm not writing to a commission I work out the basic outline of my story then write 'by the seat of my pants.'

Are you most productive in the morning or evening?

Morning. Often I get out of bed and start writing straight away. I'm full of ideas in the morning.

Karen, I both read and reviewed your new Middle Grades novel WITCH ANGEL, and I enjoyed the book very much. Can you tell readers more about it?

 Tag Line:

Should Aluna betray her father to save the world?

Blurb:

Aluna’s father is the Master Wizard of the Katalan. On her thirteenth birthday she is initiated into the coven and swears allegiance to her clan. Then she has a vision about the mother she has never known and a gold sceptre with an eagle’s head handle.

She discovers that the mysterious new girl, Raffie, who appeared out of nowhere is looking for the same sceptre. Aluna hopes the sceptre will lead her to her mother so swears an oath of friendship with Raffie, pledging to find it together only to discover that Raffie is Angleyt. They are sworn enemies.

Aluna’s father is looking for the sceptre too, as are the evil Bygnorim.  Will Aluna really betray her father? What dreadful secret is he hiding about her mother? Aluna and Raffie face terrible danger in their quest. Are their combined powers strong enough or will Darke Magyck win?

Extract:

Outside, the moon shone brightly in an almost starless sky. The incense was already burning, and a cauldron of herbs was bubbling away near the altar. Aluna could smell the bitter aroma of the mudreef. The circle hadn’t been drawn yet, her father wouldn’t do that until the coven were all standing together. Witches, dressed in black, and wizards with their brightly coloured gowns of purple, red, and blue were already gathering for the ceremony. Sometimes, two or more would be initiated at the same time, but tonight there was only Aluna. The daughter of the Master Wizard had to have her own ceremony.

Aluna recited the oath and spells under her breath as everyone gathered together and held hands, forming a circle around her. Mirassa, the head witch, dipped a goblet in the bubbling liquid, leaving it on the altar stone to cool.

Aluna’s father picked up the white chalk and drew a circle around them all before stepping inside and closing it. 

“A circle around us to bind us together,

Let no one break it or be banished forever.” 

They all repeated the oath. Her father said a loyalty spell over the goblet, took a sip of the herbal drink and passed it to Aluna. She braced herself for the sour taste of the mudreef and swallowed quickly. Her throat burned and she wished she’d been able to find the sweeter tasting fissleshoot.  

The goblet was passed around the rest of the group so they could all take a sip. The ritual bound them all together. If anyone left or betrayed the coven, then no Katalan would ever speak to them again. When you joined, you joined for life.

Aluna’s father called her forward to test her on her spells. First, the three most important spells: the protection, the prevention, and the returning spell—spells to protect you from harm, to stop bad magic, and to help you get back home. Other spells followed: the lost and found spell, the vanishing spell, and the shrinking spell. Aluna remembered them all. Although her father’s face was solemn, she knew from the look in his eyes that she had pleased him. 

Now, it was time for the oath. The coven fell silent as Aluna’s father held out his left hand. Aluna linked the little finger on her left hand with his as she repeated the oath:  

“Earth, water, air, and fire,

This oath I solemnly swear,

Joining this coven is my desire

I never will its secrets share.” 

Mirassa stepped forward, holding a red cushion. Nestled on the cushion was a clear crystal sphere on a silver chain–the symbol of the Katalan coven. All the crystals were clear to begin with then changed colour according to the aura of the witch. What colour would Aluna’s become?

Her father lifted the pendant off the chain and put it around her neck, reciting the ancient blessing. As the sphere touched her skin, Aluna felt her body tingle. Was her special power coming to her already? 

The crystal started to glow, changing colour. Aluna watched as it went through a rainbow of colours before settling into a silvery blue.

There was a gasp from the coven. Aluna looked over at her father and saw that he was staring at her, his eyes narrowed. What was wrong?

 “It’s blue,” said Milav, one of the older witches. “We haven’t had a blue crystal for many years.”

“Not since Kristen,” someone else whispered.

Kristen. That was her mother’s name. Aluna shot a look at her father’s rigid face and steely eyes. He was angry, she realised, her stomach tightening. Was it because she had the same colour crystal as her mother? Maybe she had the same power as well.

 Although she had no idea what her mother’s power was. Or anything about her mother at all. Neither her father or Sariah would talk about her. The power could manifest almost immediately, though it often took several days. 

Oh, I hope I get it soon!

Amazon:   http://bookgoodies.com/a/B0176VUAAK

Links

Website: www.karenking.net

Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn&__adt=7&__att=iframe#!/KarenKingAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/74448.Karen_King

Twitter: @karen_king

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/karenkingauthor/

Thank you for hosting me!

*****

Your comments for Karen are welcome here.

