Michele Israel Harper

>>>All you have to do to enter is follow the link to this Google form right here, fill out your mailing info, upload your QtN receipt, and let me know which book(s) you’d like to win. That’s it!<<<

About the Book

There I was, minding my own business, when Bam! A vampire plows into my normal world and ruins everything. Have I mentioned I don’t do scary?

But this vampire needs my help. He’s been framed for murder—the murder I saw with my own two eyes—but he swears he didn’t do it. Oh no. That would be another vampire his coven is feuding with. Like that’s even a real thing.

And apparently I, Candace Marshall, world’s biggest scaredy-cat, am the only one who can make it right. As if.

Candace Marshall’s life is going right for once. Thoughtful boyfriend, shiny new job, hinted-at promotion—things couldn’t possibly be better. But in typical Candace fashion, she stumbles upon a heated vampire feud.

Surely it’s all a prank.

But when Candace is taken deep into their underworld and threatened at fang point, she has to escape before she’s drained like a juice box. If only Gavin knew she’d been kidnapped instead of embarking on that two-week business trip.

If you like lighthearted spooky reads in the vein of the Devil Wears Prada, Underworld, and Buffy (that is, if Buffy fainted at the first sign of vamps), this is the right book for you. Available now!

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Candace Marshall Chronicles, Book 2
Genre: Paranormal Fiction
ASIN: B0DK2G959G

Other Books in the "Candace Marshall Chronicles"

Ghostly Vendetta

Zombie Takeover

Mummy Resurrection

Preview

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Giveaway for Quell the Nightingale’s Release!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

As some of you may know, I ended up in the hospital right before Quell the Nightingale released.

Which means I didn’t get to do anything for the release but recover.

For those who don’t know, I started struggling to breathe five days before my book came out (right before we were supposed to leave on a beach vacation, no less).

I went to urgent care, they sent me straight to the ER, and the ER skipped past an incredibly full waiting room and took me straight back.

Apparently I had been fighting a bacterial infection that had moved into my lungs, giving me pneumonia in all four quadrants.

Thankfully it could be treated with antibiotics, and about the third day in the hospital my head stopped being fuzzy (well, mostly), three of the four quadrants had cleared, and I started getting antsy and wanting to go home.

They sent me home on the fourth day, and the next day was QtN’s release!

Where I pretty much threw up a release day SM post and went back to bed.

So now that I’m feeling better, I have a giveaway for you!

(Still not 100%, but I’m getting there.)

I collected these books well before I got sick (and stayed away from them the whole time I was sick, I promise you), and each one comes from an author who endorsed Quell the Nightingale.

I love these books, I love these authors, and I more than anything want you to have a chance to read them too!

I hope I get to send you a lovely new book soon!

In Him,
Michele

P.S. This giveaway ends on Friday, Sept. 20th at noon, and you can get physical copies of QtN $5 cheaper if you buy directly from me. All my love!

Quell the Nightingale

A sleeping princess. A hidden enchantress. Can she break the curse before time runs out?

Although Quell the Nightingale is the third book in the Beast Hunters series, each book in this fairy-tale fantasy series can be read as a standalone. If you like fractured fairy tales, grumpy/sunshine characters, and a hard-won happily-ever-eventually, you will love Michele Israel Harper’s magical storyworld.

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

Available now.

About the Book

Ro LeFèvre is desperate to save her niece. Delayed after fighting vicious sirens, the huntress races back to France with one thought on her mind: get there before the little girl succumbs to a sleeping curse. But she’s too late.

Frantic to reverse the spell before it becomes permanent, Ro immediately sets off to hunt the sorceress responsible. But when she finds herself trapped alongside a feisty Fräulein who is far too protective of her tower, her pet swans, and her enormous coils of hair, Ro fears she’s just condemned her niece to an eternal slumber.

Will Ro confront the enchantress in time to free the little girl, or will the child sleep forever?

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 3
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: B0D4ST294N

“Quell the Nightingale is the perfect blend of everything I crave in a story: lush, expansive, fresh worldbuilding; witty, multifaceted characters and banter; non-stop action and adventure; a wonderful, lion-hearted heroine and swoon-worthy hero; and a hard-won, satisfying happily-ever-after. In the tradition of Once Upon a Time, Quell the Nightingale weaves together fragments from some of my favorite fairy tales to produce an original and unpredictable tale I could not put down!”

– J. J. Fischer, award-winning author of Calor

“A delightful journey into a land of mystery and magic, where fairy tales collide and hope hangs by a thread.”

– Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold

“Quell the Nightingale is a fun, delightful romp! Weaving several fairy tales into a seamless tapestry, Michele Israel Harper crafts compelling threads of family, love, and courage that will leave you smiling. This story treats readers to much-loved fantasy characters and is a quirky, magical tale that makes one wonder what truly is real and what’s worth fighting for.”

– Ronie Kendig, award-winning author of the Droseran Saga

“Quell the Nightingale is a masterful mash-up of many fairy tales, both popular and obscure. It’s also an emotional narrative about a strong female character learning that love can only make her stronger.”

– C.O. Bonham, author of Runaway Lyrics

“Such a fun fairy tale mash-up! I loved seeing all the unexpected connections and characters. There are also deeper themes woven into the story—silence, secrets, and stuffing your feelings only gives pain more power. Quell the Nightingale is definitely an adventure worth taking!”

– C.E. White, author of Vincent in Wonderland

“Prepare to be enchanted by this tale of a fiery huntress much better at facing magic beasts and evil spells than romance! Swoony heroes, a grouchy granny, and fun-loving family will warm your heart and keep you smiling. Ro’s quest through dark forests and fairy tale kingdoms will have you turning page after page!”

– Savannah J. Goins, author of Whisper of Weapons

“The fairy tale medley I didn’t know I needed! Quell the Nightingale introduces beloved characters at every corner in a new and fresh way. It balances high stakes and romance with a quirky and humorous—but strong—female lead at the helm. It’s a tale that will keep you guessing until the satisfying end.”

– E. A. Hendryx, author of the Xerus Galaxy Saga

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

Preview

Quell the Nightingale Special Edition

A sleeping princess. A hidden enchantress. Can she break the curse before time runs out?

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

Available now.

Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales

About the Book

Will Ro confront the enchantress in time to free the little girl, or will the child sleep forever?

Order Now

Hardcover $24.99

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters Special Editions, Book 3
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 194378874X

– J. J. Fischer, award-winning author of Calor

“A delightful journey into a land of mystery and magic, where fairy tales collide and hope hangs by a thread.”

– Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold

– Ronie Kendig, award-winning author of the Droseran Saga

– C.O. Bonham, author of Runaway Lyrics

– C.E. White, author of Vincent in Wonderland

– Savannah J. Goins, author of Whisper of Weapons

– E. A. Hendryx, author of the Xerus Galaxy Saga

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters Special Editions"

Kill the Beast Special Edition

Silence the Siren Special Edition

Preview

Special Edition Hardcover Reveal!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Happy cover reveal day!

I’m so excited to share the special edition hardcover with you.

Laura Hollingsworth created the art for each of these hardcovers, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how they turned out.

(Laura created special character art on the inside too!)

Not only are preorders live, but so are eARCs if you’re an early copy and review kind of reader!

About the book:

Quell the Nightingale: Book Three of the Beast Hunters

A sleeping princess. A hidden enchantress. Can she break the curse before time runs out?

Ro LeFèvre is desperate to save her niece. Delayed after fighting vicious sirens, the huntress races back to France with one thought on her mind: get there before the little girl succumbs to a sleeping curse. But she’s too late.

Frantic to reverse the spell before it becomes permanent, Ro immediately sets off to hunt the sorceress responsible. But when she finds herself trapped alongside a feisty Fräulein who is far too protective of her tower, her pet swans, and her enormous coils of hair, Ro fears she’s just condemned her niece to an eternal slumber.

Will Ro confront the enchantress in time to free the little girl, or will the child sleep forever?

Each book in this fairy-tale fantasy series can be read as a standalone. If you like fractured fairy tales, grumpy/sunshine characters, and a hard-won happily-ever-eventually, you will love Michele Israel Harper’s magical storyworld.

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

The form for preorder swag is also live!

(Claim your preorder swag right here.)

Whether you get an ebook, paperback, or hardcover, I have lots of goodies for you.

(Click on the Google Forms link above to see what they all are…)

Thank you so much for joining me for my cover reveal today! I am so honored to work with all these incredible artists.

Happy reading!

Michele

Beast Hunters Special Editions

Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters Special Editions, Book 0
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

In this collection of one novella (Beast Hunter) and six brand-new stories, get to know French Huntress Ro LeFèvre as she learns to hunt the wild creatures that prey on her people.

Set before Kill the Beast, this special edition hardcover is 458 pages in length and will look lovely alongside the other special edition hardcovers. Enjoy!

***Features exclusive cover art by Laura Hollingsworth***

Kill the Beast Special Edition

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters Special Editions, Book 1
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

This heartfelt and magical adventure is a Beauty and the Beast reimagining where Red Riding Hood is hired to hunt and kill the beast.

Finalist for the 2019 Book of the Year Award from Serious Writer

This special-edition hardback features art and cover by Laura Hollingsworth.

Silence the Siren Special Edition

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters Special Editions, Book 2
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid fractured fairy tale influenced by Hans Christian Andersen, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

This special-edition hardback features art and cover by Laura Hollingsworth.

Quell the Nightingale Special Edition

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters Special Editions, Book 3
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

Available now.

Hardcover $24.99

Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales Release Day!

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

YOU GUYS.

I have another book releasing today!

Cue all the screaming and happy dancing in the world!

I took a year off from everything but writing my own books, and not only did I write and finish The Lost Slipper, I added six brand-new stories to Beast Hunter for the special edition hardcover.

Now I’m almost done with Quell the Nightingale, book three in the Beast Hunters series, and am about halfway done with Slay the Wolf, book four.

Man, I’m such a slow writer, you guys.

I mean, I can pound out the words, get them out on the page quickly, but then I take FOR-EV-ER going over each sentence, making sure it fits, that it’s worded just right, that it has a place in the overarching storyworld or should be deleted post-haste.

Stories take their sweet time percolating in my mind (as well as in the editing stage), and it’s so hard not to be frustrated at that.

I mean, I know exactly what has to happen in each book for the final book in the series to take place, which is great, but getting it all out seems to be more like pulling taffy than gushing forth like a firehose.

I wish I were a fast drafter! Get the story out, get it out for peer reviewer, off to my editor, then into your lovely grabby hands!

I can’t tell you how much I wish that was my process.

But it looks like this is how I write, and since I’m stuck with me, I will keep plodding along, getting these stories to you as quickly as is possible for me.

Not sure exactly where that all came from, especially while celebrating a new book, but I am excited, truly! Hopefully Quell the Nightingale will be the next thing we’re celebrating? Soon?

Now back to happy squealing about Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales!

So you want to know more about this book? Here you go!

Two children lost in the woods.

Red shoes that won’t stop dancing.

An innkeeper harried by the ghosts of her past.

Fey-made clothing that only the worthy may see.

A man with a beard as blue as his temper is hot.

The legend of the great white wolf.

And the hunt of a lifetime.

Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales turns beloved stories inside out, shatters expectations, and offers new adventures, delightful twists, and unexpected endings that will keep you coming back for more.

Happy squeals, am I right?

I had SO MUCH FUN pounding out each of these stories, set during when Ro worked for Gautier, before she hunts the beast in Kill the Beast.

Can you guess which fairy tale I retold in each story?

You are invited to a Release Party!

This will be in the same place as my other release parties, or in other words, >>> at this link right here. <<<

It’s entirely online, so you can join in your jammies and eat snacks without anyone being the wiser! (That’s exactly what I plan on doing, too.)

Let’s see . . . am I forgetting anything?

Ah, yes! How do you get this book?

The buy links are right down at the bottom of this post, and you can definitely add this book to Goodreads, Bookbub, and Amazon Author. (And if you follow me on Amazon Author, they will totally let you know when another book of mine releases!)

I think that’s absolutely everything, so thank you for reading my books (and this really long blog post), and see you in two nights for our PAR-TAY! :D

In Him,

Michele

Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales

Meet Ro before she hunts the beast . . .

In this collection of one novella (Beast Hunter) and six brand-new stories, get to know French Huntress Ro LeFèvre as she learns to hunt the wild creatures that prey on her people.

Set before Kill the Beast, this special edition hardcover is 458 pages in length and will look lovely alongside the other special edition hardcovers. Enjoy!

***Features exclusive cover art by Laura Hollingsworth***

Kill the Beast Special Edition

About the Book

Two children lost in the woods.

Red shoes that won’t stop dancing.

An innkeeper harried by the ghosts of her past.

Fey-made clothing that only the worthy may see.

A man with a beard as blue as his temper is hot.

The legend of the great white wolf.

And the hunt of a lifetime.

Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales turns beloved stories inside out, shatters expectations, and offers new adventures, delightful twists, and unexpected endings that will keep you coming back for more.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters Special Editions, Book 0
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: B0CGJ6K5RZ

“Beast Hunter sweeps you up in a rousing tale that twists the fairy tale world on its head. Quick to read, but sticks with you and makes you eager for more.”

– H.L. Burke, award-winning and bestselling author of over twenty eclectic fantasy novels

“Beast Hunter is an absolute must-read for those who love twisted fairy tales with strong female leads. Family drama, mystery, shadowy characters, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, what’s not to love? I was hooked immediately and now can’t wait for the rest of Ro’s story to unfold.”

– Dawn Ford, award-winning fantasy author

“Clever and fresh, with a compelling, relatable heroine, Beast Hunter is a fitting prequel to the Beauty and the Beast story, Kill the Beast. A potent little novella that will leave you eager for more!”

– Janeen Ippolito, author of the Star-Crossed Fairy Tales

“Beast Hunter captivated me! From the first page, I was sucked in, unaware of all sense of time, and had to know what was going to happen next (even if it took reading into the wee hours of the morning to find out). Ro is such an admirable character, and seeing her courage through all the plot twists Michele wove into this engaging story, it left me desperate to get my hands on its sequel, Kill the Beast, as soon as possible to continue Ro’s adventures!”

– Laura A. Grace, author of Dear Author and Team Lines and Gathering Faith

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters Special Editions"

Silence the Siren Special Edition

Quell the Nightingale Special Edition

Preview

Houston, We Have a Paperback!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Because quite a few of you asked, I wanted to let you know right away that the paperback of The Lost Slipper has FINALLY shown up on book retailers!

(I’ve seriously been checking every single day for the past five weeks or so. Yes, I am exhausted and shall now take the world’s longest nap. After I finish the next book.)

The ebook is still and forever free for my newsletter subscribers only, but if newsletters and ebooks aren’t your thing, I’ve got you.

Check out your fave retailer, or simply click on the “Order Now” link below.

And if you’ve already read my new book, please, please, please leave a review!

I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Have the loveliest day ever!

In Him,

Michele

The Lost Slipper: Cosette’s Story

Cosette dreams of her life becoming the perfect fairy tale—until her wishes come true. Can her fairy godmère take it back?

***Finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, novella category***

If you like fairy tales turned upside down, and lovely young ladies learning to stand up for themselves and for others, then this “Cinderella” and “Diamonds and Toads” reimagining is the book for you.

Paperback available now.

Ebook available exclusively for Michele Israel Harper's newsletter subscribers!

About the Book

Every day is the same for Cosette. Get up, clean, make breakfast, and meet her stepmère’s and stepsisters’ every demand.

That is, until an encounter with a fairy of the forest—or is she a witch?—and an invitation to a fête in honor of Monsieur Gautier promises Cosette’s life is about to become the beautiful fairy tale of her dreams.

Or so the story should go.

Except her fairy godmère demands a high price for her help, one Cosette isn’t willing to pay. Her stepsisters are as afraid of their mère as Cosette is. Can she truly leave them to their fate? And the handsome Monsieur Gautier hides a dreadful secret, one she’s desperate to know—if only she can get close enough.

Cosette is faced with a choice: Should she feign ignorance and accept her happily ever after? Or dig deeper to find what may be lurking beneath?

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 1943788685

u201cThe Lost Slipper is a retelling of two fairy tales that could have easily been enough to carry the story on their own, but the addition of u2018Diamonds and Toadsu2019 to the Cinderella narrative brilliantly escalates the tension and increases our poor heroineu2019s suffering. A thrilling, emotional tale for anyone who ever thought, u2018Cinderella had it too easy.u2019u201d

– C.O. Bonham, author of Runaway Lyrics

u201cThe Lost Slipper is a short but satisfying read about grace and kindness when beset with cruelty, creatively combining two beloved fairy tales into a new, complex fable.u201d

– H.L. Burke, award-winning and bestselling author of over twenty eclectic fantasy novels

u201cAs someone who enjoys every Cinderella iteration Iu2019ve ever come across, The Lost Slipper blends my favorite familiar elements of the story with unique twistsu2014such as who the Fairy Godmother really is and the behavior of the stepsisters. With allusions that bring to mind Ever After, Ella Enchanted, and Into the Woods, readers will enjoy how Harper weaves this story and will be left wanting more!u201d

– Alicia Grumley, poet, Cinderella aficionado, and cohostess of Diversity Is Lit Book Club

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

(Join me right here, and you’re in!)

Preview

Lost Slipper Release Party Tonight!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 25 May 2023 23:55:00 +0000

You are hereby cordially invited to my online release party RIGHT NOW! :D

I’m not even joking! It starts right now, at this very moment, and you have an hour and a half to come join in all the fun and win some awesome fairy-tale retellings.

Want a sneak peek?

If that doesn’t convince you to come, I don’t know what will. ;)

See you there, and thank you so much for celebrating my new book, The Lost Slipper, with me!

In Him,

Michele

P.S. If I could ask the biggest favor in the world, would you please add The Lost Slipper to Goodreads and rate it as soon as you finish reading? I seriously can’t thank you enough!

The Lost Slipper: Cosette’s Story

Cosette dreams of her life becoming the perfect fairy tale—until her wishes come true. Can her fairy godmère take it back?

***Finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, novella category***

Paperback available now.

Ebook available exclusively for Michele Israel Harper's newsletter subscribers!

About the Book

Every day is the same for Cosette. Get up, clean, make breakfast, and meet her stepmère’s and stepsisters’ every demand.

Or so the story should go.

Cosette is faced with a choice: Should she feign ignorance and accept her happily ever after? Or dig deeper to find what may be lurking beneath?

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 1943788685

– C.O. Bonham, author of Runaway Lyrics

u201cThe Lost Slipper is a short but satisfying read about grace and kindness when beset with cruelty, creatively combining two beloved fairy tales into a new, complex fable.u201d

– H.L. Burke, award-winning and bestselling author of over twenty eclectic fantasy novels

– Alicia Grumley, poet, Cinderella aficionado, and cohostess of Diversity Is Lit Book Club

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

(RSVP here to join the Online Release Party: Thursday, May 25th, 8-9:30 PM EST)

Preview

Lost Slipper Releases Today!

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

I’m absolutely thrilled to share my new book with you today!

This is the first book I’ve released since graduate school (if we’re not counting my Mark Twain Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc graduate thesis project), and I’ve got two more on the way.

(But more on those in another post…)

Here’s what The Lost Slipper is all about:

Cosette dreams of her life becoming the perfect fairy tale—until her wishes come true. Can her fairy godmère take it back?

Every day is the same for Cosette. Get up, clean, make breakfast, and meet her stepmère’s and stepsisters’ every demand.

That is, until an encounter with a fairy of the forest—or is she a witch?—and an invitation to a fête in honor of Monsieur Gautier promises Cosette’s life is about to become the beautiful fairy tale of her dreams.

Or so the story should go.

Except her fairy godmère demands a high price for her help, one Cosette isn’t willing to pay. Her stepsisters are as afraid of their mère as Cosette is. Can she truly leave them to their fate? And the handsome Monsieur Gautier hides a dreadful secret, one she’s desperate to know—if only she can get close enough.

Cosette is faced with a choice: Should she feign ignorance and accept her happily ever after? Or dig deeper to find what may be lurking beneath?

If you like fairy tales turned upside down, and lovely young ladies learning to stand up for themselves and for others, then this “Cinderella” and “Diamonds and Toads” reimagining is the book for you.

Isn’t that exciting? Oh, I just loved writing this story, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.

I first wrote this 5k short story to be the seventh tale in my Beast Hunter and Other Fairy Tales special-edition hardback, but it blossomed into a 50k novella and had to be moved to its own book.

Delving into Cosette’s side of things while Ro is trapped in the château with the beast was so fun. She’s a completely different kind of character, and it was interesting to see how she reacted in the exact opposite way than Ro ever would.

But you can find that out for yourself. ;-)

Be sure to join me for my online release party on Thursday, and I hope you love this wonderful new story!

I can’t wait to hear what you think.

In Him,

Michele

The Lost Slipper: Cosette’s Story

Cosette dreams of her life becoming the perfect fairy tale—until her wishes come true. Can her fairy godmère take it back?

***Finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, novella category***

Paperback available now.

Ebook available exclusively for Michele Israel Harper's newsletter subscribers!

About the Book

Every day is the same for Cosette. Get up, clean, make breakfast, and meet her stepmère’s and stepsisters’ every demand.

Or so the story should go.

Cosette is faced with a choice: Should she feign ignorance and accept her happily ever after? Or dig deeper to find what may be lurking beneath?

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 1943788685

– C.O. Bonham, author of Runaway Lyrics

u201cThe Lost Slipper is a short but satisfying read about grace and kindness when beset with cruelty, creatively combining two beloved fairy tales into a new, complex fable.u201d

– H.L. Burke, award-winning and bestselling author of over twenty eclectic fantasy novels

– Alicia Grumley, poet, Cinderella aficionado, and cohostess of Diversity Is Lit Book Club

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

www.twitter.com/hlburkewriter

Preview

It’s Release Day for Joan of Arc!

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 03 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

You guys, I can’t tell you how much this book means to me.

This is the culmination of my master’s degree, a high-quality classic released in such a way to appeal to a modern audience.

But I have been in love with this book for most of my life.

I originally found a used copy of this book in a thrift store as a child and begged my mom to let me take it home.

It was a hard-fought and hard-won battle, but I eventually took home my beat-up little copy and devoured it.

And I became obsessed with all things Joan of Arc and French.

(Yeah, I totally revealed the cover yesterday, thanks to being swamped with homework and library work and life. At least it’s gorgeous, right?)

Speaking of gorgeous covers, I sent a mockup of what I wanted to my professor, Allyson Longueira, and she created this gorgeousness. I am in love!

She completely exceeded my expectations.

Now, back to my Joan of Arc story!

I read this book a second time for my undergrad degree, and chose Joan of Arc as my senior history research project. If I didn’t get a passing grade, I didn’t graduate. (I passed! Whew!)

And now I have the honor of releasing a high-quality edition of this stunning classic novel for my master’s degree.

This was the final full-length novel of Twain’s career, and he considered it the best thing he’d ever written.

And let me tell you, Mark Twain destroyed Sherlock Holmes, one of my favorite literary characters of all time, with his wit and sarcasm, but he had such a deep respect for Joan of Arc, he treated her story with a reverence you will not see anywhere else in his writing.

She captured his heart, she captured mine, and I wholeheartedly believe she will capture yours as well.

(And just so you know: I read this beauty FIVE TIMES to hunt out typos introduced in the public-domain file and to format it into its current state of gorgeousness, so I know this book like the back of my hand!)

I also wrote a foreword and afterword for this particular edition, and I included five of my favorite Joan of Arc illustrations throughout history, exclusive to this edition.

I hope you will check out this beauty, available right now, today, in ebook, paperback, and hardback. I can’t wait for you to read this lovely edition!

You can get this gorgeous classic right here: https://wordfirepress.com/gpcw/

All my love!

Michele

About the book:

She saved France when she was fourteen . . .

She was burned at the stake for her efforts . . .

Meet the girl who captured Mark Twain’s heart.

