Amplifier 3: book cover and a giveaway

Book 4 of 5, continuing the ‘behind the scenes’ look at the book covers for the Amplifier Series photographed and designed by Gene Mollica Studios.

I selected two shots for the cover of Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3) due to how I saw the characters interacting/positioned. The house, and everything it represents, is an exceedingly important character in this chapter of the Amplifier Series (this is a blog post/discussion in itself).

Also, I was sneakily able to use shots of Emma/Devon in the same outfit, because the book takes place three days after book 2 with the characters still reeling from the aftermath of the events and the snowstorm.

*Photo:* Gene Mollica Studios Models: Devon Ericksen and Jonathan Cannaux

Again Devon just nails Emma’s fierce, protective nature in a single look/shot. Using this shot meant that Gene had to do some photoshop wizardry, removing Emma’s boots because she is barefoot, even in the snow, for most of the book (a deliberate choice on my part that I wanted reflected on the cover).

Aiden throws numerous runed spells in book 3, so it made sense for that ability to make an appearance on the cover. And I just adored this focused, intent action shot of Jonathan (as Aiden).

And the result? This absolute stunning piece.

*Cover design by:* Gene Mollica Studios Models: Devon Ericksen and Jonathan Cannaux

Want to win an autographed copy of Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3)? Yes?! Just comment below to enter to win.

Tea cup not included in giveaway. Oracle card might be different as well.

Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary. Giveaway closes WEDNESDAY, SEPT 23, 2020 at 8pm PDT. Likes and shares are always welcomed and appreciated.

Are you new to the Adept Universe series? Click here for the reading order. Or click here for the Welcome! sequence.

Click here for my blog post about the prequel cover [giveaway closed].
Click here for my blog post about book one [giveaway closed].
Click here for my blog post about book two [giveaway closed].

Amplifier 2: book cover and a giveaway

Book 3 of 5, continuing the ‘behind the scenes’ look at the book covers for the Amplifier Series photographed and designed by Gene Mollica Studios.

Again I selected two shots for the cover of Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2), still placing a bit of distance between Emma and Aiden (reflective of their slow-burn romance). And while I know it isn’t ever good to play favourites, I think this book cover might be my fav of the series so far (by a seriously slim margin).

From the moment I saw this shot, I absolutely knew I needed to use it. Devon (as Emma) is so crazy fierce! When chatting with Sasha and Gene about the costumes, it made sense to have a series of photographs of Devon/Emma in a raincoat, etc, due to the overall setting of the series. But! The west coast was actually hit by a huge, unusual snowstorm at the same time as the book is set, resulting in getting to use actual snow on the cover. And, of course, I was also able to weave the delightful tension of getting snowed in into the plot.

Aiden gets to play hero in book 2 (which is hard to do when your love interest kicks serious ass on her own) and the fully runed bat comes seriously into play. This shot of Jonathan/Aiden felt like it captured his state of mind, and being, perfectly – focused, steady, and dreadfully sexy.

Gene took the two photos I selected, plus some suggestions from me, and created true beauty. His expertise shines – literally – in every icicle in this stunning, magical piece of art.

Want to win an autographed copy of Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)? Yes?! Just comment below to enter to win.

Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary. Giveaway closes WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16, 2020 at 8pm PDT. Likes and shares are always welcomed and appreciated.

Are you new to the Adept Universe series? Click here for the reading order. Or click here for the Welcome! sequence.

Click here for my blog post about the prequel cover [giveaway closed].
Click here for my blog post about book cover one [giveaway closed].

Amplifier 1: book cover and a giveaway

Book 2 of 5. Continuing the ‘behind the scenes’ look at the book covers for the Amplifier Series photographed and designed by Gene Mollica Studios, Jonathan Cannaux joined Devon Ericksen for the photoshoot for Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1) [as Emma’s dark and deadly sorcerer, Aiden].

