THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHERYL KAYE TARDIF

Mystery, suspense, thrillers, paranormal, horror & YA by "Cheryl Kaye Tardif" & romance by "Cherish D'Angelo". Cheryl is represented by Trident Media Group in NY.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day Special - WHALE SONG - FREE KINDLE eBOOK - Feb 14th & 15th

This year I wanted to do something special to celebrate Valentine's Day, so I decided I will give away what I've always called "my heart book"--WHALE SONG.

I call it my heart book because it was my first published book and the story I am most emotionally connected to of all my titles. To say I "love" this book is an understatement. :-)

So today on Valentine's Day I'll share my love.

This international bestseller, which has received much movie interest, is FREE on Amazon TODAY & TOMORROW only.

WHALE SONG

A "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson’s life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

Reviews:

“I read Whale Song and loved it.” ―Jodelle Ferland, actress (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Case 39)

“Tardif’s story has that perennially crowd-pleasing combination of sweet and sad that so often propels popular commercial fiction…Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.” ―Booklist

“Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel.” ―NY Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

“A wonderfully well-written novel. Wonderful characters [that] shine. The settings are exquisitely described. The writing is lyrical. Whale Song would make a wonderful movie.” ―Writer’s Digest

“Whale Song is reminiscent of Ring of Endless Light by M. L’Engle, and Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.” ―Carol D. O’Dell, author of Mothering Mother

“One doesn’t simply read a Tardif story, one experiences it! Among the very few authors I’ve ever said that about is my all-time favorite Pat Conroy. Like him, Cheryl Kaye Tardif has a definite way with words.” ―Betty Dravis, co-author of Dream Reachers I & II.

“Tardif leaves a lasting mark on her readers…Moving and irresistible.” ―Midwest Book Review

Pick up your FREE Kindle copy of WHALE SONG today. You can read it on your Kindle ereader, smartphone, tablet with the Kindle app, PC or laptop.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

THE RIVER television series and the bestselling thriller THE RIVER by Cheryl Kaye tardif

I'm really anticipating the new ABC television series, THE RIVER. Why? Because I love a thrilling adventure and because it is very close in plot to my bestselling technothriller by the same name. I've watched the trailer, read the synopsis and found the plotin this series to be compelling and suspenseful. I can't wait to see what happens.

Here's part of ABC's official press release:
"The River" follows the story of wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole. Emmet set course around the world with his wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, while filming what would become one of the most popular shows in television. After he goes missing deep in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him. Famed explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned. The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. 
To the millions of kids who grew up watching his nature show, Dr. Cole was a hero. To his own son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), he was more of an enigma. Now, six months after he vanished, Lincoln is finally ready to bury the past when Dr. Cole's emergency beacon suddenly goes off. 
At the urging of his mother, Tess (Leslie Hope), Lincoln reluctantly joins her on a search for his father. To fund the rescue, they agree to let Dr. Cole's cagey ex-producer, Clark (Paul Blackthorne), film the mission documentary-style. The mixed crew of old friends and new acquaintances includes the sexy and resourceful Lena (Eloise Mumford), loyal mechanic Emilio (Daniel Zacapa) and lethal bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann).
Check out the trailer:

In celebration of this new TV series--even though I have absolutely nothing to do with it and it's NOT based on my novel--I will be giving away copies of my thriller THE RIVER on Amazon tomorrow.

You can download a free copy of my bestselling thriller THE RIVER tonight after midnight and up to tomorrow, February 8th, until about midnight.

You can read this on your PC, laptop, smartphone, Kindle ereader or any other device that allows you to download the Kindle app. If you read and enjoy my novel, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon as this really helps other readers decide if it's for them. Thank you.

~Cheryl

Sunday, January 15, 2012

eBook Sale: Jan. 15-18 - All eBooks 99 Cents

All of my ebooks will be on sale for only 99 cents each as part of Imajin Books' 99 Cent eBook Anniversary Sale. This sale runs for 4 DAYS ONLY, Jan. 15-18.

So if you're looking for books to download on your Kindle, Kobo, Nook, iPad or other ereader, please check out my titles.

Sale on Amazon (for Kindle ereader)

Get the coupon codes for my books via Smashwords download (all other ereaders) at http://www.imajinbooks.com/sale.

Friday, January 06, 2012

I never said Amazon's KDP Select wasn't enticing :-)


This is an update to my earlier post about Amazon's new KDP Select program.

I'm not one to blindly drink the Kool-Aid, but I'm also not one to pass on a possible opportunity. Now that I've had time to investigate this program and read what others have to say (pros and cons), I thought I'd clarify a few things.

