99 eBooks for 99c! $990 in Prizes! TODAY ONLY!

Pyxis is part of a huge 1-day multi-genre promotion and giveaway -- 99 Kindle books for 99c each, plus $990 in prizes for book lovers!

Go to buymereadme.com for links to all the 99c books! Browse the books and when you're done shopping click the Prizes tab at the top. You could win a Kindle Fire, a Kindle Paperwhite, or a gift card - the top prize is a $500 Amazon gift card!

Know someone who would enjoy Pyxis? You can "gift" the eBook today while it's on sale. On the Amazon page, there's a "Give as a Gift" button under the Buy button. It's very easy - all you need is the recipient's email address. The 99c eBook deals and prize entry are TODAY only - go to buymereadme.com now so you don't miss out!

Alight (Pyxis Book 2) is Available for Kindle!

I am THRILLED to let you know that Alight: The Peril is for sale in the Kindle store! It took more time than I planned, but I think it was worth it and I hope you think so, too. There's definitely more action and drama, and some of the questions from Pyxis get answered ... and of course there are some new mysteries, too. ; )

Oh, and it should be live in the iTunes and Nook stores soon, too, if it's not already.

If you know anyone who might enjoy Pyxis, it's still free in the Kindle and iTunes stores, but probably not for much longer. And it's still 99c for Nook.

Thank you so much for all your support. Please let me know what you think of Alight!

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Update and utopYA Con

It's been a while since my last update, but LOTS of exciting things going on in the past few months! The highlights: I started a business, left the corporate world to write and work in publishing full-time, finished the first draft of Alight (Pyxis Book 2), and Pyxis got re-released with new cover. And the release of Alight is right around the corner. :)

Meet Me in Nashville!
I'm very excited that I'll be attending utopYA con in Nashville this week. If you're planning to go to this event, please look for me and introduce yourself! I am truly honored that Pyxis was nominated for 3 utopYA awards - Best Paranormal Romance YA Book of the Year, Best Editing, and Most Innovative Marketing. Many of my awesome author friends also were nominated for awards, too. I loved seeing so many familiar names on the ballot!

I'll be speaking on 2 panels at the convention - Query Letter Zone and From Fan to Famous! Reader Today, Author Tomorrow.

I think utopYA is going to be an amazing event, and I'm SO looking forward to meeting authors, book bloggers, and readers in person! There are so many I've known and chatted with online for well over a year, and it's been a little dream of mine to meet online friends IRL.

Thanks to all who have read Pyxis, recommended it to others, and for all of the ways you've supported me!

ALIGHT Cover Reveal + PYXIS is F*R*E*E for Kindle!

Exciting news!!

Today is cover reveal day for Alight AND Pyxis got a new cover, too! They are VERY different from the look of the original Pyxis cover, but I absolutely love them! What do you think?

AND there's one more surprise… Pyxis is free for Kindle for a short time!

Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis Series Book 1)

Pyxis is FREE for Amazon Kindle today and tomorrow!

Pyxis on Amazon.com

Pyxis on Amazon.co.uk

Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. Pursued by shadowy figures and a dangerous woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.

 

Alight: The Peril (Pyxis Series Book 2)

Anticipated release date: July 27, 2012

When Corinne learns who the second Guardian is, she must find a way to make peace with the last person in the world she wants to deal with. As she struggles, her nemesis unleashes an otherworldly evil, and a mysterious illness strikes Corinne’s friends. Faltering under the weight of her destiny, Corinne escapes to the dream world. There, she meets Zane, an Australian guy with a hot accent and a revelation that binds them together and alters the path of Corinne’s life. She throws herself into fighting for everything she loves, but just as she’s certain she will prevail, she’s robbed of what she needs most.

A huge shoutout and THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the cover reveal: Ashley, Mandy, Christy, Aeicha, Amy, Wendy, Amber, Kayleigh, Kristi, Taneesha, Haley, Emma, Tezza, and Angeline!

And deepest thanks to all my readers!!

Interview: Lisa Cordileone, Voice of the Pyxis Audiobook

Pyxis recently released in audiobook format, and I was lucky enough to get to choose the voice actor to do the recording (my publisher, StoneHouse Ink, is awesome like that). Lisa Cordileone was my top pick, and I was thrilled when she agreed to take the project.

