A Word at a Time: Descent Review

A Word at a Time: Descent Review: 5 out of 5 stars One of the first Indie books I read and reviewed was Bloodline, the first book in the Forgotten Origins Trilogy by Tara E...

Why I Write

Ever since I was about eight, it's been my dream to write a book. Back then, the only way to be considered an author, was to be picked up by an agent, and then one of the big publishers. Today, the options are wide-open, and it is literally, all in our own hands now as to what we make of it.

Reviews. They can make or break you as far as being successful, and they are VERY hard to come by. It's been a slow process for me to figure out the whole social media platform, but I am getting there.

Complete strangers read MY book...and they actually liked it! They enjoyed it so much, that they took the time and effort to write in-depth, thoughtful reviews and recommended it to their friends and followers. Writing is a very personal thing for me, so to have it appreciated, really means a lot.

If you're not sure whether Bloodline is the right pick for you, please check out the following links!

Review links from 9/9/14:  

Rabid Reads

Goodreads

Bloodline is FREE starting today for the weekend!

I have gone ahead and done a four-day promotion for Bloodline, to kick off a month of promotions in advance of Descents release on the 30th!

SO...head on over to Amazon and download your FREE digital copy, if you haven't read it yet!

Direct link to Amazon:   Amazon download


Share my blog and help me spread the word!!

COVER REVEAL for DESCENT!

I'm excited to share the new cover for my third and final book in the Forgotten origins Trilogy, Descent!

Mel at Melchelle Designs : http://melchelledesigns.com/ has really done a fabulous job again, and I am so grateful to have found such a talented designer!

Descent is set to be released on Sept. 30th and you can even pre-order your copy now from Amazon, so you don't have to worry about looking for it! : http://www.amazon.com/Descent-Forgotten-Origins-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00MT4M2S8/ref=la_B00IVF1JQK_1_5_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408467125&sr=1-5

Here is the blurb:

Sides are chosen when an ancient ruler returns to claim Earth as his prize and war ensues. A reluctant pawn, Alex is recruited to lead the resistance. Although her friends and family fight beside her, she struggles to find the strength to fulfill her destiny. Unsure of what she’s become, Alex battles her own tormented emotions to find the truth. Can she rise above the darkness? Or will she ultimately descend into its cold embrace? 

Descent is Book Three in the Forgotten Origins Trilogy 



I will be doing all sorts of promoting, and there will be some special offers coming up, so stay tuned!

Drum Roll Please.....

Here is the new cover for Heritage!

My designer has once again come through with something amazing, and I can't say enough about Melchelle Designs! They are incredible to work with. :)

http://melchelledesigns.com/

Find it now on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5CJEPG

(only 2.99 for the ebook!!!)

Alex has stopped a worldwide viral outbreak, but she must now fight her way out of the resulting chaos to prevent an even more disastrous threat. After escaping capture by a plotting regime, she calls upon her friends and own unique abilities to discover Earth’s true past and determine its fate. Amid a society on the verge of collapse, they battle unseen forces and unlock ancient secrets in an attempt to save the human race. 

Heritage is Book Two in the Forgotten Origins Trilogy. 

Okay. I finally did it! I found a great graphic artist with a style I really like. They got a cover done for Bloodline amazingly fast and I just LOVE it. They are also extremely reasonably priced. In doing my searches of other covers that I have been drawn to, and tracing it back to the designer, I know that you can easily spends hundreds on just ONE cover with an original design.

The designer is Melchelle Designs: http://melchelledesigns.com/custom-ebook-covers/


SO..here it is!!!

Find it on Amazon NOW! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ILPL7K8

Sixteen-year-old Alex has always suspected her father's death wasn't random, but she never guessed how deep the mystery runs or what it involves. When a rare meteor shower is followed by a highly contagious infection, the people she once knew so well start acting like they have a similar purpose that doesn't include her. Alex can now only rely on her friend Chris and loyal dog Baxter as she plunges into a strange, new world predestined since ancient times. Wandering the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, deciphering cryptic messages left by her father, desperately searching for a cure-will Alex have the courage and faith to even survive? 
 
Bloodline is the first book of the Forgotten Origins Trilogy.



So tell me what you think! Heritage is being done next and I hope to have Descent out by September with it's great cover, too. THEN...the campaign begins. I am going to make a big push once the whole trilogy is completed.

Last Chance to Get Heritage for FREE for Awhile!

I am using my last two FREE promo days for Heritage, running tomorrow and Wed. (5/6-5/7)

Those familiar with how the publisher (KDP) works, knows that you get a total of five free days for a 90 day period, or five Kindle Countdown days. I will be using the countdown days at the end of the summer when the 90 days has renewed to coincide with book #3, Descent's release. So in other words, this is the last opportunity to get Heritage for free for at least five months. :)

SO...starting at midnight tonight, it will be FREE for 48 hrs!

http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Book-Forgotten-Origins-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00J5CJEPG/ref=la_B00IVF1JQK_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399308742&sr=1-3

New Cover For Bloodline

So I've gone ahead and changed the cover for Bloodline.

I've had the previous cover up for a year now, so I have been hesitant to do it.  When polling friends, I have gotten mixed feedback on which cover they liked.  However, given the results of the new ads I've been running on Facebook the past couple of days, it is VERY obvious that this new cover gets a whole lot more reaction. (translate=clicks)

I figure it can't hurt, since anyone who has already purchased it(or downloaded for free) will get the notice on the Amazon page that they have already done so.  While those familiar with the story know why the original cover was fitting, I think that the audience looking for a good sci-fi will respond more to this new cover. I have had it up here before for opinions, but I'll post it again. :)

Another positive, I think, is that my new Heritage cover(book two in the triology) has the same strand of DNA on it (positioned differently).  My hope is that this will serve as a way to tie the two books together and make them seem more cohesive.  If this seems to work, then I will also tie it into the third book, Descent. (but the DNA will be shattered, overlaying another image in the background).

AND...they are still on sale for just 0.99 on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-Forgotten-Origins-Trilogy-Ellis-ebook/dp/B00ILPL7K8/ref=la_B00IVF1JQK_1_4_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398623416&sr=1-4   (It'll take a day or so before the new cover is running on Amazon)

All Fiction Titles Now Only 0.99!!!

In my on-going quest of trying to break through this Indie market, I have decided to drop the prices on all my fiction titles to just .99.

I am also running a couple of limited ads on Facebook and Goodreads.

Wish me luck!

Here is a direct link to my amazon author page:

http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Ellis/e/B00IVF1JQK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Successful Promo and New Cover

I have a couple of small updates!

First, last week I had all of my books, at some point, for free on Amazon.  I am trying out the variations available (how many days/what days of the week/where to advertise) in order to figure out the best combinations to reach the largest audience.

That's really my whole goal here: To reach my target audience.  Because YOU are the ones that I write for!  It would be easy for me to write the book, get it up on CreateSpace and KDP (both Amazon co) and then do nothing else.  What would happen, is it would simply get buried under the literal hundreds of thousands of new titles.

I am finding that other than writing the book, the biggest part of being an Indie author is the marketing.  Right now, social media is the biggest component of that.  Sure...I can set up a book signing or other public event (which I will do in the future) but realistically, how am I going to get my books in front of the most people?  SO...I sighed a big sigh and took the plunge a few weeks back (this board being one of my steps in the process).

I am really astounded at how it all works.  Twitter is an amazing tool.  With a few shares, my ad reaches thousands.  No, so far my sales haven't really moved much, but I know that this takes time.

Another part of this whole marketing thing is presentation.  This is why, when I clicked the submit for the free dates on 'Heritage', I started thinking.  I've known that the cover was a bit dull as far as a sci-fi goes, but the thought of designing a new one was daunting.  I really don't have an extra few hundred lying around that I can commit to that.  However, another thing I have found lately is the stock art resource, and I've gotten better with the editor program, Gimp.  So I went ahead and got one done, and it was updated halfway through the promo.

Here it is.  Let me know what you think!

I am moving forward with the third and final book in 'The Forgotten origins Trilogy', 'Descent'.  I am quite excited about this one.  You are going to be surprised with some of the developments and will NOT be let down on character/story building.  It's going to be even longer then Heritage, there's just no way aroundt it.  I can't split it into two books, because well....then it wouldn't be a trilogy!

Books are still free to....

A reminder that ALL of my ebooks are still free to AmazonPrime memebrs!

The giveaway for 'Bloodline' was a success, with over 1,100 downloads.  So far, I have had three reviews come back and thankfully they have all been positive. As exciting as the giveaway was, there was still a part of me a bit intimidated by the fact that so many strangers would be reading (and judging) my work.  So it has been nice to hear such honest, positive feedback!