I selected two shots for the cover of book one:

I absolutely adored Devon’s attitude (for Emma) in this shot – the wind in her hair, the bare feet. But, if you’ve read the book, you’ll understand that Jonathan (Aiden) was standing too close to her. So …

I asked Gene to use this shot for Aiden (set slightly into the background). This was just so ‘Aiden’ to me. The bat, the casual readiness, the perfect bone structure …

And with those two photos and a bit of chatter from me about location, magic, etc, Gene created this masterpiece, featuring the house, the barn, the Mustang, and subtle hints of the demon attack.

Want to win an autographed copy of Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)? Yes?! Just comment below to enter to win.

Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary. Giveaway closes WEDNESDAY, SEPT 9, 2020 at 8pm PDT. Likes and shares are always welcomed and appreciated.

Are you new to the Adept Universe series? Click here for the reading order. Or click here for the Welcome! sequence.

Click here for my blog post about the prequel cover [giveaway closed].

Amplifier 0: book cover and a giveaway

As we ramp up to the release of Idols and Enemies (Amplifier 4) on September 29, 2020, I thought it might be fun to take a closer look at the gorgeous book covers that Gene Mollica Studios has designed for the Amplifier series. BTW, for authors and/or artists, Gene Mollica Studios has just launched a new stock photo service as well!

The art for the Amplifier Series all began with casting – Devon Ericksen was absolutely perfect for the uber-powerful Amp5/Socks/Emma. Then we discussed costumes and hair/makeup, and Gene and Sasha gathered their crew for a photoshoot that resulted in hundreds of amazing shots.

Every time I need another book cover I scroll through the photos and send my favourites into Gene and Sasha. I let them know a little bit about the book, such as the title, etc, with possible location ideas or background extras (the barn, the chickens, the Mustang, etc). Gene takes all of those raw details and makes art.

This is the shot I selected for the prequel, The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0).

*Photo:* Gene Mollica Studios *Model:* Devon Ericksen

Gene turned Devon’s amazing capture of an (imagined) pivotal moment into this piece of utter magic:

*Cover design by:* Gene Mollica Studios *Model:* Devon Ericksen

Resulting in a shelf worthy paperback! *Sigh.*

BONUS!! The Amplifier Protocol, bundled with the novelette, Close to Home, is now free on all retailers for a limited time!! Click here for download links.

Want to win an autographed copy of the Amplifier Protocol? Yes?! Just comment below to enter to win.

The Amplifier Protocol paperback* surrounded by oracle cards. *The giveaway paperback won’t be the one pictured but I WILL throw in a few oracle cards (both are currently on order, and as you know, shipping isn’t reliable right now).

Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary. Giveaway closes WEDNESDAY, SEPT 2, 2020 at 8pm PDT. Likes and shares are always welcomed and appreciated.

Are you new to the Adept Universe series? Click here for the reading order. Or click here for the Welcome! sequence.

ATV: the evolution of a book cover and giveaway

In between writing (apparently, I’m randomly working on an Opal short story that falls after Amplifier 4) I’ve been thinking about branding because it’s a topic I’m discussing with my SFWA mentee, Natasha. We’ve been chatting about book covers and finding something simple but evocative to convey the genre and tone of your story in a single image. Which made me think about my very first novel, After The Virus.

So … here is the evolution of the book covers for After The Virus with some thoughts on each and why I rebranded at each stage. At the bottom of the post I’ve made some copies of After The Virus free via BookFunnel just in case you haven’t had a chance to give it a read. I’ve capped the giveaway at 50 copies.

Late-Spring 2011. Self-designed. My first foray into self-publishing,

This was the first cover for the ebook. I designed it myself, which I’m sure you can tell at a glance. Lots of mistakes here, including that I didn’t need the ‘by’ (a holdover from writing screenplays for 12 years prior to writing a novel). My author name is WAY too small. And overall the cover isn’t dynamic enough.

Summer 2011. Designed by Scott Fitzgerald Gray.

