YA Novel Malcontent Free

In honor of my birthday month, I have given those within my mailing list the opportunity to download Malcontent, book three of the Restraint Trilogy, for FREE.

The way the Restraint Trilogy works is that the beginning is the end and the story works its way towards the revealed ending.  Malcontent is the third book, but as the other books, it is really the beginning of the nightmare that ensued in the lives of three women.

If you log into Smashwords.com, you can download Malcontent for free by using a coupon code.  This code will only work for the month of October.  Please share with anyone who might be interested in reading a YA vampire novel.

The code is: GT94R

Smashwords Sale Codes

Today is the first day of Smashwords Sale, and in order to add the books of the Restraint Trilogy in your cart for $0.99, you will need a coupon code.


Buy Lament: A Restraint Novel for $0.99 at Smashwords.
     Coupon Code: PT72G

Buy Malcontent: A Restraint Novel for $0.99 at Smashwords.
     Coupon Code: ED73R


With these coupons, the entire Restraint Trilogy will be under $3.00 US which is less than you would spend buying Malcontent at its regular price of $3.99. Take advantage of sale this weekend and remember to leave a review after you have read the books.  Thanks!

Smashwords Sale!

Hello, everyone.

As a special treat to honor the release of Malcontent, I will be putting Lament and Malcontent on sale for $0.99.  That means that each book will be less than a dollar each for a whole weekend.  If you have not read this series, I invite you to while it is on sale.  Smashwords, for those that don't have an account, is great because it offers all formats, including .epub for Nooks and .mobi for Kindles.  The sale will take place this weekend, from Friday the 18th to Sunday the 20th.

As for finding out about upcoming sales and releases, there is a way to follow all of my blog posts by entering your email on the right of the screen.  Please be sure to use that option, because I plan to announce a sale before the release of Wicked Love.

Have a happy holiday weekend filled with many blessings!  Thanks!


My Smashwords Page

Malcontent Published!

Hello, everyone!

Malcontent, the final book in the Restraint Trilogy, has finally been published on Smashwords and Amazon.  It will be available very soon on BarnesandNoble.com.  The upload on that site has been giving me some issues so it will have to wait until tomorrow to work out the kinks.

I have really grown to love these characters, and I'm sad to say goodbye to them; yet, I am happy with the final outcome. Malcontent was the hardest book for me to write. It seemed like a giant puzzle piece that I had to make work in so many aspects, but the result was worth it, and now I can put these characters to bed.

Onto the next project... Wicked Love: A Weeping Willow Novel.

Thank you!



Malcontent is currently available for purchase at... Smashwords and Amazon.

Update on Malcontent

Hello, everyone.

I am happy to report that, after months of writing, I am finally on the final chapter of Malcontent.  This project took longer than expected because it was actually 50% longer than I projected.  However, I could not be more pleased with the outcome.

I will be finished making the final adjustments by tomorrow and then it is time for editing.  I hope to release it by March 3rd on BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, and Smashwords.com.  Within a month's time, it will be found on all other online retailers.

Thank you!


***UPDATE***
3/4/14 - As of today, I have edited two thirds of Malcontent. I am waiting on my editor to read over the last third. After that, it will take me a day to make those last corrections. I hope to have it out at the end of the week.

Phoney Downloads

It has come to my attention that certain internet sites claim to offer my book, Lament, free to download in various formats. Take CAUTION with these claims.

These sites are phoney and the only thing you will download is a virus on your hard drive. Emails to these sites bounce back because their contact information is deliberately incorrect which is a sure sign of inappropriate action that shows their need to remain hidden.

My novels are not available for free and are encrypted to prevent piracy. I will always sell my work from reputable online bookstores. These sites will claim audiobooks and certain versions which do not exist. For the sake of your computer, download my work from a proper online source.

Progress Report

Hello!

I am happy to report that I have roughly eight chapters to write for Malcontent.  The projected word count exceeded my expectations.  The final book might end up 5,000-10,000 more words than I originally thought.  This book will mark the end of the Restraint Trilogy and conclude a journey that began for me when I dreamed with these characters a little more than 16 years ago.  It is both a sad and happy event.

I know that many people are interested in knowing details of Wicked Love.  Wicked Love will pick up exactly where Wicked Magic left off.  In Wicked Magic, Willow was the main protagonist, but Nalin will take the lead in Wicked Love since he must first remember his lost love and then rescue her like all good heroes do.  I want to have it out by mid-2014, but if I can have it done sooner, then I will release it earlier.