A forgotten masterpiece from one of America’s greatest authors—and the last full-length novel he ever wrote—Joan of Arc follows the Savior of France from her childhood in Domrémy, to her campaigns throughout the French countryside, to her demise at the hands of the English and Burgundians.

Mark Twain was sarcastic, witty, and oft-irreverent, but he had a soft spot for the Maid of Orléans. (As will you after you read this book!) He spent twelve years in research, two in writing, including multiple visits to the National Archives in Paris, and proclaimed Joan of Arc the “best of all my books!” If you love well-written classics of stunning historical figures, then this is the book for you.

Hey, Guess What? I Went Back To School!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Sooooo, I’m up far too late tonight, turning in homework assignments while updating my website, and I realize—I never told you I was going back to school!

(Or maybe I did? I don’t remember.)

But I did notice my last post was a million years ago (or October 2021, take your pick).

So I’m getting my master’s degree in creative writing, publishing concentration, and it is one of the best experiences of my life!

We are learning so many wonderful things, and the best part is, we’re focusing on so much real-world info, I will immediately be able to put into practice everything I’ve learned.

What I haven’t already, that is.

I’ve wanted my master’s degree since before high school (granted, I thought it would be in archaeology then), but up till this point of my life, I hadn’t found a program that just fit, you know?

Enter Kevin J. Anderson’s publishing program at Western Colorado University.

This is the first one that has felt so right, including exactly what I wanted to learn. And from two incredible professors who are currently working in the industry.

They share such good info, you guys.

I hear their next cohort is already full, but if you’re considering a practical creative writing degree that teaches you the business side of things and how to support yourself as an author, authorpreneur, publishing staff—anything along those lines—I can’t recommend this program highly enough.

Okay! So this quick update at two in the morning has definitely spiraled into raving about my classes.

(I love them so much!)

But this was supposed to be a quick update! Here’s the rest:

Not only did I go back to school, I also took a part-time job as a school librarian.

Yeah, because I had time for that. (Lol!)

Pretty much what happened was this: There was a need, and I jumped in to fill it. As I do. Because it was books.

I had no experience, no training, and I had just a few months to revamp the entire thing all by my lonesome and get it ready for the students to use this semester.

Talk about a learning curve!

The library hadn’t been weeded (did you know this is vital to a library’s health, just like a garden’s? I had no idea!), it hadn’t been updated in fifty million years (I jest, I jest. Maybe just fifty? Still exaggerating, but yikes. It was bad.), and I had to teach myself how to label, shelve, and navigate the Dewy Decimal System.

Let me tell you, not only am I not worthy to walk in a librarian’s shadow, they get their master’s degree in library science for a reason.

Thankfully a very kind retired librarian was able to help me navigate this whole new side of the book world. I most likely would have died without his help.

This post is getting so long, you guys.

Last thing, hopefully!

My writing time since school started in August has been nada. Zilch.

For months and months, I’ve just been staring at my WIP files longingly, dreaming of the day I might once again open them.

I didn’t even attempt NaNo this past year with how much homework I had. (But I did get to hear Grant Faulkner speak, and that was divine!)

Not writing was making me super cranky. As in, I just felt unsettled, like something was wrong, like no matter how hard I was working, I was putting all my energy toward all the wrong stuff.

You know what I mean?

So I started rewarding myself with 30 minutes of writing every time I turned in a school project early.

And I stopped bringing home so much library work. (Okay, I still bring some home, but I’m doing better!)

Those 30 minutes, though I only earned one or two a week, started adding up.

And adding up. And adding up.

So here’s the main news . . .

And it’s not even that dramatic . . .

But I want to make it feel that way . . .

I have three books nearing completion!

What the what?

I started writing a super secret story for my newsletter subscribers only and am just a few pages away from the end.

Diamond Unicorn Kingdom is 10k away from being complete. (My kids are begging for this one.)

And Quell the Nightingale is going through its final edit before I send it for feedback.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

How even? Like, I’m up late right now getting stuff done, and I need to get up soon for my school and then the library and . . . I shouldn’t be right at the finish line for one book, let alone three!

I’m just . . . amazed.

And hoping I’ll have something delicious for you to read very, very soon.

When shall they be out, you may ask?

I make no promises, because I’m going to finish my school strong and then finish out the school year at the library, but the moment I know, you will know, promise.

It feels so good to be writing again. And I can’t wait to send all my lovely readers my free “thank you” book.

That’s it. That’s all the news.

Hopefully it won’t be another six months until I talk with you again!

What delightful things have you been up to? I want to know!

In Him,

Michele

Power On Blog Tour

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

I can’t tell you how excited I am that there’s a new book in H.L. Burke’s Supervillain storyworld!

These are some of my fave superhero books ever (right up there with the Dear Hero duology and Jason Joyner’s Rise of the Anointed trilogy), and I couldn’t be happier that this author has written another spinoff series.

First there was the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project.

{Amazon Series Link Right Here: https://amzn.to/3oBLqBF}

You may remember me raving about each of these books as they released.

Yes, they are that good, and yes, I will still rave about them to anyone who will listen.

All five ebooks in this series are on sale right now for $.99 each! This is the perfect time to check them out!

Then there was the Supervillain Romance Project.

{Amazon Series Link Right Here: https://amzn.to/3FnVMLG}

Both stories are so fun and so sweet! And yes, I raved about them both when they came out too.

They are perfect if you’re looking for a superhero adventure with lots of action and the sweetest romance ever!

And now there is the Supervillain Rescue Project.

{Amazon Series Link Right Here: https://amzn.to/3BkwRGk}

Because yes, there will be more, and I am already so thrilled about the next book in this series!

Gah! I am just so excited!

This book releases in two days, and I cannot wait for it to pop up on my Kindle!

You know I’m going to read it in one day. (I mean, that’s what I did with all the other books in this storyworld.)

Want to know more about the book? Here you go!

Jake’s family ties have turned to cuffs.

Born with the ability to fragment his body at a molecular level, Jake Lucas has devoted his life to his uncle’s supervillain gang. When he’s captured by superheroes, he’s certain his life is over at only sixteen.

To Jake’s surprise, he doesn’t end up in prison but at Camp Sable: an intervention project for at-risk super powered teens. Jake’s not interested in rehabilitation. As far as he’s concerned, the camp mentors are just a barrier between him and his true family, the Sand Fox gang.

Forced to work alongside the likewise screwed up duo of fire-powered Marco and electricity manipulator Laleh, Jake waits for the perfect escape opportunity. Having friends and the chance at a real family is more appealing than Jake originally thought, but going soft can cost a supervillain his life. Jake soon finds the forces fighting to control his life threatening to tear him apart.

Will Jake choose to remain the villain his uncle made him, or become the hero his new friends think he can be?

A Young Adult Superhero series featuring found family, friendship, and one superpowered ferret.

I hope you love each of these books as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

About the Author:

H. L. Burke has written more books than she can count—because she’s written a lot of books, not just because she can’t count very high.

Easily distracted by shinies, she has published in many subgenres including fantasy romance, Steampunk, and superhero, and always creates story worlds with snark, feels, and wonder.

Married to her high school crush, she spends her time writing, spoiling her cat, and supervising her two supervillains in training (aka her precocious daughters).

An Oregon native, she wilts without trees and doesn’t mind the rain. She is a fan of delicious flavor, a follower of the Light, and a believer in happily ever after.

Author Links:

www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter

www.hlburkeauthor.com

www.instagram.com/burkesdragons

www.facebook.com/groups/hlburkereaders/

https://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B00EYQ1HLW

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7230868.H_L_Burke

Come Join My Online Release Party Tonight!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000

You simply must come to my online release party tonight for Silence the Siren! (Pretty please?)

Co-host Laura A. Grace and I have so many fun giveaways planned.

{Release Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/l2l2bookreleaseparties}

The party starts at 8 PM EST and runs till 10 PM.

Hope to see you there!

And oh my goodness, you guys! You made release day absolutely fabulous!

I can’t even get over how many of you shared my release and left such encouraging comments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I especially want to thank the bloggers who have shared such wonderful posts on my blog tour!

I have had such fun reading them, and I think you will too. (Well done!)

Silence the Siren Blog Tour Schedule:

Mon., 8.16, “Be Our Guest Post: Michele Israel Harper” Cathrine Bonham, cobonham.com
Tues., 8.17, “Random Interview with Author Michele Israel Harper” H.L. Burke, hlburkeauthor.com/blog
Wed., 8.18, “Review of Silence the Siren” Kelly Bridgewater, kellybridgewater.blogspot.com
Thurs., 8.19, “Guest Post: Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and Silence the Siren” Jaye L. Knight, blog.jayelknight.com
Fri., 8.20, “A Visual Sneak Peek of the Characters in Silence the Siren” Laura A. Grace, lauraagrace.com/blog

And my Instagram Tour!

These are hands down some of the most gorgeous posts I have seen on Instagram.

(Yes, that might have to do with featuring my book, but wow, you made it stunning!)

Silence the Siren Instagram Tour Schedule:

Sun., 8.15, L2L2 Publishing, @l2l2publishing
Sun., 8.15, Michele Israel Harper, @michele_israel_harper
Sun., 8.15, BookLaunchBFF, @booklaunchbff
Mon., 8.16, Laura A. Grace, @lauraagraceauthor
Mon., 8.16, Jebraun Clifford, @jebraunclifford
Mon., 8.16, Anne Wheeler, @annewheelerauthor
Tues., 8.17, Emilie Haney, @createexploreread
Tues., 8.17, Katie Clark, @KatieClarkBooks
Tues., 8.17, Emerald Barnes, @emeraldbarnes
Tues., 8.17, Megan, @the_bookish_raven
Wed., 8.18, Laurin Boyle, @laurinboyle
Wed., 8.18, Lydia Jane, @lydiajanewrites
Thurs., 8.19, Tabitha Caplinger, @Tab_Caplinger
Thurs., 8.19, IfCatsCouldRead, @ifcatscouldread
Thurs., 8.19, Sadie’s Spotlight, @sadiesspotlight
Thurs., 8.19, Jenelle Schmidt, @jenellelschmidt
Fri., 8.20, Grace Rocca, @ge.rocca
Fri., 8.20, Stephany Araujo, @newsysteph
Fri., 8.20, Travelers Wife 4 Life, @travelerswife4life

There are also a few honorable mentions who, WOW, posted some gorgeous release-day photos!

Release Day Reel: @lydiajanewrites (You simply must check out this stunning reel she made! Oh my goodness!)
Release Day Post: @bookish.believer
Release Day Post: @huntington.hailey
Challenge Day 1: @booklaunchbff
Challenge Day 2: @booklaunchbff
Challenge Day 3: @booklaunchbff
Blog Tour Insta Post: @burkesdragons
Silence the Siren Feature: @writeraliciagrumley
Kill the Beast Feature: @newsysteph
My Release Day Post: @michele_israel_harper
My Alternate Cover Post: @michele_israel_harper

(All links take you directly to the post itself on Instagram.)

If I forgot anyone, please let me know, and I will add them to the list!

Is that everything?

Oh! The giveaway!

Okay, so the massive Newsletter Giveaway ends on the 21st if you’d still like to enter!

There are daily entries for joining my Insta challenge, as well as extra entries for ordering Silence the Siren or signing up for my newsletter.

{You can enter right here: https://kingsumo.com/g/2owetc/silence-the-siren-newsletter-giveaway}

Whew! I think that’s all the release-party post I have in me!

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for encouraging me, being excited about my books, and making this release day so memorable.

I hope you enjoy your new book!

And please do join me for my release party tonight! I’d love to give back just a little of what you’ve given me over the years. (In thousands of gorgeous prizes. Okay, maybe not thousands, but you know what I mean.)

Love you all!

In Him,

Michele

Silence the Siren

Ro has been hired to hunt a deadly muse of sirens before they sink any more ships.

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

About the Book

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

But when Ro is plunged deep into the ocean by the siren she’s being paid to kill, presented the sirens’ side of the story at knife point, and pressed to join them or die, Ro must decide whether to complete her mission, join the sirens, or something in between.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion and the second book in the Beast Hunters series.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 2
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 1943788529

“Ro is back, and I am here for it. Battered from her previous adventures, she launches headfirst into a new one full of excitement, betrayal, and numerous twists. I absolutely loved the tie-ins from various fairytales and Harper’s unique spins on classic stories. If you want a story full of blooming romance, friendship, and sacrificial love, you’ll want to dive head-first into this book.”

– Hope Bolinger, author of the Blaze trilogy and the Dear Hero duology

“Silence the Siren is a fresh take on a classic fairy tale that I did not see coming! Michele Israel Harper weaves a wildly creative tale that will have your heart beating fast with excitement one moment and then breaking the next. Ro is the heroine we’ve all been waiting for. You’ll be rooting for her as she takes on man and sea in this odyssey-esque adventure. Can’t wait to see what Harper does with the rest of the series!”

– Julie Hall, USA Today Bestselling author of the multiple award-winning Life After series

“Michele Israel Harper continues her unique spin on fairy tales well-loved. While the Huntress dives into waters unknown, there is enough familiar and new to keep readers invested in this intricate and expanding world that feels almost as real as our own history.”

– Derrick Elchers, author of The Battle for Art

“Silence the Siren takes readers on a high seas adventure that sets personalities from all over the fairytale spectrum on a crash course with peril and betrayal. Michele Israel Harper offers a delightful cast of characters who struggle with complex emotions, tight dilemmas, the very real frustrations of their own limitations. The story’s deft weaving of resonant retelling and original twists will keep readers enthralled to the last page.”

– Rebecca P. Minor, fantasy author, artist, and Realm Makers founder

“Silence the Siren does not fall into the fairy tale trap of simple good and evil, but features a protagonist who insists there are two sides to a story—and then is frustrated when neither is as honorable and noble as pretended. Perseverance and honesty are as important as strength and ferocity (although we get those, too!). And it’s all in a fascinating world where multiple fairy tales mingle and tangle.”

– Laura VanArendonk Baugh, award-winning author of The Songweaver's Vow and the Shard of Elan series

“Michele Harper creates a marvelous world in Silence the Siren, where French fairy tales are spun into something new, their golden story-threads woven into lavish, compelling tapestries. From pirates to princesses to sirens, things are never quite what they seem. Enemies become friends and vice versa, magic turns up in the most unexpected places, and the promise of true love hovers on the horizon.”

– Merrie Destefano, award-winning author of Shade: The Complete Trilogy

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

{You can enter here until the 21st.}

Preview

Silence the Siren Release Day!

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:30:00 +0000

Oh my goodness, after thousands of years and years and years, my book is finally here!

***Cue all the happy dancing in the world!***

I’m so exhausted from all the release-week prep, I’m not even sure how to celebrate!

But since my birthday is next week (and my master’s program also starts next week), I plan on at least celebrating with sushi takeout (veggie only always) and an at-home movie.

My husband also suggested the Renaissance Faire at our local castle (yes, you read that correctly) or a weekend at Holiday World.

What would you do to celebrate a book release if it were you? I welcome suggestions!

One thing I know for sure I’m doing to celebrate is mailing someone this incredible prize!

And don’t forget to join me at my online release party on Thursday for another grand prize similar to this one!

See? Almost identical. ;-)

For me, writing a book takes months of daydreaming, sketching out scenes and plot points that simply must happen, then a mad dash to write down the story as it comes to me.

I usually write fast but edit slowly, combing through the manuscript for just the right words, making sure the plot works and the dialogue makes sense, rewriting scenes as they need to be rewritten, before it goes to critique partners, then beta readers, then rounds of editors until the story is as perfect as it can be.

So months (and even years) later, it finally makes it into your hands, and I wait with bated breath for reviews to start rolling in so I know what you think.

(So, yes, please, leave a review! It helps more than I can possibly say.)

And that’s it! I just wanted to share my happy day with you.

I hope you love this adventure!

In Him,

Michele

Beast Hunters

Beast Hunter

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 0
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This is the story that started it all: How Red Riding Hood killed the wolf, escaped the beast, and became a huntress. This prequel novella weaves seamlessly into the first book of the Beast Hunters series, Kill the Beast.

The Lost Slipper: Cosette’s Story

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

***Finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, novella category***

Paperback available now.

Ebook available exclusively for Michele Israel Harper's newsletter subscribers!

Kill the Beast

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 1
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This heartfelt and magical adventure is a Beauty and the Beast reimagining where Red Riding Hood is hired to hunt and kill the beast.

Finalist for the 2019 Book of the Year Award from Serious Writer

Silence the Siren

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 2
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

Quell the Nightingale

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 3
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

Available now.

Slay the Wolf

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 4
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

This heart-pounding and relentless adventure is a Red Riding Hood and Snow White and Rose Red reimagining, and although it is the fourth book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Coming Soon!

{You can join me right here!}

Silence the Siren Releases Tuesday!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Oh my goodness, after all the waiting, it’s finally here!

Silence the Siren, book two of the Beast Hunters series, releases this Tuesday!

I have all kinds of release fun planned, but the one I’m most excited about is my newsletter giveaway.

And I think you’ll be excited about it too!

Since I decided not to have an in-person book signing this year, I put together a huge prize basket, similar to the one I had for Kill the Beast‘s release.

Would you like a peek?

Here you go!

Isn’t that gorgeous? I had so much fun collecting the items for this giveaway.

You can enter right here: https://kingsumo.com/g/2owetc/silence-the-siren-newsletter-giveaway

And if that’s not amazing enough, I have another similar giveaway for the grand prize for my online release party.

(Whew! Can you believe it? I’ve been working on all of this for ages, and now it’s all happening at once!)

My online release party is next Thursday (the 19th) from 8–10 PM EST.

I also have an Instagram tour and challenge set up by L2L2 Publishing.

If you’d like to check out the tour, here’s the schedule!

Silence the Siren Instagram Tour Schedule:

Sun., 8.15, L2L2 Publishing, @l2l2publishing
Sun., 8.15, Michele Israel Harper, @michele_israel_harper
Sun., 8.15, BookLaunchBFF, @booklaunchbff
Mon., 8.16, Laura A. Grace, @lauraagraceauthor
Mon., 8.16, Jebraun Clifford, @jebraunclifford
Mon., 8.16, Anne Wheeler, @annewheelerauthor
Tues., 8.17, Emilie Haney, @createexploreread
Tues., 8.17, Katie Clark, @KatieClarkBooks
Tues., 8.17, Emerald Barnes, @emeraldbarnes
Tues., 8.17, Megan, @the_bookish_raven
Wed., 8.18, Laurin Boyle, @laurinboyle
Wed., 8.18, Lydia Jane, @lydiajanewrites
Thurs., 8.19, Tabitha Caplinger, @Tab_Caplinger
Thurs., 8.19, IfCatsCouldRead, @ifcatscouldread
Thurs., 8.19, Sadie’s Spotlight, @sadiesspotlight
Thurs., 8.19, Jenelle Schmidt, @jenellelschmidt
Fri., 8.20, Grace Rocca, @ge.rocca
Fri., 8.20, Stephany Araujo, @newsysteph
Fri., 8.20, Travelers Wife 4 Life, @travelerswife4life

If you’d like to know about the challenge (which includes extra entries in the giveaway), you can go here: {Link to L2L2 Publishing for Insta challenge graphics, hashtags, and hosts.}

Okay, have I forgotten anything?

Oh, yes! The blog tour! :D

As you can imagine, with everything else going on, I didn’t want an extended tour this time. So these lovely bloggers filled my tour in one day, and I had to hurry to close the form to keep it small! I am so honored.

If you’d like to read just a few behind-the-scenes posts about the magical world of Silence the Siren, definitely check out these posts.

Silence the Siren Blog Tour Schedule:

Mon., 8.16, “Be Our Guest Post: Michele Israel Harper” Cathrine Bonham, cobonham.com
Tues., 8.17, “Random Interview with Author Michele Israel Harper” H.L. Burke, hlburkeauthor.com/blog
Wed., 8.18, “Review of Silence the Siren” Kelly Bridgewater, kellybridgewater.blogspot.com
Thurs., 8.19, “Guest Post: Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and Silence the Siren” Jaye L. Knight, blog.jayelknight.com
Fri., 8.20, “A Visual Sneak Peek of the Characters in Silence the Siren” Laura A. Grace, lauraagrace.com/blog

And I think that’s everything!

Thank you so much for supporting me and my books! I love writing so much, and I’m so happy when you enjoy these stories I write for you.

Please leave a review for Silence the Siren when you’re done—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

I hope you love your new book.

In Him,

Michele

Silence the Siren

Ro has been hired to hunt a deadly muse of sirens before they sink any more ships.

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

About the Book

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion and the second book in the Beast Hunters series.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 2
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 1943788529

– Hope Bolinger, author of the Blaze trilogy and the Dear Hero duology

– Julie Hall, USA Today Bestselling author of the multiple award-winning Life After series

– Derrick Elchers, author of The Battle for Art

– Rebecca P. Minor, fantasy author, artist, and Realm Makers founder

– Laura VanArendonk Baugh, award-winning author of The Songweaver's Vow and the Shard of Elan series

– Merrie Destefano, award-winning author of Shade: The Complete Trilogy

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

Preview

Quell the Nightingale Cover Reveal!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

I can finally share the next cover in my Beast Hunters series with you!

Oh my goodness, I’m so excited.

I have enjoyed writing Quell the Nightingale more than I can say.

Where is it . . . I keep getting asked?

So the book is written, but it’s a mess. I seem to be one of those authors who can pound out a massive novel in just a few weeks—and then the revising begins.

(***cue crickets for months***)

During that time, I am staring hard at my screen with a scowly face, kinda forgetting that the outside world exists, until it’s in manageable-enough shape to share with critique partners, then beta readers, then editors, etc.

But! I’ve emerged just in time to share its cover, do all the things for Silence the Siren‘s release, then disappear back into my writerly hidey-hole.

So let’s show you this cover!

But first . . .

Here’s what book three in the Beast Hunters series, Quell the Nightingale, is about:

Huntress Ro LeFèvre races back to France with one thought on her mind: get there before her niece succumbs to a sleeping curse—a niece she didn’t even know she had.

Ro must use all her skills as a huntress to find the enchantress responsible before the child reaches the point of no return, before she is crushed by the curse’s power and never wakes again.

Thanks to her extended time fighting the sirens, she hasn’t much time.

Trapped in a tower with a feisty girl who is far too protective of her pet swans and her enormous coils of hair, Ro’s heart is shattered when the mysterious empress known only as the Nightingale keeps Ro from her goal, toying with her as though she has all the time in the world to waste.

Where is the blasted Queen of the Fairies when Ro needs her most?

This charming and nonstop adventure is a Wild Swans, Rapunzel, and Nightingale mashup, with hints of “The Ballad of Mulan,” and is the third book in the Beast Hunters series.

Happy sigh. I just love this series so much.

Okay, okay, I’ll show you the cover now. :)

Isn’t it beyond gorgeous? I’m so happy Sara Helwe Digital Arts agreed to do my covers!

(Speaking of which, I have more cover news I can’t share with you just yet, but it’s coming!)

Also, Silence the Siren comes out in less than a month!

“Michele Harper creates a marvelous world in Silence the Siren, where French fairy tales are spun into something new, their golden story-threads woven into lavish, compelling tapestries. From pirates to princesses to sirens, things are never quite what they seem. Enemies become friends and vice versa, magic turns up in the most unexpected places, and the promise of true love hovers on the horizon.”

—Merrie Destefano, award-winning author of Shade: The Complete Trilogy

You can still get your preorder goodies here, and I just got word that the form will stay open an extra week since I had to ask for the release date to be moved a week earlier. Hurray!

I hope you love my books!

In Him,

Michele

Beast Hunters

Beast Hunter

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 0
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

The Lost Slipper: Cosette’s Story

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

***Finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, novella category***

Paperback available now.

Ebook available exclusively for Michele Israel Harper's newsletter subscribers!

Kill the Beast

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 1
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This heartfelt and magical adventure is a Beauty and the Beast reimagining where Red Riding Hood is hired to hunt and kill the beast.

Finalist for the 2019 Book of the Year Award from Serious Writer

Silence the Siren

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 2
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

Quell the Nightingale

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 3
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

Available now.

