Friend Fridays - Andrew Gordon

Andrew Gordon is a friend of mine who lives fairly close, yet not close enough to see on a regular basis. But, we do get together with the DC Metro Romance writers and readers group for lunch every so often. I have had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful daughter and wonderful husband :)

Andrew has a NEW RELEASE out called The Eye And the Arm

Isn't that an awesome cover!!

The Eye And the Arm; by Andrew Q. Gordon

Champion of the Gods: Book Two

DSP Publications

Length: 99,775 words/296 Pages

Release Date: April 14, 2015

BLURB:

After defeating Meglar at Belsport, Farrell returns to Haven to recover from his injuries, but Khron, the god of war, has other ideas. He gives Farrell a new mission: free the survivors of the ancient dwarf realm of Trellham from their three-thousand-year banishment. To fulfill Khron's near impossible task, Farrell will need the help of his distance ancestor, the legendary wizard Kel. But Kel has been dead for a thousand years.

Farrell finds information hinting that Kel is alive, so he moves his search to Dumbarten, Kel's birthplace. To reach Dumbarten unannounced, Farrell and Miceral disguise themselves as mercenaries on board a merchant vessel. Their journey is disrupted when pirates attack their ship. While attempting to subdue the attack, Farrell is struck down by one of Meglar’s minions.

Unconscious and trapped in his own mind, Farrell's only chance for survival rests with Miceral and the peregrine king Rothdin entering his thoughts and helping him sort fact from illusion. To reach Farrell, they will need to rely on an untested spell from one of Kel's spellbooks. If they succeed, Miceral can guide Farrell home safely. If not, Farrell will destroy not only himself, but Miceral, Rothdin, and everyone around him.

VIDEO TRAILER:

EXCERPT:

“Relax, my friend.” Klissmor’s presence calmed Miceral’s growing anxiety. “You won’t feel my presence.”

Miceral took a deep breath. “Will I be able to hear?”

“Every word. Ready?”

“No, but let’s do it.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“I need your eyes open for everyone to see.”

He snapped his lids open, blinking several times before could focus again. “Sorry.”

“Master Teberus.” Miceral knew the words came from him, but as promised, he didn’t feel anything. “I have Masters Erstad and Wesfazial as well as Wizard-Priestess Glendora. Ask your questions to Miceral and we four will also hear you.”

“Astounding.” The elder Arlefor glanced at the high priestess. “All four at once?”

“Wizard.” Miceral had heard that tone enough to know Klissmor’s mood. “Maintaining this link, this far away with this many minds, is a strain. If we are to save Farrell, you must focus on him.”

“Of course. My apologies.” Teberus bowed deeply. “My examination of the one who did this to Farrell confirmed that he is no wizard.”

“Then how in the eight gates of Neblor did that man defeat Farrell?” Even though Teberus couldn’t know, Miceral recognized the voice as Wesfazial’s.

“The obvious answer is the correct one. A wizard gave this man the weapon.”

“But Farrell could defeat all four of us and all the other wizards you brought with you and not be tested.” Erstad’s steady temperament sounded tested. “No weapon used by a nonwizard should be capable of this.”

Teberus raised the crest of his hairless eyebrow. “But since that is what happened, we must use it as the basis of our search for a cure.”

No one answered. As the silence dragged on, Miceral’s anxiety slowly returned. If Haven’s senior wizards didn’t know what to do, who could?

“Tell us what happened.” Erstad’s request almost didn’t register with Miceral.

“No,” Klissmor said. “Show them. Let them see the memory.”

Miceral closed his eyes and focused on reliving the attack. The clarity of the image caused his chest to tighten, making it hard to breathe. He knew the result, but watching it again, almost in slow motion, added to his agony.

When the image played over again, he realized Klissmor must have been guiding his thoughts.

“My apologies, old friend—the need is great.” Klissmor’s voice didn’t interrupt the stream of images.

“Do whatever you need. Just find a way to save Farrell.”

“Your friends are doing all they can. Have faith that Lenore will send us what we need.”

