JEA Press - JEA

Tabitha Rocks

7/31/2014

Tabitha Baumander is a novelist screenwriter and playwright with five books published and a lot more to come. She is divorced with adult twins and lives in Toronto Canada which she is currently populating with aliens, monsters and fairies.

Castle Doom: Colonel Len Hamilton never once won a game of Dungeons and Dragons against his two sons. Fate now has him playing a game that’s a horrific shadow of those rec-room afternoons. It’s different and yet there is a demon, a dragon, trolls, torture and a deadly puzzle. If Len can’t solve that puzzle not only will he never see his boys or their beautiful mother again but mankind’s world full of science and learning is doomed.

It was a pretty pond, rich with history and culture and it remains a pretty pond, but now, as before, there is a danger living in the pond. When there is no tribute made, there is hell to pay; when there is a tribute, blood will color the water far more red than the usual hue. It lives in the water and there it waits, hungry, and determined to keep feeding...in the pond.

Castle Doom review:
A series of mysterious ghostly events occurring all around a military base in Germany, an ancient curse, a missing nuclear scientist...how ARE all these things connected? One person, a local Baron,thinks he has some of the answers but before he can reveal what he knows, four high level militray operatives find themselves caught up in a fight for all humanity...Part thriller/ part fantasy, this book is one that probably shouldn't work with all its separate elements, but somehow it does! Tabitha Baumander has done an excellent job of pulling together all the various plot strands and has crafted together an addictive and highly compelling read. I loved this, thought the concept was original and amazing and could hardly make myself put this down!If you think F.Paul Wilson's The Keep, you will be on the right tracks as this is every bit as clever and well thought out. This is the first of Tabitha's stories I have read but, judging from this, she is a formidable tour-de-force that it would be well worth keeping an eye on!

Feeling Feral?

7/30/2014

Six young people from different walks of life embark on a singles' tour in Derosso, Italy, only to encounter a strip club in town that preys upon the men. Warned to stay away by their guide, two of the tourists give in to their curiosity and encounter the undead exotic dancers within. Lured by promises of untold carnal pleasures, these lonely hearts invite disaster on their group and the rest of the town. Wild and erotic,
manipulative and vicious, these feral vampires are not at all romantic...they're predators.
Six different characters and six different endings, this tale is not for the faint of heart.
It is only for Feral Hearts.

Who?
Edward Cardillo: award winning author of the I am Automaton series.
Michael Fisher: author of soon-to-be-released DC's Dead.
Amanda Lyons: of Wendy Won't Go fame.
Mark Woods: the brains behind Time of Tides.
Jim Goforth: the writer of hot seller, Plebs.
catt dahman: author of Z is for Zombie series.

These authors also appear in anthologies, have more books and novellas available, and will have stories in the upcoming REJECTED For Content anthology. Prolific on their own, they have teamed up for this new, unusal type of horror novel.

This book is fun for many reasons. It is horror. And Edward Cardillo edited it, so there is a great, smart story here, but that's when it all gets crazy. Ed gave us this situation and had us develop characters. Not too bad. He wove them together in the middle and then taxed us with writing endings that included all the characters. Big challenge. I was impressed with my fellow authors and how each went a totally different way than I went, as far as ending the same story we were all a part of! It is a real testament to the talent of these writers that they came up with such diverse stories. (catt)

Cover art by Michael Fisher

Buy Some Books....

7/29/2014

We see it all. No one could make up some of what presses see. I have seen plagiarism, rude people, and unreal expectations. It becomes frustrating at times. I have enough pressure that I put on myself to deal with some things. My self imposed pressure is to sell books. No, I can't make people BUY, but it still is something we all, at JEA, take seriously. We truly want each author to sell as many books as possible. When we see sales, we get excited!
What sells a good book? I don't know, even after all this time. There is a lot of junk out there, and maybe that prevents sales. There is a lot of good writing out, and of course, that prevents sales. But what caused sales? Is it author branding? Maybe. Is it word-of-mouth? You bet. reviews? Sometimes. It's a lot of elements.
When you read a book and love it, tell others. That is all a press can ask. Let the author know. Fan letters are what fuel authors to write. If you haven't tried anything, here are a few books for fun. I can say this. Despite all of the above, we aim for good covers and some fantastic writing. IF a story isn't great to us, then we don't share it with you. Come on, make an author's day, get a book, and tell that author. It never gets old.

