Tag Archives: Making My Mark

#SATurday My Weekend Cover Reveal

25 Apr

#SATurday My Weekend Cover Reveal 

This is the first time EVER—I mean it—I’ve revealed my cover elsewhere a full 24-hours before I showed it right here on www.ShannonAThompson.com.

Why?

Well, there really is only one reason. I am listening to your suggestions. Most of you—through comments and likes and messages—have let me know that you want me to create more YouTube videos, and I have. In fact, I even bought a new camera, and I revamped the entire channel. I promise to spend more time on YouTube, and I am continuing to keep that promise by revealing Seconds Before Sunrise in my latest episode:

Also, I wanted all of the Members of the Dark to share it first. I treasure every one of my Dark members, and I plan on adding more and more prizes and opportunities along the way. In fact, I have an announcement about a monthly prize coming out May 1. So, here’s a shout out to every Dark member who helped reveal the cover of Seconds Before Sunrise (Also, this month’s Dark Members of the Week are bolded):

Legends of Windemere, Annette Abernathy, Jonas Lee, A Reader’s Review, SDAV Reads, Chris Pavesic, Lit World Interviews, Ronovan Writes, The Modest Verge, Live. Laugh. Read., Mel’s Shelves, Pau’s Castles, Tranquil Dreams, Ennlee’s Reading Corner, Cassandra Lost in Books, Red Sands Reviews and Ramblings, awkwardMEOW, Endless Reading, Book Gannet, Making My Mark, Jera’s Jamboree, Just Another Girl and Her Books, The Book Forums, Macy Avenue, and Dowie’s Place.

SBScoverSeconds Before Sunrise (book 2 of The Timely Death Trilogy)

Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

RUSBSIf you want to be a Member of the Dark (or a #MemberoftheDark), please email me at shannonathompson.com. By helping and sharing and tweeting out The Timely Death Trilogy, you can win prizes—like spotlights and books and more! You also get a fancy little badge – and another fancy little badge if you become Dark Member of the Week. Now in purple and in green! Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll even be able to fly out and get a coffee with you.

Until then, here’s to more coffee and cats and Dark members,

~SAT

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#WW: The New Cover of Minutes Before Sunset Revealed!

18 Mar

Small announcement: Facebook removed over 50 likes from my author page this week. You might have been one of them. Currently, FB is removing inactive accounts across all pages, but many are reporting active members being removed. Please visit my Facebook page and make sure we’re still connected.

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The New Cover of Minutes Before Sunset Revealed!

logoThe time has come. Today, we have a cover reveal for the second edition of Minutes Before Sunset, book 1 of The Timely Death Trilogy. This novel releases on July 28, 2015 by Clean Teen Publishing, and I would like to send a huge THANK YOU out to their team as well as all of the websites who are supporting me today (in order of sign-up).

Introducing Members of the Dark: Confessions of a Book Geek, Jera’s Jamboree, Nicholas C. Rossis, Jonas Lee, Acid Publications, Gnome on Pig Productions, Darkness Rising Universe, Lit World Interviews, Ronovan Writes, In Between the Pages, Legends of Windemere, A Reader’s Review, Tranquil Dreams, Books for Thought, Annette Abernathy, Live. Laugh. Read., XO EESH, The Modest Verge, Ennlee’s Reading Corner, Real Rad Reads, SDAV Reads, Cassandra Lost in Books, Red Sands Reviews and Ramblings, Ms. Me28 Reviews, Pau’s Castles, awkwardMEOW, Endless Reading, Nerd Girl, Taking on a World of Words, Trials of a wanna-be-published writer, Written Art, Nay’s Pink Bookshelf, The Incorrigible Reader, Macy Avenue, Ky Grabowski, Bookshelf of Doom, Just Another Girl and her Books,Hines and Bigham’s Literary Tryst, Chris Pavesic, Coffee Books and Art, Read Watch Think, Making My Mark, Mel’s Shelves, Macy Avenue, Note to Selph Book Reviews, Steampunk Sparrow’s Book Blog, Pointe Taken, Flannellette, Book Gannet, and Fantasy is More Fun!