When the memory started for the third time, he didn’t find any comfort in Klissmor’s assertion. The Six wouldn’t—couldn’t—help. He needed something that didn’t exist—a great wizard like Heminaltose or Kel.

“In theory, I recognize the magic.” Erstad sounded confused. “But I’ll need to find a reference to be sure.”

“What about Farrell?” He knew he shouted, or at least what Farrell told him passed for shouting, but he couldn’t prevent it. “He could be dead before you find that.”

“It can’t be helped, Miceral. I need to be sure before I suggest a counterspell. If I’m wrong, whatever I try might kill him.”

“He is in no immediate danger.” Teberus put his hand on Farrell’s forehead. “But my fear is the number of spells that draw on him for power. I can only give him but so much. If he doesn’t wake, his body will burn out.”

“Do what you can, Master Teberus. We’ll begin searching immediately and contact you when we find the answer.” When Erstad stopped speaking, Klissmor’s presence left with him.

“Hurry. Please.” Miceral knew no one heard him.

BUY LINKS (click below)

DSPP Link

Amazon Link

Amazon UK Link

Are Omnilit Link

About The Author

Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.

He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of eighteen years, their young daughter and dog.  In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day and not get the shakes.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: www.andreqgordon.com

Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon,

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.andrews.7568

On Twitter:  @andrewqgordon,

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewQGordon/posts

Email: andrewqgordon@gmail.com

GIVEAWAY

FIVE Winners will win one e-copy of ANY book* each from DSP Publication’s backlist.

*Giveaway is of any currently released DSPP book, which excludes the books that are on pre-order and “The Eye And The Arm”.

RAFFLECOPTER

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RafflecopterLink: 

Thanks to all the Friend Friday guests so far. Sue Brown, Jeff Adams (TWICE), Gregory Payne,  Chris Shirley, Tammy Middleton,  DS Kenn,  Whitley Gray, Felice Stevens, and Bronwyn Heeley.

Silent Chinchilla Sundays

Chinchillas are very quiet. Although they are nocturnal and can make noise running and chewing, they don't generally make many noises. They are just cute and fluffy.

But sometimes she does make the oddest noise. Linked, is a page I found with sound bites to listen to.

Or, if you are on Goodreads and you can't click a link it is here (http://www.soundboard.com/sb/Chinchilla_Sounds)

Go to the one marked: WARN

My chinchilla (Sheva) makes this sound all the time. She is warning other chinchilla, I guess, but there none. :(  One time I had my snake near enough to her cage for her to see it and she was WARNING EVERYTHING! It was kind of funny.

Anyway. I love this little fur ball.

Have a great day! Now, go visit Matt & Brad, and Sam & Rick. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

:) Wade

Saturday Songs - Maroon 5

Hi, thanks for stopping by! I am taking some of my writing time to eat a cookie with my coffee and talk a little about another of my top 3 favorite bands: Maroon 5!

I thought about picking a song that also had meaning to fit with my current "happiness" trend, but I don;t think it fit. I think we are going to stick my two ideas together for a blog and not worry how they mesh. The song I chose is probably not one everyone would pick. I don;t think I've heard it on the radio, but in my car it is played ALL THE TIME! I love this song! Adam Levine is amazing and I love his voice. I've been a huge fan back with Songs About Jane in 2002. They totally had me and I was immediately looking for another album. They took forever, but it was worth the wait and HAS been worth it ever since. So if I want to think of myself in terms of Maroon 5, QUALITY not quantity is key. I wait, and they provide the best music ever! So, I just need to write GOOD books and not worry so much about how many, right? Easier said than done.

