tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85030126595302173252024-03-12T16:49:25.978-07:00Legends of AgoraWelcome to the Legends of Agora Blog and thank you for joining the mailing list. I will try to keep posts short and sweet.
What started as a book for my kids a decade ago has become the ongoing Legends of Agora series. Thank you for all of your support. I am an independently published author, it literally would not be possible without all of you. Thank you. Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-15099593996469727742016-03-12T15:19:00.001-08:002016-03-12T15:19:02.291-08:00Big News on the Legends of Agora Front!<h2 style="height: 0px; text-align: center;">
A Great Year So Far</h2>
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So far it has been a great year. I've just recently released Whill of Agora 6, and it is already climbing the charts. Champions of the Gods is currently #4 in Sword & Sorcery hot new releases and has almost broken the top 1,000.</div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/j5nhfjb" target="_blank">Buy Whill 6</a></div>
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Talon 3 is coming right along, and I expect a late spring/early summer release. This third installment of the Windwalker Archive will wrap up the trilogy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MrmnaeKUe_nQ-E5ANNMZJjfMmN2MBdGUanyHAZHB-9SdUFDx-vnTFxTD78NrwFTirqHoMEqy6aPChhTjgMEmbv3Qio1yNFXp6OdoOWFLq7bFRrlv6D_YvshJYVS_vwCfOM83rn_qozEH/s1600/TalonExodusFinalKindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MrmnaeKUe_nQ-E5ANNMZJjfMmN2MBdGUanyHAZHB-9SdUFDx-vnTFxTD78NrwFTirqHoMEqy6aPChhTjgMEmbv3Qio1yNFXp6OdoOWFLq7bFRrlv6D_YvshJYVS_vwCfOM83rn_qozEH/s320/TalonExodusFinalKindle.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I've also teamed up with an awesome narrator to produce all of the Legends of Agora books by the end of the year. So far we've done Talon and Whill of Agora 3. Production on the Whill 4 audio book will begin in mid-April. Check out the links below.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whill-Agora-Book/dp/B00Q56JRP2/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1457824112&sr=1-3&keywords=whill+audio" target="_blank">Click Here</a></div>
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If you have purchased Whill of Agora for Kindle, you can buy the audio book for only $2.99!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilfCQSmo4iJRNWKhyeVvUt7oOR6BseCWMI0fhsjFLzMEBlmsbP5N0CpSRBMgbu3eLYnMePERv2liydUT4PA9Al0OFrE7iLZBUSW7IGjYFXjhmYNFOC16NF62a0sw3vbX9nA1P6abATDO2/s1600/A+Quest+of+Kings+for+ACX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilfCQSmo4iJRNWKhyeVvUt7oOR6BseCWMI0fhsjFLzMEBlmsbP5N0CpSRBMgbu3eLYnMePERv2liydUT4PA9Al0OFrE7iLZBUSW7IGjYFXjhmYNFOC16NF62a0sw3vbX9nA1P6abATDO2/s320/A+Quest+of+Kings+for+ACX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/jn6jruh" target="_blank">Click Here</a></div>
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Get any of my audio books with your monthly credit through Audible!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUJMBHtnaBAKLnVwMYP2Xsv2jMLKTsgxmZcx4cDp_fm5N4MGip67Is_Swg1Fc8e94k71cIYc-WRE8HuT3nNZmB-0UjArSRL39yrjVUXN8heRJjMqg_RgU-LXBlKwZJyD2kBvVkOdnYHoP/s1600/Song+of+Swords+for+audible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUJMBHtnaBAKLnVwMYP2Xsv2jMLKTsgxmZcx4cDp_fm5N4MGip67Is_Swg1Fc8e94k71cIYc-WRE8HuT3nNZmB-0UjArSRL39yrjVUXN8heRJjMqg_RgU-LXBlKwZJyD2kBvVkOdnYHoP/s320/Song+of+Swords+for+audible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/zeeqvkz" target="_blank">Click Here</a></div>
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I'm giving away 25 free audible download codes, check out the giveaway <a href="http://tinyurl.com/hpjccvp" target="_blank">Here</a>. Ends 3/18/16</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6uReY10l8fn9vzWN3kILSeUIJZbsfovKPOZUPseBtmVYkJnV1B5jHYSNRU_iQ-DJN-7plJnHw6lUsBANSimLIskIPbariwzSNOx9urmaxtu0W_Xob2UAKKYBdAPVfdP-pVJ6bsTmPVNb/s1600/Talon+for+ACX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6uReY10l8fn9vzWN3kILSeUIJZbsfovKPOZUPseBtmVYkJnV1B5jHYSNRU_iQ-DJN-7plJnHw6lUsBANSimLIskIPbariwzSNOx9urmaxtu0W_Xob2UAKKYBdAPVfdP-pVJ6bsTmPVNb/s320/Talon+for+ACX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/z92e2t3" target="_blank">Click Here to Buy</a></div>
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David did a great job with talon. Check out a sample below. </div>
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<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IdxPeke_KMY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IdxPeke_KMY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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On top of all of that, I recently received a publishing contract for a paranormal fantasy book written under a pen name!</div>
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This year you can look forward to Talon 3 and Whill 7, along with an Abram short story and all the rest of the Legends of Agora audio books. The Orion Rezner Chronicles book 2 should be out this year as well, and possibly the audio book for Afterworld.</div>
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So stay tuned, there are a lot of good things on the horizon.</div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-91260252788750710232015-09-21T12:36:00.002-07:002015-09-21T12:36:31.668-07:00Kindle Fire Giveaway<br />
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Enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 6 and other great prizes!</h2>
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As a big thank you to all of my awesome readers, I am giving away a Kindle Fire and some kickass Legends of Agora merch. Click the link at the bottom of the page to enter.</div>
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Here are all the great prizes.</h3>
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Prize #1</h3>
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Kindle Fire HD 6, including the entire Legends of Agora series.</div>
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Prize #2</h3>
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Legends of Agora t-shirt, map, bookmark, and hat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k0CM9AFPWYzFnSlhq-B7vbFrrbCGBZ2PTxbfCqoSK6ISb6u6hCJHavv3zC4dxpCDgQOdbcn9ssXKRE2ksnf8u3PTLZx1GxmhEER8s6X9UCJLRXftQf_9jZcg9XhUpenrmVDFXsrWIugB/s1600/Prize-pack-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k0CM9AFPWYzFnSlhq-B7vbFrrbCGBZ2PTxbfCqoSK6ISb6u6hCJHavv3zC4dxpCDgQOdbcn9ssXKRE2ksnf8u3PTLZx1GxmhEER8s6X9UCJLRXftQf_9jZcg9XhUpenrmVDFXsrWIugB/s1600/Prize-pack-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Prize #3</h3>
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The entire Legends of Agora eBook collection in the format of your choice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj-v6hlvc2ddQImo9P1xmqcobYXuvGgxizSOfmS8OCAYAGkQyj8b_J_uRF09wpqrlIWiRjJgXfrptPuNFXYmn0_itPWWPeVFQMdIUf-KKxHdyfk4IUxDwjK-jXkjXpOmFLOj0vSlBx-D_/s1600/Entire-collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj-v6hlvc2ddQImo9P1xmqcobYXuvGgxizSOfmS8OCAYAGkQyj8b_J_uRF09wpqrlIWiRjJgXfrptPuNFXYmn0_itPWWPeVFQMdIUf-KKxHdyfk4IUxDwjK-jXkjXpOmFLOj0vSlBx-D_/s1600/Entire-collection.jpg" /></a></div>
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Prize #4</h3>
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High quality map of Agora (Ten winners!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG5TKtpmDGn0VhfSJkQrQ0JYYokFPLihwU9Ur3qcT-XZ4gGtD_-KbrXAignjldSTesqoucDa2HDGy-aJrcR7IsASf1kmX_X20r-QXKmaSfUV02tbRagZ-hGQaDrXurWBzv2hQbYoQDHTn/s1600/lp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG5TKtpmDGn0VhfSJkQrQ0JYYokFPLihwU9Ur3qcT-XZ4gGtD_-KbrXAignjldSTesqoucDa2HDGy-aJrcR7IsASf1kmX_X20r-QXKmaSfUV02tbRagZ-hGQaDrXurWBzv2hQbYoQDHTn/s320/lp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Multiple ways to enter!</h3>
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1. Join the Legends of Agora mailing list and receive two entries.</div>
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2. Visit the Whill of Agora Facebook page and receive one entry </div>
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3. Share on social media "refer a friend" and get up to ten entries!</div>
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Contest ends 10-3-15.</div>
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Enter contest <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b562f1665/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</h3>
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Good luck!</div>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-67685720803065935322015-08-16T10:26:00.000-07:002015-08-16T10:26:13.213-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Kingdoms in Chaos now available!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD406qhtYlLUxYINfPvrMAa-jq50TqcwRLdOSAx-cRaJXQPOqMsLH4cnQ8bT1VCu1UR7OCkcNA5cjB6Uq6fQjnKBZICD7vgs7z6VPu_KR6GEkaDB9Cdk7V-RdhTJBhdk-nDr7RcE-5fXAp/s1600/MICHAEL+PLOOF_COVER_TYPO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD406qhtYlLUxYINfPvrMAa-jq50TqcwRLdOSAx-cRaJXQPOqMsLH4cnQ8bT1VCu1UR7OCkcNA5cjB6Uq6fQjnKBZICD7vgs7z6VPu_KR6GEkaDB9Cdk7V-RdhTJBhdk-nDr7RcE-5fXAp/s320/MICHAEL+PLOOF_COVER_TYPO.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Well it has been fifteen months since I published Whill of Agora 4, and I am happy to announce that Book 5 is here. I had been writing about Whill and the crew for about 10 years and needed a little break from that story line. I've since released The Windwalker Archive Books 1 & 2, as well as Afterworld and Blackthorn Rising. After a long break it was really fun to write about Whill and the other characters again. Book 5 is now available, and so far the reviews are phenomenal. I'm already hard at work on Book 6, and Book 7 won't be far behind. Considering that Whill of Agora was intended to be a trilogy, it amazes me how far the story has come. It continues to surprise and excite me at every turn, and I hope it does you as well.</div>
