Things are looking up this Fall!

The Journey Continues...

After surviving all the stress and turmoil of DISNEY/PIXAR basically stealing my Beast World setting, I got my act together, published and had a stupendous launch of my sixth book, WINDY HOLLOW! The campaign went splendidly this Summer with lots of new followers and friends. And, it's been well-received, with smashing reviews, like this latest review of the entire Beast World Series (so far) at Pen and Paper. I plan on promoting the Beast World series again when their movie comes out in March. I really appreciate all the support! Let's hear it for the little guys!

With the Holidays just around the corner, I'm excited to have a couple of events in November. But I'm running out of books! I have to get Pop Travel back up and printing by the end of October. And soon after, Broken Branch Falls, hopefully by the end of the year. It can be done. And since I'm doing it myself, it WILL be done! Gotta stay positive!

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

After recently moving, I found the cutest bookstore. Mulberry Street Books in Lebanon, OH.
And I was right! It was officially named one of the coziest bookstores in Ohio!
The best part: I was able to do a signing there -- which went very well! I met some great folks and sold a bunch of books. Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to more!

They not only promote authors and sell books, but they promote other crafts and classes related to all things bookish or creative. And they brew coffee and sell yummy treats.
I got this adorable handmade ipad cozy while I was there:

Another event I'm excited about is a weekly twitter chat that I started while I was promoting the release of WINDY HOLLOW.
It's called #WEDWRANT -- a midweek gathering of writers/creatives who get together to rant, encourage, and have a few laughs. There's a regular group of us, and we welcome anyone who'd like to join in.

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Bookishness

Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice... lately, sharing questions from one of my sweetest fans on Goodreads, she's awesome!

BookwormNerd: What is the most difficult thing about writing about the opposite gender?

Answer: Since I have three sons, writing the opposite gender is not that difficult for me. Though there are gender differences, they are aren’t that important most of the time. Personality is what you want to capture when you’re writing.

My Advice: I know female leads seem under-represented, but I think we are more complicated and harder to write! I recommend writing the characters that come to you. Don't force a female if a male is what comes to mind and vice/versa. I try to keep an equal balance in my books, but males come easier to me. That's one reason I started my Un-Princess series, where the girls are in charge!

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What I'm Reading...

• I'm in the midst of an ARC of NOT GUILTY by C. Lee McKenzie. It's about a teenage boy with high future hopes that are dashed when he becomes the prime suspect in an attempted murder case. It's full of raw emotions he has to deal with, turning his world upside-down. I hope it's got a happy ending!
  
• Since I've got a deadline, I have to pause reading anything else for the moment.

What I'm Writing...

• I've also paused FARTHER ALONG - though I got some great feedback from my beta readers and another artist working on a cover sketch, but...
• I have to get POP TRAVEL and BROKEN BRANCH FALLS re-published ASAP. I have events coming up!
• Also on hold, GERTRUDE (the Nerdy Princess) UnPrincess novella #4 - Hoping for a February release.
• As soon as I get my previous novels re-published, CONDUCTION, the 4th POP TRAVEL novel is ready for typing. The gang is working on a new method of data storage - in your body! But does that mean someone can control you with the right frequency??
• BEAST WORLD #4 is still in the works, and will hopefully be written up soon... this one stars Gabe's sister Ginny!

Where I'll be...

• No book events, but I'll be busy working to get Pop Travel re-published! So much to do!

• 11/2/19 - 11am-3pm - Gratitude Crop vendor event, Hilton Garden Holiday Inn, Cincinnati. Looking forward to selling some books. I just hope I don't buy more than I sell!
• 11/9/19 - all day - Girls Night Out - Local Author Expo at  Mulberry Street Books in Lebanon, OH. A sidewalk sale extravaganza!

• Family will be coming to town - gotta deck them halls!

This fall will be colorful and eventful!
Hope you enjoy every moment!

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If you like to read, tweet, and help others--join my STREET TEAM! I treat my team for offering their services and time to sneak peeks, and special swag. Please fill out this FORM if you're interested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Subscribe to Tara Tyler's Newsletter 

~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~

Summer of Dreams!

I did it! WINDY HOLLOW is HERE!

If you want something done right, do it yourself! 

So I did. I took my rights back and published Windy Hollow!

WINDY HOLLOW
Beast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3
by Tara Tyler
Available NOW!

In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.

Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.

Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...

Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings. 

Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Paperback ~~~ Ebook ~~~ Goodreads

I've been busy writing fun and informative posts on writing and other entertaining summer stuff... and with the help of some friends, we've been spreading the news about WINDY HOLLOW's long-awaited release! Stop by if you have time.

6/20 - Heather Holden - Reverse Interview, How does she Create such Awesome Art?
6/22 - Ellen Jacobson - Interview with some surprising questions!
6/24 - Patricia Lynne - Keeping Magic Alive
6/26 - MJ Fifield - Fantasy World-Building
6/30 - SA Larsen - Special Newsletter & a Vlog?!
7/1 - My IWSG post on Marketing with updates and a Special Guest!
7/3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - IWSG Day - Fantasy Movies
7/4 - Tonja Drecker - Independence Day! - Kids in Books
7/8 - Christine Rains - Levels of Romance
7/10 - Heather M. Gardner - Binge Watching TV
7/15 - Tyrean Martinson - Hiking!
7/17 - Julie Flanders - Gotta Have Friends
*7/22 - Juneta Key - Surprise Post! (she doesn't even know what it's about yet!)

And of course, there's a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

Sadly, with my publisher going incognito, I can't get a good supply of books to sell at events. I had to cancel one of my favorite go-to's Ohioana. They tried to work with me to get books, too. 
I'll be back next year!

But I won't be out for long. I am planning to re-publish my books on my own.Those older books could all use a tune-up anyway. I'll just have a refurbished party like those home shows!

And I have been getting out... I was able to visit fellow author and critique partner,
Christine Rains!

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Bookishness

Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice... lately, sharing questions from one of my newest fans on Goodreads, she's awesome!

BookwormNerd: What are your hardest scenes to write?

Answer: The hardest scenes for me to write in any of my books are battle scenes or fight scenes — they’re hard to describe.

My Advice: There's so much going on at a fast pace. Sometimes I act the scene out. I like to know what someone would really do if faced with a fight scene. What would be real reactions for the characters? It's tough to write these descriptive scenes and keep the intensity. Another technique is to write short sentences to show forcefulness and quick motions. You should also build up suspense before the action with a little stalking or taunting dialog, which can be spoken or internal.

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What I'm Reading...

• Just finished SECOND NATURE by M.J. Fifield. Tremendous series! Reminds me of Game of Thrones -- and just like J.R.R. Martin, this genius takes her time putting her masterpieces together, so I have to wait a while for the 3rd book! 5 stars
• Which means I need more to read for the rest of the summer! I just picked up MURDER AT THE MARINA, a cozy mystery by Ellen Jacobson. I plan to read more, since her third one just released!
• Also going to finally read WICKED BUSINESS by one of my all time faves, Janet Evanovich

What I'm Writing...

• FARTHER ALONG - is finally with my beta readers! Looking forward to hearing their thoughts.
• REWORKING my previous novels for RE-PUBLICATION! This is a tough task... We'll see how it goes.
• That means these future books are on hold during my transition...
• GERTRUDE (the Nerdy Princess) UnPrincess novella #4 - I've recruited a special artist for the cover!
• CONDUCTION, the 4th POP TRAVEL novel - a new method of data storage in your body! But does that mean someone can control you with the right frequency??
• BEAST WORLD #4 is still in the works. But a shocking revelation has come to my attention, and I've had to deal with it... More news on that next time...

Where I'll be...

• WINDY HOLLOW Release TOUR!!
• Lots of travel with baseball and summer vacationing -- I get to see friends in every city!

• I'll be preparing for my new teaching job -- once I'm back into a groove, I'll be able to do more writing stuff!

