Thursday, August 29, 2013

Get INDIE-inspiration and Support an Amazing Charity!

It's a FUBU, reader-friends!

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Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
ISBN 10: 0987593102 ISBN 13: 9780987593108
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Check out this amazing list of contributing authors:

Monday, August 26, 2013

Goodreads Kerfuffles: The New Red Room

I was going to say "the new sex tape," but sex tapes are so Y2K...

It's been a while since I've opined on current events here on the blog. (Sorry?) But this latest round of Goodreads "reviewers" behaving badly and authors rising (sinking?) to the challenge, resulting in alleged rape threats and bullying accusations and debut novels being pulled from release... (or being released now under pen names?)

It all makes a writer say Hmm.

I've written a few books (see sidebar), and they're all on Goodreads, for better or worse.

Before Undertow was released in July, it got a big fat 1-star review on Goodreads... And it wasn't even one of my betas or critters! (It remains the book's only 1-star review amidst predominately 4- and 5-stars.)

A book I just finished writing on Friday (Aug. 23) got a 3-star review a few weeks ago on Goodreads, prompting me to wonder how this person was accessing my computer and whether s/he would be willing to finish writing the book for me, since I clearly wasn't doing a 5-star job...

Regardless of all that, I know if I engage, if I make any comment whatsoever, I'm risking a firestorm of abuse, harassment, name-calling, etc. It's the whole, "once you put your book out there, it's no longer yours" concept.

(But wait. My book's not "out there" yet...)

Before I hit "publish" on my very first book, The Truth About Faking, I got some sage advice from a then-rising author named Tammara Webber. (Yes, that Tammara Webber.)

Don't respond to reviewers.

Period. The End. (Nope! Stop arguing. Don't respond.) She was firm.

We live in a digital age, where anyone with a keyboard and an attitude has the potential to become a Superstar! (Remember Perez Hilton?)

It's all about the spotlight, writer-friends. When you "go there," you're signaling the paparazzi. You're shaking up the Mountain Dew can, popping the top and putting it slap in front of the hornets' nest.

In fairness, yes, there is a possible flipside... I also remember Paris Hilton. (And her spawn, Kim Kardashian.) They live for that stuff. Becoming a living train wreck has made those females millions.


In fairness, my experience with Goodreads has been largely positive. It can be a useful and fantastic, interactive reader- and writer- community. I've met awesome reader-friends there, and I know bigwigs like Coleen Hoover point to it as helping their success in reaching readers.

Sure, I've gotten my share of reviews I thought weren't fair. I've had the DNF rants, and I've even *gasp* replied to a few, late at night, after a glass of wine. (And promptly freaked out the next day and never returned to the scene of the crime... Sorry, Tammara! *hangs head in shame*)

It's a sad truth, but as a published author, my days of being an English teacher, a book club leader, a former journalist, and heck, even an American citizen with first-amendment rights are over.

I'm probably taking a risk simply writing this blog post, but shoop! There it is.

When I hit "publish" on The Truth About Faking, I began the mental mantra:

"Negative reviews and/or reviews I think are 'unfair' go with the territory. Get over it. Look how many negative reviews L. James gets for her Fifty Shades books, and she's laughing all the way to the bank."

We tell ourselves these things as authors, reader-friends. (Or we should, writer-friends.)

Two thousand reviews for Faking later, I actually have some one-star reviews I admire. The reviewer just really did not like my book, and s/he gave some solid, justified reasons why.

I read them, and at the end I mentally add, "And then I got my period."

(...it's a joke. C'mon... That's funny!)

Seriously, I respect them. I like seeing reviews from thoughtful readers. To me, it means I'm doing my job right. Not everybody's going to like my books, but if I've made someone think about a concept, a belief system, a mode of behavior, well, that's what I'm after, right?

I also appreciate that when we make the transition to living off our books' earnings, things like DNF reviews urging the whole, entire reading planet not to buy our books seriously sting. And reviews or ratings for unreleased books can push us over the edge...

Resist! writer-friends.

I mean, unless you want to try the sex tape in the red room approach. In which case, buckle up! It's going to be a bumpy ride~

I'd love to hear anybody's (thoughtful) thoughts on the matter.

And I'd like to take this opportunity to THANK all my reader- and writer-friends who take the time to leave thoughtful reviews of my books. As Blondie (and now 1D) says, "One way or another."

