Thank you so much for following me. I really appreciate it. Please enjoy my free short story –“The Guest.” It is a short story of the Angel of Death within my series “The Chosen Chronicles.”
I hope you’ll enjoy it. If you do, please check out the series.
"The Chosen Chronicles" are now $.99 for each eBook.
on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Dales/e/B004TG6U1Y/
and Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KarenDales.
Announcement!
Please help my book "Shadow of Death" become an award winner!
"Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles" is up for the Sizzling Hot Book of the Year Award. Please go to www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/ and vote for it!
With your help "Shadow of Death" can be an award winner!
Kelley Armstrong, New York Times Best Selling Author says of Shadow of Death, "... dark...compelling ...that will keep readers turning the pages well past bedtime."
Keep up to date with me and my writing on:
Website – http://karendales.com
Blog - http://karendalesauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Dales/10719572540
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/karendales
Award Winning Author
- Karen Dales
- Karen Dales is the Award Winning Author of "The Chosen Chronicles" which include "Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles," "Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles," and "Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles." She is currently at work on "Thanatos: Book Three of the Chosen Chronicles" and a Historical Romance set in Edo Japan.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
How Twilight Changed My Life
Don’t look so shocked.
Oh, and close your mouth, you’ll catch flies.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I will, firstly, admit that I am not a fan of the series, but I have come to respect the impact it has had on readers and the vampire and paranormal genres.
When my first two Vampire novels, “Changeling” and “Angel of Death,” came out in a limited edition volume in 2009 “Twilight” had already been in the theaters and was heading towards DVD/BlueRay release. My adult Vampire series, “The Chosen Chronicles,” hit the cresting wave of paranormal romance and vampire fiction.
My husband believed it was kismet. My publisher believed it fortuitous.
I was dropped in a quagmire of conflicting thoughts and emotions.
Since I found myself to be placed on Vampire panels with very well known Vampire authors, some of them New York Times Best Selling authors, at different conventions, I discovered how much of an impact “Twilight” had. I was also expected to have an opinion on the matter, too. (Oh, no I’ve never been on a panel discussion with Ms. Meyer.)
At first, “Twilight” dominated many of these panels. Vampire and paranormal fiction fans would always ask “Are your books like ‘Twilight?’”
When I was first asked this, I was stunned. How was I to compare my books to Ms. Meyer’s? I didn’t know how to answer. I’d hum and haw until they’d become direct.
“Do your Vampires sparkle?”
“No, “ I’d reply.
A smile would appear from the individual, usually accompanied by a positive response.
Spurred on, I’d continue, “My Vampires bite.”
The smile would widen. They’d buy my books.
Initially, I was surprised at the huge love/hate polarization vampire and paranormal fans held for “Twilight.” I’m sorry to say that I fell, for a time, on the hate side of the line.
Time continued, I was a guest at more conventions, speaking to more fans of the genre. It wasn’t until the summer before my book “Shadow of Death” came out that I started experiencing a shift of thought and feeing towards the “Twilight” franchise.
This came about as an increasing number of young women, who grew up on “Twilight,” wanted something more. They wanted something adult they could sink their teeth into. They wanted to read more vampire/paranormal fiction, but geared to the adults they were quickly becoming. Many found my series, “The Chosen Chronicles.”
I’ve never loved the “Twilight” series, and yes, I’ve read all four books, but now I have a healthy respect for it. What J.K. Rowling did with “Harry Potter” by reviving fantasy fiction through the introduction of something new and directed at young minds, Stephanie Meyer’s did for the Vampire and paranormal genres. She created a new fan base, introducing new readers to a revived genre, and allowed Vampire and paranormal authors, such as myself, an opportunity for success. If it weren’t for “Twilight,” many of us would never have been published.
For these reasons “Twilight” changed my life.
Thank you, Ms. Meyer.
For more information of Karen Dales’ Award Winning Vampire series “The Chosen Chronicles” please check out http://karendales.com
“The Chosen Chronicles” is now $.99 each on Amazon Kindle.
“Changeling”
“Angel of Death”
“Shadow of Death”
“Dark…compelling …that will keep readers turning the pages well past bedtime."
- Kelley Armstrong, New York Times Best Selling Author.
“A dark and gripping tale by a true mistress of supernatural fiction. Karen Dales brings fresh blood to the vampire genre.” —Michelle Rowen, National Best Selling Author
Oh, and close your mouth, you’ll catch flies.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I will, firstly, admit that I am not a fan of the series, but I have come to respect the impact it has had on readers and the vampire and paranormal genres.
When my first two Vampire novels, “Changeling” and “Angel of Death,” came out in a limited edition volume in 2009 “Twilight” had already been in the theaters and was heading towards DVD/BlueRay release. My adult Vampire series, “The Chosen Chronicles,” hit the cresting wave of paranormal romance and vampire fiction.
My husband believed it was kismet. My publisher believed it fortuitous.
I was dropped in a quagmire of conflicting thoughts and emotions.
Since I found myself to be placed on Vampire panels with very well known Vampire authors, some of them New York Times Best Selling authors, at different conventions, I discovered how much of an impact “Twilight” had. I was also expected to have an opinion on the matter, too. (Oh, no I’ve never been on a panel discussion with Ms. Meyer.)
At first, “Twilight” dominated many of these panels. Vampire and paranormal fiction fans would always ask “Are your books like ‘Twilight?’”