Try a Pete Clark book

Ida Moreno had a good life. Head Curator of the New York Public Library, lots of friends and acquaintances among her co-workers, a nice, cozy apartment close to her work and the simple company of her cat, Tansy.
All that changes in one horrifying moment.

Raped and murdered by someone in the middle of the night, Ida’s soul discorporates from her body at the time of death and witnesses the final moments. She’s angry, and her emotional anger ties her to the killer. It’s now up to her to figure out how to use her ‘new spirit body’ to find out who he is and bring him to justice.

Zombie fun

7/28/2014

Grab it as an ebook for fun and then as a print for your collection.

This is a children's book supposedly, and there is no bad language and it is about children...BUT. It's also a book for anyone who loves colorful print books. Zombie fans should have this on the shelf. it's about friendship, and sorrow, a love for friendly animals, and about...ZOMBIES. Ages 2-102 will love this one. The prose are sweet and the illustrations are vibrant.

We will allow only page 1 to be used, with the cover, as review images.

Please leave a review for this so Essel Pratt can see that you enjoyed his work!

3 for Thursday...

7/24/2014

“Gather ‘round people and you shall hear
about a bunch of bullshit that is clear.
Of riders and horses and monsters too;
your parents lied - they can still get you.
Hardly anyone who was there is alive
to dispel the rumor, uncover the lies,
but there was more than one man who rode that day
and more than just Redcoats who got in their way.”
Along the way, Longfellow lost something in his translation it seems.
Everyone has heard of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. However, they have not heard about them this way! The American founding fathers had a lot more to deal with at the end of the 18th century than tariffs and tea; avoiding hurled trees from Wendigos and gargoyles falling from the sky took a lot of patience. How is Samuel Prescott supposed to hunt the leader of the Rippers when the British keep infringing upon the colonists’ rights?

Connor Woods is tired of being pushed around, dragging his space cadet of a younger brother around with him because his mother treats him more like a babysitter than a son. When he and his brother, Sean, meet their Grandpa Lingus for the first time, the introduction is awkward to say the least but, for reasons unclear to Connor, his mother believes that it is important for him and his brother to get to know this cantankerous old man.
During the compulsory visits, Grandpa Lingus launches into a series of terrifying tall tales. After some initial resistance, Connor becomes immersed in the horrifying cautionary tales set in the bogs of Ireland, the Black Forest of World War II Germany, the pre-Katrina New Orleans voodoo scene, and the suburbs of New York.
He begins to realize that he can relate to the protagonists in the tall tales and his grandfather actually understands him more than anyone he knows, causing him to question the direction of his life. But is it too late?

The One: Children of Destiny is an epic tale of generations of bloodshed betwixt four separate races/nations. The battles are put on hold when all are thrown into an uneasy alliance caused by an outside, invading evil. Although they all share the same religion, all four races have different interpretations, hence their past conflicts. Now they have been told, by the source of their religion, to have the sons and daughters of their leaders go on a quest. They are told to not only discover the source of said evil, but to find allies as well. Told in the vein of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, this story is about an intrepid group of near-adults who must overcome a series of near-impossible obstacles. They must also learn to work together and overcome their own personal prejudices, fears, and personality flaws and to perhaps even learn to love one another.

Covering Covers...got that covered?

7/19/2014

Each book that we present, we do so as best we can. I never get tired of seeing exciting new covers and seeing new books go into the world, knowing that someone will be thrilled.
What is difficult to explain to many is this, and maybe it will help writers who are buying or designing their own covers. Books are shown as small images (called thumbnails) and are on white backgrounds. Those two issues make artists have to struggle. I like white covers, but because of the limitations, that can't be. Even off-white covers don't show well.
Because a cover must look good as a small image, sometimes, we can't have all the wording on the front, and we can't overload details. If we do that, they become muddy. Fonts (the wording style) must be clear, eye-catching, but not so strange as to distract. Many great fonts have been over-used.
In one tiny picture, an artist must capture the book's theme, interest a reader, give all valid information, but never been "busy". It's a tough balance. Some art looks wonderful until it is reduced in size.

Let's look at these three. The first says "fresh, spooky, modern", the second says "old-fashioned, fantasy, dreamy" and the third says "scary, wild, shocking". That is what each should convey. The details are there, but are crisp and look good enlarged, but when these images are small, the colors contrast and balance. The titles can be seen.
Sometime a cover will draw a reader to a book, but for sure, a cover can kill a sale if they book either isn't seen or looks weak. It isn't easy to have a cover that works well. An artist must decide about colors, the font, and even how large the author's name should be as compared to the title. And a cover isn't a simple copy and paste. There are layers and some parts are faded in and then shadows are added, lighting is changed, colors are altered, and a host of other changes.

