Monday, August 17, 2015

efestivalofwords awards Gastien: From Dream to Destiny BEST NOVEL AND BEST HISTORICAL!



I am so thrilled that Gastien: From Dream to Destiny won TWO awards this year on efestivalofwords.com. To be considered, someone in the industry has to nominate you.It can be another author, a reviewer, editor, etc...and you can't nominate your own books. Then each book goes through a review, and some make it to "finalist". Voting then takes place by the public.

Gastien: From Dream to Destiny who BEST NOVEL and BEST HISTORICAL FICTION!



"I am Gastien Beauchamp, artist and lover. Any Frenchman would tell you that a peasant could never own property in nineteenth-century France. Yet here I am, in my very own studio. The personal cost was horrendous. I barely survived the choices I made, and my sanity was pushed to its limits. 

Still, I finally now have security, peace, and freedom. For the rest of my life I can spend time "making love to the color", making love to beautiful women, and enjoying the wild nightlife of bohemian Montmartre. What more could a man need or want? 

Then, one night, I see her. One look at Sophie, and my heart wants to betray me! I try to tell myself that I know better. Who needs love, anyway? I am already married-to my art

No woman would ever understand and accept my lifestyle; nor am I about to give that lifestyle up. Not when I paid so dearly for it! Besides, I am too badly damaged to ever open up my heart...and if Sophie found out about my past she would not want to even know my name. I can't take that chance. I have had enough pain to last me a lifetime." 

This historical fiction novel is book 2 of a 5 book drama/family saga for adults (The Gastien Series). As such, it contains adult themes and graphic scenes. Each book can stand on its own, but is most compelling read in order.


Here is what some review/blogger sites had to say:

"...the amazing story of Gastien...even more captivated by Gastien and all the other characters in this book than I was in the first...so engrossed in everything going on that I read the whole book in a day, laughing, crying and feeling compassion for all of the characters especially Gastien himself...experienced every emotion there was and I was emotionally drained by the end, but emotionally drained in a good way." Jenny, Bookaholics blog 

"Caddy Rowland has done such an amazing job with these two books I know that I will ALWAYS make it a point to read EVERYTHING that she writes. Caddy is master of the roller coaster of emotions. It will have you crying one minute and laughing out loud the next." Christina Irelan, Intoxicated By Books 
"Sophie and Gastien have entered the realm of epic romance couples. They prove that true love is unexpected, unconditional, passionate, and flawed."Beccie Weaver, Bookies Book Reviews 
"..be prepared for the parade of emotions you are going to feel with Gastien and his choices. There is definite happiness, a touch of romance, a splash and a rub of lust, and there is sorrow...a gritty and raw look at the life of a young man who has convictions and sticks to them no matter the cost." -Liz, Fictional Candy
"Gastien is an engaging character, and his journey is brought to life with some great writing and a strong narrative structure...Paris is brought to life vividly and the novel is filled with interesting characters...-Chris Algernon IndieBookSpot


IF YOU WANT TO READ MY AUTHOR Q and A SESSION AT THE FESTIVAL, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND LOG IN

If you want to get the full impact of this novel and haven't read the first book, Gastien: The Cost of the Dream, it is FREE here:




Gastien has dreams far bigger than a mere peasant has a right to. When he flees the farm for Paris, the late nineteenth-century bohemian era is in full swing. Color has always called to him, beseeching him to capture it on canvas and show people a new way of seeing things. His father belittled his dream of being an artist and tried to beat him into giving it up. The dream wouldn't die, but Gastien would have had he not left. 

He also yearns to become a great lover. After the years of anguish he has endured at the hand of his father, it would be heaven to feel pleasure instead of pain. 

However, the city of Paris has a ruthless agenda. Unless a man has money and connections, Paris unfeelingly crushes dreams and destroys souls. With neither of the required assets, Gastien faces living in alleys, digging in trash bins for food, and sleeping where a man is often killed for his threadbare blanket. 

Left with only his dreams, Gastien stubbornly pushes on. He vows that absolutely nothing will stop him, not yet realizing what keeping that vow might mean. Sometimes the "impossible" is possible - but the cost can be extremely high. 

This historical fiction novel is book 1 of a 5 book drama/family saga for adults (The Gastien Series). As such, it contains adult themes and graphic scenes. Each book can stand on its own, but is most compelling read in order.

FINALLY, CONGRATS TO ALL THE AUTHORS WHO WON OR WERE RUNNERS-UP!

Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for Caddy Rowland New Release Email Alert: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Sign up for Sibley Jackson (m/m romance) New Release Email Alert: http://tinyurl.com/kwzlad8 
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @caddyorpims

Monday, July 27, 2015

Gastien: From Dream to Destiny a Finalist For Two Awards!

I pleased and excited to announce that Gastien: From Dream to Destiny is a finalist for Best Novel and Best Historical Fiction in the 2015 eFestival of Words!

If you would like to vote for my book, please do the following:

Only registered members can vote in the polls. If you'd like to vote the registrations is quick and easy: http://www.efestivalofwords.com

Go to the Awards Hall Forum

Go to the 2015 Finalists Sub-forum

Open the thread for the category you want to vote in.

Vote in the poll.REMEMBER: GASTIEN: FROM DREAM TO DESTINY is in TWO CATEGORIES. Please vote in both!

Rinse and repeat until you have voted in each category that you want to vote in.

Thanks!


"...the amazing story of Gastien...even more captivated by Gastien and all the other characters in this book than I was in the first...so engrossed in everything going on that I read the whole book in a day, laughing, crying and feeling compassion for all of the characters especially Gastien himself...experienced every emotion there was and I was emotionally drained by the end, but emotionally drained in a good way." Jenny, Bookaholics blog 

"Caddy Rowland has done such an amazing job with these two books I know that I will ALWAYS make it a point to read EVERYTHING that she writes. Caddy is master of the roller coaster of emotions. It will have you crying one minute and laughing out loud the next." Christina Irelan, Intoxicated By Books 
"Sophie and Gastien have entered the realm of epic romance couples. They prove that true love is unexpected, unconditional, passionate, and flawed."Beccie Weaver, Bookies Book Reviews 
"..be prepared for the parade of emotions you are going to feel with Gastien and his choices. There is definite happiness, a touch of romance, a splash and a rub of lust, and there is sorrow...a gritty and raw look at the life of a young man who has convictions and sticks to them no matter the cost." -Liz, Fictional Candy
"Gastien is an engaging character, and his journey is brought to life with some great writing and a strong narrative structure...Paris is brought to life vividly and the novel is filled with interesting characters...-Chris Algernon IndieBookSpot


Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com

Twitter: @caddyorpims

Friday, July 10, 2015

NEW RELEASE! SOLACE: A Caddy Rowland Psychological Thriller & Drama

I'm proud and excited to announce the second book in the Avengement Series is now available! Solace, a psychological thriller, mystery, and drama! The sexy red shoes continue...


Where the hell is Brady? 

It should have taken about a half hour for him to walk to town and back. As Tory heads out to walk the beach searching for him, a soft smile plays on his face. He can just imagine the ribbing Brady will give him when they meet coming toward each other. 

Instead, he comes face to face with his worst nightmare. There is his husband, lying in the water, bleeding and gasping for breath. Brady, petrified and struggling to stay alive, tries to tell Tory something about a boat. Then his frightened eyes stare into Tory’s as he manages to say “I love you” one last time. He’s gone before Tory can even tell him the same. 

The police believe it’s a robbery gone wrong. Tory wonders if it isn’t a hate crime. He swears he’ll find the killer, even if the police give up trying. No one is going to get away with gutting the man he loved, leaving him like trash to die alone. Nothing will stop him from getting justice for Brady. 

Not even murder. 

Buy For Kindle   Buy for NOOK  Waiting for it to go live on I-tunes and kobo, which will happen anytime now. Paperback coming in August!

This book can stand alone. However, Tory plays a very important part in the first book of the Avengement Series, Stiletto, so if you haven't read it you may want to. You'll get to know him quite well there and really learn to love him by the time you begin to read Solace. Plus, the main character from Stiletto (Jasmine) returns as a VIP side character in Solace. Here iis the photo and the buy links for Stiletto, too:




I hope you enjoy Solace! Please consider sharing this with your friends and relatives who enjoy reading.

Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @caddyorpims

Friday, June 26, 2015

Today, June 26, 2015 HISTORY IS MADE! Supreme Court Makes Gay Marriage Legal Nationally!



The United States Supreme Court has declared the right to marry for LGBT people in ALL states of the USA. This is a major victory for love, equality, and happiness. Many days lately I haven't been proud to be an American. Today is a day I am proud to be a citizen of this country. Today, the Supreme Court decided to side with decency, love, and equality instead of fear, bigotry, and hate.

Today they showed empathy. They showed clear-headed equality.