I still don't agree with the exclusivity clause; I think Amazon should remember that not everyone owns or wants a Kindle ereader. But I AM glad that this exclusivity is short-termed. This allows authors to test the waters. Those who see great results may stay in the program; those who don't will leave.

Anyone who knows me knows that I've always been a risk-taker. I don't shy away from taking the plunge into uncharted waters, but I do my homework and investigate everything carefully. I like to be informed.

I know there are pluses to this program. That's always been a given. If authors are paid more, that's great. If a book makes a top 100 list, and sells thousands as a result of this program, even better.

I never said Amazon was stupid. :-) Though I don't like or agree with their tactics, this program is something to be tested. Since it's a short-term (3 months), there's less risk. My biggest concern is alienating readers who don't own a Kindle. But as an author trying to get my name out there among an overcrowded pool, I've decided I WILL test these waters, but only with one or two of my titles.

Always do your homework and read the fine print. Then if you think it'll work for you, take the risk.

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Ebook Sale at Imajin Books - 3 Days Left!

Imajin Books' eBook Sale is on until January 7th, 2012. 

They offer affordable ebooks by various authors in a number of genres, including mystery, suspense, horror, romance, fantasy, thriller and YA. And their ebooks aren't just for Kindle owners; if you have a Kobo, Nook, Sony or other ereader, you can buy affordable ebooks via Smashwords.

Check out this eBook Sale - all ebooks are inexpensive, priced from FREE to $2.99 until January 7th.

Prices have been adjusted on Amazon (Kindle) already; please use the coupon codes below to get the sale price on Smashwords.

ASENATH
by Anna Patricio
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: DH39W)

BLONDE DEMOLITION
by Chris Redding
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: NS35V)

CHASING CLOVERS
by Kat Flannery
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: EX44Z)

CHEAT THE HANGMAN
by Gloria Ferris
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: SE84B)

CHILDREN OF THE FOG
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: LA62M)

DIVINE INTERVENTION
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$0.99 SALE (reg. $1.99)
Amazon


DIVINE JUSTICE
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: QH92R)

LANCELOT'S LADY
by Cherish D'Angelo
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: XL55P)

REMOTE CONTROL
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$0.99 SALE (reg. $1.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (no code)

ROWENA THROUGH THE WALL
by Melodie Campbell
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: JG33L)

SHADOW OF INNOCENCE
by Ric Wasley
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: VT62Z)

SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET & OTHER CREEPY STORIES
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: PL97U)

SOUL AND SHADOW
by Susan J. McLeod
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: SH43P)

THE BRIDGEMAN
by Catherine Astolfo
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: GJ55B)

THE OTHER FACE OF GOD
by C. Robert Lee
$2.99 SALE (reg. $4.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: NQ69Q)

THE RIVER
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$0.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon


UNDER A TEXAS STAR
by Alison Bruce
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: GX44K)

VICTIM
by Catherine Astolfo
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: WA86D)

WHALE SONG
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: WX86L)

WHALE SONG: School Edition
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: DS24C)

WHAT FEARS BECOME: An Anthology from The Horror Zine
edited by Jeani Rector and featuring Bentley Little, Graham Masterton, Elizabeth Massey, Conrad Williams, Scott Nicholson & more
$2.99 SALE (reg. $4.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: AA37U)

Friday, December 23, 2011

FREE eBook: IMAJIN THIS!

IMAJIN THIS!

Imajin This!
This special chapter preview book showcases all fiction titles published by Imajin Books in 2010/2011. Sample the first three chapters of each book.

Our international authors strive to entertain you with a wide range of genres - mystery, suspense, romance, horror, fantasy, paranormal, YA and more.

Featuring the following authors: Alison Bruce, Anna Patricio, Catherine Astolfo, Cherish D'Angelo, Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Chris Redding, Christian A. Larsen, C. Robert Lee, Gloria Ferris, Jeani Rector (editor), Kat Flannery, Melodie Campbell, Ric Wasley, Simon Clark, and Susan J. McLeod.

"Quality fiction beyond your wildest dreams." All ebooks under $5.

Available FREE at Smashwords.com (various file formats for all major ereaders, including Kindle, Nook and Kobo.)

Or you can download the PDF for Imajin This! HERE.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Amazon's new carrot: KDP Select

Today someone asked me what I thought about Amazon's new KDP Select program, a program that has an exclusivity clause that prohibits participating authors from selling their ebooks anywhere else. After sending him my thoughts on the matter, I realized something: I had enough for a blog post. So here is my answer to his question of whether I was tempted to enroll and what I thought about the program...

I’m happy to share my thoughts on KDP Select, though I’ll warn you, they’re very “strong”. 

First, I think this is a ballsy move on Amazon’s part to try to monopolize the industry. From a business perspective, it’s not necessarily wrong, but they won’t make a lot of people happy.

I am definitely against aspects of this new “program” of Amazon’s, but it's compelling all the same. I think they’re using much higher numbers and authors won’t be too pleased when they realize how little they’ll actually make from it. That’s my prediction anyhow. It sounds good at first glance, sharing a pool of money, but at what cost?

The exclusivity clause is a big red flag for me. Amazon is asking authors to put all their “eggs into one basket.” It’s obvious they’re hoping to weed out other ebook retailers like Smashwords. They want the monopoly. But this is a huge risk for authors who blindly follow Amazon. Once they’re “in” and bound by exclusivity contracts, Amazon can basically do what they want and those authors won’t have any choices. They could raise ebook prices, put ebooks on sale etc.

The automatic renewal poses a serious problem as well. If it isn’t timed properly, authors who do want out will find themselves locked into another term.

I think new authors, especially the very young or very old, may be drawn into this “program” without realizing the full effects and risks. That bothers me. I’ve already seen on forums where authors have blindly signed up, not realizing until it’s too late that they won’t be able to sell anywhere else. It’s amazing how many writers don’t read the fine print—or understand it—or question it.

I don’t think the increased numbers came necessarily from Smashwords. Many writers who dealt with Smashwords and KDP probably thought it was a good idea. Some probably thought it worth checking out or experimenting with. Then again, who’s to say the increase came from authors in this program? Amazon often makes “deals” with publishers and it wouldn’t surprise me if they held back a large number of titles so it would appear that authors are “jumping ship.” Nothing Amazon may do would surprise me.

Amazon is a huge company. There’s no way around that. I have a Kindle and love it. I also have a Kobo. I have friends who have Sony ereaders. With KDP Select in place, readers with Kobo, Nook or Sony ereaders won’t be able to get the same content, unless these ereaders can download a Kindle app, which some don’t.

As for the free ebook option, it’s a short one-time promotion opportunity that probably won’t do much good for the average KDP author. If Amazon allowed unlimited free ebooks, that may draw in more authors. Many would like to offer a free ebook, just to get people interested. But even if they had that as an incentive, it wouldn’t be enough to entice me to cross over to the “dark side”.

What would entice me? If Amazon stopped their greed campaign long enough to remember that authors deserve respect. And KDP Select shows zero respect for authors and their rights by making us sign any kind of exclusivity contract. Amazon needs to learn to play fair. They don’t have to have it all. There’s room for Smashwords, Kobo, iBooks, B&N and more. And readers deserve the choice.

Ok, I’m climbing off my soapbox now...well, you did ask. hehe

For more information on KDP Select, please check out the following:
http://blog.smashwords.com/2011/12/amazon-shows-predatory-spots-with-kdp.html
https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/KDPSelect
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/violetblue/amazon-kdp-select-controversy-golden-opportunity-or-trap/861
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/12/fine-print-of-amazons-new-kdp-select.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-coker/amazon-ebooks-kdp-select_b_1139260.html
http://kaitnolan.com/2011/12/21/feeling-grinchy-about-kdp-select/


P.S. Authors: Do NOT enroll your books until you understand all of the risks and conditions.


KDP - Kill Da comPetition...

UPDATE: January 6, 2012

I thought I'd clarify a few things: I still don't agree with the exclusivity clause; I think Amazon should remember that not everyone owns or wants a Kindle ereader. But I AM glad that this exclusivity is short-termed. This allows authors to test the waters. Those who see great results may stay in the program; those who don't will leave.

Anyone who knows me knows that I've always been a risk-taker. I don't shy away from taking the plunge into uncharted waters, but I do my homework and investigate everything carefully. I like to be informed.

I know there are pluses to this program. That's always been a given. If authors are paid more, that's great. If a book makes a top 100 list, and sells thousands as a result of this program, even better.

I never said Amazon was stupid. :-) Though I don't like or agree with their tactics, this program is something to be tested. Since it's a short-term (3 months), there's less risk. My biggest concern is alienating readers who don't own a Kindle. But as an author trying to get my name out there among an overcrowded pool, I've decided I WILL test these waters, but only with one or two of my titles.

Always do your homework and read the fine print. Then if you think it'll work for you, take the risk.