As soon as I am done with Malcontent, I will begin work on Wicked Love without delay.  In fact, I am pretty eager to get started.  There are a lot of great ideas I have that I can't wait to get started on.

I have written a yearly novelette for 2014 entitled The Collector.  Look for it in January 2014 in Smashwords first and then in other online bookstores.

To all those who left reviews and recommended by books to friends, thank you for helping me reach those who wouldn't have otherwise come to know my work.

Progress Report

Hi, everybody.

I have received some inquiries about Wicked Chemistry and where it can be purchased.  Wicked Chemistry is the first book in the Weeping Willow Series.  It consists of the first two Weeping Willow stories that are available to download free in all major online stores.  Wicked Chemistry is a soft cover version which includes both shorts and an extra short.  This version will be released next year.  It will not be released as an ebook.  The two major stories that should be read before Wicked Magic are always available for free online.  The extra story is a gift for those who want to purchase the paperback.

All of my novels are available in paperback format.  They can be purchased online at Amazon or Create Space.  The link is on my official website.

As for Malcontent, I am pleased to report that it is 75% of the way done.  I have about ten more chapters to write.  It has been a long road with this specific book.  There were a great many difficulties, but I am happy to say that everything is going rather smoothly now.

Thank you to everybody for their inquiries and please keep submitting reviews for works red.  Your review could be the difference between someone taking a chance on reading or missing the opportunity all together.

Thank you!

Halfway through Malcontent

Hello, everyone.

I just wanted to update everyone on my progress.  I am currently in the middle of writing Malcontent which I have projected will be about thirty chapters and about 60,000 words. I am finishing up chapter twelve right now, and I have reached the 58% mark, meaning I have written over 30,000 words.  So, I am expecting the novel to run long.

Although it is a horror trilogy, at the root of Malcontent is the love story between William Carter and Louise May Reynolds.  I hope to make a believable love story in the midst of the thrilling world of those who are familiars.

I am writing away and hoping to release this novel in record time so that I can start Wicked Love.  I can't wait to start focusing on another novel featuring Willow and Nalin.

Thank you to everyone that has left great reviews.  I assure you that I have read them.

Please look for me and add me as a friend on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Until the next time...

Editing Restraint

Hello, everyone.

My computer didn't fail after all. I can breathe a sigh of relief now.

I have finished editing Restraint. The original was edited by myself. Since Susan, my editor, came to me after Restraint was already released, I didn't ask her to edit it. But now she has looked over everything, and I have already made the necessary changes.

While I have uploaded the files, it will take at least a day for the new copy to upload.

For those that have already downloaded it on their nooks, I was told by Barnes and Noble that when your nook has to redownload it (from not using the file) it automatically updates to the new file. Smashwords always makes the new file available to people who have downloaded the original. As for Amazon, please contact the customer service with that question.

Thank you!

New Year, New Hopes

Hello, everyone!

I hope everyone had a joyful holiday season.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have finished writing my new short The Collector. It has not been released to the public, because I hope to submit it to literary magazines this month. The feedback process can take months, but if it is rejected, then I will release it for all to read. The blurb for it is on my website.

I am working on another short entitled Scattered right now and hoping to really get the ball rolling with Malcontent. I have been eager to put an end to the Restraint Trilogy and get started with Wicked Love, but Willow fans will have to wait until later in the year for news on that project. I hope to have a short available to you for free before the release of Malcontent so you guys wouldn't have to wait so long for new material. Maybe it will be a Willow short. I can definitely write about the small sliver of time after the stories ended and the novel began. We'll see.

I wish all of you continued health and happiness for 2013!

Malcontent Preview

Hi, everyone.

I just posted a three chapter preview of, my upcoming novel, Malcontent. The preview is free. As I understand it, there is no need to make an account with Feedbooks if you don't want to. You can just download the pdf.

I am very early on in the writing process, but I was eager to share with everyone what I have written. The preview is located on Feedbooks.com (see the link below).

For those who do not know what Malcontent is about, it is the story of Louise May Reynolds before she elopes with William Carter. I hope that this book will have horror, suspense, and more romance overall.


Feedbooks: http://www.feedbooks.com/userbook/29064/malcontent-a-restraint-novel-preview


MALCONTENT BLURB:
Raised in a world where the first born are often sacrificed, Louise May Reynolds believes it is her destiny to appease her family by entering into an arranged marriage. However, Louise May struggles as she finds marrying Bryan Froster, a powerful and ruthless vampire prince, revolting. In her discontent, she tries to devise a way out of the union, fearing the only way to truly be free of Bryan Froster is death. Scared of turning her back on her family and the clan, Louise May struggles inwardly between what others expect of her and what she wants for herself. Until, she rebels against everything she has been raised to believe. Secretly vowing to escape a life of servitude, she risks disturbing the balance between vampire and servant which can cost her more than she can even imagine. Can Louise May turn her back on her family in order to follow her heart?