This is the first half my interview with Lisa, and it starts with a really cool behind-the-scenes video about the making of the Pyxis audio book. If you've read Pyxis, this is essential viewing - Lisa talks about how she developed the different characters, and it's a lot of fun to hear her takes on Corinne, Mason, Angeline, Andy, Grandma Doris, Great Aunt Dorothy, and Mr. Sykes. Take a look!






And here's Part 1 of the interview.....

K.C.: I’m really curious about your background and what led you to work as a voice actor. Do tell!

Lisa: I’m an actor based in Chicago, studied here at Second City after graduating with a BFA in Acting, and have performed in Theatre, Improv, Commercials and a few Film projects. I’m turning my focus towards independent Film projects, and interestingly, this offbeat category of voice over..audio books. When I first moved here I was on an open call for an agent and someone sitting in the room said, ‘hey you have a great voice!’ I was hesitant at first, but it eventually led to a Commercial VO Demo, and now I’m with a great agent in Chicago auditioning primarily for commercials, and then on my own for audio books.

K.C.: What was the first book you narrated professionally, and what was the experience like?

Lisa: It was called 86400 by Lavaille Lavette. It’s a non-fiction spiritual self help book, distributed by Gildan Media. This was a very interesting experience, mostly because I recorded this book from my home studio without a director-- and learned very quickly about self editing and trusting myself in this work.

K.C.: What are some other audio books you’ve performed since?

Lisa: I’ve narrated a couple other non-fiction books, Giving 2.0 by Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen and Erotic Capital by Catherine Hakim. This is my first year diving into the Audio Book scene, so my first experiences were with non-fiction, which I think is the perfect way of going about getting into this new area of voice over. Pyxis, which has been the most fun and rewarding as an actor, was my first fiction book.

K.C.: What do you think makes someone suited for voice work, and specifically audio book work?

Lisa: I’m still learning, but in my experience, I think you need to be aware of the best qualities of your voice and how best to use them. Knowing whether your voice is more resonant, nasal, what your vocal range is, how articulate or even off the cuff you can be. The commercial world has it’s own standards and challenges, but once you get use to reading commercial copy you start to get a feel for the rhythms, how to break a script down and ultimately make it your own. Audio books are like the cross country of voice over. I think what makes someone well suited for the challenges, are the longer hours in the studio and having the patience and discipline to take care of your voice. I think if you are able to read a book and identify with what the author is trying to say, and convey the voice of the narrator, the characters just fall into place. Actors are part of telling a story, audio book actors are telling every part of the story.

Lisa Cordileone's website
Twitter: @lisacordileone

Watch for Part 2 of the Interview later this week!

Pyxis: The Discovery Audio Book on Amazon/Audible - Now 10% Off

Want to Read a Teaser from Alight (Pyxis Book 2)?

I'm starting a newsletter this year, and in a few days I'll be sending out the first message. In each newsletter there's a chance for a subscriber-only prize, aaaaand... I decided to include a rough-draft teaser from Alight for subscriber eyes only. I plan to send out a newsletter no more frequently than once a month, so no worries about inbox overload. :)

Don't forget to confirm your subscription via the message that will show up in your inbox after you sign up on the form.

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Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Pyxis Now in Paperback!

 Today is Pyxis paperback release day! It's available only on Amazon. Well okay, that's not completely true. :) I also have a few copies, so if you'd like a paperback and can't get it through Amazon, please email me at kcneal.author(at)gmail(dot)com.

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

What Are Readers Saying About Pyxis: The Discovery?

UPDATE: Price just reduced to 99 cents!

Pyxis: The Discovery has 17 reviews on Amazon, and has been rated nearly 50 times on Goodreads. Here's a sample of what readers are saying.....




"This is a story with depth and history and the characters just come to life straight off the pages.... I can definitely recommend this book. If you like young adult fantasy with a little bit of romance and a unique story, then read Pyxis. Trust me, it is worth it."

- Hannah, Once Upon a Time (4/5 stars)

"Pyxis is a phenomenal debut that blew me away."

-Kayleigh, K-Books (5/5 stars)

"An amazing cast of characters that I cannot wait to meet up with again in book two, Alight!"

-Haley, YA-aholic.com (5/5 stars)

"A completely fresh and original concept in the world of YA Paranormal."

-Emma, BelleBooks (5/5 stars)

"I was immediately sucked into a compelling world of magic, myths, and mystery.... As a debut novel, Neal had outdone herself with her unique storytelling."

