Archive for the ‘Books’ Category
A book is only as good as its research by Misty Evans
Missing royals. Double agents. Hidden doors and secret treasures underneath a palace…
I’m currently working on LAUNCH, Super Agent Series, Book 4. This story takes place in Russia and features CIA Chief of Operations Ryan “Smitty” Smith from OPERATION SHEBA, SAS Book 1. Ryan must help Anya Radzoya, the missing princess from the last of the Russian Imperial houses, who steals the launch key to a nuclear missile In order to stop the Russian president from starting a second Cold War.
Every Super Agent book requires massive amounts of research. I’m only a hundred pages into the story and already I’ve had to learn about the following:
Russian history, beginning with Nordic founder in 862 AD
Russian foods
Common Russian phrases
Nuclear launch keys
The architecture, layout and history of the Great Kremlin Palace complex
Russian Imperial houses
Imperial jewelry
Since Anya is a genetic scientist, I’ve also had to research and study genes, DNA and genetic counseling. While I managed a B+ in Biology 101 and never blew up the chem lab in school, I still failed to grasp much of the science surrounding genes. Thank goodness for the Internet and good old fashion text books. I’ve crammed a lot of hefty scientific facts and theories into my overloaded brain in the past few months and constantly double check them on occasion to be sure I’m correct.
In the third Super Agent book, Proof of Life, Brigit, the heroine, made this observation: “The intelligence community considered information only as reliable as its source. If the source was bogus, so was the intel.”
I believe the same thing holds true for authors and readers. Readers consider stories only as reliable as their authors. While I make up some elements in my stories, I put as many facts in them as I can. I want to be accurate and trustworthy as an author while still spinning a fun, over-the-top adventure for my readers. Doing my research is a critical part of that process and one I hope readers enjoy.
Misty Evans does her research in her pajamas with a giant mug of coffee within arm’s reach and her favorite playlist blasting in the background. For more information about her Super Agent Series, visit www.readmistyevans.com and come chat with her at www.twitter.com/readmistyevans. Her latest print book, PROOF OF LIFE, Super Agent Series, Book 3, is now available for preorder http://www.amazon.com/Proof-Super-Agent-Misty-Evans/dp/1605047937/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277494700&sr=8-2 .
March Madness – Free book for Kindle and Nook
I’m SO, SO, SO excited to announce that … drum roll, please… OPERATION SHEBA, Super Agent Series Book 1, is available FREE for the KINDLE from Amazon, March 1st-14th . You can find it here. (Update 3/1/10, 10:45 a.m. – Amazon has yet to flip the switch so the book goes to $0.00. I’ll add another note as soon as I’m sure it’s been switched over to free. I’m REALLY sorry for the inconvenience, but how is an author to control the beast known as Amazon?!!? They told me March 1st!) (Update #2: 5 pm … FINALLY, it is really and truly FREE on Amazon for Kindle. And it’s ranked in the top 100 already. Woo hoo!)
It’s also available free for the Nook, Barnes & Noble’s ebook reader! If you want the Nook version, go here .
More news about Sheba: It’s a finalist in the 2009 New England Bean Pot Published Authors Contest for Romantic Suspense! I couldn’t be more thriled!
PLEASE pass this on and share the news with anyone who owns a Kindle or a Nook and might enjoy my book. Maybe we can get Conrad and Julie in the Top 100 Kindle books. If we do, I’m going to celebrate big with goodie giveaways galore to my readers! 
Here are a few review snippets to tease you:
“Evans takes readers on an edge-of-your-seat thriller into the secretive world of CIA operatives. A love triangle and a mole in the agency make this one story you won’t want to put down.” ~Cindy Himler, RT Reviews
“…deeply woven and masterfully written plot with many twists and turns.” ~Abi, The Romance Studio
“Misty Evans does a masterful job of developing vibrant, believable characters that inhabit a world full of international and personal intrigue…” ~Camilia, Long and Short Reviews
“…the best book I have ever read. OPERATION SHEBA is not at the head of the class, it is in a class by itself. The adventure never stops, it is really sexy, and the reader will go from laughter to terror as the plot is uncovered and the traitor is exposed.” ~ Reviewed by Susiq2 for CataRomance
“This is a top notch romantic suspense…The characters in this story fulfill their roles perfectly, strong, heroic, and of course, dangerously sexy. Ms. Evans takes you on a wild ride, one that you will hate to see end. I will await her next installment of Super Agents with great anticipation.” ~ Reviewed by Loloty for Coffee Time Romance
“…a heart-pounding, super-hot read…continuous nonstop action and blazing sexual interactions. Overall, OPERATION SHEBA was a thrilling, erotic spy game that I enjoyed playing.” ~ Reviewed by Contessa for Romance Junkies
“Bad guys, bombs, and bullets pop up everywhere…The CIA’s internal politics are fleshed out beautifully… With non-stop action and a fantastic heroine, Operation Sheba is a great kickoff for a debut writer.” ~Reviewed by Bramble Nymph for Literary Nymphs
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My website: www.readmistyevans.com
Reviews
I was tempted to subtitle this “How dare you say my baby is ugly!” but held back. Reviews are the joy and bane of a published writer’s existence. Each morning I check my Google Alerts to see if someone’s said something new about The Bride and the Buccaneer, but I always click on the link with a certain amount of trepidation and a lump in my throat. Did the reviewer like my story? Did she find the characters entertaining? Am I going to want to bang my head on the keyboard?
