"Laura’s writing is so beautiful and visually descriptive that the reader will lose themselves in this book, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality."

- Lisa, Beta extraordinaire

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Soul Stalker Cover Revealed . . . Finally!

Hey everyone. The cover is in. I'll upload a more detailed one later, but this should give you an idea . . .




Book Giveaway

Hey everyone!


Sorry I have been absent as of late. As many of you close to me know, I recently had a piece of lattice bonk me right on my noggin which sent me immediately to the hospital to receive staples. Luckily, for my beauty's sake, my hair covers the majority of the damage. Unluckily, I had intensive headaches that practically incapacitated me for days, delaying the ending of Soul Stalker. I am officially back to work on the book and have decided to give the fans a sneak (unedited) peak of two scenes from Soul Stalker AND I'm giving away two free copies of Shadow of the Sun which you may enter by going here: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/4669-shadow-of-the-sun!


On another note, the cover for Soul Stalker is rumored to be finished this week and I will post immediately. Trust me when I say WOW! It's amazing and is being worked on by Igor Scekic, the graphic designer who made the first cover for me. Check out his amazing work here: http://fusionfactory.net/profolio/.


One last thing before we commence with the Soul Stalker goodies . . . I will be on the road from July 6th-11th on I70 between Kentucky and Utah. That includes Southern Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. If you are interested in meeting for lunch or to watch me purchase gas, let me know!


Now onto the first Soul Stalker scene (very unedited):


The fact that I even thought about hitting—or possibly breaking—someone’s knee caps made me feel out of my element. Again, what part of a dungeon-like prison, Shadow guards, and a soulless leader was in my element? Actually, I thought about doing a lot more than hurting a few knees around here. The wave of violence that burned within me was new. Since I had become an angel, violence seemed to be the only thing on my mind; usually vicious thoughts when people felt the need to attack me and those I loved. And no matter how foreign the emotion was, I embraced it this time.

Joseph went for the door first and I practically yanked him back and shook my head. For a whole minute we silently argued, bent down like waddling ducks. He made gestures of how he was male by flexing his bicep and pointing at it, then he nodded and yanked his finger toward the door saying that he should go first. I shook my head, rubbed my fingers together to make a small electric spark, and stabbed my thumb toward the door to tell him I should go first. He didn’t agree, snapped his head left and right fiercely to say no, made his hand into a gun and blew over his pointer finger as if he had just shot a real gun. I rolled my eyes at him as I pointed to his empty holster, not like bullets did anything to the very immortal angels. He put his hand over it and grimaced when he realized it was empty and then he thrust both of his thumbs into his chest and literally—no joke—hit his chest like a wild caveman. I blinked at him as he continued to flex his biceps. Finally, I pointed at my chest to say I should go first and then I drew a halo above my head with my finger. He thought it was funny and then made horns on his head like a devil and stuck his tongue out at me.

The door creaked open and Joseph and I both jumped, startled, when we noticed Patrick lit from the sliver of light that came from the hallway. He shook his head at our muted conversation in slight humor and exasperation as he held the door in his palm. From the outside, I was sure we probably looked like a pair of pantomimes. I looked up toward Patrick and shot him my best glare for opening the door while Joseph craned his neck to see what was behind door number one. Patrick signaled for the all-clear and we all stood. Zola had been leaning against the wall, but seemed to regain some buoyancy at the thought of being free. Being imprisoned for a couple-hundred years and finally realizing it might all be over with would put a smile on anyone’s face. But we weren’t free yet, and somehow I was sure she knew that.


________________________


Second Soul Stalker scene (very unedited):


There was a blast of electricity that exploded out of my body, the screech of tires, and the jerk of something around my torso. My head slammed against something and my vision came back to me, as if a hypnotist snapped his fingers and I woke up from a trance. The car moved slowly for a moment before it stopped completely.


The annoying dinging sound a vehicle makes when the door is open and the vehicle is still on was going off. Both Patrick and Joseph’s doors were open but they were missing from their seats.


