Today it’s my pleasure to reveal fellow author Sherilyn Putnam’s first mid-grade novel The Dragon Child (The Dragon Adventures, Book 1). I met Sherilyn at a Facebook event earlier this year and didn’t take long to consider her a personal friend of mine. I highly recommend giving her a follow on social media (links below). She’s got a great personality and is quite the talented writer. Check out the blurb and cover for her upcoming novel below and feel free to ask her anything in the comments.
When a gypsy boy stumbles over an egg near the ocean he doesn’t know just how much it will change his life. Once the egg hatches, the boy’s world will never be the same, nor will it be for the creature that comes out of the egg. Named Dane after the boy’s father, the creature will begin a journey to find his own family. Along the way, he’ll learn that family is sometimes who you choose, not who you are born to.
About the Author
Sherilyn Putnam is the pen name of an author who decided holding in the stories for younger people just wasn’t an option. Thus a whole new persona emerged, ready to share her love of fantastical beings and adventurous characters with the young readers of the world. Sherilyn is almost exactly like the ‘other’ author, being she lives in the deep south, has two daughters, a hero husband and lives in a tiny house ruled by two insane cats and a miniature dachshund with a Napoleon complex.
Her books for young readers almost always have the same message, one she feels very strongly about, “be who you are, not who others think you should be.”
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
Welcome to Chumming with Sharky™, my blog series where I treat viewers from every corner of the deep blue sea with a taste of talented authors from a myriad of genres. This month, it is my pleasure to join the Gristle & Bone Blog Blitz and Giveaway to welcome fellow Forsaken Horror Hooligan Duncan Ralston. Today, our focus is on the horror entertainment industry, including video games, books, and movies. Duncan made us some appetizers, so grab a tasty plate of canápes with fattened liver, choose a comfy reclining seat, tap or click on the banner below, and enjoy the show . . .
Welcome to Chumming with Sharky™, my blog series where I treat viewers from every corner of the deep blue sea with a taste of talented authors from a myriad of genres. This month, however, we’re switching things up a bit. I’m in the middle of a blog tour promoting the relaunch of Devil’s Nightmare and the gremlins in cyberspace killed the feed for my interview with the folks at Shut Up and Read. Luckily, my trusty team of assassins, ghost hunters, and zombie slayers were able to capture the head gremlin and recover the transcript. So grab a pail of popcorn and kick back for my interview with Shut Up and Read. Click or tap on any image and enjoy the show.
Pack your bags and hop onto the tour bus, folks, because for the next two weeks we’re taking over the Internet for the Devil’s Nightmare Bewitching Blog Tour and Mega Giveaway. I’ve got special spotlight features lined up, book reviews, guest posts, interviews, and some really cool prizes including: two paperback copies of Devil’s Nightmare, two e-book copies of Devil’s Nightmare, and a grand prize pack that includes a signed copy of Devil’s Nightmare, swag items, and a $25 Amazon US gift card. But you have to get on the tour bus for a chance to win! No purchase necessary, but buying Devil’s Nightmare will help me feed my four-legged children: Jadie, Xena, Lola, and Cujo. 🙂
Don’t worry, though, I’m not going to spam your inbox every day. Instead, I’ve listed the tour schedule below. If you want to join me on this tour, just follow me on social media (links below). I’ll share the links to each post on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ each day. All aboard!
The updated Forsaken Edition of Robert Pruneda’s best-selling supernatural occult horror is now available worldwide. Sign up for Robert’s VIP newsletter today to receive exclusive content, notification of upcoming books, and opportunities for special giveaways.
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Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
I received an advance reader copy of As the Ash Fell in exchange for an honest review, but I’m just getting around to writing it. The author published the book while I was still reading it, so I ended up purchasing it on Amazon to read the final version.
One of the things I look for most in a novel is good character development. AJ Powers did an excellent job of that. The characters felt realistic. They spoke and acted in such a way that was believable in their situation. I found myself getting to know Clay, his family, and the other characters in the story; I cared about them. I found it hard to find a good stopping point every night I read this novel, and due to my growing interest in the characters, I wanted to know more. Heck, there were even a few times that I turned off my Kindle, went to bed, and then decided to read just one more chapter.
As much as I enjoyed the story, it isn’t without its flaws. Some parts of the story were a bit slow and even got somewhat repetitive. However, I think I know why he did this. I won’t spoil anything, so I won’t mention specifics. Just exercise some patience. I’m glad I did. There were also a few stylistic, grammatical, and typographical errors here and there, but nothing too distracting. Also, be aware that the author sometimes gets very technical regarding weapons and ammunition. So, unless you are familiar with guns and ammunition, you may find yourself looking things up just to have a better understanding. I did, and I learned a few things . . . and I feel it was worth it.
The overall story is what really drew me in. What would it be like if the supervolcano at Yellowstone erupted? The author only briefly touches on that subject, but I think it worked well. The story isn’t so much about the eruption, but how a man struggles to keep his family alive and safe from the real threat . . . other people. As the Ash Fellhas a good mixture of suspense, drama, some romance, and action, but what I really loved most about this novel were the characters and their relationships. Highly recommended.
Note: As the Ash Fell is currently on sale at a discount for the July 4th weekend.
About AJ Powers
AJ Powers is a professional game developer working on some of the biggest franchises in the game world–Halo, Call of Duty, and Borderlands to name a few. However, once he leaves the fluorescent pit of polygons and PBR materials, he switches gears into a reading, writing monster fueled by Code Red. His first full-length novel, As the Ash Fell, is now available. In addition to writing, AJ also does his own cover art, as well as covers for various other indie authors.
AJ resides in Austin, Texas with his beautiful wife, Lia, and their two incredible children. They also have a dog that really could use some braces.
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
If you have a Kindle, be sure to grab a FREE copy of my very first book PURSUIT OF A DREAM from July 2-6. It’s my gift to you this Independence Day weekend. I published this book back in 2004 and then released it on Kindle in 2011. It’s a family-oriented tale about a kid with a dream of becoming a professional stock car driver. Don’t let the racing theme fool you, though, because it’s much more than just about racing. I hope you like it!
Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend!
“Pursuit of a Dream is a breath of fresh air. Readers will enjoy following Caleb’s journey from a rambunctious young boy to a determined young man who refuses to allow his dreams to pass him by.” | Sara Furlong Burr, author of Enigma Black
“If you want a compelling story about family, faith and dedication then you definitely want to take the time to read Pursuit of a Dream.” | Wyatt McIntyre, author of The Last Dance
“In the age of zombies, horror, and thrillers vying for attention, Pursuit of a Dream seems out of favor with the current trend … but, and this is a HUGE BUT, what isn’t out of favor is excellent writing and storytelling, and this is what Mr. Pruneda provides.” | Eden Baylee, author of Spring Into Summer
“If you enjoy a wonderful story that takes you through, highs, lows, faith and inspiration then you will find great pleasure in Pursuit of a Dream.” | Dannie Hill, author of In Search of a Soul
“Readers will truly enjoy the transition of Caleb from young boy to a focused adult with NASCAR racing on his mind.” | S.G. Lee, author of A Penny Saved, A Murder Earned
Pursuit of a Dream is a story about an ambitious young boy with a dream of becoming a professional stock car driver. Eight-year-old Caleb Lockhardt has one goal in life, racing stock cars. He is determined to live that dream no matter what, but how does he do that when no one in his family has ever been involved in auto racing? Caleb’s brother Jared is quick to point that out and even their father, while loving and supportive, doesn’t take Caleb’s aspiration serious at first…that is until he sees his son win his first go-kart race. As Caleb grows older, his desire to win clouds his focus and judgment, and he struggles with the realization that living his dream is going to require a lot more patience, discipline, and sacrifice than he had anticipated.
Readers will find that Pursuit of a Dream has much more to offer than just auto racing. It is a story about the strength of family unity, love, perseverance through adversity, and never giving up on your dreams.
Pursue your dreams…and never look back.
Available to purchase on Amazon and readable on all Kindles and Kindle apps (Get it FREE from July 2-6, 2015):
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
Welcome to Chumming with Sharky™, my blog series where I treat viewers from every corner of the deep blue sea with a taste of talented authors from a myriad of genres. This month, it is my pleasure to welcome fellow Texan author AJ Powers to chat it up talk show style. Grab a plate of cocktail weenies (AJ’s choice, not mine), click or tap on any image, and enjoy the show . . .
That’s right. You read the headline correctly. My manager and I are looking for some folks who are interested in getting their hands on this awesome new Forsaken Edition of my Amazon best-selling supernatural occult horror Devil’s Nightmare. I originally released this novel as an independently published author, and I have been honored by the amount of support I’ve received over the past couple of years. As a new author in the horror industry, it’s hard to describe how it feels to know that thousands of people all over the world have read and enjoyed what I’ve written. Some haven’t, of course, but that just comes with the territory. And that’s okay, because it’s unrealistic to believe everyone will love what you write. I am pleased to know that the vast majority of my readers have enjoyed reading Devil’s Nightmare, though. And that is what helps make this journey so enjoyable. For that, I thank you.
One of the most exciting things that happened to me this year was the opportunity to sign a contract with innovative hybrid publisher Booktrope, and through their horror imprint Forsaken, I have been able to work with a team of very talented professionals to make Devil’s Nightmare even better. And on July 15, Forsaken will publish the second edition, professionally edited, and with a kick-ass new cover that fits the story perfectly.
Devil’s Nightmare currently has 114 reviews on Amazon, with a 4.1-star average rating, and has been exclusive to Amazon since the summer of 2013 through their Kindle Direct Publishing Select program. However, when we relaunch the Forsaken Edition of Devil’s Nightmare on July 15, we’ll be adding Barnes & Noble and Apple iTunes to our list of e-retailers, thus ending the exclusive e-book deal with Amazon. The Forsaken Edition of Devil’s Nightmare will also be available in paperback format.
Please join us in celebrating the Forsaken Edition release of Devil’s Nightmare. We are requesting reviews from readers, blogs, and fans. You will be provided an advance reader copy (ARC) of Devil’s Nightmare for your enjoyment. If you’re interested in reading and reviewing Devil’s Nightmare, please tap or click on the link below and we’ll transport you to a secure Google sign-up form. Thank you in advance, and I hope you enjoy reading Devil’s Nightmare.
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
On the 6th day of the 6th month for 6 hours, the Forsaken Horror Hooligans took over Facebook for our first annual Forsaken Hooligan 666 HorrorFest. So, who exactly are the Forsaken Hooligans, you ask? Dim the lights, watch the video, and then stick around for a couple of giveaways.
That was just a small sample of the 70+ horror freaks that make up the Forsaken clan. If you didn’t know about the event, or maybe you just chose not to attend (Repent now!), I thought I’d give you a little taste of what you missed. I’ll also give you a couple of opportunities to win a prize!
Devil’s Nightmare (Forsaken Edition) Cover Reveal
On the 6th day of the 6th month at 6 p.m. I officially released the new cover art for my best-selling supernatural occult horror novel Devil’s Nightmare. This new and improved edition – published by Booktrope’s Forsaken horror imprint – will be available for sale worldwide on Wednesday, July 15.
I’ve got to give a special shout out to my awesome designer, Laura Hidalgo, for the amazing job she did redesigning the cover. After reading Devil’s Nightmare, she nailed it. It is a great representation of what to expect when reading my first horror novel. As an indie author, I originally published the e-book version with a very bad cover. I did have it professionally redesigned before the print edition came out, but now it has an even better cover for the Forsaken Edition!
If you like owning first edition copies of novels, for a limited time, Amazon still has the original paperback version available for only $8.95 as of this posting. There’s also ONE copy of the sequel available on Amazon with the original cover. I’ve officially taken Devil’s Nightmare: Premonitions (Book 2) off sale in preparation for the updated Forsaken edition, which I plan to announce at a later date. I do have a few first edition signed copies available, though. If interested in buying one, send me a message via the CONTACT page.
The “POST A SCARY HORROR CHARACTER” Contest
To kick things off after the cover reveal, I gave away some advance reader copies of Devil’s Nightmare (Forsaken Edition). To win, participants posted pics of their favorite horror characters.
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YOU CAN WIN TOO! Tell me what your favorite horror character is in the comments and I’ll select one random person to win an advance reader copy of Devil’s Nightmare (Forsaken Edition). Good luck!
The Forsaken Hooligans “I AM NOT POSSESSED” Meme Contest.
I only hosted for thirty minutes, so you can imagine how quickly things went. But I did manage to get another contest in to give away “Girls Rock Horror Harder,” the first issue of the Forsaken Hooligans e-Zine. To win, participants posted pictures to go with the meme “I am not possessed . . . Trust me!” I had some great entries.
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The little pooch in the slideshow is my dog Xena. Those eyes weren’t glowing from the camera flash, either; she was actually possessed! Shortly after taking that photo, I had to call a dog whispering exorcist. He went missing weeks ago. Xena claims she had nothing to do with it. 🙂
Forsaken Horror Hooligans Love Heavy Metal
We took a short break from the festivities to post some of our favorite metal head and creepy music videos. To go with our 666 horror theme, I posted Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast.”
What’s your favorite heavy metal band? I personally love Iron Maiden, Metallica, Queensrÿche, and Twisted Sister. Let’s get a conversation going in the comments. I’ll randomly select one of you to win another prize. It could be a book, a gift card, or maybe even a special visit from my possessed pooch Xena. You won’t know if you don’t comment.
The Horror Movie Poster Contest
What’s a horror party without some cool horror posters, right? So, for my next contest I asked revelers to follow me on Twitter and then post their favorite horror movie posters for a chance to win an e-book copy of Devil’s Nightmare (Forsaken Edition) when it’s available on July 15.
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So, what’s your favorite horror movie of all time? What sticks in your mind that got you interested in the horror genre? Post your answer in the comments for a chance to win an e-book copy of Devil’s Nightmare (Forsaken Edition) on July 15. I’m feeling very generous today, so post those comments, folks!
Short Horror Movie Time
Okay, Xena and Cujo are chasing the mailman again, so while I rescue the poor fella, pull out a comfy mat and enjoy this short horror flick I found on YouTube. I also posted it during the event. It’s out of season, but “Dark Elf” should give you a nice dose of the chills.
Ah, there’s nothing like a creepy kid and a psycho Santa to get you into the holiday spirit this summer.
The Creepy Santa Contest
All of this occurred in a span of thirty minutes, and let me tell you, my keyboard was smoking. I had just enough time to have one final contest. Sticking with the creepy Christmas theme, I asked my horror fest party goers to post scary Santa pics for a chance to win my grand prize . . . a signed paperback copy of Devil’s Nightmare (Forsaken Edition) and some cool swag.
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Is it just me, or did I see an evil version of Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause? Anyway, I had a blast during the first annual Forsaken Hooligans 666 Horror Fest, and I hope you join us next year. Mark your calendars, because we’ll be spreading our evil intent again on June 6, 2016.
Join Sharky’s Mailing List For More Fun
I hope you enjoyed this post and will keep you coming back for more. I’d like to invite you to join my exclusive VIP mailing list where you’ll be the first to know of any upcoming events, new release announcements, sneak previews, and special giveaways (and I love to give away cool prizes) only available to newsletter subscribers. And don’t worry, you’ll receive the newsletter no more than once per month. No spam. I don’t like eating it, and I don’t want it in my inbox either. So, if you’d like to be a part of my exclusive club, click on the graphic below.
Until next time, keep reading and remember to support your local bookstores.
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
Who doesn’t like winning free stuff? I know I do. Up for grabs is a $25 Amazon (US) gift card and signed first edition copy of my Amazon best-selling horror novel Devil’s Nightmare. How cool is that? All you need to do for your chance to win this awesome prize is click on the creepy image below and sign up for my VIP newsletter. Be sure to check your email afterwards to confirm your subscription. Here’s what you’ll get for subscribing:
An entry to this giveaway (duh). 🙂
Exclusive content only available to VIP newsletter subscribers, such as excerpts or additional unpublished content.
Special giveaways available only to subscribers.
Advanced notification for new releases.
Other surprise goodies.
A special place in the author’s heart.
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Click on the image below to subscribe and enter the giveaway:
Good luck and thank you for subscribing!
The fine print: Eligible for residents of the United States and Canada only. Amazon gift card is only redeemable at Amazon.com (USA). The newsletter subscriber giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on Monday, May 25, 2015. Winners will be notified via email, smoke signals, or carrier pigeon. If you have any questions, feel free to post it in the comments or via the contact form.
Legal mumbo jumbo: Amazon.com is in no way affiliated with or a sponsor of this promotion, but I’m sure they will love you forever for shopping with them if you win the gift card. 🙂
Sherilyn Putnam is the pen name of an author who decided holding in the stories for younger people just wasn’t an option. Thus a whole new persona emerged, ready to share her love of fantastical beings and adventurous characters with the young readers of the world. Sherilyn is almost exactly like the ‘other’ author, being she lives in the deep south, has two daughters, a hero husband and lives in a tiny house ruled by two insane cats and a miniature dachshund with a Napoleon complex. 
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though. He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
Sharkbait Writes 
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