Saturday, June 4, 2016
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
NEW BOOK RELEASE: The Descendants (A Summer Solstice Novel) - Contemporary Fantasy / Romance
Well, it's finally here. After nearly a year of waiting, The Descendants is now available on Amazon in Kindle and Print, and I couldn't be prouder! Not only is this a professional milestone in my writing career, but it's the third book in the Summer Solstice Series, a series that has grown in so many ways since June 2014. In a strange way, this series is a reflection of my own journey over the past two years, one that started out awkward and timid, but built wings along the way. PURCHASE NOW
DON'T MISS THE 3 DAY SALE!
NOVEMBER 17-19
Get The Descendants for only $3.99
Thank you for sharing this journey with me! Please, don't stop telling me what you think of my stories. What you feel when you read them. The inspiration they evoked in you. The best way to do this is by leaving an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, and by sharing the books with your friends.
I sincerely can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Descendants. It's by far my favorite in the series, as so many of the long-awaited secrets are revealed, and the science behind the mythology is explained. I hope you enjoy it!
Saturday, September 12, 2015
My favorite people,
You have been patiently waiting for the release of Book 3 of the Summer Solstice Series, The Descendants, and I can finally release some news!!! The Descendants is in my final editor's hands and we should be wrapping up the middle of October. I am SO incredibly excited for this release. Everything I set out to write back in 2008 is finally coming to a natural storyline closure. At this point I can't say exactly what is next, but I can tell you that I'm not ready to close the door on this series. There are many stories to be told from multiple view points and the more I hear from you all, the more motivated I am to keep this series going. Keep sending me your messages and leaving your reviews, because with every bit of feedback you give, you're helping these stories come to fruition.
Now for the fun stuff ;) Release date is SET! Book cover is COMPLETE! Book Blurb is WRITTEN! And I can't wait to share this all with you on SEPTEMBER 23rd!!!
Until then . . . here's something fun.
Join my Facebook Event to be the first to hear more about the release! JOIN HERE
I'll be giving away signed print copies and merchandise from the series. ALSO...
If you or someone you know hasn't grabbed the first book of the series, Enchanted, definitely make sure you do between September 21-September 28th. The Summer Solstice Enchanted will be on sale for only 99Cents!
Sunday, June 21, 2015
HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE, FRIENDS!
It's a special day for my friends in Apollo Beach and the rest of the Enchanters who are celebrating their day of origin. Not only is the Summer Solstice considered the longest day of the year for us in the Northern Hemisphere, but it's also a spiritual day for some, where the start of summer and the fertility of the Earth is celebrated. For others, it just means we get a bit more time to enjoy some outdoor fun, thanks to the tilt of the Earth's axis, exposing us to the most sunlight than any other day of the year.
Want to know the exact time of day the Solstice will occur? If you live in Florida, like me, the sun will be at its peak at 12:39PM =)
Check out when your June Solstice is HERE
And don't forget, in honor of this special day, as well as the anniversary of Enchanted (Book 1 of The Summer Solstice Series), I'm discounting both books for a limited time!
Only 99¢ Ends 6/24
Thursday, June 18, 2015
99¢ LIMITED TIME SALE! THE SUMMER SOLSTICE SERIES
99¢ LIMITED TIME SALE! THE SUMMER SOLSTICE SERIES
For this ONE TIME ONLY Anniversary Event, both books in the Summer Solstice Series are only 99¢!
4.6 ★s & OVER 100 GLOWING REVIEWS ON AMAZON & GOODREADS
PURCHASE LINKS:
After the death of her mother, Katrina Summer is hurled into life at Apollo Beach. Her estranged and cryptic grandmother Rose fills Kat with legends of her Ancient Greek Ancestors from which the Summer family descends. Kat’s world unravels as secrets from her heritage are exposed. Leading to her birthday, the day of the Summer Solstice, Kat becomes frightened when enigmatic visions and disturbing dreams start to become reality. Amidst the turmoil, Kat meets Alec Stone, her gorgeous neighbor, who becomes her sole solace in an evocative world of mythological enchantment and evil prophecies that lurk around every corner…
Katrina Summer finally comes to terms with her enchanted skin as she is challenged with an evil that threatens the Solstice settlement of Apollo Beach...At a private gathering on Summer Island Kat meets an entire secret society of Enchanters—and other mythological descendants of a different breed. The gorgeous Valli sisters appear forcing Kat to take a deeper look into her new existence. To escape the lurking dangers of the Equinox, which brings outrage and heartbreak to the entire town, Kat accepts a job at the Island Grille where more trouble brews as her handsome, yet brooding co-worker, Johnny, makes life even more challenging. Meanwhile, Kat struggles between her lingering and undeniable attraction for Alec, the secrets that she is forced to keep from him, and a betrayal that sends them on separate paths.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
SCORCHING AUTHORS SUMMER GIVEAWAY
Countdown to Summer begins, and some author friends of mine have a HUGE giveaway just for you.
