Author Carla Swafford: Everyone Likes Free Stuff

Posted on July 23, 2023March 18, 2024 by Carla Swafford, Author

(If you don’t see pictures, be sure to click on Display Images)

Got your attention with that subject line, didn’t I? It normally pulls me in. I promise this isn’t a gimmick.

First free item. I decided as a thank you to those who follow my website/blog or signed up for my newsletter (they are the same now), I will provide you with a free copy of ebook Kidnapped For A Day (The Circle Organization short story). Just email me at authorcarlaswafford @gmail.com and ask for a copy. Then in 48 hrs you should receive a “redemption link” from Amazon (for US recipients). If you live outside the US, let me know in your email, and I’ll arrange another way to send you a copy.

A side note: The short story was published in a book called What A Day! with other authors. So I had to write a tame story. It’s rated PG-13 instead of my usual X.

You must be on my subscriber list to receive a copy . If you received this notice via email from me, then you’re a subscriber. If you receive this from someone else or read it on my website, you are not, and if you would love a copy. Sign up for my newsletter. Click here for subscriber link.

“Really, how many women could resist snuggling up to a broad-shouldered, long-legged man with such inscrutable gray eyes?”
Kidnapped For A Day: Short Story
Carla Swafford

Second free item. In August, I will provide a free presentation called Save The Story (No Sagging Middles). If you’re a thinking about becoming a writer, or you’re a beginner or been doing it for years and want to improve your plotting or pump up the middle (or use guides to help your pantser story), then this will be perfect for you. It’s based on Blake Snyder’s Save The Cat. His original book was for screenwriting, but it applies for novels too. You can find it, plus many others geared toward novel writing, on Amazon.

If you’re wondering, I’ve provided this program to two Romance Writers of America chapters (numerous times), two public libraries, a large conference, and soon in September to the Georgia Romance Writers organization. The presentation is geared toward romance, but you can use it for any genre (thriller, sci-fi, YA, etc.).

The program will be on Zoom. If you plan to attend, be sure to do two things: (1) fill out the form here and I’ll confirm I received it, Then I’ll email you before the date with instructions on how to join the Zoom presentation. (2) In the meanwhile, sign up for a Zoom account (free) at Zoom.us and be prepared by watching the movie Pretty Woman, if you haven’t before .

When: August 26, 2023; Saturday, 12 noon on Zoom. Where: Coming to your desktop, laptop, or phone via Zoom. How long: 45 minutes plus 15 minutes of question/answer time at the end. This is open to anyone, but I do have a cap. So sign up soon.

Just a heads up. My latest books have two covers. One for ebook (Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited only), and one for paperbacks (everywhere). I’m planning to provide them in hardback too.

That’s it for now. I’ll probably have more news soon. I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards.

Carla Swafford

P.S. Remember, you can find me on the following social sites.

Circle of Dishonor, excerpt, My Books

A Snippet of CIRCLE OF DISHONOR

Posted on May 15, 2014May 31, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

The blurb for the small novella, CIRCLE OF DISHONOR.

John “Ice” Takahashi’s final job for The Circle has an unexpected hitch in it; he’s fallen for an innocent civilian and his enemies know. With his mission in a shambles, he’ll do anything to protect her, including kill. So how can a man without honor prove he’s worthy of her love?

Lena Matthews feels like she’s playing with fire by dating the mysterious Master J. He’s exotic, dangerous, and exactly what she needs in her boring life. With the bad guys bearing down on them, she discovers a whole new world of sensuality that binds her heart to his forever.

And here is the snippet from the first chapter.

Lena Matthews felt like a perverted voyeur.

Sitting in a coffee shop across the courtyard from the martial arts studio’s glass storefront, she stared at the tae kwon do class as they kicked and jabbed. Most of the students wore white pajama-like uniforms, except for the teacher. He stood out in black with his shaggy dark hair and ripped body. The man looked good enough to lick.

For the last five weeks after her tai chi class, she’d claimed the same chair and watched his every move. Behind her, others in the coffee shop chatted about the class and the mysterious man leading it.

From what she’d overheard, his name was John Takahashi, and the students called him Master J.

Master? Oh, yeah. She could imagine he’d master many things. With his strong hands and long muscled arms and legs, he likely controlled any situation or person. He could easily lift and hold her against the wall as he stroked her to a climax. She whimpered and squeezed her knees together.

A shake of her head knocked out the dirty thoughts racing through her mind. She knew better. He’d never be attracted to an ordinary person like her. The woman he chose would be totally the opposite of her: young, athletic with honey blonde hair. Lena was about as interesting as watching bread turn to toast.

I had hoped to have it out in June, but it will be later. No date at this time. Keep an eye out here. [Updated 5/31/14 – It will be out in June after all. YAY! Probably June 23. Be on the lookout for the announcement!]

Circle of Danger, Circle of Deception, Circle of Defiance, Circle of Desire, Circle of Dishonor

All Paths Lead to Books

Posted on April 17, 2014April 18, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

I usually avoid talking about the day job except for the occasional remarks about working overtime and it kicking my butt. But today I’m in the mood to talk in general about it.

A few years ago, I started the current job after an old one sold out and moved away. Freaking stressful. See, I’ve realized over the years, I’m a slow starter. At first I don’t know for sure what questions to ask. I mainly soak in as much information as my brain can handle. Then I work through the areas I need improvement. Along the way, I either make bad choices or good ones. Then I work out the kinks.

I’m not much for tooting my own horn, though you may say differently if you read my blog regularly. But really, this is my place to make all kinds of noise.

Anyway, the point I’m getting to is even though I’m slow, I catch on and it sticks. My job reviews are always great. And I feel my books are that way.

Thankfully my critique partner and my beta readers say my books get better and better. That is so satisfying. I know I love each book I write, but the last one is always my favorite. LOL! Maybe one day will come that I have an old favorite. We’ll see.

So I hope everyone will give each of my books a try. Remember they’re along the lines of James Bond or Nikita, but way hot! They’re a little out there in adventure, but they are written for pure entertainment.

Wait until I finish Jack’s story (Rex’s brother in CIRCLE OF DECEPTION). He has a few surprises. At times, he can be an asshole, but can’t we all? Katerina (CIRCLE OF DANGER) will certainly straighten out his butt. I hope to have this story completed and published by August.

In June, I’m planning to release a novella (short story) with Ice Takahashi (CIRCLE OF DANGER) as the hero. The heroine wasn’t in the previous books, but you will find out some truths about Ice’s past and his real name.

“Ice” Takahashi’s final job for The Circle has an unexpected hitch in it; he’s fallen for an innocent civilian. When his mission goes haywire, he’s determined to protect her and still come out of it alive. Maybe he can be an honorable man who’s worthy of her love.