::drumroll – even though you’ve probably already seen it by now::

Ta-Dah!

CoverTwo destinies. One death.

“Her kiss could kill us, and my consent signed our death certificates.”

Eric Welborn isn’t completely human, but he isn’t the only shade in the small Midwest town of Hayworth. With one year left before his eighteenth birthday, Eric is destined to win a long-raging war for his kind. But then she happens. In the middle of the night, Eric meets a nameless shade, and she’s powerful—too powerful—and his beliefs are altered. The Dark has lied to him, and he’s determined to figure out exactly what lies were told, even if the secrets protect his survival.

Jessica Taylor moves to Hayworth, and her only goal is to find more information on her deceased biological family. Her adoptive parents agree to help on one condition: perfect grades. And Jessica is distraught when she’s assigned as Eric’s class partner. He won’t help, let alone talk to her, but she’s determined to change him—even if it means revealing everything he’s strived to hide.

Isn’t it beautiful?

are youNow, go out and share, share, share. We are recruiting for the Dark, so if you want to become a member, email me at shannonathompson@aol.com! You will also get a fancy badge like the one to the right, but it will say “Member of the Dark” instead.

You can also join the Dark here:

Thank you for sharing, and thank you – once again – for being so awesome! We’re all members of the Dark on the inside. :] That is, until I make Member of the Light badges….

~SAT

P.S. I have one more reveal….THE FULL COVER!

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April Ketchup

29 Apr

These are my favorite posts to write. I love numbers, so I love analyzing my stats and sharing them with everyone. If you’re a blogger, I hope my stats help you know how my website grows – what works and what doesn’t. This month, I want to clarify that I’ve been rather busy with getting my next manuscript – “TMT” – ready for next month’s announcements, so I didn’t have as much time as I normally do to read other blogs. I am a HUGE advocate of reading other blogs. It’s a great way to meet fellow writers, and it is vital to creating a fun environment for readers. (I will get into why I believe this later.) As usual, I have adjusted my Ketchup post to new insights. 😀 Enjoy.

Here is how my April Ketchup is organized:

My big moments, top three blog posts, the one blog post I wish received more views, the rest of the blog posts, top referrer other than search engines, top searched term, and gains in followers, likes, and shares. I also included every website who has helped me this month. I’ve added two new categories though: my guest blogger has their own spot, and I’ve linked to my YouTube videos since I just began a channel this month.

Big Moments:

lalunaMy poem – Regretful Memories – was published in LALUNA Magazine. When one of my favorite photographers asked for poets to submit to her new magazine, I never thought she would pick one of my pieces to be in the first edition. I did a reading of it on YouTube as well, but this was a big moment because I haven’t had any poetry published since 2012, and it feels really nice to be able to participate in the poetry again, especially during National Poetry Writing Month.

ShannonAThompson.com hit 15,000 followers. Ah! So exciting! I cannot believe how quickly this website is growing and how many wonderful people I’ve been able to meet because of it. My next two big moments include two of those great people I have been able to meet because of this blog:

David Congalton, writer of Authors Anonymous, contacted me after he read my review of his film. I already finished interviewing him, so you can expect to see his interview on here in May. In the meantime check out his film. It’s perfect for writers.

And Gordon Tredgold – author, speaker, and leader – quoted me on his website:

10155262_673875619326289_5424221285165146459_n …

Top Three Blog Posts:

1. Writing With Barbie: I never thought my confession would be so popular, but I am glad you like my Barbie dolls as much as you like me. Maybe I should keep my dolls out of storage and start playing with them again…

2. Why Writers Should Watch “Authors Anonymous” This is the post where I wrote about the movie, Authors Anonymous, that David Congalton and I will be speaking about this week. I definitely recommend seeing this movie, especially if you’re a writer.

3. Editing Tips: I shared some unconventional ways to go about editing, including how you can use a shoebox.

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The Post I Wish Got More Views:

Behind the Scenes of The Timely Death Trilogy: I meant to share my 30-Day Countdown from March last month, but I finally found a slot this month. I included new games and excerpts, too. Plus, I love talking about my books with readers, and I love sending out fun games about it even more. (This post even includes new hints for TMT!)