* * *

Heads up, friends! Watercolor is coming Oct. 3! That means Dragonfly is on sale for 99 cents! I'll share a little graphic I made here~

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

And have a great week, reader-friends! 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Thank YOU! And a Special Cover Reveal~

I'd like to say a HUGE THANKS to everyone who helped with the cover reveal for Watercolor on Wednesday!

FYI, Dragonfly (Book #1) is still on sale for 99 cents right now!

Run grab your copy and get started: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

The Dragonfly series is my first true series to write (meaning one book depends on the other, and the story builds with each installment), and today I'm thrilled to welcome my longtime writer-friend and fellow Indelible Elle/Lee Strauss talking about series-writing and showing us the gorgeous cover to the final book in her Perception trilogy!

So without further ado, take it away, Elle/Lee~

* * *

The Perception Trilogy is my first real series, meaning the story begins in book one and doesn't complete until the end of book three. (My Clockwise series is unconventional that way, which is why I point this out.)

What a ride! It's a bittersweet to be closing in on the end. I've spent so much time getting to know and love my characters! It's kind of like having to wave good bye as your child leaves for college - it's good and necessary, but it marks a dramatic change. You're happy to see them develop and grow, but at the same time, you can't help the tears that well up.

You find you make frequent trips to the baby albums, reminiscing on the growing up years. I began the first draft of Perception two and a half years ago, while on a trip to Romania. I'd meant to take a break from writing, but instead I started getting all these great ideas for a new sci/fi dystopian. Everywhere we went I'd be stopping to type in  quick notes on my iphone, and at night I wrote scenes on a borrowed laptop.

I published Perception on September 01, 2012, almost one year ago. Since then I've written and published book 2, Volition, and now in just a few short weeks, the final book.

Yes!

CONTRITION is releasing September 26th! Of course, there will be swag/contests/sales leading up to the launch. I hope you join in on the fun!

Without further ado....(drum roll)....




Zoe, Noah and the other plane crash survivors
 are stranded
in the Arizona desert.
They all have secrets,
and reasons to hide.
But they’re not alone.
Cyborg soldiers.
War.
Humans and humanoids.
Who can be trusted?
Zoe’s life is in danger.
Noah must make an impossible choice.
Will their love survive their brokenness?
Will the world as they know it end before they can find out?


CONTRITION COMING SEPTEMBER 26th!

* * *

Thanks so much, Elle/Lee! I can verify this story is fantastic. So run out and grab your copy today, and have a super weekend, reader-friends!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

WATERCOLOR Revealed! and a Dragonfly #SALE-ebration!

In Dragonfly, they were friends who shared a growing attraction...

In Undertow, her heart was broken and he was waiting to pick up the pieces...

In Watercolor, Anna & Julian say Yes. But the past and its secrets are creeping closer...

Book #3 in the Dragonfly series: Watercolor, coming Oct. 3! 

Need to catch up? Get Dragonfly for only #99CENTS, Aug. 21-25!

Add it on Goodreads today!

Watercolor
by Leigh Talbert Moore

Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life.
Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake.
Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all. 
Until Jack returns.

Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret.

And Jack.

But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide from him.

Exclusive excerpt:

“I just want you to touch me.” 

I took his hand and put it at my waist, under my shirt. I pressed my mouth to his and chills followed as his fingers slid lightly over my skin. I was drowning again and I reached over to find the edge of his jeans. I pulled up the soft fabric and lightly touched his bare stomach. 

Suddenly he was gone. My lips were still in a pucker, and he was down at the water away from me. I watched as he stripped off his t-shirt and slipped out of his jeans before diving into the dark Gulf waters. 

I fell forward, laying my head on my forearm in the sand. “I’m going to kill your parents,” I sighed.

* * *

Readers are swooning for Dragonfly (#1):


On Amazon
"I was so thrilled with the way Leigh T. Moore wrote this! I actually threw up my hands and said YES!" --Asheley Tart, Into the Hall of Books

"I truly enjoyed this one! I thought the characters were intriguing, the mystery and story were interesting and definitely have ME WANTING MORE!!!!!!!" --Mandy, The Romance Bookie

"Angst, longing, jealousy, mystery, secrets, love triangles, sexy scenes! Could you even ask for more? Well you can because it is also very well written and fast paced. ...I STRONGLY suggest you invest in some sunscreen as well as a copy of Dragonfly." --Nichole, Book Addicts Not So Anonymous

Now only 99 cents, 8/21-25!  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo


Raving about Undertow (#2):
On Amazon

"An incredibly powerful sequel to Dragonfly. I found myself riveted to the last page by the depth of feeling, loss, tragedy, and love in this gorgeously woven story. This is a definite must-read." --Jolene Perry, author of Out of Play

"Undertow pulled me under and left me gasping for air and wanting so much more. I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters, and now I’ll never be able to get a shirtless Bill Kyser out of my head." 
--Magan Vernon, bestselling author of The Only Exception

"My heart shattered into a million tiny pieces, rebuilt itself and then melted over and over again with each flip of the page." --Roxy Kade Reviews


Pick up your copy today and get swept away~

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Watercolor #WINNERS!!! And Teaser #2~

Watercolor #WINNERS are in--Random.org chose the following FIVE numbers: 5, 4, 17, 1, and 11!!!

That means the lucky commenters are:

#5-Nicole Tetrev
#4-Jennifer Madero
#17-Tonya Schenck
#1-Kelly McCurdy  ...and

#11-Betty Hamilton!!!

*whoop whoop* *throws confetti* *yaay!!!*

Winners, please email me at leightmoore(at)gmail.com--eARCs will be sent to you lovelies as soon as they're ready!

And HUGE THANKS to everyone who joined in the fun!

Now, who wants to see that new Watercolor picture-teaser again? (I do! I do!)

On Goodreads

And have you seen the book blurb? Here it is:

Watercolor
by Leigh Talbert Moore

Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life.
Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake.
Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all. 
Until Jack returns.

Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret.

And Jack.

But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide.

Add it on Goodreads today (link)!

There's still time before October to catch up with

Dragonfly: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

UndertowAmazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Have a great week, reader-friends--I'll be back Wednesday with more goodies!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Watercolor Teaser #2!

First, HUGE Thanks to everyone who tweeted and shared the fun BOGO FREE sale this weekend!

I'll be picking the winners of the Watercolor giveaway today and emailing recipients.

Wednesday is the Watercolor Cover Reveal, and I'm SO excited for you all to see it.

In the meantime, the romance is heating up over here...

Here's a new picture-teaser to get you ready for the next installment:

On Goodreads

What do you think? And have you seen the book blurb? Here it is:

Watercolor
by Leigh Talbert Moore

Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life.
Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake.
Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all. 
Until Jack returns.

Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret.

And Jack.

But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide.

Add it on Goodreads today (link)!

There's still time before October to catch up with

Dragonfly: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

UndertowAmazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Have a great week, reader-friends--I'll be back Wednesday with more goodies!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Who Loves a BOGO Sale? This Girl!

I'm busy in the revisions cave, reader friends, and Watercolor is on track for Oct. 3 Release!

Still need to catch up on this fun series? Jump in on this superfun BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Sale! 
(Sale ends 8/18)

How does it work? Easy as 1-2-3!

1. Get Dragonfly Today on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

2. EMAIL your receipt to leightmoore@gmail.com, and

3. I'll email you a FREE ebook of Undertow!

***Lost your Proof of Purchase? 

Email me the link to your Review of Dragonfly on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads, and I'll email your FREE ebook!

***Already have Undertow?

Leave a comment below, and I'll pick FIVE lucky commenters to win a FREE copy of Watercolor once it releases!

Please help me spread the word!

THANKS!!!

* * *

Want to see that Watercolor Picture-Excerpt again? Me, too!

Add Watercolor on Goodreads!

Have a super weekend, reader-friends!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Me, Cavegirl... and the first WATERCOLOR #Teaser!

In the cave uh-gain???

I know, right? *looks around* I thought I just left this place!

But I'll be honest, I am loving the cave right now. I'm diving back into Watercolor (link), and I haven't actually read this book since 2010.

Here's the timeline:

-January 2010, I'd finished Dragonfly and started shopping it.
-While I waited, I wrote Undertow then Watercolor... bringing us up to Spring 2010...

-May 2010, I put the series in the virtual drawer and wrote The Truth About Faking

-Summer 2010, little children at home, no writing is done...
-Sept 2010, I wrote Rouge... and simultaneously shopped Faking & Rouge.

-Spring 2011, landed an agent, who started shopping Rouge.

-Summer 2011, we moved 850 miles away from the beach. *majorly sad panda*
-Fall 2011 into Spring 2012, played the traditional game while writing my science fiction book 21 Days.
-Summer 2012, I got a Big 6 Deal for Rouge... that turned out to be not so great. *sad panda*

-Sept 2012, self-published Faking, which really took off,
-Nov 2012, self-published Rouge, which really didn't take off...