Malcontent Update

Hi, everyone.

So, I wrote five chapters of Malcontent and passed them onto my editor. I like to edit as I go and get her feed back. She loved it so far which is great. If she didn't love it, she would definitely tell me. She has been looking forward to Malcontent for a while.

Once corrections are made, I will post a preview of the book on Feedbooks.com. Just put my name in the search and it should come up after I post it. I like to publish the first chapters to tease my audience, but also so readers can decide if it is for them.

Look for the Malcontent Preview on Feedbooks.com soon. The Restraint and Lament Previews are already up if you haven't already read those.

Update

Hi, everyone.

I just wanted to update everyone on what I have been up to. I have started to write Malcontent. I am about five chapters into the projected thirty. I hope to really get the ball rolling on it this month, because I would like to have it out by January. I am really eager to end the Restraint Trilogy. I have been imagining these characters in my head for years, and I am ready to move onto some of the other ideas I have.

I have also written some of Wicked Chemistry. This is a Weeping Willow short that will only be available in paperback form with the two original stories. Although I haven't established a projected publishing date, I am eager to get a new short story out there. I have a lot of ideas for shorts, and I want to try something different. However, I don't think I will get started on that until I am finished with Malcontent.

Remember that your feedback is valuable. I do read your reviews so don't forget to leave them! I love all of the great reviews for Weeping Willow, but if you have read the other shorts or novels, please leave a review. You might encourage someone else to read the work or write a review. Thanks!

Malcontent Trailer and Wicked Magic Review

Hi, everyone.

I just finished working on the Malcontent Book Trailer. I posted it on my website and Youtube for your viewing. I also posted it below.

I haven't been feeling well so I took a short break from writing. But I hope to be writing again soon, because I want to get started on Malcontent and probably a new short.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Josie Epping from Josie's Haven Blog will be reviewing Wicked Magic on her blog soon. She posted a short review on Goodreads (CLICK ON THE LINK TO CHECK IT OUT). So, keep leaving those reviews. I do read them, and I am loving the positive energy!!! I know many people want the short stories to be longer, but I see that as readers wanting more. So, that means I am on the right track. So, sit tight and look out for more works later this year and early next year.

Language and Terms of Past Eras

So, I wanted to talk about different terms I heard from period movies, depicting the Regency and Victorian era. I have heard a lot of terms that would seem incorrect for this time, but were actually quite common for that age and region. I have had people tell me when they read Restraint that there was a peculiar phrase, but actually things were just said differently in that time.

For example, in England, it is common to use the word "sterling." In America, we don't use that word unless something is made of sterling silver. However, sterling means brilliant. So, it is not uncommon to hear someone say: "That is sterling!" or "Sterling job!" or simply "Sterling!" Sterling can be interchangeable with brilliant. So, someone could say "Brilliant job!" While in America, we stick to just saying: "Good job!" or "Excellent work!"

Another example is the word "around." In the past, it was not uncommon for people to take a "turn about" the room. It simply means to walk around, but the word "around" was not used. About was a much more common word and there were times it was used in its stead (get it, instead). "Don't look about mindlessly."

Yet another example is when it is said someone "spoke out of turn." That is speaking without the liberty to do so especially in heated situations. Back then, women were rarely allowed to voice their feelings. Women were the property of men and so women were bound to the men they were married to. Men didn't look to women for advice. Women depended on men for everything. This is something that seems foreign today.

These terms or phases can seem odd to us in America, but can be quite common to those across the pond who embrace their history. Remember that in European countries, it is not uncommon to find a manor that dates back to the fifteenth or sixteenth century. They have thousands of years of history. Their history is that rich. I have friends that were born in countries that were ruled by the British or were actually born in Britain. One thing they all have in common... they have a love of history. They watch BBC classic movies, which are based on literary classics, all the time.

In America, our history is not that lengthy. There are buildings that are over a hundred years old, but as far as nations go, we are still relatively young. America declared its independence in 1776 and George Washington became America's first president in 1789 as a member of the Federalist Party. Settlers such as the Pilgrims first journeyed here in 1620. That is about 392 years of documented history. Before that, our history is a mystery. Yes, they have found bones of explorers that predate known settlements, but our history has been lost to us.