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Other Blog Posts, Organized by Topic:

My Poem, Regretful Memoriesmyhome

YouTube:

Writing:

Interview:

Website Wonders:

My top referrer other than search engines was my Facebook page.

My top referrer other than search engines was my Facebook page.

  • Website Wonders: I was late in February and March, so I posted their website wonders at the beginning of this month.

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Guest Post:

What if I Can’t Write What I Know: Written by Susannah Ailene Martin, this post explains how writers can get over the hurdle of researching for a novel. My stats spiked when I shared her post, which is a perfect example of why we should connect with one another through blogs and other kinds of social media.

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YouTube Videos from Coffee & Cats:

My goal when I started was to only post one video this month to test it out. Plus, I had to learn how to create the channel and videos. I was really proud of myself when I beat my goal by uploading two videos.

Reading of “Regretful Memories” and Author Confessions

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At the end of the month, I also like to take a moment to thank all of the websites who supported me by posting reviews, interviews, and features. If you would like to review my novels or interview me, please send me an email at shannonathompson@aol.com. I always love speaking with new bloggers, writers, and readers! And I will share your post on all of my websites. I will be looking for new reviewers for TMT soon! I can’t wait!

Reviewers: Making My Mark, Endless Reading, Paris Carter, Coffee, Books, and Art, The Examiner, Return Novel.

Interviewers: Read to Write Stories, The Lurking Voice, Doodles, doodles everywhere.

Features: How to Write a Love Story

I used this photo because it reminds me of “TMT” - my next novel that will soon be announced. (Photo from gdefon.ru)

I used this photo because it reminds me of “TMT” – my next novel that will soon be announced.
(Photo from gdefon.ru)

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Guest Post: Author, T.B. Markinson

16 Dec

Shannon, here, for an introduction.

Every now and then, I have a guest blogger, because I come across an author, writer, and/or reader that I enjoy hearing from. I have learned from every one of my guest bloggers, and T.B. Markinson is no exception. She is a passionate writer, and her blog, Making My Mark, always demands my attention. Below, you have the opportunity to meet her and read about her inspirations – how she ended up achieving her goals and what pushed her to finally go after it.

So, here she is: T.B. Markinson:

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I’m so happy to be guest posting on Shannon’s blog today. She really is an inspiration and I wish I knew her when I was younger. Maybe I wouldn’t have waited so long to publish my first novel.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer. In fact, that dream was instilled in me when I was in the sixth grade. Why then did it take me thirty-nine years to finally take it seriously? One word: life.  And excuses.mar-kindle

The years passed. The excuses continued. Then in 2011, something huge happened. My partner was transferred to London, England. At the time, we were living in Boston, Massachusetts. All of a sudden I was unemployed and away from family and friends.

My excuses were gone. Before we agreed to move, my partner and I discussed the pros and cons of moving to a different country. One issue was what I would do. I wish I could say I was jumping up and down, shouting, “I’ll write.” Nope. It was my partner who knew my ambition and she strongly suggested that I shouldn’t be a fool and take the time to focus on my writing. It’s not every day someone is handed this opportunity. And my partner urged me not to waste the chance.

Without my partner’s love and support, I may never have had the courage to chase my dream. No one in my personal life discouraged me from writing. No one put pressure on me to put other things ahead of my dream. I did that all on my own and if it wasn’t for my partner, I may still be doing that.

Since moving to London, I’ve published two novels: A WOMAN LOST and MARIONETTE. My editor is expecting a draft of the third novel in January.

Turns out once the excuses diminished, I’ve been able to focus on what’s important to me. And now I have balance. I still go out with friends and family. I still have fun. I still deal with life. But I make sure I add at least 1000 words each and every day. It’s not just a job. It’s what makes me happy.

So if you want to write, don’t let anything stop you. If you’re young like Shannon, great get going. If you’re older like me, it’s never too late. All that matters is chasing your dream. Never give up.

Synopsis:

Paige Alexander is seventeen and has her whole life in front of her. One day her girlfriend comes home to discover that Paige has slit her wrists. Paige isn’t insane, but she acts like she is. Why?

After the incident, Paige agrees to go to therapy to appease her girlfriend, Jess. However, Paige doesn’t believe that therapy will help her. She believes she’s beyond help. Paige doesn’t want to find herself and she doesn’t want to relive her painful past in order to come to terms with it. What Paige wants is control over her life, which she hasn’t had since her birth.

During her childhood, Paige is blamed for a family tragedy, when in fact, her twin sister, Abbie was responsible. Abbie doesn’t come forward and Paige becomes the pariah of the family.

To add to Paige’s woes while attending a college in a small town in Colorado, the residents are in the midst of debating whether or not gays and lesbians should have equal rights. Tension is high and there’s a threat of violence. She isn’t out of the closet and pretends to be straight at school since she fears what will happen if her parents find out she’s a lesbian. Will she end up dead like her best friend, Alex?

About the Author:

T.B. Markinson

T.B. Markinson

T. B. Markinson is a 39-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. Marionette is her second novel.  A Woman Lost was her debut novel.

Mailing List:

Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

Links: Twitter        Facebook        Blog        Goodreads     Amazon Author Page

Purchase Links: Amazon (US) Amazon (UK)

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Seconds Before Sunrise: Cover Reveal & Scavenger Hunt

1 Dec

So the day has come! And below you can read the full synopsis as well as see the lovely cover created by Viola Estrella. (But there’s a bigger surprise, so stay tuned.) Many of you might wonder where the design came from, but here’s the quick truth: Minutes Before Sunset is about being in the Dark, Seconds Before Sunrise is about being a human, and Death Before a New Day is about being in the Light. So this cover was carefully designed to depict the theme of the humanity of the protagonists, especially Eric. (Hence the green color and the boy.)

But what’s the surprise?

47 wonderful blogs are helping me out with this cover reveal, and I’ve linked them all below. By clicking the link, you will be transported to their blog where they have shared a unique fact or sneak peek into the trilogy. There are 47 blogs and 47 facts. Have fun on the scavenger hunt, and enjoy the cover reveal!

Thank you.

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Seconds Before Sunrise (The Timely Death Trilogy, #2)

Seconds Before Sunrise, coming this March

Seconds Before Sunrise, coming this March

Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

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Add Seconds Before Sunrise to your Goodreads bookshelf today.

Visit these blogs, read the facts, and get an inclusive sneak peek into the The Timely Death Trilogy: (On December 3rd, you will get to see these lovely bloggers again)

1. Ennlee’s Reading Corner              2. I Am Kelli Beck             3. Little Ballad of Life

4. So Many Books, So Little Time       5. Amber Skye Forbes: The Dancing Writer

6. S.L. Stacy: The Urge to Write    7. Why I Can’t Stop Reading  8. The Novel List

9. Romance Bookworm’s Reviews    10. Love Words And Books

11. Natasha Hanova           12. Endless Reading            13. I Read Books

14. Fetching Figment         15. Ky Grabowski                  16. A Reader’s Review

17. Ms. ME28 Reviews       18. Jacinda Buchmann       19. The Examiner

20. The Legends of Windemere          21. A Ponderance of Things

22. Ken Thinks Aloud          23. YA Book Nook         24. Cassandra Lost in Books

25. Shelly’s Book Corner         26. Taking on a World of Words

27. Stephanie’s Book Reviews          28. The Other Side of Paradise

29. Coffee Shop Reader       30. Dan Thompson    31. Note to Selph Book Reviews

32. Of Musings and Wonderings                                       33. Author S Smith

34. Harper’s Happenings (will be posted on December 2)

35. akiiKOMORI Reading       36. Love Words And Books   37. Making My Mark

38. Confessions of a Book Whore      39. The Noif Matrix    40. I’m a Book Shark

41. Press Pause, Fast Forward      42. A Daily Dose of Katsy  43. The Fine Print

44. Alexis Allinson       45. Dissertation Gal         46. Write Word Editing

47. 1 Write Way

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Blogs and facts were chosen at random, and #23 is bolded because 23 is my favorite number 😀 YA Book Nook is also the winner of the pre-release ebook of Seconds Before Sunrise! Congratulations! 

Thanks for participating,

~SAT

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