New Website!

Come visit me on my new website! www.aimeemcneil.com

Degrees of Distortion

I am excited to share the official blurb for my next release "Degrees of Distortion"!!
smile emoticon

Lexie Wilder is no stranger to tragedy. She struggles every second of every day to overcome the loss of her boyfriend…

Determined to get her life back on track, Lexie retraces a road trip she went on with Alex before he died. The trip was meant to be a harmless adventure to revisit old memories and track down an elusive color of nail polish. Instead, Lexie uncovers a truth in Sugar Hill that her mother wanted to keep hidden.
When strange men follow Lexie home, her mother demands she run, sending her further away from the answers she seeks. But Lexie finds a clue in an old diary. Her mother wrote about a dark man with a dangerous past.

Jackson is a distraction Lexie isn’t prepared to face…

Alone in an unfamiliar town, Lexie has nothing but her haunted thoughts to keep her company and is terrified this man from her mother’s past has come back to finish what he started. She doesn’t know who to trust, especially when she realizes her neighbor, Jackson, is as intimidating as he is beautiful. She tries to keep her mysterious neighbor at a safe distance, but after he fights off an armed attacker, Lexie finds herself turning to him for comfort.

Her new protector can’t stop the evil forces already in play…

There is only one person who can answer for the chaos that has taken over Lexie’s life…her mother. The man responsible for the torment detailed in the pages of the diary is real, and now his sights are set on Lexie. His henchmen might have failed, but he won’t.

Lexie must figure out exactly how much she trusts Jackson and his good intentions if she ever wants a chance to finally piece her life back together. But first she has to survive…

Finished book #2 of my Distortion Trilogy, Levels of Exposure. I am just getting it ready for submission now and then I will dive into book #3. I have been focusing my time on writing because my goal is to complete the trilogy before the release of the first book on July 26th.

I will also hopefully be launching a new website soon! As soon as I get it all up and running I will let you know!

Psst...guess what? Yep the release day for book #1 of my Distortion Series!

Feeling A Little Discouraged...

I rated my own book on Goodreads as much as I didn't want to. It is just that every time I go on the page for Catching Fox the top two reviews are from haters that of course got the most likes so they stay at the top taunting me. It is a bit of a kick-in-the-guts every time I go on that page to check on things. I wish I could comment and clarify some important elements of the story they seemed to have missed. I know not everyone is going to like it but still some reviews are a little harsh.
I am working on my romantic suspense series now. My plan is to publish this and see if I can tip the scales and perhaps find more people that enjoy my writing than those who like to pick it apart. It will be a test to see if this is really what I should be investing all my time into. It's not that I would give up my love of writing but I may decide to go back to writing for myself. I just really need a few more people in my corner so I know who I am fighting for. Otherwise I am just left doubting myself and wondering why I am putting myself through this.

Here is my review I recently left on Goodreads.com for my most recent release...


Catching Fox by Aimee McNeil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't normally leave reviews for my own books because I feel weird rating my own work. Obviously it is close to my heart if I invested all the time and energy it took to create this story but every time I visit this page it makes me sad to see that the top reviews are so negative. I could be wrong but the reviewers seem to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I wish I could please everyone but I have found this to be impossible. I just don't want some readers who could love this story as much as I do turned away because of these reviews that are the first thing they see.
This was posted recently by a reader who grasped perfectly what this story was meant to be...
"I love this story! It is the kind of love that all of us romantics dream about, love at first glance when we are 6 yrs old. The kind of love that fits like a glove and is as warm and comfortable as an old flannel shirt, but turns hot as hell with one longing look! Yeah ..... don't we all wish for that kind of love? You have got to read this book! By Amazon Reviewer
I hope you decide to give it a chance and it finds a special place in your heart. Thank you so much!

Have you been wondering where I've been? I have been finding it hard to get much done lately. My son's have been off for March break. They have two weeks off for their school so my days have been busy. I tried to put a do not disturb sign on my computer to get some work done but my family just thinks its funny and continues to ask me to do things. No free time for me.
My goal was to have book #2 of my Distortion series done by the middle of April so I have to start picking up the pace for it to happen. I will hopefully have something exciting to share with you soon...