Thank you to those who voted in favor and got this passed. A country can't stay strong if its citizens are forced to live their lives according to only some people's beliefs and fears, some people's ignorance and lack of understanding.

Today, our highest court said: No more. No more will states be able to discriminate because of a group of loudmouths who want to shove their false beliefs on others. No more will this country stand by and allow hospitals to ban people from their loved ones bedside just because the state has decided they're not worthy of a simple marriage license. No more will we turn our back on someone's right to love simply because we don't happen to like who they're attracted to. No more.

Instead, they voted for love. When a country stands for love, all kinds of positive possibilities shine in the horizon. This isn't the end of the struggle for LGBT rights, but it's a good win. It means those possibilities are ripe to turn into probabilities, and then finally fact and law.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY LGBT FRIENDS EVERYWHERE ON THIS LANDMARK DECISION!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Blog Tour/Giveaway: Willem of the Tafel by Hans M. Hirschi @hans_hirschi

I have recently become friends with a wonderful writer named Hans Hirschi. He is so considerate and kind it's always a pleasure communicating with him. Plus, the man can write. I've read some of his work and thoroughly enjoyed it. His new book, Willem of the Tafel, is on a blog tour and I'm proud to have my blog as one of the stops.

Please make sure you check everything out. Hans has a guest post here plus there are prizes you can sign up to win at the bottom. Good luck!


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Willem-of-the-tafel-about-book
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="368"]Willem-of-the-tafel-book Willem of the Tafel by Hans M. Hirschi[/caption]
Willem of the Tafel by
Hans M. Hirschi
Published by
Beaten Track Publishing
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, LGBT, Post-Dystopian, Young Adult
194 pages
Release Date: May 28, 2015
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The world we know is gone, destroyed by greed and ignorance. On a post-apocalyptic Earth, centuries into the future, few have survived the Great War. Some have taken refuge deep inside a mountain. One of them, Willem, is exiled to the surface... Alone and struggling to survive, Willem embarks on an epic journey, making a discovery that could once again alter the future of humanity. Willem of the Tafel is an epic tale of survival, second chances, hope and undying love.
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Check out the trailer for Willem of the Tafel


Willem-of-the-tafel-purchase-links

AUTHOR SHOP/BEATEN TRACK SHOP/AMAZON/B&N/KOBO/INDIGO/ALIBRIS/iBOOKS/GOODREADS

Guest Post


After a war that almost wiped humanity off the face of the earth, people change, and one of the consequences I envisioned was the abolishment of ‘state’ as we know it, along with a profound change to how humanity will look at faith.
We are currently engaged in an interesting time, where religious minorities are fighting a desperate battle to keep another minority from getting married. The arguments are the same, no matter what country you look at, be it Ireland (where the people recently approved marriage equality with a two thirds majority), the U.S. (where the support in polls is almost as high as in Ireland and where the Supreme Court is expected to approve equality before the end of June), to Germany, where the battle is fought right now. Procreation, children, religious views, are at the core of the debate. What all these arguments don’t take into account is that humanity only knew state sanctioned marriage for, oh, a thousand years? And I think that’s generous. Before that, we’ve gotten married, we mated for eons, simply by declaring to do so. There were no registries, there were no archives. People just decided to do it and that was it. We did just fine, we procreated (from our earliest two ancestors) to the seven plus billion populating the planet today. So marriage and procreation, well, not really, and religion certainly plays no role. Or how many marriages are destroyed around the planet because black and whites can intermarriage these days? The argument is so preposterous it defies being taken seriously. Leaves the welfare of children. The ultimate and final argument that’s thrown into the face of those who approve of equality. I have two things to say: a) kids on the streets, kids abandoned by their parents are always kids to straight parents, any exception would simply validate the rule. b) gays have always had kids and always will, and modern research shows that on average, we make slightly better parents. Why? Because we have to work so hard to become parents, we never take our kids for granted, and we never toss them out into the street because they don’t live up to our expectations. That’s a straight thing…
Therefore, in my version of the future, people won’t get married in any state sanctioned ceremonies. People won’t care. They simply mate and live together. It is the quality of the relationship, the love between two people that will be at the core of society, not a piece of paper. 