-Diayll, Mother/Gamer/Writer (5/5 stars)

"All in all, Pyxis was a wonderful, entertaining and quick read! I am really eager to get my hands on the next installment to learn more of this exciting new world"

-Sharon, Obsession With Books (4/5 stars)

"This is a mystery just as much as it is paranormal. The plot is extremely well-developed.... KC proves to us she deserves our attention and that this series will be one to watch."

-Author Brina Courtney (5/5 stars)

"The paranormal elements of Pyxis are so original....  A fantastic book and a wonderful start to the series. If you're into young adult novels and fantasy, then don't miss this."

-Sophie, Life Between Pages (5/5 stars)

"I still can't get this book out of my head. It is such a cool and interesting story.... I know that this is a book that I will go back and read again.....This book is a must read!"

-Amy, Book Loving Mom (5/5 stars)

"It is well crafted and a great story. If you read Teen or YA you will love this novel."

-Author Aaron Patterson (5/5 stars)

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Pyxis eBook Release & Kindle Giveaway!

The day is finally here - it's ebook release day for Pyxis! The ebook is available for Kindle and it's only 99c! (Dec 2 Update: also now available in paperback!)

Buy Pyxis for Kindle 

Today is also the start of the Pyxis Release Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour. And the first tour stop is... right here! Enter to win a Kindle below.

 
Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Feature on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog!

I am very excited about being featured on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Kathy's book blog is amazing - she has built an impressive community with one of the largest YA book blog followings out there.

If you've never checked out her Blog Hops page, you should take a look! You can participate in blog hops, or follow them to win all kinds of books and book-related stuff. There's an all-giftcard giveaway hop coming up in December - I'll definitely be following that one. :)

Check out my interview and enter to win a copy of Pyxis!



Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Indie Frenzy!

I am so honored to be the Indie Frenzy author on The Bookish Brunette, run by one of my favorite book bloggers, the always-fabulous Ashley (all hail the Zombie Queen!). Indie Frenzy is a new feature on her blog where she showcases an indie author with giveaways, guest posts, reviews, and interviews. If you're an indie author and you'd like to be featured, sign up here.

In my guest post, I share a bit about the main character, Corinne, and the two most important people in her life: her best friend Angeline, and her oldest friend and sort-of, not-really boyfriend Mason.

When life gets weird, you need your best friend there with you to help you figure it out, and in this scene, Corinne and Angeline are trying to work out exactly what’s going on..... Read my guest post....

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Book Loving Mom's Review + Ebook Giveaway

Today on Book Loving Mom blog, there's a great write-up for Pyxis, and you can enter to win an ebook copy of the book!

"I still can't get this book out of my head. It is such a cool and interesting story, and I am just almost speechless. I know that this is a book that I will go back and read again." 

Read the rest of Amy's review....

Thanks for being a great tour stop host, Amy!

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Fantasy

Pyxis Ebook Release and Kindle Giveaway This Week!

This Friday November 4th, Pyxis will be available in ebook format AND the month-long Kindle Giveaway begins. November will be full of inteviews, Pyxis reviews, ebook giveaways, and of course, the chance to win a Kindle! I have a ton of amazing bloggers helping me with these exciting events - I couldn't do this without them. I hope you'll check out their posts, leave comments, and follow their blogs.

There will be some ebook giveaways, guest posts, and interviews this week leading up to the book release, too. Watch for my blog posts and tweets! Oh... you ARE following me on Twitter, right (@KCNealTweets)? ;)

Blog tour stops and events are posted here:
Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour
Pyxis Release Blog Tour

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal / YA Fantasy

Sneak Peek Tour: 2 Book Giveaway!

Today Kayleigh is hosting the last day of the Pyxis Sneak Peek Mini Tour. She's posted her review of Pyxis, and the 2-book giveaway, which you can enter on her blog or down below.

Thanks so much for your review and hosting Day 4 of the tour, K! 

*** Scroll Down for Giveaway Entry Form  ***

 

Now and Later Giveaway!
Enter to win 2 YA ebooks:
AIREL by Aaron Patterson & Chris White
and PYXIS by K.C. Neal 
Why 2 books for the giveaway? It's a "now and later" prize: you get a copy of Airel now, and a copy of Pyxis on November 4 when the ebook releases! Please see the terms and conditions at the bottom of the entry form.
  