My absolutely brilliant editor Scott Fitzgerald Gray asked if he could take a stab at the cover and he came up with this tweak. Instantly, so much more dynamic. And the lighter colour really popped whenever ATV was grouped/listed with other post-apoc or horror novels. But still not really conveying the themes of the novel itself …

Summer 2012. Designed by Irene Langholm.

Then I commissioned an original book cover from Irene Langholm. And I absolutely, utterly adored it. The art/photo manipulation is outstanding. But, in hindsight, my name and the title of the book are far too small. It definitely conveys genre, but it doesn’t ultimately fully express the main aspect of the book – that it’s a love story. If you happen to have (a typo-ridden) paperback of After the Virus from way back when it had this cover.

Fast forward to January 2017. Designed by Elizabeth Mackey.

I decided I wanted to refresh a bunch of my older book covers in early 2017, and I asked Elizabeth Mackey to take a crack at After the Virus, adding in the tag ‘a post-apocalyptic love story’. This cover is much simpler and utterly evocative. It nails genre and tone. The title and my name are much more prominent. Readers know exactly what they are getting when they buy based on this cover. And, in my opinion, fulfilling expectations (while entertaining) is a writer’s ultimate goal.

After The Virus. The evolution of a book cover, from 2011 to 2017.

So there you go!

Interested in reading After The Virus? Yes? Well, that is cool because I’m giving away 50 copies!

>> Grab After The Virus for free from BookFunnel <<

Synopsis: “Plunge headlong into a decaying world of ruined cites, ruined lives, and ruined aspirations.” After the virus decimates 99.9% of the world’s population and all traces of humanity along with it, Rhiannon and Will are forced to move beyond their past fame, fortune, and personal demons to rescue a mute girl from the clutches of two warring cults.

Amplifier 4: cover reveal

COMING SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

PREORDER NOW

– AMAZON – KOBO – APPLE BOOKS – BARNES & NOBLE – SMASHWORDS –

Idols and Enemies is the fourth book in the Amplifier Series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, the Oracle, the Reconstructionist, and the Misfits of the Adept Universe series.

The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0)
Close to Home (Amplifier 0.5) (bundled with Amplifier 0)
Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)
Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)
Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3)
Idols and Enemies (Amplifier 4)

Mass giveaways coming throughout August and September!!! Including a chance to grab The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0) for free (coming very soon) and dozens of download codes for all the audiobooks, starting August 30. I’ll send a newsletter with all the dates, etc, soon.

New to the Adept Universe? The first book Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1) is currently free on all platforms. Click here for the full reading order.

Waiting on the next book in the Adept universe? Subscribe to my mailing list to make sure you never miss a new release!

Misfits 1: one-month anniversary

Misplaced Souls (Misfits of the Adept Universe 1) has been out in the world – in ebook form, paperback still pending a book cover – for one month today, so I thought the timing perfect for a little spoiler of what is to come for the series. Though, those of you who read the last scene of Misfits 1 closely have probably worked out who will be narrating book 2 already!

Without further ado – a glimpse at my Misfits ‘ideas, etc’ notebook! The narrators shall be: in order, top to bottom (and subject to the whim of my muse):

One of my notebooks, devoted to all my ideas about the upcoming Misfits titles, broken down by narrator.

And because someone might ask, I’m hoping to have Book 2 ready for winter 2020/2021 (so, fingers crossed for December or January) but again – with the constant headache – I’m writing what I can when I can. The goal is at least ONE Misfit title a year while I also write the Amplifier Series (and possibly a space opera series I’m brewing). If I can write more, I most definitely will.

Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed Misplaced Souls (Misfits 1). Your time and energy are greatly appreciated, especially now when none of us have much to spare!

Did you enjoy Mory’s book? And what upcoming narrator are you looking forward to the most?

Hmmm, let me guess … 😀

Misfits 1: wallpapers: Mory & Ed

Memo, the illustrator who is working on the sketches for the Adept Universe bible, made some wallpapers of Mory and Ed from Misplaced Souls (Misfits 1). She formatted each of the following images for Android, iPhone X, older Phone, and tablet/desktop. Clicking on the corresponding link below each sketch should take you to the full-sized image, and there you can download it to your computer/phone/tablet.