When I was first asked this, I was stunned. How was I to compare my books to Ms. Meyer’s? I didn’t know how to answer. I’d hum and haw until they’d become direct.
“Do your Vampires sparkle?”
“No, “ I’d reply.
A smile would appear from the individual, usually accompanied by a positive response.
Spurred on, I’d continue, “My Vampires bite.”
The smile would widen. They’d buy my books.
Initially, I was surprised at the huge love/hate polarization vampire and paranormal fans held for “Twilight.” I’m sorry to say that I fell, for a time, on the hate side of the line.
Time continued, I was a guest at more conventions, speaking to more fans of the genre. It wasn’t until the summer before my book “Shadow of Death” came out that I started experiencing a shift of thought and feeing towards the “Twilight” franchise.
This came about as an increasing number of young women, who grew up on “Twilight,” wanted something more. They wanted something adult they could sink their teeth into. They wanted to read more vampire/paranormal fiction, but geared to the adults they were quickly becoming. Many found my series, “The Chosen Chronicles.”
I’ve never loved the “Twilight” series, and yes, I’ve read all four books, but now I have a healthy respect for it. What J.K. Rowling did with “Harry Potter” by reviving fantasy fiction through the introduction of something new and directed at young minds, Stephanie Meyer’s did for the Vampire and paranormal genres. She created a new fan base, introducing new readers to a revived genre, and allowed Vampire and paranormal authors, such as myself, an opportunity for success. If it weren’t for “Twilight,” many of us would never have been published.
For these reasons “Twilight” changed my life.
Thank you, Ms. Meyer.
For more information of Karen Dales’ Award Winning Vampire series “The Chosen Chronicles” please check out http://karendales.com
“The Chosen Chronicles” is now $.99 each on Amazon Kindle.
“Changeling”
“Angel of Death”
“Shadow of Death”
“Dark…compelling …that will keep readers turning the pages well past bedtime."
- Kelley Armstrong, New York Times Best Selling Author.
“A dark and gripping tale by a true mistress of supernatural fiction. Karen Dales brings fresh blood to the vampire genre.” —Michelle Rowen, National Best Selling Author
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Care and Feeding of Authors
Some of you may have noticed that I fell off the Internet Social media presence early last week. If you didn’t notice, don’t worry, I’m back. What happened was I got slammed with pneumonia. Yep, you read that correctly – pneumonia. Luckily, I was able to get in to see my doctor a.s.a.p and promptly put on antibiotics (Gods, I so love being in a country with national health care.:) Now this did not instantly put an end to my illness, but I had to do something I hadn’t done in YEARS, which was to sleep as much as possible. No writing. No editing. No reading. Just sleep. I don’t think I did any eating either. For the first time in years I was living the life of a cat, albeit a very sick cat.
It also happened only days before I was meant to attend SFContario. I had never had to cancel my attendance at a conference I was a panellist guest at before and I did not want SFContario to be the first, but it came oh so close. Despite the antibiotics and the copious amounts of rest I seriously considered emailing the organizers to say I wouldn’t be able to attend, but I decided to wait and see how I felt on the Friday morning.
Friday morning rose and I tottered upright. I decided I could go. I arrived at the convention with a tired smile on my face. It, unfortunately, did not hide the fatigue that recovering from pneumonia causes. Many of the other authors there were concerned and offered their assistance in helping me make it through SFContario. Never before had I truly felt such community and friendship with the other authors at a convention. It truly solidified in my heart that these wonderful and creative folks, who were there for the same reasons as I, would rally around and be so caring.
I’m used to the corporate dog-eat-dog style of business when dealing with peers. This past weekend was a solidifying experience that in the world of the creative writers this is not the case. I’ve experienced it before through my attendance at many other conventions, making new and wonderful author friends, but this time, it wasn’t about professional niceties, it was about genuine human caring and compassion.
By Sunday I was feeling more of my normal self. Not 100%, but close enough. I believe that the reason for my positive experience and increase of health over the weekend to be the amazing capacity of the other authors’ compassion.
I look forward to the next convention I’ll be at – AdAstra – to see so many of these wonderful folks and be able to reciprocate their generosity and compassion.
It also happened only days before I was meant to attend SFContario. I had never had to cancel my attendance at a conference I was a panellist guest at before and I did not want SFContario to be the first, but it came oh so close. Despite the antibiotics and the copious amounts of rest I seriously considered emailing the organizers to say I wouldn’t be able to attend, but I decided to wait and see how I felt on the Friday morning.
Friday morning rose and I tottered upright. I decided I could go. I arrived at the convention with a tired smile on my face. It, unfortunately, did not hide the fatigue that recovering from pneumonia causes. Many of the other authors there were concerned and offered their assistance in helping me make it through SFContario. Never before had I truly felt such community and friendship with the other authors at a convention. It truly solidified in my heart that these wonderful and creative folks, who were there for the same reasons as I, would rally around and be so caring.
I’m used to the corporate dog-eat-dog style of business when dealing with peers. This past weekend was a solidifying experience that in the world of the creative writers this is not the case. I’ve experienced it before through my attendance at many other conventions, making new and wonderful author friends, but this time, it wasn’t about professional niceties, it was about genuine human caring and compassion.
By Sunday I was feeling more of my normal self. Not 100%, but close enough. I believe that the reason for my positive experience and increase of health over the weekend to be the amazing capacity of the other authors’ compassion.
