Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Publication Date: December 8, 2017
Vincent must find the Spitting Post, but only the purple swan knows the way.
Vincent Carpenter's life is a wreck. He has given up his dreams. He has lost his job after an economic disaster. His ten-year marriage is crumbling. Then he awakens in a maniacal land of frighteningly vivid realism with skull trees, glowing forests, ravenous beasts, and other psychologically haunting adversity.
While traveling through this demented unearthly world, he has a chance encounter with a beautiful maiden dressed in green; before he can start a conversation, she disappears into the unknown. Vincent must try to find her at a fantastical place known as the Spitting Post. But first he must overcome many macabre misfortunes and face nightmares that question his sanity. Will he reach her? What will the Spitting Post reveal? Will he suffer more disappointment and tragedy? Or will he find peace at last?
Jason R. Barden began writing poetry around the age of thirteen. At age thirty three he decided to transition into fiction writing with his first novel The Spitting Post. In addition to writing he enjoys hiking and photography. Jason lives in Fort Worth, Texas where he is currently working on a collection of his poems.
The Wild Rose Press has been publishing electronic and print titles of fiction for more than nine years. Our titles span the sub-genre spectrum from sweet to sensually erotic romance in all lengths to mainstream and womens fiction. To check out the latest and upcoming releases and more, visit https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com.
A professional surfer struggles to reclaim the Championship when a travel writer is assigned to observe his journey between events. What seems like a dangerous diversion, both in and out of the water, forces him to accept that there's more missing from his life than another trophy.
When he won his first World Title at eighteen, they said he'd be the greatest professional surfer to ever compete. Fourteen years later, Dean "DeBaz" Bazner is inching towards retirement having never clinched another Title. This year he's pushing limits to prove his beginning wasn't a fluke, and it's working. Until she comes along.
You don't have to know anything about surfing for it to change your life. Travel writer Azure Thomas can attest to that. She was navigating the changing world of freelance journalism when she took this gig. She wasn't prepared for a man that connects to her profound loss and sacrifices everything, except his soul, to live his dream. He's more than a hot magazine cover, and surfing is more than a hobby. The dangerous diversion, in and out of the water, forces Dean to accept there's more missing from his life than another trophy.
Amongst tropical breezes, in the most beautiful locations on earth, CHASING SWELLS is an absorbing journey about riding the waves of life, overcoming childhood loss, and letting go of the mistakes that barricade us from our potential.
Loved it! A. L. Goulden knows how to keep you turning pages. The characters are fully developed and don't fall flat.
- aclaremont, Amazon Reviewer
Catching waves has never been sexier! This story is beautiful because you have a woman that is not confident doing a job where confidence is key to getting what you want and a guy who has all the confidence for both of them.
- The Book Fairy Reviews, Amazon Reviewer
Purchase Links
NEW! Available in audiobook format starting from July 31.
1.What does
your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start? Or
do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)? If you
plan it out, how do you do that? Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc?
My whole writing process has evolved
dramatically since I started writing four years ago. I am without a doubt a
planner and a plotter, but I don’t believe in restricting myself too rigidly. I’ve
tried everything you can think of; index cards, pre-made outline forms,
questionnaires. I experimented a lot on my first book series to see what worked
for me. I know by now the story in my first draft or my initial notes may be
vastly different than what ends up in the final pages. And I’m good with that.
I start with a new composition book and
a concept, usually a female facing a crossroads in her life. I like to write my
ideas out by hand, finding it’s the best way for me to get as many ideas on
paper without editing. Even a good concept isn’t enough for a great story, so I
do the “What If” game. I list every possible scenario my characters could
experience, even if it lead to a different outcome than I plan to achieve. This
is when I hold nothing back and come up with the extreme. Sometimes ideas come
that seem ridiculous, implausible, or even fit under a different genre. But I
write them all down. Usually, the longer the list, the better the idea. Then I think
about what I want the book to accomplish or how I want it to end and begin to
work out a timeline.
For me, the timeline is my guide. My
plan. Sometimes it takes the form of a calendar if the novel happens in a
compressed amount of time. Other times I use a plot point timeline to map out
the major moments of my story. Once I have that map, I begin. I write my first
draft like it’s a NaNoWriMo challenge. Every day I write. It’s hard for me to
stay in a story if I only write on weekends, especially when I’m working full
time at my day job. So I don’t let myself break from the book for more than a
day until the first draft is out. Some days I write for an hour, others more.
2. How do you come up with your
ideas for your stories?
As a filmmaker, I’m always thinking
about stories. Some ideas come from talking with friends, or moments I
experience in my own life, while others come from reading headlines in the news
or a concept that I want to explore. Books help too. So many of my recent ideas
came while I was listening to audio books. I’m not sure why it happens more
with audio books than when I read, but it’s been an outlet for me. I write
ideas down all the time, excited to come back later to pluck one out for the next
project.
3. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing seriously for four
years, but I have written short stories and scripts sporadically since I was
ten. I never thought about it as a full-time career until a few years ago when
I realized how addicted I am to it.
4. What tips do you have for aspiring
writers?
1. Take your time. It can be easy to
feel pressured to get a novel done and out with the rapid rate that books are
published these days, but when you’re starting out it’s vital to take the time
to edit and re-edit to make the book the best it can be.
2. The best way to get good at writing
is to write. A lot. Skipping the process of making mistakes and honing your
voice is a disservice to your craft. The more you write, the easier it is to see
those crutch words or passive voice sentences that tend to bleed onto the page
in the early career of a writer. It’s not enough to sell books, you want to put
out a story you’re proud of.
3. Be original. It sounds like a given,
but in the last ten years the volume of books released through self-publishing
and larger publishing houses has increased considerably. That’s made it harder
for readers to find their next book and pickier about what they want. It’s more
important than ever to make a story that they haven’t seen before.
5. Some favorites:
Books/authors/genres:
I prefer thrillers and suspense that
may or may not include a great romantic element. I love Michael Robotham, Anne
Stuart, Kendra Elliot, Gillian Flynn, Allen Eskens, and even Nora Roberts. Depends
on my mood whether I grab a psychological or political story vs a procedural or
series. Lately I’ve been hooked on the Robotham’s Joseph O’Loughlin series.
Movies/TV Shows:
I loved The Fall from the BBC and The
Night Of from HBO. This is the best time in TV history as far as I’m
concerned. There are more original stories on the small screen than the big
one. It feels like every bestseller is optioned into a movie but rarely so we
get those original gems in cinema anymore like Michael Clayton.
Music:
My favorite music ranges from Radiohead
to Kings of Leon to Island Reggae. When I’m writing I build a playlist before
my first draft because music is a huge part of my process. Currently I listen
to film scores to keep my pace and wording in suspense mode.
Food/Writing Snack:
For me, it’s lots of liquids. Flavored
sparkling waters and Ice tea. It keeps me alert and forces me to get up and
take breaks when I have to pee. Ha! I try not to snack much or else I’ll end up
eating all day. Since writing is so sedentary, I try to also go for a walk
during the day with my dogs at least once.
Social Media Site:
I feel the most connected to readers on Facebook. I’ve
made some amazing friends over the years that have been a great source of
inspiration over the years. I use Twitter to share and find inspiration and
whereas Instagram is more of an account of funny or interesting things I
experience. All in all, I still find it an effort to use social media in
balance with my career since it’s easy to overdo all of it.
A. L. Goulden has a BFA in Film Production from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her love of a good story came way before college, but when numerous instructors and peers praised her dialogue she realized her creative writing hobby was a skill worth honing. Her 18 year career in interior design, production design and art direction for film and television have spun a unique perspective on visually emotional tales of relationships and the thread that ties all things together.
One of America's most reclusive rockers, Ryder Vaughn, gets an unusual sentence handed down to him. The judge, hoping to teach him the value of human life, sentences him to ten months of community service at Reach Within Centre for individuals with special needs. Ryder is convinced that, if he isn't crazy already, he will be by the time his sentence ends. However, his only other option forfeits his band's livelihood.
Five minutes after stepping into the centre, his entire life changes when he meets a gorgeous little spitfire who will challenge everything he has ever believed about himself and the world around him.
Francesca's devotion has always been to her family, friends, and the job she is passionate about. Her life hasn't been easy. She sacrifices a lot for the ones she loves and for her dream to visit Italy.
Then Francesca finds herself in a desperate situation, and the tattooed beast who is serving his debt to society must save the headstrong woman from a secret that could destroy her. In turn, Francesca teaches Ryder, if you love something enough, it's worth fighting for.
Ryder knows he isn't worthy of love, but this incredible beauty makes him want it.
Ryder can save Francesca from her secrets, but can she save him from his? Is Ryder strong enough to endure the kids she loves and her crazy Italian family?
Ten months can fly by or it can last an eternity.
"This beautifully written novel weaves a story of courage, independence and redemption while pulling on your emotional heart strings through music."
- Annette Cosentino, Amazon Reviewer
"What I love about Citro is she puts so many beautiful life lessons in her books. This one focused a lot on special needs children and how everyone, especially those who are the hardest, need and deserve love"
- Kristin Campbell, Goodreads Reviewer
Excerpt:
Now it was
Lucky who was pissed. “Sal, get the fuckin’ cement ready. Really, bro, did you
have to say that? I like you, and I don’t appreciate you pushing our buttons.”
“Totally out
of line; I apologize. Don’t tell me neither one of you have never played that
way. If you do, I call bullshit.”
“Rule nine;
the most important rule of all,” Sal stated. “You never ever, not ever,
acknowledge anything about her participating in any sexual activity. It’s our
God given right as Italian brothers to believe our sister is a virgin until the
day we hand her off to the man who has passed all our tests. Get me?”
“Yeah, Virgin
Francesca Mary.”
“Maria,”
Lucky corrected.
Ryder drew
his eyebrows together in confusion. “Maria?”
“Francesca
Maria Moratti. Maria, Italian for Mary. There is a reason my father named her that. She
is pure and good,” Sal explained.
“Agreed.
But—and this is a big but—if you two want to continue believing your sister is
a virgin, then stop coming here uninvited. You never know what you’re going to
walk in on … like the couch we christened last night.” Ryder lifted his chin
towards the new couch.
The brothers
both started to gag as they looked at the couch.
“You had
better be joking, asshole. Frankie! Hurry up in the bathroom! I think I just
threw up in my mouth!” Lucky gagged out.
Ryder
bellowed a boisterous laugh. “On that note, I should probably start the coffee.
Francesca tends to get cranky without caffeine.”
“That’s why
we usually bring coffee with us, but we were too excited to see her and hear
about her trip today. We forgot.”
That comment
softened Ryder up.
“And, guys,
let me reassure you. I love that woman more than my own life. She will never
question my respect or my loyalty. She is my heart and soul.”
The brothers
exchanged a look Ryder couldn’t decipher. Then they approached him. He stuck
out his fists, expecting fist bumps. Instead, the brothers leaned in on both
side of him and kissed his cheeks in unison. Ryder pushed them away.
“Fuck off,
you freaks! There is—”
“Now that’s what I like to see. The men who
mean the most to me getting along.” Francesca smiled, arriving just after her
brothers’ latest antics.
Lucky and Sal
had won this round.
Ryder moved
in front of her, bending down to look her straight in the eyes as he lifted his
arms out wide. “There is something seriously wrong with your brothers.” He
tapped his head with both hands. “They’re not right in the head. You need to
make them appointments at the centre. Not funny. I’m serious.”
Have you ever wondered why you were so lucky? Then you wake up to find everything you cherished is gone. You don't fit into your life without the people who defined it. So, you run. You run as fast and as far as you can. Then you smash into them!
"This book is for the hopeless romantic, who believes everyone should get their happy ending. Even when happiness seems unattainable."
- Amazon Customer, Amazon reviewer
THICKER THAN BLOOD
Series:Sistas Book 3
Can Caden put aside all of the hurt he suffered because of Dakota while trying to save her life? Dakota could die but she needs answers before she goes. Can she trust the man she thought would always be hers? Fate has a way of making you see the truth.
Anne Marie Citro was born and raised in the greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a large, loving family. Anne Marie is married to a very patient man. He is the love of her life. They have four very cool sons, and the girls they brought into their family that have become daughters of her heart. She has been blessed enough to finally have a beautiful granddaughter after four sons. She has her own personal gaggle of girlfriends, who enrich her life on a daily basis and make her laugh. Caesar Friday is her favorite day of the week. Caesars with the girls and date night with her hubby. She works with special-needs teenagers that have taught her how to appreciate life and see it through gentler eyes.
Anne Marie was encouraged by her husband to follow her lifelong dream to write. She loves the characters that take over imagination and haunt her dreams. She loves the arts and she has tried her hand at painting, wood sculpting, chainsaw carving, wood burning, metal and wire sculptures. Yes, her husband is a very patient man! Anne Marie is an avid reader and enjoys about three books per week. But nothing makes her happier then riding on the back of her husband's Harley and throwing her arms out and feeling the wind race by. Anne Marie and her husband take a few weeks every year to travel to spectacular destinations around the world. Anne Marie is excited and can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for her life.
Lady Jane Moore has a secret. A secret that must be kept buried. If anyone discovered the truth, her life at Stranje House would crumble. And with Napoleon Bonaparte threatening to invade England, everyone at Stranje House is already in mortal danger.
There's a traitor in the house. Someone is sneaking information to Napoleon's spies, Lady Daneska and Ghost. Jane is determined to find out who it is before suspicions rip apart the bonds of friendship at Stranje House. Her desperate hunt for the traitor ensnares a brash young American inventor, Alexander Sinclair, Robert Fulton's nephew, into an ambush that puts his life in danger. Sinclair is the most maddening young man in all of Christendom, a sharp-tongued rascal with boorish manners, but Lady Jane cannot bear the thought of the golden-haired genius being harmed.
Is Jane enough of a mastermind to save Alexander, her friends at Stranje House, and possibly England itself?
Fans of Gail Carriger, Patricia Wrede, and Caroline Stevermer will love this Regency-era alternate history filled with spunky heroines, handsome young lords, and dastardly villains.
"Baldwin has a winning series here: her characters are intriguing and fully rendered."
- Stacey Comfort, Booklist
"Refuge for Masterminds moves at a fast pace from the first page and doesn't stop. Although it is written with a young adult audience in mind, it is a fun and enjoyable novel and will also appeal to adult readers."
- Francesca Pelaccia, Historical Novel Society
This is a series that I have really enjoyed, and this book continues that enjoyment. I always love a good historical fiction that makes me interested in learning more about a certain time period. Particularly when it gets me interested in a time period I either never thought about, or just never had any interest in even when I might have learned about it in the past in school, etc. I also love a good series where each book focuses on another of the main characters, as well as keeping up involved in the lives of those from books before, and even getting us interested in whatever other characters we might get future books about. I enjoyed a lot about Lady Jane, and I also enjoyed the banter between her and Mr. Sinclair in this book. Their romance was very sweet. The reason that Jane did not want to go to London was definitely well-hidden until it was revealed, and until then, I was unsure what in the world could have kept her from wanting to go. But that reason was so good! And the turn it took once she was in London was even better. I loved the puppies, and the idea of creating a fake leg for a dog with only three legs was so sweet and a neat addition to the story. There was a bit with a leech at the end that made me laugh out loud, as I could totally see it happening. Another fun look into a time period and environment that we don't always spend much time looking into, not to mention the political world at the time and how the society and town worked during those days, not to mention the scientific ideas that began to spring forth as well, probably in very similar environments.
Other Books by the Author
Don't miss the first two books in the Stranje House series:
A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS
Series:Stranje House, Book 1
Napoleon is exiled, Europe is in shambles and Britain is at war on four fronts. Daughters of the Beau Monde who don't fit high society's strict mold are banished to Stranje House, where headmistress, Emma Stranje, entangles these unusual girls in the dangerous world of spies, diplomacy, and war.
"A completely original--and totally engrossing--world, full of smart girls, handsome boys and sinister mysteries...Sign me up."
- Meg Cabot, NYT Bestselling Author of The Princess Diaries on A School for Unusual Girls
EXILE FOR DREAMERS
Series:Stranje House, Book 2
Tess Aubreyson can't run far enough or fast enough to escape the prophetic dreams that haunt her. But with Napoleon threatening to invade England, Tess's disturbing dreams may be the only means of saving Lord Ravencross, the man she loves, and her friends at Stranje House.
"This spy school for girls . . . is impossible to put down! . . . I recommend this book to anyone that loves brave girls, adventure and great friendships."
- 5 Girls Book Reviews
Giveaway
WIN
Prizes up for grabs:
Be one of three lucky winners:
$10 Gift Card + hardback copy of Refuge for Masterminds
Kathleen Baldwin loves adventure in books and in real life. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert, was stalked by a mountain lion, lost an argument with a rattlesnake, spent way too long in college, fell in love and married her very own hero.
A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS, the first book in the alternate history series for teens, was awarded Spirit of Texas in 2016, is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Kansas NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 Best of the Best for High Schools. Ian Bryce, producer of Spiderman, Saving Private Ryan, and other notable films optioned the series for film.
REFUGE FOR MASTERMINDS, Book 3 in the Stranje House series, releases May 23rd.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot calls this romantic Regency adventure, "completely original and totally engrossing."
On the run from the Organization, Starr never planned on falling in love.
Starr Bishop’s the complete package. A perfect smile, brains to match, and
a winning attitude. Boys want to date her and girls want to be her. She’s the
type of girl you want to hate, if only she wasn’t so damn likable. But don’t
worry, she’s not interested in your boyfriend. Boys are one complication she
can live without.
When the Organization decides she’s not only the model student but the
ideal assassin, Starr’ll need a lot more than high test scores and
extracurricular involvement to get herself out of that commitment.
Dark, moody, and dead sexy Christian Evergood is the last person she’d
expect—or even want— to come to her rescue. From opposite ends of Webster
High’s social hierarchy, their lives collide in one electrifying moment.
Christian isn’t the Goth loner he pretends to be, he’s a part Cherokee,
All-American boy who wants to be a hero, Starr’s hero. Christian makes Starr
forget that the Organization is after her, but nothing will stop the
Organization from collecting their top recruit.
By the way, the spot for junior class president just became available.
Be sure to also check out Book 2 of the Starr Fall series:
STARR LOST
Series: Starr Fall, Book 2
Synopsis:
A Starr falls, and a family is found.
On the run from the Organization, Starr and Christian find safety on the
Qualla Boundary with their friends, Ben and Coda, but Starr needs answers. She
owes her dear dead friends, Sami and Jody, that much. She forms a team of her
own to fight the general and his recruits.
Life becomes tense on the Qualla Boundary, sparks fly, and the Organization
is about to smash in their door.
Kim Briggs once smashed into a tree while skiing. The accident led to a
concussion, a cracked sternum, temporary notoriety as a sixth grader returned
from the dead, and the realization that fictionalized accounts are way more
interesting than just slipping on the ice.
An unhealthy obsession with conspiracy theories combined with a love of
travel and happily ever afters led Kim to write her YA novel, Starr Fall, where
a secret organization decides 17-year-old Starr Bishop is not only the model
student, but the ideal assassin. While in hiding, Starr meets dark, moody, and
dead sexy Christian Evergood. Cue the swoon worthy music. But it’s not all
happily ever afters for Kim. Her NA novel, And Then He, explores the dark and
scary corners of the human psyche. Following a night of innocent flirting with
a handsome stranger, Tiffani finds herself in the midst of a nightmare she
can’t escape. And Then He is available through Amazon and other major book
retailers. Starr Fall released November 2016 with Inkspell Publishing, followed
by Starr Lost in January 2017 and Starr Gone in June 2017. Her novella,
Avalanche is part of the Valentine Kisses Anthology and released February 14,
2017.
When she’s not doing something writerly, Kim can be found jumping into
snowdrifts with her three kids, husband, and dog. She’s careful to avoid trees.