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Here are the links to the various venues.</div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/pocfbo2" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1030602198" target="_blank">Apple</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1122525501;jsessionid=628EAFF3AC15EAF85165F5D0870E7007.prodny_store01-3?ean=2940152296853" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> </div>
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<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/kingdoms-in-chaos-legends-of-agora" target="_blank">KOBO</a></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michael_James_Ploof_Kingdoms_in_Chaos_Whill_of_Ago?id=PX5aCgAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google</a></div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-16786360401024242212015-06-19T14:48:00.001-07:002015-06-19T14:48:18.672-07:00Audio Book Kickstarter<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Legends of Agora Audio Book Kickstarter</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnfBTkAFIbGHHLtMUrk2u5BCr2jVCyl3NjoW-AqPhgDNYIPeb0pp5qCpSfgEd2XMSTTNV9JYTTqxlKqwdaEYYPaai7v7uABKJdnJINjWWq3p-c11OO2dwWSlZCqm2Wa7f3KQSfPaGSIk6/s1600/IMG_20150607_243638_309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnfBTkAFIbGHHLtMUrk2u5BCr2jVCyl3NjoW-AqPhgDNYIPeb0pp5qCpSfgEd2XMSTTNV9JYTTqxlKqwdaEYYPaai7v7uABKJdnJINjWWq3p-c11OO2dwWSlZCqm2Wa7f3KQSfPaGSIk6/s320/IMG_20150607_243638_309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello Everyone,</div>
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I've just launched a Kickstarter to help fund my audio book project. My goal is to raise enough funds to have the entire Legends of Agora collection turned into audio books. I've added some great value to the incentives, such as 3 eBooks for a $10 pledge ($15 value), and many others. If you are interested in helping to get this project off the ground, check it out at the link below.</div>
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Hope to see you there!</div>
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/416364165/would-you-like-more-legends-of-agora-fantasy-books" target="_blank">Click Here</a></div>
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- Mike</div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-86369559978144327522015-06-18T09:21:00.000-07:002015-06-18T09:21:26.366-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Blackthorn Rising is now Available</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM-y_crpLo5bQKVqxkqxXGhyphenhyphenV5w-jz1La9SXfTZlopH_8dI17CokbXUBf6fxRY1UshmN2hAGjMwOPs4lW2EbQ3ESVFVURWld-m4h8Z4IElr-2OmAkf65JpDh4Ed3VpRyRCrbfcGJBeL62/s1600/BLACKTHORNCOVER_HIGH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM-y_crpLo5bQKVqxkqxXGhyphenhyphenV5w-jz1La9SXfTZlopH_8dI17CokbXUBf6fxRY1UshmN2hAGjMwOPs4lW2EbQ3ESVFVURWld-m4h8Z4IElr-2OmAkf65JpDh4Ed3VpRyRCrbfcGJBeL62/s320/BLACKTHORNCOVER_HIGH.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm very excited to announce that BLACKTHORN RISING is now available at all online retailers. I hope you enjoy the newest addition to Legends of Agora.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blackthorn-Rising-Michael-James-Ploof-ebook/dp/B00UGL72Y0/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1434643223&sr=8-1&keywords=blackthorn+rising" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id975634763" target="_blank">Apple iTunes</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blackthorn-rising-michael-james-ploof/1121381288?ean=2940046324716&itm=1&usri=2940046324716" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michael_James_Ploof_Blackthorn_Rising_Legends_of_A?id=17LjCQAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google Play</a></div>
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<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/blackthorn-rising" target="_blank">KOBO</a></div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-1809026128001082332015-06-09T09:22:00.004-07:002015-06-09T09:22:50.455-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Win one of seven signed softcover books! </h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojmVC_7_Z0KnqbrSsS0i9mOqXo13Ts5EyKCXq4-nEpiRjGh19HXKtF5hcVllhbd3zTvYfz_Hum24EzpYCN2WNmRIsnGESbHzW-uG9qfTelySSA_IekQtEm_H4IDThG-VoqzQqF87_jaLs/s1600/IMG_20150607_243638_309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojmVC_7_Z0KnqbrSsS0i9mOqXo13Ts5EyKCXq4-nEpiRjGh19HXKtF5hcVllhbd3zTvYfz_Hum24EzpYCN2WNmRIsnGESbHzW-uG9qfTelySSA_IekQtEm_H4IDThG-VoqzQqF87_jaLs/s320/IMG_20150607_243638_309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a big thanks for all of your support I'd like to offer a chance to win one of seven of my signed softcover books. Just follow the link below and choose which one you would like, or choose all. Contest ends on 6-15-15. Good luck!<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b562f1661" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b562f1661/" id="rcwidget_obybkwd0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-16766155868011637852015-05-15T11:36:00.001-07:002015-05-15T11:36:52.606-07:00<h2 class="null" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -0.75px; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
Blackthorn Rising postponed until June 18</h2>
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Hello,<br />
For personal reasons I've postponed Blackthorn Rising until June 18th.
If you've pre-ordered the book you needn't worry, it will be delivered
promptly to your kindles on the new release date. I apologize for making
you all wait another month, but I promise it will be worth it. When the
book comes out in June, it will be a much more enjoyable reading
experience than it would have been had I rushed the process.<br />
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Thanks for bearing with me.<br />
<br />
Michael Ploof<br />
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P.S.<br />
I wanted to offer up my thanks to all my loyal fans. The Whill of Agora
bundle made it to #144 on the USA Today Bestsellers list this week, and I
couldn't have done it without all your help. I greatly appreciate your
continued support.</div>
Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-38539296297068849712015-04-16T16:57:00.001-07:002015-04-16T16:57:25.685-07:00Whill 5 Cover Reveal<h2>
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Cover Reveal!<br />Whill of Agora</h2>
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Book 5</h2>
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Kingdoms in Chaos</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUJGee8NBB_xZsp_cFxfBY2kdMQEZqsBwGimeZ1YKfWPn_efA-BoWbwff2luwSqlLEDXf0o4qlzrRNxLrcJwfMNqyzz-ZtA9BfNtdYHSdTa8WnvEhuixshQErNLP1QTHAcIrW63bOonKl/s1600/MICHAEL+PLOOF_COVER_TYPO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUJGee8NBB_xZsp_cFxfBY2kdMQEZqsBwGimeZ1YKfWPn_efA-BoWbwff2luwSqlLEDXf0o4qlzrRNxLrcJwfMNqyzz-ZtA9BfNtdYHSdTa8WnvEhuixshQErNLP1QTHAcIrW63bOonKl/s1600/MICHAEL+PLOOF_COVER_TYPO.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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They say don't judge a book by its cover, but in this case, please do...</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The artist Durrrrian (yes 4 r's) created this beautiful rendition of Whill on his throne. If you would like to see more of his work you can check him out at <a href="http://thedurrrrian.deviantart.com/gallery/" target="_blank">Deviant Art</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">It's hard to imagine that it's been almost a year since the last Whill of Agora book came out. After finishing A Crown of War in January 2014 I needed a break from Whill & Co. I'd been writing about them since 2003, and while it was a blast, I had a lot of other stories begging to be told. I've since written Talon 1 & 2, The Orion Rezner Chronicles, and Blackthorn Rising. On December 26, I decided that it was time for the next chapter in the Whill of Agora saga. I'm happy to say that Kingdoms in Chaos is coming along well, and will be released later this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Until then, you can still pre-order Blackthorn Rising for 40% off release day price. It will be available on May 19.</span></div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-19582956119669569212015-03-19T07:21:00.000-07:002015-03-19T07:21:02.141-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
USA Today bestseller!!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF2wjc-lOHHmkrAdk10KsHou5IgdAVFjWoms-eLWh8GqrJTAyEU4dqdZQcFqgBwpz0Wws4fh_cHBDUx-R-V3ZmszOexIm4mEmMv17Vi6PkHaXbhX_MX97RMcgHtsoEKSwWGatTFD9Ms1k/s1600/USA+Today+Bestseller+FIERCE+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF2wjc-lOHHmkrAdk10KsHou5IgdAVFjWoms-eLWh8GqrJTAyEU4dqdZQcFqgBwpz0Wws4fh_cHBDUx-R-V3ZmszOexIm4mEmMv17Vi6PkHaXbhX_MX97RMcgHtsoEKSwWGatTFD9Ms1k/s1600/USA+Today+Bestseller+FIERCE+banner.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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We did it!</h3>
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Thanks to all the support of our great fans, and the endless hours of hard work by the many authors involved, FIERCE has hit #94 on the USA Today bestseller list. We thought it might be a close call, and have been biting our nails since Sunday night waiting for the list to be posted for the current week. Yesterday night fellow author Daniel Arenson posted this pic, and I nearly fell out of my chair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVp5cgyIbkZVCUJaA7nuXQN0qKSPsdiklHLjUVNbwdXFb01bHXye4QLAc7X5cvLeVEgGJEdfcLirLCVo537TxyQH4wOrtcIEUxk7kCdCM9qkvMqgJKGzOhpINwOIuLEl6X-r3zAFM7Kcb/s1600/10984502_10153169687278256_6810574400526026553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVp5cgyIbkZVCUJaA7nuXQN0qKSPsdiklHLjUVNbwdXFb01bHXye4QLAc7X5cvLeVEgGJEdfcLirLCVo537TxyQH4wOrtcIEUxk7kCdCM9qkvMqgJKGzOhpINwOIuLEl6X-r3zAFM7Kcb/s1600/10984502_10153169687278256_6810574400526026553_n.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being a part of this bundle has been an incredible learning experience. This profession can be a lonely one, and it has been awesome working with and getting to know so many great authors. I would like to thank everyone involved, namely Terah Edun and K.j.Colt. They've proven not only once, but twice, that they have what it takes to put together a bestselling bundle. I'm constantly impressed by their organizational skills and marketing prowess. I expect nothing but great things for these Fierce ladies of literature. :)</div>
