Solstice Publishing

Welcome David Bryant who is sharing his interview with the CEO of Solstice Publishing, Melissa Miller.

www.solsticepublishing.com 

Since 2008 when she secured her own first book contract, Melissa Miller has become the head of one of the fastest growing mid-market publishers in the USA. This year (2014) she capped her achievements by  being announced an International Best Selling author and two of her books were optioned for film.

Now Melissa, as chief executive officer of Solstice Publishing based in Farmington, Missouri, is paving the way for other budding authors to bring their creations to e-readers and print. I have a personal reason to thank her. Solstice accepted my first book, Tread Carefully on the Sea, after I'd spent nearly a year trying to place it with a publisher.

I asked Melissa a few questions

1. How do you conclude that books are likely to sell? Is it pure instinct or do you have a formula?

There isn't a formula to know what will sell and what won't. We look for well written manuscripts with interesting plots.

 

2. Based on your experience in publishing, what's one thing you would advise today's budding authors?

One of the most important things new authors need to know is the importance of branding their name. The use of social media is going to be very helpful in their journey. The marketing and branding of their book is going to be a full time job. Writing the book is the fun part. After that the work begins.

 

3. Why do you think fiction is so powerful that almost everyone wants to read it - if not write it?

I think fiction is so powerful because it's not real. After a long day at work, or taking care of the kids, or cleaning the house, readers like to escape into new worlds. It's nice to get away from reality for a while.

4. What were your favorite childhood books and how did that affect your career?

As a child my favorites were Winnie The Pooh then as a teen I grew into loving Stephen King. Now as an adult I like a variety. I enjoy Stephanie Meyers, Cassandra Clare, Jeannette Oak, Nicholas Sparks and then of course all the great authors of Solstice Publishing.

 

Melissa's company

With over 200 authors covering every category of fiction and rapidly expanding into non-fiction, Solstice is quickly gaining a reputation for fast paced suspense thrillers, sizzling romance, action adventure, science fiction, and a spooky collection of horror and paranormal reads. Critically acclaimed authors have achieved top spots on best seller lists, had their stories adapted to screenplays, and won movie deals with top Hollywood studios.

Melissa Miller is an Amazon International Best Selling Author under a pen name. She writes paranormal/ romance and woman's fiction. She's a wife and the mother of two boys.

I ALSO WANT TO GIVE MY SINCERE THANKS TO MEL MASSEY-MARONI AT SOLSTICE,  MY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, AND I INTEND TO PERSUADE HER TO DO AN INTERVIEW IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Pretty Little Liars: Hanna's Secret - #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle Worlds > Contemporary

Currently

• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,039 Paid in Kindle Store 
• #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle Worlds > Contemporary
• 
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Little-Liars-Hannas-Secret-ebook/dp/B00MAKY2Z2/ref=la_B005HZRTP2_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407077559&sr=1-11

The town of Rosewood hasn’t been the same since one of their own went missing. When Alison DiLaurentis disappeared, the lives of many changed. Her best friends Aria Montgomery, Hanna Marin, Emily Fields, and Spencer Hastings were left with huge holes in their hearts. 

One year after Alison went missing, strange texts started coming to the girls. They were always signed “A”. The person sending them always knew their deepest darkest secrets. The texts would be threatening them to do what “A” wanted or else. 
In “Hanna’s Secret”, Hanna Marin is the latest victim of “A”. 

Will Hanna be able to protect herself and her friends or will “A” do more damage to her life? 

Guest Blogger: Bernard Foong

Bernard Foong at a book launch

Author’s Bio

Young alias Bernard Foong is, first and foremost, a sensitivist. He finds nuance in everything. To experience the world he inhabits is an adventure which is mystical, childlike and refreshing. He has a rare ability to create beauty in a unique fashion. His palettes have been material, paint, words and human experiences.

By Christine Maynard (screenwriter and novelist).

Bernard Foong (designer) – A brief history

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the age of 8, he was assisting his aunt and cousin, learning the art of sewing and fabrics/colors matching. He attended an exclusive private boarding school in the United Kingdom before obtaining his Diploma in Fashion Design at the Harrow College of Art & Technology in London, England. He went on to complete his Master of Design at the Royal College of Art & Design, London, England. During his college years he won several international fashion awards and was already retailing bridal and evening dresses to several well known department stores in England. Liberty of London, Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols to name a few that carried his designs. His Royal College of Art graduation wedding/evening wear collection was sold to Liberty of London and displayed in their store windows for the entire month of June that year.

For four years, he worked for Liberty’s bridal department as their in-house designer until a trip to Hong Kong, while working on a freelance project for ‘Bird’s’(casual wear) company, he was recruited by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as their Fashion professor for the next 6 years. During his stay in Hong Kong, he freelanced for numerous fashion companies. From designing casual wear, swimwear, lingerie, and fur garments, men’s wear, bridal and evening fashions to accessories (bags, shoes, and head-wear). He also participated and organized numerous fashion shows, events, functions, and presentations in the Asia Pacific region.