Grand Prize: KINDLE FIRE HD 6!!!
...and 69 Other awesome prizes including 30 super reads and some major swag.
Check out all prizes & enter to win HERE!
Make sure to scroll through to see all possible prizes.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
99₵ SPRING EQUINOX SALE — THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ENCHANTED
99₵ SPRING EQUINOX SALE!!!
Sale Over...stay tuned for Summer Promotions!
THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ENCHANTED — 4.7★s!
✔GreekMyth ✔ComingOfAge ✔FairyTale ✔Romance ✔Paranormal
After Katrina "Kat" Summer’s mother dies a mysterious and tragic death, Kat is hurtled into life at Apollo Beach. Her estranged and cryptic grandmother Rose fills Kat with legends of her Ancient Greek Ancestors from which the Summer family descends. Kat’s world begins to unravel as secrets from her heritage are exposed – secrets that her mother purposefully concealed.
Leading to her birthday, the day of the Summer Solstice, Kat becomes frightened when enigmatic visions and disturbing dreams haunt her. When her visions become reality, her fear turns to terror as powerful forces threaten the lives of those around her.
Amidst the turmoil, Kat meets Alec Stone, her gorgeous neighbor, who becomes her sole solace in an evocative world of mythological enchantment and evil prophecies that lurk around every corner…
Friday, December 26, 2014
INSPIRING YOUNG READERS...
This morning I received a precious photo from a mother who purchases my books for her daughter. In a recent contest to win a signed paperback of The Summer Solstice: Enchanted and The Equinox, this mother (Laura) won and asked that I sign the book to Lily who was a fan of Enchanted. I did and luckily the books arrived just in time for Christmas!
Below you will find sisters, Lily (right) and Sophia (left). There are so many wonderful things about this photo that inspired this blog post...
Why do I write Young Adult books? This right here is a perfect example. Some of the things that resonate with us in life are the experiences that create long-lasting positive memories. When I was Lily's age I was reading non-stop. You couldn't tear me away from my books and I seemed to never have enough of them. I loved entering a character's world and experiencing obstacles with them. Eventually, my love for reading turned into something bigger. I didn't just want to read a story; I wanted to create my own. So I picked up a pen and a notebook and just started writing.
Usually, the books I read when I was younger were light and entertaining reads but there was always a moral take-away. That's why I write the way I do now. In both books there are references to "saving the planet" but they are very light and do not distract from the read. While I want my readers to gain something educational from my writing, my books are written as a form of escape for my readers, not as an opportunity to preach.
The photo above not only fills me with happiness at the fact that my novels are reaching people, but it proves that what I'm doing is not a waste of time. My books are inspiring young readers to pick up a book and leave a review when they're done. And Lily now can look at someone who has been in her shoes before—someone that took that leap of faith and published her own book. Just keep doing what you love Lily, and one day life will reward you.
"Anything is possible when you read."
~ K.K. Allen ~
Sunday, December 21, 2014
The 12 Indies of Christmas: Happy Winter Solstice!
Check out the blog post here for The 12 Indies of Christmas! Happy Winter Solstice everyone :)
Friday, December 19, 2014
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from K.K. Allen (Celebrate w/this 99Cent Stocking Stuffer!)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! LET'S CELEBRATE. Are you in need of some last minute holiday stocking stuffers? Did you know Kindle books make the BEST stocking stuffers? Well, they do. If you know someone with a smart phone/device then all they have to do is download the Kindle app for FREE and they can start loading up on books. And even better, during the holidays discounted books are everywhere.
The Summer Solstice: Enchanted is currently .99, just in time for you to purchase as a gift on Amazon, print, wrap, and place it in your loved one's stocking. It's so easy.
Check it out! Offer ends on December 22. (click here to view more)
Sunday, November 9, 2014
The Summer Solstice: Enchanted - Interview, 5 Star Review, and Dream Cast
Such great news!!! I've been chosen by the writers of Pretty Little Pages Blog for a feature. You can find my interview with E.J. Logan, a Dream Cast, and an awesome 5 STAR (or Leaves, hehe) Review where Kristen declares her love for Solstice. I am honored!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY - The Summer Solstice: Enchanted
This giveaway is closed.
:)
Much Love,
K.K. Allen
Author, The Summer Solstice: Enchanted
Saturday, August 30, 2014
The Summer Solstice: Enchanted (OFFICIAL BOOK TRAILER)
I am so excited about this book trailer, I just can't stop talking about it...but I'm tired of talking about it! Here's hoping you all love it as much as I do and share, share, share. This entire video was made with my own two hands, from spending ridiculous time searching for the perfect video clips, finding the most EPIC music, and writing the copy...oh yeah, I edited it too!
