Book Signing Tomorrow!

I'll have all three of my novels available if you want a signed hard copy. If not, just stop in and say Hi and pick up a free bookmark!! 

Read the first seven chapters of Souls in Peril free!!

Read the first seven chapters of Souls in Peril free!! Click here

I'm Hungary, are you? ;}}

Exciting news!! As you know, I Self-Published Unlovable last year. Last month I was contacted by a publisher who wants to Traditionally Publish it in . . . Hungary. I know, of all the places in the world, Hungary NEVER crossed my mind as to a place to  publish Unlovable!

 (Umm, I hate to admit this, but I had to Google Hungary because I wasn't exactly sure where it was.)

Anyway, they are going to translated it into Hungarian, (again, never imagined that for my novel) and publish it in their country! Very exciting.  It took a while to work out the details. No offense Trad Pub peeps, but you guys are slow. 

Not sure when it will be available (see above comment about speed). They said 18 months -yeah, okay, I totally believe that,  but I am pretty excited, nevertheless.

So a big thank you for all your support of Unlovable. I really can't say that enough! I appreciate your looking past its flaws and falling in love with the story. Stay-tuned for a very special thank you coming next week;}}}

Pete & Tink

Hi everyone,

I've given my short story a new cover! Tell me what you think!
Here's a synopsis of the story:

Pete Pancerella loves two things in life: Video games and Spongy Cremes. He’s happy, content, and he’s also a geek.
All that is about to change when his mother wishes upon a star and Tink answers the call. But will it take more than a five-and-a-half inch faery to whip this manga-loving goofball into shape?

It is available on Amazon for only $.99, FREE if you are a prime member! Check it out here. 

5 stars!

5 stars for Souls in Peril    From the Bookcoverjustice Blog!
Excerpt:: About two weeks ago, I took part in the BookSparksPR Anti-Bullying Campaign. In my post I talked about what bullying has meant to my family, especially my daughter. When I sat down to read Souls in Peril, I wasn't prepared for what I would find between the covers. This is an emotional, gut-wrenching read...

I can't recommend this book enough. Not just for kids either, adults too. Everyone should take some time to read Max and JD's story and hopefully a difference will be made.... Thank you so much!!

Click here for the full review of Souls in Peril 

Touching Souls in Peril review!

Touching Souls in Peril review.  Thank you so much your your amazing words, Beckie!! (Caution: Spoiler alert!)  Here is an unspoiler section of the 5 star review if you don't like spoilers;}}

To feel and experience what JD/Max had to deal with and fight up against. The story is so deep and there are so much more that happens than what I wrote above. Souls in Peril touched my heart more than any book ever has. I love a book that once done reading it you feel like you can walk away lighter and uplifted. Sherry writes this story for both a bully and those who are bullied can find find hope or see the errors of their wrong ways. The story truly spoke to me and touched my soul. In The beginning of the book I was hooked, and left breathless. In the end I was blown away and left in tears. One of the many wonderful things I loved about Souls in Peril is Sherry's ability to have such an expressive writing style. The reader can sense and feel every raw emotion good or bad during the book. She made me feel like I was right there in the book living through JD.

I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone. Trust me, read it and tell me you did not shed a tear or learn something about yourself. Being bullied myself most of my life during school was so very hard for me, some days I just wanted to give up. I just wish I would have had THIS book for me to read when I too was a Soul in Peril. Yes, I know this is one of my longest reviews, and if you have read it up to now then give yourself a gold star. All kidding aside please, please, please read this beautiful book. I guarantee you'll not regret it.

Click here for full review!!
http://www.bittersweet-enchantment.com/2012/11/book-review-souls-in-peril-by-sherry.html

10 star review!

A 10 star review for Souls in Peril today!! Thank you so much Jenny of Black Words-White pages!

And the winner is...

And the winner is Sarah Ebbith Cruz Aponte. Email me your address and I'll send you the books! Congrats!

When is Unbelievable coming out?

When is Unbelievable coming out? Fair question. Answer? I don’t know. When I first wrote Unlovable, it  was a fantasy novel, compete with shape-shifters and Changelings. As soon as I finished it, I wrote Unbelievable, complete with shape-shifters and changelings also.