I have finally been able to begin the third and final book in the Forgotten Origins Trilogy; Descent.  Several things delayed its start, including my recovery from whiplash.  I was hit on I5 a couple of  months ago and have been unable to sit at the computer for very long since.  Part of my success in writing is consistency.  I have found that maintaining my momentum is crucial, and often will write from two to six hours every day.  This just wasn't possible until now...and hopefully this time will also pay off in that I have been coming up with some fun ideas for the story line.

You will be surprised, shocked and of course entertained!

When it comes time to launch 'Descent', be looking for more giveaways and great deal promotions for both 'Bloodline' and 'Heritage'.  And remember...you can read ANY of my books for free with Amazonprime!

http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Ellis/e/B00IVF1JQK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Bloodline is FREE on Amazon for three days!

Head over to amazon now:

http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-The-Forgotten-Origins-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00ILPL7K8/ref=tmm_kin_title_popover?ie=UTF8&qid=1395214491&sr=1-1


To get your free ebook copy of Bloodline!  From tonight at midnight through Friday night at midnight (3.19.14-3.21.14), it is FREE!!


ETA: I've had almost THREE HUNDRED downloads in less then 24 hrs!!!  I am thrilled that so many people chose to add my book to their collection.  I honestly hope that anyone who reads it enjoys the story.  Thank you for all the support.

What cover would YOU choose?

When I first published 'Bloodline' almost a year ago, I had a hard time choosing between two cover designs.  Now that I have released an improved, 2nd edition, I am once again revisiting them.

It would be great if I could get some unbiased opinions on what cover you think would interest you (or get your attention) as a young adult, sci-fi reader.

I will make this simple and just call them #1 and #2

Thanks!

                                                                             #1

#2

Bloodline

Amazon link for Bloodline


Welcome!


Bloodline is book 1 in the 'Forgotten Origins Trilogy'; a YA Sci-Fi thriller suitable for all ages.


I am new to the blogging world, but since I obviously enjoy to write, I imagine that it will be a fun experience!  I'm looking forward to having feedback and interaction with anyone who likes to read YA, and hopefully Bloodline!


I am going to go ahead and post the pitch for Bloodline, vs the simple description off the back of the book.  This gives more detail than I normally reveal, but since I am writing to an audience that knows what they like and want to read, I think it only fair to let you know what you'd be getting into. :)



The PITCH:

BLOODLINE 

Alex isn’t who she thought she was. Nothing in her world makes sense anymore. 

Hours after a rare meteor shower, an infection rapidly spreads out from her small town. Alex and her younger brother are immune, but not their mother. As she recovers from the virus, the sniffles are replaced by something much worse.  

It begins with a lack of emotions and becomes alarming when slight physical abnormalities start to appear: increased reflexes, dilated pupils, and a rise in IQ. And her mom isn’t the only one. The people Alex grew up with turn into strangers. When they start behaving like they have a similar purpose that doesn’t include her, she seeks help from her classmate Chris.  

Together, they decipher cryptic messages left by her father before his death. With mounting evidence that the virus is part of an organized plan, Alex is forced to accept that it has always been her fate to stop it. To succeed, they must unravel mysteries that trace back to ancient Egypt, secret societies and noble bloodlines.

Led into the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, the teens fight overwhelming odds to find a cure. With their friends and family turned against them, it will take not only courage, but also faith in each other and an unrelenting will to survive.

Here is the cover for Bloodline:

The Amazon link:  Amazon
My author bio link for Amazon


Bloodline is available in both ebook format (2.99) and paperback (9.99)


I'm really hoping to reach some of the YA community via blogging.  If you have any suggestions or recommendations on what you would like to know in order to help you decide if Bloodline is your type of book; let me know!





*********************
Book reviews from amazon:

5 stars *****
I just finished the book and enjoyed reading it very much. It kept my interest to the very end. I think it is a great book for young readers who enjoy the mysteries of supernatural events.
-C.Jenks

5 stars *****
Bloodline is a must read. It kept me captivated unable to put the book down. You fall in love with all the Charachter's from the start. Sixteen year old Alex, her younger brother Jake, Alex friend Chris and last but not least their faithful dog Baxter. The Meteor shower they go to watch spreads a virus to almost all on lookers around the globe. Her dad who Died two years before in a alledged mugging left her plenty of mysterious tips to help her save the world. I loved the book and was sad when it ended.
-Ruthie Manier

5 stars *****
What a great read! I couldn't put it down! Enjoyable as an adult and a book I'd highly recommend for teens!
-H. Pless

5 stars *****
"Bloodline" by Tara Ellis is a fast paced sci-fi thriller suitable for all ages. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a well-developed plot and believable characters. If you enjoyed the "Hunger Games" or "Divergent:" Series, then this is the Trilogy for you .
-L. Morris

Heritage

Hello!  Hopefully, you either read the info on Bloodline or maybe even the book and have decided to check out Heritage.  This is book 2 of the 'Forgotten Origins Trilogy'.

