Kobo Books - Kindle - Smashwords: the ebook and ereader revolution is on the rise!

If you've been following my tweets and blog recently, you'll notice I've really jumped on board the ebook wagon. Instead of only having ebooks availabe on Amazon (Kindle), as I had for a couple of years, I now have them available via Kobo Books and Smashwords. Here are my thoughts on each...

Kobo Books - First, let me say that I'm only just a bit too proud of this company. They originally launched as Shortcovers, a Canadian spin-off from Chapters (Indigo Books & Music) that really seems to like hiring guys named Michael. :-). That they're Canadian makes me very proud. That I was one of the first Canadian authors to get involved makes me even prouder. My novel The River was offered for a while as a free novel on Kobo.

Kobo now has their own eReader, and I can't wait to see it. I've heard awesome things about it. And for those of you who have smart phones (iPhones, Blackberries and others), as opposed to dumb phones like my old LG, you can download the Kobo app (I have it on my iPhone) and read books on your cell phone. You can also read them on your PC or laptop. Versatile, clean looking, easy to use, the app is awesome. I am sure the eReader is even better!

http://www.kobobooks.com/ and follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kobo

Kindle - Amazon's eReader is sleek and easy to use, or so I've been told. I've only seen one in captivity in Canada so far; Amazon was a bit late on getting them across the border, which didn't score any brownie points with me--as an author or potential eReader customer. But I did get to hold one (I asked a stranger I met at Starbucks if I could see his Kindle...no, I wasn't being naughty!) And I was impressed. Lightweight, easy to read...and easy to buy books.

I have the Kindle app on my iPhone (okay, I'm a bit of an app addict, I'll admit it) and I find it works great. My only beef with it is this: as a Canadian customer I have to pay a $2 surcharge on every e-book I order. WhisperNet, they call it. Um...let me whisper this...I don't think it costs any more to send me the file than anyone in the US. And $2? I could see $0.50 maybe. Again, not scoring brownie points with me--and I have a LOT of Canadian fans. So guess where I'm sending them? KOBO!

Smashwords - Now here's a site that offers readers a wide assortment of ebook titles, some of them at reduced prices and a large number for free. Readers can download the ebooks they buy in multiple formats, making them readable on an assortment of devices. You can read online or offline. One of the best advantages to authors promoting their books via Smashwords is that we can control special sales by issuing coupon codes; this way we can give our readers discounts whenever we want to. Right now and until April 30th, 2010, my thriller Divine Intervention is available at 50% off the ebook price of $4.99. Just go to and be sure to use the coupon code: KQ82F.

No matter whether you choose an ebook or print edition, Kindle, Kobo or Smashwords, I wish you happy reading! :-)

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Whale Song - new ebook edition now available exclusively at Kobo Books

The new ebook edition of WHALE SONG is now available!

"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

I am so pleased to announce that my bestselling novel Whale Song is back in print--well, kind of. A newly released ebook version has hit the virtual shelves over at Kobo Books.

Kobo is currently the exclusive Whale Song ebook retailer.

In celebration of the return of Whale Song, you can purchase the ebook for only $1.99.

But wait! There's more! :-)

Get it NOW while it's reduced even more--only $1.59.

I don't know how long Whale Song will be available at this price, so don't wait. Get it now.

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

"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

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novel, Whale Song, would be a tough act to follow for any written genre." --FreshFiction

Some things are easier to forget.


But now a familiar voice from her past 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, yet aided by the creatures of the Earth and by the killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and uncover the truth―even if it destroys her.


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

Get it NOW while it's reduced even more--only $1.59.

"Cheryl Tardif is a new addition to the ranks of Margaret Atwood, Tanya Huff and a host of others." --R. Kyle

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
bestselling Canadian author
http://www.whalesongbook.com/
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Operation eBook Drop

Operation eBook Drop is an initiative that rewards international military members for their dedication, sacrifices and service by giving them FREE ebooks, while deployed overseas. This project was created by author Edward C. Patterson, who then brought in ebook retailer and creator of Smashwords, Mark Coker. Together, they have supplied hundreds of military members with free reading material.


As an Operation eBook Drop author and a military brat and former military wife, I couldn't be more proud of my involvement. This is my way to give back and say, "THANK YOU!" to the men and women who have served my country and others.

If you're an military member deployed overseas and you'd like to receive FREE EBOOKS, please contact Edward Patterson at edwpat@att.net.

Divine Intervention is on sale at Smashwords for only $2.50 until April 30

Smashwords has just released an e-book edition of Divine Intervention, a "sizzling" paranormal suspense thriller, and from now until April 30th, you can get Divine Intervention from Smashwords for only $2.50US! That's a savings of 50%.