• 9/21/19 - 2pm - BOOK TALK and SIGNING, WINDY HOLLOW RELEASE PARTY! at my local Mulberry Street Bookstore in Lebanon, Ohio! Very excited and a little anxious - I hope I have enough books!

Baseball is in full swing!
Try to stay cool this summer!

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If you like to read, tweet, and help others--join my STREET TEAM! I treat my team for offering their services and time to sneak peeks, and special swag. Please fill out this FORM if you're interested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Subscribe to Tara Tyler's Newsletter 

~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~

Orange, Yellow, Red, & Brown = FALL!

WINDY HOLLOW
Sneak Peek at Cover Sketch...

It's supposed to be a were-ogre howling in a crumbling castle
with troll guards asleep at the entrance and Ona and Gabe snooping around...
WINDY HOLLOW - BEAST WORLD Book 3

DISPOSAL will be Released
November 14, 2017

Still waiting on the cover, but it will fall in line with the rest of the Pop Travel series, hosting a young couple in a desperate embrace as they disintegrate...

DISPOSAL - Pop Travel #3
Cooper and Geri are finally in a good place, but their bliss is short-lived when Cooper's rebellious nephew Jimmy moves in with them for a summer internship. He hits the town hard and thinks he's found the girl of his dreams in an fiery, exotic beauty. Against all words of warning, he pursues her and ends up getting kidnapped by her powerful Drug Lord father. Geri tracks him down, but gets herself kidnapped as well.

Now it's up to Cooper to use all his resources to save them, including the hot homicide detective Geri secretly despises, and the latest sketchy gadgets his genius friend Hasan offers him to field-test. Sure, why not? Cooper will do anything to get his family back.

I'm happy to send ARC copies of DISPOSAL for Reviews.
Please email me if you're interested.

And I'll be hosting a Blog Release Tour - as well as a LIVE Release Party

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

My Un-Princess Book Party went very well. I hosted a book signing at Half Price Books and did the best I've ever done at a solo bookstore event! Some days I doubt if I should continue writing, then I have days like that!

JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story                       TWO PRINCESSES

       UnPrincess #1                                                   UnPrincess #2

     Kindle *** Paperback                                      Kindle *** Paperback

Glass City Con fizzled out as they never responded until I had already made other plans. Probably for the best...

But I have lots more events that I know will be awesome! (see below)

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Bookishness

Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice...

Q&A - How did you get published? Some of my best customers are other writers. And I am happy to share advice on how I got published with them. It takes lots of perseverance, not giving up in the face of many rejections. Keep honing your pitch - make your story sound unique and enticing in only a few words. And just keep sending it out there. Eventually you will click with an agent, editor, or publisher!

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October ~ November ~ December

October is for Oodles of Spooky Fun!

I started a terrific long-term sub job in September and it's flying by. Now that Fall is here, I'm excited about several book events coming up. WINDY HOLLOW should be ready for submission SOON! I've also reached out to a couple of artist friends to collaborate with me on a few side projects in the works - Magic Storm and another UnPrincess Story. thoroughly enjoying cooler temps and PSLs.

November to remember

A short, but special month, I have a big book event, a small business day sale, and my DISPOSAL release! And lest I forget, Christmas is right around the corner!

December of Doing
Planning to host my DISPOSAL book release party, just in time for Xmas shopping! And have another signing lined up at a quaint local re-sale boutique for my UnPrincess books. It will be a magical month!

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What I'm Reading...

• Sadly, I ran out of reading material (and time to read) If you have any recommendations for juicy, good fun, please share!

What I'm Writing...

• WINDY HOLLOW - Beast World, Book Three. Finishing touches and editing the perfect Query Letter. I'll be taking a break from this series for a bit to write a couple of new novels vying for my attention.
• MAGIC STORM - I'm not sure if a graphic novel will do this story justice. I've outlined episodes, more of a series than a novel... I may go with a script and submit it to Disney or Nickelodeon or the more receptive AMAZON!! They love shiny new things!
• The 4th POP TRAVEL novel - CONDUCTION. Under construction as so many other projects distract me!
• PRINCESS B - this is the 3rd Un-Princess story, and it has huge heart. Might even be a bit controversial, but a story that needs to be told.