I can say, with no false modesty, that my fears are generally unwarranted. I don’t always get an A+, but so far the reviewers seem to agree that they find my stories entertaining, my characters engaging, my dialogue snappy. Some even say they enjoy getting a little does of Florida history fed to them, which thrills my history wonk soul. You can read for yourself what the reviewers are saying at my website.
Are all reviewers created equal? No. I find a comment from a reader saying “I couldn’t go to sleep last night because I had to stay up to finish your wonderful book!” every bit as grand as the most detailed analysis of my craft. I will say though that for me as a writer some reviewers are worth paying particular attention to because they understand writing. Their comments will be on point, and can be helpful.
On the other hand, there are some popular reviewing sites where you wonder if the author of the review was having a bad day, or ever read historicals, or was actually reading the book you wrote. When I get one of those reviews, I let it bother me for about five minutes. Then I remember the reader who said, “I read your books when I was undergoing chemo, and it took me away from everything for a few hours. Thank you.”
And then it’s all right again, and I’m reassured my baby is every bit as pretty as I think it is.
14 Days of Love – Win Registration to RomCon™ 2010
RomConInc celebrates 14 Days of Love February 1 – 14! Join romance lovers everywhere as RomConInc launched reader forums, Contemporary, Historical, and Fantasy/Futuristic & Paranormal (FF&P), with visits from special guest authors, fun topics to chat about, and gifts and goodies galore!
All you need to do to participate is sign up for an account (www.romconinc.com). Anyone who leaves a comment during the special promotion will be entered to win a free Reader Registration to RomCon™ 2010!
Tuesday, February 2nd, I’ll be hosting the contemporary forum on Favorite Love Songs and Romantic Movies. What’s your favorite romantic comedy? What song was playing during your first kiss?
Please come by and share your favorites at Tuesday’s contemporary forum. Remember to register for your account today so you’re ready to go. We’ll rekindle romantic moments from the past and have a blast discussing movies and songs that never fail to put us in the mood!
Contemporary Forum Guest Line-up:
Feb 1 – Jenna Bayley-Burke
Feb 2 – Misty Evans
Feb 3 – Stephanie Tyler
Feb 4 – Elisabeth Naughton
Feb 5 – Marie Force
Feb 6 – Gina Robinson
Feb 7 – Dee Davis
Feb 8 – Diana Holquist
Feb 9 – TBD
Feb 10 – Susan Crandall
Feb 11 – Hope Tarr
Feb 12 – TBD
Feb 13 – TBD
Feb 14 – Louisa Edwards
Historical Forum Guest Line-up:
Feb 1 - Deeanne Gist
Feb 2 - Karen Ranney
Feb 3 - Terri Brisbin
Feb 4 - Margo Maguire
Feb 5 - Kris Kennedy
Feb 6 - Sally MacKenzie
Feb 7 - TBD
Feb 8 - Sabrina Jeffries
Feb 9 - Lavinia Kent
Feb 10 – Elizabeth Amber
Feb 11 – Anthea Lawson
Feb 12 – Elaine Levine
Feb 13 – TBD
Feb 14 – Catherine Anderson
Check the website for updates on the FF&P lineup and the TBDs.
Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re in the mood for deliciously romantic read with heart-stopping danger and a HEA, check out my latest Super Agent Series print release, I’d Rather Be In Paris. After all, Paris is one of the most romantic places around! www.readmistyevans.com
The Bride and the Buccaneer now available
My newest Florida set, Regency era romance is now available in print and ebook editions.
You can read excerpts at my website, and it makes a lovely way to escape and unwind after a hectic holiday season.
Happy holidays!
Darlene