A Sneak Peak At My First Newsletter

I know you are all dying to know what my newsletter is all about. haha
BUT for those of you who are not sure...I thought I'd share the first edition with you so you can see if it is something you'd like to sign up for. My first newsletter was an introduction to myself for those who do not know me. My plan is to let subscribers be the first to know about what's in the works, giveaways, and have access to special bonus material when the time comes! Also I plan to be sharing and discussing fun topics. My goal is to impress you ;)
Take a look at my first newsletter if you are curious...http://eepurl.com/bR-6Jf

Subscribe to Author Aimee McNeil's monthly newsletter

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First Newsletter goes out Tomorrow!

I send my first newsletter out tomorrow! 

For those who do not know me I dedicated the first issue to "Why I Write" before I jump into different fun topics.

Psst. It includes the real reason why I took the plunge that I have never admitted before.

Sign up here and find out why >> http://eepurl.com/bRB1vf

My Newsletter

I'm going for it! Here is the sign up for my monthly newsletter...
When you sign up you will be privy to exclusive bonus content, upcoming releases, giveaways, behind the scenes writing updates and much more!

Subscribe to Aimee McNeil's (Top Secret) Newsletter ;)

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If you sign up between now and March 22 you will be entered to win 1 of 2 eBook bundles!

Pain by Amanda Mackey

Catching Fox by myself, Aimee McNeil

and Raining Down Rules by BK Rivers

Rethinking My Approach...

Well, I can officially say that I suck balls at marketing. I feel like I'm stuck and no one even knows I'm here. This is a bad position to be in for a writer. I feel like I've been going in the wrong direction.
I am thinking about taking a new approach to how I reach out to readers because right now I am getting nowhere with my sad little blog entries. I want to be able to be more interactive with people and get feedback for my writing. I want to know that my audience actually cares about what I am rambling about!

I was thinking of creating a monthly newsletter where I can be more candid, offer "bonus content", giveaways, give the inside scoop, and of course tell my secrets too!
You will have the opportunity to give feedback and ask questions. I would love your input! If you have read any of my books I would love the chance to know what you think. I am used to the good and bad. I'm not scared!
Maybe a few off topic ideas...like posting favorite recipes :)
I'm still currently brainstorming ideas but at least this will seem more personal than posting on my blog because I will know that someone is listening.

Would you be willing to sign up via email and join me for this little endeavor? I would love to know what you think?

I am being completely neglectful of my blog lately BUT I am making amazing progress on book #2 of my Distortion Series. For anyone who likes romantic suspense I am hoping to impress you!!
If you want to know how my writing is coming along I update my progress regularly. You just need to click on the Work-In-Progress (Distortion Series Book #2) Picture on the right side bar to see how things are coming along.
When I write I put a lot of thought and consideration into my first draft so when I'm done it only needs a quick read-through before I send it off. So it may seem that progress is slow at times but not to worry I'm very excited about how it is developing!

CATCHING FOX is only 99 cents for Valentine's Day!

Find it here>>
http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Fox-Aimee-McNeil-ebook/dp/B01961KUUI

When I was tucking my youngest son in bed last night he asked me why I write.

I responded by asking him what he liked to do that gave him a wonderful sense of happiness.

He said "Watching Pokemon." 

I told him writing was my "Pokemon"
He gave me a big smile and said "Oh wow."

I Am Very Excited To Announce...

Degrees Of Distortion, book one in my Distortion Series has officially been accepted for publication!!

I am very excited to bring this series to life!

Soon my editor will shine this manuscript up for me but until then, here is a little (unedited) teaser for you...

"Lexie stepped down the front steps that groaned loudly in protest, alerting the owner of the sleek black sports car next door. His attention drew to her as he swung a black duffle bag over his shoulder. She froze like a deer in the headlights. He was tall and shaped like a man that did nothing but physical activity. His intense eyes were staring back at her and her heart throbbed so loudly she could feel it in her fingertips.

