Guest Post & Giveaway: Monsterland by Michael Okon

We're thrilled to host Michael Okon's MONSTERLAND Blog Tour today! Leave a comment below to enter the book giveaway!

Title:
MONSTERLAND

Author: Michael Okon

Publisher: Wordfire Press

Pages: 232

Genre: Monsters

Welcome to Monsterland—the scariest place on Earth.

The last couple years of high school have not been fun for Wyatt Baldwin. His parents divorce, then his dad mysteriously dies. He’s not exactly comfortable with his new stepfather, Carter White, either. An on-going debate with his best friends Howard Drucker and Melvin over which monster is superior has gotten stale. He’d much rather spend his days with beautiful and popular Jade. However, she’s dating the brash high-school quarterback Nolan, and Wyatt thinks he doesn’t stand a chance.

But everything changes when Wyatt and his friends are invited to attend the grand opening of Monsterland, a groundbreaking theme park where guests can rock out with vampires at Vampire
Village, be chased by actual werewolves on the Werewolf River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.

With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

 

My All-time Favorite Monster is…

My all-time favorite monster is…is…is I actually have no idea. Choosing a favorite monster is like choosing children, you simply can’t do it. When the spark of my book Monsterland came to me, I called my brother immediately and told him, “I’m going to write a story about a theme park with zombies.” He replied with a quick, “No.” He said, “You have to tell a story about a theme park with werewolves, vampires, AND zombies.” I started writing that night.

What I learned about writing books, specifically about monsters, is not limiting yourself to one type of monster to scare the audience. Werewolves, vampires, and zombies. Having the three most globally recognized monsters in the world, all on display at a massive theme park. What could possibly go wrong?

How would the story have turned out if I would have chosen one monster? I honestly don’t know. What would happen if Led Zeppelin only released one song on an album? The results probably would have been disastrous.

As of now, Monsterland 2 is scheduled for a May 26, 2018 release. I have three, actually four monsters in that one, with other monsters being alluded too. As for Monsterland 3, which I just started, there are three monsters named just in the first three chapters alone. What happens after that? Well, there are going to be more. Many more monsters in this interesting universe I’m creating.

But…if I had to choose one monster, just one superior monster to terrorize us lowly citizens, I would choose The Invisible Man. I’m incorporating The Invisible Man in an upcoming Monsterland novel. I say this because watching the original classic with Claude Rains…well…I was terrified. A zombie? Just shoot it. A vampire? Shine a light. A werewolf? They come out once a month and will fall with one little measly silver bullet.

But The Invisible Man is scary. A madman you cannot see. I’ve seen every classic horror movie, Dracula, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Blob, but nothing stayed with me like The Invisible Man. I guess that falls in line with ghosts, but again, a ghost can’t touch you. Right? Only The Invisible Man can. I believe when a monster cannot be seen, well, that’s the scariest type of monster I can think. It’s a primal thing, a monster always lurking and watching, and you have absolutely no idea.

Well, Jaws is really scary too. And Pennywise the clown is too. And Leatherface from…oh, nevermind. I can’t choose a favorite.

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling is his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can  remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE
| TWITTER | FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY

Michael Okon is giving away 2
autographed copies of MONSTERLAND!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering
  the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• Two winners
  will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a copy.
• This
  giveaway ends midnight December
  29.
• Winner will
  be contacted via email on December 30.
• Winner has
  48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

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Cover Reveal: Lady of Silver by Shona Husk

Inside the Book:

Title: Lady of Silver

Author: Shona Husk

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Paranormal

Format: Ecopy 

A man on a mission



A brutal crime is haunting detective Dale Morgan. A young woman has been murdered on the city’s outskirts, and her blood drained. Dale suspects the leader of a depraved cult may be to blame. Yet with barely a shred of evidence at the crime scene, Dale will have to turn to the one person despises almost as much as the killers he puts behind bars.



A woman with secrets



To humans, Saba Venn is a psychic, but she’s Albah, a race long forgotten by humans but who live amongst them, her powers fueled by blood and silver.  She agrees to help Detective Morgan, if it means stopping the vampire cult she believes is behind the killing. But the attraction she feels with Dale is immediate, and as their relationship intensifies she begins to doubt she can keep her secret from him.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Romance author Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back.

With over forty published stories, ranging from sensual to scorching, she writes contemporary, paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.

Tour Schedule

Dawn's Reading Nook

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Celticlady's Reviews

A Title Wave

Voodoo Princess

Books Can Be Deadly

My Bookish Pleasures

RhiReading

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Write and Take Flight

From Paperback to Leatherbound

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Lover of Literature

Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews

The Writer's Life

Book Cover Junkie

Interview with Dawné Dominique, Author of The First Series

A multi-published and award-nominated author of paranormal erotic romance and fantasy, Dawné Dominique's novels instantly hook readers until that last page is read.

Although published in the US, she's a Canadian author through and through. The second novel of her vampire series, Dark Diary, II: The First, is set in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she resides with her family, and Gunkers, a stray cat she recently saved, and Chumbly, their newest addition to the feline household.

