Outlandish Dreams Come True! How I Made the Best Seller List With #Outlander

#Outlandish Dreams Come True!

When I first read the Outlander series from Diana Gabaldon in the early 2000's, I fell in love with the characters, the richness of the storytelling and the details of how people lived back in the seventeen hundreds before the Scottish uprising. 

I never imagined that I would write a book, much less that if I did, it would end up on the best seller list with her novels, but that happened this week! Squeee!!

Check it out here!

Eventually, I read her book, the Outlandish Companion where Diana discussed her somewhat haphazard way of writing chapters and later connecting them to each other and it really inspired me to consider writing a novel. I always thought you had to be super structured, which I definitely am not. 

I took a while deciding on what to write about but after experiencing 4 major hurricanes in six-weeks in central Florida in the summer of 2004 I felt I had the perfect backdrop for an exciting series. 

It wasn't until a decade later that I finished fiddling around with Stealing Time and took the plunge publishing it. Later published Shattering Time. I'm currently working on the third book in the series, Killing Time. You can hear me talking a bit about Killing Time in my latest video chat on my website here.

Watch the video here!

Living History

What fascinates me the most about Outlander was the concept of living as a modern woman in the past, and the living conditions and social norms of the times. I had a lot of fun researching all of those historical details and in a way living there vicariously through my characters, albeit it in the comfort of my writing cave, and not subject to the horrors my characters are put through. 

One of the shocking things I learned about 1752 London was that as a wedding gift in a lower class society, the woman's family would have all her teeth pulled and give her dentures. This way the husband wouldn't have to pay to have her teeth removed as they rotted in their mouths over time. Can you imagine that? So glad I'm living now and not then!

Time Travel Romance Best Seller Category on Amazon

I placed a BookBub ad, and if you know what that is you know it's really hard to get a spot. I finally did and the results were incredible! All three of my books ranked on the Best Seller List on Amazon. 

In the top ten best sellers in Time Travel Romance, 

9 of them were from the Outlander Series, 

and at #2 was my book, Shattering Time!

Time Travel Fiction Best Seller

Also, last week I outranked Stephen King's Time Travel Fiction book, 11/23/1963, one of my recent favorite time travel novels!

Best Rankings Ever!

I set Stealing Time (book 1) for free and it spent 3 days at the #1 spot in both categories (Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy) and ranked as high as #16 in the entire Free Kindle Store.

Shattering Time (Book 2)

I put my second book on sale for 99cents and it ranked the highest it ever has reached --  Time Travel Romance #2 under Outlander. 

Three Books in the Best Seller Categories!

Now that my books are back to regular price my books are still ranking really well with all three in the bestseller category!

Here is the breakdown Saturday afternoon, Shattering Time (book 2) ranks at #7 in Time Travel Romance, Stealing Time (book 1) is ranked at #29 in the same category and Blow is ranked #6 in One Hour Teen and Young Adult Short Reads!

 Blow's Ranking the same day!

Thank you for all of your support! 

If you're curious about my books you can read the first five chapters of Stealing Time and Shattering Time by signing up for my newsletter here! 

I also have a Free Non-Fiction story for free exclusive to my newsletter followers for signing up. Sign up here!

Sign up here!

Review for Stealing Time:

Buy it here!

Review for Shattering Time

Buy it here!

For a limited time, I'm offering a free copy of my best seller short-story Blow to the first ten people who comment on this blog post. 

Review for Blow!

Buy here!

Shattering Time Book Signing

Last week was a doozie. In preparation for my first book signing for Shattering Time, I was asked to be on two radio shows.  

The Chad Hasty Show

First I joined Chad Hasty on his radio program to promote the first book signing for Shattering Time. 

Here is the radio interview with Chad: 



I was also on Chad's show in 2015 when I first released Stealing Time. You can hear that interview here. 

LoneStar Country

When I was finished with Chad I walked down the hall to meet Jan Miller from LoneStar Country and chat for a bit about her book and the Stealing Time series. Check it out here, she even added some snazzy pics to go with the audio. 

Free Books!

In celebration of the season, I have two of my books for free if you want to check them out here. 

Stealing Time is available here as a free download here.

Also for a short time my short story is free on all outlets: 

Amazon
iTunes, Google Play
All other outlets (BN, Kobo and more)



Don't miss the latest in my series, Shattering Time available here.

Join my newsletter here for the latest news, freebies and more!

Hurricane Harvey Relief Discount

Hurricane Harvey Relief Discount on my Hurricane Series

The horrible scenes coming out of southeast Texas this week as a result of Hurricane Harvey breaks my heart. I truly am in awe of the strength and soul of Texas and their ability to tackle the worse disaster in American history with class and neighborly love.

Like many of you, I want to do something to help and I'm contacting my local Food Bank and Rotary Clubs to see how I can help locally in their broader projects to support victims of Harvey as well as donating to the larger organizations helping in disaster relief. 

I wanted to do something more personal as well and I've been struggling with something related to my writing to help in a small way. I don't think I need to encourage anyone to help out, but I did want to offer a little bit of thanks for supporting the relief effort. 

If you're interested in my Stealing Time Series set during the hurricanes of 2004 I'm offering the biggest discount I've ever offered at 30% off one or both paperbacks. To take advantage of this please email a screen shot of your Hurricane Harvey Relief donation to a reputable organization (not sure click here for ideas from NPR) to this email: 
kjwaters@protonmail.com or click here for the link. Sign up for my newsletter here and join the fun!  Insider deals, behind the scenes looks at my work and more!

Hurricane Charley and Time Travel back to 18 Century London

As you may know already I'm an author who was inspired to write my time travel series after living through the hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004. Hurricane Charley was the last Category 4 hurricane to hit the United States before Harvey devastated Texas last week. Charley is the backdrop for the first book in the series Stealing Time and you can read a sample, reviews, and the blurb here or buy on Amazon (ebook is only $2.99) here. 

Hurricane Frances and Time Travel to The Lost Colony in 1588 Early America

This weekend is the anniversary of Hurricane Frances that hit Florida 13 years ago only a few weeks after Charley hit. This storm was the size of Texas and impacted nearly the entire state of Florida and like Harvey was a slow mover with a lot of rain. It is also the backdrop for the second book in the series, Shattering Time. You can read the reviews and blurb here or buy on Amazon (ebook is only $3.99) here.

Thankfully, I wasn't affected in any serious way by the storms, just some minor damage to my Florida room, but it was definitely a dramatic welcome to the state, as I had just moved there three days before Charley struck and within six week four major hurricanes hit the state. 

I was going to launch a blog series with storm stories from my readers, but as the events of this disaster Hurricane Harvey have given us all enough to focus on, I've decided to put that on hold for a bit. I'll continue that blog idea in the future and would love for you to send me any storm stories you'd like to share. 

Thank you for reading my blog.
Please subscribe!

I'm writing the third book in the series (Killing Time) and working on the follow up to my short story Blow. It would be really exciting to be inspired by your experiences. Please send anything you you'd like to kjwaters@protonmail.com or click here. 

My books are available here:

Blow: http://geni.us/blowblog

Stealing Time: http://geni.us/StealingBlog and only 99 cents in the UK site on Amazon this week.

Shattering Time: http://geni.us/ShatterBlog

Sign up for my newsletter here and join the fun! 

A Book A Day #Giveaway -- Shattering (Island) Time Book Tour -Stop 8 -- Florida

A Book A Day #Giveaway -- Stop 8 – Shattering (Island) Time -- Florida

Welcome to my Shattering (Island) Time book blog tour to celebrate the launch of my second book, Shattering Time. The story features Hurricane Francis as an intricate part of the plot. This book tour has meandered its way through the path of destruction left on its way to Florida where Shattering Time begins.

A Book A Day Contest

Shattering Time launches next week on June 27. I’ll be giving away a free eBook every day from now until the launch. To enter all you have to do it comment on my Facebook post here and I’ll pick a winner each day! I’ll even give away a paperback to 2 people who share the post on the day of launch.

Florida and Hurricane Frances

The excitement ramps up in Shattering Time on Sunday, August 29, 2004, at 1:00 am when the storm makes landfall. It was the size of Texas and a category 2 storm with 105 MPH winds. It made landfall near Sewall's Point, Florida.

Francis hit three weeks after Hurricane Charley, that storm is the driving force in my first novel in this series, Stealing Time. Citrus groves were a near total loss for part of the state after both storms ravished the trees causing over $2 billion in damage. 

Frances dropped over 13 inches of rain in parts of Florida and the wind caused damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, adding to the damage of Hurricane Charley totaling $100 million in 2004 dollars. Walt Disney World Closed on Sunday for only the third time in its history, the second time that month because of the previous hurricane.

Vehicle Assembly Building at the
Kennedy Space Center

Time Travel in a Hurricane

During this massive storm Ronnie Andrews, my main character, is sent back in time to 1588 Roanoke Island in North Carolina. For you history buffs, that is the first colony in America, also known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. 

Roanoke Island off the coast of North Carolina 1588

Tensions were running high
with the Natives

The Governor was sent back to England for more supplies and reinforcements, as they were running out of food and tensions with the native population were mounting. When he returned there was no trace of the colonists, other than a carving in a tree, Croatoan.

Let me bring you to the moment where Ronnie encounters the Native American population and finds herself in a sticky situation with this exclusive excerpt.

Click here to read: Prince -- Shattering Time Exclusive Excerpt

Pre-Order Now

If you've not pre-ordered jump on that now before the price goes up June 27th when it releases.  Click here to order now! It's only $2.99 for the eBook. See the end of the blog to read the blurb or click on the link.

Advanced Review

I just received my first review from an Advance Reader Copy reviewer. If you’d like an advanced copy please let me know. I’d really love an honest review on Amazon. Sent an email to kjwatersauthor@gmail.com with ARC Copy in the title.

After enjoying KJ Waters earlier novels I was eager to read Shattering Time. Especially to find out how Ronnie is rescued.

 I appreciated the  well written back story being incorporated, which adequately covered the past, and prepared me for the present.

 I loved to hate the dreadful Jeffrey. My heart went out to Ronnie, poor girl. Her life was not her own. 

Readers be warned of the occasional explicit language and sex scenes, if you are sensitive.

 I give Shattering Time five stars.

Thank you, Glennis Browne, Australian Author 

#SummerBookBlast Giveaway Kindle Fire

I also wanted to invite you to our #SummerBookBlast where we are giving away a KINDLE FIRE fully loaded with seven great summer reads, including Shattering Time. You can enter here! Read more about these books here.

Shattering Time Blurb:

Number one best-selling thriller Stealing Time continues in this “breathtakingly original” journey where Ronnie Andrews returns from eighteenth century London shell-shocked from her first terrifying time travel encounter. Her boyfriend, Jeffrey Brennan, casts doubt on her sanity leaving Ronnie wondering if she went back in time or is having a metal breakdown.

To add to the tension, Hurricane Francis, a storm the size of Texas, is barreling towards Florida and her fears of a repeat time travel experience mount. Her best friend Steph, along with Nick and Steph’s younger brother Ian, shield Ronnie from the dangers of Francis but cannot save her from traveling back in time. Unfortunately, their meddling brings Ronnie to the brink of destruction as they are caught in the throes of the hurricane’s wrath.

Ronnie is transported to dangerous places and plagued with desperate situations, while experiencing fascinating cultures including one of America’s first mysteries -- the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. A stunning conclusion brings Ronnie face to face with a dangerous ally who may hold the key to her past while serving as the savior of her future. 

SHATTERING (ISLAND) TOUR STOPS

1. Stop 1 -- Cover Reveal and Vote -- You can vote on two book cover choices on the first blog in the tour! 

Join the fun at out my other stops!

2. Stop 2 -- British Virgin Islands -- For a sneak peek of another chapter of Shattering Time click here in the second blog in the tour!

3. Stop 3 -- SAN SALVADOR ISLAND – Enjoy the amazing sites on San Salvador Island where we learn about the history and geology

4. Stop 4 -- CAT ISLAND-- Get a sneak peek into Shattering Time’ first time travel event to Cat Island Bahamas in the middle of the hurricane.

5. Stop 5 -- The Bahamas -- Swim with the pigs on this cool island with wild pigs. Join the #mugshot contest for a book and a coffee (Closed).

6. Stop 6 -- Southlea Bay -- Celebrate the launch of another island full of fun friends with Suzanne Kelman's Rejected Writer's Take the Stage.

7. Stop 7 – Turks and Caicos– Enjoy a romp in the waves on horseback and meet a trained conch. Vote on your favorite island outing. 

8. Stop 8 – Florida and the Book a Day Giveaway – I’m giving away a book a day until launch. Enjoy and exclusive excerpt of Ronnie's most dangerous time travel adventure to 1588 American colonies.

Check out my other books here. They are all available on Amazon and are free with Kindle Unlimited.

                       

Free #KindleFire -- Shattering (Island) Time -- Stop 7 -- Turks and Caicos

Shattering (Island) Time -- Stop 7 -- Turks and Caicos

Welcome to the book blog tour for my upcoming release of Shattering Time. Thank you for the initial feedback on my book cover from my first blog in this tour. I've used your feedback to create final cover below. 

If you've not pre-ordered jump on that now before the price goes up June 27th when it releases.  Click here to order now! It's only $2.99 for the eBook. See the end of the blog to read the blurb or click on the link.

                                                   

                                                             New Cover! Order here!

I also wanted to invite you to our #SummerBookBlast where we are giving away a KINDLE FIRE fully loaded with seven great summer reads, including Shattering Time.  You can enter here! Read more about these books here.

We are also having a Facebook party this Friday, June 16 at 6:00 pm central time. Please click on the link to join the fun! We'll have tons of prizes and these great authors gathering to celebrate: Camille Di Miao, Kerry Anne King, Suzanne Kelman, Melody Robinette, Amy Quick Parrish, and Kim Hunt Harris. 