Just use the coupon code: KQ82F

“A genuine Canadian crime novel...Tardif gives her readers plenty of twists and turns before reaching a satisfying ending." --Midwest Book Review

SOMEONE IS LEAVING A BLAZING TRAIL OF CORPSES BEHIND...BUT WHO?

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division, a secret government agency located in the secluded town of Divine, BC.

Jasi leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people. Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind. A mind bent on destruction and revenge.

Jasi's team, consisting of Psychometric Empath and profiler, Ben Roberts, and Victim Empath, Natassia Prushenko, is led down a twisting path of dark, painful secrets. Brandon Walsh, the handsome, smooth-talking Chief of Arson Investigations joins them in a manhunt that takes them across British Columbia―from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria.

While impatiently sifting through the clues that were left behind, Jasi and her team realize that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when they learn that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.

The case heats to the boiling point as Jasi steps out of the flames…and into the fire. And in the heat of early summer, Agent Jasi McLellan discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she imagined.

Divine Intervention appeals to fans of J.D. Robb and Kay Hooper and those who enjoy CSI, Medium or Ghost Whisperer.

Divine Intervention from Smashwords for only $2.50US! Code: KQ82F

"An exciting book from start to finish. The futuristic elements are believable...plenty of surprising twists and turns. Good writing, good book! Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." --Writer's Digest

“A crime novel at its best, with a Canadian twist, this book is a really thrilling page-turner, and is highly recommended..." --Allbooks Review

The River is now available on KoboBooks for $3.89

KoboBooks.com has just released an e-book edition of The River, a "terrifying" thriller that has been compared to works by Dan Brown and Michael Crichton. The River, via KoboBooks, can be read on your PC, smart phone (Kobo has great apps for iPhone, Blackberry and more), iPad and Kobo e-reader.

Get The River from Kobo for only $3.89!

STEM CELL RESEARCH, CLONING, AND WORLD DOMINATION--WITH A TWIST...

The South Nahanni River area of Canada's Northwest Territories has a history of mysterious deaths, disappearances and headless corpses, but it may also hold the key to humanity’s survival―or its destruction.

Del thought her father was long dead. But someone from her past says otherwise. Now she and a group of near strangers embark on a perilous mission...

Seven years ago, Del Hawthorne’s father and three of his friends disappeared near the Nahanni River and were presumed dead. When one of the missing men stumbles onto the University grounds, alive but barely recognizable and aging before her eyes, Del is shocked. Especially when the man tells her something inconceivable. Her father is still alive!

Gathering a group of volunteers, Del travels to the Nahanni River to rescue her father. There, she finds a secret river that plunges her into a technologically advanced world of nanobots and painful serums. Del uncovers a conspiracy of unimaginable horror, a plot that threatens to destroy us all. Will humanity be sacrificed for the taste of eternal life?

At what point have we become...God?

Get The River from Kobo for only $3.89!

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif specializes in mile-a-minute pot-boiler mysteries." --Edmonton Sun

"Exciting and vivid. Tardif’s latest novel sweeps readers along into uncharted, wild Canadian territory.A thrilling adventure..."―Midwest Book Review 

Divine Intervention is now available on KoboBooks.com

KoboBooks.com has just released an e-book edition of Divine Intervention, a "sizzling" paranormal suspense that can be read on your PC, smart phone (Kobo has great apps for iPhone, Blackberry and more), iPad and Kobo e-reader.

Get Divine Intervention from Kobo for only $3.89!

“A genuine Canadian crime novel...Tardif gives her readers plenty of twists and turns before reaching a satisfying ending." --Midwest Book Review

SOMEONE IS LEAVING A BLAZING TRAIL OF CORPSES BEHIND...BUT WHO?

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division, a secret government agency located in the secluded town of Divine, BC.

Jasi leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people. Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind. A mind bent on destruction and revenge.

Jasi's team, consisting of Psychometric Empath and profiler, Ben Roberts, and Victim Empath, Natassia Prushenko, is led down a twisting path of dark, painful secrets. Brandon Walsh, the handsome, smooth-talking Chief of Arson Investigations joins them in a manhunt that takes them across British Columbia―from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria.

While impatiently sifting through the clues that were left behind, Jasi and her team realize that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when they learn that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.

The case heats to the boiling point as Jasi steps out of the flames…and into the fire. And in the heat of early summer, Agent Jasi McLellan discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she imagined.

Divine Intervention appeals to fans of J.D. Robb and Kay Hooper and those who enjoy CSI, Medium or Ghost Whisperer.

Get Divine Intervention from Kobo today for only $3.89!

"An exciting book from start to finish. The futuristic elements are believable...plenty of surprising twists and turns. Good writing, good book! Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." --Writer's Digest

“A crime novel at its best, with a Canadian twist, this book is a really thrilling page-turner, and is highly recommended..." --Allbooks Review

Read the first 12 chapters of Lancelot's Lady for FREE at Authonomy.com

“Cherish D'Angelo has got that mythical “voice” down to a fine art.” ―Jennifer L. Hart, author of River Rats

Sipping margaritas at a beach in the Bahamas was the idea, but Rhianna soon realizes that Fate and a handsome, moody recluse have other plans.

When palliative care nurse Rhianna McLeod is given a gift of a dream holiday to the Bahamas from her dying patient, billionaire JT Lance, Rhianna has no idea that her 'holiday' will include being stranded on a private island with Jonathan, an irritating but irresistibly handsome recluse. Or that she'll fall head over heels for the man.

Jonathan isn't happy to discover a drop-dead gorgeous redhead has invaded his island. But his anger soon turns to attraction. After one failed marriage, he has guarded his heart, but Rhianna's sudden appearance makes him yearn to throw caution to the wind.

To live fully in the present, Rhianna must resolve her own murky past, unravel the secret that haunts JT, foil the plans of a sleazy, blackmailing private investigator and help Jonathan find his muse. Only then can Rhianna find the love she's been searching for, and finally become...Lancelot's Lady.

* * * * * * * * * *
Lancelot's Lady was a semi-finalist in the first Dorchester Next Best Celler Romance Contest, hosted at Textnovel.com. It was #1 Most Popular in first 3 months and #3 Most Popular by the end of the contest. Cherish D'Angelo is the romance pen name for Cheryl Kaye Tardif.

* * * * * * * * * *
Read the first 12 chapters of Lancelot's Lady by Cherish D'Angelo for FREE at Authonomy.com.

“Lancelot's Lady is riveting. It holds on and won't let you go! Cherish D’Angelo’s descriptive powers are amazing. She summons up scenes like genies from bottles!” ―Susan J. McLeod, author of Soul and Shadow

Copyright infringement: an act of honoring or theft?

Recently, a fellow writer posted an article written by another author to our writers' group. He was trying to be helpful. But he openly admitted he didn't have permission to reproduce the article. He hadn't bothered to contact the author and ask, and the article author isn't a member of our group, as far as I know. This led to a discussion on the issue of copyright infringement.

My fellow writer's argument: he was trying to be helpful, was promoting another author who would be grateful for the extra promotion, and he hadn't profited from posting it so it wasn't infringement.

My argument: if you haven't received permission from the author and you've posted their article, especially in its entirety, it's copyright infringement. And as writers, we should be very careful not to cross that line.

Is it copyright infringement if you reproduce an article without the author's permission? Yes.

Even if you don't make any money off it? Yes.

Even if you're trying to help that author? Yes.

There were two solutions to this issue that the writer could have explored. He could've emailed the author for permission; most authors will say yes but may have guidelines/rules. Or he could've posted the link to wherever the article was posted legally.

Over the years, I've found a handful of my articles printed online without my permission. One misspelled my name. One didn't include my name. One altered my text. One added their own advertisement links where I had linked to sites like Facebook. One didn't include a link to my website. I can assure you, I didn't feel honored and I doubt I made any sales from them. In fact, I usually asked them to either attribute me correctly, or in the case of one person who thought it was their God given right to print whatever they wanted, I asked them to remove my article. But if someone asks me first if they can reproduce one of my articles (without any changes) and adds my name (correctly spelled) and a live link to my site, I am happy. And honored.

I know I'm not the only one who has experienced this. I once reproduced a post from a newsletter. The owner of the newsletter stated they had permission to use it and so did the subscribers. After I posted it, the author contacted me and asked me why I'd infringed on her copyright. I explained I thought she'd given permission, as was mentioned in the newsletter. She didn't even know her material had been used in that newsletter. She was pissssed!

I don't blame her, and I felt pretty awful about it. I offered to immediately remove my post, but she graciously allowed me to use it. I'd already attributed her and had included a link to her site (which was how she found out I'd printed her post).

Have you ever found your material illegally reproduced online? If you did, how did you respond? If you haven't, how would you feel about it--especially as I've mentioned--without your name or incorrectly spelled, no links to your site, edited text etc?

I think this is something every writer should be wary of. And anyone who feels that by using someone else's material, they're honoring them or helping them. You're not. Get permission. Or use links; they work. :-)

For some interesting insights into copyright, please check out the following:

• 10 Big Myths about copyright explained
• Basic Copyright Concepts For Writers
• Canadian Intelligent Property Office - Copyrights
• Canadian Authors Association - Copyright

Laws vary slightly by country, but simply put: get permission to reproduce anything you did not write.

My fellow writers and I will appreciate your respect.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
Bestselling author & book marketing coach
http://www.cherylktardif.com/
http://www.shamelessbookpromoter.com/

P.S. In case you're wondering, this blog post is copyrighted. If you'd like to repost it on your site, blog or to a writers' group, please email me via http://www.cherylktardif.com/. Or feel free to add just the title and link to the article here. Thank you. :-)

Operation Teen Book Drop 2010

I am participating once more in Operation Teen Book Drop. I have secretly left a copy of my bestselling thriller on a table at Starbucks (4357-50th Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta).

The object of OTBD is to leave copies of books in areas highly trafficked by teens. Starbucks is a hot spot for older teens and today, it has been super busy, due to a special free drink promotion if you bring in your travel mug--which I forgot at home. DOH!

My covert Operation began at 2:02 pm when I snuck over to an empty table and placed a signed copy of The River next to a newspaper. On the inside front cover, I wrote: 'If you find this, it's yours.'

On another page, I left a message explaining Operation Teen Book Drop and left the url for anyone interested in checking it out.

http://www.readergirlz.com/ and http://www.readergirlz.blogspot.com/

Now I'm spying on the empty table, waiting for someone to pick up The River and realize they've just received a free, autographed book. :-)

So if you live in Edmonton, it's now 2:40, and The River is still on that table. Come on down to Starbucks on 50th Street and pick it up! I'll be the one watching you! hehe

Sunday Salon: Review of The Panic Zone by Rick Mofina

5 stars!

Gripping and mesmerizing from the very first chapter, Rick Mofina’s latest thriller explores a chilling conspiracy that is guaranteed to get your heart pounding.

A car crash in Wyoming, involving a young couple and their baby, sets The Panic Zone into rapid motion. The next day, a reporter in Brazil gets a call to meet an unidentified woman at a café; the woman claims to have a news story, and the documents to back it up. The reporter and her photographer friend have no idea what they’re walking into, and the resulting chaos sends World Press Alliance reporter Jack Gannon across the globe in search of the truth. But the truth is more shocking than anyone could fathom.

A twisted scientist gathers a secret group of conspirators and puts into action a horrific plot that threatens the very existence of mankind, proving once again that science can be a deadly plaything if it falls into the wrong hands. From human experimentation without consent, to a killer virus constructed from some of the world’s deadliest toxins and a unique delivery system that will chill you to the bone, The Panic Zone will keep you turning the pages.

With a storytelling talent comparative to Michael Crichton and Robert Ludlum, Mofina expertly weaves the plot with intricate, terrifying and believable details. The Panic Zone is excellently researched and the clearly defined chapters show alternating points of view as only a master writer could achieve. Another Mofina masterpiece―one I can’t recommend enough.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author of The River
http://www.cherylktardif.com

EHM: Coventry Edition - Day 61 A roof & windows

It's Day 61 of my Extreme Home Makeover: Coventry Edition, the unofficial name of the building of my new home by Coventry Homes in Edmonton, AB. Though we did have more snow a week ago, most has melted. Thankfully the spring rains haven't come yet--a good thing since most of the roof is on but there are still some openings.

In two months, my home is starting to become recognizable, though there have been some surprises. On paper, the house looked to have a decent amount of space between the right corner of the garage and the city fence. This is the space we need to be able to get to our front door. It's a bit tight! We're considering asking the city if we can remove the last 2-3 panels of the fence. Don't know if they'll do it or not, but it sure would make life easier.

Luckily, the garage has a door into the house. It leads to an open hallway that goes both straight and to the right, which will give us the room we need to move our furniture into the various rooms.

The windows have been installed on the entire main floor. What I love are the windows in my dining nook, and the sliding glass door that will lead out onto the deck, where our hot tub will sit. These windows are tall and large and I'll have beautiful morning sunlight in my dining & kitchen area. I love the morning light.

The front door is also in. There's a window at the top of the door and another one above the door as well. My office window looks out onto the front porch. Not my ideal view, but it'll work for me. I like to have natural light in my office during the day.

The basement windows aren't in yet and there's a lot of work to do inside the house. A staircase has been built to the basement level but right now I have rocks down there. Soon, they'll be adding the floor. Then they'll be framing the basement rooms.

For now, I'll be content in the nice home we're renting. We sold our old house just over a week ago. We had a week to find a place to live and move. It's been crazy busy with packing, moving and unpacking, along with cleaning the old house. I also visited some of my old neighbors to say goodbye and thanked them for being so wonderful. I still have a few others to see. Of course, we haven't moved far so I expect I'll see them around.

Here's Chai, our 2-year-old Pomeranian, claiming her space in the rental. Doesn't she look like quite the princess? Her full name is "Venti Chai Tea Latte With Two Shots of Cinnamon Dulce". I named her after my favorite Starbucks drink.

Ok, not really. Her name is Chai-Chan. Wherever I go, Chai follows.

And this ends Day 61 of my Extreme Home Makeover: Coventry Edition. If you're considering building a new home in Edmonton, I highly recommend Coventry Homes.