She embraces life with one simple rule: “Everything in life happens for a reason, be it good or bad, and it’s because of this we learn to never take anything for granted.”

Drop by to pay her visit at: www.dawnedominique.com or www.DusktildawnDesigns.com.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in a small Ontario town called Alison Simcoe Co. People used to ask me if I was born in a baby factory. *chuckles* It was an army base way back when. My sister and I were the first set of twins born there. For the record, she's forty-five minutes older than I am. That's why our mom likes her more. *smiles*

What is your fondest childhood memory?

The very first time I ever saw my mom and dad kiss. I was about twelve years old, and I've never forgotten it.

When did you begin writing?

Since I was old enough to hold a crayon, then I'd draw pictures to go with the stories, but it wasn't until the late 1990's early 2000's, after I joined a writing site that I seriously began to hone my craft.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Well, I'm a contracted paralegal three days a week, and a cover artist for the rest. I write primarily at night because that's when my mind is the most creative. The week leading up to a full moon, my creativeness explodes. Whether it's writing or cover art, it doesn't matter. Some people have called me a were-author. *blushes*

What is this book about?

Crimson Cries is my most recent release and the fourth novel in my vampire series called The First. It blends biblical facts with fiction to give readers a very logical explanation as to where and how the first vampires and wolves came to be. Eden's Hell, the novel that begins the series, was nominated for an EPIC because of its uniqueness from all the other vampire novels out there. This series is definitely not your ordinary bloodsucking series.

What inspired you to write it?

You may get a chuckle out of this, but I entered a writing contest. The prompt was to write a chapter length story about a "unique" vampire. I won the contest, but every critique I received said "it's too short." Thus, Daniella Rolfe was born. She doesn't have to feed every night like other vamps. Only once a month. Like a woman's period, instead of expelling blood, she has to replace hers. So she hunts for a large man for one night of suck and, well, you know. It is erotica after all. Daniella has three days in which to do so. If she doesn't, the hunger can lead to blood madness wherein she risks losing herself in the feeding and can rip the victim apart. Daniella kills, but she's discriminate about who lives and who dies.

Who is your biggest supporter?

I have some very dear friends who have been with me right from the beginning. My associate at the office hadn't read a book since she was a junior high student. After she picked up my series, she told me that it has prompted her to begin reading again, except... she hasn't found an author she likes as much as me. That statement has had a profound effect on me. I lost my big brother a couple of years back. After he died, my joy and love for writing disappeared into sadness. She brought me out of my despair in more ways than one.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

Indeed, I am. There was a time I also moderated a Young Adult novel group in there, but my time right now is too consumed with my own writing and my cover art business.

Who is your favorite author?

I have a lot of them, but J.R. Tolkien and Anne Rice are two of my favorites.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I don't have an agent. I shopped around for one for a time, but didn't really pursue it too strongly. I should have. I'm a Canadian author published in the US. Everything I do here, such as book signings,promotions, etc., I have to do on my own. It would be nice to have some clout and backup.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

My very first two submissions to publishers were accepted. That was the smooth part of the ride. However, one of those publishers ended up being absolutely horrid. The experience left me scarred for life. It's also a big reason as to why I became a cover artist too. But I believe that everything that happens in life, be it good or bad, happens for a reason. Even though it was a terrible ride, I learned so much about the publishing business. In the end, it was a great experience, if that makes any sense.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

The good, the bad and the ugly...it's all a learning curve, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've met some wonderful authors and publishers along the way, and I've learned invaluable lessons.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

You can find my books at my publisher, Purple Sword Publications, at 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dawn%C3%A9-Dominique/e/B003BE8MMK/

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/dawne-dominique

(please note that B&N also lists many books that I've done the author's cover art, but I didn't write them, I swear)

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

Absolutely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vSbqa4bHtc&feature=youtu.be


What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

I'm still working on that. Between my paralegal job and my cover business, I don't have a lot of time to promote myself, so Pump Up Your Book may turn out to be my best investment. *crosses fingers & toes*

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Never give up. Be unique. And grow thick skin. You're going to need it.

What is up next for you?

This May or June, I'll be releasing a fantasy novel that I wrote many moons ago called The Tears of San'Ferath. It's about a land called Allanoria, with Druid Knights (who are good) and Nongéva Druids (who are evil). When the mage'ic begins to disappear because of the evil taint left by the Nongévas dark mage'ic, all the mage'ical creatures begin to die. When the last Druid Knight invokes a spell called The Undying Sleep on San'Ferath, the king of dragons who, incidentally, is the last dragon left, they do so in the hope of preserving whatever mage'ic is left in Allanoria. Then an illness called the Blue Fever sweeps through the lands and begins wiping out the humans. The prophesy of "The Cleansing" has begun.

Some five hundred years later, a freelance mercenary and dancer hold the key to restoring Allanoria's mage'ic, but it's a Nongéva Druid who awakens more than he bargained for.