The video is only the lyrics. 

which are:

"Sad"

start of lyrics Man, it's been a long day

Stuck thinking 'bout it driving on the freeway

Wondering if I really tried everything I could

Not knowing if I should try a little harder

Oh, but I'm scared to death

That there may not be another one like this

And I confess that I'm only holding on by a thin thin thread

I'm kicking the curb cause you never heard

The words that you needed so bad

And I'm kicking the dirt cause I never gave you

The things that you needed to have

I'm so sad, saaad

Man, it's been a long night

Just sitting here, trying not to look back

Still looking at the road we never drove on

And wondering if the one I chose was the right one

Oh, but I'm scared to death

That there may not be another one like this

And I confess that I'm only holding on by a thin thin thread

I'm kicking the curb cause you never heard

The words that you needed so bad

And I'm kicking the dirt cause I never gave you

The things that you needed to have

I'm so sad, saaad

I'm so sad, so sad

Oh, but I'm scared to death

That there may not be another one like this

And I confess that I'm only holding on by a thin thin thread

I'm kicking the curb cause you never heard

The words that you needed so bad

And I'm kicking the dirt cause I never gave you

The things that you needed to have

And I'm kicking the curb cause you never heard

The words that you needed so bad

I'm so sad, so sad end of lyrics

"So I'm scared to death, not knowing if I should have tried a little harder…." A condensed version of a line. I started "spreading happiness" a couple weeks back. I guess it is my way of combatting negativity. There are always people on Facebook cutting people down and being hatful. There are even people in my own "community" who can say hurtful things, so in spreading JOY, I am trying to remind people that they are special and wonderful and thought of. I started making a list of names so I could make sure I tagged people. I found that I RECOGNIZED over 300 names off my friends list. I have 2400+ "friends" on Facebook, but for me to know who over 300 ARE I thought was pretty amazing. I want my friends to know they are awesome! There are many people who support and love me and make ME feel special, that I wanted to send it back out there.

Then Ken Murphy started the "Pay it Forward" game where he asked for 5 names of people who wanted to play and send gifts and surprises in the mail to others. He sends to 5 people, those 5 send to 5 people, etc…. I got my five and I sent out card yesterday to say HELLO. I plan to send them things often throughout the year. I think it is not only nice, but fun. I know I LOVE getting random things in the mail and why wouldn't someone else? I have addresses of about 15 people I have met on Facebook through the years. I think it takes time and trust to start giving out addresses. Although, if you are on Facebook, and you want a surprise int he mail, message me (PM) and I'll consider adding you to the list. I can't promise to send things to EVERYONE all the time, but I promise to try. I will consider* adding you.

* I say consider, because if you are someone I have NEVER talked to or interacted with, and I don't recognize your name or icon, then I will be cautious. I need privacy too.

But sending and tagging people on Facebook has been fun. And there are people who say I tagged them on a day they really needed it.

It is Easter weekend, and so I'm gonna pull out a Bible verse:

"Better is open rebuke, than hidden love." ~ Proverbs 27:5

I don;t think we have enough LOVE out there. If you feel it, SAY IT! Even if it is a friendship love. We need to care for one another, so share the love! If you are thinking about someone, then TELL THEM!!!

I promise to try to remember that too!!!!

I don't typically post pictures of naked men (not really my style) but what about Adam Levine???

Oh my!! I will leave you with the picture below!! I LOVE Maroon 5. And I strive to spread love, not hate. Be there is nothing worse (relatively) than: Not knowing if I should try a little harder

What's Up? Wednesdays -- What Works?

Well, obviously it is NOT my Internet that is working. It has been out more than it works. So far, I haven't been so bothered that I felt the need to take up all my time and sit on the phone with Verizon and fix it. It took two hours last time and it only worked a day. The issue is actually two-fold.

I have Verizon for internet and for my home phone. I have Sprint for wireless. The Sprint booster tower and the Verizon modem/router do not communicate well. Every day the Sprint tower cycles through and reboots itself (so the representative said) and it then kicks out the internet because the Verizon modem doesn't like the Sprint tower. Something like that. What it means for me is the internet isn;t working most of the time. I need internet for the Sprint tower to function and send the signal to my phone. Without internet, I also have no cell phone. This sucks!