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Sneak Peek Tour: Video Interview

Today Emma is hosting Day 3 of the Pyxis Sneak Peek Mini Tour over at BelleBooks. She's posted her review of Pyxis and she has a video interview of moi! This is exclusive, people - the only video of me that exists on the web. As far as I know, anyway. :) Take a look!

Thanks so much for hosting, Emma!

Be sure and watch for tomorrow's post, the last stop on the mini tour, for a chance to win a copy of Pyxis!

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Sneak Peek Tour: Read the 2nd Chapter of Pyxis

Today's host for the Pyxis Sneak Peek Mini Tour is Haley at YA-aholic. She has Chapter 2 of Pyxis posted, and her review of the book. Take a look!

Thanks so much for hosting and reviewing, Haley!

Missed Chapter 1? You can read it over at SpadesHigh Reads. :)

Sneak Peek Tour: Read the 1st Chapter of Pyxis

Today Tezza at Spades High Reads kicks off the first day of the Pyxis Sneak Peek Mini Tour. She's posted the first chapter of the book, the only sample of Pyxis available on the web. Check it out! Thanks so much for hosting Day 1 of the tour, Tezza!

Also today, Proserpine has an interview up! Find out what research I did for Pyxis, which career I'd like to have if I didn't write, which Disney villain I'd like to be, and more. :) Thank you for the interview, Proserpine!



Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Pyxis Sneak Peek Mini Tour & Giveaway!

Pyxis: The Discovery doesn't release til November 4th, but this week, four of my book blogging friends are rolling out a sneak peek of the book! Here's what's in store:

Tuesday on Spades High Reads: Read the first chapter of Pyxis: The Discovery

Wednesday on YA-aholic: Read the second chapter + Haley's review

Thursday on BelleBooks: Watch my first video interview (actually, the first video of me anywhere on the web :) + read Emma's review

Friday on K-Books: Giveaway! Enter to win 2 ebooks, PYXIS by moi, and AIREL by Aaron Patterson & Chris White + read Kayleigh's review

Many, many thanks to these fabulous bloggers for hosting this mini tour!

Author K.C. Neal :: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal

Pyxis Release, Giveaways, and Other News!

Releases: ebook Nov 4, paperback Dec 2

Official Release Dates
Exciting news... I have official release dates for Pyxis: The Discovery. It will be out in ebook November 4th, and paperback December 2nd. The paperback is already listed on Amazon for preorder. Go ahead, click the link. You know you want to. :)

There are plans in the works to produce an audio version of the book, too. How cool would that be?

ARCs to Bloggers and Reviewers
ARC reservations officially closed on October 1st, after an amazing response - over 120 requests. I know reviewers have more than enough books to keep them busy, and it means so much to me that so many want to read Pyxis. ARCs went out this weekend to everyone who requested one. Many thanks for your interest and enthusiasm.

Win a Kindle in December!

Upcoming Tours and Giveaways
There's a special sneak peek event and giveaway happening this week, but I won't give away the details quite yet. Watch for the announcement post tomorrow morning.

November and December will be packed with blog appearances and giveaways to celebrate the release of Pyxis. You'll have the chance to win ebooks, paperbacks, a $45 gift card, and a KINDLE.

I'll have lots of giveaways in the next few months, which will be announced and linked here.

One last thing: There's a giveaway happening right now on the blog - enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card and copy of Pyxis (ebook).



Author K.C. Neal: : Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Read My YA-Aholic Interview!

Book blogger extraordinaire Haley interviewed me over at YA-Aholic.com. Find out which three Pyxis characters are named after real people, what career I'd like to have besides writing, and more.

Here's a little excerpt from the interview: 

What can your readers expect from your upcoming novel Pyxis?

Pyxis: The Discovery is a young adult paranormal book, the first in the Pyxis Series. The main character, 16-year-old Corinne, discovers there are two universes - the waking universe we live in every day, and a universe our minds enter when we're asleep. Her destiny is to protect a weakness between the two universes, to keep evil and harm from cycling between them, but the person who was supposed to teach her everything she needs to do this died unexpectedly. Her friend Mason has a role in all of this, too, and together they search for answers. I don't want to give away too much, but there are some fun paranormal elements to the story - ESP, pyrokinesis, things like that. I think readers will find it a fast-paced read that's full  of mystery. 

Read the full interview >>


Author K.C. Neal:: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal