Thursday, August 8, 2013

The Angels of Omnific with Omnific Publishing


Event Description:

Omnific Publishing is celebrating all things Omnific, Romance, and Angels! August 5th-10th, participating blogs will be featuring different guest posts, interviews, and excerpts by the authors of The Omnific Angels. Don’t forget to enter the giveaways and visit the other stops by clicking the linky list below. 

Omnific and the authors would like to invite you to join the Angel Goodreads Group! Head over to Goodreads and see what’s going on: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/100102-angels-in-romantic-fiction

Click here to view the other YA Angels of Omnific stops...

Young Adult Event Giveaway: The publisher/author is offering an Event Giveaway of (1) Print Copy of Ember and Iridescent, (1) Beaded angel wings bookmark, (1) Angel wings earrings (gold toned, hypoallergenic, nickel free). Please use the Rafflecopter code below if you would like to offer the event giveaway. – US Only


Angels of Omnific Event Trailer: http://youtu.be/ztH_3EC1Fdc

Some of my favorite quotes from the books ~ Carol Oates




Book Description:

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

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Trailer:

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From Ember 
EXCERPT 1

She knew she only had a matter of a minute or two to make her escape, so she headed straight toward the exit, bursting out the exterior door to come face to face with Flame-hair.

With the sleekness of an alley cat, she slinked her way to Candra, a sneer barely concealed on her ruby lips. As usual she was clad head to toe in leather, accessorized by towering stiletto heels.

“Well, well, it’s about time,” Ananchel observed scornfully.

Candra approached her with her head held high. There wasn’t a chance in hell she would ever show Ananchel any weakness. From what Candra had learned about her so far, she thrived on it.

“I’m not here to make pleasantries, Ananchel,” Candra countered brazenly. “Just take me wherever I need to go.

Ananchel arched one perfectly manicured eyebrow and waved her hand, indicating for Candra to walk ahead. It was then that Candra saw Sebastian watching from the other side of the street, his face a hard mask of discontent. His brown eyes blazed with a terrible rage like she had never seen in him, and she wasn’t sure if it was directed at her or Ananchel. It made Candra nervous about what he was capable of if crossed.

A mist shimmered over his shoulders and rolled downward at his back before his exquisite gold tipped wings ripped through his clothes, flexing at mid-extension and stretching out to their full terrifying expanse. He looked furious; he looked like a man hanging on to his last thread of reason or an angel about to dispense a brutal, vengeful wrath.

“Hmmm,” Flame-hair purred. “He always was rather excitable.”

Candra struggled to draw her eyes away from him as she climbed into the waiting red Ferrari. The heavy carved wooden door of the school swung open again and Lofi raced out, calling to her. Candra ignored her and closed the passenger door, looking down to her lap.

“Your boyfriend needs to learn to control his emotions.”

“He is not my boyfriend,” Candra snorted, completely paralyzed by her need to not see Sebastian’s face in that moment before they drove away. She knew and fully accepted he would take this as a betrayal of all of them.

Ananchel snickered and pulled away from the curb, the screeching, spinning tires leaving a trail of smoke and burning rubber behind them.

She had to do this, Candra kept telling herself as they speeded through the streets and scolded herself internally for the guilt that settled over her like a black cloak. Right or wrong, what she was doing was the only way.

EXCERPT 2

“She is not a toy,” she hissed like a cat arching its back and instinctively unfurled her jet black wings tipped with scarlet, resembling an oil slick creeping outward in a pool of blood.

Sebastian felt Candra’s weight against him increase when she leaned forward to look over his shoulder. There was no longer merely a shadow of Ananchel’s wings. Candra’s warm breath made the hairs on his neck rise when she gasped at the sight of Ananchel’s magnificent, dark, silken plumage brushing against the unsuspecting dancers around her.

Sebastian knew Ananchel’s words were for Candra’s benefit. If it was to her advantage, Ananchel would be just as willing to claim Candra as he was.

“This isn’t the time or the place for this discussion,” Sebastian told her pointedly.

“Excuse me,” Candra screeched from behind him, once again push­ing to get past.

He heard her utter a small gasp and felt her breath against the back of his neck when all the air left her lungs. Just like everything he seemed to do lately, uncurling his wings wasn’t intentional. His only thought was to keep Ananchel away from Candra. As soon as his mind thought the word barrier, there they were. He was sure Ananchel could see his weakness; his desire to protect Candra at any cost to himself was perfectly apparent. He turned his head to catch a glimpse of the girl behind him, and her shocked eyes stared back at him. Her mouth was hidden behind her two hands.

“Go!” Sebastian bellowed fiercely to Ananchel without fully turning from Candra, his nails digging into the palms of his clenched fists.

“You go,” Ananchel laughed in return, apparently amused by Candra’s reaction.

When his eyes met Ananchel’s again, he confirmed by the way her smile faded infinitesimally that he had exposed himself. She had forced him to prove to Candra once again that he wasn’t human, not even in the smallest measure. He should have known she wouldn’t stop there. They had played this game a long time.

The trembling began in his stomach, shooting downward like tiny electrical pulses, and his already tense muscles tightened further. All over his body, his skin felt like it was on fire, and it made him shudder. He fought it, closing his eyes to keep from looking at Ananchel and keeping Candra out of his peripheral vision. He couldn’t look at Candra now. The volume of the music seemed to grow until the bass was an eruption inside his brain and every thump matched his heart.

Book Description:

Candra Ember used to dream of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in the battle against ultimate darkness. 

Falling for a Nephilim wasn’t part of Sebastian’s plan. Distraction is something he can’t afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has. 

Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens in Acheron. The Arch is missing from Heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia is driving Candra and Sebastian apart. 

If the price of restoring the Watchers to Heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved? 

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Trailer:

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From Iridescent 
EXCERPT 1

Clearly sensing her game was up, the imposter shrugged noncommittally. “So close,” she breathed quietly.

“Get out,” Sebastian repeated and threw his arm over Candra’s shoulder, drawing her to his side.

She fell against him, too weak to do much of anything else. “I wanted her to be Ivy,” she murmured and turned her head to his chest.

“I am Ivy…in a way,” she said matter-of-factly, and Candra’s head once again snapped around. “What I mean is she is in here.”

Sebastian’s arm tightened around Candra to the point she clearly felt his pulse through her skin. The light around them began to dim again, and she wished for an instant it appeared by force of will as the angel wings did. She wished for one moment she could harness whatever locked-up power resided within her and use it against this thing in her room.

“You’re a monster.” Sebastian spat the accusation venomously.

The woman tutted, her expression displaying her indignation. “Come, come, Sebastian. You know how this works for me: I needed a soul to cross though and I like to travel first class.”

“You could have taken anyone. Why her?”

“Why not? I think this makes everything so much more interesting.”

As much as she wanted to, Candra couldn’t help noticing the familiarity between the two. She seemed to have Sebastian’s history with unsavory females thrown in her face at every turn. She would rather ignore it. Rationally she knew his past torrid affairs should be the last consideration on her mind. Her mind didn’t want to be rational, and her mind couldn’t block out images playing there. She shook her head to no avail. All she saw was Sebastian with this creature who had somehow taken Ivy.

“Get out of my head!” Candra roared, flinching away from Sebastian and pressing her fingers into her temple. The corners of her eyes stung, but she refused to cry. The images dissipated at once, like fog burned away on a bright day.

“Ivy wanted him too, you know,” the encroacher taunted, quirking an eyebrow. She closed her eyes, a lazy smile spread across her lips, and she hummed as if imagining something enjoyable. “Ivy had thoughts about him, deliciously dark and sensual. I can feel them now, making my skin tingle.”

“Stop it!” Candra snapped. “Stop it now!”

“Or what?” the imposter mocked, fixing her cold stare on Candra.

Candra struggled not to look away from the green eyes which reminded her of Ivy.

“What are you going to do? Look at both of you. You’re a disgrace. The mighty leader of the Nuhra and the Arch’s weapon…how pathetic love has made you. Look at yourself, Sebastian, so weak you lack the desire to fight me, so…human. I recall a time when you would have confronted me without blinking an eye.”

“I’m simply biding my time, Lilith.”

He knows her. The words echoed inside Candra’s head repeatedly. It took every ounce of her remaining reserve of willpower not to show jealousy on her face or the silent crimson rage hissing through her. How does he know her?

The woman laughed brightly. “We shall see.”

She disappeared before their eyes, or moved so fast Candra didn’t see her go. She was there one minute and gone the next, leaving nothing but remnants of the destruction in Candra’s bedroom.

Sebastian pulled Candra’s against his chest so fiercely she struggled to breathe, although she knew that wasn’t the reason she didn’t return the intensity of his embrace. Her face pressed into his damp skin and his scent surrounded her. Candra’s arms circled his waist shakily, and her fingers swept over his back to where the elongated skeletal structure of his shoulder blades supported his wings.

“I should never have let you leave alone,” he whispered against her scalp.

“I didn’t ask your permission,” Candra reminded him. She shut her eyes tight and shuddered, powerless against the images she witnessed in the darkness. Images of Sebastian hungrily tracing kisses along a bare shoulder and his fingers entwined in sheets of black glossy hair.

EXCERPT 2

Sebastian had showered and the scent of death and Guinness no longer clung to him the way it did to her. Instead, he smelled of soap, spices and heat. His damp hair brushed against her forehead. In moments like this, his embrace made her feel secure and loved unconditionally. On other occasions, it was much easier to doubt herself and doubt him. Watchers perceived an innate goodness in her that Candra wasn’t sure of. When given a choice between love and war, she was very much tempted to choose war. Sebastian made no secret of the rage in his heart, a rage she knew could easily destroy him.

“I do,” she murmured, shifting to sit across his lap and linking her fingers around his neck. As always, it brought on a strange little flutter in her stomach. Loving Sebastian was one of those things that was never meant to happen. It had blindsided both of them. If there were two people in the world less likely to fall in love, it was Sebastian and Candra.

She pressed her lips to his quickly, weaving her fingers up into his soft as silk hair. One of his hands tightened on her thigh and the other slid up her spine, stopping between her shoulder blades where his fingers spread out wide.

She pulled back and giggled when Sebastian’s lips chased her with a playful pout. “I wasn’t finished.”

“I haven’t brushed my teeth,” she told him, making a show of covering her mouth when she spoke. “Morning breath.”

“It’s eleven at night.” He pushed forward.

Candra applied pressure against his shoulders, blocking his advance. “And I need a shower. I smell like an Irish man.”

Breath left her in a whoosh followed by a squeal as Sebastian spun her around and pinned her to the bed beneath him. His full weight pressed down on her, giving Candra a comfort she didn’t fully understand. He made her feel protected, hidden away and small. She shivered all the way to her toes. Sebastian would die to keep her safe if he had to.

“Who would have thought I’d find the smell of an Irish man so appealing.” He breathed the words close to her ear and then glided his hot lips to the throbbing artery just below.

Candra felt the warm, grainy flesh of his tongue peek out and swirl in a small circle over her skin. She bit down on the inside of her cheek to hold back the whimpering noise she was sure would escape her lips otherwise. She squirmed below him until she was breathless, and he dragged his fingers down the length of her forearms to secure her wrists by the side of her head.

“You fight me on everything,” Sebastian reprimanded her, slipping his fingers between hers and clasping them firmly. “When will you ever give in quietly?” His eyes blazed and flickered to her mouth.

Author information:

Carol Oates has never been one to remain still for long. After her parents' mad dash to the hospital through the empty city streets of Dublin, Ireland, Carol made her debut into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning. Since then her pace has not slowed down in the least.

Carol was introduced to the world of supernatural books when, as a child, her family moved to a coastal suburb on the northern border of Dublin known as Clontarf, famous as the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the prolific author responsible for breathing life into the legendary story Dracula. This stirred in Carol an early passion for reading about all things supernatural. Combine that passion with a deep interest in the history and folklore of Ireland, as well as an active and vivid imagination, and Carol Oates the author was born. Carol's love of writing about anything not entirely "human" emerged, and the premise for her debut novel, Shades of Atlantis, was born.

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Today, I’m going to talk trailers. In particular, The Omnific Angels trailer. 

I’ve been using video editing softwear for years, ever since my brother presented me with my first Adobe program. I’ve edited the trailers for my own books, Ember and Iridescent, for Crushed Seraphim and Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia, as well as some, as yet, unreleased. So, I did have a little experience with book trailers when I set out to make this one. Book trailers are a visual representation of the heart of the book. They shouldn’t tell the entire story but should set a tone, and entice the reader to turn the first page and delve in. 

Like books, they aren’t created in isolation. They’re a collaboration of the author, the editor and the many people who create stock images, motion graphics, music, and sound effects. The main challenge with this trailer was coming up with something that combines the heart of four very different stories in one fluid sequence, while conveying the information the viewer needs for the Angel Event. 

The first thing I did was check out the trailer for each book and ask each author what one thing they felt could uniquely represent their story to readers. Satan Jack for Debra Anastasia. The city landscape for mine. Patricia Leever decided on colored lights. Nicki was open to my suggestion of the falling feather since the black and white tone combined with the cover font for text brought to my mind, as a reader, the softness, classic nature, and beauty of her angel, Evan. Each author also provided quotes. 

Next, we needed common elements. The color red at the beginning to tie to the elements of the static promotional images and the book covers, the black and white feathers at the end also represent elements of the static images and muted tones of covers. The shattered glass and angel add drama and fluid movement between themes. Finally, the very appropriate quote from Divine Temptation conveys the overarching theme of all the books. Ending with essential contact information.