Slay the Wolf

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 4
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Coming Soon!

Cover Reveal in Just a Few Days!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Oh my goodness, you guys, I have a cover reveal in less than a week!

This coming Thursday, July 29th, the cover for the next book in the Beast Hunters Series, Quell the Nightingale, will be on display for all the world to see.

And I would love for you to join me!

{Sign-up link right here >>> https://forms.gle/i9w5AuZ1adbtLqgS6}

If you’d like to share my cover, sign up at the link above, and the cover will be sent to you this Tuesday.

Aren’t those books just lovely lined up together on a shelf like that?

Speaking of which, Silence the Siren releases in LESS THAN A MONTH!!!

(Cue all the screaming and flailing and throwing of confetti!)

Don’t forget that if you preorder, you will get tons (and I do mean tons) of preorder goodies.

Here’s the preorder form link!

{Get your goodies here >>> https://forms.gle/HyyLaEso4XQuCMRZ6}

Speaking of goodies, here’s what I’ve got for you!

As of this posting, I have around ten signed copies left, about twenty paperback packs, and roughly forty ebook packs. (So about half of what I started with. I went a little crazy, okay? It’s all so beautiful!)

A thousand times, thank you for being so encouraging and loving my books!

I can’t tell you how much I love writing them for you.

Have the best time reading ever!

In Him,

Michele

Coming Soon: More Silence the Siren news (such as blog tour, Insta tour, and an exclusive offer for my newsletter subscribers), and I JUST SAW THE COVER FOR SLAY THE WOLF! :O

That book comes after Quell the Nightingale, then there are only two more books after that. (And yes, they’re all plotted and partially drafted.) Excuse me while I hyperventilate from excitement over here.

Okay, I have to go do all the things to bring you all the books. Hugs!

Silence the Siren

Ro has been hired to hunt a deadly muse of sirens before they sink any more ships.

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

About the Book

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion and the second book in the Beast Hunters series.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 2
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
ASIN: 1943788529

– Hope Bolinger, author of the Blaze trilogy and the Dear Hero duology

– Julie Hall, USA Today Bestselling author of the multiple award-winning Life After series

– Derrick Elchers, author of The Battle for Art

– Rebecca P. Minor, fantasy author, artist, and Realm Makers founder

– Laura VanArendonk Baugh, award-winning author of The Songweaver's Vow and the Shard of Elan series

– Merrie Destefano, award-winning author of Shade: The Complete Trilogy

Other Books in the "Beast Hunters"

{Link to order signed copies right here.}

Preview

Celebrate New Book Traitor with Us Tonight!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of Laurie Lucking’s blog tour for her new book, Traitor!

Book Two in the Tales of the Mystics series, Traitor is a beautiful story of redemption, magic, and arranged marriage that makes for the sweetest romance. Laurie’s characters lift off the page and her settings draw you in until you feel you’re in Delunia yourself.

I loved every minute of it.

And now Laura A. Grace and I get to co-host Laurie Lucking’s online release party for this stunning new release.

This party kicks off tonight at 8PM EST, and you can RSVP right here.

Would you like a few sneak peeks of the prizes available? Of course you do! :D

Happy sigh. I just love books so much, and these four are such good ones.

See you tonight!

In Him,

Michele

About Traitor by Laurie Lucking:

Princess Penelope has finally found a way to redeem her past mistakes—if only it didn’t require betraying her new fiancé.

Princess Penelope has been the object of gossip and ridicule ever since she returned home in disgrace following her failed engagement to the Crown Prince of Imperia. When her father offers a new start in a country far across the sea, she has no choice but to accept.

Even if it means another betrothal, this time to a total stranger.

Penelope arrives in Delunia determined to avoid bringing further shame upon her family. But her devoted, caring fiancé makes it harder to guard her heart than she anticipated, and rumors of dark magic haunt her with memories she’d rather keep buried far beneath her pristine exterior.

When a poverty-stricken village outside the palace gates looks to her as their hope for a brighter future, Penelope embraces the opportunity to make amends for her transgressions. But in order to help, she must manipulate her new fiancé, putting her reputation on the line once more. And her heart.

Can Penelope rise above the failures of her past, or will she forever be branded a traitor?

About the author:

Laurie Lucking loves hoarding books, singing at the top of her lungs, playing games that don’t involve too much strategy, and spending time with her husband and three energetic kids. A recovering attorney, she now spends her days as a stay-at-home mom and has discovered writing young adult romantic fantasy is way more fun than drafting contracts. Her fairy tale–inspired stories combine the excitement of discovering new worlds with the timeless enchantment of falling in love. Find out more about Laurie and her writing adventures at www.LaurieLucking.com.

Follow her here:

Website: www.laurielucking.com
Blog: www.landsuncharted.com
Amazon Author: www.amazon.com/Laurie-Lucking/e/B0796DGHX8
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/laurielucking

Silence the Siren has a Release Date!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Cue all celebrations everywhere—Silence the Siren has a release date, finally!

As those of you who receive my newsletter already know, this lovely book releases August 24, 2021, and preorder swag is available Right. Now. :D

(It is extremely limited, so if you want some, now is the time to snatch it up!)

Can you tell I’m just the smallest bit excited over here? :D

Okay, so do you want a peek of all the bookish lovelies I will send you for embarking on this siren-pirate-huntress adventure with me? Here ya go!

First up, character sketches by the lovely Laura Hollingsworth!

You guys, she is my dream artist. The fact that she even agreed to immortalize my characters in her illustrative glory still has my head spinning. Aren’t they gorgeous? Happy sigh.

(You will be hearing a lot of happy sighing from me, let me tell you.)

It is no secret I love stickers. And thanks to H.L. Burke (If you haven’t read her Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Series, you need to do so post-haste! I am in love with that series), I am now addicted to holographic stickers.

What better way to commemorate Silence the Siren’s lovely cover by Sara Helwe Digital Arts than holographic stickers? I am seriously addicted. So shiny. Hopefully you’ll enjoy playing with them in the light as much as I have. (Or reflecting the light off them on every surface for your cat. That’s fun too.) :)

And can I just say how much I love that siren coming out the water, ready to tear Ro to shreds, and she’s just calmly shooting at her as if she’d used to these kinds of things? I’d be throwing that bow and running, let me tell you.

Some art I had commissioned for my book release, and others I contacted the artist and asked permission to give them to you as a thank-you for buying my book. So many artists were so gracious to agree!

Magnetic bookmarks by Happy Hello Co.

This artist is just the sweetest. When I contacted her about snatching up every last one of these magnetic bookmarks for preorder goodies, she happily dug up more so I could have them ALL! :D We’ve got mermaid, huntress, and siren-ish bookmarks here, and I adore how the magnets just suction to the page and don’t allow you to lose your place no matter how many times you drop a book on your face when falling asleep.

(Can a get an amen from my fellow late-night readers?)

I love them. So much.

Mermaid dreaming sticker by Karen Hallion.

Oh. My. Goodness. How can you not love these stickers? I was blown away when the artist let me include these as a thank-you for going on an adventure with my huntress, Ro. The sirens in my story are adamant that they are not mermaids with their bright colors and happy dispositions and always-dreaming qualities. Since we meet mermaids later in the series, I had to include these!

Llyr “Sea Curls” siren sticker and Cordelia “Extravagant” siren sticker from Lin308.

Since she’d already drawn two of my characters exactly, this lovely artist happily agreed to let me include her gorgeous art in my thank-you packs. I am one of the happiest authors in the world right now. Llyr with her gorgeous hair and optimistic personality becomes friends with the huntress, and Cordelia is so enamored by all things siren, she can’t help exploring her new world. (And that’s all I can say without spoilers!)

I love them both so much.

Bookplates: When I designed these bookplates, I had no idea they would be this gorgeous in person! I love all things red, all things roses, and all things Beauty and the Beast, so these bookplates are perfection.

I also got new business cards for this release, so let’s just face it. You’ll probably get one of those too. (Email me anytime! I’d love to chat with you about all things bookish.)

And for those of you ordering signed copies directly from me (extremely, extremely limited) . . . You. Guys.

Not only will you get the most gorgeous coloring book in the world (the gold foil and thick pages and Little Mermaid quotes are divine!), the girls at LCC Boutique handcrafted these rose-stud earrings exclusively for this release.

The studs are hypoallergenic, the earrings are delicate and smooth and beautiful, and the red glitter catches the light just right and looks exactly like the magical rose in Kill the Beast, the first book in the series.

I am in love with them. (And yes, I have my very own pair!)

I only have 20 coloring books and 20 earrings, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.

{Already ordered the ebook or paperback via another retailer? Here is the signup form for preorder swag!}

Let’s just take a moment to revel in the awesomeness that is bookish art. Happy sigh.

Thank you so much for joining me today, and I hope you love your new adventure and all the goodies that come with it! <3

In Him,

Michele

About the Book:

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt the sirens who have been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth. All who have gone before her have failed.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

But when Ro is plunged deep into the ocean by the siren she’s being paid to kill, presented the sirens’ side of the story at knife point, and pressed to join them or die, Ro must decide whether to complete her mission, join the sirens, or something in between.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

This fast-paced, high-action adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion and the second book in the Beast Hunter series.

About the Author:

Michele Israel Harper spends her days as an acquisitions editor for L2L2 Publishing and her nights spinning her own tales. Sleep? Sometimes . . . She has her Bachelor of Arts in history, is slightly obsessed with all things French—including Jeanne d’Arc and La Belle et la Bête—and loves curling up with a good book more than just about anything else. Author of nine published novels as well as an award-winning freelance editor in her spare time, Michele prays her involvement in writing, editing, and publishing creates many enjoyable books in the years to come. Visit www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com (or www.L2L2Publishing.com) to keep in touch or sign up for her newsletter.

Beast Hunters

Beast Hunter

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 0
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

The Lost Slipper: Cosette’s Story

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

***Finalist in the 2024 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, novella category***

Paperback available now.

Ebook available exclusively for Michele Israel Harper's newsletter subscribers!

Kill the Beast

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 1
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This heartfelt and magical adventure is a Beauty and the Beast reimagining where Red Riding Hood is hired to hunt and kill the beast.

Finalist for the 2019 Book of the Year Award from Serious Writer

Silence the Siren

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 2
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

This high-seas adventure is a Little Mermaid reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen persuasion, and although it is the second book in the Beast Hunters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Finalist in the 2022 Christian Indie Awards

Quell the Nightingale

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 3
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Immerse yourself in Ro’s adventure today!

Available now.

Slay the Wolf

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Beast Hunters, Book 4
Genres: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Coming Soon!

{Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series: Reformed, Redeemed, Reborn, Refined.}

Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Series

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Prism and Fade are my jam.

Seriously, this is one of my favorite superhero series in the world, and I am so invested in each one of these characters.

I just started reading book four last night (even though it’s been on my Kindle for a few days now), and it’s already promising to be just as good (or even better), than the last three books.

Author H.L. Burke did such an amazing job! I seriously can’t get enough of these books and won’t be upset if the author decides to add another book (or twenty) to the series.

(And can I please freak out about those covers for just a moment? They are so fun! They were the first thing that drew me to the series, and they absolutely fulfill the promise that these books will be a fun—and intense—read.)

Check out the full series right here:

Plus, there’s a fun spinoff novella that I read in less than a day.

{Blind Date with a Supervillain: Supervillain Romance Project}

About Reformed, Book One:

Once a villain, always a villain?

Optimistic and idealistic superhero Prism is determined to redeem her father’s legacy by rebooting his supervillain rehabilitation program. To do so, she sets her sights on Fade, the relapsed supervillain who was the reason the government canceled the original program in the first place. However, when she petitions for Fade to be released into her custody, she finds out things might not be as simple as she thought.

Convicted of an unforgivable crime, Fade received a choice: surrender to trial and possible execution or endure a memory erasure so he could start fresh. Now with no recollection of his time before incarceration, Fade doubts he has the ability to be anything but the villain the public believes him to be.

A series of attacks by a mysterious power-swapping villain points back to Fade’s past and the crime that cost him his freedom and memory. With her father’s legacy and her own reputation on the line, even Prism has to wonder: can a villain truly be reformed?

>>>Important note: If you haven’t read the series yet, potential ***SPOILERS*** ahead! (Just scroll down to the next pic.) <3

About Redeemed, Book Two:

An idealistic heroine. A reformed villain. A troubled teen.
Can the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project form a family out of this mess?

Still working out her team’s dynamic as well as her own fledgling romance with former villain Fade, Prism is blindsided when her superiors order her to take on another rehabilitation subject or risk having her team broken apart. Then her best friend and fellow superhero, Tanvi, foils a robbery but injures a super-powered teen in the process. Guilt stricken, she begs Prism to let the young girl, Alma, AKA Soulbird, be their next project.

Alma fills a gap in the team and works her way into the group’s hearts. However, her past stalks her, as the villain who forced her into a life of crime in the first place doesn’t want to let her escape into hero life without a fight.

Can Prism and her team redeem Alma from her past, or will the villain life drag the girl out of the SVR and out of their reach forever?

About Reborn, Book Three:

The worst blows come from those closest to your heart.

Idealistic superhero, Prism, has taken the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project to new heights. With her team thriving, her marriage to former supervillain, Fade, blissful, and her first child on the way, the life of her dreams is within reach … but supervillains never rest.

When a mysterious gang of criminals targets superhero facilities, Prism’s team springs into action. However, these villains have a nasty surprise in store for Prism: all its members are already dead … and one of them is a ghost from Prism’s past. One she can’t bring herself to take down.

Faced with an enemy who always strikes for the heart, Prism has impossible decisions to make. Choices that could cost her the things—and people—she cares for the most.

About Refined, Book Four:

It’s hard to be a hero when crime is in your DNA.

Now a full time hero with a beloved wife and treasured daughter, former supervillain Fade is certain nothing could take him down a dark path again. However, a mystery from his past lies in wait, a mystery tied to a part of his life he’d rather forget.

When DNA evidence reveals that Fade’s biological father is the elusive and enigmatic assassin known only as Syphon, Fade wants nothing to do with that mess. Unfortunately, Fade can’t shake the target this newly discovered connection puts on him—and the backs of his friends and family.

Fade’s only chance to fix things is taking down Syphon himself. But Fade’s long absent father has his own plans for their reunion. Plans that could cost Fade everything he’s fought and bled to create.

If you like Brandon Sanderson’s The Reckoners series (Steelheart, Firefight, Calamity), Jason C. Joyner’s Rise of the Anointed series (Launch, Fractures), Marissa Meyer’s Renegades series (Renegades, Archenemies, Supernova), or Hope Bolinger’s and Alyssa Roat’s Dear Hero/Dear Henchman duology (Book two coming soon! Yay!), then this is exactly the series for you.

Have you read any part of the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series? Or is it on your TBR list?

I would love to hear what you think!

In Him,

Michele

Coming soon: Silence the Siren has a RELEASE DATE. Excuse me while I hyperventilate over here! (And wait impatiently for things to be “in place” before the official announcement. Gah! This writer doesn’t have that kind of patience!)

About Author H. L. Burke:

H. L. Burke has written more books than she can count—because she’s written a lot of books, not just because she can’t count very high.

Easily distracted by shinies, she has published in many sub-genres including fantasy romance, Steampunk, and superhero, and always creates storyworlds with snark, feels, and wonder.

Married to her high school crush, she spends her time writing, spoiling her cat, and supervising her two supervillains in training (aka her precocious daughters).

An Oregon native, she wilts without trees and doesn’t mind the rain. She is a fan of delicious flavor, a follower of the Light, and a believer in happily ever after.

Ways to Connect with H. L. Burke:

My Twitter for random snarkiness and occasional book snippets (www.twitter.com/hlburkewriter)
My Facebook for longer-form random snarkiness, occasional book snippets, and #dailydragon posts where I share my favorite dragon-related finds (www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter)
My Instagram for #TheodoretheDragon awesomeness (www.instagram.com/burkesdragons)
My website and mailing list for news and deals (www.hlburkeauthor.com)
My reader group if you want to be the first to hear about beta and ARC reading opportunities as well as my day-to-day struggles and weekly live videos. (www.facebook.com/groups/hlburkereaders)

A Castle Awakened

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:00:00 +0000

I’m so excited to chat about a brand-new series that is so good I can hardly calm down enough to tell you about it!

A Castle Awakened by Sharon Rose is the first book in the Castle in the Wilde series, and I couldn’t help but immediately buy it once I saw the gorgeous cover.

The story within is just as stunning as the cover.

It enchanted me from the first paragraph, I adore the resplendent wit and humor, and the descriptions are simply divine. I also happen to be in love with the characters.

(It is seriously possible to ship two characters so early on in a story? >>> Apparently, yes.)

The prequel novella, A Castle Sealed, releases January 19th, and book two in the series, A Castle Contended, releases July 31st.

Believe you me, both are preordered and I cannot wait for them to show up on my Kindle.

Aren’t those covers freaking gorgeous?

Also, can I please just have the rest of the series right now this very second?

{Amazon link to the series: https://amzn.to/35FhTgd}

Before I gush too much more about this author or this series, here’s what book one is all about:

A foreign usurper. A lady who longs for freedom. Vicious beasts who want to rip them all to shreds. Who wins?

Never one to shy from a challenge, Lord Tristan Petram took possession of a forsaken castle. His search uncovered no hint of who built it or why they abandoned such a gem. What treachery would strike the founding family from history? Still, it seems a small matter, since the generations have passed. If he and his followers can forge a life here—and hold out against ravenous vixicats—the castle and this land will be theirs. As for the nearest kingdom, they never venture beyond their border or the mysterious forest of tower trees. Except…

Beth dons a disguise and takes a forbidden ride in Tower Woods—a last fling before she bows to the dictates of her noble birth. Her fun adventure turns into a nightmare of kidnap and rescue—of sorts. Now she’s trapped in a nameless castle held by a foreign usurper who calls himself Lord Petram. Who could he be, and what will he do with her if he finds out who she really is?

Thus, Lord Petram finds himself the unwilling guardian of an injured lady who won’t give her full name. A crime he didn’t commit may bring retribution from an unknown kingdom. Do they have a claim to this castle that he now calls home? If he survives the vixicats, will an army slaughter him and his followers?

A Castle Awakened is the first novel in the Castle in the Wilde trilogy. If you like fantasy with mystery, intrigue, and romance, come and explore this secondary world with medieval undertones and the turmoil of clashing cultures.

Doesn’t that sound amazing?

Because it is. It absolutely is.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sharon Rose’s sci-fi series, Diverse Similarity and Diverse Demands (see blog post here), and I cannot wait to finish her new fantasy series.

{Amazon link to check out her sci-fi series: https://amzn.to/35DpziY}

It looks as though I have a new auto-buy author! (My favorite kind.)

If you have added these books to your 2021 #bookstack, have featured any of them on your social media, or have already read the first book, will you do me a huge favor and let me know what you think?

I’m so excited to read the rest of them and cannot wait to hear if you enjoyed them as well.

I hope these are the perfect new reads for you!

In Him,

~Michele

About the Author:

I started writing when I was seven years old. Okay, My Life as a Flying Squirrel may have had a couple spelling errors, but my classmates loved it.

Plenty of life has happened since that first story, and I’ve come to realize the things that fascinate me. People. Communication. Culture. Personality. Viewpoints. Beliefs. Anything that makes each of us beautifully unique. Small wonder that my art spills out in story form.

It was only a matter of time before I just had to share my stories. I publish fantasy and science fiction because they allow vast spaces to explore. My stories weave cultures and characters, who are more than they seem to be, into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.

When I’m not writing or reading, I may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with my husband. We live in Minnesota, USA, famed for its mosquitoes—uh, I mean 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.

RDK Swag is GONE. Wow!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 13:00:12 +0000

Oh my goodness, I am completely blown away! I just sent out my last batch of preorder goodies for my book that released three days ago, and that’s it. It’s gone.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I have to tell you, when Kirk DouPonce of DogEared Design agreed to create the cover, then author and artist Rebecca P. Minor agreed to create the illustrations for the inside, and then photographer, actor, and artist Alena Van Arendonk agreed to set up a socially distant and perfectly safe photo shoot so that my kids could be on the cover, I was completely blown away.

(Yes, those are my kids on the cover. Eek! They were so excited, let me tell you.)

I cannot emphasize how important it is to surround yourself with people who are good at their craft and love what they do. My book would not be this amazing without them.

Thank you Kirk, Becky, and Alena for making my book so stunningly gorgeous!

A huge thank you to everyone who edited, critiqued, and beta read this book to perfection. (Okay, at least to make it way better than it was!) I am so grateful for each one of you!

And I cannot thank you enough, dear reader, for purchasing my book and supporting my craft so I can write more books. I appreciate you more than you could possibly know!

Speaking of more books, would you like a sneak peek of some of the illustrations Rebecca P. Minor designed for the following books in the series?

Of course you do! :D

These are not all of them, and the others are just as gorgeous. I can’t wait to show them to you as well!

The entire series is plotted out, and my kids and I are in the process of writing/figuring out the next book, Diamond Unicorn Kingdom.

(Our process is this: I tell them a story at bedtime, a rough idea of where I think the story will go, they throw their wild ideas at me of how to make it even more exciting, then the moment they go to bed, I rush out to my writerly hidey-hole and type madly to get everything down before it flies away into the ether. Whew! I feel like I need to write just thinking about it!)

Right now, though, I’m using National Novel Writing Month to draft and complete a novel in another series.

Once NaNo is over, I’ll be back to the Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms—and Quell the Nightingale, book three in the Beast Hunter Series.

There are so many wonderful books to write and stories I am aching to tell!

Although it only took me nine days to write this book, it took a full year after that to get everything in place for a completed story I could bear to show anyone.

Writing is so wonderful, but at the same time, exhausting.

Often it feels like there is little return for pouring my heart and soul onto the page for days and weeks and months and years at a time.

You know what makes it worth it? The days on end of typing, staring at a computer screen until it feels like my eyes are bleeding? Looking for plot holes, searching for just the right phrasing to make the story leap off the page?

You.

I write for you.

For you to escape. For you to appreciate the world around you more. For you to have a delightful adventure in the pages of my books.

Thank YOU for making it all worth it. I treasure each one of you.

In Him,

Michele

P.S. If you enjoyed the book, would you kindly give me the best present in the world and leave a review? I’ll take it on Amazon, Goodreads, B&N—anywhere you like to leave reviews is just fine with me!

P.S.S. If you’d like to order signed copies for Christmas, I have just ten (10) left, and you can order them via the secure Square link below. I can ship them until December 1st!

P.S.S.S (I’m feeling like I’m getting P.S. happy here . . .) Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Ruby Dragon Kingdom

Ruby Dragon Kingdom is now available!

Finalist in the 2021 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, Fantasy Category

Finalist in the 2021 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, Middle Grade Category

About the Book

Blaze, Maverick, and Gwen have never seen a dragon before, and they’re from the Ruby Dragon Kingdom. That changes one summer when they’re whisked away to the Land of Sand and Sun—against their will.

Their cousins, Hailey and Claire, happen to be visiting at the time, so yeah, they’re kidnapped too.

They discover dragons aren’t the myths they thought they were, and the dragons have stolen the Sand Dwellers’ parents. The five cousins must use their magical talents to get them back . . . or they won’t be allowed to go home.

Can they solve the mystery of the missing parents before the dragons destroy everything?

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms, Book 1
Genre: Children's Fantasy
ASIN: B08LJDGH2L
ISBN: 9781943788477

Preview

RDK Preorder SWAG Is Here!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 17:40:20 +0000

Guess what finally showed up? The preorder SWAG for Ruby Dragon Kingdom I ordered months ago. Hurray!

This book releases November 16, 2020, just in time to order for Christmas!

Kirk DouPonce of DogEared Design designed the cover, Rebecca P. Minor drew the dragon illustration inside the book (and other mythical creatures that will show up in the next books), and Alena Van Arendonk did a special socially distant photo shoot so my kids could be on the cover. I am so thankful for each one of these amazing artists!