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*FIERCE will be on sale for .99 until March 31.*</div>
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/panfs98" target="_blank">Get your copy here</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/best-selling/week/2015/12/page/10/" target="_blank">Check us out on USA Today</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.whillofagora.com/Contact-Us.html" target="_blank">Want a free eBook of your choice? Join the mailing list.</a></div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-7700906850762450372015-03-12T08:36:00.001-07:002015-03-12T08:49:10.579-07:00<h2>
Blackthorn Rising now available for pre-order/FIERCE breaks the amazon top 100!</h2>
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Fans of Dirk Blackthorn are going to love this...</div>
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This book had been a lot of fun to write. Dirk Blackthorn is possibly my favorite character in the Whill of Agora books and I think it shows. Book 1 will be released on May 19, with book 2 following only a few months later. Blackthorn 1 begins a few weeks before Dirk and Krentz's fabled meeting on the road to Kell-Torey as mentioned in Whill of Agora book 2.</div>
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Here's the blurb:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fifteen year old Dirk Blackthorn has arrived in
Kell-Torey hoping to make a fresh start. With winter on the way, and all but a
rusty coin spent on his father’s drinking, Dirk sets out to make a name for
himself in the city’s criminal underworld.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Krentz has always known that she was different than
other dark elves. When she learns of a portal in the catacombs of her father’s
palace she cannot resist the lure of freedom, and ventures through it to the
fabled land of Agora. With Draggard and Dark Elf assassins on her heels she
sets out to make a life for herself in the strange new land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Destined for love,
doomed by fate, Dirk and Krentz must fight for a place in an ever changing and
often hostile world of magic, deception, and danger.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8g2yJl9CQRsvNLB9S4H3GBkXDsbgEJt3w3QxTqGBftEcpYgN3w5Gf7R6gW6DhKJzgvNO_6rprjCmSV7mp2ldfR0bYhGYXWT9s9j-ps_tb030kUQu1TY9u5liNtlbY8PMaoD8U2qQtXLb/s1600/BlackthornRisingKindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8g2yJl9CQRsvNLB9S4H3GBkXDsbgEJt3w3QxTqGBftEcpYgN3w5Gf7R6gW6DhKJzgvNO_6rprjCmSV7mp2ldfR0bYhGYXWT9s9j-ps_tb030kUQu1TY9u5liNtlbY8PMaoD8U2qQtXLb/s1600/BlackthornRisingKindle.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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Blackthorn Rising available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blackthorn-Rising-Legends-Agora-Book-ebook/dp/B00UGL72Y0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426173600&sr=1-1&keywords=blackthorn+rising" target="_blank">Here</a> for a special pre-order price.</div>
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In other news FIERCE has just broken the amazon top 100!</h3>
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As you know I was lucky enough to be invited into a fantasy bundle with some amazing authors. Well release day finally came on the 10th, and we have been climbing the charts ever since. This morning FIERCE broke the Amazon top 100, and is now hovering at #85!</div>
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Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/FIERCE-Sixteen-Authors-Of-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B00U5CAAZS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KFEJEHSWWM2W19FCJGR" target="_blank">HERE</a> to get your copy for only .99. </div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-15008036564113725782015-03-02T10:11:00.003-08:002015-03-02T10:11:45.497-08:00<h2>
FIERCE: Sixteen Authors of Fantasy is now live on all retailers for pre-order.</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt63tfJR24wXJDr1JIgfF9fuKD6zguIgSaOHtzGNYKabFGGu9yV2kdtd3HE7_US9WmGvt56KeI7uXgAJzZ0fbL03y_jlN1mtp4pGJ4FazkGb8DtYjvytsGsMSjc2k6yyFrQsD_BohzvuKt/s1600/FIERCE,+Sixteen+Authors+Of+Fantasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt63tfJR24wXJDr1JIgfF9fuKD6zguIgSaOHtzGNYKabFGGu9yV2kdtd3HE7_US9WmGvt56KeI7uXgAJzZ0fbL03y_jlN1mtp4pGJ4FazkGb8DtYjvytsGsMSjc2k6yyFrQsD_BohzvuKt/s1600/FIERCE,+Sixteen+Authors+Of+Fantasy.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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When I received the invite to be a part of FIERCE on Dec 26 I was both astonished and humbled. Collected in this monster of a bundle are some of today's best-selling Indie authors out there, and I am very grateful to be a part of something so amazing.<br />For .99 you get 16 books from multiple USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors. With over 1 million words, FIERCE is sure to be a grand adventure into the realm of fantasy.<br />Here are the links to the various retailers. The book will be delivered on March 10. Enjoy!<br />
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Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U5CAAZS/" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U5CAAZS/</a></div>
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Barnes & Noble - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121316570?ean=2940151740364" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121316570?ean=2940151740364</a><br /><br />iBooks - <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id965680228" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id965680228</a><br /><br />Kobo - <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/fierce-sixteen-authors-of-fantasy" target="_blank">https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/fierce-sixteen-authors-of-fantasy</a><br /><br />Google Play - <a data-cke-saved-href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mercedes_Lackey_FIERCE_Sixteen_Authors_Of_Fantasy?id=-0_aBgAAQBAJ" href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mercedes_Lackey_FIERCE_Sixteen_Authors_Of_Fantasy?id=-0_aBgAAQBAJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://play.google.com/store/<wbr></wbr></span>books/details/Mercedes_Lackey_<wbr></wbr>FIERCE_Sixteen_Authors_Of_<wbr></wbr>Fantasy?id=-0_aBgAAQBAJ</a></div>
Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-7407806264358028492015-02-09T10:18:00.000-08:002015-02-09T10:19:13.907-08:00FIERCE: Sixteen Fantasy Books for .99!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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USA TODAY cover reveal!</h2>
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Whill of Agora will be included in FIERCE: Sixteen Fantasy Authors!</div>
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I have been waiting patiently since Dec 26 to announce this! A few days before Christmas I noticed a multi-author fantasy bundle called EPIC, doing really well on Amazon. I thought to myself, "I have to do something like that!". So I contacted one of the authors that was in that bundle to ask how one would go about putting something like that together. The author steered me toward K.J.Colt, a fellow fantasy author. He said she and another woman had put it all together and they could answer my questions. So I went on facebook to look up K.J so that I could ask her about it, and to my utter surprise, I had a message in my inbox from none other than K.J Colt herself. You can imagine my confusion. Here I was going online to contact her, and she had just contacted me! She said that they were putting together another one, and I was on top of the list! How cool is that? </div>
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(Sometimes the synchronicity of life scares me!)</div>
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USA TODAY even ran an article for the cover reveal. Check it out <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2015/02/09/fierce-sixteen-authors-of-fantasy-cover-reveal/23078887/?fb_ref=Default" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div>
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We've got an amazing line-up for this bundle, and some big names as well. Here is the complete line-up: Mercedes Lackey, Michael Manning, K.F. Breene, Morgan Rice, Michael J. Ploof, Daniel Arenson, Kate Sparkes, David Adams, Amy Raby, C. Greenwood, David Dalglish, K.J. Colt, Shae Ford, Endi Webb, Michael Wallace and Terah Edun.</div>
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The bundle is available for pre-order now from I-Tunes <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id965680228" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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It will become available for pre-order on other sites on March 1. I will keep you posted in the mean time.</div>
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We are also running a Thunderclap campaign. The first 100 supporters get a FREE copy of Fierce, Sixteen fantasy books. Support the campaign <a href="https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/21991-fierce-16-authors-of-fantasy" target="_blank">HERE</a> and get your copy.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ies07N4rz22x1TIv9um8_ls_x8-3kZF-kWEU6Qaq5gotI9xNMmsi8wE7GvdQvjkOXKBIu7Jt6nVmCikZKvjGuTV8V4RW4wek4lF00NUxula94Iu3o2uvlSr_0i4H-PmDRzkDMVtcwl6J/s1600/ThunderClapIt+Graphic+2.jpg" height="298" width="320" /></div>
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<br />Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-68276705167069974272015-02-01T12:07:00.002-08:002015-02-01T12:07:12.858-08:00Whill 5 and other news<h2 align="center">
Whill of Agora 5 and other news.</h2>
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Up here in Northern NY the weather has remained at a consistent <em>Freeze-your-ass-off</em> temperature for the last month (and I don't mean 30 or 40 degrees, I'm talking below zero), and it isn't getting any warmer any time soon. Right about now cabin fever begins to creep in, and I start to feel like I'm living on a spaceship. I've grown a beard, and I've finally gotten a bathrobe to wear around all day over my workout clothes to top off the my Hermit Writer look. Each day blends into the next, and every now and again I realize I haven't left the house in a week. Winter in the North country sucks a big icicle shlong, but it is my most productive time of year. Last February I wrote the first draft of TALON in 18 days. It was an awesome experience.</div>
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This winter is no different. I currently have 6 projects going on, all in different phases. Whill fans will be glad to know that I am currently 25% through the first draft of <u>Whill of Agora 5, </u>which will be the first of a new Whill trilogy. I am still toying with calling it Whill 5, or Whillhelm Warcrown book 1, since the main plot for the first four books has come to completion. There was a lot of story left to tell at the end of Book 4, too much to wrap up in that book alone. I worked on the Whill series for ten years straight, and when I finished book 4 in the winter of 2013 I needed a break. As fun as those books were to write, I had a lot of other ideas begging to get out of my head. Since completing that book I have written 5 others. I had a nice year long break from Whill & Co, and now I'm ready to tackle by best selling epic again. I've written about 300,000 words since then, and I think I've improved. I can't wait for you all to read it. </div>
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On another note: Many of you might have heard my announcement that I had been invited to a multi-author Bundle with some BIG names. I can't give you any names just yet, but I can say that it is going to be epic. The cover art is almost done (sick), and soon we will all be able to tell the world. All the authors involved (over 12 of us) are super stoked. </div>
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I'll have more on that soon. </div>
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I just finished my second draft of <u>The Salem Coven: The Orion Rezner Chronicles Book #2</u> which I hope to release by the end of April. (Cover Below)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXF3CUm2ScYsgshMPcIIBhy49Ou7clJsatCceYztoUojNOckqLoPLrczSzSsW34bZFg0nt6ad7jTGrPxE2g7XrweqUiRuG4x9CwNdEJGqEcON3VCCAVhetRIhkGSk1EZqo28Qa4EjV2Yq/s1600/Orion+2+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXF3CUm2ScYsgshMPcIIBhy49Ou7clJsatCceYztoUojNOckqLoPLrczSzSsW34bZFg0nt6ad7jTGrPxE2g7XrweqUiRuG4x9CwNdEJGqEcON3VCCAVhetRIhkGSk1EZqo28Qa4EjV2Yq/s1600/Orion+2+cover.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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Trevor did a great job on this one.</div>
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In an attempt to ramp up interest in my new urban fantasy series <u>The Orion Rezner Chronicles</u>, I am trying out a new marketing tool called Thunderclap to promote my FREE promotion of Afterworld. The book will be free from Feb 23 - Feb 27 on Amazon. Through the Thunderclap, people (like you :)) sign up to have the same message posted on their social media sites at the same time. It's easy to join. A few clicks and your done. You don't have to do anything else. Just agree to have Thunderclap post it for you and it is automated. I have 44 supporters at the date of this blog, and need 66 more for it to even happen. If you could take just a moment I would appreciate it.</div>
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<a href="https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/21561-get-afterworld-free-on-amazon?locale=en" target="_blank"><img alt="Here" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rhxy1bOpFwSRkyVJunfo1u4XxqVjYKUZMH6pNMyYKxgXnPf4tQYucXsHmuns9s21UcexTWv7lv9AZGXT0DrbTjZb12TF7QKM-GWPIIdHwJnXfW1KjAl397YSUigdM0y8oKgfN5eZrvWV/s1600/Afterworld-Free-Thunderclap-Banner_(2).jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/21561-get-afterworld-free-on-amazon?locale=en" target="_blank">Click here to support the Thunderclap</a></div>
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I am also working on two new Legends of Agora books, tentatively titled <u>Blackthorn Rising 1 & 2.</u> This spinoff series follows Dirk and Krentz's early years. So far it is coming together great, and both book have completed first drafts.</div>
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I other awesome news, I have decided to branch out with Whill of Agora. It is now available on <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/whill-of-agora-legends-of-agora" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id962658021" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.scribd.com/book/254057837/Whill-of-Agora-Legends-of-Agora" target="_blank">Scribd</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whill-of-agora-michael-ploof/1111165859?ean=2940151703895" target="_blank">Nook</a>, and other sites for free. Once Amazon price matches the other sites it should go to free there too, (It is the only way to get it free on Amazon aside from KDP Select. So tell your friends they should be able to get it free soon.</div>
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Did I mention Whill of Agora is available in audio?</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcTdm6Yurfvnceva1jsNhwmFVlwU9MpyIOoTgyz_mGgqMfXVJf_O6s9qD6ciTCxe_dsp8bdXb5z6O_r-MJ2H-L3tZTsV1b5af1W_bCa4IlTxbHjBBGZknKtBfDnLRl8qXyi8bhyzsjB9x/s1600/Whill+Audible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcTdm6Yurfvnceva1jsNhwmFVlwU9MpyIOoTgyz_mGgqMfXVJf_O6s9qD6ciTCxe_dsp8bdXb5z6O_r-MJ2H-L3tZTsV1b5af1W_bCa4IlTxbHjBBGZknKtBfDnLRl8qXyi8bhyzsjB9x/s1600/Whill+Audible.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/Whill-of-Agora-Whill-of-Agora-Book-1-Audiobook/B00Q56PDFK" target="_blank">Check out Whill on Audible</a></div>
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If your like me and have an audible account, you sometimes forget you have a free download there every month, might as well spend yours on Whill of Agora. Perfect for road trips. But seriously, Graham Halstead did a great job narrating the characters. Check out the sample, its soooo cool.</div>
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There you have it. 2015 is a busy year so far. Until that snow melts I'll be in dreamland, seeing what new tales I can conjure for you from the Nevernever.</div>
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I'd love to hear from you. What book are you most excited to read?</div>
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The Salem Coven</div>
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Blackthorn Rising</div>
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Whill 5</div>
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Leave me a comment below. Don't be afraid, say hi.</div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-72616731933335657342015-01-23T10:43:00.003-08:002015-01-23T10:43:59.307-08:00<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Help spread the word</h2>
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I've just started a thunderclap campaign to get the word out that I will be giving away Afterworld for free on February 23. I need 100 supporters for the campaign to go live. If you have never heard of Thunderclap, here is the get down: Thunderclap is a social networking site that helps to get the word out about events, causes, and all kinds of stuff. Someone makes a campaign and a message, and supporters sign up to have the message automatically posted through whichever media they choose (Facebook, twitter, etc.) So, on the day of the campaign, the message is posted for them by Thunderclap. All you have to do is click the link below, become a supporter, and pick which social media site. That's it, all done. If you could take a moment to sign up I would really appreciate it. Thanks :)</div>
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Sign up <a href="https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/21561-get-afterworld-free-on-amazon?locale=en" target="_blank">HERE</a> it only takes a moment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMnLIfxjYo2jyM0cbLLTJWncTWeK8jd3fmUaHBPHtCVZ-2I8w6ahPX899ckewlf1Jy4Va5hKuPHxAbMMSg6FEbAmvk-wV_4jE1QSKLZnnSXy3-Mi8rQarsrb2Ii3uZVf44FeugYXUQcvX/s1600/Afterworld-Free-Thunderclap-Banner+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMnLIfxjYo2jyM0cbLLTJWncTWeK8jd3fmUaHBPHtCVZ-2I8w6ahPX899ckewlf1Jy4Va5hKuPHxAbMMSg6FEbAmvk-wV_4jE1QSKLZnnSXy3-Mi8rQarsrb2Ii3uZVf44FeugYXUQcvX/s1600/Afterworld-Free-Thunderclap-Banner+(2).jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-64888234471643621652014-12-31T14:32:00.000-08:002014-12-31T14:32:14.241-08:00<h2>
Another spin around the sun.</h2>
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The squirrels aren't aware of it, the dogs couldn't care
less, and the crows are quite oblivious, but to us humans, today is a big day.
Ben Franklin said, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,
and let every year find you a better man.” This New Year, I am going to make an
effort to live by those words. Becoming a better you is hard, and in a society
where quick and easy is the order of the day, where everyone wants everything
like NOW, doing something hard has fallen out of fashion. And while getting
what you want when you want it has its own pleasure, that pleasure, like many
man-made things, is an illusion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In my 38 spins around the sun I've learned that if something
isn't hard, it is hardly worth doing. Without the chance to rise above
challenges, failures, and defeats, life has no meaning. If people always get
what they want when they want it, they will never be happy. In the end, the pleasure
isn't in the getting, it is in the effort. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I've been writing for a living for nearly a year and a half.
Three years ago I would have said you were crazy if you told me that. 2014 has
been an amazing year for many indie authors. I have noticed a huge surge of
Indies shouldering their way to the top of the rankings. People have begun to
realizing that you can make a good living doing this, and in a few cases, a
damn good living. The floodgates have opened, and the waters have become quite
crowded. As hard as it seems for most authors to get to the top of the heap,
the hardest part is staying there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe that in 2015 an even greater surge of independent
authors will surge to the top, displacing the publishing industry’s heaviest
hitters and solidifying a platform that was once sneered upon as “Vanity
Press”. The gatekeepers are a dying breed, and while they will remain in the
game, they no longer make the rules. Readers, like all people, are growing
tired of being told what to read, what to watch, and what to listen to, and I
am honored to be a part of the paradigm shift.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The secret to success has always been staying power, and
this will prove true in the world of self-publishing. There have been many
changes since the indie revolution began. What worked yesterday will not
necessarily work tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2015, multi-author book bundles will only gain in
popularity. The authors of such bundles are already beginning to dominate the
top 100 author rankings. I have recently been invited to one such bundle which
will include over a dozen great indie authors. I can’t say much about it just
yet, other than I am honored by the opportunity, and extremely excited for
release day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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More authors than ever will gain fast success, and just as
quickly fade away. Being your own boss is hard, and self-publishing is no
exception. Not only must you continue to write books that people want to read on
a regular basis, but you have to worry about book covers, editing,
proofreaders, marketing, social media, promotions, branding, and the dreaded
five letter word—taxes. Not to mention getting health insurance cheaper than
two mortgages…don’t even get me started. Not everyone is going to be able to
keep up. You might be the best writer in the world, but if can’t do all the
things mentioned above, and do them well, you won’t last.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2012 I published one book, in 2013 I published two, in
2014—my first full year writing full time—I published four. My goal for 2015 is
six books. I hope I continue to write books that readers enjoy, because in the
end, they decide who stays and who goes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On an ending note: A big thank you to everyone who supported my books in 2014. I cannot thank you enough. I hope I continue to entertain you for years to come. Have a great spin around the sun!!</div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-22668152319967365682014-12-22T12:50:00.000-08:002014-12-22T13:13:55.132-08:00X-Mas Freebies<h2>
X-Mas Freebies and More</h2>
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It's that time of year again when people push the limits of their credit to help the corporations achieve a fruitful fourth quarter. Soon tons of paper will be gleefully ripped to pieces and thrown away, and the kiddies will start playing with their future garage sale items. But before those trees get tossed to the side of the road, I thought I would offer up my gift to you and yours, actually, two gifts. They are homemade, and 100% recyclable. They can also be gifted to anyone with a kindle. So if you have new Kindles to load, might as well start with 2<b> free</b> books.</div>
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What's not to love?</div>
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So this Holiday Season, accept this gift from me to you...and breath...it's almost over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCiSs4JEV-WnUVLJKMsqbubohFIKPs-aMnV_iJ5Xo6YDdeU7S0-GtEfY4xHDHLFoASyrfJ97VSb8vUarwnZFj3OwijKdHO3465U1prkpdxCOFsubxFW9sq99edxyT7rtfloQ9Peq0WOh7/s1600/Whill-Free+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCiSs4JEV-WnUVLJKMsqbubohFIKPs-aMnV_iJ5Xo6YDdeU7S0-GtEfY4xHDHLFoASyrfJ97VSb8vUarwnZFj3OwijKdHO3465U1prkpdxCOFsubxFW9sq99edxyT7rtfloQ9Peq0WOh7/s1600/Whill-Free+(1).jpg" height="97" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Get your free copy of Whill 1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whill-Agora-Book-Michael-Ploof-ebook/dp/B00505BV7Q/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1419279151&sr=1-1&keywords=whill+of+agora" target="_blank">here</a>, or send it to a friend.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0YviWWI9CWSGotYfM6PSM_6auhEXky7GzWFtUKXlmbkUE16QeKVO79bFh5RYI8PRYeRlQqUEPo0w10N7Gbfz2SAAO4kXOZoQU2VRQo_dPk3KYwvZtov1BLdXyZk612xXw4Nqvhnh42MS/s1600/Talon-Free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0YviWWI9CWSGotYfM6PSM_6auhEXky7GzWFtUKXlmbkUE16QeKVO79bFh5RYI8PRYeRlQqUEPo0w10N7Gbfz2SAAO4kXOZoQU2VRQo_dPk3KYwvZtov1BLdXyZk612xXw4Nqvhnh42MS/s1600/Talon-Free.jpg" height="47" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Get your free copy of Talon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Talon-Windwalker-Archive-Legends-Agora-ebook/dp/B00K7JUSSI/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=06RQVE552JAQB3DNNBGF" target="_blank">here</a>, or send it to a friend.</b></div>
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<b>Also, from Dec 25 - 28, Whill of Agora book 2 & 3 will be discounted,, starting at .99 on Christmas Day.</b></div>
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And in case you missed it, Afterworld is now live...AND .99!</h3>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWpY3R-7icR6CTPdZQCypUsTZkbITgLsDPtfa3D7ys6DW3tRy66th15hM-SoUsWLEaizRBDKv2QRnUw8BTIidposiKjRrOMHJu_d9D4P2-ER28-N5qXBg-45rDMTXpauw7hU1oLeUJh9K/s1600/OrionFinalKindle+(1).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></div>
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Grab your copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afterworld-Orion-Rezner-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00N2D72N0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_11?ie=UTF8&refRID=19T2DVC9R8K986TPAVJ3" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Afterworld has seen great responses from readers, with 18 five star reviews out of 24!</div>
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"A Wizard, a monkey named Dude, and the ghost of Ben Franklin walk into a bar. Sounds kind of like the beginning of a really bad joke, But it’s not. It’s The Orion Rezner Chronicles: Afterworld. If you’re looking for a book that will hold you enthralled for page one. Then look no further this tale of action, peril, intrigue, and just the right amount of humor. Michael James Ploof has a style of writing that makes you want to be a part of the story more than any book I’ve ever read. You feel the characters pain, you experience there joy. They are so imperfectly perfect that you feel that you have known them your whole life. I stand fully behind the 5 star rating on this book. I have, and will continue, to push a copy of this book into every reader’s hand that I see. I cannot wait to see where Orion and Dude end up." - Stephen W</div>
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"I thought this book had lots of pace and a well thought out story line. The reader can easily relate to the characters, even the super chimp! If you like demons, magic, witches and warlocks in a post apocalyptic setting and also throw in some Mad Max characters, then this book is definitely for you! I can't wait for the sequels!" - Brian Parkin</div>
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"Michael Ploof never fails to entertain. He is officially my favorite author and I cannot wait for his next book. Orion Rezner is one of his most flamboyant and fun characters with an attitude. Along with his sidekicks Dude ( a highly intelligent chimpanzee) and Mushiro, his Japanese best bud, I spent most of the book laughing so hard I had tears running and the other half on the edge of my seat wondering if they would make it out alive. You have wizards, witches and a really nasty demon who only wanted one thing...</div>
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. Great twist!! I highly recommend this book and all of Michael's other endeavors. he is an awesome writer. Patiently waiting for the next one." - Tala S Gilbert</div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-87750778825984169902014-11-14T19:35:00.001-08:002014-11-14T19:39:37.785-08:003 Legends of Agora books to be Kindle Daily Deals!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three Legends of Agora books have been chosen to be Kindle Daily Deals on Amazon on November 22.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Song-Swords-Book-Whill-Agora-ebook/dp/B00GDH2R5K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=01FREJHR0DQS1902E55V" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopHr0X3uBSuQ-N-0lJ5o4a_DLI7J17aTF1db3CsXnCYpdH24sASpN_Rwyw6b4onrirASKyx6BpR2jRsJqsq6MzhmYGFh0LkXzclT7KsrI3ObnolPyd37tUh4Nx4_QrbtSiz1IZT2AbcXb/s1600/WhillOfAgora3Final.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Talon-Windwalker-Archive-Legends-Agora-ebook/dp/B00K7JUSSI/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=009Y0X9X2RYSWZ5JXJZC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAYINi6EXmwn5CNy6gVdJ0a7Fm6GmqHOq0lgG1yZiER7CzdHu0yzTeLFurbJYsF1w4J2r5FtFueXTSZQdTcH05BHnH8GzOJLNgGEFruJpLjCkAvNeCZxG31kHqwMZmQ4jEtC9A9jBjTNB/s1600/TalonFinalGirl+copy+-+Copy+small.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Kings-Book-Whill-Agora-ebook/dp/B00DMJV3ZC/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1QDPBTYFKKKCMD4RAF6A" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO423Vfwmfr04YgYRSfKba-kKe_zcmhOVJYIMkFLwbNHBQZSj4uQxCD_8qNZGoNk-2PcyjC6-5ZT3kRkJ59oXbUz9hSC47-zp70XuFJ0VPZuRnOCiuUzSzMU0pXOkL_YJ9w8BVrWrdinb/s1600/WhillOfAgoraPart2KindleDimensions.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO423Vfwmfr04YgYRSfKba-kKe_zcmhOVJYIMkFLwbNHBQZSj4uQxCD_8qNZGoNk-2PcyjC6-5ZT3kRkJ59oXbUz9hSC47-zp70XuFJ0VPZuRnOCiuUzSzMU0pXOkL_YJ9w8BVrWrdinb/s1600/WhillOfAgoraPart2KindleDimensions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I received an E-mail a few months back from Amazon saying that three of my novels, A Quest of Kings, A Song of Swords, and Talon, Book 1 of the Windwalker Archive, had been nominated for special promotions. I was told that if chosen, the books would be discounted for up to a month sometime between October 1 and December 31. It took me about 00.001 second to accept their offer, and I went about waiting not so patiently for the e-mail to arrive.</span><br />
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Well, yesterday it arrived.</div>
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I was informed that the three books will each be Kindle Countdown Deals, priced at $1.99 on Saturday, November 22. I you haven't picked up the books yet, or know anyone who might like them, that would be a perfect time to do so.</div>
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I'm not exactly sure how they will do, but if what I have researched on the topic is any indication, the three books should sell boatloads during the deals, and have a nice slow glide back to normal afterword. This deal couldn't have come at a better time, especially for Talon, as the sequel, <i>Sea Queen</i> will be released on December 1. </div>
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On another note, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afterworld-Orion-Rezner-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00N2D72N0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank">Afterworld</a>: Book 1 of The Orion Rezner Chronicles is live and already has 8 great reviews on Amazon. I took a gamble adding a genetically enhanced chimpanzee named Dude as a main character, but apparently it worked out. So far, everybody loves him.</div>
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November 22, mark it on your calendar. If you already have all three books, then pat yourself on the back for being awesome and having impeccable taste. Then go out and tell all your friends about it. You want them to save money don't you?</div>
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- Ploofer</div>
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-36156214238338556152014-10-31T06:35:00.000-07:002014-10-31T06:35:14.220-07:00Orion Rezner now live!<h2>
Afterworld is now live!!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0qa6xklZppvvq9aer4Py7xBX849EMH4axW0WJh8yYPQPCJ1qHJSTbr_aQ8FPdBXJ-ErnzhpFXtwC5lrXd3jYiL0jW2nKagZ3acSMHVRRIhCVpIMW0SGNH_CP3-pdB7aXXHKAtxwBsbBD/s1600/OrionFinalKindle+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0qa6xklZppvvq9aer4Py7xBX849EMH4axW0WJh8yYPQPCJ1qHJSTbr_aQ8FPdBXJ-ErnzhpFXtwC5lrXd3jYiL0jW2nKagZ3acSMHVRRIhCVpIMW0SGNH_CP3-pdB7aXXHKAtxwBsbBD/s1600/OrionFinalKindle+(1).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I'm pleased to announce that Afterworld: The Orion Rezner Chronicles book 1, is now live! You can grab a copy at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afterworld-Orion-Rezner-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00N2D72N0/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414760612&sr=8-1&keywords=orion+rezner" target="_blank">Amazon</a> in both Kindle and paperback format.</div>
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Afterworld is a post-apocalyptic urban fantasy set in the year 2040 that I've been working on for the better part of a year. It was a lot of fun writing this book, and a big change from epic fantasy. I didn't really realize how hard epic fantasy was to write until I started the first draft for Afterworld. It is a breath of fresh air to be able to write about OUR world. I believe that fans of my Whill of Agora books will enjoy this romp through post-apocalyptic Boston full of wizards, witches, ghosts, demons, magic...and of course, Dude, the genetically altered chimpanzee.</div>
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Fans of Agora will also be pleased to know that Sea Queen, The Windwalker Archive book #2 will be released on Dec 1, and is now available for pre-order <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Queen-Windwalker-Archive-Legends-ebook/dp/B00N869LLW/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FVEJXTM1B1PVX7Y5SNZ" target="_blank">Here</a>. Also, I have plans for Whill of Agora #5 sometime in 2015. </div>
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I hope you enjoy my newest offering. Happy Halloween!!!</div>
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Here is a sample chapter:</div>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc401172573">Chapter 1</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc401172574">Brave New World</a><o:p></o:p></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 28.0pt;">I</span>
walked past Trinity Church and marveled for the hundredth time at its beauty.
My eyes were drawn to every curve and crest of its brilliant stonework, and for
a moment, I forgot the darkness I was about to face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Father Killroy paced my long strides with his quick short
ones. He clutched his Bible against his robe as if it were a secret. As he
squinted against the rain, I wondered why he didn’t have his hood up. Maybe he
thought the cleansing rain would help against the evil that awaited us. His
portly belly led the way, and if not for the red puff of hair atop his head, he
could have been mistaken for the Buddha. He reminded me of one of the Tweedle
brothers from <i>Alice in Wonderland.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I tried to quiet my restless mind and divert it from
cracking jokes in my head, but it wasn’t working.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was nervous as hell, and for good reason—I was about to
take part in an exorcism. Father Killroy had performed dozens of the rituals,
and that alleviated some of my anxiety, but not all. Don’t get me wrong; I’m no
coward. I’ve faced my share of baddies in my day, but I detest dealing with
demons. Many of the hunters of man are victims themselves. They are possessed
of a hunger that drives them to act—to feed, to kill—like vampires and
werewolves. Demons, on the other hand, are pure evil. They live for darkness,
destruction, and death…and they give me the creeps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Last summer I encountered one for the first time, a lower
demon who had possessed a farmer and killed everyone near to him. On a mission
with a priest and two other wizards, I found the man in the barn, bathing in
blood. Above him, dripping blood into a horse trough, we found nine of his
victims. They exorcised the demon quickly, but I missed it—the scene had made
me sick. While the wizards and priest valiantly defeated a homicidal demon, I
puked my guts out. I admit it wasn’t my most shining moment. Since then I have
seen worse, and I have gotten used to the blood and bodies and brutal violence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These days, ever since the great culling of 2033—on
Halloween, the day of reckoning—we humans are an endangered species. Humanity’s
clock was reset to zero, and so was the date. New Year’s Day is now Halloween,
and this year will mark the seventh anniversary since the Culling—7 AW.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some say it was the true Armageddon. Others disagree. The
religious believe we survivors are actually in hell or some sort of purgatory.
All I know is, if the people of Boston saw what was waiting for them beyond the
walls, they would believe in hell.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Though the Culling lasted only a day, it changed the world
forever. The end came in the night, riding on the wind, a whisper of death—a
virus that killed 99.9 percent of all humans it came in contact with. Those who
survived had either been given the vaccine, were naturally immune, or were the
Cain. I was one of the immune—the Witnesses, as we are called by the Elite.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The morning of the Culling, every broadcast in the world was
hijacked. Every TV, radio, computer, and cell phone played the same message in
all languages. On the screens came a face made of a thousand faces, flashing
one after another in a strange meld that left you in awe of its dark beauty. It
has become known as the Faces of God. It spoke in a thousand voices as well.
The words have become like scripture to the Cain:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow most of you will be dead. Already you feel
different. Already you feel sick, and you know it to be true. As we speak,
sirens are going off in every miserable shanty in the world. You are dying—but
you can be saved. You all know this world is overpopulated; you know that you
are a virus, a plague of sinners. The world needs to be cleansed. There must be
a culling—call it survival of the fittest. We are taking on only the strongest,
only the fittest. Therefore, to save yourselves, to prove that you deserve to
live on into the brave new world, you must drink the blood of another. If you
do this, if you drink the blood of other infected humans, you will be cured of
your sickness. You have one hour to act, or you die.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All that I saw that day, I cannot share. But what I will say
is that I would give my life to undo it. Once people started getting sicker,
the panic rose. The world’s cities turned to death and mayhem. The last thing
to be seen on American news was a never-ending slideshow of the world tearing
itself apart. Some people, men and women alike, took the advice of the Voices
of God. Every city in the world became an orgy of vampiric murder. Some of the
last reports said North Korea had fired nukes, which they supposedly didn’t
have, at neighboring South Korea. Another chain reaction occurred in the Middle
East. Humanity’s true nature was tested that day, and the outcome was nightmarish.
Those who fed off the dying lived, and almost everyone else died. By the next
day the world of man had been reduced to smoldering cities filled with dead. It
was estimated that ten percent of people on the planet cannibalized to live,
and maybe one percent got lucky and were immune.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Due to some nature of the virus, the killers’ faces were
permanently stained by the blood of their victims. There are many names for
them: the Marked, the Lost Ones, the Final Sinners, and—most notably—the Cain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps the greatest sin of all committed that day was,
ironically, the saving of the children. Many parents and caregivers, themselves
having turned to vampirism to survive, also fed their children the blood of
their victims.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can still see their faces, their mouths stained with the
blood of their parents’ victims—parents who committed the most heinous of
crimes to keep them alive. And while it was done with loving intentions, they
in truth condemned their offspring to a life of hell. Most children had since been
taken either by the larger groups of Cain as slaves, or by the Elite for
reasons unknown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I, like so many others on the East Coast, followed the only
radio signal on the air after the Culling. It came from Boston. Though I hadn’t
actually heard it, I joined up with a group of survivors who did. They were
immune as well, of course. Anyone with bloody lips was shunned—an outcast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Since the Culling, the surviving mortals have learned that
many of the things which had been taken for myths and fairy tales in the old
world were indeed real—vampires and werewolves, ghosts and demons, witches and
warlocks, and most other varieties of childhood nightmares, for instance. In
the days before the Culling it was easy for these mythical creatures to stay
hidden, hunting with ease, as they picked here and there from the flock of
billions at their leisure. But now they are hungry, and humans are few.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wizards, of course, are real as well, and now that
nightmares walk the earth openly, we do what we can to even the odds. For a
long time we kept out of the affairs of humans—were even shunned and hunted by
them. Now we are their protectors and guardians once again. Boston is the home
of the Order of Franklin, the East Coast chapter of the American Wizard Council
of Light, of which I am now a member.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Long ago it was determined that the wizards would no longer
meddle in human events, as the power we possessed would lead inevitably to
dictatorial rule. Instead, the ruling council at the time ordered, on pain of
death, that magic never be used against humans, neither to kill nor to control.
This law was broken many times, of course, and in the early days, most of the
time was taken up with battles against renegade wizards. But now we have come
out of the shadows again, to keep the people safe from the forces of darkness.
Be it at the hands of the murderous Cain, the creatures of legend, or the Elite
and their war machines, the survivors of the Culling are in danger of
extinction, and it is our duty to help. It is our penance for not intervening
when we could have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those who had the antidote on the day of culling, the Elite,
are said to live in great palaces above and below the earth. It is said they
watch from the sky through satellites they still control. We are entertainment
to them and nothing more. They too hunt the children of the Cain, and us as
well, as they choose. Their machines of war can be seen from time to time,
hovering over the partially ruined city of Boston. We are not yet strong enough
to dare all-out assault, but so far the spells of the strongest of us have
shielded the city from any attacks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Technology had advanced to the point at which the Elite
could meld with machine, becoming immortal cyborgs. They had created robots to
do what humans once did. The megalomaniacal group had been steadily gaining
power for hundreds of years, hiding behind secret societies and shadow
governments. They are worshipped like gods by the Cain, who strive to prove
themselves and earn a place in their brave new world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And like gods, the Elite give the Cain commands. They are
used as cannon fodder when it pleases them. Reanimation as a cybernetic clone
is the prize for a successful suicide mission, though it is not known if the
promise is actually kept.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many think that there is no hope to be had—that the age of
free humanity is over, and that we can never again know what was once taken for
granted. I happen to disagree. I have, my entire life, been a student of
history, and though Old Ben would <i>tsk,
tsk</i> at my apparent vanity, I can confidently say that humans have never
been free. I have studied the many cultures of man—from Babylon to Rome, from
Greece to Persia—even the modern industrial nations. They all tell the same
tale. While some were freer than others, one and all were destroyed by the rot
of corruption. One and all were destroyed by lust, money, greed, and power.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is why I fight. I cannot stand by and watch bullies at
play. I have been given the power I possess for a reason. And I will use that
power in defense of the weak.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The rain came down with renewed vigor. We came to the stoop
of the house the demon had chosen, and Father Killroy gave a prayer. His voice
boomed out Latin as fluently as if it were his native language. I understood
most of it, even at the vigorous speed with which he spoke. To my great relief,
I then noticed my mentor standing atop the landing, waiting silently. His
usually cheery face was troubled. I could tell he didn’t want to be here any
more than I did. I nodded him a thanks for coming, and he winked in return.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The father and I climbed the short stair to the
door and went inside. Behind us followed my mentor, the ghost of Benjamin
Franklin.</span></div>
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End of sample. Pick up your copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afterworld-Orion-Rezner-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00N2D72N0/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414760612&sr=8-1&keywords=orion+rezner" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Enjoy! </div>
Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-87476146759351305262014-09-01T23:54:00.001-07:002014-09-01T23:54:58.166-07:00New Legends of Agora pre-order!<h2>
Sea Queen: The windwalker Archive Book #2</h2>
Amazon has finally allowed us lowly Indie Authors to set up pre-orders for our books. This may seem like no big deal to most people (in truth, a lot of people I talk to never use Amazon or Kindle), but it is hot shyte for me. Before, only the big names were allowed to set up pre-orders, and therefore, they could plop their bloated arses in the Hot New Release categories on Amazon for months and months, while we could only hold a spot there for one month. Well, now all that has changed. I have released Afterworld, Book 1 of the Orion Rezner Chronicles, due to release October 31, 2014, and Sea Queen, Book 2 in the Windwalker Archive, due to release December 1, 2014, for pre-orders to take advantage of the extended exposure time on these lists.<br />
Like the old adage goes, 'vote with your dollars'.<br />
You may have read the letter to readers at the end of my books. In it, I explain that I am a self-published author, and do not have the luxury of a team of promoters at my disposal. You are my team. I am David fighting a Galiath, and you, ladies and gentlemen, are my slingshot. If you plan on buying Afterworld or Sea Queen when they come out, I ask you to do so now. With enough pre-orders we can really make a splash in the rankings, and turn even more people on to the Legends of Agora books. That means more time to write for me, and more books for you.<br />
So without further ado, I give you Sea Queen, and Afterworld. I hope you enjoy.<br />
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After a lifetime of abuse at the hands of the murderous Vald, Talon Windwalker is finally free. He sets out across the sea in search of Akkeri, with his spirit wolf Chief at his side. <br />Talon may have escaped the injustices of the barbarian island, but he cannot escape what he is—a Skomm runaway. Hunted, he must thwart his pursuers while searching for his lost love. <br />After joining up with a group of fellow runaways wanted for killing their master’s guard, Talon discovers clues to Akkeri’s whereabouts. His quest leads him across the foreign landscape of Agora, and onto a slave ship holding hundreds of his fellow Skomm. <br />With Chief at his side, and the elven ring Kyrr, Talon finally has the power to destroy his oppressors. But power comes at great cost. The lure of his magical trinkets gains him the attention of those who would take it for themselves. He begins to realize that with such power, he has a responsibility to help his oppressed people. However, in doing so, he may lose the only lead he has to finding Akkeri. <br />Talon Windwalker wants only a quiet life—if only he could escape the shadow of his own legend. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Queen-Windwalker-Archive-Book-ebook/dp/B00N869LLW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1409639495&sr=1-1&keywords=sea+queen" target="_blank">Pre-order here.</a></div>
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Seven years have passed since the Culling of 2033 which killed most of the world's population. Vampires, werewolves, and demons have begun to emerge from the shadows, and they are hungry. Boston, one of the last vestiges of humanity, is protected by a spell shield created by the Wizard Council. The shield is the only thing keeping the city safe. <br /><br />Having studied the Craft for two years at Harvard Witchcraft and Wizardry, Orion Rezner embarks on his final rite of passage. But his first mission outside the city walls forces him to make choices he wasn’t prepared for. Narrowly avoiding possession by an ancient demon, he learns of a plot to destroy the spell shield and expose its survivors to the horrors outside. <br /><br />Suspected by the wizard council of having been compromised by the encounter, Orion is unable to convince them of the danger. With the help of his closest friends and ghostly mentor, Orion sets out on a desperate quest to thwart the demon's plan any way he can--before it's too late to save the city. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afterworld-Orion-Rezner-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00N2D72N0/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1409640600&sr=1-2&keywords=afterworld" target="_blank">Pre-order here.</a></div>
Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-86249720049656968612014-08-27T00:58:00.000-07:002014-08-27T00:58:13.178-07:00<h2>
The Orion Rezner Chronicles Book #1</h2>
<h2>
Afterworld</h2>
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Now available for pre-order!</h3>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afterworld-Orion-Rezner-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00N2D72N0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1409124913&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to pre-order</a><br />
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Amazon has recently allowed Indie authors such as myself to submit books for pre-order! I am extremely pleased to present to you Orion Rezner. A lot of time has been but into this book and the magic system within. I hope that my Legends of Agora readers will enjoy this magical romp through post-apocalyptic Boston. I know I have.<br />
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I would like to thank Paul Fiacco for all his help with everything from plot to magic system. He has been literally working full time on seeing this book through to completion. <br />
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I hope you enjoy it. <br />
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Pre-order today and have it automatically downloaded to your Kindle on Halloween, 2014. Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-2292691202688832272014-08-25T12:42:00.002-07:002014-08-25T12:42:52.840-07:00Autographed Book Giveaway<h2>
Autographed Book Giveaway!</h2>
Sign up at Goodreads for a chance to win one of three signed copies of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/105127-a-song-of-swords" target="_blank">A song of Swords</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/105141-a-crown-of-war" target="_blank">A Crown of War</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/105160-talon" target="_blank">Talon: Book #1 of the Windwalker Archive</a>. Sign up for all three giveaways ends on August 31 at 12:00am. Good luck! Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-39680218029782380182014-07-22T18:25:00.000-07:002014-07-22T18:25:42.778-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Sock Gnome Chronicles </h2>
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Book 1</h2>
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<u>FREE 7-23-14 - 7-27-14</u></h2>
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<u>Get a copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Billy-CoatButton-Wheel-Destiny-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00A6WT3D2/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406078210&sr=1-8" target="_blank">here</a></u></h2>
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The first book of my middle grade series, The Sock Gnome Chronicles, will be free for five days. BookBub has once again agreed to promote the give-away, and I am expecting 5-10 thousand downloads. Crossing my fingers. If you haven't picked one up yet, here is a chance for a free one. You can also gift one to anyone with an amazon account and E-mail. This series is nothing like my Legends of Agora books (well, aside from the humor), but I think that it's worth a peek. </div>
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Here's the blurb</h2>