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Follow the Willem of the Tafel Virtual book tour here



Willem-of-the-tafel-about-author author-hans-hirschi
Hans M Hirschi (b. 1967) has been writing stories ever since he was a child. Adulthood and the demands of corporate life efficiently put an end to his fictional writing for over twenty years. A global executive in training and channel development, Hans has traveled the world and had previously published non-fictional titles.
The birth of his son and the subsequent parental leave provided him with the opportunity to unleash his creative writing once again. With little influence over his brain’s creative workings, he indulges it, going with the flow.
A deeply rooted passion for, faith in a better world, in love, tolerance and diversity are a red thread throughout both his creative and non-fictional work. His novels might best be described as “literary romance, engaging characters and relevant stories that won’t leave you untouched, but hopeful.”
Hans is a proud member of the Swedish Writers’ Union and the Writers’ Center in Sweden.
Willem-of-the-tafel-social-media-links
Willem-of-the-tafel-giveaway
The giveaway for Willem of the Tafel has 11 randomly chosen winners; 10 will receive $15 Gift codes to the author's shop, but the grand prize winner will receive a free ticket to GayRomLit retreat 2015, in San Diego, CA, happening October 15-18th, 2015. Ticket value is $175, but if you win the grand prize, you're responsible for travel and accommodations. Please notify the author in advance should you win and be unable to attend, so we can choose another recipient to enjoy the prize!
Good luck and happy reading and winning! Willem-of-the-tafel-divider
Willem of the Tafel Tour brought to you by...
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="150"]Happy-Geek-Media Happy Geek Media[/caption]

Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @caddyorpims

Monday, May 25, 2015

WINNERS SELECTED FOR MY PRIZE GIVEAWAYS FROM HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

I want to thank everyone who stopped by my blog during the Hop Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Bi phobia. I appreciate you taking the time to do so. I hope you enjoyed the hop this year!

The winners of the four prizes I was giving away have been selected and contacted by email. They are::

Kimberly for Where There's Smoke

Trix for The Performance Series

Lee Todd for There Was A House (Books 1 and 2)

Sula for Gastien (Books 1 and 2)

Congratulations to the winners!

Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @caddyorpims


Saturday, May 16, 2015

Why It's Important to Feature LGBT Characters in All Genres of Fiction



As an indie author who writes LGBT friendly historical family saga/drama and psychological thriller/drama under my name (Caddy Rowland) and gay m/m romance under the pan name Sibley Jacskon, I'm proud to once again be a part of the International Day Against Homophobia,Transphobia, and Biphobia. To find out more information about this national event, (May 17th) visit:http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/ Please also visit the main page for this bloghop at http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/

I do have a couple of different prizes to give away. You will find information about them following my post.

While I know there is a lot of gay romance, m/m romance, gay erotica, and LGBT fiction where the focus is on the issues and problems characters face because of being LGBT, I find it sad and disturbing that more books don't feature LGBT characters where their "gayness" isn't the center of the plot. I have felt for awhile that readers are ready and willing to except characters of all gender preferences, but as long as we continue to keep LGBT characters in their separate worlds, LGBT characters will never truly evolve into mainstream fiction.

And that's not only too bad, to me it's unacceptable. I've blogged before about writing LGBT side or main characters and not lumping those books in the category LGBT. There's nothing wrong with the category if their gender preference is the crux of the story. But what if it's a thriller, mystery, fantasy, etc where the character happens to by LGBT but it isn't the main focus of the plot? Why should a book like that be lumped into LGBT? There isn't a "Straight Fiction" category all books with straight main characters have to lump into.

And so I decided not to use the LGBT or gay categories for my books unless it WAS the main thrust of my story. I do talk about my gay characters in some blurbs. I did use keywords so that people looking for books with gay characters would find my books. But, I put my books where they should be. For example, There Was House saga has all four books in various thriller categories and drama. However, a gay teenage boy shares main character status with a straight girl. They're victims of sex trafficking. This plot isn't about him being gay (although he does play up his campiness, and I don't shy away from showing how he is abused.). It's about the horrors of being trafficked and their plot for revenge.

Then I got to test and see if there would be any push-back from readers by my not having listed it as LGBT. It was the ultimate test. A Bookbub ad. I didn't choose "LGBT". I chose Thriller. I wanted my book sent to 2 million subscribers, not a hundred and fifty thousand. I got accepted on the third try. I knew from their stats I should expect between 11,500 to 38,900 downloads. The books was also free. I would have to count on buy through of the other 3 in the series to make profit.

 And guess what? I got 60,000 downloads for House of Pleasure, the first of There Was a House . That's almost twice the high end of their average for downloads. Better yet, I made royalties any writer would be proud of that same month from buy-through on the other 3. Royalties which made us happy indeed here at the Rowland home. And the gay boy was introduced in the first book. He was very over the top, in your face gay.