Heritage is a bit longer than Bloodline and has more detail and character development.  But don't worry, it's still a fast-paced story and quick read!  All of the main characters return, along with a few new friends and foes.  The plot becomes even further entangled in the past, eventually to merge with the present.

Here is the 'back of the book' summary:

Alex has managed to stop a viral outbreak but must now fight her way out of the resulting chaos to prevent an even more disastrous threat. After escaping capture by a plotting regime, she calls upon her friends and own unique abilities to discover earths true past and fate. Amid a collapsing society, they battle unseen forces, unlocking ancient secrets in an attempt to change the course of the human race. 


The book cover:

The Amazon link for the book:  (ebook is 3.99, paperback 12.99)
Amazon

I am currently working on the third and final book; Descent.  It's not too late to possibly have some input on the end of the story!


Reader review from Amazon:
Five stars

"Heritage" is an incredible follow-up to "Bloodline". All your favorite characters are back, and even further developed.
Just when you thought the plot couldn't get any better, more surprises come your way. Another page turner with new villains that you love to hate . Story lines are woven together masterfully , creating a possible world that is both frightening and compelling. The ending won't disappoint you, and I can't wait for the third book of the trilogy .

Bloodline

Welcome!


Bloodline is book 1 in the 'Forgotten Origins Trilogy'; a YA Sci-Fi thriller suitable for all ages.


I am new to the blogging world, but since I obviously enjoy to write, I imagine that it will be a fun experience!  I'm looking forward to having feedback and interaction with anyone who likes to read YA, and hopefully Bloodline!


I am going to go ahead and post the pitch for Bloodline, vs the simple description off the back of the book.  This gives more detail than I normally reveal, but since I am writing to an audience that knows what they like and want to read, I think it only fair to let you know what you'd be getting into. :)




The PITCH:

BLOODLINE 

Alex isn’t who she thought she was. Nothing in her world makes sense anymore. 

Hours after a rare meteor shower, an infection rapidly spreads out from her small town. Alex and her younger brother are immune, but not their mother. As she recovers from the virus, the sniffles are replaced by something much worse.  

It begins with a lack of emotions and becomes alarming when slight physical abnormalities start to appear: increased reflexes, dilated pupils, and a rise in IQ. And her mom isn’t the only one. The people Alex grew up with turn into strangers. When they start behaving like they have a similar purpose that doesn’t include her, she seeks help from her classmate Chris.  

Together, they decipher cryptic messages left by her father before his death. With mounting evidence that the virus is part of an organized plan, Alex is forced to accept that it has always been her fate to stop it. To succeed, they must unravel mysteries that trace back to ancient Egypt, secret societies and noble bloodlines.

Led into the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, the teens fight overwhelming odds to find a cure. With their friends and family turned against them, it will take not only courage, but also faith in each other and an unrelenting will to survive.

Here is the cover for Bloodline:

The Amazon link:  Amazon

Bloodline is available in both ebook format (2.99) and paperback (9.99)



I'm really hoping to reach some of the YA community via blogging.  If you have any suggestions or recommendations on what you would like to know in order to help you decide if Bloodline is your type of book; let me know!


Book reviews from amazon:

5 stars
I just finished the book and enjoyed reading it very much. It kept my interest to the very end. I think it is a great book for young readers who enjoy the mysteries of supernatural events.
-C.Jenks

5 stars
Bloodline is a must read. It kept me captivated unable to put the book down. You fall in love with all the Charachter's from the start. Sixteen year old Alex, her younger brother Jake, Alex friend Chris and last but not least their faithful dog Baxter. The Meteor shower they go to watch spreads a virus to almost all on lookers around the globe. Her dad who Died two years before in a alledged mugging left her plenty of mysterious tips to help her save the world. I loved the book and was sad when it ended.
-Ruthie Manier

5 stars
What a great read! I couldn't put it down! Enjoyable as an adult and a book I'd highly recommend for teens!
-H. Pless

5 stars
"Bloodline" by Tara Ellis is a fast paced sci-fi thriller suitable for all ages. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a well-developed plot and believable characters. If you enjoyed the "Hunger Games" or "Divergent:" Series, then this is the Trilogy for you .
-L. Morris