Many hours, much love, and insane passion to make my book come to life in a way that hopefully encourages the right folks to download it and start reading today!
Check it out, and make sure to leave you comments, like it, and SHARE it with your friends.
Much love,
K.K. Allen
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Indie vs. Traditional Publishing - What's Right For You?
I recently posted a message on my Facebook page and the reaction was favorable so I wanted to elaborate. Since releasing my first novel, The Summer Solstice: Enchanted, I've been approached by many aspiring writers. They ask me how I got started and then let me know that they too have been working on a book that they would love to get published one day. I always encourage them and say, "If you have something to write, then write it." That's really all that matters. I didn't start writing in order to publish and become a billionaire (that would be nice though!). I write because I love to write. And for the first time in my life, I was ready to face the world with my story. I know I'm not alone. My Indie Author friends will agree...the Indie road is a long and demanding one. It's constant effort, networking, and learning. Fulfilling? Yes!
My FB post message:
Many people ask me why I didn't seek out an agent or publisher after writing The Summer Solstice: Enchanted. I'd have much more exposure (especially initially). An amazing editor would have been appointed to me (much needed). I'd be in bookstores everywhere (not necessarily). Here's what I've learned going Indie...there are some extraordinary people out there that genuinely want to help others succeed. The Indie community is one that gives and gives and gives. We buy each other's work, we share honest opinions, and we grow in what we do because we aren't afraid to listen to constructive criticism (thank you to those who have done this for me). I've connected with so many ambitious authors who understand that writing is a never-ending journey, one that is driven by passion and great storytelling - not $$$. There is no perfection. Hopefully readers enjoy our stories, but this is not always the case(this is tougher than you can imagine). Every day I'm learning and applying feedback thanks to some great people out there. I'm not saying that going Indie is the better route - but for me, it's working out!
So is Indie the right option for you? That's up for you to decide ;)
Follow me on FB and Twitter for more on me and The Summer Solstice series!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Mythology of the Summer Solstice Enchanted
Since the launch of my book, The Summer Solstice: Enchanted, friends, family, and other readers have asked me how I came up with this mythology of the Summer Solstice. It really all started with my passion to write, my love for love stories, and my interest to create something magical. Something along the lines of Teen Witch, my favorite 80’s movie that my best friend (a guy) and I love to quote whenever we get the opportunity. "Top that, stop that. I don't really give a about tryin to top that!" If you’ve seen the movie once you know exactly what I’m referencing. But in all seriousness, I truly believe that that is a great movie. It's a lighthearted teen romance with a magical twist but it plays with realistic high school issues – it is hard to be "unpopular." I know this from experience – you don't get the guy, you try to wear the right clothes but they never quite match up to the true trend setters of your school, you don't get invited to dances, and boys just use you for your brain (if you're lucky). It's this realistic undertone that is relatable – but with a magical twist. That’s exactly the story I wanted to write.
As I considered my options in regards to characters, settings, and magical happenings, I toyed with the idea of creating my own mythology – one that would be original and set a apart from the well-loved vampire romances of modern day. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about Team Edward – but I didn't want to write something that had already been written. So I did a lot – A LOT of research.
During one of my daily visits to the bookstore, I picked up my first book relating to the Summer Solstice. I didn't understand why this particular book was in the Mythologies section so I thumbed through it and suddenly the light bulb went off in my head. I continued to gain as much knowledge as I could about this "event" as many call the Summer Solstice; the one day of the year that the sun appears to hang in the sky longer than all the rest. I found something about this – enchanting. This deserved a story...
I continued to flush out my concept via outline and summary. Once I figured out the premise of what The Summer Solstice Enchanted could be about, I began to play with characters and how they could be involved in such a unique story. Like in Teen Witch, I also believe that something magical happens when a teenager becomes 16 years of age. She is becoming more independent. She can drive; therefore, she has more freedom. Her awkward teen years are finally fading away and she's becoming a young woman – one that deserves to be admired.
Quickly after writing a good part of Enchanted, I knew that I wanted to carry this story further. If you’ve read The Summer Solstice Enchanted then you will agree that the first book is more about Kat growing into her own skin, figuring out who she is, and how to cope with it all, than it is a love story – though the elements are there, it’s not as prominent as Kat’s character and her heritage. It didn’t start out this way.
Originally, I wanted to write a forbidden love story. But when it came down to it, Kat has to learn so much about herself in Enchanted that the love story just felt forced. She – like all of us girls – needed to be comfortable in her own skin before she could truly love another. And with no father figure in her life, love is a confusing subject for her. It was important for me to have Kat explore realistic emotions, and though the magical elements are distracting to how a realistic situation would be portrayed, that is the life of Katrina Summer. We get to watch her character grow from awkward, shy, teen girl, to the blossoming and enchanting Katrina Summer. She is forced to grow up quickly and accept the fact that her mom lied to her. She is faced with new experiences in Apollo Beach – boys, bullies, family, and independence – all of which she'd never had before. She is also still dealing with the death of her mom. As a young girl especially, death doesn’t makes sense. As she expresses in her own thoughts, why would someone so healthy, die for no apparent reason? All of these factors had to play out to create the story of the Summer Solstice and there’s much more to the story that we find out in subsequent novels.
In essence, Kat is just like any other teen girl that is fumbling her way through new experiences and learning how to deal with the unexpected. She must find the power within herself to grow up and experience life. As Kat's confidence emerges throughout this story, I hope the same for my young readers. Magic is something we all hold within ourselves. I encourage you to let your magic shine.
Much love,
K.K. Allen
P.S. A hint to my readers: I am receiving your questions and requests for MORE. I am unbelievably pleased with the feedback you’ve provided. So here’s a hint…YES, the second book in the series, The Equinox will have MUCH more of everything you’ve been asking for and your questions WILL be answered :)
PURCHASE The Summer Solstice: Enchanted HERE
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014
The Summer Solstice Enchanted - NOW AVAILABLE!
The most exciting post-publish experience so far is connecting with you all! I'm meeting some new people and getting great feedback already. Some feedback motivated me to write this blog post.
A few comments from people are those who want to buy my book but don't have a Kindle. I have the best answer ever! You don't need a Kindle, Sillies.
All you need is a Smart Phone and an App Store/Google Play (you get it). Download the Kindle app for your smartphone and you're good to start reading!
Thank you to everyone who has already made a purchase! Can't wait to hear your feedback.
Much Love,
K.K. Allen
The Summer Solstice: Enchanted - available here: amzn.to/1quA7UQ
Sign up for K.K. Allen's Fan Club for exclusive updates here: www.KK-Allen.com
Friday, May 30, 2014
Let Your Dreams Be Greater Than Your Fears
Writing is something I’ve always been passionate about. I remember at 13 years old I had filled an entire spiral bound notebook with my first book. I have no interest in reading that book now, but the amazing fact is, I wrote a book. From start to finish, I’d crafted an entire fictional story with characters, plots, drama, etc. Why I picked up my pen and started doing this is a mystery to me. Perhaps the dozens of sleepovers with my best friend as we traded Sweet Valley High and R.L. Stine books back and forth played a part in this. Maybe it was my love for putting pen on paper and perfecting my handwriting. Or possibly it was my fascination with love stories and the ability to tell a story exactly how I wanted to. I'm positive all of these things played a part in my passion to write. And now fast forward a couple decades (ouch) and I have probably written about 12 books. Don't even ask - those books will never see the light of day. In fact, I may have burned them by now. But the passion and enjoyment of writing never died.
Six years ago (In August), I quit my job in Advertising, left my friends, packed up my condo, and moved to Florida. I decided to take a risk and start a new venture. At that time, finding a job was tough. My dream of working for one of the theme park’s corporate offices were dashed as soon as I realized the number of applicants they receive daily. I still tried, but with no luck. During my journey in finding a job, I began to fill the extra hours of my day with writing. This time, I was determined to take it seriously. I wanted to create an elaborate story involving love, the supernatural, and all things the young adult readers crave (let’s face it, even us adults love those books!). I’ve always found Ancient Greek history, especially the mythologies created from them, intriguing. I thought to myself, “How cool would that be to write my own mythology set in modern day?” And that’s what I set out to do.
While initially creating the story of The Summer Solstice, I allowed life, and fear of rejection, to get in the way. And although I tried to get back to it as often as I could, I had lost that driving force in me. Thankfully, recent events have pushed me to find myself and connect with my writing again. I haven’t been happier. The feeling of completing a book from start to finish, having others read it, and then having them actually want to continue reading is fulfilling all in itself.
I’m currently at the end of my editing phase and my book is almost ready. I've set a deadline, because I know if I don't I could rewrite the story a dozen more times before perfecting it. I can’t wait to share my story with you all. And although I'd love to try the "find an agent and get printed by a real publisher" route, I'm going to give this self-publishing thing a try. And while I brace myself for inevitable criticism I will no longer hold back and fear the unknown. I’m going to put myself out there, share my story, and enjoy every second of it. I hope you do too!
Thank you for reading this!
K.K. Allen
P.S. For those of you who know me, K.K. Allen is my pen name. My ultimate goal is to write Project Management books as well, and I want to keep those under my “real” name. Soooo, there ya have it!
The Summer Solstice Novel will be available in Kindle format on June 10th, 2014.
Update: The Summer Solstice is now available in Print and Kindle download (other formats to come) here: www.http://amzn.to/1quA7UQ
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