Meet the Silver Sisters. Identical fifty-something twins–identical on the outside, very different on the inside, who can’t resist a mystery.

A Corpse in the Soup: A Silver Sisters Mystery (Silver Sisters Mysteries Book 1) by Morgan St. James & Phyllice Bradner 

Battling Chefs, Twin Sleuths, Old Magicians and MURDER!

An award-winning Silver Sisters Mystery

Take several chefs with names like Caesar Romano, Biff Wellington, Moishe Matsumoto and Toulouse Jankowsky, add sleuthing silver-haired Mae West lookalike twins with a nose for trouble, a couple of well-aged vaudeville magicians, Waldo the Wonder Dog, and a bunch of quirky characters, and season with a heaping cup of jealousy, a pinch of intrigue, a smidgen of history and a ruthless villain. Model after “over-the-top” TV cooking shows and stir well. You get a recipe for an amusing, fast paced, funny romp through the world of TV chefs in search of a killer. Visit http://silversistersmysteries.blogspot.com and http://funnycrimecapers.blogspot.com for more info and updates.

Who are the Silver Sisters?

Identical fifty-something twins–identical on the outside, very different on the inside, who can’t resist a mystery GOLDIE SILVER, an over-the-hill flower child, owns an antique store in Juneau, Alaska. Kind, sweet Goldie loves to investigate, but looks for the good in every situation. GODIVA OLIVIA DUBOIS, a wealthy Beverly Hills widow, writes the syndicated advice to the lovelorn column “Ask .G.O.D.” (her initials). Self-serving and manipulative, she always figures the angles and usually gets what she wants..

Who are the aging magicians?

The twins’ feisty 80 year-old mother FLOSSIE SILVER and UNCLE STERLING SILVER, who were part of the vaudeville act “The Scintillating Silvers” when the twins’ father, Harry Silver was alive. He was one of the “4 Great Harry’s of Magic.” They still perform a magic act every Thursday at the Hollywood Home for Has-Beens with Waldo the Wonder Dog and love to dress in disguise and go undercover. #mysteryseries #mystery #humor

Meet the author of the Silver Sisters Mysteries, Morgan St. James:

Morgan St. James is former interior designer who is now the author of 15 books. A frequent panelist, moderator and speaker, Morgan lives in Las Vegas with her trusty rescue dog Dylan, and is on the board of Writers of Southern Nevada.

When she first participated on panels or gave workshops, she was always asked if she had a book about writing. She didn’t have one, but had written over 600 published articles about the craft and business of writing. Using the most popular topics, she was inspired to write WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE as an easy, fun-to-read guide for writers and authors at all stages of their careers, available in Kindle, eBook and paperback. She also publishes the Writers Tricks of the Trade quarterly online magazine, which can be found at www.joomag.com.

Her career started with the first book in the award-winning Silver Sisters Mysteries series, A CORPSE IN THE SOUP. This series, currently at four books with a new one in plotting stages, written with her real life sister Phyllice Bradner, features a team of identical twins–Goldie, an over-the-hill flower child who owns an antique shop in Juneau, Alaska and her fashionista twin Godiva, a wealthy syndicated advice columnist who lives on an estate in Beverly Hills, California. Their elderly mother and uncle, former vaudeville magicians, are the sidekicks who love to dress in disguise and go undercover. They don’t have to look for trouble–it finds them. The sisters love writing this series together, but most important, it has brought them together as best friends as well as co-authors and sisters. Fun, fast moving, filled with twists, turns and laughs.

Other humorous stand-alone mysteries include BUMPING OFF FAT VINNY, a funny fictional crime caper co-authored with true crime writer Dennis N. Griffin, and RIPOFF, featuring a plot to embezzle millions from the Federal government that would have worked but for three savvy women. Co-authored with Caroline Rowe, it was inspired by some actual incidents when they both worked for the same government contractor. Who knew manufacturing in Federal prisons is close to a billion dollar a year business?