Where I'll be...

October

• Oct 9 - Mason Middle School, Language Arts Classes. Very honored to have my teacher friend call and ask for me to speak to her classes about VOICE. And so glad I had a day off to do it. Yeehaw!
• Oct 28 - West Virginia Book Fest with my long-time author buddy, Elizabeth Seckman! Also get to see our awesome author friend, Ashley Chappell-Peeples. A great time will be had by all!

November

• Nov 18 - Kentucky Book Fair, Lexington, KY. This is a well-traveled event, and I've had success there in the past. Looking forward to selling some books!
• Nov 25 - Local Business Day (or the Day after Black Friday) - hoping to be at a local bookstore, Well of Books in Cincinnati, OH.

December

• Dec 2 - Sprouts Boutique, a consignment shop for kids. Still ironing out details, but looking forward to having a signing at a different atmosphere. Geared toward my UnPrincess series.
• Dec 7 - Plan to have my DISPOSAL relelase party at James Third Base - a local sports bar and grill with great food and music. And "James" is the name of Cooper's nephew!

Bring the love of reading back to the world with the gift of a book!

Subscribe to Tara Tyler's Newsletter 

~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~

Lightning and Lemonade

TWO PRINCESSES is here!

I'm so excited to finally release my second Unconventional Princesses novella, TWO PRINCESSES.

Deja was a happy, trouble-making troll, until she was exiled from her home under the mountains for her perilous pranks. Now she must serve a frilly human, Princess Calleah who's locked in a tall tower to keep suitors away. The Two Princesses from opposite sides of the Valley become unlikely friends in their seclusion, but when the time comes for Calleah to fulfill her duty, their bond is put to the test by propriety, princes, and parents. Deja doesn't take any gruff and will give it right back to protect Calleah, no matter the cost.

Kindle *** Paperback

JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story is UnPrincess #1

Kindle *** Paperback

I'll send a free e-copy of either novella to anyone who asks. And I'm hard at work getting ready to release UnPrincess #3, PRINCESS B. With UnPrincess #4, GERTRUDE in the works.

DISPOSAL has a
Release Date!
November 2017

DISPOSAL - Pop Travel #3
Cooper and Geri are finally in a good place, but their bliss is short-lived. When Cooper's rebellious nephew Jimmy moves in with them for a summer internship, he hits the town hard and thinks he's found the girl of his dreams in an fiery, exotic beauty. Against all words of warning, he pursues her and ends up getting kidnapped by her powerful Drug Lord father. Geri tracks him down, but gets herself kidnapped as well.

Now it's up to Cooper to use all his resources to save them, including the hot homicide detective Geri secretly despises, and the latest sketchy gadgets his genius friend Hasan offers him to field-test. Sure, why not? Cooper will do anything to get his family back.

I'm looking for some Pre-Release Reviews. Please email me if you're interested.

Reviews are the best gift you can give an author.

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

Happy Summer and Independence Day!

I can't believe summer is already half way over. I love this long break because it gives me mucho time to write, and I've been very productive, as you can see.

But before school ended, I was able to give my author presentation to a rambunctious group of 8th graders. Here's the play they helped me with at the end. It's a little rough, but it was fun and I think they enjoyed it. Plus, I now know how I can improve!

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Bookishness

Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice...

Q - Who does your covers? Well, covers do catch the eye, don't they? I'm very fortunate that my publisher has wonderful talent and they provide the covers. But I also know a few artists who help me with my self-publishing ventures. One is a college student, and the other is a blog friend. They're awesome and highly trained with loads of experience.

ADVICE - Covers are numero uno! Though I dabble with clip art and sketches and maps to help me with my writing, I can't emphasize enough how much a professional artist is worth the cost. I just write the stories and leave the covers to those with talent. I highly recommend not going amateur on the covers, it shows. But that doesn't mean you can't have a say - make sure the cover meets your expectations. You can compromise, but don't let their vision distort yours. Covers make the first impression to grab their attention, your words seal the deal.

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July ~ August ~ September

July - Hot & Muggy

I've been going stir-crazy without a summer event. I'm hoping to hear from my July Con soon. But it's okay if I don't because I've dedicated this summer to watching him play baseball since he's going to college in the Fall. But of course, he got injured and is out for the rest of the season... I'll also be sending out letters to schools to try and do some presentations, fingers crossed.

August - Teary-eyed

As I said, I'll be seeing my oldest off at the end of August. I'll be crying melancholy tears, but happy ones too for him to take this huge step. To take my mind off it, I keep writing and I'm hoping to schedule a local event.

September - It's off to work I go.
Windy Hollow should be ready for CPs and Beta Readers by this time. And I'll be going back to work with students. But it's almost Fall, so I'm looking forward to my next son's Senior Football games and several book events!

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What I'm Reading...

• The TOTEM series by Christine Rains - Wrapping up the series with the two final novellas - woot! I'm so honored to be a reader for her!
• SATURN RUN by John Sandford - my dad said I had to read it. So I picked it up just in time for our vacation. I hope the movie will do it justice... I'll be the judge of that!

What I'm Writing...

• WINDY HOLLOW - Beast World, Book Three. Almost done typing it up and then on to the read aloud and printout phases. Editing goes better when I have phases to look forward to - Gabe just can't keep his nose or his big ears out of trouble!
• MAGIC STORM - I've decided to go with a graphic novel for this story. (New Magi Kita & Kan race against opposing wielder Brevan to bring magic back to earth!) And I have just the artist in mind for it - can't wait to share it!
• Another POP TRAVEL novel - CONDUCTION. Underground super juicer Jared plays a big part in this one... Outline has begun.
• PAULA JEAN - I've been wanting to write this YA Christian Urban Fantasy for quite a while. Now, I'm thinking I might go straight to a screenplay with it... Decisions!

Where I'll be...

July

• July 15 & 16 - Glass City Con in Toledo, OH. I've done sci fi cons, but this is my first anime con. The theme is definitely Japanese animation, should be interesting.

August

• I'm planning 2 release parties for TWO PRINCESSES, appropriately! A live one at a consignment shop for kids called Sprouts Boutique and a virtual one on Facebook. Still ironing out details. Both should be fun with lots of prizes - and you're all invited!

September

• I might have an Arts & Craft Fair, but some don't consider books in those categories - worth a shot! But I left most of September open for my son's senior year of football. I'm also hoping to have some speaking engagements lined up. Wish me luck!

Going to the beach? Don't forget a book and sunscreen!

Subscribe to Tara Tyler's Newsletter 

The prize winner for my Spring Quarter 2017 Newsletter is...

Miranda Vasquez!

who won a $10 Amazon GC!

The prize for Summer 2017 will be 2 movie tickets!

~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, or BOOK TALKS ~~

Welcome back to the forest...

Wanted to give you a quick post to let you know...

CRADLE ROCK is now available!

And I'm giving away lots of prizes to celebrate!

CRADLE ROCK by Tara Tyler
Book Two in the Beast World series

Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!

Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.

But when Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Check out the Book Trailer!

So many exciting Cradle Rock Release events, virtually and IRL!

• For my blog tour, I've written about twenty articles to share on topics ranging from Teen Troubles to Fun Beast Facts and More! See my blog for the posting schedule.

• If you live in the Cincinnati area, I'll be signing at TWO EVENTS!

RELEASE PARTY at Panera Bread!!

DEC 5, 2016 ~ 5 - 9pm

MASON MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOKFAIR EXTRAVAGANZA

sponsored by MMS PTO

DEC 10, 2016

at Waterstone Barnes & Noble 

• In addition to giving away cool swag and prizes at these events, I'm also running a Rafflecopter giveaway for: signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC! I love giving stuff away =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
But that's not all!

• My super duper publisher, Curiosity Quills has another giveaway on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cradle Rock

by Tara Tyler

Giveaway ends January 01, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Good luck! Would love to see you at one of the events!
Happy Holidays!!