Shadow Stephens's Blog

I'm 3/4 of the way done with writing the sequel. I'm really pushing for a spring release. That should give you something to help you warm up when the sun actually makes an appearance. Personally I'm sick of winter. How awesome would it be to open all the windows in the house and let the fresh air in? My dogs always get restless in the winter. They love to lay out in the sun. Not looking forward to my yearly battle with Hobo spiders and hornets though. For some reason these critters love my house, and it's kind of creepy. The only thing worse is snakes--shivers.

I know I've said over and over that I will never write vampires. I feel like they are overdone and I would have nothing to add that would be original. So much for that. I often have crazy Benadryl dreams--that's what you get for having terrible allergies. Anyway, I had a dream about a world where vamps are created from a tragedy to man kind. Long story short you guys will be getting a vampire novel from me as soon as I'm done with the sequel to Wilted Wings. I would love to give you more info, but I will keep this stellar idea to myself for now--well my mom, man candy, and my bestie know. I'll let them know they will have a few stalkers. HEHE. Don't forget to enter the contest for the Kindle Fire giveaway on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/events/50426...

I know you guys have been waiting for this book. I have never written a sequel, so this has been exciting for me. I can tell you that one of the main characters has been kidnapped, which will throw everyone else's life into chaos. People are dying and a new war has started. Evil alliances have been made and you guys will have to see how it ends. I still don't know yet. I like to write as I go and let the story unfold.

A friend of mine just shared an article with me on the thoughts of the conventional publishers toward indie authors. They basically think we are lazy and taking the easy way out. Can I just say that this is so far from the truth. I currently work fulltime and write fulltime. That means I have little free time between starting a book and edits to release. It’s a very time consuming process.  We are also our own marketers. We study, read, and try new things on a constant basis to get our names out there. The large publishing houses just don’t seem to understand that the market has changed. E-books are king now. They also want to pick up authors who already have a fan base and know how to market themselves. So the question is—why would I pay you 15%-20% of my royalties for doing the same thing I’m doing now? I chose to self publish because it puts me in control of my books. I design the covers, write the blurb, hire an editor who will give me an honest edit, but not change my story. I set up my own book signings, run my own contests, and chose my own release dates. I have no intention of releasing a book before it’s ready. Recently I have read two different books, by different authors, released by big publishing houses. To be nice I will just say that I could tell they were rushed. On top of that they charged me $14.99 for an e-book. I felt like I needed to vent a little here. It gets frustrating to hear that I’m not a real writer because I self publish. Huh? Is there not words on the pages? Is there not a story there? I say give a huge stadium wave to all the indie authors out there. Yes, some put out crappy material and don’t hire good editors, but I know tons that work hard and care about the work they publish. Someday the big publishing houses will realize this. Leave a comment and support indie authors. 

Now that Broken Butterflies is released I keep getting questions asking how I came up with the idea. When I can’t sleep I’m up all night watching TV. It was around two in the morning and a Lunesta commercial came on. That little neon green butterfly floated up to the lady lying in her bed and that’s where the idea came from. Don’t ask me how I came up with angels transforming into butterflies, I don’t have a clue. The idea just popped in my head. I formed the entire story around that butterfly. I figured if I’m going to create a story about angels I want to make it about guardian angels and fate. I try to come up with story idea’s that haven’t been done, or if it’s a subject matter that has been covered I make it new. There you have it. 

Broken Butterflies is up for sale on Amazon. Make sure and get your copy.

I am having a Broken Butterflies release party Monday 9th starting at 4EST. Fun games and prizes. Stop by https://www.facebook.com/events/39177.... Broken Butterflies ebook is now live on Amazon for those of you that want to buy it before Monday. Paper back will be out in about a week.

BOOK BLURB:
Ilisha Morrison should have died the day she boarded the bullet train to Colorado. As her train collided with another, a handsome stranger saved her life, but put her in more danger than she ever imagined possible. Caught in a warring world of angels, demons, and a vengeful Death Maker who wants to destroy her, Ilisha discovers her true identity and that not everything is as it seems. Betrayal, heartache and two angels competing for her love forces Ilisha to make the hardest decision of her life.

Broken  Butterflies will be released soon. Should have the last edits done this week. I will keep you posted. Thanks to all of you that read Legion of Bats.

Legion of Bats will be free Friday and Saturday on Amazon. Make sure and get your copy. http://www.amazon.com/Legion-of-Bats-...

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put down, March 7, 2012 By Lisa A Markson   In my opinion:
I loved this book and couldn't put it down definitely 5 stars. It was unbelievable that this was a first book for her. The way she wrote the book and the flow made me think she was a seasoned writer. Zoe starts off thinking that the world thinks she is a freak. She is always blamed for everything. When her neighbors fight, a tragedy happens and she takes off running because she knows that she will be blamed. She is them thrusted into a world that she never knew existed. And to make matters worse her life is now in jeopardy. With the help of her guardian Icarus she learns more about her family and about her abilities. Her friends that she has gotten to know at Weston help her and her family in the quest to right the wrongs in the spirit and enabled world. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and unable to stop turning the page to see what is going to happen next. I for one would like to see this as a series book and would definitely buy more from this author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Intense, never put it down! :), February 29, 2012 By SshamoThis book kept my on the edge of my seat and wanting more the moment, I began to read the first sentence. I was curious to know what was going to happen and how everyone would work into the story. The way Zoe found out about herself was intricate and kept the reader guessing along with the character. The characters were instantly real and lovable from the beginning. Shadow Stephens has become one of my favorite author's in the matter of a few pages and I am dying for more and so will you! :)

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST BOOK READ!!!, February 23, 2012 By TFalslevI have to admit a romantic fantasy is not typically the type of book I would pick off of a book shelf. After hearing what an amazing read Legion of Bats is, I decided to give it a go. I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. I quite literally could not put the book down. I read the book in 2 days. I have recommended Legion of Bats to everyone I talk to. This is a "Must Read"! The story line is riveting. You are on the edge of your seat the entire time. The story keeps you guessing what is around every corner. JOIN THE CLUB READ THE BOOK!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A real page-turner!, February 7, 2012 By BeckyI really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of the elements I look for in a good read; action, suspense, cool plot twists, romance and strong characters. It was a real page-turner that I couldn't put down. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but it is very cool. I'm definitely looking forward to this author's next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read with Fun Characters, February 6, 2012 By bearcatI found this book very entertaining. The story line had a nice new fresh and kept my attention from start to end. The book had a fresh story line with a nice new twist different from the majority of books written. The author did an excellent job building each character giving them each very distinct personalities, which I can relate to because I know people that have are like the individual characters. I am enjoying reading this book.

Wyatt
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story line. Legion of Bats won me over - I want more!, February 6, 2012 By Khloe KamalisThis book grabbed me from the first moment I started reading it. I couldn't put it down. Zoe Masterson must go through a gamut of trials before she learns who she truly is and what she was placed on earth to do. Her incarceration in what she thinks is a mental hospital turns out to be the beginning of a paranormal adventure and struggle to keep others and herself alive while learning how to use her new found powers. When she meets the love of her life, the handsome and immortal Icarus, she must fight to keep him, and keep him alive on top of everything else. But then, those are the sweet and tender moments of the book; the love between Icarus and Zoe as it grows.

When Zoe learns that the ruling government is not a peaceful rule but rather a deadly, ruthless regime - one who wants not only Zoe dead but the one she loves along with her "Legion" of friends, the true battles begin. Because the cover has bats on it please don't think this is a vampire book. It's not. It IS one of the best paranormal urban fantasies I've read in a while.