INCEST, MURDER AND A MIRACLE: The True Story Behind the Cheryl Pierson Murder-For-Hire Headlines, LA BELLA MAFIA: Bella Capo’s true story of surviving abuse and BETRAYED, inspired by actual events of kidnapping and rape that happened in Chicago in the late 1950s, are a departure from the award-winning Silver Sisters Mysteries, and have received acclaim. Through writing these books, Morgan became an advocate for abuse awareness.

Her first single author anthology, The MAFIA FUNERAL and Other Short Stories was released in paperback and Kindle in February 2012. Morgan was editor and a contributor to her mother Rosetta Schwartz’s delightful memoir, CAN WE COME IN AND LAUGH, TOO?, released in May 2012. Her short stories appear in many anthologies, including three in Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Morgan loves to tell stories, and many situations or characters are inspired by her personal experiences. She has been fortunate to travel extensively, meet people in all walks of life and has had experience in many fields. Writing has been her passion since the late 1990s.

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Fighting Destiny (The Fae Chronicles Book 1) by Amelia Hutchins

Have you ever heard of the old Celtic legends of the Fae – beautiful, magical, deadly and a love of messing with humans just for kicks and giggles?
Welcome to my world.

What started out as a strange assignment, leads to one of the most gruesome murder mysteries of our times and my friends and I are set and determined to find out who is killing off Fae and Witches alike.
Couple of problems in the way – I hate the Fae and the Prince of the Dark Fae is bound and determined that I work for him. He’s a rude, overbearing egotistical ass with a compulsive need to possess, dominate and control me. Oh – did I mention that he is absolutely sex-on-a-stick gorgeous and he makes me feel things that I never ever wanted to feel for a Fae…every time he touches me or looks at me with those golden eyes seems to pull me further in under his spell, despite my better judgment.
My friends and I can’t trust anyone and nothing is as it seems on the surface – not even me.

Warning: Mature content and language not intended for anyone under the age of eighteen.

This book is not intended for anyone under the age of 18, or anyone who doesn’t like lip biting, throw your ass on the bed, tear your clothes off and leave you panting dominant alpha male characters. This is a dark, dangerous, intense, gritty and raw read. Scenes are dark, disturbing, and scorching HOT. This book is a soul crushing, tear jerking, and leave you hanging on the edge of your seat fast paced book.
Side Effects may include, but are not limited to: Drooling, lip biting, wet panties, crying, and screaming at the author. If any of these things happen, do not seek medical attention—get the next book in the series and enjoy the ride!
Revised copy February, 23, 2015

About the author of the Fae Chronicles, Amelia Hutchins:

Amelia lives in the great Pacific Northwest with her family. When not writing, she can be found on her author page, hanging out with fans, or dreaming up new twisting plots. She’s an avid reader of everything paranormal romance.

Visit her on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorameliahutchins

Visit her website:
http://amelia-hutchins.com/

The title Death in the Ring should not be taken literally. Most boxers don’t die during fights. They survive their careers of violence but are too often left brain damaged and vulnerable to many other maladies, medical and psychological.

Death in the Ring by George Thomas Clark

Let’s invite many of the greatest boxers, and their contemporaries, to tell their own stories, some true, others tales based on history. Peter Jackson barges into John L. Sullivan’s hotel room to demand a fight. Jim Jeffries regales listeners about his barroom confrontation with Jack Johnson. A bar owner discusses the violent alcoholism of Battling Siki. Jack Dempsey and his detractors hold forth. Sonny Liston stars in three stories. Nelson Mandela boxes Barack Obama.

The top 13 heavyweights are identified. Muhammad Ali, Jerry Quarry, Emanuel Steward, Alexis Arguello, Lennox Lewis, and Archie Moore and others also share experiences. They’re frank about their serious business. They know there can always be Death in the Ring.

About the author of Death in the Ring, boxers telling their own story, George Thomas Clark:

George Thomas Clark is the author of King Donald, In Other Hands, Paint it Blue, Death in the Ring, The Bold Investor, Hitler Here, an internationally-acclaimed biographical novel, Obama on Edge, and Echoes from Saddam Hussein.

In addition to writing, Clark follows the news and sports, exercises daily (albeit delicately), collects contemporary art, enjoys independent movies, and travels to places (most recently Madrid, Mexico City, Quito, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes) where he can socialize in Spanish.