Working for Keys Far East Hong Kong as chief lingerie designer - travelling extensively to the United States, he was soon recruited as an Associate Fashion Design/Illustration Professor to the University of Wisconsin, Madison and also lectured at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design for a couple of years.

Foong was then appointed as the Fashion Development Manager by an established department store – Parkson Grand (22 stores in Malaysia and one in Shanghai, China). Producing under the label, Natural Life by Bernard Foong, he designed casual-wear collections for the Parkson Grand’s flagship store in Kuala Lumpur. After a couple of years later, he was invited by the Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore to join their design school to establish a Fashion Design department. For two years, he assisted several founding members of the design school - working on the fashion department’s teaching curriculum.

The Fitzgerald Theatre Department, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Oahu, Hawaii awarded a full scholarship for Foong to complete his second Master of Art in Theatre Costuming. Now a resident on the Island of Maui, he has assisted many charity organizations in their fund raising events with his extravagant fashion and performance shows/presentations. In 2005, he and his partner, Mr. Walter Jay Bissett opened Fire Dragon Bistro Orient & Design Shop. He also designs costumes/fashions for numerous theatrical productions in Hawaii and abroad.

Appointed as chief lingerie designer for Cerie International Limited – Hong Kong, his lingerie designs can be found in major department stores in Canada and the United Kingdom.

He showcased the BERNARD FOONG R-T-W collections and BERNARD FOONG @ Modern Classic Ltd. (an established – Hong Kong bridal & evening wear company) collections in Hong Kong. His 2008 & 2009 bridal/evening/bridal lingerie fashion show, “Grace” & “Coming Up Roses” were premiered at Hong Kong Fashion Week in July 2007 and January 2008 respectively at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, garnering positive interest in many Asian press reviews, including a China nationwide television broadcast of his latest collection. Aika (International Opera Singer) wore several Bernard Foong special occasion dresses at her Japan & European tour in September & October 2009.

Foong was the chief Creative Director for Official (Special Occasion fashion manufacturing company)Guangzhou, China producing –BERNARD FOONG Couture (specialty one-of-a-kind creations),White (RTW - Wedding/Special Occasion wear), Foxy Cute (Smart Casual/Cocktail wear), SexZ (decorative bustier) & Diva Bitch (sexual lingerie inner/outer-wear) collections.

Besides working on his regular haute couture, R-T-W and lingerie collections he is a visiting consultant/advisor for:

• Pivot Point fashion college, Chengdu, China.
• Hong Kong Design Institute (fashion department), Hong Kong, SAR.
• Hong Kong Poly/U, Hong Kong (School of Apparel Design & Merchandising), SAR.
• Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, Hong Kong.
• Singapore Temasek Polytechnic – School of Apparel Design & Merchandising (ADM), Singapore.

Bernard is also writing his autobiography, a seven book series of Mr. Foong’s young life:

A Harem Boy’s Saga: A Memoir by Young.

This provocative story spanning 4 decades and 3 continents is about a boy who was sent to a very exclusive English boarding school in the 1960s where he was initiated into a clandestine sexual society and then spirited away to serve in wealthy and elite Middle Eastern harems ."

A Harem Boy’s Saga series is published by Solstice Publishing and is available in print and E-books internationally.

Out of his busy schedule, Bernard is also working on a mini series of three contemporary paintings for the Rathe Galleries in Dallas, Houston and soon to open gallery in Austin, Texas. 

Guest Blogger: Lizzy Stevens

Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Christmas-Wish-ebook/dp/B00GAGCMNG/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383312011&sr=1-9&keywords=lizzy+stevens

Bethany’s life is turned upside done when she lost the love of her life Tyson on Christmas. A year goes by when she is suddenly offered a chance to undo the past by Fate dressed up as Santa. Is this for real? Can she really make a wish on a star and get her beloved back or is somebody playing a mean trick on her? 


Find Lizzy here:
@lizzystevens123
www.lizzystevensblogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/Lizzy-Stevens/e/B005HZRTP2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Guest Blogger: Bebe Knight

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An Element of Time

Eternal Flame Series: Book One

By: Bebe Knight

Releasing September 24th, 2013 through Solstice Publising

A vampire and a slayer walk into a bar… Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but for Veronica and Mackenzie, it’s the beginning of the rest of their lives…

The world has seen its fair share of evil, but Veronica Chase had no idea such monsters truly existed. Werewolves, poltergeists, witches… even vampires. Ignorance was bliss. But her reality was crushed on that horrid day her family was taken away from her. Now, Veronica has devoted her entire life to hunting those very creatures, searching for the werewolf pack that murdered her parents in hopes of finding her abducted sister. Nothing will get in her way of settling the score for the hand she was unjustly dealt. That is until her newest assignment brings her to her knees.

After one hundred and eight years on earth, Mackenzie Jones thought he had seen it all. With the exception of daylight of course, but that’s what comes with the territory being a vampire and all. Perpetually damned to live his life as a bartender in the shadows of the night, nothing has sparked his interest lately. Just once he wished something exciting would happen in his mundane life. Little did he know, his wish was about to come true. Walking through the door to his bar, and into his heart, Mackenzie allows love to take the wheel for the first time. There’s just one slight problem. She’s there to kill him.

Author Info

Bebe Knight is the author of the paranormal romance series, The Eternal Flame Books. She lives in Upstate NY with her husband and son. Writing has always been a part of her life whether it be books, plays, or handwritten letters to friends and family. It’s a dream come true for her to be able to share her stories with others.

http://www.bebeknight.com

https://www.facebook.com/BebeKnightAuthor

http://www.goodreads.com/Bebe_Knight

http://www.twitter.com/Bebe_Knight

Teaser #1

The delectable scent of meat searing on the grill hit his senses as he made his way into the kitchen. Daniela was making his favorite meal; filet mignon. Mackenzie hadn’t realized how long he’d gone without food until now; his stomach growled in response to the sizzling steak, ready to eat it raw if he had to. Daniela turned off the blender and poured the concoction into some glasses.

“I thought this might cheer you up,” Daniela said, handing a glass to Mackenzie. “Drink up!” Her attention went back to the blender as she sang, “You put the lime in the coconut, and drink them both up.”

Daniela had a way of making all the troubles in the world just disappear, even if it was as simple as making his favorite meal or whipping up a tasty drink. Mackenzie sat at the head of the table and gulped down the contents in his cup. But for some reason, it didn’t work this time. He was still as depressed as he was before. Maybe even more so.

Smacking the glass down on the table a little harder than he intended, the crystal chimed delicately in response. One drop of blood from the Type O cocktail escaped the lip of the glass and started to slowly slide its way down to the base. Mackenzie stared at the liquid ruby and couldn’t help but image it being the warm blood of a lover, descending down her neck after a fresh bite. His fangs released in response. How he longed to hold a woman with soft, beautiful skin in his arms. Maybe Daniela was right, maybe he did need a companion. Instead, the opaque crystal goblet sat lifelessly in his palm. He picked up the glass and slowly licked the droplet in one upward flick of the tongue. The action, as harmless as it was, opened a flood gate of instincts Mackenzie had to try to repress; he had to push back into the coffin where he stashed them years ago.

  “You okay?” Daniela asked, sitting down next to him. “You look a little pale, like you’re going to be sick.”

“Of course I’m pale. I’m a vampire.” Mackenzie smiled, showing off his protracted fangs. Daniela chuckled in response and went back to finishing the meal.

Lucky for him, she bought his lame excuse when in actuality he was scared. Scared that his vampire nature would spring to life and drown him in blood lust for all the years he suppressed the urge. He barely knew what it was like to be a vampire, but his instincts were rushing back to him. Now, after visualizing that tantalizing temptation, he had to try not to be one again.

Shit, Mackenzie thought.

Guest Blogger: Leaping Lanny Poffo

Available in Ebook

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESV995E

Wrestling with Rhyme.Have a glimpse into the poetic soul of "The Genius" of the World Wrestling Federation.

Excerpt:HULKAMANIA 
When the Hulkster hits the ringThat’s when it hits the fanA nuclear explosionFrom a modern Superman
There never is an empty seatThey line up in the rainNot even Halley’s CometCould make the fans refrain
In the magic of the momentWhen the action gets intenseKids from 6 to 86Are raptured with suspense
There has never been a heroOf such magnitude beforeHe’s been the champ for three years nowAnd here’s to many more!

The Living LegendOnce upon a wrestling ringBut not so long agoMr. Bruno SammartinoWas the only name to know
He stood up to Buddy RogersAnd then “nature boy” went downLess than 60 seconds laterSammartino wore the crown
He’s the real “Italian Stallion”That’s a fact you can’t ignoreHis career had more successThan Rocky I, II, III, and IV
The Living Legend lives againFor every single fanHe’s on the microphone each weekRight next to Vince McMahon

Brutus the Barber
Just look at “Luscious Johnny V”You know why he’s a flop?His “Dream Team” has to pay their duesAt “Beefcake’s Barber Shop”

Guest Blogger: Tell Cotten

Available on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Entwined-Paths-ebook/dp/B00DDT56ZE/ref=sr_1_2_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1377264662&sr=8-2&keywords=tell+cotten


Texas, 1872
When a stagecoach is robbed, two men are killed and young woman is kidnapped. Soon after, Yancy and Cooper Landon find themselves pursuing them. 
Meanwhile, their old foe Lee Mattingly has his own problems. Betrayed by his partners, Lee sets out on a path of vengeance while at the same time trying to help a young captive girl. 
It isn’t until their trails cross that both sides realize just how entwined their paths are. And, they soon realize that if they are to achieve their goals, they will have to go down the same path together.