Today we are celebrating with Enchanted Book Promotions the release of UNICORN KEEP by Angelia Almos. Join in the fun and leave a comment in the regular comments section for a chance to win a free copy of Angelia's previously published YA Fantasy, HORSE CHARMER.


Title: Unicorn Keep
Author: Angelia Almos

Genre: YA Fantasy

Jiline of Ainsley is dismayed when her best friend is selected by the mages to become a unicorn keeper at the Keep, an isolated mountain fortress. Especially since Madelen is in love and engaged to the richest boy in the village. Jiline on the other hand has no prospects of marriage or a trade in their small village. So, she comes up with a plan to take Madelen’s place at the Keep and hopefully flunk out of unicorn keeper training before the mages can discover the deception. Unfortunately, the unicorns have their own plans for her.

Mage Herrick, son of the Keep Mage, returns home to the Keep as the trainee keepers arrive. A chance encounter with Jiline, who he believes is Madelen, on the trail sparks a magical connection between the two. Knowing he can’t feel a magical draw to someone who has no magic, he tries to prove Madelen (Jiline) has magic within her. His attention brings unforeseen complications for both of them.

Author Bio and Picture  

Angelia Almos formed a lifelong passion for horses at the age of five when she talked her parents into riding lessons. Horses often play a prominent role in her young adult fantasy books. She also writes horsey nonfiction and space opera. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats, and one pony (she often thinks of bumping that number up to two).




Visit her website: www.angeliaalmos.com
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/angeliaalmos
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/AngeliaAlmosAuthor


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BE NOT AFRAID

Catchy title huh? Wink wink to my stalker.

Last week I blogged about my current events and the fact that my writing friend, Deborah Lynne (I stole the title of this blog topic from her latest book series) and myself were going to team up and hit the pavement to market ourselves. So I’m sure you all want to know what results we got.

From our marketing efforts we got:  1) Learning Express a local toy store is hosting a book signing for me on June 9^th and if that goes well, she will buy copies of my book to put on her shelves; 2) a Bible and Bookstore that carries Deb’s books  is now carry my books and host inga book signing for us both on June 23rd; 3) We got books a million paperwork to send in so they can warehouse our books and then we can do a book signing; 4) a great contact at barnes and noble. I walked in the main branch in B. Rouge who turned me down once before, however they have a new marketing rep who happened to be someone I worked with at my regular job and she got laid off the same time I did! She has promised to get us a book signing in the near future; 5) a weekly TV show called “Around Town” that advertises events going on in the area to feature our book signing May 19^th; 6) at least two more promising book signing events that we are waiting to hear back from. We only had one place turn us down.

So as you can see, going in person and having a flyer introducing yourself and your book can really pay off (Great idea, Deb). I know, I know… most of us writers don’t like marketing ourselves but the bottom line is, WE MUST DO IT!! And guess what, after the first book store we approached, it really was easy after that. And well worth all the effort, zits from worry, and sweating from stress.

So if you’ve been putting off marketing yourself or if you aren’t published yet because you keep putting off submitting things, just stop it. Get out there! If I can do it, anyone can do it. Be positive and try to enjoy the adventure. You might be surprised, as we were, at what great reaction and responses you’ll get. After all, most good things that happen in our lives come from hard work and those are also the most rewarding and will make you feel most satisfied. So this is me kicking and cheering us all on to stop being afraid!

Upcoming Events

Today I thought I’d just update everyone on a few events I have coming up very soon. I’m excited about both of them.

Saturday, May 5^th I will be at the Barnes and Noble in Mandeville, LA at 10:00 am reading The Pea in Peanut Butter to the kids during Storytime and will also be selling and signing my book. Please drop by if you are in the area and say hi.

On Saturday May 19^th, I will be selling and signing my book at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 5860 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge from 1-5:00 pm. There will also be another author there who writes adult inspirational books. I hope to see some of you there!

Monday, I am hitting the pavement with another author to see if we can get some more book signings set up so I hope to make some more announcements soon.

That’s what’s up with me. I’ve been working my big rear off trying to market my book and hopefully it’s starting to pay off. This is not an easy process as many of you know. I’m really not much of a leader but a great follower so this is tough for me but I am determined to do it and make the best of it.

What about you? Does anyone have any updates they’d like to share?

Have a great spring (hopefully) week everyone and keep writing and reading! By the way, my flowers are just gorgeous right now. Why can't spring last forever?

The Sunshine Award

Well today in Baton Rouge, Louisiana it is sunny and 70 degrees outside. I’m sorry to all those northerners who are still fighting the cold! But it’s going to be a beautiful spring day here, the flowers are all blooming, the birds are chirping. So on that note, it’s a perfect day for me to say thank you to Taurean Watkins http://www.talkinganimaladdicts.com/2012/04/im-bit-behind-with-this-being-easter.html for awarding me the Sunshine Award. Below are the 10 questions I’ve been asked to answer.

1. Favorite color?

Depends. If it’s clothing, probably wearing red is my favorite. But overall, probably green is my favorite.

2. Favorite animal?

Definitely dogs. No sweeter animal than a nice doggy.

3. Favorite number?

21. A lot of good things happened to me the 21^st. I've gotten lots of jobs on this date. I was married on this date along with numerous other things. I’m just waiting for the powerball number to be 21.

4. Favorite drink?

Fruit punch sugar free koolaid and diet orange Sunkist.

5. Facebook or Twitter?

I don’t twitter yet, however I do have an account. I despise a lot of things about Facebook but love communicating with old classmates and friends through it. Plus it’s a great marketing tool.

6. My passion(s)?

Writing picture books of course! Plus shopping and decorating.

7. Getting or giving?

I love to get gifts as long as it’s in private. I hate opening a gift in front of someone. But I think I prefer giving. I love the feeling I get when I give someone a nice gift that they appreciate and want. And nothing feels better than giving to someone who really needs what you’re giving.

8. Favorite pattern?

No clue.

9. Favorite day of the week?

When I was working it was always Friday. Now everyday is like a Friday to me so I’d have to say maybe Saturday is my favorite.

10. Favorite flower?

Hydrangea is my favorite. Just love those! I also love Hybiscus. I love watching both of those grow.

And now I’d like to nominate the following 3 people this same honorable award.

Courtney Rene

Deborah Lynne

Ruth Schiffmann

Please pass on to however many recipients you wish and congratulations!