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Have you ever wondered what happens to that one missing sock of a pair? If you have ever been folding laundry and come up with lone socks, then you may have Sock Gnomes living in your home. Billy Coatbutton is one such Gnome. <br />It is the day of Billy’s first test of mastery, a test to see if he will become a treasure hunter like his father. Billy has studied, practiced and prepared for this day for years. Like all Gnomes that have come of age, Billy will soon spin the Wheel of Destiny and discover which item it is that he must find to become a treasure hunter within Sockefeller castle. <br />Along the way he meets an old recluse Sock Gnome named Helix BonsaiTree, who has more than a little to say about the practices of the greedy Sockefellers, and helps Billy to choose the right path. <br />During his dangerous quest Billy must overcome a vicious rat, a hungry cat, and many other obstacles, all without the help or protection of Gnomeland Sockurity. He is determined to pass his test of mastery on the first try, a feat accomplished by only one other Sock Gnome, his father. <br />Billy will face many decisions, the greatest of all will leave the <br />life of a human child hanging in the balance. <br /><br />Kids and Adults will both find something for them in this whimsical adventure with one of the monst memorable characters to be found within the musty pages of a kindle... <br /><br />With references to Gnomeland Sockurity, The New York Sock Exchange, and the Sockefellers, adults will have thier fair share of the giggles. <br /> </div>
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<br />Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-14851046608078927042014-06-30T23:19:00.001-07:002014-06-30T23:28:16.639-07:00Talon 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey all, I'm hard at work on The Windwalker Archive Book 2, (Can't you tell) which I affectionately call Talon 2. I've gotten a flood of great reviews for Whill 1 since the crazy freebie sponsored by BookBub. I wanted to take a moment to say welcome to all the new subscribers and Thank You to those who have left reviews. It tells me that all the long, lonely hours are worth it, that someone is listening, and for that I am grateful. To think that I put a smile on someone's face, or helped them forget their worries for a few hours makes me happier than I can express. I have been blessed with the best readers in the world. You make it all worth it. Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-56502651967767621512014-06-26T17:44:00.000-07:002014-06-26T17:44:36.720-07:00Great start to summer!<h2>
Great Start to Summer!</h2>
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After a long, long winter up here in Northern NY, the summer is kicking off to a great start. BookBub picked up Whill of Agora Book 1 for a free giveaway promotion from June 24th - June 29th, (if you don't have it yet, you can pick it up for free <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whill-Agora-Book-Legends-ebook/dp/B00505BV7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403828826&sr=8-1&keywords=whill+of+agora" target="_blank">here</a>, or tell all your friends). On Tuesday Whill of Agora got over 19,000 downloads! I am now 3 days into the promotion and we are over 23,000 free downloads. Thanks <a href="http://landers.bookbub.com/covers/?source=gakn356&gclid=CjkKEQjwia-dBRC07eeatYGe-78BEiQArZhbgM5kBeeZOVrk4io05R--lqnJ6A3aEtQYGLbcmO-ME4Hw_wcB" target="_blank">BookBub</a>.<br />
Today I got a call from Stacey from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP, the company I self-publish through) and she wanted to know if I would be interested in an interview, and supplying them with a quote for their landing page (the page people go to when they look up KDP). She said that they were setting up a new landing page and reaching out to successful self published authors to talk about their experience.<br />
I then received an email from Bookbub, saying that they had accepted my middle grade book, Billy Coatbutton and the Wheel of Destiny, for a free promotion on July 23-July 27! I have submitted that book to them before, but they turned me down the first time. I'm really excited about this one, little Billy really hasn't gotten his chance to shine yet.<br />
On another note, I'm almost done the first draft for Talon 2. It will likely be released around September. Also, the first book in my new urban fantasy series, The Orion Rezner Chronicles, is going through the first wash as we speak. I can't wait for you all to read that one. Its a lot different writing in the first person, but I love it. And it is set in THIS world! I can use references people understand, pop culture, and don't have to say Shyte and Arse, (It's not a YA book.)<br />
I hope you are all having a great summer. Let the grillin-n-chillin begin!Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8503012659530217325.post-72626355336028404992014-05-30T19:06:00.000-07:002014-05-30T19:06:22.706-07:00Ben Franklin's Virtues 1-7I think that people are always trying to improve themselves, or at least they started out trying to improve, and because of whatever social or personal reasons they stopped. I have always striven to improve myself, I have often fallen flat on my hypocritical face while doing so, but luckily I never let myself or the world stop me in my pursuit of a better me. In my journey towards betterment I have learned something that is spoken in all religions, is known by most of us, but continues to elude many. Here it is, here is the big secret. WE KEEP SCREWING OURSELVES. We are our worst enemy, whether it is work, love, friendship, parenthood, etc, humans continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Rather than ranting about this highly hilarious and frustrating fact, I would like to offer up some wisdom that has helped me to quit drinking cold turkey for 18 months, and realize my dream of becoming a successful self-published author.<br />
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I give you Benjamin Franklins 13 virtues. <br />
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According to his autobiography (which is really a series of letters to his son) he devised a way to go about living that would help him achieve a happy and successful life. His system he called the thirteen virtues, and surprisingly he formulated this plan when he was in his early 20's (When most young men can think of nothing but ass and alcohol...and ass).<br />
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So here are the thirteen virtues with my two cents attached. If you are in the habit of attempting self improvement I highly encourage reading on, I mean come on, the dude is on the hundred dollar bill. He invented the lightning rod and a million other things, he was given degrees from colleges he never attended, and was instrumental in creating the country you live in. I'd say his two cents is worth a listen.<br />
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1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation. - translation - Don't eat until you feel like you should be rolled down the road, and don't drink until you're drunk. <br />
This one (like all the others) is hard, but given the obesity problem in this country, and the drinking problem humans have always had, I think this one alone could change lives. You will notice that moderation is a main theme of many of these virtues. <br />
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2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. - translation - Don't talk shit about other people, and don't complain all the time.<br />
If only more people would try this one. <br />
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3. Order: Let all things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. - translation - Pick up your crap!! And make time everyday to get your personal business done.<br />
Anybody with kids knows how much easier it would be if everyone just picked up their own messes. My wife will probably scoff at this one and give me the stink-eye (Hi Honey, love you). The second part seems obvious as well, you should take time to take care of your personal business, however, so many of us seem unable to tackle this one. In the spirit of #3 I won't get into my thoughts on it.<br />
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4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. - translation - Make up your mind to do the things you think you should, and then do those things until they are done.<br />
This is a big one for me personally. One line by the Tragically Hip comes to me here, "No one's interested in what you didn't do." When I decided that I was going to become a successful self published author if it was the last thing I did, I took this virtue to heart. I made up my mind to succeed, and I have worked tirelessly the last year and a half to do so. That is not to say that I was successful simply because of my drive, luck had a lot to do with it as well, but as Ben used to say. "Diligence is the mother of good luck."<br />
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5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; ie, waste nothing. - translation - Don't buy so much useless crap!<br />
How many people do you know who have worked hard, been successful, and ended up in the poor house? Why? Well they either had a crack habit, a gambling problem, or they bought too much useless crap. How many sports stars or movie stars or musicians have squandered fortunes? Guess what, we all have. Think about it. Even someone making minimum wage their entire life is going to make nearly a half million dollars. Where does the money go? You guessed it, useless crap. Basically take every holiday there is, roll it up in plastic, and put one thousand company logos on it and there you have it. Rather than property and homes and legacies passed down to children, you've got a big plastic shiny piece of crap that stands proudly as a testament to your coolness.<br />
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6. Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful, cut off all unnecessary actions. - translation - Quit wasting your time with dumb shit. <br />
We all have a finite amount of time to fly around on this ZooPrisonCircus, and if your goal is to go about your day entertaining your inner couch potato with eye candy and pop tarts, by all means go for it, however, if you are trying to make each year find a better you, then do yourself a favor and stop doing dumb shit. For me this meant no video games, no more than 6 hours a week of TV (most days none), it meant fixing myself before I try to fix the world. And it meant taking a time-out from everyone else's endless problems. The amount of work we make for each other is astounding. I think my friend Paul Fiacco said it best, "The world needs to take a f**king time out from each other, seriously, enough already. Get in your corner and leave each other alone."<br />
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7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. - translation - Don't lie, shed preconceived notions, and speak likewise. <br />
In my opinion lies are a tyrant's most powerful weapon. I have seen it here in this country, and if you look at history you will see it splattered all over the records of time. It has been used since times forgotten to keep humanity from realizing its potential, it is being used now. <br />
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That is all for now. I implore you all to take a shot at one or all of these. I will add 8-13 soon. Don't be overwhelmed, even Ben only attempted one per week at first, and in the end he admitted to never having mastered his 13 virtues. But he said that his life had been richer for the trying. Good luck Friends. <br />
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Michael James Ploofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14140470100073000254noreply@blogger.com0