Monday, November 24, 2014

**GIVEAWAY** Karma- Interview/Review Donna Augustine-Blog Tour

I'm so psyched today to welcome a relatively new to me author who I e-met through social media (isn't it great), read her novel Karma and fell in love with her characters, her storytelling and her generosity.
So welcome to my stop on the Karma by Donna Augustine blog tour. Enjoy our interview, my review of Karma and Donna has graciously offered one lucky entrant an e-copy of Karma and a needle felted critter she made, US ONLY! exclusively for my blog.

There is also a tour wide giveaway that I'll post too!
I know that you'll be excited to read this amazing new urban fantasy series when you get to the end of the post.
Giveaway details below.
Take it away Donna!!!






  • BN ID: 2940149703852
  • Publisher: Strong Hold Publishing
  • Publication date: 7/8/2014
  • Series: Karma , #1
  • Format: eBook
  • Pages: 344



Overview

People say karma's a...well, you know. Personally, I don't think I'm that bad. It's not like I wanted this job. I wasn't even in my right mind when I accepted the position.

Now, I'm surrounded by crazy coworkers like Lady Luck, who's a bit of a tramp, and Murphy's Law, who's a bumbling oaf. But the worst is Fate. He's got a problem with transfers like myself and I have to see him constantly. It's unavoidable, since we're hunting the same man, my murderer.

Read an excerpt:

“No. Just you. Everyone has their own department. You are Karma.” He pointed toward me dramatically, the way someone would try and accent a meaning to a person who didn't know the language.

“I'm not sure I'm adequately suited for this position. Even for a month. I'm more of a “bygones be bygones” kind of person. Don't you need someone a bit more vengeful?”

He looked down at the file spread on his desk. “I would disagree. Your file said you would be an excellent candidate.”

“May I see that?” I asked, eying up said file on his desk. How much did Harold know about me? Everything? That was an uneasy feeling. Even the best of us had our secrets and even though I considered myself a decent human being, I didn't think I fell into the saintly category.

The file didn't look big enough for my entire life to be in it. It didn't even look thick enough for a short story. Maybe just a highly edited Wiki version?

“No, absolutely not.” He shut the Manila folder quickly, as if I were going to jump up and try to peek. The guy took neurotic to a whole other level.

Okay, the file wasn't that important. I needed to keep the peace and simply explain in better detail how I'd made an error in judgment. Be nice. My southern mother had always said you caught more bees with honey than vinegar. She had tried to drill it into my head since I was a small child. It wasn't something I'd come naturally to, that was for sure, but it was a valid tactic, even if that wasn't the lesson my mother had meant to instill.

“Harold, when I agreed to work for you, I was under the duress of seeing my dead body. You can understand how jarring that can be, right? I wasn't thinking clearly at all.” It sounded logical enough to me, but I wasn't sure if he'd ever had the pleasure of dying and his manner didn't scream naturally empathetic.

He cleared his throat and I could tell by the set of his mouth that I wouldn't like the next words. “I'm sorry, but that's not how things work here. Like I told you, there’s a mandatory one-month trial period. An active one-month.”

He leaned back in his chair and pushed his glasses up closer to his face. His almost black eyes, artificially enlarged from the lens, stared at me in a bit of an awkward way. I wasn't sure if there was a bite to follow up his bark but his magnified beady gaze sure made the situation less than desirable.

Still, beady gaze and all, I had to try one last time. Perhaps a different angle. Regardless of my record, he clearly thought I was an idiot; maybe that was the way to go. I had no problem playing a stooge if it got me out of here quickly.

“As you stated, I'm a transfer. You really don't want me. I'm a horribly slow learner. The mistakes I've made in my life, geesh, you'd squirm if you knew.” I twirled a finger in my hair for effect and wished I had some chewing gum to smack.

“Yes, I'm well aware.”

He was? Hey, wait a minute; I didn't think I'd done too badly for myself. What were these jerks writing about me in that file?

“Fate will help you with that.”

And just like that, I had bigger problems. I wasn't just stuck here; I was stuck with him. “The guy who helped me so far?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“It has to be him.” Harold threw his hands in the air, as if why am I bothering him? Not his orders.

“Then I'll work alone.”

I'd be clueless but peaceful. There was something wrong about that guy. There was something too bossy or too intense. I couldn't even describe exactly what it was about him that was too much, but it was.

Even the brief moment I'd actually been in my right mind around him, it was as if his presence exerted some sort of gravitational pull, stronger than a normal person’s. As if his intensity could throw me out of orbit. And I didn't want to go out of orbit. I had enough things to handle besides ping ponging around.

“Non-negotiable. I've got orders.” Harold folded his hands and rested them atop his desk, littered with paper.

“From who exactly?”

“The universe.” His chin notched up a hair.

“Would it be possible to speak to this universe person? I'm sure they'll understand that there is a personality conflict.” It was time to bump my complaint to upper management.

“No one speaks to the universe.”

“Then how do you know what to do?” I leaned in a little.

