Showing results by author "Julie Gilbert" in All Categories

Want to write better blurbs? Blurb writing is the most misunderstood task we undertake. Herein, I'll dissect the principles at work behind awesome blurbs, examine the common mistakes, and detail some completed case studies. Once I've shown you the five steps to strengthening the book description, you can put what you've learned into play. Bonus: You'll find information on getting additional case studies and free or discounted blurb overhauls.

Want to see your book become an awesome audiobook? This is a great place to start. Before you get lost in the audioworld acronyms, borrow money for this grand adventure, or inadvertently tick off the narrators you may wish to hire, let me help.

When Dr. Jessica Paladon worked for her friend, Dr. Dean Devya, she helped create Nadia, one of the world's few Minders. Tough circumstances drove her away from that life, and to protect the secrets, she willingly took a drug that induced amnesia. But now she needs those memories. Two children - her children - Nadia and Varick, are competing in a winners-take-all, losers-might-die competition for the biggest secret government contract out there. They're fighting for the right to exist.

Name’s Jess, but my official superhero name is Just Jess. (Just as in justice according to one yappy reporter.) Because I have multiple Gifts, I get to be the poster child for superpowers. Lucky me. (Translation: I get to deal with suited ninnies in stuffy boardrooms, a big fat target on my back, and would-be supervillains who keep popping up like dandelions.) Chasing down bad guys might keep me out of the boardroom (always a plus), but the government head games threaten my sanity and my family.

Marina didn’t cause the River’s Edge tragedy, but she knows who did. Knowing the truth could spark a war between the two magic races, she determines to carry the secret forever. The Arkonai High Council wants answers, and they want Daniel to get them. He knows she’s innocent, but if he doesn’t cooperate, they will send another huntsman.

Crowns often come with a price. For Terosh, the Kireshana - or “renewing fire journey” - offers a chance to prove himself as a man, not just the spare prince. However, first, he must escape his father’s smothering presence. For Reia, a Ranger sworn to protect royals, the task of keeping the prince safe turns complicated when the fool runs away from his private guards. After an explosive meeting, the prince and the Ranger decide to travel together. Forces of nature and wild animals are expected dangers, but several predators come with political agendas.

Although not officially assigned to the case, Ann and her partner, Patrick Duncan, take up the cause of finding Rachel, Jason, and Emily Collins. As if that task wasn't enough, Ann and Patrick also have a baffling case of internet thievery to investigate. Who is Christopher Collins and what about his past is endangering his family? Where are Rachel and the kids being held? Where is God in the midst of chaos? Will Ann and Patrick arrive in time or will they find only pain?

When college junior Alana Adams catches her boyfriend passionately kissing another woman, she promptly dumps Nathan and turns to her best friend Jacob for advice and emotional support. At first, Nathan apologizes and showers Alana with gifts in an effort to win her back. He tries to get her to see they belong together, but when his efforts fail, he concludes the real problem in their relationship must be her best friend.

Melia is content being princess of an obscure kingdom. But then, a madman raises an army of men and dragons, conquering much of the world. Melia would die to save her family and her people, but what if the true cost is higher?

Victory comes at a price. Exiled to Earth, Mina bears the weapon she stole from Satan, preventing him from destroying the angels of light. Despite this, Spirit’s Bane weakens her with pain when she uses her Gifts to protect those under her care. Meanwhile, the Council of Light confines Allister to the Heavens. They fear what Satan will do if he captures the Kindred Spirit Pair. Allister knows they are stronger together, but even if he defies the Council by going to Earth, there’s no guarantee he’ll reach Mina before Satan’s minions.

Miranda Kale doesn’t believe in ghosts...until she meets one. Without warning, the ghost girl appears in her room and tells her to expect a phone call. Despite the strangest referral ever, Miranda accepts what appears to be a simple case of high-class mischief at an exclusive boarding school.

The Outcast knows Victoria Saveron could destroy his plans to control the planet of Aeris. To gain her cooperation, he begins collecting everyone Vic holds dear. Meanwhile, the rift between the two magical races grows, and individuals on both sides cause chaos. Vic and her friends work hard to relocate refugees and keep the peace, but they’re only addressing symptoms. The main problem lies in the Darklands, the realm controlled by the Outcast. To save her homeland, Vic must reclaim the Darklands, but is she prepared to sacrifice her friends and her father to do it?

The Chosen Redeemer has awakened...but the Outcast's schemes continue to unfold. Terrible creatures seep in from the Darklands while his servants sow discord wherever they can. Blaming the Saroth for the rise in dark creatures, an Arkonai cult vows to wage a holy war. Victoria Saveron and her friends embark on a desperate journey to warn the Saroth of the cult's plan. Along the way, they come across an entire village of refugees. They want to protect the refugees, but thousands more will die if they fail to stop the holy war.

Captured. Sold. Enslaved. Displayed. Keio's dream of seeing the Golden City turns into a nightmare. He and his friend, Clara, get swept up by Fire Fairies along with the other youths in their village. They're quickly sold to the local lord. The man seeks something very special that only certain young people possess, and he's willing to threaten anyone to get it. But his daughter has other plans. Like it or not, Keio and Clara land in the middle of a brewing war. They're going to have to pick a side soon, and if they choose wrong, their lives aren't the only ones forfeit.

Meet Jillian Blairington in some of the adventures and misadventures that predate the events of Ashlynn's Dreams.

Her parents are spies. To save her from one of their enemies, they gave her to the Ghost Agent Initiative. Thus, the government became her mother, father, and guardian. Now, it’s ready to be teacher as well. Cassandra is happy to learn the survival skills, but she’s less thrilled with the idea of becoming a killer.

Victoria Saveron knows two things for certain. Dark forces want to kill her, and her friends have cooler powers than she does. Katrina can shapeshift and Tellen can tap into destructive magic currents. Everything else is uncertain and rumors abound.

Once upon a time, Princess Mavis chose love over a political marriage. Her father disowned her, stripping away any chance she or an heir would inherit Reshner’s throne. But her father is dead, and so are her little brother and his elder son. Thus far, Mavis’s nephew, Terosh, has turned out to be an adequate king, but Reshner cannot afford to be divided.

Do you struggle with stilted dialogue? Whether you're starting your first or fiftieth book, creating realistic dialogue will be vital to making your world come alive for readers.

To pass the next training phase, Cassandra must kill a certain target, but the line between friend and foe quickly blurs.