Mila A. Ballentine's Best Sellers & Other Worthy Mentions Tour and Giveaway

**An Award Winning Best Seller**

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Thin Skin Soul Pinned  

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Blurb:

Marie Tousant was an adventurous child, living a happy life until she had an untimely encounter with an entity in her back yard. From then on, she was no longer the same child, but even so, her parents were determined to maintain some sense of normalcy in her life. Although, they soon realized that, that notion did not apply.

Years later, hunting season begins, but Marie is the prey, pursued by practitioners of the dark arts, and they do not intend to let her slip away this time. However, a conflicting power emerges and shares secrets that may save Marie from the grasp of evil. Regardless of the dangers they face, Marie’s allies are willing to protect her; it becomes clear that Marie is in for the fight of her life, and there is no telling if she will come out of this ordeal alive.

 

 

Author Bio

Mila A. Ballentine is a mystery writer who doesn't shy away from writing about things that grasp the core of her imagination. Her writing is an extension of her mind's eye and there is always an element of truth in each of her books. She studied Creative Writing and Communication Arts at a City University of New York. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling or doing anything that allows her to put her creative energy to use.

What can you expect from a book written by Mila A. Ballentine?

 “Author Mila A. Balletine’s originality shines through all of her stories. She is creative, adventurous, and honest about everything that goes into the pages of her books. If Mila were to get lost in the woods, she would use her time wisely. Her senses would be alert and her creativity would skyrocket through the roof.  Mila would find a way to write a story on a leaf. Besides Mila being a good author, she is bubbly, outgoing, and extremely shy, but don’t let her coyness fool you.  Her characters are strong, honest, and ready to jump into an adventure without hesitations.” ~ Author S.J. Dennery

In her own words…

My writing style is an extension of my wide-ranging imagination. I try to write my stories as if I have walked in the character’s shoes. Like most of my characters, I have many sides. I enjoy exploring the struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities in their lives. After all, they are an important part of the story. Therefore, I strive to make the reader care about what happens in their lives.

 

Mila, what was your  motivation for writing Thin Skin Soul Pinned?

 Thin Skin Soul Pinned is based on eyewitness accounts that I've gathered over the years from West Indians who claimed to have had an encounter with the antagonist. This story is a work of fiction intensified by my uncanny imagination, but it is plausible that the antagonist does in fact exist.

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Book Trailer

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*Awards / Recognition *

 

 

Add *Thin Skin Soul Pinned* to your Goodreads TBR List.

 

Download a copy here >>  B&N / Smashwords / Amazon 

 

 

Find Mila on the following websites: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milaballentine

Blog: milaballentine.blogspot.com

 

Tumblr: http://milaballentine.tumblr.com/

 

Twitter: @MilaABallentine

 

 

Enter To Win  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

~June 16 - June 20~

 

Spent Lives by Mila A. Ballentine ~ Book Blast Giveaway

Spent Lives
Genre:  Mystery
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Cover Artist: Mila A. Ballentine

Blurb

François Laurent grew up in the shadow of what happened all those years ago and his life hadn’t been the same since. He tucked the memories of that day away in a dark corner of his mind, but hurtful things don’t stay hidden for long. His painful secrets resurfaced when a crime fragmented their charming town and François Laurent found himself in the midst of it all. As a result, he pursued Maureen Leatherby, the town’s kooky foreigner. She was always willing to assist patrons when the occasion arose, but it always came with a price.

Add Spent Lives to your Goodreads TBR List.

Book Trailer

 

  

 

 

Purchase Links 

Amazon / Smashwords / B&N

 

Similar Books by Mila 

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

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http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/19b31e0/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Five Helpful Tips for Aspiring Independent Author

I'm a fan of The Taste and this season I was rooting for Marina.

 

"I know what I know and I know what you don't know." ~ Marina / The Taste - Season 2.