Now, a little about the book, then I’ll tell you how to get your preorder goodies.

One of my favorite parts of the day is reading to my kids before bed or, even better, making up a story for them (which they love to add to, of course).

Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms were made-up stories starring—you guessed it, my kids and their cousins—and my husband and I have been telling it to them for years.

Well, my husband and I mixed their names around (Mlaze, Baverick, and Vwenigere), which sounds cool when you’re just making things up, but when you’re reading it, those names are practically unreadable.

(Or so my beta readers told me, and although it was hard to hear at first—we authors get attached to the strangest things sometimes—when I stepped back and looked at it objectively, I had to agree.)

And although the kids were bummed at first, once paperback copies arrived, they were so thrilled, they didn’t even mind I’d changed the names. Whew!

Also, random fact, I wrote this entire book in nine days.

I mean, what?

Last year for NaNo, my goal was to write three books, Quell the Nightingale, Vampire Feud, and Queen of the Moon, or 150,000 words.

Well, I succeeded, except right in the middle, I had a keynote speech that completely drained me. (Speaking or spotlight-type things do that to me.)

My kids wanted a story, all I wanted to do was sleep, and I stumbled into their room, tucked them in, and asked where we were in the story.

One of my kids said, “Mom, if you’re writing a book right now, why don’t you write this story down?”

I kind of laughed and told the briefest story ever, but as soon as I finished, I couldn’t get away from the idea.

Instead of going to bed, I wrote the first few chapters, and in nine days, I had a complete book.

And the day after that, I had a complete, five-book outline.

(And then I finished Ghostly Vendetta before going back to the three NaNo projects I’d claimed. LOL!)

The next book in this series, Diamond Unicorn Kingdom, has been mostly told and partially drafted. Who knows? Maybe I’ll finish it this NaNo too!

So there is the story behind this book, and if you’d like to order it to read to your kids, to give it to them to read, or even to read it yourself, all the buy links and preorder SWAG links are below.

Thank you so much for joining me today!

In Him,

Michele

Ruby Dragon Kingdom

Ruby Dragon Kingdom is now available!

Finalist in the 2021 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, Fantasy Category

Finalist in the 2021 Realm Awards from Realm Makers, Middle Grade Category

{Here’s the link to join me right here.}

About the Book

Their cousins, Hailey and Claire, happen to be visiting at the time, so yeah, they’re kidnapped too.

Can they solve the mystery of the missing parents before the dragons destroy everything?

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms, Book 1
Genre: Children's Fantasy
ASIN: B08LJDGH2L
ISBN: 9781943788477

Preview

Meet Captain Red

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000

This is the last day of my character art reveal! Sob!

But once again, Laura Hollingsworth exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier.

Captain Red is one of the most feared pirate captains on the seven seas, especially around Angleterre, or England. She’s ruthless, determined, and will gladly rob you blind with a smile on her face.

Unfortunately, since Ro has been sequestered away curse-ridden France, unable to get past the borders, she’s never heard of the pirate captain.

So when Ro hires her and her all-female crew to secretly follow her across the Atlantic (because she knows there’s no way to succeed without them, no matter what the English king says), she’s rather shocked to find out her captain is a pirate.

They are, after all, being hunted down and hung almost as fact as the sirens.

Ro doesn’t know how to feel about that, but Captain Red is just so darn likable.

Can Ro help bring peace to all the fighting factions, or will she have to choose a side and fight to the death?

(Man, that was hard to write without spoilers! Once again, I just want to tell you e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. . . .)

Meet Captain Red, one of the most delightful pirate captains ever!

Happy sigh. I’m just gonna sit here and stare for a hot minute . . .

A thousand times, thank you for joining me for this character reveal series! I hope you love my book when it comes out.

Watch this space (or sign up for my newsletter) for my upcoming release date for Silence the Siren!

Love you all.

In Him,

Michele

Up next: Did you know my children’s book, Ruby Dragon Kingdom, releases November 16th? No? (That’s probably because I forgot to tell anyone I was writing it. LOL!) Here’s the Amazon link to check it out if you have kids who love dragons (or are young at heart and love dragons).

More bookish news: If you sign up for my newsletter, I am giving away my ebook, Wisdom & Folly Sisters: The Complete Story. Part one and part two have been combined, revised, and updated with additional content. Enjoy! :D

Meet the Siren Queen

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 12:00:15 +0000

I can’t even. I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous in my life.

I mean, seriously, don’t these character sketches keep getting better and better?

Today we meet the Siren Queen, the haughty, cold monarch of the seas.

She’ll gladly sink any ship that crosses her ceiling, and she isn’t even a little interested in stopping.

But she is interested in the huntress.

She would make a fine addition to her collection, don’t you think?

And that’s all I can say, because [all the spoilers in the world redacted].

Seriously, it’s all in the book, and I just can’t tell you more without giving away major plot points.

But I want to.

That counts for something, right?

This just may be my favorite of all of Laura Hollingsworth’s exquisite masterpieces.

(Of course, I feel that way about all of them. I can have five favorites, right? Sure I can.)

Meet Zarya, the Siren Queen who rules the seven seas!

Oh my goodness, I love her so much!

And I can’t wait for you to meet her in my upcoming book, Silence the Siren.

Until tomorrow, my lovely readers!

In Him,

Michele

Next up: Meet Captain Red. She’s so amazing, you guys!

About Silence the Siren:

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

But when Ro is plunged deep into the ocean by the siren she’s being paid to kill, presented the sirens’ side of the story at knife point, and pressed to join them or die, Ro must decide whether to complete her mission, join the sirens, or something in between.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

Meet Ro

Michele Israel Harper — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:00:02 +0000

Okay, can I just say how hard it is to only show you one character at a time?

I just want to give them to you all at once and rave on and on and on about how much I love them.

But I can be patient. I can.

I’m sure of it.

(Plus, only revealing one at a time helps me focus on telling you more about each character than I would have otherwise. That’s a good thing, right?)

So here’s what you need to know about my huntress, Ro LeFèvre.

My girl here has been through a lot. (And I do mean a LOT.)

Her mother died just as a curse fell on 18th century France.

Her family’s merchant vessels sank in a storm.

They lost everything—their beautiful home in Paris, any shred of wealth they possessed, their quiet country home—and friends and beaus and acquaintances no longer associated with them.

Her loving, doting père (father) turned to gambling and drink to smother his grief.

As if that wasn’t enough, Ro, the second youngest, had to step up and run her new household for her selfish, lazy older sisters (all five of them), her two older brothers, and her younger sister, Cosette, until she was old enough to start helping too.

And then . . . and then . . . her father cowardly exchanged her life for his . . . to a beast.

Um, no, she was having none of that.

When a ravenous wolf tried to eat her little sister, Cosette, and she accidentally killed it, she decided to train as a huntress and provide for her family that way. (She became rather good at it. Legendary, in fact.)

Much has happened in the years since—Gautier hiring her to hunt the same beast her father tried to give her to, her sister snatching up the man she thought she was going to marry, finding out her hunting skill was partly due to a fairy gift for watching over the Fairy Queen’s daughter—and now, she’s running from it all.

Hunting the sirens sinking the English king’s ships seems like just the thing for a broken heart, doesn’t it?

So off she goes, staying busy, avoiding people, and doing what she does best, fairy gifting or not.

Here is my fierce darling, who has been through far too much already, and has such a long journey ahead of her!

(Believe me, I know. I’ve plotted the entire series—well, as best as a pantser can plot, because you just know these characters take over their own stories no matter how much I tell them exactly what’s going to happen—and I can’t help but feel for these oblivious characters going along their merry way, when Bam! I happen to them.)

Mwhahahahaha! (<<

Without further ado, I give you the legendary huntress, Ro LeFèvre!

Laura Hollingsworth, what even are you doing to me with these characters? You are a master artist, and I’m a pile of mush. THANK. YOU!!!

And thank you all for joining me today!

In Him,

Michele

Next up: You will either meet the Siren Queen or Captain Red—I haven’t decided yet! I love them both so much, and they’re sooo beautiful…

About Silence the Siren:

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

But when Ro is plunged deep into the ocean by the siren she’s being paid to kill, presented the sirens’ side of the story at knife point, and pressed to join them or die, Ro must decide whether to complete her mission, join the sirens, or something in between.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

Meet Olt

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000

I can’t even tell you how excited I am to introduce you to Olt today.

(Okay, you may hear this every day I show you a new character sketch, but still.)

Laura Hollingsworth once again captured this character from Silence the Siren perfectly, and I can’t stop staring.

(I mean, honestly, can you?)

So before I show you his gorgeous face, here’s a little more about the deckhand, Olt.

Yes, he’s fully aware his name is a bit on the ridiculous side, but it’s sooo much better than what his mother named him. Which he isn’t telling anyone.

While this isn’t his first time as a part of a working crew, he jumped at the chance to be on the same ship as Huntress Ro LeFèvre. The rumors about her hunting skill are legendary, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t intrigued to see a siren for the first time.

Anything is better than going back home.

Besides, if anyone can keep the ship and crew safe, it’s the huntress, right?

He has an easy, lighthearted demeanor, and he can quickly diffuse tense situations and get people previously about to punch each other in the face laughing in the process.

Well, most of the time…

Ro is certain he only came on this voyage to plague her every waking moment, and she’s convinced he’s deliberately using the three-month voyage to the Caribbean to destroy her every last nerve.

No one can possibly be this cheerful, right?

And although Cendre finally has to admit to herself that she’s the tiniest bit smitten with him, she recognizes something isn’t quite right. She’s positive he’s trying to hide something with his carefree attitude, because the sadness in his eyes when he thinks no one’s looking matches her own.

Oh, these poor, darling characters. They have no idea what’s coming for them, do they?

Ahem.

And now I give you Olt, deckhand on the King’s Ransom!

Isn’t he gorgeous? I mean, seriously, I see what Cendre’s talking about here.

(I will not be smitten with one of my made-up characters. I will not be smitten with one of my made-up characters…)

Oh, who am I kidding? I’m totally smitten!

(Imagine a hearty-eyes emoji right here, because this is totally what my face is doing.)

And now here’s a little bit about Silence the Siren, book two of the Beast Hunter series!

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

But when Ro is plunged deep into the ocean by the siren she’s being paid to kill, presented the sirens’ side of the story at knife point, and pressed to join them or die, Ro must decide whether to complete her mission, join the sirens, or something in between.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

Thank you so much for joining me today! I hope you will fall in love with these characters as much as I have.

See you tomorrow!

In Him,

Michele

Next up: You get to meet my fierce huntress, Ro LeFèvre. I can’t wait to show you!

Meet Cendre

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 12:00:33 +0000

I am so excited to introduce you to my characters from Silence the Siren, book two of the Beast Hunter series!

The lovely Laura Hollingsworth created the most stunning character art in the entire world, and I am going to take the next five days to show them all to you.

So today we meet Cendre (a French pronunciation that sounds somewhat like “Sondra”), the stowaway with a secret. She believes the huntress Ro LeFèvre is the only one who can answer the burning questions in her heart, so naturally she sneaks aboard her ship and follows her across the great sea.

Laura captured her perfectly, and I couldn’t be happier with how she’s breathed life into this lovely, lonely character of my heart.

Meet Cendre, the stowaway!

And now a little about the book itself:

Huntress Ro LeFèvre is offered a job to hunt a pest plaguing the Seven Seas. A siren has been sinking the king of Angleterre’s ships, and in turn, vast amounts of his wealth.

Fleeing heartbreak, Ro gladly accepts, but there’s just one problem. The king will credit the Marquis de la Valère, and no other women are allowed on the voyage.

Ro will just see about that.

Hiring an all-female pirate crew without the king’s knowledge, Ro hopes they will follow her to the Caribbean, not take the gold and flee.

But when Ro is plunged deep into the ocean by the siren she’s being paid to kill, presented the sirens’ side of the story at knife point, and pressed to join them or die, Ro must decide whether to complete her mission, join the sirens, or something in between.

Before the sirens sink the ship full of men above.

I cannot wait to share this story with you!

In Him,

Michele

Next up: Tomorrow we’ll get to meet the deckhand, Olt!

My True Self, My Brand

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:00:44 +0000

Branding. Building. Birthing.

All things must start somewhere.

I’ve just come from the Realm Makers online conference, and the sessions and classes have forced me to take a hard look at what I write, whom I write for, and where my writing passion lies.

From the beginning, I’ve written stories of girls a little older, on their own, young women beyond the teen years. All my stories reside there. I’ve been told my tales are not quite adult fiction, for the mature, and they’re not quite young adult, for the teens.

My stories fall into that shaky middle ground, that arena publishers once labeled “New Adult,” that genre/audience that quickly fizzled out due to too-dark themes and borderline-erotic content and the motto “anything goes.”

So my books don’t quite fit there either.

But you know what? I say no more. No more trying to shove and shape and force my stories to fit in a place they were never meant to be. I don’t write YA. I never have.

Even if I couldn’t see that till right now.

I write for the new adult audience, in the fantasy and sci-fi genres and subgenres, that lovely little realm called speculative fiction, and I want to honor God with my stories.

My books are clean. I’ve never pretended to write anything else. Light shines in the midst of darkness. My characters face hard choices, life choices. They seek hope, but it’s messy. And I’m okay with that.

I’m reclaiming what’s in my heart, what I’m passionate about. Whom I started writing for in the first place.

Me.

Scared. Desperately wanting to take risks. Told I couldn’t do it. Afraid I would crash and burn. Forced out of safety. Fleeing toward freedom and grabbing on with both hands. Sick to my stomach, internalizing lies that I was a failure and all I would ever do is fail. Knowing I couldn’t do it.

But I could. And I did.

This is why I write. For FREEDOM’S sake. For those who feel stuck where they are, scared to take that first step, but there they are, and there it is, and they’re stepping, stepping, stepping…and now they’re flying.

Novel. New. Exciting.

I am passionate about books for the twenty year olds. The ones in college. Just finishing college. Going for their masters or adulting for the first time.

College. Career. Complex.

Let’s face it: high school was rough. (At least, for me it was.) I loved when I was past that stage and on my own, experiencing freedom and adventure and yes, even responsibilities for the first time.

Flight. Fantasy. Freedom.

I loved proving to myself I could make it on my own. And that time in my life stuck with me. Burrowed deep within my soul. I can do anything if I work hard enough for it. If I follow the lead of the Spirit within, that voice that says “move” or “stay.” And those are the kinds of books I write.

New Adult Novels.

When high school is over, whether forced to spread your wings or you decide to jump out of the nest on your own, what happens next?

I’m here to show you, mostly by that lovely little question novelists everywhere hear in their heads: “What if?” You have choices. Dreams. Desires. Goals. Take charge and go for them! My novels reflect that. Your world is what you shape it to be. No matter how scared you are, be brave.

Take heart. Seize courage. You’ve got this.

And it looks like I’ve got some rebranding to do.

New Adult Novels.

Reclaimed. Reborn. Redeemed.

Rediscovering my passion for writing, grabbing hold of it with both hands.

I’m scared, but I can do it. And so can you.

In Him,

Michele

P.S. This is my dream, my heart–what’s yours? What have you been too scared to step out and go after with all you’ve got? I would love to hear it!

Fellowship of Fantasy Virtual Book Fair

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 29 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Just a quick announcement to say that I will be at the Fellowship of Fantasy virtual book fair this Friday evening (today) and Saturday!

It will be a fun, interactive event, where you can come to my “booth,” ask me anything your heart desires, and browse my books.

I’ll even take requests for stories you’d like to see me write in the future!

I am so honored to be included in this virtual event, especially since all of my physical events this year have been postponed or have gone virtual.

Oh! One more thing.

I want to give a huge shoutout to the mastermind behind this event, Author H.L. Burke, whose latest book, Reformed, kept me up all night. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

Be sure to check out the other author’s booths as well, and come prepared for a good time.

Time: 8 PM EST Friday evening through 11 PM EST Saturday evening, May 29th and 30th.

I can’t wait to see you there! >> Right here. <<<} (opens in a new tab)">{>>> Right here. <<<}

Thank you so much!

In Him,

Michele

Ghostly Vendetta Release Day!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 19:18:14 +0000

It’s release day for my new book, Ghostly Vendetta!

(Cue all the flailing and dancing and squealing.)

I can’t tell you how excited I am to have another book in the Candace Marshall Chronicles out in the world.

Now, this is actually a prequel to Zombie Takeover, which I wrote while drafting Vampire Feud, the book after Zombie Takeover.

(Have I made things complicated yet? Lol!)

Speaking of Vampire Feud, I have some exciting news about that book too! But more on that in a bit.

So I wasn’t going to celebrate this release at all, just leave a few posts in the internet-ether saying, “Hey! My book’s out today!” But the incredible Laura A. Grace was having none of that.

She said something to the effect of “Oh no. I’m having none of that. We’re celebrating your release or else.” (Ahem. Drastic liberties taken with paraphrasing said dialogue.)

In other words, Laura surprised me with a release party and wouldn’t take “I’m so busy, I’m drowning in work” as an excuse. She is so wonderful!

So join us tonight to celebrate my new release, all thanks to the glorious Laura A. Grace, author of Dear Author, the most encouraging person in the entire world! (And her book reflects that.)

{RSVP for the FB party right here!}

And if that wasn’t amazing enough?

My incredible cover artist, Sara Helwe Digital Arts, created the next cover in the series, just so I could have a surprise cover reveal at the end of the party! Oh my freaking goodness!

{Don’t forget to RSVP!}

Here’s a little bit more about my new book:

“Dare to spend the night in mysterious Rutherford Hall! When? The 175th anniversary of the Rutherford family’s unsolved murder. Ghosts guaranteed. Cash prize: $5,000. Want more deets? Ask Tyler, Stewart, or James.”

I laughed aloud as I read the flyer. Yeah, right. To think that I, Candace Marshall, world’s biggest scaredy-cat, would go anywhere near some haunted house, much less spend the night in one. I crumpled the stupid thing, pitched it in the nearest trash can, and went on my merry, oblivious, and soon-to-be-scared-out-of-my-mind way.

* * *

Candace Marshall doesn’t do ghosts. Or zombies. Or vampires. Or mummies.

Anything scary, really.

When she finds herself signed up for a dare she’s gone out of her way to avoid, things spiral out of control. Quickly.

Stuck in a mansion alongside a vengeful spirit, a miffed boyfriend, and a room full of people she doesn’t know or even like (if she’s being completely honest here), she must decide whether to act brave or let the coward within show.

Or kill the person who got her involved in the first place.

And that’s what my new book is all about!

{Buy Link on L2L2 Publishing’s website.}

Thank you for celebrating with me, and I hope to see you tonight!

(Plus take a small peek at the edges of my new cover below. Want to see the whole thing? Then I’ll be seeing you tonight!)

Love you all, and thank you for all the encouragement you, my lovely readers, have texted, messaged, or shared with me all day!

I appreciate you more than I can say!

In Him,

Michele

The Candace Marshall Chronicles:

Ghostly Vendetta

Zombie Takeover

Vampire Feud

Mummy Resurrection

Happy Cover Reveal Day to Me!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 13:00:32 +0000

Yes, “new books” as in plural. Three of them.

Can you believe it? I can’t.

If we’re being honest here, I actually wrote five books last year. (More on the other two later.) My cover artist and I have been working on these three covers for a while now, but I’ve been holding them back so I could show you all at once.

I’m so excited!

So, without further ado, here are my new book babies.

Are you still there? Of course you are.

Surely you expected no less from me than to keep you in suspense, at least for a little while.

Oh, come on! I’ve been dying to show you these for months! Do you feel at least a smidgeon of my pain?

Ta-da! Feast your eyes upon this gorgeousness from Sara Helwe Digital Arts!

Aren’t they divine? Isn’t Sara the best?

I mean, I can hardly stand how excited I am.

Check out my publisher’s site for closeups and book descriptions, and be sure to check back in (or sign up) for book updates.

I can’t wait to share these beauties with you!

(Oh! Before I forget: I also wrote Vampire Feud: Book Two in the Candace Marshall Chronicles, Quell the Nightingale: Book Three of the Beast Hunter Series, and Ruby Dragon Kingdom: Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms, but they all need major edits.)

(Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms is a five-book series based on stories I’ve been telling my kids for years, so I finally put the first one down in book form. They. Loved. It. So I’ve got the whole series outlined, books two and three partially written, and I know nothing about delving into this new, magical realm of children’s fiction. But I’m learning.)

I can’t wait to share release dates!

Thank you for your patience while you’ve been hounding me–ahem, I mean, asking me–for the next book in the Beast Hunter series as well as more from Candace Marshall, my resident scaredy-cat.

Love you all!

In Him,

Michele

New Sci-Fi Series: Diverse

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:00:00 +0000

You. Guys.

If you’ve been looking for a new sci-fi series, I’ve found it for you!

You may have seen me asking for good sci-fi book recs (and you may have heard me raving about Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig, which released just a few weeks ago, and which I got to read early—be still my heart!) since I haven’t found too many that were written just for me.

Well, you guys. You guys. I love these books!

Here’s a little bit about both books so you can decide for yourself if they belong on your must-read list!

(Hint: They do. They really do.)

Diverse Similarity, book one:

An enemy—or a friend? No way to know except the forbidden touch of an alien mind.

Kena is the only human in a multi-racial starship crew. She’s admired for her navigational skills, but her race is viewed as problematic. Cultural differences abound, seasoned by unexpected similarities. Those lacking telepathic abilities have another disadvantage. Kena presents the crew with a paradox. She cannot be a telepath, and yet she is.

Their challenging mission strains every limit and claims lives. When an enemy discovers their presence, Kena is captured. As both guest and prisoner, she finds the PitKreelaundun race much harder to comprehend than any she has known. They entwine kindness with cruelty. Worst of all, their telepathic practices are intolerable to a human, threatening Kena’s sanity and life. Mutiny is forming among her captors, rescue is impossible, and diplomacy fails. There is only one way out—something that Kena must never do.

Diverse Similarity is the first novel in a compelling science fiction series by Sharon Rose. If you are intrigued by alien cultures, rich characters, and dangerous adventures among the stars, this book is for you. Read it today and explore not only outer space, but the spirit within.

Diverse Demands, book two:

She could use forbidden telepathy to prevent an alien war. But will her own people call her a hero or a criminal?

Kena, a lone human among aliens, forged a truce with her enemies by promising a controversial telepathic link with their future leader. They claim this is the foundation of lasting peace. But what are these obscure problems they now hide? Why is TarKeen, her strongest supporter, suddenly missing? Will their future leader be executed before Kena can reach her?

When another human joins Kena’s crew, he creates as many problems for her as he solves. Dissension sparks among her allies. Despite his interference, Antony does have a form of wisdom—unwelcome, though it is. Now, her decision is that much harder.

If Kena succeeds in fulfilling her risky promise, will anything be left of her career? And what about her and Antony?

Diverse Demands, the sequel to Diverse Similarity, is packed with adventure, intrigue, and rich alien cultures. The story explores just how far a person will go to solve the unsolvable. If you like classic science fiction merged with a Christian worldview, this book is for you.

Don’t they sound amazing to you too? ***heart eyes***

Also, Firebird by Kathy Tyers was just highly recommended to me. Which out of these three series mentioned have you read, and which did you enjoy most?

And have you read any other sci-fi that I simply must read too? I’m seriously enjoying this genre so much right now.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

In Him,

Michele

Silence the Siren–Almost!

Michele Israel Harper — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 23:58:50 +0000

As NaNoWriMo barrels down upon writers everywhere (National Novel Writing Month, for those of you unfamiliar with the madness), I have one goal in mind: finish last year’s project, Silence the Siren.

Book two of the Beast Hunter series.

I’m so close, you guys. So close.

Every time I think I have a coherent story, I find a plot hole or a doubled or tripled scene (a scene I wrote several times over, because it wasn’t quite right, which is so fun to find when I think I’ve found them all).

I am so close to victory, I can taste it.

Why has it taken me over a year to self-edit (yes, my editor will have eyes on this when it’s ready) when I wrote over 112,000 words of the story last November?