The title Death in the Ring should not be taken literally. Most boxers don’t die during fights. They survive their careers of violence but are too often left brain damaged and vulnerable to many other maladies, medical and psychological. Nevertheless, I haven’t written an indictment of boxing. It is, rather, a celebration of the brave and talented men who in epic confrontations stir the souls of millions and thus persuade them to ignore the tragedies and premature deaths that await those who fight in the ring.

The author’s website is GeorgeThomasClark.com

If you’ve thought about starting a blog or already have one that isn’t doing well, this is the book for you!

Lifestyle Blogging Basics: A How-To for Investing in Yourself, Working With Brands, and Cultivating a Community Around Your Blog by Laura Lynn

In this how-to guide for lifestyle blogging basics, Laura breaks down how she got started with her first blog, how she progressed to where she is now, and what failed attempts at success she made along the way.

The book begins with Laura covering the essential groundwork of discovering your niche, defining your content categories, choosing a blog name, selecting a platform, and creating a healthy and attainable blogging routine.

Then, she takes a deep dive into describing the the most effective ways to invest in yourself and your blog by explaining the importance of quality design, high resolution photos, email marketing services, and more.

You’ll also learn how to partner and collaborate with brands by building an online media kit, how to promote on social media, and how to create a thriving community around your blog that will stand the test of time.

About the author, Laura Lynn:

Laura is a Michigan native living in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband Steve. She’s a new author, lifestyle blogger, content creator, product development manager, amateur mandolinist, explorer, music lover, and impulsive decision maker. With a zest for adventure and a passion for learning, Laura makes it her personal goal to do or try something she’s never done on a regular basis.

If you’re an author and want to have your upcoming free eBooks listed here, fill out this form.

Here are some book reviews I’ve written for Indie authors with eBooks on Amazon. If you’re an author and would like to have your book reviewed, please send me an email with “Requesting a Kindle book review” as the subject to  jim@newfreekindlebooks.com. I’d love to add it to my “book reviews” page.

If you’re looking for book deals, here are some available now on Amazon.

Be sure to check out the other free eBooks available today!

Writing Powerful Descriptions

Start with the strapline or the hook for the story. Imagine you’re talking to someone who asks you, “So, what’s your book about?” Give them the important information. Tell them how the book will make them feel instead of telling them what it’s about. Make it exciting. Don’t say, “It’s about a guy living on the streets of downtown Denver in the middle of the winter.” Instead say, “Imagine you’re homeless, in the middle of a bone-chilling winter. Hungry and broke, not knowing where your next meal is coming from. What would you do?” Get to the real meat of the story, right away. Don’t be afraid to be original, this may be your only chance to get someone interested in your story. There are literally thousands they can choose from. Let them know why they should spend the time and money on yours.

Choosing Categories

Categories on Amazon are confusing, to say the least. But understanding them and placing your book in the correct one is essential. Imagine Amazon as a gigantic bookstore with over two million books. Walking in the front door, you head for the section, or category, that interests you.

Navigate through the Amazon departments to find a category that’s suitable for your book, but not very competitive. Amazon allows you to pick two categories. Let’s pick our first category:

Kindle Store › Kindle eBooks › Literature & Fiction › Action & Adventure › Mystery, Thriller & Suspense › Crime

If you use Amazon’s “Browse /Categories” function, you’ll be able to see how many books are in a category. Currently, there are over 600,000 books in the Literature & Fiction section. We don’t want to have to compete with all of them! In Action & Adventure, there are only 76,000. That’s better, but it’s still a lot. If we drill down one more layer, we see there are only 17,000 eBooks in the Mystery, Thriller & Suspense category. That’s more like it!

Finding Competitive Keywords

The next thing we’ll work on is your keywords. These are search terms your potential buyers use when looking for a book. Amazon keeps its actual algorithm secret but it says that your book’s title and description is already used as search terms so you shouldn’t repeat them. If you’re still writing your book and haven’t determined a title yet, you might consider doing some keyword research first and adding the result in your title.