 

 I love her drive and spirit. She is not afraid to showcase her ideas and I find that inspirational. It is a similar drive that fuelled many authors to publish independently. They're making waves in the publishing industry and so can you. It's an ambitious  feat but readers are always looking for the next best read. If it's a goal you would like to achieve, it's important that you prepare yourself for the journey.

 

Five tips you will find useful:

 

1. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word will make your experience easier. It will come in handy when you're formatting your document for publishing.

 

2. With intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Publisher you'll be able to create book covers and other marketing materials. See How to create an eBook cover in Publisher.

 

I created the following book covers in Publisher:

 

 

 

 

Proceed with caution! Creating eye catching book covers involves an understanding of complimentary color schemes, font choices and the image must translate to the concept of the story.

3. Learn how to use Windows Movie Maker and you'll be able to create book trailers. P.S the older versions are easier to navigate. The latest version sucks! It doesn't always pay to upgrade. Still, if you can get past the glitches, it's an excellent way to showcase your books. See Does This Book Trailer Make My Book Look Fat?

 

 4.  It's essential that you learn Createspace, Nook Press and Smashwords formatting guidelines. Personally, I found Smashwords formatting guidelines to be more cumbersome than  Createspace or Nook Press but its worth mastering. ** It will introduce your book into  the international market. Free Smashwords Formatting Guide.

5. Learn how to troubleshoot format markers. They will affect the appearance of your book. For example, adding headings and page breaks can cause the last paragraph of the previous chapter to automatically change to a heading style.

Surely there are other things that I can add to this list but these core skills will save you hundreds of dollars on each project. The money you've saved can go towards investing in a good editor.

Before I go, I'd like to share the following quote with you.

I hope you've found this article helpful.

 

 

On The Isles of Mozambique--- Spotlight Blitz---Book Tour

Book Blurb:

Samira McAllister, an aspiring writer working for The Seasoned Traveler magazine is offered an opportunity. She takes advantage of the chance to jump start her career, hoping to make a mark in the writing industry. 

Unforeseen hurdles threaten her ability to follow through with her plans, and life as she knows it becomes a memory. From that point onward, every choice she makes will seal her fate.

Inquiring minds want to know...

Why should I read On The Isles of Mozambique?

On The Isles of Mozambique is more than a mystery story, it's an intimate look into the life of a young woman with aspirations. Monkey wrenches occasionally find their way into the spokes of one’s life but it’s how the character deals with the situation is what drives On The Isles of Mozambique, a story that illustrates the power of the human spirit when all else fails.

Allow me to lure you into my literary labyrinth.

Available for purchase at

         

You can stalk, I mean follow Me here

               

About the Author

Mila A. Ballentine is a mystery writer who doesn't shy away from writing about things that grasp the core of her imagination. She studied Creative Writing and Communication Arts at a City University of New York. Her writing is an extension of her mind’s eye and there is always an element of truth in each of her books. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling or doing anything that allows her to put her creative energy to use.

Presented By

The Mysterious Musings Of A Precarious Heart - Cover Reveal And Interview

I’m sitting here with S.J. Dennery, a carefree seventeen-year-old with a vibrant imagination. She smiles and it chases any anxiety that I have about the interview. She gazes around the room filled with fervent chatter, takes a sip of her drink, and gives me her undivided attention. 

1. S. J. Dennery it’s a pleasure to interview you. My readers would love to get to know you. Tell us about you?

S.J.: When I was fifteen I began writing and before I turned sixteen I accomplished my goal of being an author. I’m a junior in high school and I enjoy singing, dancing and preparing meals for my best friend and my mom.

2. Writing a book at the age of fifteen is an impressive accomplishment. What motivated you to write this book?

S.J.: My English teachers, Mrs. Stickel and Mrs. Borchers  gave our class a writing assignment. We were given vocabulary words and each student had to write a story. We had to read what we wrote in front of the class. I received a lot of positive feedback from my peers. The story, Down by Chunky Bones was also included in Thin Skin Soul Pinned, your first paranormal mystery. I was also inspired to write  a book after working on a few projects with you, Mila. You helped me discover my love of writing stories.