I am a freelance editor. I am the acquisitions editor for L2L2 Publishing. I approve files and coordinate with the L2L2 team and spend the bulk of my day working on projects for L2L2 and other authors.

We’re deep into making sure everything is in place for the 2020 production schedule, and it’s all I can do to find time for anything else right now.

I travel all over the U.S., hearing pitches from lovely authors who have their own writing dreams, encouraging them to reach for the stars and hone their craft.

And that’s just my professional life. Let’s not even dig in to the personal side of things.

So to have an almost-complete manuscript of my very own work is driving me absolutely crazy!

I’m almost there! If only I could work on it more than an hour or two a day. Sigh.

But this is not me complaining. Oh, no. This is me telling you that if I can write a 112,000-word novel (Down by 12,000 words! Woohoo!) in the midst of the madness that is my life, so can you.

Did you hear me?

So. Can. You.

Sit down, every spare moment you have, and write.

Scribble down ideas in the school pickup line.

Order groceries through your store’s online pickup so you have 30 minutes to an hour more of your day.

Join a weekly writers group (Go Thursday Night Dream Big Writers!) or a critique group so you not only have time to write, you also have other, more advanced writers (hopefully published) who can look over your work and encourage your strengths and help develop your weaknesses.

Do whatever works for you, whenever it works for you, and don’t let your crazy-busy life be the excuse for not following your dreams.

If I can do it, so can you.

Love you all!

In Him,

Michele

Encircled Interview with S.E. Clancy

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 12:00:33 +0000

Today I am absolutely thrilled to interview S.E. Clancy, author of the Bluebeard retelling The Last Mrs. Bluebeard in the exciting new anthology of fairy tale retellings, Encircled! (Now try saying that sentence five times really fast . . .) ;)

I’m all for diving in, so here goes!

Q: Aw, YAY! I get to chat with S.E. Clancy! I am soexcited you’re on my blog today, girl. Okay, so tell me all about your story. Your retelling of Bluebeard was super creepy (and one of my faves in this anthology, though I love them all . . .), so tell me what inspired you to choose this gripping, chilling tale?

A: I’m delighted to be here, Michele! And congratulations on Kill the Beast being a semifinalist for Book of the Year from Serious Writer!

I had a different fairytale picked out first, but when it was taken, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone, not only with a historical retelling, but with a dark tale. I don’t even like horror movies, but I wanted to remain true to the ominous tone of the original tale.

Q: Aw, thank you! I’m so excited about Kill the Beast I can hardly stand it! But back to you. What first drew you to Bluebeard? Was it recent, something you’d been considering for a little while, or a retelling you’ve been determined to do for ages?

A: Honestly, I clicked on the title because I wasn’t thinking something called Bluebeard could be so frightening. My head was already creating a silly story about how a beard could be blue. But this tale is so different than most of the others! It’s sinister and creepy. And it begged me for a different point of view retelling.

Q: Any other retellings in the works? Or perhaps other stories that are all your own?

A: I’m an active fanfiction writer. This is my first published retelling. I have a couple of contracted stories with an ACFW chapter I’m waiting to hear back on for a release date. And . . . a little birdie tells me that this same Encircled group may try for another anthology of retellings!

Q: Oh, yay! I certainly hope you all do! Tell me what inspires you to write! What happens when the muse strikes? Do you rush off, pound out all the words, leaving dinner to burn and your fam to wonder what happened to you, or do you coax the muse out whenever you have a free moment, perhaps during a set time, or do you demand she show up when you’re ready? I’m all ears! (I love learning about different processes from different authors!)

A: If I leave the words to simmer, I lose them. My phone notepad and voice recorder are second only to the pen and notebook I carry. A few church bulletins have margins stuffed with scenes or dialogue inspirations. I’ve even had my hubby or kids write out something as I’m driving! I ain’t too proud to scribble on napkins, either.

I learned a technique from Davis Bunn at Mount Hermon that I employ at my house when I’m writing. First, this wouldn’t work as well with toddlers or elementary-aged kids. But mine are old enough and know how to use duct tape, so it works well for me. When I close the door of my office, don’t knock, open the door, or send texts unless there’s blood or the duct tape isn’t holding. And I write to music via noise-canceling headphones. Depending on the scene, I use playlists to settle into the mood.

Q: That’s awesome! K, one thing I absolutely love about you are your off-the-wall social media posts. They make me laugh so hard! (Your sense of humor is fabulous.) So do you mind if I ask some off-the-wall questions? No? (Oh, good, cause I was going to anyway . . .) What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

A: Yesssssss! Shenanigans!!! I love odd questions. Makes me feel at home–like we’re practically sisters!

I’m the queen of hairbrained situations. But the funniest thing that I didn’t create or have part of? Hrm . . . that’d be getting caught in a torrential downpour on our family vacation. Ponchos were useless and shoes were underwater. No point in being mad about it, so we ran through the puddles (technically, I believe they were sidewalk ponds by that time). My entire body was pruned.

Q: That’s great! (And see what I mean by hilarious? That’s my fave SM post of all time.) Let’s say you’ve pranked someone. You know, “hypothetically.” Tell me of a time when it went deliciously right and a time when it went horribly wrong!

A: You know what’s weird? I love shenanigans, but not pranks! Probably because I frighten easily. I’d rather say something that’s funny or do something ridiculous to make people laugh. I guess I like my mischief in the open.

Q: Completely understandable! What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

A: Tacos. What would happen if an EMP hit? Trimming my eyebrows. Tacos.

Q: Oh, yum. Tacos. Completely valid. (And now I’m wanting them. Right. Now.) Okay, last question. And it’s a super serious one. You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

A: Super Green. Only fans of the movie will understand that one!

Q: And now I must look up this movie ASAP. Thank you so much! I have absolutely loved chatting with you today! <3

A: My pleasure, Michele!

Does that make you want to read her story or what?

Let me tell you, I’ve read this whole thing, and it is fabulous. I can’t recommend this anthology enough.

I hope you love it!

In Him,

Michele

About the Author:

An adrenaline junkie, S.E. Clancy has skydived, worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, and raised two daughters with her husband of over 25 years in Northern California. A bit of a sci-fi nerd, geek, and self-proclaimed dork, there isn’t much she won’t try at least once . . . unless it involves mayonnaise, because that stuff is just gross. Her debut novella, “True: A Contemporary Retelling of Rahab,” released March 14, 2019.

About Encircled:

Experience six of the world’s most beloved stories in a whole new light! From historical to futuristic, these retellings will take you to an enchanted forest, a cursed castle, and far beyond. Uncover secrets of a forbidden basement, a hypnotic gift, and a mysterious doll. Fall in love with a lifelong friend or brand-new crush. Venture to unknown lands on a quest to save a prince, a kingdom, or maybe even a planet. With moments of humor, suspense, romance, and adventure, Encircled has something to offer every fan of fairy tales, both classic and reimagined.

This anthology features stories from S.E. Clancy, Jebraun Clifford, J.M. Hackman, E.J. Kitchens, Laurie Lucking, and Tori V. Rainn.

Pre-order links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV4PJCP/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130963276

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/encircled

Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1456811281

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44540764-encircled

And the A Touch of Gold Winners Are…

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:00:29 +0000

Congratulations to our winners of the A Touch of Gold giveaway in honor of Author Annie Sullivan‘s birthday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rachael K. and Deborah O., I have contacted you via email, and I cannot wait to send you your prize.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and I hope you love this book as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

Happy Birthday, Annie Sullivan!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:05:01 +0000

I am thrilled to give away two copies of Annie Sullivan’s book, A Touch of Gold, for her birthday today!

To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below and wish her a happy birthday on my post on Instagram.

I cannot wait to see who wins, and I cannot wait to hear what you think of this lovely book.

Happy birthday, Annie Sullivan!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!

Michele

Interview with Shayla Raquel, Author of The Suicide Tree

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 22:01:55 +0000

I am so thrilled to feature Author Shayla Raquel and her new book, The Suicide Tree, on my blog today!

Before getting to her lovely interview, first a little about the book itself:

A washed-up hacker. Two hated scientists. And offbeat alter personalities.

Knox Kevel receives the job of a lifetime when a mysterious man gets his charges dropped for cybercrime and hires him for an international job. His infamous parents, who created a cure for the Raven Virus, are dead and gone, but their decision to keep NovaVita from the world has taken a toll on Knox.

Swayed by quick money, Knox flies to Italy with his eccentric employer, Arlo Jenson. Knox must find the woman who experimented on Arlo and triggered his unpredictable personality shifts. But tension heightens when Knox discovers that Arlo knew his parents.

As the adventure unfolds, Knox falls for Arlo’s niece and finds himself in an even bigger mess when he comes face-to-face with the person responsible for his misfortune.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Shayla! Your book sounds absolutely wonderful, and I cannot wait to read it.

The Suicide Tree has a few settings: Pensacola Beach, Florida, and Italy. Did you travel to those places?

Yes. I’ve been to Pensacola Beach too many times to count. In fact, I went to college in Pensacola and years later, spent half a year there writing The Suicide Tree. In the acknowledgments, you’ll see that I thank the coffee shop owner for treating me so well (and keeping me caffeinated) while I wrote the first draft. I always knew I wanted Pensacola Beach to be a setting in a book, because it stole my heart at age 9. It will always, always be my version of heaven on earth.

Knox Kevel (and other characters) travels to Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Amalfi, Florence, and Venice. I, too, traveled to all those places in 2011. It was my dream trip, and I knew then I’d use these places in my writing. I’ve looked back at my photos from that time to ensure accuracy when writing the settings. You can’t help but love Italy: the people, the atmosphere, and the food.

So did I! That is so crazy that we went to the same college. What is your favorite thing about this novel?

Knox’s wit and humor. He tends to have these little conversations with himself, and they always crack me up. One of my favorite moments:

——

I remembered sitting in front of Arlo not too many days ago when he said my handle out loud, and I thought how strange it had been to hear it. “Suicide Tree,” I said.

“Like the plant?”

Marry me. Marry me right now, you crazy fool.

“Uh, yeah. How’d you know that?” I asked.

“My mom has this book of poisons”—of course she does—“and I was reading up on it. Goes undetected in autopsies. It’s like the perfect murder weapon.” She crunched into her waffle cone, and I visualized what our children would look like.

——

Are there any personal experiences that influenced your book?

Plenty. Perhaps the one that stands out the most is the romance between Knox and Jessa, which was 100 percent not planned at all. The characters just kind of decided to do their own thing without my permission. At the end of the novel, there’s a conversation between the two that happened verbatim to me in my life three years ago.

There’s a lot of food mentioned in this book. Which dish is your favorite?

It’s Italy! You’ve gotta have food! My all-time favorite Italian dish is arrabiata, which Norah recommends to Knox when they’re in Florence. Arrabiata is a spicy sauce for pasta made from garlic, tomatoes, and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil. Fun fact: I love cooking Italian food from scratch.

Norah Delgado, Arlo’s sister, was inspired by a well-beloved fictional character. Who was that and why did you choose her?

I have been in love with Morticia Addams since I was a little girl. I was probably 7 the first time I saw The Addams Family movie with Angelica Huston. I thought she was the most alluring woman I had ever seen. I decided to mimic Norah after Morticia a bit in the way she dressed and talked. Fun fact: my Doberman is named Wednesday.

Why did this story capture your heart?

I am an adventurous woman. If there’s a creek on a trail I’m walking, the shoes are coming off and I’m jumping in. If I’m asked to leave for a spontaneous trip to Florida and I have an hour to pack, I’m going. If someone wants to go check out an abandoned psych ward, I’m going in. (Yes, all of these have happened.) I wanted to write a novel that captured the beauty of going on an adventure. And that’s precisely what Knox does. But he didn’t want to. Originally, it was the lure of money that convinced him to go. It wasn’t until Arlo pushed Knox to be more adventurous that Knox’s heart changed. But . . . you’ll just have to see for yourself.

The antagonist has a bit of an issue with germs. Are you a germaphobe too?

Unbelievably so, which is why it came so naturally to write her character. At church, we shake hands with one other, and afterward, I head straight to the bathroom to wash my hands. At restaurants, I use Germ-X after the waitress takes the bacteria-infested menus away. If someone is coughing near me, you can bet I’ll be in another country to get away from it. The antagonist is the same way, but she . . . uh . . . goes about things a little differently than I do.

Where did you write your book?

The first place was Pensacola Beach, Florida, at the Drowsy Poet (a coffee shop). Sometimes I wrote in my condo (the same condo Knox lives in). Back in Yukon, Oklahoma, I’d write at Vacca Territory Coffee Shop, Starbucks, or my office. I found, though, that getting out of the house sure helped me in writing the book. A change of scenery is always good.

Is there anything you’d change about the novel?

I’d spend more time on it, and by more time, I obviously mean a lifetime. I could edit forever. Eventually, I had to let it out and know that I wrote the best book I possibly could. I’d probably work on Jessa’s character more. I’ve always felt she was somehow incomplete.

What are you working on next?

It’ll be more of a sci-fi thriller, which involves blood but no gore. Hmmm.

Ooh, that sounds absolutely divine. Cannot wait!

Thank you for joining me today and telling us more about you and your gorgeous book!

Tell me, dear readers, does this sound like a book you’d enjoy? Shayla is a fabulous editor, and when I heard she had a new book coming out, I had to share it with all of you.

You can preorder here:

Amazon Kindle: http://a.co/d/1UBxa7Y

Goodreads (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41914928-the-suicide-tree

Signed paperback: https://shaylaraquel.com/the-suicide-tree/the-suicide-tree-paperback-signed

Or get in touch with this lovely author here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaylaraquel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaylaleeraquel

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ShaylaRaquel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-raquel-9813a582

Website: https://shaylaraquel.com/contact

I hope you love it!

In Him,

Michele

About the Author:

An expert editor, seasoned writer, and author-centric marketer, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with authors and business owners every day. A lifelong lover of books, she has edited over 300 books and has launched several Amazon bestsellers for her clients.

Her award-winning blog teaches new and established authors how to write, publish, and market their books.

She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, The Rotting (in Shivers in the Night), and The Suicide Tree. In her not-so-free time, she acts as organizer for the Yukon Writers’ Society, volunteers at the Oklahoma County Jail, and obsesses over squirrels. She lives in Oklahoma with her two dogs, Chanel and Wednesday.

Kill the Beast Releases TODAY!

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 12:00:08 +0000

Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s finally release day for Kill the Beast! I have waited for this day for so long.

As I got ready for my blog tour (that spans from last Monday to this Friday), writing so many posts that had to do with the “why” of my story, I was reminded of a few important things I would love to share with you.

It took me four years to write this book.

Not edit, not market, write it.

I cried, I made excuses, I gave up several times over, but it came down to one thing: I kept writing.

I was so stuck, I was under so much self-pressure to give my favorite fairy tale the treatment it deserved, and yet, I gritted my teeth and kept going.

I remember the day I had my breakthrough.

I went to my writing group in tears–the first time I had ever cried in front of someone else about this book, I might add–and just railed against the universe. I didn’t understand. Why was there such a block in my mind against this story? How on earth was it taking so long? Why on earth was I even still working on it?

And the ladies of my group, what did they do? They listened. They encouraged me. They sympathized. And then we all started writing.

I remember sitting down, a low burn in the back of my throat, certain this would be one more fruitless session. I had over 150,000 words of a jumbled mess, disjointed scenes, scenes that I had written several times over, trying to get it right. I needed the word count cut, streamlined. For it all to make sense.

For the vision in my mind to make it onto the page.

I gritted my teeth, and I attacked it. Anything that didn’t add to the story had to go. Anything that had been written twice or three times over (or five, in one instance) needed to be cut to only one scene, the best scene.

And something clicked.

Things I wrote in the beginning came together in the end. Hints that I had placed throughout revealed themselves. One of the characters completely surprised me with her character arc! (I’d been hinting at it the entire time, I just didn’t know it.)

I had a book. Not a jumbled mess.

I spent weeks, months, on it after that. Not giving up. Typing for all I was worth. Editing, cutting, rearranging. Deleting everything imaginable that didn’t work. (I even deleted one scene I actually needed, if only for my own reference. Oops!) There was no going back. I was making these words into a story. Joy replaced the dread I felt every time I thought of my manuscript.

And it worked. Finally.

I still can’t believe it.

If you are working toward a dream, Do. Not. Give. Up!

One day, one day, it will click. Things will come together. All of your hard work will pay off.

Do what it takes to make whatever you are creating the best it can be, then work with others to make it even better.

Don’t give up, dear reader. I believe in you!

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Come to my Facebook party Thursday night! I have tons of prizes I want to give you in celebration of my new book! See you there. :)

P.S.S. Or if you’re in or near Indianapolis on Saturday, Sept. 29th, come to my book signing! We can celebrate together. (And I may have a huge prize basket fill with Beauty and the Beast prizes.) I cannot wait!

{Order Link for Kill the Beast}

Kill the Beast Update

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 12:00:31 +0000

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Kill the Beast is coming out this month! Ahhh!

September 25, 2018, Kill the Beast will be delivered to doorsteps and e-readers everywhere. I cannot wait to hear what you think!

It has been a long, long four years since I started this book, years filled with writers block, discouragement, and more rewrites, revisions, and edits than I can say. And the only Beauty and the Beast book I read during that time was the original La Belle et la Bête by Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, so I just may go on a binge-reading spree of every Beauty and the Beast retelling that has come out in the past four years!

(Or I’ll keep working on book two. Yeah, that’s probably more accurate . . .)

Anyway, I have more news!

Here is my event schedule for the next few weeks:

Sept. 17-28th: Kill the Beast Blog Tour (schedule below)
Tuesday, Sept. 25th: Kill the Beast Releases
Thursday, Sept. 27th: Kill the Beast Online Facebook Party
Saturday, Sept. 29th: Kill the Beast Book Signing in Indianapolis

I mean, wow! I can’t believe it’s finally happening! This is the story of my heart, the one that has been burning within me to be written for the longest time, and with all the roadblocks it has seen, it has become infinitely more dear to me.

And, I hope, to you as well.

{Here is a preorder link!}

{And here is the link to the online Facebook party.}

{And here is the link to RSVP for my book signing.}

My book signing will be held at Irvington Vinyl & Books, 9 Johnson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219, from 11AM to 2PM.

I just have to thank fellow writers Savannah J. Goins, Alicia Grumley, and Cameron Steiman from my Thursday Night Writing Group for putting together this event for me! These ladies encouraged me when I was in tears that the book wasn’t finished after four years, helped me find my way out of plot holes, and celebrated Kill the Beast’s completion harder than anyone I have ever met. You will always have a special place in my heart!

My online Facebook party will be on Thursday evening from 8-10 PM EST, and I will have tons of prizes to give away in celebration of my new release. Anyone is welcome to come! All you need is a computer and a comfy pair of jammies. (Okay, maybe I’m the only one who wears pajamas to online parties . . .) I have to thank Laura A. Grace and Jebraun Clifford for helping me with this event. You lovelies are the best!

And my blog tour!

Oh my goodness, you guys. Just a few hours after Laura A. Grace posted my blog tour signup form, it was completely full! And we both had bloggers contact us and ask to be added to the tour after we closed the form.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I have never felt so loved and supported in my life. People are actually excited about my book! I feel like I crawled out of my writing hole, am blinking at all the bright lights and loud noises around me, and all these wonderful people are surrounding me and encouraging me in ways I can’t even fathom.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

In Him,

Michele

{And just because I’m so excited about it, here’s another preorder link for Kill the Beast. I can’t wait to hear what you think!) :D

Blog Tour Schedule:

Monday, Sept. 17^th, Guest Post: “Fairies in the World of Kill the Beast,” Pam Halter, www.pamhalter.com/fairiesfantasyfaith
Monday, Sept. 17^th, Review of Kill the Beast,” Cathy Jeppsen, www.mybookaday.com
Tuesday, Sept. 18^th, “Review of Kill the Beast,” Jebraun Clifford, www.jebraunclifford.com
Wednesday, Sept. 19^th, Guest Post: “French Inspiration Behind Kill the Beast,” J.M. Hackman, www.jmhackman.com
Thursday, Sept. 20^th, Visual Post: “The Châteaux of Kill the Beast,” Laurie Lucking, www.landsuncharted.com
Thursday, Sept. 20^th, Visual Post: “The Characters of Kill the Beast,” Christina Morley, www.abooksandmore.blogspot.com
Friday, Sept. 21^st, Behind-the-Scenes Feature: “Kill the Beast: It Only Took Four Years,” Kristen Stieffel, www.newauthors.wordpress.com
Saturday, Sept. 22^nd, “Review of Kill the Beast,” Rachel Poli, www.rachelpoli.com
Saturday, Sept. 22^nd, “Kill the Beast Excerpt,” Mehsi S., https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Sunday, Sept. 23^rd, “Interview with Author Michele Israel Harper,” Jebraun Clifford, www.quillsandinkblotts.wordpress.com
Monday, Sept. 24^th, Behind-the-Scenes Feature: “The Story Behind Beast Hunter,” Jannette Fuller, www.jannettefuller.com/blog
Monday, Sept. 24^th, Guest Post: “Kill the Beast: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling,” Jaye L. Knight, www.jayelknight.blogspot.com
Tuesday, Sept. 25^th, Release-Day Post: “Kill the Beast Releases Today!” Michele Israel Harper, www.micheleisraelharper.com
Wednesday, Sept. 26^th, “Review of Kill the Beast: Why I Identify with the Beast,” Cathrine Bonham, www.cobonham.com
Thursday, Sept. 27^th, “Author Interview with French Enthusiast Michele Israel Harper,” Laura A. Grace, www.unicornquester.com
Friday, Sept. 28^th, “Kill the Beast Excerpt,” Teresa Beasley, www.arbookcorner.wordpress.com
Friday, Sept. 28^th, Visual Post: “Kill the Beast: Fashion in 18^thCentury France,” Lea Doué, www.leadoue.com
Friday, Sept. 28^th, “Book Love Friday: Kill the Beast,” Surprise Book Trailer by Laura A. Grace, www.unicornquester.com

Help me find that castle!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 12:00:14 +0000

Help! Name that castle!

For Kill the Beast, this is the castle my cover artist used on the front cover.

But now I’m going through final edits, and all of a sudden, I need to make sure my huntress Ro can truly get from the Beast’s royal chambers to the inner courtyard by scaling the turrets and walls. (Gotta make sure my blocking is right and the Beast’s chambers aren’t constantly moving! Hmm…now there’s an idea!) ;)

I want to look at the layout and compare it to le Château de Versailles (since, you know, I’ve actually been there), but the only description on this stock photo is “castle.”

I know it’s French, I know it’s next to a lake, and I know it’s gorgeous, but I so want to know what this château is called! And every other stock photo in this series is called “castle” as well.

I will send a signed paperback copy (when it releases, of course) to the first person who finds it and comments with a link, layout, or name below!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

In Him,

Michele

Where Will I Be This Weekend?

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:00:20 +0000

In just a few hours, I will be set up with the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore at the Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

When Scott and Becky Minor, Realm Makers Writers Conference directors, first contacted me about joining them and Author Kerry Nietz at this particular convention, I was over-the-moon excited and immediately began preparing my authors’ books to take with me.

(You know, all the wonderful books published through L2L2 Publishing?)

When Scott further clarified and said he wanted me to bring my books for a signing, I didn’t quite know what to do.

Do you know how long it’s been since I went to any conference or convention as an author instead of a representative of L2L2 Publishing?

I have no idea! It’s been that long!

And I am thrilled.

So while you are reading this, I will be dusting off my books (They’re not really dusty, I promise! Lol.), getting out my red signing pen, and most likely be bouncing around the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore booth with a mega-watt smile on my face. I am so excited!

And if you just happen to stop by and see me, you’ll most likely get tackle-hugged. And a signed book. Just sayin’. ;)

Exhibit Hall hours:

Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

(Psst. This beauty will be there. \/ \/ \/ )

Also, if you happen to stop by one of the sessions that Scott Minor is teaching, say, Saturday at 1:00 p.m., you just may happen to hear me speak in the panel afterward about L2L2 Publishing and why clean speculative-fiction publishers are so needed in the Christian industry. (See! I’m still representing L2L2 Publishing! So I’ll be mostly author-ing with a dash of representing.)

What an honor!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Scott and Becky Minor, for including me in the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore for the weekend!

In Him,

Michele

Just Dumb Enough

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 01:00:10 +0000

This is a freaking awesome book.

When I first heard about this book–and that the proceeds would go to a Realm Makers scholarship and the RM mobile bookstore, no less–I knew I had to get my hands on this.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

Just Brave Dumb Enough follows five companions as they seek to steal the Crystal of Darkness for the large profit of gold it will bring. There are just a few things in their way: giant spiders, wolf-men, dark magic, a powerful fortress, a rock monster–and the list doesn’t stop there.

No big deal, right?

Barzillai Broadhead, marksman extraordinaire, who leads the expedition, doesn’t think so.

After all, his team includes: Tekla, a hardened assassin who is as beautiful as she is deadly; Cludge, a bumbling half-giant with arms the size of tree trunks, yet who holds a brilliant secret; Raibert, a thief who is easy to forget, yet sees what others do not; and Abelard St. Boniface, a priest-mage who wields endless power from on high.

Yes, Barzellai Broadhead has reason to be confident.

But the quest tests them in ways he cannot have foreseen, and what awaits them at the fortress is a power more deadly than any of them could have imaged, but one.

I devoured the thing in a few hours, and was blown away by the level of craft that went into this well-written adventure.

I knew I had to feature this on my blog.

About the Book:

What happens when you bring seven different authors together and unleash them upon a single story?

One wild adventure.

Famed archer Barzillai Broadhead gathers a band of four unlikely compatriots in a quest for the Crystal of Darkness. Monsters and sorcery bar their way at every turn. If they’re brave enough–or dumb enough–they might save the world.

Written by Morgan L. Busse, Kerry Nietz, John W. Otte, Steve Rzasa, Marc Schooley, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, and Jill Williamson.

All profits will be split between support of the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore and a scholarship toward registration at the Realm Makers Conference.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I am honored to host this new release on my blog. And hat’s off to these seven incredible authors! Well done.

If you would like to check out this spectacular book, here is an Amazon buy link.

I hope you love it as much as I did!

In Him,

Michele

About the Authors:

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the epic fantasy Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. During her spare time, she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. You can find out more about Morgan at www.MorganLBusse.com.

Kerry Nietz is an award-winning science fiction author. He has over a half dozen speculative novels in print, along with a novella, a couple short stories, and a non-fiction book, FoxTales. Kerry’s novel A Star Curiously Singing won the Readers Favorite Gold Medal Award for Christian Science Fiction and is notable for its dystopian, cyberpunk vibe in a world under sharia law. It has over a hundred 5- star reviews on Amazon. Among his writings, Kerry’s most talked about is the genre-bending Amish Vampires in Space. Newsweek described it as “a welcome departure from the typical Amish fare.” Kerry is a refugee of the software industry. He spent more than a decade of his life flipping bits, first as one of the principal developers of the database product FoxPro for the now mythical Fox Software, and then as one of Bill Gates’s minions at Microsoft. He is a husband, a father, a technophile and a movie buff. Find him at www.KerryNietz.com.

John W. Otte leads a double life. By day, he’s a not-so-mild mannered Lutheran pastor who lives in the Kansas City area with his wife and two sons. By night, he writes stories about geeky grace. He is the author of the Failstate series (about the exploits of a teenage superhero whose power is to break things), Numb (about an assassin who feels neither emotions or pain being ordered to kill the one woman who makes him feel something), and The Hive (about a pregnant teenage cyborg). You can find him lurking on the web at www.JohnWOtte.com.

Steve Rzasa works as your local technical services librarian in Buffalo, Wyoming. When he’s not on the clock, he dons his spacesuit and authors speculative fiction. Steve has written eleven novels of science-fiction, fantasy, and steampunk, plus numerous short stories. His third novel, Broken Sight, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Best Speculative Fiction award in 2012. He’s a fan of all things sci-fi and superhero, and a student of history. His website is: www.steverzasa.com

Marc Schooley is a Texan, which may be empirically verified if you ever hear him speak. He is a Christian philosopher, theologian, Bible teacher, speaker, musician, and nascent Christian fiction writer who welcomes you to communicate with him at www.MarcSchooley.com, featuring quest appearances by MS Quixote-which may or may not be his alter ego (a special commission has been established to investigate this matter). However, MS Quixote wears glasses and Marc does not, so the mystery is a bit difficult to unravel.

Stuart Vaughn Stockton is the author of the award-winning science fiction novel Starfire. He currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and fellow author Tiffany Amber Stockton and their two children. You can find more at www.Galactic-Lore.com.

Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. Jill grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com, which has been named as one of Writer ’s Digest’s “101 Best Websites for Writers.” She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Visit her online at www.JillWilliamson.com.

Merry Christmas, Dearest Readers!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 01:00:27 +0000

I have lovely news!

Kill the Beast now has a prequel, Beast Hunter, that will be out soon. Woohoo! (I don’t know exactly when, but once I do, you will be the first to know.)

I’m so excited! Merry Christmas to me, right?

So I wanted to take this opportunity to share my news, wish you Merry Christmas, and do some major squealing and jumping up and down.

It’s so happening. Right now.

Have the loveliest Christmas ever!

In Him,

Michele

(And just because I love my new cover so much…here you go. Happy sigh. Sara Helwe Digital Arts rocked it. Thank you for celebrating with me!)

Kill the Beast News!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 00:00:41 +0000

Hello, dearest readers! Wow, it’s been forever and a day since I’ve updated you with any news about my own writing.

Let’s remedy that. ;)

Today, I shall spew forth facts about the best Beauty and the Beast retelling in the entire world (I may be slightly biased here…), Kill the Beast, and yes, it’s still coming soon!

I have been writing and rewriting this things for years now. Years. (We just won’t say how many, cause it’s embarrassing.)

But my huntress, Ro, has been quite stubborn in revealing her secrets of how she hunts the beast and her purpose in his life and her own. (I would have to write a stubborn character, wouldn’t I?)

You know, all the important things that make a book worth reading.

If you write, or draw, or create in any way, do you know how you can be just standing there, doing nothing of consequence, unaware, and an idea strikes you like a bolt of lightning?

And then your fingers fly across the page or keyboard and before you know it, you’ve written over 14,000 words and untangled the mess you were in?

No? Just me?

Thank God it finally happened!

Ro has finally found her way out of the dark and into the story of my dreams. Hurray!

And I just may have written a prequel novella, Beast Hunter, to help her get out of the mess I’d written her into. This is partially published in Hodgepodge, but now there is much, much more!

But back to Kill the Beast.

Roughly 90,000 words, this book is now looking at a 2018 release date, after my glorious editors have torn it to shreds, I’ve cried, then rewritten it. Again. (We won’t mention the 2016 release date, or the 2017 release date either…)

So the good news is, this book just may come out in my lifetime!

So what do I need from you?

All the prayers in the entire world!

I’ve never struggled with a story so much, and I’ve never questioned myself more as an author. I know I can do this, with God’s help, but I need to find the time, the determination, and the stubbornness (thank you, Ro) to persevere and make this story happen.

Thank you for listening to this author rant! I shall see you on the other side, with a lovely new book in my hands and yours!

In Him,

Michele

Cover Reveal for One of My Favorite Series Ever

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 00:00:51 +0000

So, if you follow me, you most likely know I rave about the Creepy Hollow Series by Rachel Morgan.

Rave. About. Them.

Constantly.

They have won a place in my most treasured and favorite collection of books of all time, and I simply cannot wait to devour more of them.

I’ve even given away the entire series (that was out at that time) at my launch party for Zombie Takeover.

See? I love them!

The world of Creepy Hollow, home to the Fae and the school for Faerie Guardians, is one of the most magical and breathtaking places I have ever escaped to. You should join me!

Now there is another book out (Glass Faerie), two more planned (one of which is the cover I get to show you today), and two short stories available (Scarlett and Raven). Excuse me while I fangirl over these awesome books!

Shadow Faerie, book eight of the Creepy Hollow series, continues Emerson’s story, while the first three told Violet’s story, and the next three Calla’s story.

And. You. Guys.

The first book, The Faerie Guardian, is free for Kindle right now on Amazon! What are you waiting for? Go download this delicious awesomeness right now and join me in drooling over these characters and stalking–er, I mean–following Rachel Morgan to snatch up the very next book she writes as fast as humanly possible! Go! Right now! They’re so goooood!

I’ll make it easy on you. Here is the link! ;)

And now that you know what one of my top series in the entire world is (And I’ve gushed far too much. But I mean every word.), here is the cover for book eight.

Are you ready for it?

Is the waiting driving you crazy?

It’s driving me crazy. I want to read this book right now.

This very second.

And here it is! The cover for Shadow Faerie!

Isn’t that wonderful?

I can’t stop staring.

I love Rachel Morgan’s covers, and I am dying for this book.

Thank you for joining me for today’s cover reveal, and I hope you love this series as much as I do! It is one of the best ever!

In Him,

Michele

About the Author:

Rachel Morgan spent a good deal of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making, crafting endless stories of make-believe and occasionally writing some of them down. After completing a degree in genetics and discovering she still wasn’t grown-up enough for a ‘real’ job, she decided to return to those story worlds still spinning around her imagination. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those young at heart.

Rachel lives in Cape Town with her husband and three miniature dachshunds. She is the author of the bestselling Creepy Hollow series, and also writes sweet contemporary romance under the name Rochelle Morgan.

Get a free ebook and access to exclusive bonus content if you’re on Rachel’s email newsletter list. Sign up by copying and pasting the link into your browser: www.subscribepage.com/RMnewsletterFreeBook

Amazon Author Page • Facebook • Twitter

Interview with Carrie Anne Noble

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:00:02 +0000

You guys, I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this new book, The Gold-Son by Carrie Anne Noble.

I listened to The Mermaid’s Sister on Audible on the way home from PENCON, and Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness.

So good.

Then Carrie Anne Noble asked if anyone would be willing to host her for The Gold-Son’s release. Can I help it if I knocked everyone else over to get my hands on an ARC of this book?

(Okay, I wasn’t that brutal, but still…)

I’ve read it, I love it, and I’m beyond excited to have the author on my blog today.

(You guys should totally be freaking out with me. Eep!)

Hi Carrie! Thank you so much for being a guest on my blog today! I’ve got so many questions for you about your brilliant books, I hope you don’t mind my fangirling just the teeniest-tiniest bit. I love your stories!

What fairy tales did you borrow from, or did you make The Gold-Son entirely your own tale?

For The Gold-Son, I researched Irish leprechaun folklore, and then I took some of the traditional beliefs and wove them together with my own ideas. For example, according to legend, leprechauns live underground, so I went with that—and then added that leprechauns have a network of towns below ground, with shops and roads and pubs just like humans have. I also decided that leprechauns eat mostly mushrooms (because what else can you grow in the dark for food?).

Well, of course! And I loved learning more about them.

Why did you choose first person for The Mermaid’s Sister and third person for The Gold-Son?

The Mermaid’s Sister was written in first person because it was a very personal story for me, a fictionalized journey through my real-life grief at the loss of my sister. The Gold-Son was written more as a return to the joy and fun of writing. To me, third person seemed like the best way to convey both Tommin’s and Eve’s experiences.

Oh, how achingly beautiful! I am so sorry, Carrie. I loved the way you conveyed each story.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It really depends on the day.

When the words are flowing, it can be quite exhilarating. When I’m stuck revising a pesky scene for hours, it can suck the life right out of me. Thank heaven for the rejuvenating qualities of chocolate!

Amen! Chocolate wins everything.

I recently listened to the audiobook of The Mermaid’s Sister, and it was stunning. Will we see any of the same characters in your new book, The Gold-Son?

The Gold-Son contains a whole new cast of characters: a kindhearted shoemaker’s apprentice addicted to stealing, a mute young woman held hostage by magic, a wicked leprechaun bent on dominating fairy-kind, a shape shifting bat-boy, and more! By the way, I’m completely thrilled to report that Irish actor Gerard Doyle narrated the audiobook for The Gold-Son. It’s just enchanting!

Excuse me while I pause everything and go preorder that too. Swoon!

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

So far I’ve only written stand-alone books with characters unique to each one. The thought of writing a series is rather daunting to me, but I might try someday! What my books have in common (my “brand”) is the blending of historical fiction and fairy tale elements, with a little dash of whimsy. It’s what I like to read, and what I most enjoy creating.

And that whimsy is enchanting! Each story is truly a unique blend of history and fairy tale woven together.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I do some online and library research before I start writing the first draft, and then as I write I stop to check the odd historical fact now and then. Readers are pretty savvy and will call you out for giving a character a pocket watch before they were invented, or for having characters eat foods unavailable in their region. I enjoy the trivia of history, so fact checking is a fun distraction sometimes.

Ahem. This may be the reason I love writing fantasy… Pocket watch wasn’t invented yet? Bam! Alternate history. Lol! But in all seriousness, your attention to detail amazes me. Well done!

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

The best money I’ve spent as a writer has been the money spent attending writers’ conferences such as St. Davids and Realm Makers. I heartily believe that taking classes to improve your craft and networking with others in the business are essential stepping stones to becoming a successful writer—especially for introverts like me. Writing is such a solitary art; it’s refreshing to come out of your lair and meet people who understand the weirdness of a writer’s brain! To anyone who thinks they can’t afford to attend conferences: check conference websites for scholarship opportunities and take the plunge!

Woohoo! Realm Makers is the best! (Only my favorite writers’ conference ever…)

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I don’t know what I’d do without the feedback and encouragement I receive from writers in my local NaNoWriMo group (including my prized beta-reader, the talented, multi-published short story writer Amanda C. Davis) and the members of my local critique group! Also, Rysa Walker, who won the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, gave me loads of helpful advice and support throughout the publishing process for The Mermaid’s Sister when it won the ABNA for the YA category in 2014. I’ve made quite a few writer friends at conferences—too many to name here, for sure! Having peers to cheer you on and steer you toward growth is priceless, especially on days you’re struggling with doubt or nasty reviews.

Absolutely! Oh, I’m so glad you have such a wonderful group of supportive writers!

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

For English class in fifth grade, I had to write a story based on an interview with an older family member. I wrote about my great grandmother’s childhood summers at a farm. It taught me how powerfully words work to preserve memories and sensory experiences that would otherwise be forgotten. Maybe that’s why I’m still drawn to historical fiction; it keeps parts of the past alive, allowing us to experience in our imaginations the world as it was for our predecessors.

That is lovely.

What does literary success look like to you?

To me, literary success means having readers enjoy my stories, and also being able to help pay the bills—while honoring God who gave me the gift of words.

I do believe I need to frame this for my office. So well said!

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Don’t stop writing just because some people fail to appreciate your passion. Do it for yourself, and for the joy of it, and eventually all your practice will pay off!

Thank you, Carrie! I have loved getting to know you better, and I adore your new book!

What do you think, dearest readers? Are you ready to immerse yourself in The Gold-Son’s world?

Get thyself to the nearest bookstore (or, you know, Amazon) forthwith!

In Him,

Michele

*Photo Credit: Tonya Wilhelm Photography

About the Author:

In the wake of her checkered past as a theatre student, restaurant hostess, certified nurse aide, and newspaper writer, Carrie Anne now writes novels and short stories–mostly for a Young Adult audience. She lives in the mountains of Pennsylvania with her tolerant husband, four charming children, two naughty cats, a not-so-bright dog, and some really-not-so-bright chickens. The chickens do not live in the house.

Her favorite authors include Mervyn Peake, Neil Gaiman, Maggie Stiefvater, Ardyth Kennelly, Catherine Cookson, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

When not reading or writing, Carrie Anne enjoys sewing, attempting to garden, and having tea parties with friends (preferably Mad Hatter style!).

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

The Mermaid’s Sister:

2014 Winner of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award winner for Young Adult Fiction

2016 Winner of the Realm Award for Speculative Novel of the Year

Whispers in the Dark Blog Tour: Author Interview

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 12:00:31 +0000

Oh my goodness, I’m so excited to be a part of this blog tour!

This book snatched my interest right away, and I immediately bought it.

I cannot wait to share it with you.

But first! An interview with the lovely author herself:

Hello, Pam! I’m so excited to have you on my blog today. Let’s dive right in!

Where did you get your idea for your story?

I’ve always loved Beauty and the Beast-type stories. I like the diamond-in-the-rough heart-of-gold underneath a scary exterior. Just that little extra thrill of danger, the lure of the forbidden, the realization that you can see through to someone most other people can’t reach.

Being the “Beauty” is exciting and powerful, because she’s basically his only hope. In many ways the “Beast” is powerless–he can hold her there, but he can’t force her to love him, which is what he really needs. So then I thought, what if he didn’t even have that much control? What if she could walk away? And if she can, why wouldn’t she?

I like a challenge, and wanted to make people believe that a girl could fall for a monster. My readers do–I think half of them are in love with him, too–the word ‘adorable’ keeps coming up!

On a more serious note, it’s about judging someone for their actions, not their appearance or their social skills. That’s personal for me, because my son has autism. He’s incredibly sweet but it’s going to be challenging for him to find love, so I want to encourage people to see past the surface.

That sounds wonderful! Thank you for encouraging others to look beneath the surface.

Do you like zombie lore or do you watch any zombie shows? (Such as Walking Dead, I am Legend, World War Z, Resident Evil…okay, I think those are the only ones I’ve heard of!)

Honestly I’m not a zombie fan at all–I don’t like violence or horror or gore. I mean, I was familiar with the lore just in a general way. But then someone recommended the movie Warm Bodies, and the trailer completely hooked me. Awkward, introverted, funny guy…who also happens to be a corpse. He falls in love with a girl, rescues/kidnaps her, confuses the heck out of her, and learns to be human again. Because of the aforementioned Beauty & the Beast thing, this was something I had to see. I found the movie during a really stressful time in my life, and it was my happy place for a while. Great humor, great music. It’s based on a book which is also amazing, but the book is darker so I prefer the movie. Gradually I started wondering what if…? A little later on, I was also reconnecting with God, so I wanted to make this Christian-friendly, which obviously required changes!

One of my early readers was also a huge fan of the movie, but she said she actually preferred my book, which was awesome.

So glad to know I’m not the only one who finds zombies horrid! (Yet still wrote a zombie book. Hmm…)

Zombies scare the living daylights out of me, but I find the story wrapped around them fascinating. What scares you yet oddly intrigues you?

Scary yet intriguing? Hmm… good question! I’d have to go with the ocean. Seriously, I love being on the beach and watching the waves, for hours, but there’s so much power in the water. I live in the Carolinas, so hurricanes are a thing. A very destructive thing. Maybe I’ve seen one too many tsunami videos, but water can destroy whole towns. Not to mention the possibility of sharks. I’ll watch from a safe distance, thanks very much.

Also, I pay attention to politics, which is way scarier than fiction sometimes.

Lol! Yes, they are!

Who did your fabulous cover art? He’s a genius!

I know, right? I am so blessed with that cover. Found a guy on a Facebook group–I asked about recommendations for cover artists, and told a little bit about the book. Venkatesh volunteered and said he’d be excited to work on what he called an epic project. His website is called killerbookcovers.com and man, did he deliver. He asked what I was thinking, and I told him the basics. He blew me away with the result. I still sometimes just look at it and sigh happily. He’s got very reasonable rates and was always responsive to my concerns, so I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Hmm…I shall keep him in mind… ;)

Is this a series? If so, how many more do you have planned?

Nope, not a series–a guaranteed happily ever after. I might do more in that universe, but I probably won’t. I have a sci-fi/romance/adventure series I’m working on next–four books and counting in that one, but they need a lot of revisions.

Oh, good! I love happily ever afters more than anything! And more books in the works? Yes, please!

Thanks for having me! I appreciate it!

Thank you so much for coming on my blog today! I absolutely loved having you!

And now you, dear reader, need to go check out this book ASAP. Just sayin’.

I hope you love it!

In Him,

Michele

She’s a preschool teacher. He’s kind of a zombie. It would never work.

Karen teaches post-apocalypse preschool, safe inside city walls. She never intended to get caught outside.

Leo is technically alive, but perpetually zoned out: Mindless. He can see emotions as colors now, though, so at least there’s that. Like the other Mindless, he feeds on the emotional energy of humans. Then he meets Karen–her unique energy jolts him partly awake, and he’s hooked. He protects her but when she’s rescued, he lands in a cage.

Karen wants to go home, but until then, she also wants to spy on her sketchy host, which brings her into contact with Leo. He’s recovering, and surprisingly sweet, and he’ll protect her in any way he can. She returns the favor, but this alliance can’t last; she’s leaving, and he’ll be killed for science.

Leo doesn’t expect her to even talk to him, much less help him. But she does–and that emotion she has when she looks at him? He doesn’t know what to call it, but it’s not fear.

Karen can go back to her life–if she abandons Leo. She can’t stay with him, she can’t take him home…but without her, he’s dead.

He saved her. Can she save him?

Winner: Fool for Love contest, VA Romance Writers, Dark Paranormal category (2015)

Finalist: First Impressions contest, American Christian Fiction Writers, Speculative category (2015)

Purchase Links:

Amazon
Goodreads

About the Author:

Pam Jernigan started writing in elementary school and never quite got over it. Invisible friends are some of her favorite people. She was born a Yankee but realized the error of her ways in her early twenties and moved to North Carolina, where she now lives with one husband, two almost-grown children, and two almost-grown kittens. The cats may move out before the children do; time will tell.

She’s always been a sucker for variations of Beauty & the Beast and is partial to romance stories that feature a hero who falls for the heroine on sight and has to hustle to get her attention and prove himself worthy. Snappy dialog is always a plus. She’s a firm believer that people have enough angst and drama in their real lives, so she writes to entertain and let readers escape to fun worlds which are not entirely constrained by reality.

Pam has written and shared weird stories for thirty years, and in 2017 she finally got up the courage to self-publish. Whispers in the Dark is not the first novel she’s written, but it was the first to get up to publishable quality. Self-publishing has been an adventure. She looks forward to doing it again, as soon as those other novels are whipped into shape.

She religiously avoids talking politics in public (which is to say, she tries to avoid it but sometimes fails) but will cheerfully confess to being a Christian. She loves to sing anything from Handel’s Messiah to modern country to Christian rock.

Social Media Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

And a Giveaway!

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Five Poisoned Apples Cover Reveal

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:00:57 +0000

Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of the Five Poisoned Apples cover reveal! I love these fairy tale retellings so much!

To refresh your memory, first there was Five Glass Slippers.

Then Five Enchanted Roses (for which I began writing Kill the Beast but didn’t finish in time to submit. I’m sensing a pattern with this particular story…)

Then Five Magic Spindles.

Happy sigh.

Aren’t the covers gorgeous?

Well now you get to see Five Poisoned Apples.

Wait for it…

It’s coming…

It may be my favorite of them all…

Ta-da! Isn’t that perfection? Sigh. So gorgeous… (insert sappy, starry-eyed emoticon here)

So now the nitty-gritty details.

This is a contest.

It begins today.

Open to all authors anywhere.

Snow White themed.

Any genre whatsoever.

(Are you catching my excitement yet?)

In other words, you can write up a delicious story, submit it to this contest, and quite possibly be published in this gorgeous fairy tale-retelling collection.

In other words, WHY ARE WE BOTH NOT WRITING YET??? Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!

(Yes, I used all caps. Yes, I shouted. Yes, I used too many punctuation marks.)

But what are you waiting for? Check out the details and get to writing!

I’ll be cheering you on the whole way.

In Him,

Michele

THE FINAL FAIRY TALE CONTEST

Rooglewood Press invites you to join the adventure of the Five Poisoned Apples creative writing contest!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

*Cover Model/Photography by Wynter Clark

*Covers by Julia Popova

I am thrilled!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:46 +0000

Author Laurie Lucking from Lands Uncharted made my year!

In her post titled “Top 3 Books That Exceeded My Expectations,” she includes Zombie Takeover! My book! She likes it! And she hates zombies, too!

Oh, I am positively giddy.

You simply must read this fabulous blog post.

See the post here.

She also reminded me of a guest post I wrote for Lands Uncharted last year titled, “My Top 3 Spec Fic Books.”

I adored these three books then, and I love them even more today! (Yes, they may possibly be the three pictured above…)

See my guest post here.

Isn’t that marvelous?

Thank you, Laurie Lucking, for loving my book as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

Kill the Beast and Writer’s Block

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:00:02 +0000

As many of you know, Kill the Beast was supposed to release mid-March. Key word there being “supposed.”

Oh, by the way, hi! I haven’t posted anything about my writing for months and months, so I thought I should remedy that! ;)

Ahem. Back to Kill the Beast.

So here I am, plugging away at this incredible story in my head, exploring all the different threads, and I finish my story. Look at the word count. 35,000. No, no, no! This glorious book needs to be a full-length novel, not another novella!

(The prequel story to Kill the Beast, “Beast Hunter,” is in the anthology Hodgepodge. Let me just say, novellas are easy-peasy to write. Unless, you know, it’s the novella to Zombie Takeover that’s been sitting on my computer for two years. Unfinished. I digress.)

So in November 2016 I do NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, for those of you who may not have heard of it) and get the story up to 95,000 words.

Success!

Right…?

Not so much.

I’m thankful I did it. I am. I pulled so much depth and additional storyworld and motivation from this story, it makes my heart sing. I adore this story so much more than I did when I started writing it! It is glorious. Or will be. Someday.

For now it is a tangled mess that laughs at me. I cannot untangle it. The characters (who are also laughing at me, btw) are telling me this is how the story should be but giving me no clue how to jump from one scene to another. How to weave the story back together so it’s as glorious on paper as it is in my mind.

So there it sits, mocking me, and I want to cry every time I look at it.

So when will Kill the Beast come out? Once it untangles itself. Once I hack it to pieces. Once I have a draft my editor won’t look at as if it’s a piece of poo to be dropped in the nearest wastebasket.

Sob! (I will not wallow, I will not wallow…)

So, now that you have a peek into my world as it is in this moment in time, I am going back to editing other people’s works of art. You know, people who actually can write and aren’t stuck like a tractor in a sinkhole, sucked into misery and wallowing. No! I will not wallow!

What about you? Have you ever been stuck on a project, whether writing or something else? (FYI, we are not calling this writer’s block. Not at all. I refuse to believe that’s a thing.) :)

I hope your week is fabulous, your days full of hope, and your years full of joy.

Happy Writing!

In Him,

Michele

Stunning Headshots by EA Creative Photography!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 01:00:04 +0000

Oh. My. Word. Look at that, will you?

I just have to brag on Emilie Hendryx of E.A. Creative Photography a little bit here.

I’d been wanting professional headshots for forever and ever, and I’d been following Emilie on Facebook and other various social media for a while. (She takes professional headshots for authors at Realm Makers and ACFW). Oh man, did I want a session too!

Well my time came at Realm Makers 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

It was raining. I was sweating–ahem, “glowing”–from running around to get to my session in time and, you know, cause it’s hot in Philly in July. Hot.

And I was totally freaking out to step in front of that camera. But I did anyway.

And she did it. Emilie took my damp hair, “glowing” skin, and extra baby weight (That sucker’s a year and a half. This is supposed to go away sometime about now, right? Right?) ;-) and somehow made me look beautiful.

I have no idea how she did it. But I have my guess.

One word: magic.

Thank you, Emilie Hendryx, for taking such stunning professional headshots! I am in awe!!!

In Him,

Michele

Book Signing, Hodgepodge, and Kill the Beast

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 01:00:44 +0000

Let me tell ya, book signings never get old. Ever.

This past Monday, I had the privilege of attending my writer’s group’s Christmas party and book signing event. It was lovely!

Most of the other writers included in the anthology were there, as well as several others who came to fellowship and have their copy of Hodgepodge signed.

The signing took place in Janey Bowman’s trophy room, and we all are excited about future signings at our local libraries and bookstores. We’re just waiting on a few confirmations to announce them!

The anthology, Hodgepodge: An Anthology by the Heartland Christian Writers, includes a prequel story to Kill the Beast, my Beauty and the Beast retelling scheduled to release in March from L2L2 Publishing. It’s called “Beast Hunter,” and it introduces Rosette and how she became a hunter of magical beasts.

It would make a great Christmas present!

(Get a copy of Hodgepodge for yourself or your loved ones here!)

Kill the Beast then takes Ro on her most perilous assignment: hunting a beast who has captured and holds prisoner the kingdom’s prince. She has been hired to end the beast that holds her kingdom under a curse, but she finds herself prisoner alongside the beast and has to face an enemy even worse than she feared possible.

I’m so excited about it! I hope you love it as much as I do!

And I cannot wait to place these two beauties side by side. Sigh.

I hope your Christmas is absolutely magical, and your New Years finds next year even better than the last. I pray God’s richest blessings on you, above anything you can ask or even think!

In Him,

Michele

A Day in the Life of Ralene Burke

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:00:34 +0000

I am so excited to have Ralene Burke with me today! Author of Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior, Ralene is a powerhouse, helping organize Realm Makers, volunteering at ACFW’s national conference, and leading her state chapter of ACFW.

How does she manage it all? I’m so glad you asked!

Here is a peek into a day in the life of Ralene Burke:

I’m an author. I’m also an editor and a social media manager. I also homeschool my three kids. And volunteer. And on rare occasions when there’s a blood moon, I enjoy reading or cooking or cuddling with my husband.

People often ask me how I do it all. I have a confession to make. I don’t. Ever.

Now, that’s not to say things don’t ever get done. Obviously, since I managed to self-publish an entire fantasy serial and then turn it into a whole book. And my kids can read. And do math. Most of the time.

I am one of those people who totally believes there’s no such thing as balance, something always falls to the wayside. But there is such thing as good time management when you make use of priorities.

I typically get up about 6:00 in the morning. I’ve tried to get up earlier than that in the past, but my body just refuses to believe that life can be sustained before 6:00. I try to kick off each day with some Bible study and quiet time. This often gives my mind time to wake up and focus, plus lets me fill my cup, so to speak. The days always seem to be easier if I start by giving it to God.

Then the family starts waking up, and we all get around to breakfast and morning chores.

School starts around 8:30. From then until about 3:00 p.m., it’s a mix of cleaning and school. We do a lot of reading and projects together. My kids have individualized programs for reading, spelling, and math; but the rest we do together. On different days, we also have homeschool co-op, therapy, gymnastics, and Tae Kwon Do.

If all goes well and we’re done by 3:00, then I have time to do some writing before dinner. I feel so much better when I get to write during this time, instead of feeling crunched later.

Dinner is often a family affair, including the making of and the cleaning up afterward. We can be so hurried throughout the day, whether to our various activities or just in homeschooling, it’s nice to sit down and catch up.

After dinner, I’m off to work. Granted “going to work” means my little office two feet from the kitchen, a room without a door. But still, it’s all mine. On good nights, I hide out in there until 10:00 at night. But sometimes I’m tired and it only lasts till 8:30 or 9:00. Here, I often jump between freelance editing and social media work. Then if there’s time, I add some words to my own WIP.

Then it’s reading time! I put on my PJs (assuming I changed out of them in the first place), snuggle up under the covers, and pull out a good book (okay, sometimes it’s a TV show instead). I try to keep my reading time to about 30 minutes with lights out around 11:00. Or 12:00. 1:00? Which is why 5:30 a.m. does not exist in my world.

Now, this is an ideal day. On any given day, I can wake up to any number of things that throws wrenches into my best laid plans. And I have to be okay with that. I have to be flexible and go with the flow, rearrange my expectations, adapt. In the end, I can only do my best and give the rest to God. He is the only one who is ever really in control.

On a side note, I am really excited about the release of Bellanok. This is the culmination of many years of work. You can find out more about Bellanok on my website, including the fabulous video Amy Brock McNew at Amaeris Designs Productions created, as well as the many amazing posts on the rest of this blog tour and my Rafflecopter giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much, Ralene!

Now, a little more about her delicious book, Bellanok.

A haven for myths and legends…until evil discovers a way in.

With evil darkening the mountains to the north, the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm of Bellanok to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired and frustrated–a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Fauna must open Brian’s eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven’s secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.

Isn’t that cover beautiful? And I absolutely love the range of mythical creatures Ralene includes in her story world.

Check out the book trailer by Amaeris Designs Productions!

Isn’t that gorgeous?

Thank you so much for joining me today. I’m so excited about this new book!

In Him,

Michele

Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen, a freelance editor’s sword, or a social media wand, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to make it SHINE! She has worked for a variety of groups, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and as an editor for several freelance clients. Her first novel, Bellanok, is available on Amazon!

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time…

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or her website.

Cover Reveal for Kill the Beast

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 12:00:01 +0000

Kill the Beast: Book One of the Beast Hunters

Ro remembers the castle before. Before the gates closed. Before silence overtook the kingdom. Before the castle disappeared. Now it shimmers to life one night a year, seen by her alone.

Once a lady, now a huntress, Ro does what it takes to survive—just like the rest of the kingdom plunged into despair never before known.

But a beast has overtaken the castle. A beast that killed the prince and holds the castle and kingdom captive in his cruel power. A beast Ro has been hired to kill.

Thankful the mystery of the prince’s disappearance has been solved, furious the magical creature has killed her hero, Ro eagerly accepts the job to end him.

But things are not as they seem.

Trapped in the castle, a prisoner alongside the beast, Ro wonders what she should fear most: the beast, the magic that holds them both captive, or the one who hired her to kill the beast.

A Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Isn’t that incredible? Ahh! I’m screaming over here!

I cannot wait until you are able to read my brand-new story.

Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic day with me!

In Him,

Michele

Michele Israel Harper is an addict. To books, to writing—if it includes ink and paper, she’s all over it. When she discovered she could write books instead of simply read them…well, let’s just say she’s rarely been seen outside of her office since. She adores leading her writers’ group, the Heartland Christian Writers, and has no idea what she would do without the American Christian Fiction Writers. Being voted treasurer for her local Indiana Chapter of ACFW just about sent her into a happy coma. Which, you know, she’s very much familiar with since that happens at the end of every good book she reads.

Author of Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Zombie Takeover, and the soon-to-be-released Kill the Beast, Michele prays her involvement in writing, editing, and publishing will touch many lives in the years to come.

Scarlet Moon by S.D. Grimm

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:00:02 +0000

Oh, I love books. So much. And I am dying to read this book especially.

And isn’t that cover incredible? In. Love.

Today I have the lovely S.D. Grimm as my guest, telling us about her main character, Jayden, who stars in Scarlet Moon.

(By the way, there’s a giveaway for a signed copy of Scarlet Moon waaaaay down at the bottom of this post. So excited!)

Let’s get to it!

Hello, S.D. Grimm! I’m so pleased to have you on my blog today. Welcome!

Hey! S.D. Grimm here. I am really excited for this guest blog post today. Not only do I get to talk about my novel Scarlet Moon, but I also get to do something really fun, and that is talk about my main character: Jayden Jorah.

A little bit about Jayden’s appearance first.

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Medium brown with some red highlights.

Height: 5’ 3”

Distinguishing features: A birthmark that looks just like the moon only it’s blood red.

Now there is more than one main character in the Children of the Blood Moon series (of which Scarlet Moon is the first book), but Jayden’s story really takes the lead in this book for a number of reasons. I wanted a really awesome heroine, but I also wanted someone real. Someone relatable.

Jayden is those things. She has honest fears and doubts, and overcoming them is a big part of her story.

What Jayden likes most about herself: Her ability to spar with daggers and a sword and to throw knives. I’m not going to lie; she’s really good at it.

What she likes least about herself: Her emotional side. She’s an empath, and sometimes feeling all those emotions get in the way. Also, she has a big problem with fear. She fears stepping out of her comfort zone and leaving what she knows.

I have some questions for you about Jayden. What does she want to do with her life?

Become a wise woman and eventually a doctor.

What’s her biggest fear?

Moving away from her home and family and the things that she believes define her.

Who are the people she’s closest to?

Her brothers and her best friend/betrothed Ryan. She’s kind of a tomboy and doesn’t have that many close female friends.

I can relate! What is her deepest secret?

Children of the Blood Moon like Jayden have special talents and abilities given to them—they’re all marked by the Blood Moon birthmark. Jayden’s biggest secret is some of her talents. No one knows she can actually feel other people’s emotions and make them her own.

Has she ever been in love?

Well, she loves Ryan, her betrothed, but she’s not ready to marry him. Some of it is the fear of leaving her comfort zone—that includes her friendship with him. She’s not sure how much things will change when she moves from friend to wife. And she’s not sure she’s ready.

Tell us more fun facts about Jayden!

Favorite color: Green. Specifically the green the sky gets right before a storm.

Myers Briggs Personality Type: ISFJ

Theme song: “Shatter Me” by Lindsey Stirling

Hobbies: Sparring, horseback riding, cooking, and archery.

Favorite animal: Horse. She wears a necklace that used to be her mother’s, and the white, wooden charm is a horse.

I hope you have as much fun getting to know Jayden as I had writing her story!

Oh, most definitely! Thank you, S.D.! I have adored getting to know you and your character better!

In Him,

Michele

S. D. Grimm’s first love in writing is young adult speculative fiction. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency and her debut novel, Scarlet Moon, is slated to be published in October 2016. When she’s not writing or editing, Sarah enjoys reading (of course!), making clay dragons for her Grimmlies store on Etsy, practicing kickboxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu, training dogs, and doing anything outdoorsy with the family. Her office is anywhere she can curl up with her laptop and at least one large-sized dog.

Don’t forget to visit S.D. Grimm’s website, sign up for her newsletter, and enjoy her fun social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And most definitely order Scarlet Moon on Amazon!

Oh, yes! And what you’ve been waiting for … enter the RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY for one signed copy of Scarlet Moon! (Can I enter? Can I?) I’m so excited about this book! (Giveaway starts today and ends November 2nd.)

Comment below and let me know if you entered!

Realm Makers, Gen Con, and ACFW, Oh My!

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 00:00:14 +0000

Let’s just say I’ve been busy. Extremely busy.

So busy, in fact, I’ve been sick for about three months straight.

I know! Not cool, right?

But the conferences, book signings, conventions, editing jobs, book releases, etc. etc. etc. have all been so wonderful, I couldn’t resist!

(And now I’m being forced by my body to slow it down and take care of me…then I’ll be off and running again!) :)

So now a little about my time at Realm Makers:

And Gen Con:

And ACFW:

Isn’t that incredible? Tosca Lee, Ted Dekker, and being able to dress up in a Star Trek uniform! (Though I would say meeting both authors was a tad more exciting than dressing up…) ;)

There’s more–so much more–and I will do my best to share a plethora of my favorite pictures I took from all three of these events at a later time.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you read any incredible books lately?

I haven’t had time for personal reading lately, and I find I’m desperate for a few good recommendations.

What have you read and loved?

In Him,

Michele

Facebook Party Today!

Michele Israel Harper — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:30:19 +0000

My celebration for Zombie Takeover’s release is today!

Have you ever been to a Facebook party? It’s so easy!

Click on this link or the one below.
Click that you’re “going” (FB will send you a reminder before it starts).
Comment on any picture I post between 7 and 10 p.m. EST.
Your comment will enter you to win a prize!

That’s it!

It’s so simple! And fun!!!

Will you join me? (You know you want to…) ;) Can’t wait to see you there!

Click this link to join me!

And scroll down for just a peek of what I’ll be giving away. :)

I’m so excited!

In Him,

Michele

See you there! :) https://www.facebook.com/events/704667613005619/

Release Day for Zombie Takeover!

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:30:40 +0000

Today’s the day! Zombie Takeover’s release day!

How do I feel about that?

I feel like I could run up a mountain. Wrestle a grizzly. Scream and cry and laugh and howl and sob all at once. (But I won’t. Cause that’d just be scary.) ;)

I thought this day would never come.

(Although I was seriously freaking out because they didn’t have my paperback available for preorder on Amazon till yesterday. Oh. My. Goodness. Scare me, why don’t you?)

I was so worried people wouldn’t like it, but everyone who has reviewed it has loved it. Yay!

My heart aches with the happiness of it all.

I’m going to spend the day floating on clouds, stroking the cover of my precious (did I say that out loud?), and taking myself out for an ice cream cone. I mean, the kids. I’m taking the kids out for an ice cream cone.

This is a great day!

MY. BOOK. IS. OUT.

Thank you, Lord, for your goodness to me! I love you!

In Him,

Michele

Zombie Takeover

Zombie Takeover is the first book in the Candace Marshall Chronicles.

Semi-finalist in the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers)

Finalist in the 2016 Excellence in Editing Award from Christian Editor Connection

About the Book

I was the bravest, fiercest warrior, singlehandedly stopping the zombie apocalypse and earning the respect and admiration of all who fought with me.

Just kidding. I pretty much peed my pants and wasted a ton of ammo. At least everyone else shot what they were aiming at. Me? Not so much.

This is my story—me, Candace Marshall, world’s biggest scaredy-cat, facing my biggest fear. Zombies. It was awesome. (As in, not at all.)

Candace Marshall hates zombie movies. She hates anything scary, in fact. In his usual, not-so-thoughtful way, her boyfriend surprises her with advanced screening tickets to the latest zombie flick, complete with interactive features and a tour. For her birthday.

Horror becomes reality when an experiment gone wrong transforms her peaceful town into a mass of slathering zombies. Thrown together with the only other survivor, Gavin Bailey, her favorite actor and secret crush, she somehow fights her way through the mess, making plenty of blunders and surprising herself with . . . courage?

But, just when Candace thinks it can’t get worse than zombies, it does.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Series: Candace Marshall Chronicles, Book 1
Genre: Paranormal Fiction
ASIN: 1943788081
ISBN: 9781943788088

Other Books in the "Candace Marshall Chronicles"

Ghostly Vendetta

Vampire Feud

Mummy Resurrection

Preview

Cover Reveal: A Time to Rise

Michele Israel Harper — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 12:00:34 +0000

Look at that cover! Oh. My. Word.

When Nadine Brandes asked her totally awesome readers if they wanted to be a part of her cover reveal, I nearly tore down my baby gate to get to my computer.

I mean, I had to be a part of this reveal. Had to.

Look at it next to the other two books in the Out of Time Series. Drooooooooool. I’m a sucker for a good cover.

Want to know a little more about A Time to Rise?

Back Cover:

What more can you sacrifice than your life?

Parvin Blackwater is dead.

At least…that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.

Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?

Doesn’t that sound thrilling? Add A Time to Rise to your Goodreads shelf! Do it! ;)

This book releases October 14, 2016 (Why do I have to wait that long? WHY?) and I will be the first one to preorder this lovely.

Guess I’m just going to have to stare at this countdown thingy for forever.

Is it moving faster yet?

Can’t wait to read and review this book! :)

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Don’t forget to follow Nadine Brandes on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She is probably the most fun author I’ve ever followed in my life! She’s hilarious and witty and totally rocks. So excited to be a part of her reveal!

My Book Is Almost Here!

Michele Israel Harper — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:00:41 +0000

(Me holding my book and looking deliriously happy! Or maybe just delirious…) ;)

Oh my goodness, you guys! It’s almost here! Zombie Takeover is almost out. Just one more week!

Tuesday, July 12, 2016, I will be squealing, crazy dancing, shouting, and praising God for His goodness to me in letting another of my books be published.

And I’ll be getting ready for my Facebook Launch Party. Did I mention I’m giving away over 50 of my favorite books? I’m so excited to share my favorites with you! Join me here!

Also, Zombie Takeover the eBook will be $1.99 until the day of the Facebook party. What an awesome deal!

And eight of the most awesome people in the world signed up to be a part of my blog tour. You’ve seriously got to check out these amazing blog stops.

Amy Brock McNew interviewed me and asked me all kinds of nosy questions about book two (Vampire Feud) I was not prepared to answer. Spoilers, Amy, spoilers! ;) But I had to give a few hints anyway. Cause Amy is awesome and my readers rock. Check out her blog post on Thursday! As in, in two days!!!

Then Friday, July 8th, Kristen Stieffel let me write a guest post about “Why on earth did you write about zombies?” for New Authors’ Fellowship. So much fun! I bet you never knew this particular fact about me. Find out Friday!

Laurie Lucking from Lands Uncharted wanted to know my top three spec fic picks and why I adored these particular books. I’ll be giving a few of them away at my Facebook party, so I had to rave about them here as well. (And few I’ll be giving away at Kill the Beast’s Launch Party…hint, hint.) ;) Check out why I love them Saturday!

Sunday, Robin Pack will be reviewing Zombie Takeover on Snippets of Faith. I’m so excited (and did I mention nervous?) to hear what she thinks of my new release! Her website is absolutely gorgeous, you guys. Check it out!

Monday, July 11th, check out Robin Scobee’s review of Zombie Takeover on Quills and Ink Blotts. Each reader/reviewer has had something completely different to say about my novel, and I’m crazy excited (yep, still nervous) about this review as well. Bring it! ;)

Then you’ll hear plenty of gushing from me right here, next Tuesday, when my baby actually releases. Woohoo!

Wednesday, Jennette Mbewe will interview Candace Marshall in “Candid with Candace: How to Survive the Zombie Takeover.” That was freaking so much fun! Candace is such a baby. It’s just zombies, Candace. Sheesh. ;)

Shayla Eaton from Curiouser Editing is doing Zombie Takeover’s final review, and I’m nervous about this review for an entirely different reason. I mean, she’s an editor! What if I misspelled something, and my other editors and I missed it? Gasp! But I’m still so excited to see what she thinks about my book. This is surreal! It’s really happening! Check out her post Thursday, July 14th (the same day as the Facebook Launch party!) on Curiouser Editing’s blog page!

Then Ralene Burke is doing some kind of post-launch feature on how the entire launch for my latest release went. I’m on the edge of my seat to see what she has to say! Her posts are always so much fun! Check out the final blog stop of the tour on Friday, July 15th.

Isn’t that so cool? I’m so thankful for each one of these bloggers. They rock!

(You can also check out the full blog tour schedule on my publisher’s website.)

Here’s a little about Zombie Takeover:

I was the bravest, fiercest warrior, singlehandedly stopping the zombie apocalypse and earning the respect and admiration of those who fought with me. Just kidding. I pretty much peed my pants and wasted a ton of ammo. At least everyone else shot what they were aiming at. Me? Not so much. This is my story—me, Candace Marshall, the world’s biggest scaredy-cat, facing my biggest fear. Zombies. It was awesome. (As in, not at all.)

Horror becomes reality when an experiment gone wrong transforms her peaceful town into a mess of slathering zombies. Thrown together with the only other survivor, Gavin Bailey, her favorite actor and secret crush, she somehow fights her way through the mess, making plenty of blunders and surprising herself with…courage?

But, just when Candace thinks it can’t get worse than zombies, it does.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Yo9yUf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1U9F2NV

iBooks: http://apple.co/1S2Xr7E

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Ugurhl

Thank you so much for celebrating my new release with me!

In Him,

Michele

My Time at the Book Expo America 2016

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 04:14:46 +0000

I went to the Book Expo America in Chicago with no idea what to expect.

Oh, sure. They had a website, an app, and a list of classes, but I was way too busy to look at any of that.

(Just a touch of advice for you. Don’t do what I did. End of advice.)

All I knew was I wanted to attend an 11AM class on publishing agreements, and my train was due around 10AM. I could make it from Union Station to McCormick Place in 45 minutes, right?

No. Not if said stranger to Chicago gets lost, even with the best directions ever from a native Chicagoan. And that’s all I have to say about that. ;)

1PM: I enter the wrong end of the McCormick Place, bewildered, ready to kiss the ground I was walking on (the correct ground, this time), and so excited to finally be at the BEA 2016!