He looked like how she pictured it would be like to come across a lion in the wild. He was captivatingly beautiful and terrifying at the same time. He gave her a friendly wave and unlike her seemed completely at ease.

Her flee response screamed at her because she knew that if she tried to engage she wouldn’t be able to form a coherent thought. She was too drained from the night before to muster up a proper conversation. She gave a small pathetic wave in response and quickly walked up the driveway, toward the main dirt road. She could feel the heat of his eyes on her back and she forced herself not to look back no matter how much she wanted to."

Have you been wondering what I'm up to?
I've been hanging out with one of my best friends ;)
...always there for me no matter what time of day. We have a great relationship! haha (One of my very favorite inventions!)

I'm writing whenever I can find the time. I need to keep up with the story formulating in my head. I've been avoiding distractions...I used to start my day checking my social media. I would find that hours pass and I haven't accomplished any writing because I get sucked into marketing attempts. A necessary evil BUT my main priority is writing my new series.

I think its the best plan in the long run.I still need to work on my wow factor to win over readers. My "Distortion Series" is me putting my best foot forward. Hopefully my determination is leading me down the right path.

I have officially submitted my manuscript for book #1(Degrees Of Distortion) in my Distortion Series. While I wait for word from my publisher I am diving into book #2.  I really love this story and feel like it is perfect representation of my writing style. I really feel like this is my best work and I cannot wait to see what is in store for it...Only time will tell :)

But for now...write, write, write. I have lots of work to do!

What's to come...

I am very excited to tell you that I have decided on a title for book one in my series...
Degrees Of Distortion

I love this story and can't wait to share it!

This is not the official book blurb but just a brief description
so you have an idea about what the book is about...

Lexie is no stranger to tragedy. While struggling to overcome a loss so deep it tore her heart and left it bloodied, her life begins to collapse around her. On a road trip with her dearest friend, Stephanie, she stumbles upon her mother’s hidden past. Unknowingly leading these ghosts back to their small town of Freyview and to her mother’s doorstep. Lexie discovers her mother is full of dark secrets and the best kept truth of all is Lexie herself.

When dangers separate Lexie from her mother, Lexie is left unprepared for who was hunting her as she finds herself in the company of a man that both terrifies and excites her. Her broken heart begins to stir with the strange feelings while fighting with the guilt of her past. She questions whether she can trust Jackson or if he has his own agenda.

Just when the pieces are coming together the dark man from the pages of her mother’s diary makes his move. He is every bit of the evil as her mother described. Lexie must face him and survive the perils that seek her or she will fall victim to the same fate that nearly destroyed her mother.

My little writing break is officially over. I have broken ground on book #2 and I am sooo close to finalizing the name of the series.

I used up my blank canvases but my plan is to pick up more so that I can sneak in some more painting time among the madness of formulating my story.

Back to work I go!

★PROLOGUE★

Adalynne sat on her wooden swing, twisting her new white shoes into the dirt beneath her feet. Tears dripped from her cheeks and she watched as they disappeared into the fabric of her dress, leaving tiny dark spots on the material. The ropes of the swing creaked loudly with every sway as she gently pushed it back and forth.

“Why are you crying?”

Adalynne looked up through a veil of perfect blonde curls. A boy close to her age was standing in the line of trees backing onto her property. His voice was so quiet that she thought at first it might have been the breeze. His unkempt dark hair fell over his eyes in dark waves. His knees were visible through his ripped pants and his shirt was adorned with a monster truck with its tongue hanging out. It was a sight that brought a smile to her lips despite her tears.

Adalynne wiped her face with the back on her hand and studied the boy. “Where did you come from?” she asked, looking around to see if anyone else was in his company.

“I live through that way.” He pointed into the dense trees behind them. “I heard you crying while I was playing in the woods,” the boy explained, looking nervous.

“It’s my birthday today and I wanted to wear my favorite dress with pink and blue stripes but my mom made me wear this yellow dress and it scratches my skin,” she confessed sadly.

