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Thursday, May 03, 2012

Guest Blogger Alison Stone and Random Acts


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Growing up, ALISON STONE never imagined becoming a writer. She enjoyed math and science and ultimately earned a degree in engineering. Go Yellow Jackets!

After the birth of her second child, Alison left Corporate America for full-time motherhood. She credits an advertisement for writing children’s books for sparking her interest in writing. She never did complete a children’s book, but she did have success writing articles for local publications.

Finally, Alison got up the nerve to try her hand at full-length fiction. After completing a handful of manuscripts, she sold her first book to Samhain Publishing in 2011, followed a few weeks later by a second sale.

Now, Alison has the best of both worlds. From her home office in Western New York, she writes fast-paced romantic suspense while her four children are in school. It never fails to amaze her how soon the afternoon bus arrives.

Website: www.AlisonStone.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Alison_Stone
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/AlisonStoneAuthor
Blog: http://alisonstone.wordpress.com/

RANDOM ACTS
by Alison Stone
Published by Samhain Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Second chances can have a terrible sense of timing. 

As a child, watching her mother always pick the wrong man left Danielle Carson wary of opening her heart to anyone—except Patrick Kingsley. But circumstances came between them and left Danielle with a broken heart. Now she buries the pain of what might have been by channeling all her energy into her career. When a family crisis brings her back to her hometown, she is forced to face the past—and the disturbing fact that her sister’s car accident was staged to mask a brutal beating.

A police officer and widower, Patrick guards his heart as fiercely as he guards his beloved daughter. Seeing Danielle again unexpectedly reignites their old flame, but no way will he introduce a woman into his daughter’s life. Certainly not one whose values on faith and family are so different from his own.

Despite their best intentions, they are drawn together—until Danielle learns Patrick had a hand in putting her sister in harm’s way. Her fragile trust is crushed, but Patrick is the only man who can help her stop the villain before everything they both love is destroyed. Faith, family…and their second chance at forever.

Readers, buy your copy of Random Acts today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Doing something outside my comfort zone is well, uncomfortable. Surprisingly, transitioning from a writer to a published author has pushed me into uncharted waters.

Last week, my debut novel, Random Acts, was released. In the months leading up to it, word slowly got around that I was going to have a book published. Most people weren’t even aware I was a writer. It was something I did quietly in the confines of my home. I suppose I figured if people didn’t know I was a writer, I wouldn’t have to tell them about all the rejections.

As the release day grew closer, I was filled with excitement. I had finally achieved my dream. Everywhere I went, friends, teachers, and family told me they had pre-ordered my book. Yay! People were going to read my book.

Then it started to sink in. People were going to read my book! Little by little, nervous anticipation filled me. People were actually going to read it and see what I’ve been up to for all these years. What were they going to think?

Prior to becoming a stay at home mom, I worked as a manufacturing engineer. While employed, the only ones who truly knew what I did were those I worked with. My friends and neighbors simply knew I was an engineer and where I worked. They didn’t chat about how efficient the new workstations were or how colorful my bar graph was. But now they were going to read my book and form opinions. I mean, how many times had I heard them discussing the latest book club pick? Now they were going to do that to Random Acts.

Last week, Random Acts popped up on Kindles, Nooks, and iPads all around me. (I appreciated all the pre-order love.)  I’d drop my daughters off at dance and a friend would tell me she had read the first chapter and was enjoying it. My husband was at the motocross track with our boys and a friend told him she was enjoying my book. My daughter’s friend proclaimed the first chapter really good, creepy even.  A college friend called to rave about it. Yet, a little voice inside my head whispered, “Are they just being nice?”

Then I reminded myself of the positive online reviews.  They liked it. They really liked it! :)

Writing and sending my book out into the world has made me feel exposed in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I am thrilled people are reading Random Acts.  I really am. I hope more and more people read it and enjoy it. But I can’t control readers’ opinions. All I can do is put forth the best possible book right now. I worked hard to get here and I’m sure I’ll get used to this new feeling of putting myself out there. One thing is certain, the only way to truly grow in life is to step outside your comfort zone. Here’s to the next adventure!

* * * * *

Thank you, Alison, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: When was the last time you expanded your comfort zone? What were you doing at the time?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE eBook copy of the book above via Amazon, B&N, or Kobo (winner's choice). If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

3 comments:

Cheryl said...

Congratulations on your debut novel. How exciting! It's tough to put yourself out there, but it's a necessary evil in this business.

I'm not a very exciting person, but I've been reading lately genres I don't usually dabble in. I read a sci-fi action adventure story, two literary mysteries, and the first two books of The Hunger Games trilogy, even though dystopian fiction isn't my thing.

Wishing you the best,

Cheryl

ccmal(at)charter(dot)net

Alison Stone said...

Thank you, Cheryl.

I'm thinking I need to read the Hunger Games, too. :)

Alison Stone said...

Thanks for stopping by. :)