“Simple. Through my orders.” His eyes started to twitch.

“Which you get how?”

“My memos.”

“Then you can send a memo to the universe. I won't work with him.”

“I'll file your complaint but it won't matter. And don't forget, as I've already explained, it has to be an active month.”

Twenty-five days. I've dealt with worse for longer. One case in particular came to mind. The guy actually tried to bite me when we lost. Harold didn't seem inclined to bite and he didn't get into my personal space. I could deal with him.

On the other hand, Fate looked like he might be the biting sort.

“Do the last five days count toward the thirty? Time served and all?”

“Yes.”

“These first days were highly unpleasant. Do you think I could get extra credit for those? Maybe, I don't know, you could knock off a day or two? Like they do in jail for good behavior?”He squinted his eyes and tilted his head. I was going to take that for a no.



GIVEAWAY DETAILS
one e-copy of Karma plus one needle felted kitty pictured below
US ONLY
use the Rafflecopter form to enter
Thanks Donna!!
Good Luck!!




Donna Hi!

Welcome to The Reading Frenzy!

Tell my readers a little about Karma.

It’s about a woman, Camilla, who dies abruptly. She makes a desperate decision in her effort to cling to the life she had. She ends up working for an agency that keeps the Universe working smoothly.
Most readers would categorize it as an urban fantasy. Even though there is a romantic subplot, it isn’t a romance or not a standalone, anyway. There’s also mystery and fantasy. It’s a dark read and will become even darker as the story progresses.

Donna as you know I loved the novel, I found it a fresh and unique foray into fantasy.

Where did the idea for Karma come from?

Thank you so much, Debbie! I’m not sure what actually sparked it into a book idea but I’ve spent years watching really lousy people do the nastiest things and seemingly walk away unscathed. I think my brain just wanted a world, even if I had to make it up, where things seemed to even out.


Was it always slated as the beginning of a series or did you make that decision later on? How many novels are planned for the series?

It was always going to be a series. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to write the entire story in one book. The first is 72,000 words and the second is 77,000. There’s going to be, at minimum a third, and possibly a novella. If I did all of them in one book, it might have scared people.

Karma was awarded a Top Pick by Night Owl reviews. Congratulations!

How important are reviews to you?

Do you read them all?

Whenever you are marketing something, reviews are very important. When I’m on the fence about picking up a book, I always look at them, although I try to read the ones without too many spoilers.
As to my own reviews, I try not to read them on a regular basis while I’m writing. The best way I can explain why I stopped is to give you this example. (Warning. This piece has been dramatized for your reading pleasure. Okay, it’s actually more factual than I care to admit.)
Monday Afternoon; A great review comes in and I’m on top of the world, my confidence is sky high and my writing is on fire.
Mon Night; I get a bad review. Writing grinds to a halt as I have nothing but doubts and I’m convinced every word I write is total shit.
Tues; Mediocre review comes in. I don’t know what to think. Am I good? Am I bad? It’s too much. I don’t know whether I just need to work a little harder or throw my hands in the air and surrender to the gods of average crap.
Wednesday; Another good review. Yes! Yes! I’m awesome again! My fingers fly across the keyboard and the words are flowing.
Friday; Back-to-back bad reviews hit. I’m the worst writer ever. Why am I even bothering? I’m horrible! How can anyone like this when it’s got so many flaws!

How long have you been a novelist?

Did your writing career start there or was it segued from something else?

I’ve wanted to write a novel for as long as can remember. I started and stopped writing more times than I can count. Then one day, about four years ago, I realized my life was flying by. It was one of those moments of clarity that sometimes happen. I realized that if I kept telling myself I’d do this or that next week or next month it would never happen. The problem with doing everything tomorrow is you live in today.

Donna I just learned about your hobby of needle felting. I admit I had to Google it to see what it was and I was wowed by some of the examples I saw.

How long have you been doing this and what made you start?

I’ve been felting for years. I’ve never met an art or craft I didn’t like. At one point or another, I’ve painted (oil, acrylic and watercolor), worked with stained glass, sculpted, etc. It’s probably easier to name the things I haven’t tried. I can’t seem to help myself.

Donna thank you so much for letting me pick your brain a bit today.

Good Luck with Karma! And all you endeavors!

 Thank you for having me! This was a very fun interview!




My review of Karma
At 27 Camilla Fontaines an engaged successful defense attorney and by all accounts headed for a promising future. That is until she dies in a horrific and tragic accident and finds herself not seeing bright lights or deceased relatives and not fire and brimstone. She sees Harold, who just happens to manage the UFU, Unknown Forces of the Universe and learns shes been chosen to fill the recently vacated role of Karma. Yeah that, brings happiness to good deeds and punishes bad ones, The Queen of consequences, Karma. 
When she finally comes to her senses she realizes shes not cut out for this woo-woo scary responsibility and is determined to use the opt out clause of her contract. The bad news is that for 30 days she'll have to actively take on her Karma persona and worse be partnered with the easy on the eyes but very bad attitude, Fate whos not at all happy with her untimely arrival.
Plus as if thats not enough theres something else fishy going on in the Universe and 
shes smack dab in the middle of it without knowing why or how to stop it. So its a good thing that after her 30 day stint shes outta here!

Donna Augustines debut novel in her new series is not a romance, although there are romantic aspects, but a sophisticated mix of adult dark fantasy and mystery, intrigue and fairytale. Her vision is unique her voice is as individual as her eclectic, electric characters and who knew the running of the Universe was orchestrated out of a non-descript office building in SC. Her co-stars are a memorable cast but its her star Karma that really shines. Karma who uses humor and wit to cope with some pretty incredible happenings and her repartee with Fate is combustible. So if youre tired of the same old, same old fantasy. I suggest you give this one a try, you wont be disappointed. Thanks Donna I 
cant wait for book two!


Book Two Jinxed is available now!





MEET DONNA
Donna Augustine’s lifelong ambition was to become the crazy cat lady. Unfortunately, when family allergies cut short her dream of living in a house full of furries, she turned her ambitions toward writing. Combining her love of fantasy, scifi, horror and romance, she tries to string together interesting twists on urban fantasy.
 A native of New Jersey, when she isn’t writing, or overdosing on caffeine, she can occasionally be spotted in disguise at the local dog park.
Connect with Donna - Website - Facebook - Twitter


MY GIVEAWAY





The Karma blog Tour Schedule:


October 27 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.comOctober 27 Spotlight
IndieWritersReview.
http://indiewritersreview.wordpress.com/
October 28 Interview
Butterfly-o-Meter Books
http://butterfly-o-meter.com/
October 29 Spotlight
Cassandra M’s place
www.cassandramsplace.com
October 30 Guest blog
The Buttontapper
http://buttontapper.com/blog/
October 31 Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!
http://3partnersinShopping.blogspot.com
November 3 Guest blog
Romantic Reads and Such
http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com
November 4 Top Ten Foods to “Die” For
Cabin Goddess
http://cabingoddess.com
November 4 Spotlight
Share My Destiny
http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
November 5 Guest blog
Marsha A Moore
http://marshaamoore.blogspot.com/
November 6 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannerhoads.com
November 7 Character Interview
Eclipse Reviews
www.totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
November 7 Review
Sister Sinister Speaks
http://sistersinisterspeaks.blogspot.com/
November 10 Review
Offbeat Vagabond
http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/
November 11 Spotlight and review
More Books Than Livros
http://mbtlbooktours.blogspot.com.br/
November 12 Character Interview
Anya Breton Author’s Blog
http://blog.anyabreton.com
November 13 Spotlight and review
Books N Pearls
http://booksnpearls.weebly.com/blog
November 14 Spotlight
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
November 14 Review
Book Briefs Book Blog
http://bookbriefs.net
November 17 Review
Deb Sanders
http://DebSanders.com
November 18 Review
My Book Filled Life
http://mybookfilledlife.blogspot.com
November 18 review
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
www.pratr.wordpress.com
November 19 Guest blog and review
Urban Girl Reader
www.urbangirlreader.com
November 20 Interview
Author Karen Swart
www.authorkarenswart.blogspot.com
November 20 Review
Book lovers Club
http://bookslovesclub.blogspot.com/
November 21 Top Ten List
Darkest Cravings
www.darkestcravings.blogspot.com
November 21 Review
Shut Up & Read
http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/
November 24 Interview
Pembroke Sinclair.
www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
November 24 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
November 24 Interview and Review
The Reading Frenzy
Hosted by Bewitching Book Tours
www.bewitchingbooktours.com
RoxanneRhoads@bewitchingbooktours.com










GoneReading item for today is:
Teeshirt collection
great gift ideas for that discriminating reader
in your life
Click HERE for the buy page

13 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this!!

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  2. I read urban fantasy to relieve stress. I escape my real world for fantasy worlds created by writers. Donna Augustine is a WONDERFUL author! Karma is fantastic and I would definitely recommend it to anyone! honestly Donna is one of my absolute favorite authors. Thank you for the giveaway!!

    With that being said, I sincerely hope I do not win that cat. Those felted creations freak me out. (I guess I have a phobia!)

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    Replies
    1. Wow Dawn another fan, thanks for commenting. And well if you do win the contest you can always re-gift LOL ;)

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  3. This sounds good, I love urban fantasy for the intense action, side of romance and quests,mysteries, cases that come with each installment.

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    Replies
    1. Kim I think you'll really like this
      thanks for commenting
      xo

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  4. Love the idea that as I go about living my life there is another world out there hiding in plain sight. Filled with wonderful characters, magic, mystery, and adventure. Karma is a good example of the type of world that is fun to imagine is existing along side the one I'm living in. And I seriously wouldn't mind having Fate knock on my door. ;-)

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    Replies
    1. hi Donna, I think I'd like having him visit too LOL :)
      thanks for stopping by

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