Adalynne slipped off the swing and closed the distance between them. The boy took a hesitant step back with her approach. “What’s your name?” she asked curiously. He didn’t answer her question but instead looked behind him, anxious and ready to flee. “Don’t go,” she pleaded.

The boy stood frozen, watching her intently. Adalynne moved slowly out of fear she would scare him away. She had never seen eyes like his. The color green they exhibited was vibrant and breathtaking, putting the foliage around them to shame. It made her think of her bright green crayon that she had used earlier to color the leaves of her trees. He was so beautiful and quiet she thought he might be her imagination. She smiled big and bright, letting him know she wanted to be his friend.

When she was close enough she reached out and took his hand to confirm he was real. His hand trembled beneath her fingers as she held it gently. “My name is Adalynne,” she said softly. He looked back at her with wide eyes. Not even a hint of a smile on his lips. “It’s my mother’s name too.” She found herself talking out of fear he would leave if she didn’t keep his interest. “It’s probably why she wants me to be just like her.” Though he remained quiet he seemed to be interested in her words. “Sometimes I wonder if I had another name it would be different and I wouldn’t have to wear uncomfortable clothes, and she would just let me be me and have fun.”

“You want a different name?” he whispered. He seemed puzzled by her, as if she were a strange creature that mysteriously washed up on shore, his curiosity keeping him captivated.

“Yes! I would love another name.” Adalynne reached out and took his other hand in hers as well. He looked down at his hands tightly clasped in hers.

“What would you want your name to be?” he asked.

Adalynne giggled. “Hmmm…” She pondered the thought. The idea of picking her own name excited her. She watched a bee hover over some nearby flowers and her smile deepened. “Bee,” she responded happily. “Because then I could wear stripes all the time and play in the flowers whenever I wanted.”

He smiled back at her then. It was simply beautiful. “What would you choose?” she asked happily, her tears forgotten now. He shrugged his shoulders and slowly tried to pull his hand from hers but Adalynne was scared to let him go. There was something different about this boy that drew her to him. “How about…” Adalynne thought about what was befitting of the boy in front of her. She remembered when she was playing in her backyard and saw a fox peeking through the trees. It left as quickly as it came without a sound. She never told her mother for fear she wouldn’t let her play outside anymore. “Fox?” He could be her secret fox.

Adalynne grew excited with her suggestion. “You remind me of a fox because you are quick, quiet and…beautiful.” The smile fell from her lips. “You don’t like it?”

“No…I do…I like it,” he responded with a small smile, bringing her own back to life.

“I like you,” she confessed.

“Adalynne!” She turned back toward her house when she heard her mother call her name. The boy pulled his hands from hers and retreated back into the woods as quiet as he came. It felt like he took a piece of her with him when he left. Her sadness returned as she walked toward her mother’s call.

★Find It On Amazon>> 

US ➧ http://amzn.to/1TMalcT

CAN ➧ http://amzn.to/1Yhm8RN

UK ➧http://amzn.to/1Qlgjnl

FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

★GIVEAWAY★

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is what I was up to yesterday...
My to do list is a bit long today so I don't see me tackling any painting but you never know :)

I'm painting my way through the animal kingdom as I wait for my book feedback...then hopefully on to book #2 of my series. 

I painted this guy yesterday. I have one more blank canvas before I have to go to the store and that is a dangerous thing for me...Michael's Craft store. Love that place! If I go in there and see all the paint brushes (which I desperately need new ones), tubes of paint, and wall of blank canvases. Then I might really keep painting all the animals that I can think of. haha. 

My plan is to get my had back into my writing at the beginning of next week.  
Until then its nice to have a bit of a break :)

Since I'm currently between books I decided to break out the paints today. For some reason when I woke up this morning I had a strange desire to paint an elephant...I don't know why. haha 
Meant to be I guess:)

Writing Update

I have officially handed over my manuscript to a beta reader today. For those of you who don't know what a beta reader is, it is someone who reads a story strictly for content. They make sure their are no holes in the plot. It's not the same as editing. Editing comes later after I know that the story is solid and ready to be polished. I am looking forward to feedback from fresh eyes.
This is the start of a series for me so I need to start if off right. I'm excited to spend more time with these characters when I dive into writing the next book! I'll leave you with a teaser of what's to come. I haven't officially finalized the title but I have narrowed it down to a few good options :)

Day #3. Here are some more reviews to check out!!

Book Beauties
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1Z5yzAD
Website

Thoughts of an Avid Reader
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1Jub2Hw
Website

Book Fancy
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1O5eqrr
Website

Indies Steal Our Heart
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1kMCt3B
Website

E-Reading After Midnight
REVIEW http://bit.ly/1S49WVC
Website

Blog Tour Day #2. Here are the reviews posted today!!

Steamy book momma
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1Js6QIl
Website 

3 fictional hearts
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1ZMwPOT
Website

Thank you to the following blogs who participated in my blog tour today for CATCHING FOX!
The following are bloggers who posted a review. Take a look if you want to know what others think of my book!

Bookaliciousbabes
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1Rd1uni
Website

Sassy Southern Books
REVIEW http://amzn.to/22HFpAZ
Website

BK Rivers
REVIEW http://bit.ly/1S0MAQI
Website

Cupcakes and Vodka Book Blog
REVIEW http://bit.ly/1OxZymP (Review on Blog)
Website

Us Girls & A Book
REVIEW http://bit.ly/1Js7l5h (Review on Blog)
Website

HEA Fanatics
REVIEW http://amzn.to/1mGg9dc
Website

★CATCHING FOX Blog Tour★

Today is the first day of the Blog Tour for CATCHING FOX!! This tour focuses on reviews so I'm looking forward to the feedback.
Check out the EXCERPT and the GIVEAWAY below for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of both CATCHING FOX and TRUTH OR DARE!!

★EXCERPT★

When the set finished the band exited the stage. Adalynne watched Fox leave and she realized how much she missed him. An unbearable ache formed in her chest. People began shuffling around the room and music blasted on the speakers surrounding them. A heavy beat thrummed through the entire club, keeping the good mood alive and thriving in the many bodies that lined the floor.

“I’m going to check my messages.” Adalynne held up her phone. “I can’t hear anything here.” She didn’t wait for anyone to respond. Leaving her seat, she headed toward the back of the bar toward the restrooms.

“I’m coming with you.” Katie jumped up and followed on Adalynne’s heels through the crowded floor of people. When they were away from the guys, Katie pulled up beside her. “What was going on with you and Brolan Pierce? Do you know him? Please tell me you know him. You were practically eye doing each other.” Katie looked up at Adalynne’s face. “Oh my God! You know the lead singer of Outcome? Why didn’t you tell me you knew him? Is he the one you’re so hung up on?” Katie’s eyes could not get any wider as she stared at her. Her nails were digging into Adalynne’s arm.

“Katie, please be quiet.” Adalynne noticed the girls waiting in the bathroom line turning to observe their conversation. “Yes, I know him and I didn’t tell you because that’s not his real name. I didn’t know it until he walked onstage. It was a long time ago. Anyway, I’m not that hung up.”

“Oh please. You barely look at all the hot guys that practically drool on you. Look at Matthew over there. He’s not used to having to work to gain a girl’s attention. He’s used to girls handing him a free pass to their vaginas. Besides, I have never seen two people look at each other like that. I thought he was going to jump off the stage. It was beyond attraction.” Katie looked like she was going to swoon as she leaned against the wall.

“Do me a favor and forget about it.” Adalynne tried to dismiss their conversation. She listened to the message her mother left telling her everything was still fine.

“Why should I forget? You obviously can’t.” Katie folded her arms across her chest. She stomped her foot defiantly. “You cannot let this opportunity slip by. I seriously want to strangle you! You should be asking to speak with him. He owes you that much after he eye-fucked the hell out of you onstage!”

“Oh my god, Katie! It wasn’t like that. He was probably just surprised to see me.” Adalynne shrugged her shoulders and tried to seem casual. “He never wanted me like that and he doesn’t now.”