“Joseph?” I called out as I put my hand to my head, dazed. There was a sore spot at my hairline and it was wet. I pulled my hand away and looked down at the blood. It wasn’t silver, but it wasn’t red either. It was a strange shimmering, pink-tinged mixture that made my heart thud forcefully against my ribcage.


My door opened and I fell backward, my seatbelt catching me. Joseph was at my ear. “Are you okay? Oh shit, your head.”


“I’m fine,” I assured him.


“Sure ya are, Zinger.” The nickname surprised me and I gave a low chuckle. Joseph reached over and unbuckled my seatbelt. I rested against him for a few seconds.


I recognized Patrick’s deep voice. It grew louder along with a voice I didn’t recognize. “Really, it’s no big deal,” the guy said. “That’s what insurance is for.”


“Is she okay, Agent?” Patrick asked.


“I’m fine,” I repeated.


Joseph’s chest shook with laughter. “She’s bleeding, but she’ll be okay.”


“Can she walk?”


“Guys, thanks for the concern but I’m fine.” I rose up in my seat and swung my legs around so I could climb out. Joseph held his hand out and I took it gratefully. When I was on my feet, he let go and my knees went out from under me. Patrick caught me, moving so quickly I blinked up at him a few times, confused. He had this look on his face that I couldn’t quite place; I’d say it was concern, but it was a deeper emotion, one I couldn’t quite understand. “Thanks,” I said softly.


“I—” he cut himself off and his eyebrows came together. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention and I just ran right into another car. It’s all my fault.”


“It’s okay. I’m—”


“Fine?” Joseph chimed in. “Obviously not. You need to be checked out by a doctor.”


“I am a doctor.” I rolled my eyes at him, but that didn’t deter him from his train of thought.


“Not that kind of doctor.”


“What is ‘that kind of doctor’ going to say when they see my SHIMMERING PINK BLOOD, Joseph?” I changed my voice to mimic one of a concerned doctor. “I’m sorry ma’am, you appear to be suffering from a mild case of Pretty Pretty Princess syndrome? Have you ingested any magical woodland faeries recently?” I tapped my fingers on the top of the car.


I could tell he was trying not to smile. “Oh, and I suppose you’ve examined your share of supernatural head trauma cases?” He raised one eyebrow at me and then pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and began to practically shout orders at someone. I was sure he called someone at the FBI headquarters instead of a regular ambulance.


________________________________


All right. There ya have it people! Hope you enjoyed it, and you'll be hearing from me again very soon!


Ciao,


Laura

Monday, June 7, 2010

Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement is not all right. It is also not okay to post someones work online without the permission of the copyright holder. I have recently come across a website (or eight) that have been freely giving away authors’ work. I am a larger supporter when it comes to writers. I buy their books, be it in a physical copy, digital, or audio file. I will admit there are times I have obtained non-purchased documents or audio files for books, but I have always gone out of my way to purchase each and every book to support that author. To give nothing back to someone who worked diligently for months while stressing over deadlines and editing is revolting.

I truly hope that every one of you will help support authors by purchasing their work.

Thank you all!

Laura

(You can contact me at laura.kreitzer@gmail.com –my official email address.)

Friday, June 4, 2010

On Sale!

The paperback version of Shadow of the Sun is now on sale on my website for only $15.85 (includes shipping). I will, of course, autograph every one just for you lovely fans! Check it out: http://laurakreitzer.com/purchase

Laura

News link: http://laurakreitzer.com/archives/419

Press Release

A press release for Shadow of the Sun was distributed to 273 media outlets last week. Sales on B&N.com rose in the past week, and I’m hoping to have book two out in early July. The book cover for Soul Stalker is in the works by my graphic designer, and I am only lacking 13,000 words to finish my manuscript. See my press release below:

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

Promotional Services Department

Tel: 1-800-AUTHORS

Fax: 812-355-4078

Email: promotions@iuniverse.com

(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

Angels and Shadows: A Prophecy of Light

Debut Author Reveals Ancient Supernatural Struggle between Light and Darkness in New Fantasy Novel

LEWISBURG, KY – In her thrilling new fantasy novel Shadow of the Sun: Timeless Series, Book One (published by iUniverse), debut author Laura Kreitzer follows the Illuminator, Dr. Gabriella Moretti, in an action-packed adventure that explores the spiritual dimension of reality as angels and shadows soon make themselves apparent, each group struggling for their own survival.

With amnesia of her early childhood, Gabriella throws herself into her present. Intelligent, antisocial, quiet Gabriella is a supernatural specialist who works at Zelko Corporation. Within the glass walls of the lab, Gabriella attempts to uncover the truth about legends and myths by unearthing answers to the bizarre and abnormal. Zelko Corp’s investors have yet to throw her a curve ball she can’t handle until three bodies from Italy arrive that look awfully alive for being more than 2,000 years old. What she learns both frightens and intrigues her; however, fear wins out in the end, and Gabriella flees to the comfort of her office.

Gabriella tries to gather her wits for the impending storm of her newest revelation—the bodies are regenerating. Her peace is short-lived when a shadowlike creature destroys her office and warns her about “waking the angels.” Confused and terrified, Gabriella tries to question the dark creature, but she is only told that they should be “buried back in the earth where they belong.” Surprisingly, she finds solace in those three beings locked in the lab—those same beings that the dark creature warned her about.

Unfortunately, the dark creature is only the beginning of Gabriella’s problems. FBI agents swarm the lab to seize the bodies and deliver them to a paranormal investigations lab, where Gabriella will accompany them to continue her research. Karen, a very stunning and calming FBI agent, approaches Gabriella and soon reveals to her that she is an angel that has been tasked with guarding her. Then, when she is summoned by the Elders and her destiny to stop the Shadow of the Sun (being forever cast out of the light) is revealed, her life starts to spin wildly out of control.

Luckily, a bond between Andrew, one of the 4,000-year-old leaders of the Guardians, and Gabriella is undeniably forged, but there is no time for pleasantries, because they are on the run after an assassination attempt. Will Gabriella ever discover the truth about her past? And as romance blossoms and assassins track her, will she discover the true power of being the Illuminator and save them all? Find out in the startling conclusion of Kreitzer’s masterful and riveting Shadow of the Sun.

About the Author

Kreitzer currently lives in Kentucky with her fiancé and their two dogs and cat. She works full-time at Western Kentucky University. In 2008, she traveled to Southwest University China to establish one of the first dye trace laboratories under the China Environmental Health Project. She has been involved in hundreds of water tracing investigations, and she has published several confidential reports under the Crawford Hydrology Laboratory. Though Kreitzer is passionate about her environmental work, her favorite hobby is writing, which has blossomed into her debut novel, Shadow of the Sun. She is currently writing the sequel titled Soul Stalker. Interested readers and media professionals can visit www.laurakreitzer.com for additional information.

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.iuniverse.com.

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PDF version

Autographed Copies

Just a reminder that you can still purchase autographed copies of Shadow of the Sun here: http://laurakreitzer.com/timeless-series/

Have a greet week!

Soul Stalker Update

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to update you-all on book two. Soul Stalker is coming around quickly. I hit 49,000 words tonight, which is roughly 44% done according to my goal. To celebrate such a successful writing evening, here’s a quote from the book:

The Soul Stalker stalked toward me like a leopard through tall grass and I was the frightened, injured gazelle waiting to be eaten. That was what it came down to: she was the hunter and I was her food. I rose to my feet with a stupendous effort and swayed as I held my side with one hand. My other hand clutched onto the closest tree as if it held the answers to my predicament. My body wept as hot blood leaked through my fingers and splattered across the ground in teardrops. I glared through the ghostly cloud of steam that rose from the warm liquid and right into the Soul Stalker’s smirking face.


I hope to have this finished by mid May and out in stores by late June. I’ll keep everyone updated.

Laura

Check it out on my website: http://laurakreitzer.com/archives/309