Blog Hop: Chameleon by K.T. Hanna

Chameleon Releases Today!

"Wow! A fast-paced, science fiction delight with fabulous action, a seamless world, and the most unique characters I've read in a long time." Elana Johnson, Author of the Possession Series.

What I learned writing Chameleon:

How not to headhop

Actually – I didn’t learn this while writing Chameleon, I was simply far more aware of it during the whole process.

Yes, this was my other horrible weakness. You don’t want to see the 113k monstrosity (that I still secretly love and one day vow to resurrect in – coherent prose), with approximately seventeen (17 – yes, you read that right) different points of view that all blended together. Headhopped like a troop of kangaroos.

Once my dear CP pointed out that she wouldn’t read it past chapter three because the headhopping gave her headaches… I examined it – cringed – and went over it again. So when it came time to draft Chameleon, I was hyper aware of headhopping.

Not only do I (mostly) manage to avoid headhopping now, I can spot it at 50 paces. It’s become one of my pet peeves. Basically – being aware of the trainwreck of my previous manuscript made it easier to correct headhopping in Chameleon.

At least I’m pretty sure I got it all…

The Blurb:

When Sai's newly awoken psionic powers accidentally destroy her apartment complex, she’s thrown into an intensive training program. Her only options are pass or die.

Surviving means proving her continued existence isn't a mistake--a task her new mentor, Bastian, takes personally. Her abilities place her in the GNW Enforcer division, and partners her with Domino 12, who is eerily human for an alien-parasite psionic hybrid.

After eliminating an Exiled scientist, she discovers nothing is what it seems. With each mission more perilous, Sai must figure out who to trust before her next assignment becomes her last.

Available at:

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | IndieBound

If you'd like a signed physical copy, Watermark Books has them in stock.

CELEBRATION!

We're having a blog hop, and an e-card & mega swag Rafflecopter giveaway!

The blog hop stops are noted below. Each day has a different theme and you can find out about the process, the idea, and the evolution of Chameleon, and even a bit about K.T. by visiting each blog, when their posts go live.

4-Aug	5-Aug	6-Aug	7-Aug	10-Aug
Fun facts about the book	What I learned writing Chameleon	Author Interviews	The world of Chameleon	The Evolution of Chameleon
Manuel Soto	Marlo Berliner	Leatrice McKinney	Rebecca Enzor	Patricia Lynn
J Elizabeth Hill	Stacey Trombley	Dawn Allen	Sharon Johnston	Bex Montgomery
E.L. Wicker	JC Davis	Suzanne van Rooyen	Mandy Baxter	Madelyn Dyer
Jessie Mullins	Andrew Patterson	Heather Rebel	Jessica Therrien	Carissa Taylor
Emma Adams	Lady Jai	Elayna Noreme	Kendra Young

I’m giving away e-cards of your choice from B&N, iTunes, & Amazon – one to the value of $25, and three to the value of $10! Each prize includes a swag pack of a magnet, sticker, bookmark, postcard, and mousepad!

Just follow the options listed on the giveaway and you'll be entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.

Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.

When she's not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgis, and cat. No, she doesn't sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.

Note: Still searching for her Tardis

Evade by Jessa Russo Blog Hop

If I were not an honest person, I would say that I had already read Ever. If I were a better person, I would have read, loved, and rated Ever before this blog post. Unfortunately, I am an honest person, so I will have to admit to my failures.

Frankly, I owe Jessa a HUUUUUUGE apology for not getting this done. Yes, I have been busy. Several life things have gotten in the way...as well as getting sucked into the rabbit hole of my own writing.

Please forgive me!

That being said, I will not fail in recommending a character for Evade (the second book in the Ever trilogy). For what it is worth, I have read the first few pages and I'm totally hooked.

See, her instructions were pretty clear. Come up with a character. Pretty simple. The part I forgot to do was read Ever so I could ensure that my character could fit. Err....ok...well, we'll just have to use my warp imagination and see if I can come up with something. It's YA. I write YA. It has ghosts. I wrote a ghost story. I can do this.

It's a tough choice. Good or evil (or as Jessa says "Douchecanoe").

Although, I personally love being portrayed as a villain, I think I will put vanity aside and suggest someone else.

Decisions...decisions.

• Name: Susan
• Age: 16
• Gender: Female
• Good or bad? Good
• Description: 5'9". Slender. Medium length wavy dark blond hair. Hazel eyes. Glasses. Smart, quiet, and a little shy. Can be goofy around people she knows. Comes across as fairly straight laced but has a wicked sense of humor in situations where she's comfortable.

So, there you have it. My character. And yes, I know this person quiet well. I've known her for about 20 years now. She still puts up with me. I made her a teenager since it is YA, but the real person used to be a HS teacher, so you can make her that was well. As a teacher, she was tough but fair. Student's would "hate" her, but at the same time love her because she would treat them with respect.

'Till Next Time

Sweet Evaline (Ever Blog Hop Entry)

So, Jessa Russo, author the upcoming novel, Ever, is having a blog hop giveaway event...thing. A bunch (19 so far!) of us signed up here. The rules were pretty simple. Write a ghost story in 1000 words or less. It can be whatever we want as long as it has ghosts...and no super smutty stuff.