“Are you Adalynne?” A tall man dressed completely in black came to a stop in front of her. He looked like he walked out of the gym after spending most of his life there. A black shirt stretched over his massive chest, his hair was cropped short, and his severe eyes glared at her with a very serious expression. He had the science of intimidation down perfectly and Adalynne just nodded at his question, backing up against the wall.

“Will you follow me?” he continued, taking a step back, expecting her to comply but halted when she did not move.

“Why?” she asked when he looked back at her.

“You are requested by Mr. Pierce,” he stated simply, his patience wearing thin.

“I’ll cover for you!” Katie pushed Adalynne toward the large security guard. Adalynne looked back over her shoulder at Katie, who continued to wave her on encouragingly. The eyes of all the other girls who witnessed the scene stared after her as well.

Adalynne tried to calm her breathing as she followed the man through a dark, narrow hallway until he came to a door and knocked. The door opened narrowly but Adalynne couldn’t see in the room at her angle.

“Adalynne,” he said to the person who opened the door. The door closed and a moment later it swung open wide and Adalynne watched the band members leave the room. They nodded approvingly at her. The one she recognized from the drums spoke to her as he passed. “Hello there, beautiful.” Adalynne tried to manage a smile in return but she was overwhelmed with nerves. He smiled widely at her before continuing down the hall with the others.

Adalynne didn’t move. Her feet felt planted in place until the security guard gave her a gentle nudge of encouragement. She walked in slowly and he closed the door behind her, narrowly missing her. Adalynne took in the room. The sofas were covered in discarded clothing. The walls were covered with posters and framed photographs.

Fox walked out of a connecting room with a beer in his hand. His hair was messy like he had just run his fingers through it. He leaned against the door frame and stared at her from across the room. The emotions that overcame her were crippling. She had been living so long without her heart and now it was right in front of her and yet so far. She couldn’t think of anything more striking than his muscled lean frame. The way his jeans hung so low and how his shirt hugged his body that held a promise of so much pleasure. He was a drug to her and she was addicted to him in every sense of the word.

“You are so beautiful.” His voice was raw from singing. He walked over to the sofa and sat down, not taking his eyes off her. “I can’t get you out of my fucking head.” Fox ran his hand down over his face.

★GIVEAWAY★

a Rafflecopter giveaway

★Find It On Amazon>> 

AMAZON US ➧ http://amzn.to/1TMalcT

AMAZON CAN ➧ http://amzn.to/1Yhm8RN

AMAZON UK ➧http://amzn.to/1Qlgjnl

FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

★MY LINKS★

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aimeemcneilswriting

Instagram: https://instagram.com/aimeemcneilswriting/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aimeeswriting

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13919881.Aimee_McNeil

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Aimee-McNeil/e/B00YCO5PLE

Blog Tour for CATCHING FOX This Week!

I am excited and nervous for this week. It is the blog tour for CATCHING FOX! I have some wonderful book bloggers who signed up to read it and post their reviews this week. I will be posting links to the reviews so if you are curious about CATCHING FOX then you might be interested to know how other people feel about it.
I'm nervous because I know there will be some who won't like it and not afraid to tear it apart. It's inevitable. There are always haters.  I never read the bad reviews anymore because they stick with me and are hard to shake. Sometimes I really want to know why they disliked it but it's not good for the confidence. Some people can very harsh, especially the anonymous ones. Though, the good ones make it all worth while! I love to hear when people enjoy my stories.
Reviews are so important for writers because it is what potential readers usually look at when deciding whether or not to read a book. I have my fingers crossed. I am hoping for some love this week!

There May Be More In Store For CATCHING FOX...

I have been thinking...I don't feel done with the story of CATCHING FOX. I'm not sure if it will mean a second book from Fox's point-of-view or just some bonus chapters BUT thoughts are definitely formulating!
If you have read CATCHING FOX let me know what your thoughts are on the matter. I would love to know if you would be interested in diving into Fox's head :)