-Dec 2012, wrote The Truth About Letting Go, self-published in Feb. 2013

Which gets us to March 2013 and me revising, rewriting, basically dismantling and reassembling Dragonfly, which was published in June.

Undertow was pretty much ready to go as it was. Now I'm going back through Watercolor, and ZOMG.

I think y'all are going to love it so much. I'm reading it and just smiling so big. It's all Anna & Julian's love story, and their chemistry is so great and their banter, and it's just funny and swoony and a little sexy...

*squeek*!!! I can't wait to share it with you guys!

Here's a picture-teaser I made for Watercolor:

Add me on Goodreads (link)

You can add it to your TBR on Goodreads today (link)!

The *absolutely gorgeous* cover reveal will happen Next Week (Aug. 21)--super thanks as always to the crazy-talented Jolene Perry (link) for designing the cover!

If you'd like to participate in the cover reveal, please go here (link)!

And if you need to catch up--Dragonfly is on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Undertow is also on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

And now I've got to get back in there and finish this thing!

Oh! While we're talking books--I'm thinking about doing a companion novel to The Truth About Faking (link), but telling the story from Jason's point of view. A lot of authors are doing that now with their popular books...

Would that be something you guys would like? Does that bug you when authors do that? It's just an idea I have. Let me know what you think!

And have a super week, reader-friends~

Monday, August 5, 2013

I've Crossed to the Dark Side

Happy Monday, readers!

School's back in, and I'm back to the lab again, yo'~

On Amazon
But first, let me say a HUGE THANKS and give LONG, SQUISHY Virtual Hugs to everyone who participated in the release tour for Undertow!

I absolutely love this book, and so far it seems readers do, too! I also love hearing from you guys, so keep the emails, Facebook posts, Tweets, etc. coming!

Watercolor Cover Reveal happens August 21, and I am just DYING for you guys to see it. I wish I could show it to you all right now. It's so gorgeous.

Julian fans are going to sah-woon over this one.

Again, HUGE THANKS to the lovely and talented Jolene Perry, who knocks my sox off with her cover design skillz.

Please sign up to participate in the cover reveal (link)!

And you can read more about Watercolor and add it to your TBR list on Goodreads (link).

* * *

I made an Important Discovery over the weekend, friends. You ready? Here goes: I know why artists are crazy.

(I'm including myself in this "artists" category because I think that includes me now. I've got five books out and am simultaneously working on two more... That's right. I said two at the same time.)

Here's how my Important Discovery went down:

A few weeks ago, I got this Big Idea for a new book--something crazy-new. Totally different. Of course, I have NO time for that. Watercolor comes out Oct. 3!

And while you might think Oct. 3 is far, far away, I've got to have eARCs ready for book reviewers at least four weeks before that.

So what do I do? Well, I was just going to make some notes, store it in the Idea File, and finish Watercolor...

Two weeks later, I have a whole new book written.

What I did not do coming off the back-to-back release of Dragonfly AND Undertow (a month apart):
-take a break,
-socialize with friends,
-get out of the house,
-do anything besides stare at a computer screen immersed in an imaginary world...

I did not! I dove right back into another one. And not just any other one, but a dark, ultra-sexy, adult one.

New Book started out as just an experiment, and I confess, I fell in love with these characters and their problems. It's a stand-alone, it's HEA, it's supah-sexy... And for the first time, I'm conceding that I must use a pen name, friends. I must.

And (Note: here's where the *crazy artist* kicks in) I got mad about it.

I want to own my work. I want to go On Record and say, "Yes, this is different. This might surprise or even shock you. See if you can get over that and love this story as much as I do."

Of course, I can't do that. At least not yet.

Readers want a certain thing. Family and friends expect a certain thing. I'm not at that level yet where I'm untouchable. (Does anybody ever get to that level? Really?)

I don't know. I'm still grumpy about it.

Which only goes to prove I've crossed over to the Dark Side. Next thing you know, I'll be wearing strange clothing and using an unpronounceable symbol instead of my name.

I hope you'll all remember me when. 

Have a super week, reader-friends! I'm so excited because in addition to writing this week, I'm beta reading books by FAB author friends, Magan Vernon and Hart Johnson. *squee*!!!

And I'll be back with more fun news next week~