Do I have time to drive somewhere in order to blog and tweet and post on Facebook? Not really. The other day I was able to post to Facebook and check messages while I was in Westminster doing other things. I can be in Target waiting for my daughter's prescription and "like" something on Facebook, or make a comment, but I can not write a blog post. Maybe there are people who do use the Blogger app on their iPhones to post, but I find it difficult and annoying. The phone is small. I don't have the bigger keyboard and the multiple tabs to search for photos and links to add. It seems like too much work so I don;t post. Bu then days go by… DAYS, and I don't have any blog posts. I was trying very hard to get into a routine and post every day or at least several times a week.

I blame the internet for my lack of posting!!!!

I'm also a slacker when it comes to writing. My goal was to have my WIP done by April. It is April 1st and I am not done. There is the argument about setting priorities and I have, but my priority always circles back to my family and I guess we did a bit to much over the weekend and I didm;t write as much as I wanted. I am trying!!! I promise. I have written more in the last couple months than I normally do and I hope to continue that pace. The key is in consistency and i hope that being consistent with writing will produce more books.

Also, with that in mind, I am trying to focus on WHAT WORKS for me. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. works. My mind of more focused and creative in the mornings so writing as soon as I have my coffee DOES get the most results. I am up to 76k on No! Jocks Don't Date Guys, so keep your fingers crossed  that I keep that ball rolling!

Comedy works. Light-hearted works. In order to make a career out of writing I have to focus on what readers want and what sells. YES, I want to write meaningful things that grip readers and rip their hearts out, but that is not what sells well. Happy and light-hearted sell! I will continue to write the deeper things because they mean something to me, but I think the key to being successful is learning to balance it with the happy, fluffy stuff. Since I have a history of writing ONE BOOK A YEAR, it hasn't panned out well for me. I was stuck in the deep, angsty mode for a while and so my career has been tough. I hope this year will turn it around for me.

Or, more specifically, my writing THIS year, for projected sales NEXT year. I'm not in it to be rich, but I also don't want to get cornered financially where I am forced to to a "real" job. I don't want to work at anything other than writing. I learned a lot about marketing, so now is my chance to put it to use, but I can only do that if I have books to market! Writing comes first. I need to write consistently, as well as write more light-heartedly!

That is my goal and focus right now. My "JOCK" series has potential so I'm running with it. Readers love JOCK. Cole & Ellis, and Rob & Russell are funny. I need more funny. I'm working on Chris and Alonzo right now, hoping they will be a hit. (I really like them!)

We are all familiar with the SCALE, right?

I am shooting for a "2" for No! Josks Don't Date Guys. Whether or not IS a 2, I think I will have to ask my beta readers for their assessment as compared to My Roommate's A Jock? Well, Crap!
When I originally planned it, JOCK 2 was falling closer and closer to a 4. I am not supposed to be writing angst! It is so hard not to. So I changed some things and lost some words, and reshaped the angsty parts to be less strong. I don't need to kill my readers with a supposed comedy. Right? LOL!!!!

It is lighter now. I also reread my "blurb" to remind myself what the book is about. I think Blurbs are helpful, especially when they DO describe the content.

What is a sexy soccer stud supposed to do when “following family traditions” falls 180 degrees opposite his closeted ideal?

From birth, Chris Jackson had been schooled on how to land himself a cheerleader. After all, his father married one, and his father’s father before that. Heck, even his older brother married their father’s definition of a stereotypical cheerleader the summer before Chris went off to college. For two years, Chris dodged invasive questions about relationships by blaming his lack of female companionship on grueling practices and heavy coarse loads; but really, his lack of interest in girls period should have given the family a clue. It wasn’t until Chris mentioned meeting a boy that his father’s synapses short-circuited.

Alonzo Martin was anything but a buxom blond. From his black hair, combat boots, and trench coat, to his nail polish and guyliner, the mysterious introvert was not so easily persuaded to go on a date. Alonzo’s insecurities kept Chris at arm’s length, but even his painful past couldn’t compete with the charismatic jock’s winning smile and sense of humor.

When opposites attract, only cheerleaders and gummy bears can overcome fear and family traditions.

So… what do YOU think readers? Does this WORK for you?

Stop back on Tuesday. I hope to have internet enough to post an excerpt. Or are you on FB? Have you already read one? Tell me what you think?

HUGS :)