You’re allowed to use seven keywords or keyword strings for your book. To determine what buyers are searching for, you can use Amazon’s database.

You might not realize that much like Google, Amazon has a fantastic keyword tool.  You may have typed in a keyword in the Google search bar and seen suggestions come up. Amazon has the same function. Go to the search bar on the Amazon site, navigate to the “Kindle Store,” from the dropdown arrow, and then start typing something. Let’s say your book is about a man whose wife is murdered. If you type in “murder,” Amazon’s look-ahead feature gives you its first suggestion, “Murder Mystery.”

Amazon Author Page

The Author Page is your chance to tell readers something interesting about yourself, so make sure you include any details about your background, awards you have won, and other books you have written. You should include any personal details customers might want to know. Think about which blog posts or “tweets” you’ve written which have gotten the most interest. This is who you are; share your information with your readers.

Your author photo doesn’t need to be professionally created, but should be a high-resolution image for quality display. I suggest having a good head shot of yourself and using it on all of your social media accounts. After seeing the picture on the internet, people will eventually recognize you and instinctively trust you. You can add up to eight images, and choose the order in which they appear.

Receiving Reviews

Having friends and relatives review your book may seem like a good idea at first, but in the end, it isn’t worth the trouble. Either they won’t do it or the review they leave sounds fake or paid for. So, how do you get reviews? I’m glad you asked. Here are a few ideas that have worked for me including links to Facebook groups dedicated to review swaps, author/reader groups to join, and information about a search engine that searches for professional book reviews.

Kindle “Free Days” Promotion

If you’re using KDP Select, you can determine whether you want to have your book go free or use the new Countdown Promotion.

Included is a list of 50 websites that will list your free or discounted eBook. If you’re using Select, coordinate with your free days, giving them at least a week in advance notice. Most of these offer their services free, some for a small charge.

So, if you’re new to eBook promotion and marketing, or looking for some new tips, let’s

Sell More Books!

Kathleen McClure’s eBook has 35 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Soldier of Fortune: A Gideon Quinn Adventure: Book One of The Fortune Chronicles by Kathleen McClure

On the planet Fortune, tech is low, tensions high and heroes… unlikely.

Wrongly convicted of treason, Gideon Quinn spent six years harvesting crystal under the killing suns of the Morton Barrens. When a general of the Corps arrives with an offer of freedom and the chance to clear his name, Gideon doesn’t have to think twice. With his pet draco Elvis on his shoulder, Gideon takes ‘ship for Nike City on a quest for justice (or, failing that, revenge). What he finds is a dodger named Mia, a city steeped in corruption, and a menace at the heart of the Corps which could bring Fortune’s new and fragile peace to an explosive end.

And that’s just his first night in town.

About the author, Kathleen McClure:

Former actor and fight choreographer (and constant 14 year old), Kathleen has always been fiercely engaged by rip-roaring, escapist adventures.

That said, it’s no surprise she launched her novel-writing career with The Fortune Chronicles, an ode to the adventures she’s been devouring since the age of four, when her mother took her to see Romeo and Juliet (Zeffirelli’s version) and watched Mercutio, Tybalt and Romeo clashing swords.

Every so often, Kathleen has company in writing the planet Fortune, as can be seen in Outrageous Fortune, where she’s joined by co-author Kelley McKinnon.

And outside the Fortune Chronicles, Kathleen is venturing into deeper, darker territory in The Zodiac Files, (a series she gleefully nicknamed “Spies! In Space!”) with fellow author L. Gene Brown.

Kathleen McClure has short stories published in Timeless Tales Magazine, Lorelei Signals and, with K. Ceres Wright, contributed to Diner Stories: Off the Menu, an anthology celebrating the American Diner. Of course Ceres and Kathleen put their diner in space because the only thing more interesting than Spies! In Space! are Milkshakes! In Space! (Kathleen was often hungry while writing The Last Stop).

She currently lives in Austin, TX with her patient and endlessly supportive husband, two consistently entertaining teens and three cats who take turns getting in the way of the keyboard.

Visit Kathleen Mclure’s website: http://kathleen-mcclure.com

If you’re an Indie author and would like to have your book listed, fill out this form.