I was watching Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly the other day. It is one of my favorite movies. As I watched it, I remembered how I struggled to understand what was being said when I first viewed it. Yes, I understood the movie, but there were weird phrases that I didn't particularly understand. To me, it was like going to the opera. Watching it, you can understand what is going on although everything is said in Italian. Well, watching something from another era is like that for me. I can appreciate it, but I have to watch it over and over to truly understand its complexities.

So, I say... read things that are not common. Don't just move forward without understanding what is truly being said. Take the time to look it up and find out what the author means when they write something that seems odd at first. In literature, it is important to look beneath what is being said to truly understand.

Praises and Criticisms

First of all, I would like to thank everyone that has left feedback for my novels and shorts. I do read your praises and criticisms. They do help me gauge what you, my audience, is interested in. I am glad that everyone has decided to download my works and judge for themselves whether it is for them or not. I write because I enjoy it, and whether I publish or not, I will always continue to write, but everyone's kind words really urge me to continue to improve.

I am really flattered when I hear that Weeping Willow has become an all time favorite read for someone. I knew when I wrote it that I was writing something special. Even though it was only meant to be a short to show my range and to dabble in the fantasy genre, Weeping Willow has become a huge hit with readers, and I couldn't be more happier. I am writing Wicked Magic for those that want to read more about Willow and Nalin, and if all goes well, I wouldn't be apposed to making it a series. We'll see....

I have read the comments from people that had problems with the pacing and have stated that they couldn't relate to the characters. Some even suggested that I could have drawn it out and made it more descriptive. And... it's true. I could have flushed it out into a full length novel, but it wasn't meant to be a novel. It is a short story. The purpose of Weeping Willow was for me to try something new and introduce myself to my audience as kind of a preparation for, my novel, Restraint. If I had decided to make the original stories a novel, it would have been more flushed out and paced perfectly as Restraint was.

But there will always be someone who will like something and another who will not. You just can't please everyone. I can't make someone relate to the characters. You either do or you don't. You either read the words and get lost in them or you don't. That is just a matter of taste. I have read books that critics gave perfect ratings to that I just couldn't finish. It happens.

I believed the best way to tell Weeping Willow was from the point of view of two soul mates whom were struggling to find one another. I also wanted to test my skills writing from a guy's point of view which was interesting and different for me. I don't regret the fast-paced action because it was in keeping with Nalin's desperation to reach Willow before Callan. Regardless of criticism, I was really happy with the outcome.

Wicked Magic will be a full length work so expect more detail and dialog, but hopefully it is in keeping with the original stories and it is something fans will enjoy.

Soft Covers Now Available!

I thought it would take longer, but I was able to format my books quickly. So, they are available for sale on CreateSpace.com and will eventually be uploaded to Amazon. Although I am not sure when CreateSpace will upload it to Amazon. The link will also be available on my website and on Smashwords.com. I chose expanded distribution so it is quite possible it can be found at your local library in a few months.

Thanks for your interest and support!


Book Links to Creative Space:

RESTRAINT: https://www.createspace.com/3850296
LAMENT: https://www.createspace.com/3852462

Josie's Haven Reviews!

All of my literary works have been reviewed by Josie from Josie's Book Haven Blog. Please click the link to read the reviews that are posted for Restraint, Lament, and my shorts.

"Sandra Madera impressed me with these books. I like the fact that all her stories were completely different... It is wonderful to read stories from an author who's very versatile in her writing." - Josie, Josie's Haven Blog

Special thanks goes out to Josie for taking the time to read and review all of my work. It is always exciting to have your work reviewed, but it is wonderful to hear a positive voice through this journey. Thank you!

Reformatting

Right now, I am hard at work reformatting Restraint and Lament for soft cover distribution. I have been getting some inquiries as to whether I was going to release any of my titles in other formats... Especially, from those that don't have e-readers or like to read things on the computer.

I have wanted to, but I didn't know what it entailed, and well, the amount of work involved. So, I did my research... I chose to go ahead and create an actual book using CREATESPACE.com.

As always, I like to do everything myself. So, I put together this book cover and formatted my book into a 6x9 book. However, the process takes many steps so I hope to have Restraint and Lament out in two weeks or so.

When I am done with Wicked Magic, I will publish in both formats; however, the soft cover will include both shorts so that reader doesn't miss reading complete story, because Wicked Magic begins where the shorts left off.

Eventually, I will add to my list of short stories. When I have enough to compile, then I will make a soft cover book entitled Series (as in series of shorts). Some of which, I will reserve only for the actual book. But right now this is only an idea. So, when I make this dream into an actuality, I will be sure to let everyone know.

Just wanted to give everyone who prefers an actual book a heads up. Stay tuned!