The best part? I've gotten my share of one-stars (it is one story told over 4 books, clearly marked, but some don't seem to read the description), along with my share of 4's and 5's, but not one of the readers complained about the book having a gay main character or his actions, or the scenes. Not one. He isn't even mentioned in the reviews at all. I need no other proof to show me mainstream readers are very ready to accept LGBT characters in all genres without a "special category".

I hope the future brings out more books in all genres with LGBT characters. I hope more writers who write LGBT characters branch out from romance and erotica. I have nothing against romance or erotica. I write it. But people (straight and LGBT) are so much more than their sex lives. We suffer from a lack of LGBT characters in books that aren't romance or erotica or dark stories of gay struggle. (And I love me some good gay fiction filled with struggle.). But we need stories where their gender preference and the ramifications of it aren't the subject matter or the storyline.

That would be true equality in fiction. It's only right.

Most of all, it's time.

To celebrate this event, I will be giving away all six short stories of The Performance Series by Sibley Jackson to one winner, and all six short stories of Where There's Smoke Series by Sibley Jackson to one other winner. These are only available as .mobi or pdf. 

I will also give away the first two books of The Gastien Series by Caddy Rowland (historical family saga/drama) to one winner and the first two books of There Was a House Saga by Caddy Rowland (psychological thriller/drama) to one other winner. These can be given in .mobi, pdf or epub. You can click on the books here on my blog to read their descriptions.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ONE OF THE PRIZES YOU MUST:

-LEAVE A COMMENT ABOUT WHY LGBT RIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU IN THE COMMENT SECTION OF THIS POST
-LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME, AN EMAIL WHERE I CAN SEND YOUR PRIZE IF SELECTED, THE FORMAT YOU PREFER, AND WHICH PRIZE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WITH THAT COMMENT
-IF IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH BOOKS YOU WIN, SAY "ANY"

THE CONTEST ENDS LATE MAY 24th. I WILL PICK WINNERS WITHIN 3 DAYS AFTER THAT DATE. IF YOU DIDN"T LEAVE AN EMAIL AND THE INFO I REQUESTED, I'LL MOVE ON, PICKING SOMEONE WHO DID. :)

Good Luck! Please make sure to visit the other participating blogs to have a chance at more prizes. 



Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @caddyorpims


Friday, March 20, 2015

NEW RELEASE! Stiletto: A Caddy Rowland Psychological Thriller & Drama

I am thrilled to announce a NEW novel, the first psychological thiller & drama in The Avengement Series. The title is Stiletto, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. As always, my work is GLBT inclusive. (I also always feature an artist somewhere in my stories, as I am also a painter.)

In this new series, victims decide to take the law into their own hands. Vigilante justice at its finest!



The Avengement Series: Sometimes a person gets pushed too far.

Book One: Stiletto

Never underestimate the value of a kick-ass pair of heels. Sexy shoes can make a woman feel beautiful. They can also bring a man to his knees—or worse.

Once John Mickelson slithers out from any blame for the devastation he’s caused with his Ponzi scheme, Jasmine Albertson finds herself barely left breathing. He’s taken everything: her husband, her money, her home, and her child. She can barely see through the haze of pain and hate. 

However, one thing is very clear: John Mickelson is going to pay, and she’s going to be the one doing the collecting.

(Note: Although there is an object tying these novels together, each gritty drama is a stand-alone psychological suspense thriller with a complete story arc.)

Karma really can be a bitch—especially when it scores a willing partner.

Right now it is only available as an e-book at the below online retailers. The paperback will be coming to Amazon sometime in April.

BUY HERE: Amazon  Barnes&Noble  I-tunes  kobo 

ALSO, A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DOWNLOADED HOUSE OF PLEASURE FROM THE BOOKBUB AD AND BOUGHT THE OTHER THREE BOOKS! I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE FIRST BOOK ENOUGH TO CONTINUE WITH THE STORY.  THIS SAGA WAS A TOUGH ONE TO WRITE, BUT I FELT THE STORY ABOUT SEX-TRAFFICKING VICTIMS WAS AN IMPORTANT ONE TO TELL. THE RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING AND I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.


Caddy Rowland is a novelist and painter. Her social media links follow.
To find out about her novels visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005FW8BZE
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX
Author Email: caddyauthor@gmail.com
Twitter: @caddyorpims