Mila: I read 'Down by Chunky Bones' and I knew from that moment that you had a gift for storytelling. It was one of the reasons why I included it in Thin Skin Soul Pinned. I’m happy to hear that your classmates appreciated your talent as well.

3. What life experiences prepared you for writing this book?

S.J.: I think working as an intern with you, Mila for the past two years has expanded my imagination and respect for the art of writing. I observed your joy while you wrote your stories but I didn’t understand until I began to write my own. I especially enjoyed acting out scenes with you to get it right. It made me realize that if you can do it, I can do it too.

Mila: I’m amused that my enthusiasm has somehow fueled your desire to write. I hope that you’ll continue to find joy in writing stories.

4. What should we expect from you in the future?

S.J.: Upon graduating high school, I'll be studying towards a degree in the culinary arts. I don't have any immediate plans to write another book but the proceeds that I make from this book will go towards my college education.

Mila: Well, I hope to read more titles by you. As far as the proceeds going to your college education, that’s a great way to save towards your future endeavors. I’m sure that your parents are very proud of you.

5. If you had the benefit of a camera crew to create a commercial for your book what would you say?

S.J.: Love comes in strange packages, and life is a never-ending mystery waiting to be unraveled. The Mysterious Musings of a Precarious Heart will take you on a mysterious ride through a world that will leave you spellbound. Get your copy and begin the journey! 

Genre: YA Mystery

Release Date: July 8, 2013

Cover Artist: Mila A. Ballentine

My thoughts:

 Just when I thought that my imagination could not stretch any further, The Mysterious Musings Of A Precarious Heart came along. Co-authoring this book with S.J. Dennery allowed me to flex my creative muscles in an unexpected direction. It was an experience that I will treasure always. 

Here's the Book Trailer:

Here's the Blurb:

The Paine’s new home on Zephyr Street was a fresh start for the young family but the comfort of their new sanctuary quickly fades when a stranger invades their picturesque home and tarnishes everything that they hold dear. Their daughter Lilac’s life is forever changed and her troubles bring them more than their fair share of sorrow.

Postscript: The Mysterious Musings Of A Precarious Heart is my first and last  co-authored book. 

Thank you, S.J. Dennery for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. I wish you infinite success in your future endeavors.  

Does The Trailer Make My Book Look Fat?

Book trailers are an essential marking tool for your novel. They are no different from the movie trailers that interrupt your favorite television programs.  Within one hundred and twenty seconds, plot points are presented that can gain or lose an audience. The viewer laughs, or contorts and it can stir enough interest to get them into the theaters. The same is true for book trailers. If you create a book trailer that captures the essence of the story without giving away too much, the viewer may buy your book.

Book trailers are worth the investment. When you are creating a book trailer, it is important that the font, pictures and the music compliment the mood of the book. Here are the specifics…

Ø  The font must be easy to read. The sentence should stay on the screen long enough for the viewer to read.

Ø   Choose pictures that highlight important points in the story. The pictures should compliment the script that accompanies the picture.

Ø  When choosing music, if it is a horror story apply eerie music, romance employ tender music and drama utilize suspenseful music.

  

Ø  The audience’s focus should be on the pictures and script not the words of a song. Avoid music with lyrics and use instrumentals instead.

  

So where do you go from here? There are many choices out there and some can be costly. When I decided to use book trailers as a marketing tool, I put the task in capable hands and paid a reasonable price.  Everyone loves a bargain especially when the product is worth more than the cost.  

>>My Book Trailers<<

BACK AWAY FROM THE SHOES

WHILE REBELS SLEEP

THIN SKIN SOUL PINNED

DESOLATE TERRAIN

THE MYSTERIOUS MUSINGS OF A PRECARIOUS HEART