Character Interview

Arriving early to a penthouse suite Inferno Hotel in Acheron for today’s interview, I’m surprised to find both Draven and Sebastian are waiting. It’s more surprising to find them both relaxed and engaged in civil conversation. 

Draven stands from the red velvet couch, wearing casual jeans and a fitted white shirt. His sleeves are rolled up over taut forearms. With his designer clothes, dark hair and movie star smile, he looks right at home in the opulent surroundings. 

“Hello. I’m so glad you made it here safe and sound. I’m Draven and this is Sebastian.” He gestures to the man behind him and immediately moves to one of the Queen Anne chairs and pulls it nearer to the table for me where afternoon tea is set out complete with miniature sandwiches and scrumptious cakes on a silver stand. 

“Jenna Asher, Acheron Globe Weekender.” I don’t offer to shake his hand since I’m aware Draven doesn’t like to be touched. Sebastian nods in acknowledgement and throws his arm over the backrest of the couch. 

“I’m glad to be here.” I blush despite myself and reach into my bag to grab my recorder, hoping the color will fade fast. 

Apart from disarming good looks, these two couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. Sebastian’s clothes appeared worn, his blond hair ruffled and in need of a trim, giving him a fresh from a California beach look. Easy confidence rolled off him. 

“How about we let Draven play mom and pour the tea while we get started on your questions,” Sebastian smirks, scratching a glass-cut jawline. 

Draven rolls his eyes and goes about serving us. I clear my throat and refer to my notes to avoid direct eye contact with Sebastian. It feels strangely like the man can peer into my soul. 

“There’s been a lot of speculation on the gossip sites about the relationship between you two. Nobody seems to know much about you, Sebastian. How did it happen that a man with no past to speak of is holding secret meetings with one of the most powerful men in the city?”

Sebastian barks a laugh. “Appearances can be deceptive.” 

Draven shoots him a warning glare and I already get a sense I won’t hear many answers. 

“What Sebastian means,” Draven tells me as he places a delicate white china cup in front of me, “is he’s not at all mysterious. Our relationship is merely that our families go back a long way. Sebastian is helping me with an on-going project.”

Sebastian is watching him talk, his lips pressed taut. He clearly wants to say more. 

“Oh.” My journalist spidey senses tingle. I sense a scoop. “Is this a project we’ll be hearing about soon?”

Draven’s face is a perfect mask of calm, too calm. He’s hiding something. “I certainly hope not.” 

“What about the sudden upsurge of violent crime in the city. Are you concerned your project may be affected?”

Sebastian scoots forward on the couch and lifts his hand to indicate he’s got this one. “While this “Project”,” he makes air quotes and smiles in a way I’m sure in meant as a distraction, “is ongoing, security in the city is a premium concern. We’ve both brought in extra guards to help the authorities.” 

“You mean mercenaries?” I ask, confused but positive this is a scoop. They’ve been protecting the city with their own people. 

Sebastian suddenly commits his expression to the same blank mask Draven wore a moment ago. “I mean individuals who are exceptionally experienced in protection. It’s not something we are free to discuss further.” 

Cut off again, I refer to my notes and change direction. “Given that there will be photographs accompanying the article, I’m sure our female readers would love to know if there is a special lady in either of your lives?”

“Yes,” the young men say in unison. 

Tension cuts through the air all of a sudden and my china cup rattles on the saucer as I attempt to lift it. I seem to have crossed into unwelcome questions again. Neither will look at the other. 

“Care to elaborate?” I chance the question hoping for a reply against all odds. 

“I’m seeing someone,” Draven answers somewhat smugly. “But I prefer to keep my private life private.” His eyes finally settle on Sebastian and an eyebrow arches. 

Sebastian releases a lungful of air and smiles like the cat that got the cream. He sits back and settles his ankle across his knee. “There is someone I’m spending a lot of time with. I think you could say we’re closer than friends.” 

Draven’s eyes narrow almost imperceptivity and his careful mask drops for an instant. I’m about to ask if Sebastian would like to offer the lucky girl’s name when Draven stands. 

“I apologize, Ms. Asher, I’ve just remembered I have something I need to attend to.”

“Oh, yes.” I haven’t made it half way through my questions. I stand anyway, sure the interview is over. 

“Please feel free to make use of the hotel. Stay and have lunch if you wish. On me of course.” 

“That’s very kind,” I reply but Draven is already out the door. 

Sebastian grabs a handful of tiny cakes and smiles. “That was interesting. Nice to meet you.”

Then he’s gone too and I’m left alone and wondering if it was something I said. 

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