For the record, there's no erotica in it. ; )

Is there anything you would like to add?

A HUGE thank you for having me here today. ☺

Book Spotlight: Good Intentions by D.N. Simmons

Scitech Labs was handsomely commissioned by the United States Military to design a revolutionary serum that would create the ultimate soldier.  If successful, the soldier would have an increase in endurance, strength, awareness and overall speed. They would become the true super soldier. That's if everything went according to plan. 

Scitech put its best scientists on the project and gave them a time limit to complete the job or else. With the pressure on and the stakes high, Vincent Masterson and his team put everything they had into the project. . Everything was looking hopeful until an experiment went horribly wrong. The scientists mutated their specimen's DNA, turning it into something monstrous. Now, life as we know it will never be the same. 

   As it stands, the only thing that can save them is one of the two things they should be running from. 

  Can the human race survive being caught in a bloody war between two vicious predators?

Excerpt:

Prologue

The Director of the Biological Research Department of SciTech Laboratories, Dr. Steve Morris sat at

his desk in his comfortable black, leather chair as he spoke with the military general across from him.

“I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this little experiment is to be kept top secret?” General Bradley

Fuller reiterated. His cold blue eyes attempted to cut ribbons through the debonair attitude of the younger

man.

Dr. Morris cleared his throat, blatantly ignoring the General’s glare. “I understand full well the

importance of secrecy in this matter and I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about.”

“If it's all the same to you, I'll be the judge of that. Trusting SciTech Labs with this wasn't my choice.

However, this company came highly recommended as one of the top labs in the entire country, so here I

am.” The General crossed one leg over the other as he rested his hands on his knee. “What can you

guarantee as the turnaround time? We want results as soon as possible.”

“Well, from what you've shown me, it's an unknown substance. It might help us if you can give me a

little more background on the compound. It would help us to know where it came from,” Steve said.

The General frowned. “Unfortunately, that's classified.”

Steve scoffed. “General, you've got my hands tied—”

“It's need to know and you don't have the clearance,” Gen. Fuller interjected brashly. “If you don't

think your department can work under those circumstances I'll inform my superiors of your

noncompliance.”

“General, please, there's no need for rashness. I only want to give the United States Military Forces our

very best effort.”

“The United States Military isn't looking for 'effort', Doctor. We're looking for results and with what

you're being offered to come up with those results, failure is not an option. Are we clear?”

Gen. Fuller's stern gaze became even more intense. The nerves Steve was trying to ignore came roaring

to the forefront. He shifted in his chair, feeling a lot less comfortable.

Steve cleared his throat. “As they say in the military, crystal.”

Steve adjusted the knot of his tie, loosening the material a bit. The room was feeling a bit hotter than it

was several minutes ago before the general entered. He couldn't help but wonder if it was because the

heat was turned up or if it was just him.

“I'd like to meet the team you're going to assign to this experiment,” Gen. Fuller requested.

“Oh, of course. One minute.” Steven pressed several buttons on his phone keypad and a masculine

voice came over the intercom.

“Yes, Dr. Morris?” Dr. Vincent Masterson replied.

“I'd like you to gather your team and come to my office,” Steve ordered.

“We'll be there shortly.”

The line disconnected. The two men sitting in the office looked at each other for a few seconds before

Gen. Fuller broke the uncomfortable silence. “You still didn't give me a turnaround time.”

“You’ll have to forgive me General, but with so little information provided to us regarding this

compound, I can't in good conscious give you an exact date,” Steve said.

“You have six months.”

“Six months? I think it's premature to attempt to put a time limit on this project.”

“Regardless of your opinion, six months is the limit. We would prefer results before that date, of

course. You'll have every resource you'll need at your disposal. If after six months, you come to me empty

handed, you will lose the sizable grant your company is being awarded based on your success with this

project.”

Purchase at:

·         Amazon  

·         B&N

D. N. Simmons lives in Chicago IL., with a rambunctious German Shepherd that's too big for his own good and a mischievous kitten that she affectionately calls "Itty-bitty". Her hobbies include rollerblading, billiards, bowling, reading, watching television and going to the movies. She has been nominated at Love Romances and More, winning honorable mention for best paranormal book of 2006. She has won "Author of the Month" at Warrior of Words. She was voted "New Voice of Today" at Romance Reviews and "Rising Star" at Love Romance and More.

To learn more, and have the opportunity to speak with the author personally, please visit the official website and forum at www.dnsimmons.com . D.N. is always interested in meeting new and wonderful people.

ONLINE LINKS:

·         Blog http://authordnsimmons.blogspot.com

·         Facebook Dead War  https://www.facebook.com/NovelistDNSimmons

·         Facebook Good Intention https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDNSimmons

·         Twitter https://twitter.com/DNSimmonsKOTD

·         Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1396694.D_N_Simmons

·         Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/dnsimmonsKOTD

·          Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dnsimmonsauthor/pins/

·          Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/dnsimmons

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