Click here to join the fun!

Turks and Caicos

This week we join the Shattering (Island) Tour where we follow the path of Hurricane Francis to the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

On September 1, 2004 Hurricane Frances made a direct hit on the Turks and Caicos island as a Category 4 storm with 125 MPH winds causing flooding and destroying homes. 

Today we begin our day on the Grace Bay Beach with perfect weather as we watch the skies just in case anything should pop up. I have a bag full of books to share with you and we're gonna be lazy today. I've brought you here because this beach was voted as World Leading Destination Beach by World Travel Awards' and the second best beach in the world by Trip Advisors. With those credentials it definitely deserves at least a few hours.

Grab a book from our selection and settle down for the afternoon, but before we do let's plan our itinerary for the week here on this lovely collection of islands.

Here are your choices:

1. Cheshire Hall Plantation -- The ruins of Cheshire plantation is full of history and mystery. Originally built by an Englishman from Cheshire, Wade Stubbs. On this land they grew sea island cotton, a highly desired crop. The property was protected by a few cannons that sit atop the hill. The surrounding area has been preserved with walking trails and naturalist signs labeling local plants and is full of wildlife.

2. Caicos Conch Farm -- For the inner geek and biologist at heart we can tour the only Conch farm in the world. We will learn about the life cycle of the Caribbean Queen Conch and even meet two trained and friendly conchs. They are also developing grouper, snapper, pompano and cobia for farming.

3. Horseback riding on the beach with Provo Ponies -- This is something I've always wanted to do. Let's ride these beauties in the cool ocean waves off of the Caicos Banks and merge with the best of the beast and the wonders of nature.




4. Kite boarding -- For the adventurous we have an afternoon with the Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding.

5. Water sport excursion with Silly Creek Water Excursions -- Spend the day snorkeling, skiing, tubing, cliff jumping, and exploring the Pirate's Cave with a picnic on the beach.

What shall we do on Turks and Caicos

Cheshire Hall Plantation Caicos Conch Farm Horseback Riding in the Ocean

Kiteboarding Silly Creek Water Sports Day Other Please Specify:

survey Maker

Other Shattering (Island) Time Fun!

Don't miss the exciting tidbits on my other posts in the Shattering (Island) Time Book Tour:

1. Stop 1 -- Cover Reveal and Vote -- You can vote on two book cover choices on the first blog in the tour! 

Join the fun at out my other stops!

2. Stop 2 -- British Virgin Islands -- For a sneak peek of another chapter of Shattering Time click here in the second blog in the tour!

3. Stop 3 -- SAN SALVADOR ISLAND – Enjoy the amazing sites on San Salvador Island where we learn about the history and geology

4. Stop 4 -- CAT ISLAND-- Get a sneak peek into Shattering Time’ first time travel event to Cat Island Bahamas in the middle of the hurricane.

5. Stop 5 -- The Bahamas -- Swim with the pigs on this cool island with wild pigs. Join the #mugshot contest for a book and a coffee (Closed).

6. Stop 6 -- Southlea Bay -- Celebrate the launch of another island full of fun friends with Suzanne Kelman's Rejected Writer's Take the Stage.

7. Stop 7 – Turks and Caicos– Enjoy a romp in the waves on horseback and meet a trained conch. Vote on your favorite island outing. 

8. Stop 8 – Florida and the Book a Day Giveaway – I’m giving away a book a day until launch. Enjoy and exclusive excerpt of Ronnie's most dangerous time travel adventure to 1588 American colonies.

Check out my other books here. They are all available on Amazon and are free with Kindle Unlimited.

                       

Shattering Time Blurb:

The number one best-selling thriller Stealing Time continues its “breathtakingly original” journey.

Ronnie Andrews returns from eighteenth century London shell-shocked from her first terrifying time travel encounter. Her boyfriend, Jeffrey Brennan, casts doubt on her sanity leaving Ronnie wondering if she went back in time or is having a mental breakdown.
To add to the tension, Hurricane Francis, a storm the size of Texas, is barreling towards Florida and her fears of a repeat time travel experience mount. Ronnie’s best friend Steph, along with her friend Nick and Steph’s younger brother Ian, shield Ronnie from the dangers of Francis but cannot save her from traveling back in time. Unfortunately, their meddling brings Ronnie to the brink of destruction as they are caught in the throes of the hurricane’s wrath.
Once again, Ronnie is transported to dangerous places and plagued with desperate situations, while experiencing perilous cultures including one of America’s first mysteries -- the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. 
A stunning conclusion brings Ronnie face to face with a dangerous ally who may hold the key to her past while offering salvation for her future.