Now all you, my dear readers, must do is visit the blogs and vote in the comments of each story that you like. Seriously, all of us worked hard on these and if you like it you need to vote.

How to vote: Comment at the end of the end of each post. You must have the word "VOTE" in your comment for it to be considered valid.

VOTING IS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH!!!!
VOTING IS CLOSED

Now, without further ado, I give you my ghost story of love, loss, and death...

Sweet Evaline

His lips are so soft and warm against mine. I could lose myself in this kiss. If only it were were that easy. I crush the rising guilt. Jeremy is the perfect boy, handsome, strong, and he adores me. He would do anything for me, would give me anything I wanted.

He’s not who I want him to be, but that is about to change. I sigh and pull back from him. Time is wasting and the moon is almost at its highest.

“What’s wrong, darlin’?” I love his southern drawl. It suits him. His brown hair hangs loose around his head. His dark soulful brown eyes swallow me up. I wonder for the hundredth time, what will change when the ritual will be complete and I’ll be united with my Nicholas.

“Nothin’,” I say as I trail a finger down his broad chest. “Jus’ thinkin’ about you, Sugah.” A giggle escapes my lips as I think about my hands exploring him. Nicholas will love this body. He’s been without for so long.

A playful smile dances across his perfect lips as he pulls me close. The heat of his body warms me on the cold October night. My pulse jumps at the feel of his body. It makes thinking difficult. I need to focus. Things have to be done precisely or all is lost, that is what Nicholas told me. Tonight, in the circle, at the moon’s apex. I close my eyes and lean my cheek against Jeremy’s chest and breathe in his sent, horses, sweat, and leather.

I remember the first time I met Nicholas. It was here in this graveyard, cliché I know, but it’s true. I like to wander the gravesites and look at the old stones. The markers for people loved and lost lined up in neat little rows. I love to see the ones where husband and wife are buried together, side by side, after a long happy marriage with children and grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

I found Nicholas’ stone in an old unused part of the cemetery. There the stones were so warn their names were almost gone. Some were just rubble, destroyed by time and the elements. Nobody visits that part of the cemetery anymore.

Nicholas’ stone was the oldest one there. It was a simple flat stone, the name lost to time and covered with lichen. I ran my fingers over it, feeling the rough stone and the slight indentations from a name. He came to me then. A soft whisper, a voice on the wind. I didn’t believe it at first, but every time I came back, his voice became stronger.

Sometimes I felt his ghostly fingers caressing my face and leaving cold, tingling lines where he touched me. I fell in love with him and he with me. He had been so lonely there in the cemetery, so lost and alone. Nobody could hear him until I came. He told me about the ritual where we could be together. I just needed to find the right body, someone strong and simple. Someone I could convince to come with me to the cemetery on a chilly night in October.


I knew it wouldn’t be hard. Jeremy has always had a thing for me. Something, I’m ashamed to say, I’ve taken advantage of. I knew he would come with me to the cemetery. I told him I loved being out here in the dark where no one could see me. He jumped at the chance when I told him that I wanted him to be with me and kiss me in the moonlight.

“Do you love me?” I ask Nicholas.

Jeremy’s chest rumbles. “Darlin’, I’ve always loved you.”

His voice caresses my ears and my heartbeat quickens. Jeremy’s arms tighten around me and the guilt rises. I hope the ritual doesn’t hurt. Nicholas says it won’t, but Jeremy is so sweet and innocent. I push away. Jeremy looks hurt.

Have faith, my love. It will all be over soon and we’ll be together…Forever.

Nicholas voice calms my jumping nerves and I manage a week smile at Jeremy.

“I’m sorry, Sugah. I just didn’t expect you ta say anythin’.” My nerves settle as a big grin flashes across Jeremy’s beautiful face.

“That’s ok, darlin’. Now where’s this grave stone you wanted to show me?”

I take his large hand and lead him toward where Nicholas’ stone lies. The full moon lights our way, unnaturally bright. I draw him to a stop before the small simple stone.

Jeremy looks down at the stone, “It ain’t much to look at.”

I silently step out of the circle I drew with salt and goat’s blood and whisper the words that Nicholas taught me. I prick my finger with a small sharp knife and let the blood drop. I know I’ve done it right when the hair on my arms stands on end.

“What?” Jeremy swings around with a surprised look on his face. I feel tears streaming down my face as a ghostly form raises from the ground at his feet and envelopes him and then disappears into his mouth and nose. Jeremy stands perfectly still for a moment before giving me a wink. It’s the sign.

I quickly scuff the circle with my foot and rush into Nicholas arms, my heart singing with joy.

Nicholas smiles down from Jeremy’s face and takes the knife from my hand.

“Just one more thing before the ritual is complete, love.” His voice is different, sounds English. I gasp in pain as he swipes the knife across my throat. He carefully lowers me to the ground as blood pours down my chest.

I try to speak, but my voice doesn’t work. Nicholas smiles at me as he gently lays me down.

“I suppose I should properly introduce myself, now that I have a body. My name’s Jack." He holds the knife before my face and grinned as my vision started to fade.