I wandered the book expo floor–and people kept shoving books in my hands. Lots of books. Free books. Books that haven’t been released yet.

187 books, to be exact.

I nearly tackled the guy handing out Katherine Reay’s soon-to-be-released novel. I restrained myself and somehow managed to snag a copy in the stampede anyway. Whew! And woohoo! I can’t wait to read this!

There were signings (including some very well-known authors such as Nicholas Sparks, signing his not-yet-released novel that, yes, they were just giving away–no, I did not stand in that 8-hour monstrosity called a line–but this signing happens to be my fave):

Mini-sessions were scattered throughout the floor, and an entire conference area downstairs was dedicated to hundreds of classes over the course of three days.

Patrick Brown, the Director of Marketing at Goodreads told us everything new and trending, and in beta testing, on Goodreads.

Cindy Ratzlaff, one of the most intense and dynamic speakers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to in my entire life, spoke on advanced marketing strategies on Facebook.

I learned so much. So. Much.

And I got the hang of everything by the second day. By the third, I was a pro. I could navigate Chicago, get to my classes on time, and look like I knew what I was doing.

I even bought a rolling suitcase in nearby Chinatown and used the expo’s bag check to store those lovely books I just couldn’t stop taking from all the people shoving them my way. (Um, thank you, lovely people. You are all pretty much my favorite.)

I was in my world, happy go lucky, when I ran across an article in the BEA’s Hulk-sized magazine. (Seriously. These suckers were the size of my rolling suitcase.) This is the first time in 12 years the BEA has left their venue in New York City to hold their conference in Chicago. Twelve. Years.

The Chicago and Midwest publishers and other industry professionals–including myself–were thrilled with the change in venue. (I mean, I could actually go!) The big publishers based out of New York? Not so much.

So during lunch on the third day, I sat with a publisher from New York and a freelancer from Ohio. And got to hear the entire argument from both of their perspectives. (So glad I read that article first!)

The New York publisher was upset with having to ship books, pay for hotels and airfare, send fewer representatives, and leave the convenience of walking from their downtown office to the expo. The freelancer (who was once an editor for a major New York publishing house, but has since done so well to freelance out of Ohio) was thrilled with the expo being so close to be able to attend–without the exorbitant costs of staying in New York.

I listened, nodded, smiled a lot, and wholeheartedly agreed with the freelancer.

The publisher did admit, with a sheepish grin, that the McCormick place was a much nicer venue than New York’s. And the publisher did allow that it must be nice for the smaller presses–including me–to be able to send someone. And the freelancer sympathized with the added costs of shipping stock and not having as many reps.

I was entranced by both of them. Well done, opposing sides!

So I just have to say: Thank you, Book Expo America, for coming to Chicago. Thank you for making it possible for smaller presses and their representative to attend.

I have treasured everything I learned and the entire experience of BEA 2016. Thank you for the books. Thank you for the signings. Thank you for the classes.

Thank you for helping me grow in my profession, learn more about my field, and stay abreast of the latest trends in this ever-changing industry.

You have my undying gratitude for coming to Chicago.

And thank you, dear reader, for sharing my adventure with me! It was such fun!

In Him,

Michele

Okay, I had to show you these amazing journals I bought the last day of the expo. I’ve never seen more gorgeous journals in my life!

What’s next? Well, I’m not sure. But I hope it has something to do with Facebook Launch Parties, Blog Tours, and other book-release fun for Zombie Takeover. I can’t wait!!!

(Oh, yes! Zombie Takeover happens to be available for preorder. Hurray!)

Book Expo America 2016 and the Indianapolis Homeschool Convention

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 13 May 2016 02:00:27 +0000

Right now I’m in Chicago at the Book Expo America 2016. Squeal! Isn’t that amazing?

I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to come, but I felt so strongly I needed to be here this year, my husband moved heaven and earth to make sure I could attend.

Isn’t my husband the sweetest man on earth?

I’ll have pictures next week! :)

But for now, a little on my time at the Indianapolis homeschool convention.

To say I dislike homeschooling would be an understatement. “Detest” is more accurate.

Why? I was homeschooled. And I hated it.

So when God put the IAHE convention (Indiana Association of Home Educators) on my heart and said, “Do this,” I said, “No way.”

I wanted to go to Comic Con. Well guess what? Comic Con was sold out. Their waiting list never opened. And God didn’t stop saying, “Do this.”

I reluctantly agreed and contacted the president of our Indiana chapter of ACFW, Rick Barry, to reserve a spot. Of course a spot was available. Of course. ;)

And I loved every minute of it.

Guess what? Homeschooling parents aren’t psychos bent on never letting their kids have friends, have fun, or go outside.

Each person I spoke with was intelligent, scrounging through every single piece of material available for the very best to offer their kids. Science, math, art–these people were intense. And overflowing with love.

They genuinely loved their kids and wanted the very best for them. I saw it over and over and over and over again.

And God spoke very clearly to me. He said, “This is why you’re here. Get over it. Get over your hatred of all things homeschooling, of homeschoolers, and be free. I love them. And I love you. I want you to be free.”

I had to sit down.

Really? I mean, really? That’s why God had me there?

I’d been waiting for most of the convention, you see, to find out why on earth God had practically forced me to go to a place I didn’t want to go. There was a reason, and I was going to find it.

I just assumed it was so my book could bless somebody. (Um, pride anyone? Lol.)

Nope, it was so I could get over myself, so I could be released from bondage (it’s just so much working hating something for so long, you know?), so I could see through God’s eyes, even just a little.

He did it for me.

And now I’m crying. Oh, man! Wasn’t expecting that! Haha! (As I blow my nose…)

So I’m raving to go back next year and take as many ACFW Indiana members with me as I can. This convention rocks. I met so many wonderful people I just can’t even get over it. Selling my book was like the cream cheese vanilla icing on the rich fudge chocolate cake.

(And now I need to go raid my pantry…)

And best of all? I met fellow ACFW member April Frazier, and we got to talk editing. (Happy shiver. Day made. Right there.)

Next week? How awesome was the Book Expo America 2016? Well, I’ll tell you. ;)

I love you all, goodnight, and thank you for reading my post!

In Him,

Michele

(P.S. I totally apologize if any of my pictures are upside down. Yes, I’m scared of this. Really! Last time I took pics with my iPhone and slapped them on my blog post, they went out into the world … upside down. I kinda wanted to die. Since this post is scheduled–I am in Chicago, you know–I’m awaiting its post with fear and trembling. Please, please, please post the right way–please!!!)

Release Date for Zombie Takeover!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 02 May 2016 06:22:59 +0000

I finally have a release date for Zombie Takeover! Hurray!!!

Wait for it…

Here it comes…

Are you salivating yet?

I know I am!

Ahem. Zombie Takeover–my love, my baby, my very first completed book–will officially release from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing on:

JULY 12, 2016!

Oh, I’m just…out of words.

I’m so excited and reeling from finally knowing when I can hold this book in my hands.

Thank you, Lord!

In Him,

Michele

(Next week, I’ll share a little about the awesome time I had at the homeschool convention. Seriously, such a beautiful time with such wonderful people! See you next week!) :)

Wisdom & Folly at the Indianapolis Homeschool Convention

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:00:43 +0000

Guess what? I’m taking Wisdom & Folly to the Indianapolis Homeschool Convention next weekend! Oh my goodness, I hope they love it!

The IAHE (or Indiana Association of Home Educators) hosts a yearly convention, full of workshops, general sessions, and exhibits galore.

And I get to be one of the exhibitors.

The Indiana chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) of which I am the current treasurer, purchased a booth and invited their members to bring their fiction. Of course I jumped on it!

(I’m so attending the session “Never Give Up: The Critical Importance of Finishing What You’ve Started.” That can apply to so many areas of life!)

I remember being dragged–ahem, I mean, attending–a few homeschool conventions with my mom when I was young. My favorite booths were those that sold books, preferably the fiction kind, as my mom learned everything new and trending in the homeschool world. I didn’t care about any of that other stuff back then. I just wanted to read.

I can’t say my perspective has changed much (Me? Homeschool? No way. I would kill my kids. Kill. Them.) but my passion for fiction remains the same.

(Please let me say many of my friends homeschool, and I admire, respect, and pretty much adore them for being able to do what I cannot. Rock on! So jealous.)

The part of me who remembers that little girl, hungry for a good story, hopes to be able to bless someone at IAHE as I wished a certain vendor (corner both, stuffed full of discount books, didn’t want kids around unless their parents were paying) would have blessed me. A little grace for a lover of stories with grimy hands.

Wow. I feel like that got real fast.

Back to fun and happy!

So anyway, I will be there, selling my book, and signing as many copies as possible!

Will you be there this year? I would love to see you!

In Him,

Michele

Zombie Takeover, Final Edit

Michele Israel Harper — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:41 +0000

I can’t even tell you how many edits this baby has been through. From critiques to line edits to copy edits to content edits, it has been shaped, revised, edited, then edited some more.

I kept wanting to have it published, kept thinking it was done, but…

There was just something missing.

I didn’t know what, but it wasn’t the best it could be.

Enter the Editorial Review.

(Insert heavenly singing of the Hallelujah Chorus here…)

Now, Nadine Brandes has no idea I’m going to do this, but I have to brag on her a little bit. (Yes, the Nadine Brandes, author of A Time to Die. Such a good book!)

I hired Nadine to complete an editorial review on my manuscript, and I was all pins and needles waiting to hear what she had to say.

(Not sure what an editorial review is? Read about it here: Nadine Brandes Editorial Services.)

Not only did I make her laugh (Yes!), she loved the story and had so many exactly-what-I-needed-to-hear suggestions.

I am now ready to give my book baby to the world. (And the world will be much happier reading it without all of those pesky little errors.) ;)

In other words, I’ll have a real release date soon! Ahhh!!! Happy screaming!

I can’t wait!

In Him,

Michele

Goodreads Giveaway for Wisdom & Folly, Part Two

Michele Israel Harper — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 03:17:17 +0000

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wisdom & Folly

by Michele Israel Harper

Giveaway ends March 31, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

I’m so excited to share with you my next Goodreads giveaway!

I am sending two signed copies of Wisdom & Folly Part Two out into the big, wide world. Sniff. (Seriously, so hard for an author to do. Other people read your baby and tell you what they think. Scary!)

Anyway, the giveaway ends March 31, 2016.

If you haven’t already read my story, now is a perfect time to enter to win. Or, if you’ve read book one and need book two, like, yesterday, here ya go! :)

And believe me, I want to know what you think.

Enjoy!

In Him,

Michele

Goodreads Giveaway for Wisdom & Folly

Michele Israel Harper — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:00:34 +0000

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wisdom & Folly

by Michele Israel Harper

Giveaway ends March 14, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

I’m so excited to let you know I’m giving away two copies of the first book of Wisdom & Folly!

If you haven’t been able to read my book yet, you just may want to enter. ;)

I hope you love it!

Happy Reading!

In Him,

Michele

So sad!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 03:28:52 +0000

I just wanted to let you know that February is the last month you can get both of my paperbacks for $9.99 each!

(insert sobbing emoticon here)

I know! It’s so sad!

I’ll try to be as brief with the details as possible, but I got an email saying Wisdom & Folly’s distributor had to raise their prices, and, “Would you like to raise the price of your book as well?”

Um, no!!!

Seriously. I originally tried to get them to price the book at $5. No one would listen to me. (Apparently paying for each book you sell is a very, very bad thing. Who knew?)

But the numbers say I just can’t keep it at $9.99. (Why, IngramSpark? Why?)

So, as of March first, Wisdom & Folly will now be $12.99 each. But there’s good news! I promise!

The eBook is staying at just $2.99, and there may-even-might be a sale for $.99 for Zombie Takeover’s launch. Woohoo!

(Which I’m working on like a mad crazy person. Seriously. My husband is questioning my sanity right about now.)

So that’s it. That’s my news.

And I hope my very next post is Zombie Takeover’s release date.

(holds breath)

Squeal! I can’t wait!!!

In Him,

Michele

(Btw, you can purchase Wisdom & Folly on Amazon, B&N, and Kobo. Just so you know. Happy Reading!) :)

Wow, I’ve been busy!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 07:18:32 +0000

To those of you who have wondered where I could have possibly disappeared to–I don’t even know what to tell you.

Wait. Yes, I do!

Released Wisdom & Folly
Started a publishing company
Hired a team of freelancers
Signed three other authors
Have been neck-deep in editing, marketing, and formatting other novels, as well as writing my own

Can you say, “Thank God for Sunday”? ;) (I can’t imagine not having one day for church, football, and rest!)

As the leader of my writers’ group, Joyce Long, said, “It seems like you’ve found your life’s work.”

I quite agree.

Every time God said, “No”–every time He shut a door in my face, I was one step closer to God’s “yes,” and I didn’t even know it.

And I’ve never before enjoyed my work so much. In. My. Life.

Next up? Getting ready for my next launch party! Woohoo!

Do I know when that’s gonna be?

Not a clue.

So this can’t wait. I’ve got a plethora of authors I just adore, whose books didn’t get added to my launch party list last time. Of course I had to showcase them for you! (You know, give you a hint of what’s to come?) :)

I’m crazy about books. I read all the time. And I want to share with you the very best.

These are a few of my faves, and I may-maybe-perhaps will review them in greater detail at another time. Right now I just want you to know what they are!

Love and hugs!

RJ Larson: Fantasy. Biblical fiction. A perfectly balanced mash-up that leaves you salivating for more.

Christy Barritt: Smart, witty, and snarky. This perfectly describes Gabby St. Claire, a crime-scene cleaner who gets into an insane amount of trouble. All the time. I’ve never had so much fun with a series before, and I am dying for book 11! (I LOVE these covers!)

KE Ganshert: Intense YA. What if a group of teens have been gifted to see another realm–one that has been decided by their authorities, no longer exists? And what if they can defeat the demons of that realm through a Power greater than them?

Debbie Viguie: Best vampire series I have read in my life! Intense, full of action, and makes you wonder: can a vampire truly be redeemed? In love.

KM Weiland: Several of her other novels are on my to-read list, but this one has captured me and still hasn’t let go. Dieselpunk Adventure. Need I say more?

Nadine Brandes: Gritty. Unexpected. Riveting. These books are not for everyone, but wow they blow you away if you love dystopian!

Ralene Burke: Meet Bellanok. A paradise filled with mythical creatures, all for the glory of their Creator. What can they do when a demon breaks into their Eden, intent on destroying everything? I seriously can’t wait to find out. Two books are out so far in this five-book mini-series. Love, love, love!

None of these authors asked me to do this; I just had to! I mean, come on! Who doesn’t love a good book? ;)

In Him,

Michele

Oh, yes! Check out my publishing company–if you wish. (www.love2readlove2writepublishing.com) To God be ALL the glory for the great, wonderful, amazing things He has done! I’m still in shock! :D

Photo Credit: Ralene Burke. Thank you for snapping that of me! I had no idea! :)

Storming by K.M. Weiland

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 05:08:19 +0000

I tend to only review novels I enjoy for a reason.

One, I want to share with you my absolute faves.

Two, why be negative? Why waste your time talking about something I don’t like? I want to share the best of the best!

And three, there is nothing better in the world than a good book.

Enter Storming by K.M. Weiland.

I have savored every word of this book. Every glorious, thrilling word.

And I have a confession to make. I had never before read a novel by K.M. Weiland, and this is her fourth full-length work of fiction.

(Hides face in shame)

I am a HUGE fan of her writerly books, Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel (and their corresponding workbooks), but I have been too scared to read any of her other books.

Why?

K.M. Weiland is a genius. Her website, Helping Writers Become Authors, has changed my life and the way I write.

What if my faith in her was completely crushed because–gasp!–I didn’t like her novel???

(Holds breath while reading entire novel)

Let’s just say, my fears were childish, crazy, and just plain wrong.

Storming may have been the best book I’ve read this year.

When K.M. Weiland contacted me and asked me to review Storming, I danced around my house like a crazy person and told my husband just shy of a million times that she had contacted me. ME.

I had no idea what to expect.

Would she follow her own outlining and structuring advice? Would it make for a good book? Could she write?

Okay, I knew the girl could write (just read a few articles on her website), but could she write fiction?

Um, yes.

Absolutely, unequivocally, yes.

If you like dieselpunk adventure novels, then this is for you.

Don’t know what dieselpunk is? I didn’t either! Check it out; it is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

In fact, here is the back cover copy just to prove it:

In the high-flying, heady world of 1920s aviation, brash pilot Robert “Hitch” Hitchcock’s life does a barrel roll when a young woman in an old-fashioned ball gown falls from the clouds smack in front of his biplane. As fearless as she is peculiar, Jael immediately proves she’s game for just about anything, including wing-walking in his struggling airshow. In return for her help, she demands a ride back home . . . to the sky.

Hitch thinks she’s nuts—until he steers his plane into the midst of a bizarre storm and nearly crashes into a strange airship like none he’s ever run afoul of, an airship with the power to control the weather. Caught between a corrupt sheriff and dangerous new enemies from above, Hitch must take his last chance to gain forgiveness from his estranged family, deliver Jael safely home before she flies off with his freewheeling heart, and save his Nebraska hometown from storm-wielding sky pirates.

Cocky, funny, and full of heart, Storming is a jaunty historical/dieselpunk mash-up that combines rip-roaring adventure and small-town charm with the thrill of futuristic possibilities.

Just reading that again makes me want to snatch up the book and read it again.

Hey, that’s not a bad idea…

(Searches for Kindle, then remembers to finish blog post)

There was never a dull moment. Every word mattered.

Every. Single. Word.

K.M. Weiland is a master storyteller. I was hooked throughout the entire tale.

Now I need to read the rest of her books.

Immediately.

And you need to read Storming.

Why are you still reading this review?

Go buy it!!! :)

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Learn more about this amazing author at kmweiland.com and helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com. And, of course, check out her Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. This author is one to watch!

P.S.S. The Kindle version of Storming is only $2.99! I have no idea how long this will last, so for the love of doughnuts, get thyself to Amazon! :)

She’s back!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 03:22:46 +0000

She’s back! The artist who started it all, who fired my imagination with what Folly looked like, is finally back on DeviantArt.

And she gave me permission to share her deviation with all of you.

I’m so excited!

This is Lost Angel by, well, another Sarah! (Known as Sugargrl14 on DeviantArt.)

I have tried to get in touch with her for over a year now, to use this image, or one similar, on the brand new story I was writing, Wisdom & Folly.

At the time, I only wanted to use it as a chapter header for the abbreviated story I published weekly on my website. Of course, you now know I began following Sara Helwe’s art and fell in love with her design and artistic flair.

I can’t imagine a better Folly for my cover than the one Sara crafted! (Folly’s model on my cover: Ruxandra Tudorica. Wisdom’s model: Georgia Stanwix.)

But I had to share with you the image that started it all.

I had already read the verses that first gave me the idea for an angel story, following the sisters Wisdom and Folly (Then I (Wisdom) was beside Him as a master craftsman. Proverbs 8:30 NKJV…and…The woman Folly is loud…her guests are in the depths of Sheol (hell). Proverbs 9:13, 18 ESV), but I had not written anything until I saw this image.

The minute I saw this picture, the story started flowing out of me and wouldn’t stop.

So thank you, Sarah, from the bottom of my heart, for inspiring me to write my first published book! It means the world to me that you came back to DeviantArt and gave me permission to share this deviation. A million times, thank you!

In Him,

Michele

Wisdom & Folly, Part One

This book was so much fun to write! Authors often start writing with, "What if?" and my question was, "What if Wisdom is actually an angel? What if her sister, Folly, hates her, and they are locked in a battle that spans the ages? A battle that very much affects each one of us?" This book is completely from their perspective. I hope you love it!

About the Book

Wisdom. She may have crafted the worlds by the Maker’s design, she may have been by His side since the beginning, but her heart aches. Her sister is gone. Defected, to a group of rebels who loathe their Creator with every fiber in their beings, who plot His downfall. Her new assignment? Fight them. Defeat them. But how can she fight her sister, when all she wants to do is bring her home?

Folly. Fury seethes within her. Jealous of the attention the Maker lavished on her sister, she turned to a new master and became his favorite. Or so she thought. Determined to prove herself, to become invaluable, she realizes destroying her sister just may be the key to Lucifer’s heart. Her plan? Engage Wisdom. Distract her, defeat her. If only there wasn’t the minor detail she wasn’t counting on. Missing her sister.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction
ASIN: B016PGE15W

Preview

Wisdom & Folly, Part Two

I was so sad to see my story come to an end—but what a fun ending to write! I hope you enjoy my book as much as I enjoyed writing it, or perhaps even more so. Happy reading!

About the Book

Wisdom. She is furious. Her sister has destroyed countless of the Maker’s creatures and shows no sign of remorse. Or of stopping. She knows Folly’s end is near and cannot wait to staunch her sister’s wrath. Forever. Now if only her heart believed her.

Folly. Her hatred wanes with each passing day. What’s the point? Her defeat has been promised, and its surety strengthens with each step of time’s cruel march. Can nothing change her path? Why did she leave heaven’s bliss for such a cruel taskmaster?

But Wisdom has orders to thwart her sister. Folly’s orders are the same. And both are determined to win.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction
ASIN: B0172UB1GW

Preview

Release day for Book Two!

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 01:23:21 +0000

Oh, I just have tingles and chills everywhere!

I totally forgot today was release day. Completely. Forgot.

I had pre-ordered Part Two on my Kindle, just to double-check formatting and make sure Amazon put out what I gave them, so I got an email first thing this morning.

“Wisdom & Folly, Part Two has been downloaded to your Kindle.”

Squeal!

What a lovely, fun, exactly-what-I-needed surprise! This week has held so much sadness and tragedy, it almost doesn’t seem right to celebrate my second book’s release.

Yet it is one lovely thing that has happened for me this week, and I am grateful.

Once again, I am celebrating my release with a giveaway on Goodreads, and another giveaway at my Facebook release party THIS THURSDAY. I can’t believe it’s here already!

But I do have a favor to ask of you.

When you finish reading either book, would you mind leaving a brief review on Amazon? It is crazy important for an author to get reviews for the success of their book.

Also, would you mind asking your local library to order a copy of each book? That would be so wonderful!

Thank you so much!

Happy release day!

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Please lift your hearts in prayer for those precious people in Paris, and Amber and Amanda’s family. My heart is so heavy. I can’t even imagine.

Love and hugs to each one of you! This life is fleeting. Precious. Live the life you were meant to live. Here. Now. This very moment. You can make a difference in this world for Christ.

Wisdom & Folly, Part Two

I was so sad to see my story come to an end—but what a fun ending to write! I hope you enjoy my book as much as I enjoyed writing it, or perhaps even more so. Happy reading!

About the Book

But Wisdom has orders to thwart her sister. Folly’s orders are the same. And both are determined to win.

Order Now

Details

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction
ASIN: B0172UB1GW

Preview

Giveaway and Launch Party

Michele Israel Harper — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 00:45:23 +0000

Wisdom & Folly, Part One has officially been out a week now, and the euphoria still hasn’t dissipated.

I have a published book, people! Ahhh! Happy dance! :)

I know I’ve already mentioned this, but I’m giving away 5 signed copies on Goodreads and 5 signed copies at my Facebook Launch Party.

Looks like I’ll be single-handedly funding the post office for a little while. ;)

I’ve already sent the first few copies to the Library of Congress for the LCCN program, as well as to the U.S. Copyright Office. My babies are going out into the world! Sob.

There is so much to tell you about this whole publishing process! I’ll take any questions–anything specific you want to know?

So, yeah. My book.

The Goodreads giveaway ends in 6 days–on the 15th–and the Facebook Launch Party is on Thursday, November 19th. I can’t wait!

You are welcome to enter either of the contests. I hope you do! And I hope you WIN! (I would give a copy to each one of you if I could!)

But I’m curious.

Have you been able to read Wisdom & Folly yet? What do you think of it?

Happy reading!

In Him,

Michele

Wisdom & Folly, Part One