All Aboard the Island Adventure Romance Blog Train

Hey guys! Fellow author and friend J.L. Campbell is here on my blog today, celebrating romance and suspense straight from the islands.  Campbell is a fantastic writer that I've read and featured previously on my blog here and here.  Well, now she's back and she's brought some exciting news.  Please welcome J.L.!

Hello.  Welcome to the second stop for the Island Adventure Romance Blog Train. This series is about standalone books that feature fast-paced stories set in the Caribbean.

Chasing Anya is about an independent woman, who has something of a history. She is plagued by a troublesome ex, who has no intention of letting the past stay where it belongs. Among the challenges Anya faces, is forgiving herself for something she believes is unforgivable.

What makes Anya's story special is that she presents a strong front to the world, while battling her demons and hiding her insecurities. Chasing Anya is more than a romance novel, it explores choices and living with the consequences of the decisions we make. The book also explores themes of friendship, healing and redemption. And no, it's not preachy. There's also excitement and intrigue as a case of insurance fraud unfolds around Anya.

In this book, we also meet her sister, Celeste, who I'll just say is a handful. She doesn't come across as a likeable character, but matures in her own story, Taming Celeste, which follows Anya's romance.

If you want a no-risk taste of the start of this series, Anya’s Wish is my gift to you. This free download is accessible here. I hope you enjoy the introduction to a set of characters whose lives intertwine in different stories.

Over the period of the tour (October 20-31), the prices of all the books in this series will be discounted to 0.99. Also, you may enter on the Rafflecopter to win a ten dollar ($10.00) Amazon voucher or an e-copy of the entire collection, which includes Chasing Anya, Contraband and Taming Celeste.

Follow the tour stops as I share information about these books that have been described as compelling and well-written, with vibrant characters.

J.L. Campbell lives in Jamaica and writes romantic suspense, women's fiction and young adult novels. She also writes non-fiction and is a certified editor. Visit her on the web at http://www.joylcampbell.com or at her Amazon page. She's enjoys good company, so feel free to follow her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by Joy!  Okay, everyone!  Hurry and get your copies while the deals are hot! And don't forget to enter to win too!  

Have a great rest of the week!

Mina Burrows

5th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

Hey, Halloween fans!  The Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, is back.  Wahoo!  I haven't participated in many hops this year, but of course I couldn't miss this one.  It's one of my favs!  

Source

It's scary how fast Halloween is approaching.  Hold on to your broomstick witches, because before you know it, Halloween will be over and your teeth will be aching from all the candy you devoured.  But before it's over and Death does his little dance, let's have some fun!  

For this year's hop, there are almost 300 blogs participating in this year spooky giveaway, giving away lots of books.  Booya! 

Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

Since this giveaway must be book related, I'm giving away one (1) FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card so the winner may pick their poison.  Hear that, Death or are you too busy dancing?  Eh, see the details below on how to enter:

To enter…

You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…
+2 Subscribe to my blog
+1 Like me on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+1 Follow me on Google Plus
+1 Retweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)


a Rafflecopter giveaway The giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Oct. 15th - October 31st, midnight. Contest is open to International participants. 

Want to see who else is participating?  Visit I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and check out all the links and hop on by.

Mina Burrows

Classic Horror on Netflix & Other Creepy Flicks

Hey, guys.  It's day 7 of October, and Halloween is just around the corner.  Jinkies, I can't believe it's that close.  Anyway, as writers, readers and everyday life-goers, one way to take a break and celebrate Halloween this season is to watch classic horror specials on TV.  Am I right?  Well, nothing gets you in the mood for Halloween like a good old-fashioned movie or video on Netflix.   Today, I'm featuring some classic horror films/shows and other creepy videos available on Netflix now.  So get ready as we review a boat-load of horror genre so you can binge-watch throughout the month of October.

Classic Horror on Netflix

House on Haunted Hill, 1959 NR 74 minutes - 3 Stars on NF
A devilish millionaire offers five strangers $10,000 to stay overnight in a remote haunted mansion, where they are terrorized by grisly apparitions. Starring:  Vincent Price, Elisha Cook Jr.

My Comments:  Vincent Price is like a cornerstone in horror cinema.  I don't think we've had an actor like him in the horror genre since.  I saw House on Haunted Hill decades ago, and it's definitely time to watch it again.  Have you seen it?

Night of the Living Dead, 1968 NR 95 minutes - 2.25 Stars on NF
As dead bodies return to life and feast on humans, a woman joins a band of survivors in a farmhouse trying to save themselves from the zombie hordes.
Starring:  Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea

My Comments:  During the A-Z Challenge, I posted on this movie and zombies for the letter Z. It is a classic indeed and currently rank an 8 by fans on IMDB.   Have you seen it, or is this too outdated for your taste?

Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 1955-1957 NR 3 Seasons - 4 Stars on NF
Master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock brings his droll sensibility to the small screen in this legendary and iconic anthology series. Starring:  Alfred Hitchcock

My Comments:  I've seen a handful or so of these, but no one creates suspense and highlights the darkness in humanity like Hitchcock.  What an icon and what a series.  IMDB fans rate this 1950's series at an 8.7 which is pretty impressive.  

Nosferatu, 1922/1929 NR 94 minutes - 2.5 Stars on NF
Many horror-film fanatics call this silent classic the scariest Dracula adaptation ever, starring Max Schreck as the eerie and grotesque Count Orlok. Starring:
Max Schreck, Alexander Granach

My Comments:  This classic vampire movie is truly memorable.  And that's quite an accomplishment when many of the horror movies made since then are frankly, forgettable.  This was another one I featured on my "N" post for the A-Z Challenge.  Don't miss your chance to watch it on Netflix if you can.

The Twilight Zone 1959-1963 TV-PG 4 Seasons - 3.5 Stars on NF
Hosted by creator Rod Serling, this groundbreaking anthology series presents tales of the supernatural that are often tinged with social commentary. Starring: Rod Serling

My Comments:  I've seen so many of these episodes, I've lost count.  What a treat to be able to catch at least four seasons of these episodes.  Top episodes are: To Serve Man (1962), The Fugitive (1962) and  Kick the Can (1962).

Other Creepy Flicks!

Lastly, if the classics are not to your taste, then there are oodles of other horror films or television shows to watch on Netflix.  Check out my list of what to watch this October and read my brief comments on the shows.

1. The Munsters - Another classic television show and not so scary.
2. American Horror Story - Seasons 1 & 2 are a cross between disturbing and terrifying.  Perfect for horror fans.
3. The Walking Dead - Horror & Drama!  Can't get enough of the WD? Previous seasons available on NF.  Wahoo!
4. World War Z - I liked it, but it may not be for some people.
5. Cabin in the Woods - It wasn't a fav, but I do love Joss Whedon.
6. Angel - The vampire with a soul!  Thank you Joss Whedon.  Yes, Angel's seasons are stream'n on NF too.
7. Dreamworks Scary Stories featuring Shrek - Hilarious and fun for the kiddos!
8. Hemlock Grove - Season 1 was cool, but I've lost interest in Season 2. :(
9. Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Duh!  Need I say more? Two classic episodes are Nightmares (Season 1) and Hush (Season 4).
10. Scoody Doo - Me personally...I can't get enough of those meddling kids!

Of course the Halloween series and Scream series are also available so you have that option.  What types of movies do you like to watch during October?  Are there any classics on your list?

Have a great week!

Mina Burrows

IWSG: Lessons for the Bold

Insecure Writers Support Group is already upon us for the month of October.  Can't believe that it's almost time for Halloween!  Wow.  #Timeflies  Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and this month's co-hosts, Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, and Fundy Blue!

Today IWSG members are contributing to The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond which an incredible undertaking to help writers learn from other aspiring and published authors. I thought long and hard about what I could contribute, and sadly I didn't come up with much. Still there are some important and elemental lessons all writers need to remember at every stage of their career.

Be Bold and Never Give Up!

On Writing:  Lessons for the Bold

Looking back on my experiences, I can undoubtedly tell aspiring authors what's worked and what hasn't worked for me, but the truth is every writer has difference experiences. What works for some, doesn't necessarily work for others. Luck also plays a big role in a writer's success. Alas, no one can predict that. No one can predict why an agent will respond to one query letter, and another one won't. Or how one book gets published, and another one is rejected. Or why one book sells more than another. Everything varies and in this still somewhat tumultuous publishing time, where publishers are fighting among themselves, the group that it affects the most are the writers.

The two things that I've learned that perhaps are the most valuable lessons are to be bold and to never (EVER) give up. Be bold in your writing. Be true to yourself. Be bold in your submitting and be bold when you publish. Do the work now and when it comes time remember..."Fortune Favors the Bold!"

Those are my words of advice and in fact, not being bold enough has been a debilitating insecurity I've dealt with for the last year. Now that I've expunged this cowardly demon inside me, I can move forward boldly with greatness. Right?  Damn straight!

What about you and your insecurities this month?  Have you been bold enough in your writing?  What about in life?  What type of advice did you give for the IWSG book?

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Mina Burrows
Bio:  aspiring author and lover of wicked literature
Blog:  minaburrows.blogspot.com
ISWG has my permission to rebublish this post.