Monday, December 15, 2014

Meet Carnival-Tycoon, My New Time-Suck!

Create long lines and watch profits soar! Bwahahahahahaha!
The biggest problem any author has is finding new ways to waste time instead of scribing their next big thing. Trust me, I know this. That is why I am writing today's post on awesome ways to waste
time. Since I am SUCH a big believer in efficiency, in this case, you only need one, and that is the wonder that is Carnival-Tycoon.

A Charming Theme Park Sim


There may be other more popular versions of this game available for purchase, but this specific version is different. It is completely web-based so there is nothing to download. It is also 100% free to play. I get absolutely nothing from the mention of this game other than the satisfaction of sharing the joy I have received from it as a fan of simulation games in general.

Even if you aren't a gamer, you might know someone who would enjoy building their own theme park, so share, share, share!

The Sights and Sounds of Carnival Life


What I enjoy most is the fact that while Carnival-Tycoon is a free app, it is very well done in terms of detail. Every attraction is animated in its own special way and comes complete with high-quality sound-bytes. It's like you are actually at a carnival!

There is a story-mode where you can attempt to complete pre-set goals and challenges. Or you can play in sandbox mode (my favorite) and build your own theme park from scratch. There are plenty of offerings which you can use to color your landscape and own the park of your dreams only to tear it down and start over again. Yes, it IS that fun!

If you do decide to play, I'd love to see what you've come up with for your own perfect park!

A grand aerial view of Wonky-Tonk Island!


The Lost Remnant YA Fantasy Novel
 


Monday, December 8, 2014

Birthdays, Book Trailers, and Other Things!

December is here...and it rocks. I give to you:




New YA Fantasy Book Trailer Launch: The Lost Remnant


My book-baby is growing up, and I am super-thrilled to share this moment with you. Book trailers are a ton of work. You wouldn't believe how much goes into preparing for a finished product of just over two minutes in length. Regardles, I can't stop watching the darn thing. If you love it too, please rate, comment, and share. Coming soon: The Lost Remnant in Audiobook format!!! Yeahhhhhhhh!

Birthday Bliss is Still Going Strong...


I had a great birthday! Chocolate-covered strawberry cake and fizzy cider were had. I also got a copy of Manga Studio EX 5, so I am preparing to do more damage in the coming months as I dive deeper into the world of comics and animation. I was also graced with the loveliest bouquet of roses! Today might mark the end of birthday week, but I refuse to stop smiling.

Spotlight: Tilted Tales - New Book Release...


If you are a lover of fairy tales and whimsy, I implore you to keep an eye out for Tilted Tales by A. L. Sant. I grew up on fable and folly, but I also love cheeky wit and humor. This title has it in spades, from the cleverest haiku poems to short stories and everything in between. If you've never fallen in love with a wimbie, then add this to your Amazon wishlist. You'll be glad you did.

J'adore!





YA Fantasy Novel The Lost Remnant
 

Friday, November 7, 2014

Black Friday Free eBook Giveaway

I am truly blessed. I say this because when I take the time to let everything around me sink in, I realize that I have accomplished most of what I set out to do. Most importantly, however, I published a book. I am by no means alone in this wish. My early marketing efforts have already shown me that I am drowning in a sea of masterworks written by my peers.

Should I give away my work for free?


Please do not mistake my words for marks of envy. On the contrary, I respect and admire anyone who goes after their dreams, no matter the field. Perseverance is not an easy thing to cling to, so I absolutely give kudos to anyone who has completed the journey of writing a novel from start to finish. It is an amazing, frustrating, and testing experience at best. So what is the answer to the question? Do I just give it away or hoard it like a dragon over her hard-won trove of gold?

Many self-pubbers struggle with this question daily as they venture into the gladiator's arena for the attention of what feels like a finite pool of readers. I have found value in both sides of the argument and still do. My conclusion is that there is no right answer. At the end of the day each must live with his own decision.

The Great Black Friday Giveaway...


Of course I wish to be compensated for my labor, but it is difficult to hold the finished product in my hands and deny the most simple fact: I wrote to be read, pure and simple. I do find joy in royalty checks, but there is something about a reader reaching out to me to share their excitement over Chapter X or how they "can so totally relate to Character Z." It warms my heart to no end. Dollars make sense, especially with the cost of living in the U.S., but you are so much more to me.

So with my birthday swiftly on the approach I have TWO giveaways going on.

  • Goodreads - 1 autographed paperback edition will be awarded by way of random drawing. Open to U.S. residents only at this time. Please visit the Goodreads site for details.

  • Kindle Free Days on Amazon - YES! The eBook version of The Lost Remnant will be available FREE FOR DOWNLOAD worldwide on the following dates: 11/27/14 through 12/1/14. (Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday!)

If you are the lucky recipient of a free book in any of its forms, and you enjoy the experience, you can repay me in several ways if you are so inclined. The first way is by leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or anywhere really. You can send me an e-mail with questions or comments. You can definitely tell a friend, and last but not least you can make a donation to my tip jar or snag some awesome swag in the shop. Any of these actions say, "I salute you." and encourage me in my writing habit. Read on, readers, and best of luck in the upcoming giveaways!


Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Lost Remnant by J.N. Race

The Lost Remnant

by J.N. Race

Giveaway ends December 04, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LLPLP6Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00LLPLP6Q&linkCode=as2&tag=rpgmedia-20&linkId=6UY624NRY5UVVVNS

Saturday, November 1, 2014

NaNoWriMo YA Fantasy Book Giveaway!

National Novel Writing Month is finally here! Most often affectionately referred to as #NaNoWriMo to those who know it best. Me and my love of Story go way back, so I am pleased to contribute to the festivities by hosting a giveaway of my 1st YA Fantasy novel: The Lost Remnant.

I like to think of it as a way of celebrating my published status and encouraging all those who are putting their noses to the grindstone for #NaNoWriMo. What are you working on at the moment? I'd love for you to post in the comments and share!

Having just released The Lost Remnant this July, I am not quite ready to start on the draft for book two. I am, however, cranking out the outline like crazy. To those who are working on their first novel, keep at it! You can probably already envision the finished product in your hands. I can promise you, it is TOTALLY worth the effort.

Here is what's up for grabs...



The Lost Remnant NaNoWriMo Giveaway
WINNER WILL BE DRAWN ON NOV. 8th, 2014


Entering is super simple. The giveaway is being hosted by the Book of the Month club on Facebook. 1 Like = 1 entry. 1 Share = 5 entries. The winner will receive an autographed copy of The Lost Remnant in addition to a personal message from myself. Best of luck and keep on writing!!!


YA Fantasy Novel The Lost Remnant