Reading Romance: Making the Right Selections by Jacqueline Seewald

Although I’m a writer, I’m also a reader. In fact, I was a reader long before I became a writer. Reading inspired me to write. I would rather read fiction than nonfiction, although I do read both. I also enjoy reading and writing poetry. I love theatre and read and write plays and screenplays. My tastes are eclectic. But this blog isn’t about me, it’s about you the reader. So let’s get to it!

I’m discussing romance fiction. I admit it’s my secret love as a reader. I’m assuming you too like to read romance. Today more romance novels are being published than ever before. It’s a virtual deluge! At one time, if you were a fan of romance fiction, you borrowed hardcover or paperback books from the library. But libraries are feeling the pinch due to a poor economy and not buying as many titles as before. One solution is to go to a bookstore and buy paperbacks. But brick and mortar bookstores are going out of business. Part of this is due to online bookstores such as Amazon, now a giant in the industry. Digital books sold there and on other sites offer free and sale books constantly.

The big six of publishing have publicized and provided us with some outstanding romance writers such as Jane Ann Krentz, Nora Roberts, Mary Balogh, Robin Carr, Carla Neggers etc. Truthfully, it’s a long, long list including branded, certified writers that almost always provide good reads.

Currently, I am finding good reads among independent publishers. These are small presses that are particular about the books they accept. They provide professional editing and cover art. Their prices for digital and paperbacks are kept low in order to attract readers. The big problem is that the writers get virtually no promotion or publicity so that you the reader don’t get to know who they are or if their novels are a good fit for you. Self-published authors are in a similar predicament. Many of them write quality fiction, but finding a readership proves difficult.

With this in mind, I’m inviting writers to post in the comments to this blog. Tell readers a little about your current romance novel. Give us a brief blurb and a buy or site reference.

Readers, please discuss the type of romances you like to read.

I’ll get this started by mentioning two of my own romances.

DARK MOON RISING, adult Gothic paranormal romance from Luminosity, is available in All e-book formats and now in print. Check out the Five Star reviews on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z7824A4/

YA romance STACY’S SONG has been released in a new rewritten re-edited digital edition by Clean Reads Press which published THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER. Both novels are selling at bargain prices.  

Excellent editorial reviews on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0177E67CQ

Okay, now it’s your turn to communicate!

STACY’S SONG: Now Published in E-Book Formats!

 It’s my great pleasure to announce that STACY’S SONG has been released in a brand new digital edition by Clean Reads Press which previously published THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER, a novel popular with readers.

A young adult romance, STACY’S SONG, is special in many ways. Stacy’s attraction to a musician forces her to make some hard choices. The implied message is a good one--be true to who you are.

                       Check out some of the reviews posted on Amazon:

                          http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0177E67CQ

Editorial Reviews:

"Young readers will embrace Stacy...STACY'S SONG is a well written story about those awkward teen years, when the ugly duckling turns into a swan, and the rocky roads that teenagers traverse. This is an enjoyable, fun read, and I recommend it for young adults."
Deborah C Jackson, Romance Reviews Today
***** 

"This is a fun and speedy read, with a lead character you can't help liking...You don't have to be a teen to get a hoot out of this. Recommended." 

Snapdragon, Long and Short Reviews
 *****

"This is a wonderful young adult novel! Full of honest emotion, problems, conflict and a cast of fascinating characters, STACY'S SONG is a heartwarming story of a girl growing up and learning how to make thoughtful decisions that will affect her life today and in the future."
Alice Duncan, multiple award-winning author
*****

"This is an entertaining young adult tale starring a likable high school age girl who goes from being the outside freak to the in-crowd. Stacy is stupendous as she struggles with two boys; one is charming while the other is demanding. Who will she choose particularly since her dad has already selected who he wants kicked to the curb." 
Harriet Klausner, The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews
*****

“Jacqueline Seewald expertly portrays the mindset of teenagers struggling for their place in the world and ultimate independence. Stacy is an endearing character, a young woman who loves her parents but wants the right to choose what to do with her life. Readers are drawn into Stacy's world as she struggles to make the right choices which will affect her future. This well-written coming-of-age novel is heartwarming and engaging and sure to be a popular addition to the young-adult genre.”   

Christy Tillery French, Midwest Book Review

Besides Amazon, STACY'S SONG IS available from:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stacys-song-jacqueline-seewald/1100389252?ean=2940150872493

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/stacy-s-song

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/588465

I believe it’s the kind of novel that mothers will want to share with their daughters. Here is a brief excerpt from the beginning of the book:

Chapter One

When I was in junior high school, the boys used to call me “Giraffe.” I hated it, but they were right. I towered over them. On top of that, I had this skinny, long neck. Things got better when I became a sophomore in high school. It seemed as though most of the boys in my class finally caught up with me and I didn’t feel so gawky anymore. But I’m still taller and skinnier than any of my friends.