Well, in theory … so let’s give it a try!

Click on the link for: Android, iPhone X, older iPhone, Tablet/Desktop (landscape).

Click on the link for: Android, iPhone X, older iPhone, Tablet/Desktop (landscape).

Click on the link for: Android, iPhone X, older iPhone, Tablet/Desktop (landscape).

I pulled some ‘How To’s’ off the web as well, but please do a little Googling if you need more help (I’m not a tech guru by any means):

How to download an image onto my Android device.

How to download an image onto my iPhone. < this is a really old article but I believe it still works.

How to download an image onto my desktop.

Feel free to share these images on your social media pages as well. You can use the tags: #AdeptUniverse or #MisfitsOfTheAdeptUniverse #MeghanCianaDoidge, etc, etc.

Misplaced Souls (Misfits of the Adept Universe 1) releases tomorrow (April 14, 2020)!!

Misfits 1: cover reveal & synopsis

Are you really ready?

Oh, yes?

Well, then! The Misfits of the Adept Universe return in Misplaced Souls … on APRIL 14, 2020!!! YES!!! Taking place eighteen months after the events of Dowser 9, Mory launches a new series!

– AMAZON – APPLE BOOKS – KOBO – BARNES & NOBLE – SMASHWORDS –

Synopsis: Six years, three months, and two days ago, I was kidnapped by a black witch. Then forced to bear witness as she slaughtered witches and sorcerers across Europe, siphoning their magic and corrupting what she could of my own power in order to raise vanquished demons.

Five years, ten months, and twenty days ago, the dowser — Jade Godfrey — backed by a vampire, a werewolf, and a dragon, rescued me in London, England. A lethal quartet, who routinely flung themselves before death in order to save the world. Including me.

One year, nine months, and twenty-eight days ago, I untangled the power that fueled a dimensional portal used by an invading army of elves, helping to thwart a dark destiny while confirming that I wielded far more than basic necromancy.

After all I’d been through, the same powerful Adepts who had rescued me and worked alongside me waited, watching minute by minute. To see if the evil I’d endured was contagious. Because for a witch to go dark was one thing. But for a necromancer, going dark was something far more terrifying.

What with the potential for raising an army of the undead and all.

Six years, three months, two days, and five minutes …

Still not dark yet.

—————————

Misplaced Souls is the first book in the Misfits of the Adept Universe series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, Oracle, Reconstructionist, and Amplifier series.

The Misfits series directly expands on and incorporates the events and characters first introduced in the Dowser series. Therefore, for the best reading experience, the author recommends reading all nine books in the Dowser series, including Dowser 8.5, before digging into the Misfit tales. The first book of the Dowser series is Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic.

Upcoming posts: Chapter one, part one. The cupcakes featured in Misfits 1. Envy in a Cup (recipe). The knitting featured in Misfits 1. Plus wallpapers/character sketches! FUN! FUN!!

Click here for the full reading order of the Adept Universe.

Amplifier 2: cover reveal and synopsis

I figured I should probably ‘officially’ reveal the book cover for Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2), as well as share the synopsis, so here it is in all its glory!

Synopsis: We had chosen our place, etching our lives into a new land. Then we had defended that land when called upon to do so. And we’d won. We’d maintained our freedom.

But magic attracts magic.

As they say.

So when the sorcerers showed up, holding my recent past hostage — along with a future I had dreamed I might build — it was just as expected. In fact, I might have been getting just a little bored playing at being Emma Johnson.

I might not believe in bonds fortified by fate, or in love at first sight for that matter. But magic, it seemed, had other ideas.

Bonds and Broken Dreams by Meghan Ciana Doidge is the second novel in the Amplifier series, which is set in the Adept Universe along with the Dowser, the Oracle, and the Reconstructionist series.

Reading order of the Amplifier Series: