Getting Ready for ~Storm Warning - A Kelli Storm Novel~

Well, the launch date is fast approaching. Storm Warning is complete, with the exception of the cover art and my author pic, which should be ready by the end of the week. It seems as though I have been working on this book for years, while in reality, it's been just over a year. I could possibly had it completed sooner, but unfortunately, life happened. Ces't la vie.

So, the Official Launch Date for Storm Rising - A Kelli Storm Novel is 9/15/12.

Here is the final draft of the synopsis. What do you think? Comments welcome.

Synopsis for Storm Warning – A Kelli Storm Novel

When her new partner is shot during a botched robbery, Detective Kelli Storm never expected that the trail of the shooter would lead her to Colombian drug lord Miguel Garcia; the man who’s cousin she had killed months earlier, and had made numerous attempts on her life. A man she had believed to be dead.

Detectives Kelli Storm and Eric Ryder follow the bloody trail of a notorious drug kingpin from the streets of Washington Heights, New York and south to Medellin, Colombia.

 

When the suspect in her partner’s shooting is killed while in custody, the man makes a startling deathbed confession. With this revelation, Kelli finds herself unwillingly thrown back into the world of the drug cartels. With the aid of DEA Special Agent Gregory Larsen and Narcotics Detective Javier Vasquez, Kelli works to stop the Cartel’s operations in the city, and bring down the notorious drug lord.

Fan Friday - Surprise Sneak Peek from ~Storm Warning - A Kelli Storm Novel~

Tuesday October 27^th 2:48 P.M. Manhattan

West 125^th Street - New York County District Attorney’s Office

Kelli pushed the file across to ADA John Beckman and sat back. “You have got to keep Jesus Reyes in isolation. He got lucky today and survived, but if he gets put back into Gen Pop, these people are not going to miss again.”

The ADA picked the folder up and leaned back. “I can’t guarantee anything. You’ve got to bring me more on this before I can even think about pursuing a case against Diaz,” he said as he tossed the file onto the desk.

“What more do you want? Reyes almost lost his life today, isn’t that enough? You and I both know that Diaz had a hand in that.”

“I don’t know any such thing. I’m sure that Reyes has made enemies in jail, and anyone of them could have attacked him. Without any evidence against Diaz, there’s no case, Detective. You want this guy protected, bring me something I can work with, or he goes back into Gen Pop as soon as the doctor releases him.”

Kelli stood up and grabbed the file. “That’s just it, Reyes is our evidence. He goes back inside and you might as well be the one sticking the knife in his back.”

The ADA stood, walked around the desk and looked down at Kelli. “You’re wrong, Detective. You’re the one sticking the knife in his back, not me. Bring me something I can use and I’ll make sure Reyes is protected.”

Kelli turned and started for the door. “Fucking asshole,” she said under her breath.

“What was that, Detective?”

She stopped and turned to face him. “Nothing. I’ll get you something, but I need some time.”

“You’ve got forty-eight hours. That’s when Reyes goes back to Gen Pop. Find me something, Detective, because I don’t like this anymore than you do.”

Kelli turned and walked out. I’ll bet you don’t. Asshole.

Thriller Thursday ~Sneak Peek from Storm Warning - A Kelli Storm Novel~

  Okay, this isn't a chase scene, and no one is getting shot at, but I hope you enjoy it just the same.

  Kelli rolled on to her side and looked at Kevin. “I’ve been thinking.”

  “You know you can hurt yourself doing that,” he said with a grin.

  “Okay, smart ass. I’m serious,” she said and gave him a light slap on the arm.

  “Sorry, you were saying.”

  “Well, you are spending a lot more time here, and I think things are going really well. I was thinking that instead of you keeping your place, maybe you could just move in.”

  Kevin shifted, lifted himself up on his elbow and looked at her. “Really? I mean, yeah, things are going great between us, but do you think we’re really ready for that?”

  Kelli closed her eyes, took a deep breath and lay back down. “Shit, Kevin, I’m not sure about anything. I just think that maybe we could try again,” she said and looked at him. “I just know that when you’re not here I miss you.”

  Kevin leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I miss you too, but don’t you think we should take it slow this time?”

  She turned her eyes toward the ceiling and fought back the tears. “I just miss us. I’m not saying that I wasn’t a real bitch during our marriage, I was, but I’ve changed. I’m not drinking any more, and I won’t put my career ahead of us.”

  Kevin moved closer and put his hand to her cheek. “If you really want this,” he said, as he leaned in and kissed her, “then we’ll try.”

  “I don’t want to make you do anything you don’t want to do, Kevin. Are you sure you want this?”

  “Baby, I just want you to be happy.”

  She put her arms around his neck, pulled him close and kissed him. She had never loved him more than at this moment, and she knew then that this was the right choice.

Formatting your book for Kindle

Last night I decided it was time to get my current work formatted for the Kindle format. Having done this just over a year ago with my first novel, I thought I had it nailed. Boy was I wrong. I just couldn't get it to work, no matter what I did. I went to the KDP site and read the instructions, which didn't really tell me a lot. So, I hunted and hunted on the Internet and finally found some good information. I thought I'd pass it on, so those who haven't had this pleasure yet don't have to go through what I did. Enjoy!

This is an example of how to format your manuscript into Kindle eBook format.

If you need to insert a line break between chapter headings or scene breaks, use the Format Paragraph tool.

I always use 18 pt as it seems to work the best. (But play around with it to see what works best for you.)

For breaks between chapters, use the Page Break feature at the end of a chapter.

To view your manuscript in Kindle format once you have it formatted, go to:

http://www.mobipocket.com/en/downloadsoft/productdetailscreator.asp

Download the program and install it on your computer, if you haven’t done so already.

Before using MobiPocket Creator, save your Word file as a Filtered Web Page. For some reason, this format converts better in MobiPocket Creator.

Once you have saved the file, open MobiPocket Creator and select, Import HTML file.

Follow the steps as outlined on the Kindle Direct Publishing page.

** Note: You will have to sign up for a KDP account, if you do not already have one.

On another note, I found that if you "build" your eBook using encryption, for some reason you are not able to view it using Kindle for PC. To get around this, save it the first time with "No Encryption" so you can view it. Once you are satisfied, you can always go back and "build" it again using the DRM Encryption.

I hope that this article has been of some help.

Please note that these screen shots for Word were taken from Office 2003, and it will be somewhat different in Office 2007 or 2010.

Triple 7 Challenge

I have to thank friend and fellow author, Gae-lyn Woods for including me in the Triple 7 Challenge. As she has stated, the rules are simple. Share 7 lines from page 7 of your current novel, or 77 words from your work in progress.

I have decided to share 7 lines from page 7 of my current WIP, Storm Warning - A Kelli Storm Novel, which is the second book in the Kelli Storm Series, and I am happy to say, is nearing completion. Enjoy!

For those of you who read the first book, Storm Rising, then you'll know how Kelli is in a potentially dangerous situation.

She started up the stairs and as she neared the second floor, gunshots rang out from one of the higher floors, followed by several screams and shouts.  She drew her Glock, moved to the outside of the stairwell for better cover, and slowly edged up the stairs. By the time she reached the second floor landing, the screaming and shouting had stopped.

Kelli moved quicker now, taking the steps two at a time. When she reached the third floor, she heard a familiar voice shout “Clear” from somewhere above. That was Williams. At least I know he’s okay, but what about Dickerson? “Derrick, this is Kelli. You guys okay up there?”

And now the tough part. I have to pick seven authors to take up the challenge. This is tough, not only because I have so many talented friends in the writing community, but also because I can only pick seven. Here goes:

Carolyn Arnold

Everett Powers

Jennifer Chase

Patti Roberts

Doug Dorow

Griffin Hayes

Gail Baugniet

Look forward to reading these!

Storm Rising - A Kelli Storm Novel featured on Celebrating Authors

I am pleased to announce that Storm Rising is being featured on Celebrating Authors. I would like to thank Carolyn Arnold for featuring my book and helping promote my charity, Freedom is Not Free. You can visit the post here:

Celebrating Authors: Proceeds to Charity


Thank you.

Autographed copies of Storm Rising - A Kelli Storm Novel available!

I have a number of left over copies of my book from the signing on Saturday. The books were selling for $12.00 at the signing, but I will sell them to you for $7.00 US + shipping. There are a very limited number, so if you want one, you can e-mail me direct at - kennhoss@gmail.com Put "Autographed copy" in the subject line.

Note: These are available for shipping in the U.S. and Canada only. Shipping to U.S. customers is $3.95 sent via USPS. Shipping to Canada - Dependent on location.* (I will confirm with you prior to purchase. Average is $8.98 U.S.) Payments will be made thru PayPal only.


So if you want an autographed copy of the first book in the Kelli Storm Series , now is your chance. As stated, I do have a limited number on hand and this will be first come, first served basis.


*Canadian customers please allow 3 -5 weeks from shipping date for delivery due to Customs check.