This is a cover I like. Originally, there was a place (in this case a field with trees). The tent? See the bloody handprint? That was added. It doesn't show when the image is small, but it's there, and it matters. The clock. That was over 6 hours of work to hand draw (by layering textures into circles and adding numbers and the hands as separate layers) The entire thing had to be layered in. There is also a face that was put in to fit the background. All of that work was only to imply the book was about time and something that might be a part of camping. We know it isn't a happy book, but a scary one. The colors are precise: lime and purplish blue. The Font could have been white or any color, but to have contrast, red-orange was used.

Look at it as a thumbnail. The title shows. The face shows more, and the clock is clear. The tent falls to the background.
Sometimes beautiful images fail as covers because they don't survive the small size. Sometimes, people want far too much wording on a cover and none can be read.

THESE LOOK GOOD AT A SMALL SIZE.

For covers, if you can, hire a pro. No matter what, ask these questions:

Are images documented as legal to use?
Is the cover the correct size and resolution?
Does it look good as a thumbnail?
Is the title clear?
Does it engage?
Does it avoid "cookie-cutter, cliche, and cutsie"?
Is it commercial?
Is it "less is more"?

Cover artists may follow these very well, but unless the artists understands #7, your book will suffer. That one point can ruin a cover even if all the rest are checked. With covers ranging from $100-$500...you can get all of this. Never skimp on edits or covers.

Reading Amanda...

7/17/2014

I have taken a side about small presses (and Indie writers) vs. the Big 5, and my side is clear right? But the reasons may not be. I keep saying this and people don't get it unless they have been there. Okay. Hilary RC was paid millions in advance for her book of memoirs. The book tanked. If the Big 5 signed me,I would get nothing or a tiny advance and tank as well...because I am a nobody. Unless a celeb reads me and it goes viral, I am forgotten. (If the above happens, I may be laughed at even if I make a fortune. Go figure) Why? Guess what? All BIG book deals do not equal a good read.
I like some. I read S. King and a few others, but more and more, I read small press and Indie books. Why? quality. Heart. Because they are good stories that entertain me. I make enough with a small press and as an Indie to write full time. I could not eat, let alone survive long if I waited for a Big 5 to take me. Meanwhile, I entertain, disturb, and affect people.
Below is my review of a reader with JEA Press. Her name is Amanda Lyons.
Give her a try, or try one of the many other authors we believe in. See if you think that small press authors rock. I think you'll agree. I feel one day, we will all be reading Amanda's books and yelling for more. Take that big companies!

Maybe one of these will entertain you, Reader-Friend? Many readers have found these to be great entertainment.

Have you read Sharon's writing? She's spooky!

Oh? A novella is more your taste for .99? One of these might give you a quick read, and they are not what you might expect. Yes they are chilling, well written, and fresh. Why are they unexpected? Because they are not Big 5 authors. They are...dare I say...even better?

Wendy Won't Go is available alone and with Mark Woods' bonus stories. Amanda Lyons is an unusual writer. I don't mean she looks funny (because she is very lovely), and I don't mean she does strange things. I mean she has a fresh way of writing. Her prose are strong but they are flowing and beautiful and she has a way of making the reader feel safe and as if the story is going one way. Then, Amanda pulls the rug and the story hits home. HARD. Sometimes I feel she needs a warning for her writing. She makes readers uncomfortable. She is real. She scares people because she sneaks up from behind.
Read her novella. Her novel is coming soon.
I don't care for vampire novels. I say that a lot. However, let me make three points. I collaborated on Feral Hearts with Amanda, and several others to include Edward Cardillo. It is a vampire tale with BITE. Second, I like William Bove's story, Once Upon A Grave. (Reason? Because it is very different and the detail is stunning). Third, Amanda's new novel, Eyes Like Blue Fire reminds me of Interview With A Vampire, but it cuts to the quick faster, it's got more back story and heart, and it is very...unusual. There is that word again. Sorry. There is no way to explain. She will hook you, and never let you go. That is what I like.
Two authors and a collaboration resurrected vampires for me. Think on that. A Big 5 made me forsake the sub-genre and swear off the undead biters forever because I feared sparkles. Three books brought me back. Yeah, that's fair.
Meanwhile, I am reading Amanda....

Difficulties

7/15/2014

Above. Click to read a review that really explains this book's true power.

You never know when darkness is going to cross your path.
Lydia Allison Cantrell was a beautiful child from a seemingly loving family when all hell broke loose. The person who was supposed to love her and protect her from the evils of the world betrayed her in the worst way possible.
For years Lydia endured the horrors of her father’s abuse, finding her only solace in her beloved books, and a pure affection from her friend Michael. Until a day came when something, a small flame of a thing began to wake within her.
Now, as the flame grows, it threatens to consume not only her but those around her as well, both innocent and guilty. Lydia must choose vengeance or mercy, realizing that both come with a cost that might be too much to pay for a girl so young.

Review

Immolation is an intense book. It is not for the faint of heart. The protagonists are teenagers, but this is no "young adult" novel. The language and plot themes are way too strong for young readers, though unfortunately, this book touches on topics that many young people endure on a daily basis. Bullying, self-mutilation, incest, domestic abuse, drug addiction... Immolation will certainly make the reader squirm at times, but these elements are not rolled out merely for shock value. Sam Reese paints a very real portrait of conflicted teenage angst and trauma, along with a heaping helping of horror and violence.

I visited with Sam tonight. He is a good writer and Immolation is about many things...it's a good book...but part of it deals with a very difficult topic: abuse. It's always hard to deal with a topic like this, but Sam does deal with, and he does so with a delicate, sensitive touch. At JEA, we don't accept books that glorify rape.abuse, or anything illegal. It's how we are. This book does not glorify child abuse, but uses it to serve as a catalyst for the real story. This is a cautionary tale, a horror story, a frightening look at abuse, but it is also a story that is very real. Readers have called this a "beautiful story" and the reviews are excellent. My thoughts are that it takes a special kind of writer to take on a very profound topic and a hot button topic) and keep the honesty. and then weave it into a story that captivates.
I fee this is a book for the intelligent reader, and one that will break hearts, but still engage. What? That is confusing, isn't it? Immolation is brutal in some ways. But it is also about power and coming to terms with that power, morality, and strength. A reader won't put it down. That's just a fact. And when the book is done, there will be emotions. I feel that is what makes this shine. Reese doesn't apologize for dealing with a very real heartache. He doesn't shy away. He handles it all well, tells the tale, and then gives his character power. Literally. Will some be upset? Yes. Will some be confused? Yes. Will some be shocked? You bet. But overall, everyone will remember this.
A story that leaves us emotionless is useless, to me. Give this a shot. Appreciate the honesty, and admire the power within the words. Few authors can manage this balance.
Sam Reese and Immolation is about power...but in ways unexpected.

Just because

7/15/2014

Sparky Marky

7/14/2014

He Sparks!

JEA snapped up Mark's work. Time of Tides is in ebook form and it sells every single day. Every. Day. While we are excited for him, he is feeling the pressure of writing for an audience now (and I am so glad he knows how I felt now! It's not easy!). Mark is soon to released in Feral Hearts, Lycanthroship, a print version with Amanda Lyons, is in several anthologies to include Midnight Remains, and is working on several novellas and novels. He is also subbing to Rejected for Content.

If you haven't read Mark's works, be prepared. He is unique. Horror like Richard Laymon, English taste, Clive Barker imagination, S. King's heart...it's hard to describe Mark's style but he hits the soft spots, and never pulls a punch. To me, it is very modern horror with a lovely English feel. Let's call him retro-modern. Let's cal him scary. Hell, I call him Sparky Mark and that may be exactly how we all can describe his writing. He sparks.

Mark Woods, known as Sparky Marky, is one of those people who can turn coal into gold with only a touch. Trust me, I have seen it. I met Mark when he was a book reviewer, and I felt gutsy enough to send him manuscripts to review. I got what I wanted, which was honesty, but I also got a kick in the rear. He went over one of my books and ripped it to shreds for pacing issues and more. In tears, I had to decide if a reviewer's opinion mattered that much, and what I needed to do. I rewrote the book and had a contract for the nine book series within a month.
What struck me was how Mark did a detailed review and hit upon every element, explaining what was strong and what was...well...awful. Almost in defense, I asked why he didn't write books for himself since he was such an expert! (insert angst here) He admitted he did write but never shared.
Fast forward