I look forward to the next convention I’ll be at – AdAstra – to see so many of these wonderful folks and be able to reciprocate their generosity and compassion.
Review for Marie Bilodeau's "Destiny's Blood"
Destiny's Blood by Marie BilodeauMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Marie Bilodeau's book, Destiny's Blood, is a fantastic adventure that never lets down the pace. This Aurora Award Nominee (2011) is fast paced as we are introduced to Yoma and Layela, twins who have had a sorrid past. It is Layela who wishes to settle down to a nice quiet life as a florist while her sister continues the theive's lifestyle. The twins are searched for by both evil and friendly forces to bring back life to the First Star. Throughout their adventures they are knocked down and rise up over and over to fulfill their destiny to ensure life continues in the universe. A great read, I can't wait to see what Marie has planned next.
View all my reviews
Monday, October 10, 2011
Review for Nancy Kilpatrick's "Evolve 2: Vampire Stories of the Future Undead."
Evolve 2: Vampire Stories of the Future Undead by Nancy KilpatrickMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I heard that there was going to be an Evolve 2 I was a happy camper. I waited patiently so that I could pick up my signed copy from Nancy Kilpatrick, the editor of the anthology, at FanExpo2011. It took me a while to get to it, tho I jumped it to the top of my to-be-read pile - I'm a slow reader.
I wasn't a slow reader when I got my hands on it.
I devoured it as quickly as I could!
Each vampire story in this anthology is inventive and highly imaginative, unlike so many other vampire stories I read nowadays. Some were very much on the horror side of the coin. These I LOVED. Some were on the sci-fi end of the coin. Those I found interesting, but raised some questions about the science of certain situations.
Regardless, I loved this anthology and hope that there will be an Evolve 3!
View all my reviews
Friday, September 30, 2011
Review for Ricardo Pinto's "The Third God"
The Third God by Ricardo PintoMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
When The Third God came out I had to get it. There was no question. I loved the first two books in the series and looked forward to reading the conclusion to 'The Stone Dance of the Chameleon.' It was a long book, and though I love reading paperback bricks I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in this finale.
I know from the previous novels that Ricardo loves his discriptive narrative, which I really enjoyed in the first two books, but in The Third God it really seemed over the top. There was a monotony as his main character "Carnie" and his ex-lover fight their way back home. Another thing I found a bit jarring was that of "Carnie" himself as he seems to suddenly start thinking like the "Masters" when before he wasn't well adapted to doing so. The leap of his ability to logic in that way was surprising and didn't seem to fit with the "Carnie" I loved in the first two books.
Regardless, I did enjoy the book, but felt that some things could have been better explained and other things could have been less described.
View all my reviews
Monday, September 12, 2011
Review for C.J. Ellisson's "Vampire Vacation"
Vampire Vacation by C.J. EllissonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was on a whim that I decided to pick up this book, and the fact that it was on sale at the time. Oh, lets not forget it's got vampires in it, too. I was thrown off guard a bit when I started reading it as it is written in the first person present tense. There are a lot of books written in first person, but all the ones I've read are written in past tense. This was different and it took about a chapter to get my brain into gear.
Writing in the present tense can be difficult, but C.J. Ellisson does a great job of it. The story was tight and interesting, though there are some issues that weren't well edited. Let me explain; her story is about a vampire who runs a resort in Alaska for other vampires. Pretty neat, right? I thought so at first, but then questions started arising about what happens in the summer months when the sun doesn't set. C.J. Ellisson makes mention that her protagonist has been living in 20 years of darkness because of being in Alaska. I had to let this issue go and move on. There were other little discontinuities in the story too.
C.J. Ellisson's protagonist, Dria, is an interesting character I would have liked the author explore more of. The sex scenes were numerous and many of them had me scratching my head with the thought of "how could two people be in that position in that space and then suddenly be doing that?"
The who-dunnit plot I felt was solved way too quickly. I was expecting a surprise, but there wasn't one. Things kept happening to the overly many characters (which sometimes made it difficult to remember who's who)which weren't plot related.
Overall, it was fun read if you choose to suspend your disbelief. Her ideas of vampire society are interesting and I'd love to see that explored further, but there are rough spots there too, but not so rough they can't be smoothed over with further books in the series.
If you love raunchy, sexy vampires and werewolves, then you'll enjoy this.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Ebook Special for Fan Expo
I would like to announce a wonderful special!
I will be a guest at FanExpo http://fanexpocanada.com/ starting this Thursday, August 25th. In recognition of this special event, for all of those of you who can't come out to see me, my publisher Dark Dragon Publishing is offering a LIMITED discount price on my ebooks through Smashwords.
"Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles" reg price $2.99; with the Coupon SM68M is $1.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/580
"Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles" reg price is $3.99; with the Coupon PT55Y is $1.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/698
"Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles" reg price $3.99; with the Coupon VL76S is $1.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/751
The expiration of the coupons is Sunday, August 28th midnight PDT.
I will be a guest at FanExpo http://fanexpocanada.com/ starting this Thursday, August 25th. In recognition of this special event, for all of those of you who can't come out to see me, my publisher Dark Dragon Publishing is offering a LIMITED discount price on my ebooks through Smashwords.
"Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles" reg price $2.99; with the Coupon SM68M is $1.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/580
"Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles" reg price is $3.99; with the Coupon PT55Y is $1.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/698
"Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles" reg price $3.99; with the Coupon VL76S is $1.99 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/751
The expiration of the coupons is Sunday, August 28th midnight PDT.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Where to find me at Fan Expo
Hi there, folks!
For all of you who are planning on coming to Fan Expo in a couple of weeks. I've found out where you can find ME in the Exhibitor's area.
I'll be at table 217.
It's not in the Artists Alley where you've found me before.
This year I'm with the other author guests in the exhibitors area. Exactly where...very simple (sorta). 217 is on the left side of the building just up from the SPACE exhibit and left of the Teletoon Exhibit.
Here's the link to the floor map/layout of the place:
http://www.fanexpocanada.com/assets/uploads/uplfiles/d657bcc4b384007a54bcfa4366e6d1c3.pdf
I do hope you'll come out and find me there! I'll have both the limited edition of Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles (which includes Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles) and my newly highly acclaimed novel Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles.
I'm also bringing the Chibi Chosen. Yes, I've made more due to the demand.
Hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Karen Dales
http://karendales.com
For all of you who are planning on coming to Fan Expo in a couple of weeks. I've found out where you can find ME in the Exhibitor's area.
I'll be at table 217.
It's not in the Artists Alley where you've found me before.
This year I'm with the other author guests in the exhibitors area. Exactly where...very simple (sorta). 217 is on the left side of the building just up from the SPACE exhibit and left of the Teletoon Exhibit.
Here's the link to the floor map/layout of the place:
http://www.fanexpocanada.com/assets/uploads/uplfiles/d657bcc4b384007a54bcfa4366e6d1c3.pdf
I do hope you'll come out and find me there! I'll have both the limited edition of Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles (which includes Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles) and my newly highly acclaimed novel Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles.
I'm also bringing the Chibi Chosen. Yes, I've made more due to the demand.
Hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Karen Dales
http://karendales.com
Monday, August 8, 2011
Shadow of Death Received TWO Amazing Reviews
Received two awesome reviews for SHADOW OF DEATH: BOOK TWO OF THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES
The first one is from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews and they gave Shadow of Death 5 STARS!!! Here's a snippet:
"Shadow of Death...takes you on a nail biting ride across the pond to her home town ... That never slows down and is as exciting on the first page as it is on the last...Ms. Dales I can only say one thing about Shadow of Death Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles and that is WOW! You have left me in suspense and teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown!"
To read the full review go to http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/shadow-of-death-by-karen-dales.html but be warned there are SPOILERS in the review.
The second review is from Open Book Society. Here's a snippet from that review:
"Dales doesn’t disappoint with 'Shadow of Death'...left me gasping in surprise...by far the best in the series so far and I will certainly be devouring any future additions."
To read the full review go to http://openbooksociety.com/article/karen-dales-shadow-of-death-obs-book-review/
The first one is from Sizzling Hot Book Reviews and they gave Shadow of Death 5 STARS!!! Here's a snippet:
"Shadow of Death...takes you on a nail biting ride across the pond to her home town ... That never slows down and is as exciting on the first page as it is on the last...Ms. Dales I can only say one thing about Shadow of Death Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles and that is WOW! You have left me in suspense and teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown!"
To read the full review go to http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/shadow-of-death-by-karen-dales.html but be warned there are SPOILERS in the review.
The second review is from Open Book Society. Here's a snippet from that review:
"Dales doesn’t disappoint with 'Shadow of Death'...left me gasping in surprise...by far the best in the series so far and I will certainly be devouring any future additions."
To read the full review go to http://openbooksociety.com/article/karen-dales-shadow-of-death-obs-book-review/
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Angel of Death receives 5 Star Review
Received another astounding 5 Star Review for ANGEL OF DEATH: BOOK ONE OF THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES. Here's a snippet...
"Karen Dales has written a captivating story with Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen...you never know which direction it will take... I can say that the conclusion of Angel of Death left me with my mouth hanging open and waiting impatiently for the next chapter in this exciting world. I highly recommend Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen if you enjoy a fast paced adventure with all the twist and turns of a road map!"
- Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
To read the full review: (Spoiler Alert!)
"Karen Dales has written a captivating story with Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen...you never know which direction it will take... I can say that the conclusion of Angel of Death left me with my mouth hanging open and waiting impatiently for the next chapter in this exciting world. I highly recommend Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen if you enjoy a fast paced adventure with all the twist and turns of a road map!"
- Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
To read the full review: (Spoiler Alert!)
Review for Ricardo Pinto's "The Standing Dead"
Review: The Standing Dead: Book Two of the Stone Dance of the Chameleon by Ricardo Pinto (5 Stars)
Ricardo Pinto does it again! I’ve read this book before and reading it again proved how much incredible detail of the visual spectacle that sends Carnelian from the luxuriously cruel lands of his people into the barbaric world where the slaves are tithed. It is there that his gentle and caring heart binds him to the Ocher, a tribe that lives in the Earthsky. To save the people he has come to love he must find his way out of the machinations of his former lover, Osidian, who was banished with him.
An excellent installment to The Standing Dead that has left me aching to read what happens in the next book.
Ricardo Pinto does it again! I’ve read this book before and reading it again proved how much incredible detail of the visual spectacle that sends Carnelian from the luxuriously cruel lands of his people into the barbaric world where the slaves are tithed. It is there that his gentle and caring heart binds him to the Ocher, a tribe that lives in the Earthsky. To save the people he has come to love he must find his way out of the machinations of his former lover, Osidian, who was banished with him.
An excellent installment to The Standing Dead that has left me aching to read what happens in the next book.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Glowing review for ANGEL OF DEATH!
Received another fantastic review for Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles from Open Book Society. Here's a little blurb from it:
"Dales’ characters were dark, layered and intricate. The story was fast paced and gripping with an ending that will leave you breathless... I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who love vampires but crave something out of the ordinary."
Click on HERE to read the whole review!
"Dales’ characters were dark, layered and intricate. The story was fast paced and gripping with an ending that will leave you breathless... I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who love vampires but crave something out of the ordinary."
Click on HERE to read the whole review!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Pimping Karen Dales Contest!
On the 25th of July the Author Exchange Facebook Group I'll be Pimped.
What does this mean? People like you are going to share my information with their friends about this contest and sharing the news about my award winning series The Chosen Chronicles by letting folks know where to find me and my books. The links to be shared will be here:
Karen Dales' Author Website - http://karendales.com
Facebook Site - http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Dale
Facebook Fan Group - http://www.facebook.com/groups/thechosen
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/karendales
Where to buy The Chosen Chronicles - http://karendales.com/books.html
I'm going to add to that a Contest - on that day ONLY. You can win in two ways:
1) If you purchase a copy of (at least) one of my books from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble and send me a copy of the receipt to contest@thechosenchronicles.com
OR
2) if you FB message me or email (contest@thechosenchonicles.com) where you Pimped my info to - with the URL links to confirm
OR
3) IF you Blog about me and my books and email me the link where this blog post is
then THREE (3) lucky people will win ONE of the "Chibi Chosen" (photo of the dolls is my wall photo).
EXTRA PRIZE!!!
IF you purchase a signed copy of either books through my Website you will be automatically entered a chance to win ALL THREE CHIBI CHOSEN Dolls.
Please share this with everyone you can!
Cheers and Good Luck!
Karen Dales
What does this mean? People like you are going to share my information with their friends about this contest and sharing the news about my award winning series The Chosen Chronicles by letting folks know where to find me and my books. The links to be shared will be here:
Karen Dales' Author Website - http://karendales.com
Facebook Site - http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Dale
Facebook Fan Group - http://www.facebook.com/groups/thechosen
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/karendales
Where to buy The Chosen Chronicles - http://karendales.com/books.html
I'm going to add to that a Contest - on that day ONLY. You can win in two ways:
1) If you purchase a copy of (at least) one of my books from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble and send me a copy of the receipt to contest@thechosenchronicles.com
OR
2) if you FB message me or email (contest@thechosenchonicles.com) where you Pimped my info to - with the URL links to confirm
OR
3) IF you Blog about me and my books and email me the link where this blog post is
then THREE (3) lucky people will win ONE of the "Chibi Chosen" (photo of the dolls is my wall photo).
EXTRA PRIZE!!!
IF you purchase a signed copy of either books through my Website you will be automatically entered a chance to win ALL THREE CHIBI CHOSEN Dolls.
Please share this with everyone you can!
Cheers and Good Luck!
Karen Dales
Polaris25 in Review
Wow. That’s all I can sum up about the FANTASTIC time I had at Polaris25.
My husband and I arrived Friday afternoon to find out that my table was directly in the path of the summer’s blazing sun. What a great place to put a vampire author...right. It was okayish. I wasn’t alone. Many others selling their books and wares were in line to be turned into fried ants beneath the blazing sun through argon infused glass. The only good thing is that we didn’t need sunscreen, but we did need cooling off.
I had the wonderful experience in sharing my table with my friend and fellow author, Violette Malan. The evening was fun, relaxed and many folks who had bought my first book, the limited edition of Angel of Death (incl. Changeling) came and picked up the newest book in the series – Shadow of Death.
Across from us, in the cooler part of the hall fellow author friends Marie Bilodeau and Erik Buchanan.
I also had the opportunity to see Rob St. Martin, Derwin Mak, Stephen Pearl and Eric Choi, albeit briefly.
That evening there was a party for the author guests and I had the surprise of meeting Brandon Sanderson. We had a lovely time chatting and getting to know each other before the rest of the weekend took us in different directions. We did have the opportunity to chat a bit more before I had to leave on Sunday.
Saturday was the day I now wish I had taken some sort of energy drink so I could have stayed up longer to enjoy the experience more. The morning started off with being on the “Lure of the Vampire” panel along with Violette Malan, Charlaine Harris and Stephanie Bedwell-Grime. After some debate we elected Violette to be our moderator. It was a great panel. One of the best I’ve been on regarding the topic. It was a shame that Kelley Armstrong wasn’t on it too even though she was at Polaris as a guest as well and we had opportunity to reconnect again.
Saturday continued in a blur of awesomeness that didn’t let up even after a delightful dinner with Violette and her husband. I did find out that I missed having drinks with Adam Baldwin, Armin Shimmerman and a few of the other media guests because it was midnight (or thereabouts) and I was dead tired. I had to drive home to get to bed at a somewhat reasonable time.
Sunday was just as wonderful. I got to see Kelley again (she picked up Shadow of Death as she has the limited edition of Angel of Death) and speak to her. I found out she won’t be at FanExpo (I had hoped to see her there again, too) because she’ll be in OZ at the Australian Romance Writer’s Convention. If I had to choose between the two, I’d choose OZ.
I also participated in my last panel for the weekend. Charlaine happened to be on it too. I knew this and because I knew I wouldn’t have time to get her to sign my copy of one of her books I took it with me. She was so sweet to sign it.
Later Charlaine also came by my table and picked both of my books, which was very sweet of her to do. Of course I signed them for her.:) What a supportive and lovely lady.
As the convention wrapped up I was able to bid a final farewell to Charlaine and Brandon before I left with a very happy feeling in my heart.
It was a WONDERFUL convention meeting such amazing authors, reconnecting with others and sharing a table with a brilliant friend.
To see photos of this event check out my Facebook Fan Page Photos
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Review for Nicole Chardenet's "Young Republican Yuppie Princess"
Review: "Young Republican Yuppie Princess" by Nicole Chardenet - 4 Stars
I’m not one for humerous fantasy, but I was inspired to read this book. This story takes place in the early 1980’s where 4 university students suddenly find themselves transported to a high fantasy world through a shower stall. The four are friends of very different world perceptions and through their adventures in trying to save their fellow student, Stephanie, from marrying Prince Chip, they all realize their potentials.
The story is told in the first person by Joyce, a Wall Street Tiger wanna-be, and it is her conservative blinders that cause much of the strife throughout the story.
Fun and adventurous, this book keeps the reader going. Sometimes you love Joyce and sometimes you just want to slap her.
I’m not one for humerous fantasy, but I was inspired to read this book. This story takes place in the early 1980’s where 4 university students suddenly find themselves transported to a high fantasy world through a shower stall. The four are friends of very different world perceptions and through their adventures in trying to save their fellow student, Stephanie, from marrying Prince Chip, they all realize their potentials.
The story is told in the first person by Joyce, a Wall Street Tiger wanna-be, and it is her conservative blinders that cause much of the strife throughout the story.
Fun and adventurous, this book keeps the reader going. Sometimes you love Joyce and sometimes you just want to slap her.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Review for Ricardo Pinto's "The Chosen"
Review: "The Chosen: Book One of The Stone Dance of the Chameleon" by Ricardo Pinto 5 Stars!
This is not the first time I have read this book and it won’t be my last. Ricardo’s debut novel is a masterpiece of prose that transports the reader into a world undreamt of. Each detail is exquisitely painted with the brushes of Ricardo’s fantastic use of language.
Ricardo takes us journey through this exotic land to live along with Carnelian, the young protagonist. Forced to leave the only home he knows to live in the land of his people Carnelian is entangled in a vicious game for the throne that threatens to tear his heart into two. If you love unique and brilliantly written fantasy, you will love this book! I do!
This is not the first time I have read this book and it won’t be my last. Ricardo’s debut novel is a masterpiece of prose that transports the reader into a world undreamt of. Each detail is exquisitely painted with the brushes of Ricardo’s fantastic use of language.
Ricardo takes us journey through this exotic land to live along with Carnelian, the young protagonist. Forced to leave the only home he knows to live in the land of his people Carnelian is entangled in a vicious game for the throne that threatens to tear his heart into two. If you love unique and brilliantly written fantasy, you will love this book! I do!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Today's the day to make The Chosen Chronicles #1 on Amazon & Contest
We're asking you, the fans of Karen Dales' The Chosen Chronicles to make her a star!
Today we're asking you, the friends and fans of Karen Dales' Award Winning Series, to purchase one or more copies of The Chosen Chronicles, for yourself and/or for friends/family. Even if you already have one of the books you can order the others or treat yourself to the Kindle versions.
Why are we doing this?
Amazon has a method that the more times a book is purchased in a particular period of time, the higher up the ranking for that day they get, and therefore the more eyeballs the book is exposed to.
Now for the Contest part of the event:
Once you have purchased your Trade Paperback or Kindle of one or more of Karen's books, email contest@karendales.com a copy of your receipt (black out your banking/visa info) and send it as a pdf or doc. One lucky winner will receive each of the limited edition dolls. Images of the hand made dolls can be found here
http://tinyurl.com/chosendolls
Please join in and spread the word!
Together we can make THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES #1 on Amazon!
For reviews of THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES check out http://karendales.com/reviews.html
Buy links for THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES on AMAZON
Changeling:
US Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changelingustrade
US Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/changelinguskindle
CDN Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changeling-CDNtrade
UK Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changelingUKtrade
UK Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/changelingUKkindle
DE Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changelingDEtrade
DE Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/changelingDEkindle
Angel of Death:
US Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/aodUStrade
US Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/aodUSkindle
CDN Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/aodCDNtrade
UK Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/aodUKtrade
UK Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/aodUKkindle
DE Trade Paperback -
DE Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/aodDEkindle
Shadow of Death:
US Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/sodUStrade
US Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/sodUSkindle
CDN Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/sodCDNtrade
UK Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/sodUKtrade
UK Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/sodUKkindle
DE Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/sodDEkindle
Cheers!
Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDales
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Today we're asking you, the friends and fans of Karen Dales' Award Winning Series, to purchase one or more copies of The Chosen Chronicles, for yourself and/or for friends/family. Even if you already have one of the books you can order the others or treat yourself to the Kindle versions.
Why are we doing this?
Amazon has a method that the more times a book is purchased in a particular period of time, the higher up the ranking for that day they get, and therefore the more eyeballs the book is exposed to.
Now for the Contest part of the event:
Once you have purchased your Trade Paperback or Kindle of one or more of Karen's books, email contest@karendales.com a copy of your receipt (black out your banking/visa info) and send it as a pdf or doc. One lucky winner will receive each of the limited edition dolls. Images of the hand made dolls can be found here
http://tinyurl.com/chosendolls
Please join in and spread the word!
Together we can make THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES #1 on Amazon!
For reviews of THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES check out http://karendales.com/reviews.html
Buy links for THE CHOSEN CHRONICLES on AMAZON
US Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changelingustrade
US Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/changelinguskindle
CDN Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changeling-CDNtrade
UK Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changelingUKtrade
UK Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/changelingUKkindle
DE Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/changelingDEtrade
DE Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/changelingDEkindle
US Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/aodUStrade
US Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/aodUSkindle
CDN Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/aodCDNtrade
UK Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/aodUKtrade
UK Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/aodUKkindle
DE Trade Paperback -
DE Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/aodDEkindle
Shadow of Death:
US Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/sodUStrade
US Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/sodUSkindle
CDN Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/sodCDNtrade
UK Trade Paperback - http://tinyurl.com/sodUKtrade
UK Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/sodUKkindle
DE Kindle - http://tinyurl.com/sodDEkindle
Cheers!
Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDales
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles receives Siren Books Best Stone Review
I am blown away, yet again, at such an amazing review of Shadow of Death.
Here's a snippet:
This is a fabulous story, well conceived and illustrated in such a way that the reader will not put it down until they’ve completed it...You cannot miss with Karen’s book. You will love it. If you haven’t read the first one yet, start there and then you too will be waiting impatiently for book number three. This is the kind of story that leaves you both begging for more...
To read the whole review:
http://sirenbookreviews.blogspot.com/20
Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDales
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Here's a snippet:
This is a fabulous story, well conceived and illustrated in such a way that the reader will not put it down until they’ve completed it...You cannot miss with Karen’s book. You will love it. If you haven’t read the first one yet, start there and then you too will be waiting impatiently for book number three. This is the kind of story that leaves you both begging for more...
To read the whole review:
http://sirenbookreviews.blogspot.com/20
Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDales
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Wait patiently and the Universe WILL provide.
I wasn't planning on posting today, but after what happened I just had too.
I first thought I should twitter or facebook this as a status, but again, too many words.
My husband has his computer in our living room. The desk it sits on is old and it's the wrong height. It's also a bit of an eyesore for me. For several years we've wanted to replace the desk, but whenever we went looking the desks we saw were either had the wrong dimensions, the wrong set up or just too expensive. We've decided to be patient.
The other factor to his desk and how his computer sits on it is that I can't work on it at all. This means whenever I want to quickly check email, etc, when he's not on it, I have to go into my office. It's no big deal, but hey. I like to spend time with my family.
This has been going on for a long time.
Today, on the way home from picking up our son from school, my husband and I drove. (Thank you rain storm.) On the way there we didn't notice anything. On the way back we saw what appeared to be this brand new computer desk. In fact, it was the one that my husband had/has been wanting for quite some time. It was just sitting there on the curb of a neighbour amidst their other garbage.
We stopped. Hit the hazards. Hubby jumped out of the car to take a look at it.
He couldn't put it into the car, but we were close enough, and it had wheels, that he was able to walk home with it.
Once home we dried it off and looked at it. There was no doubt. It was the desk that went for $200 from Staples and it worked perfectly! My husband has his new desk and my son (who is outgrowing the kids desk we have for his computer in the living room too) is going to get the one my husband didn't like, but will work perfectly for the Bug.
It was yet another clear lesson, and proof, that if one is patient the Universe will provide.
By the way, today's my husband's birthday:)
Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDales
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Facebook Group: http://tinyurl.com/cn27xa
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/karendalesauth
I first thought I should twitter or facebook this as a status, but again, too many words.
My husband has his computer in our living room. The desk it sits on is old and it's the wrong height. It's also a bit of an eyesore for me. For several years we've wanted to replace the desk, but whenever we went looking the desks we saw were either had the wrong dimensions, the wrong set up or just too expensive. We've decided to be patient.
The other factor to his desk and how his computer sits on it is that I can't work on it at all. This means whenever I want to quickly check email, etc, when he's not on it, I have to go into my office. It's no big deal, but hey. I like to spend time with my family.
This has been going on for a long time.
Today, on the way home from picking up our son from school, my husband and I drove. (Thank you rain storm.) On the way there we didn't notice anything. On the way back we saw what appeared to be this brand new computer desk. In fact, it was the one that my husband had/has been wanting for quite some time. It was just sitting there on the curb of a neighbour amidst their other garbage.
We stopped. Hit the hazards. Hubby jumped out of the car to take a look at it.
He couldn't put it into the car, but we were close enough, and it had wheels, that he was able to walk home with it.
Once home we dried it off and looked at it. There was no doubt. It was the desk that went for $200 from Staples and it worked perfectly! My husband has his new desk and my son (who is outgrowing the kids desk we have for his computer in the living room too) is going to get the one my husband didn't like, but will work perfectly for the Bug.
It was yet another clear lesson, and proof, that if one is patient the Universe will provide.
By the way, today's my husband's birthday:)
Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDales
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/karendales
Facebook Group: http://tinyurl.com/cn27xa
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/karendalesauth
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Awesome review for Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles
I just heard today that the review of my book Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles from Sizzling Hot Books is now up!
Here's a snippet:
"Changeling by Karen Dales was an amazing read...(it)kept me on the edge of my seat. I cant’ wait to read the next one to see where his path will lead."
Please feel free to read the whole review here! http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/04/changeling-prelude-to-chosen-chronicles.html
Here's a snippet:
"Changeling by Karen Dales was an amazing read...(it)kept me on the edge of my seat. I cant’ wait to read the next one to see where his path will lead."
Please feel free to read the whole review here! http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/04/changeling-prelude-to-chosen-chronicles.html
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Ad Astra and the Shadow of Death
This past weekend I was at Ad Astra http://www.ad-astra.org for their 30th anniversary.
For those of you who don't know what Ad Astra is, it is one of Canada's premier Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror literary convention that takes place in Toronto, Ontario. Because it was the 30th Anniversary there were many, many, past Guests of Honour, such as Ben Bova, Julie Czerneda,Eric Flint, Ed Greenwood, David G. Hartwell, Tanya Huff, Guy Gavriel Kay, Todd McCaffrey, Tamora Pierce, and Peter Watts. Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon made their first Canadian convention appearance too, though I didn’t get a chance to meet them.
There were other wonderful authors there as well such as Stephanie Bedwell-Grime, Marie Bilodeau, Robert Boyczuk, Erik Buchanan, JM Frey, James Alan Gardner, Nancy Kilpatrick, Adrienne Kress, Lesley Livingston, Derwin Mak, Stephen B. Pearl, Douglas Smith, Rob St. Martin, and of course, myself, just to name a few.
It was a fantastic weekend, for me the highlight was the Friday night where I launched my newest book in The Chosen Chronicles – Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles. I want to say thank you to the folks of Ad Astra for allowing me to take over the Con Suite to throw the party. It was a wonderful success. Lots of friends and family showed up and many others from the convention did as well. I did two readings from Shadow of Death and the little Chibi Chosen that I made were a complete success. Thanks to everyone who came out to make the launch so wonderful!
The rest of the weekend was great. On Saturday, my friend, Derek, helped out at my table, so I wave a thank you at him. People who couldn’t make it to the launch came by and bought books. I got to moderate a panel on “Writers and Relationships.” The panel went extremely well. It was nice to discuss these sorts of issues, but when we took a poll of the panelists as to relationship experience we found that all of us were part of long term committed relationships with creative folk. It would explain why we tended to agree with each other.:) We did remark that it would have been nice had someone who was an author and who was single on the panel to get their take on things.
I also participated in the large group signing that afternoon. It was fun. I got to sit with Adrienne Kress and Lesley Livingston. The place was packed with authors and artists signing for so many people.
Later that evening I was on the Vampires of the Future panel. By that point I was so punch drunk tired I don’t recall if I made any sense or not. I do remember it was a great panel moderated by Nancy Kilpatrick. After that I went home and crashed.
Sunday, the last day of the convention, was wonderful. Despite everyone being so tired I think many of us would have liked the convention to continue longer. I know I would have.:)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Indy, Self, POD and Vanity Publishing - Oh My!
I was reading a few different blogs about the topics and thought to throw in my 2 cents...
Okay...there's a difference between 'indy,' 'self,' 'POD' and 'vanity' publishing...
"Indy" Publishing - This idea (or term) comes from the music industry where bands or artists who are not signed with a large record label (Sony, WEA, EMI, etc) either go with a 'small' label or a label the band set up themselves. They find a recording studio, graphic artist(s) and cd duplication place and basically do it all themselves, even the marketing and the video production. This holds true with an 'indy' publishing. It is an author who either goes with a small to medium publishing house that's not connected with the big 6, or the author sets up their own publishing house to do their own books (and maybe others as well). This means setting up their own label, getting their own isbn, hiring their own editors and graphic artists. It also means they find their own printer, whether they use POD technology or offset is up to the author/publisher.
"Self" Publishing - This is where the author publishes their books without going under a 'label'. They are doing it all under their own name. The author pays for everything - editing, cover design, etc. As well as the print run. (You can see the confusion between this and 'indy' publishing.)
"POD" - is the TECHNOLOGY of printing one book at a time rather than offset printing. PERIOD. Companies that use this technology but who are PRINTERS with DISTRIBUTION are Lightning Source. Createspace also does this, but they also offer author services that one DOES NOT HAVE TO TAKE TO BE PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THEM.
“Vanity” Publishing – This is where the author is suckered into paying a company to do all the editing, cover design, marketing, isbn allocation etc, despite the type of printing (offset or POD) is done. This is usually done in an 'author friendly package' that seems like a deal but ends up being a scam. Some infamous companies are iUniverse, Trafalgar, Author House, Author Solutions, Writer’s House, etc… These are so called ‘assisted self publishing’ but they are not because you are forced into having your book under their isbn and you have to sign your publishing rights to them. Not only that, they set the price of your book and they give you a royalty. This is the worst type of publishing situation to get into. Period.
One last type is “Assisted Self Publishing” in the real sense. This is where a company helps, for a fee, authors self publish under THE AUTHORS OWN ISBN. They just sell the services of graphic arts, editing, marketing, etc, and they also will help the author connect with a reputable printer and/or POD company for greater distribution. The only monies received are for the services of helping to self publish in the truest sense, such as doing editing on the book, creating the book block, creating the cover, etc. They don’t take a cut of each book sold. The only monies received are for the individual services. Unfortunately I haven’t found a place that is like this in truth.
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