As I began Unbearable, a publisher contacted me and asked me to turn Unlovable into a contemporary novel WITHOUT any fantasy, and if I would, they would publish it. Needless to say, I jumped at it. I put Booker’s story aside and began the transformation. I worked on it day and night, I was so excited. After 2 months of hard labor, I finished a rough draft. The publisher sent me an email…one line only... and said they changed their mind.  No reason, no explanation, no nothing. I was angry, sad, furious, hurt, and Completely TICKED OFF!  I could not believe the unprofessionalism of these people. They offer me a one year contract, then pulled it with no reason. WHATEVER!

I heard about self-publishing and decided to give it a shot. And the rest, as they say, is history.  So thank you so much for your support.

Now, Unbelievable. Where Unlovable had some fantasy, it was the first of a trilogy so the “magic” had just begun, Unbelievable was heavy with fantasy. After Unlovable did so well- did I say thank you:} I had a lot of work to do to make Book 2 into a contemporary YA novel. You can imagine my surprise when one day I open my Goodreads page and someone had added Unbelievable and Unbearable to the reading library. I never said when they would be published, and yet someone added them…No pressure! Anyway, I started working on changing Unbelievable. I worked on it every day for six months. When I was finished…I hated it! I really truly hated it.

So I started over. Along the way, something happen to Cole. He turned into a sniveling coward. When I finished it for the third time…I hated it even more.  I hated waking up knowing I had to work on it, I hated going to my computer and seeing the stupid document mocking me…  I HATED Cole and I despised Lilah. If I were to never write another word ever again, I didn’t care.

I set Unbelievable aside and wrote Souls in Peril as a short story for an anthology. Unlike Cole’s story, I loved every minute of it. It went from a short story to a full novel. My days and night were filled with Max and JD. This was why I write. This was what made me happy.

I thought I just needed a break from Cole and Lilah. So when I finished Souls in Peril, I pulled up Unbelievable, ready to face Cole again. I would simple do some editing and then it would be ready.

But no. I still hated it. A friend asked me how it was going. I told her. She said, and I’m not kidding, “Just put it out anyway. People will buy it.” Another friend said, “No. Don’t do that, then no one will buy Unbearable.”

I looked at both and said, “I don’t care about Unbearable. I can’t publish Book 2 because I could never ask my readers to take their hard earn cash and buy junk!”

That night I lay…or is it laid…whatever the word, I did it, and thought about Cole. What was he like in book one? Where did I want him to go? Then I knew. I knew exactly where he would go, and what he would do, and I knew Lilah and what she was going to be like. I got up and wrote the outline. Everything came together. Over the next few days, a million ideas came to me and Unbelievable was ready to begin… again!

I really can’t give you a date for Unbelievable to be published. It is unfair to tell you a date, then let you down…which has been eating at me too!

But the feeling is back. I am in love with Cole again, and his story is going to be great! I want this series to be awesome. I want to thank you for taking a chance on an Indie author, and I promise, I will work very hard to get it done! Don’t give up on me!!

Thank you for all your kind words and support.

Sherry Gammon

Souls in Peril on sale now!

Souls in Peril is now on sale!! I am supper excited and really hope you'll enjoy my new novel! Check out the eBook here!

Here is a brief synopsis:

Senior Max Sanchez has it all. He's the star pitcher for Port Fare High's baseball team. He's dating the head cheerleader, Emma McKay. He also has a great group of friends.

Junior JD Miller's life isn't nearly as good. Unlike Max, JD struggles with making friends. He's a social misfit. And He's being bullied at every turn. JD is also barely surviving.

A tragic accident changes everything and Max is thrown into JD's world.  Will he survive? Will JD? How will this all affect these Souls in Peril?

HUGE YA giveaway!

HUGE YA giveaway!! Loads of authors! Check it out!

First Three!

Click here to read the first three chapters of Souls in Peril. Let me know what you think!

First Giveaway

First giveaway for Souls in Peril!! Click here for Linda Clark's blog! Not just my book, but lots of others also! Good Luck!

Updated the video

Bookmarks are in!

Bookmarks are in!! Just waiting on the editor!!

Review and Giveaway

Review and Giveaway of a paperback and an eCopy of Unlovable!! Check it out. Stuckinbooks

Souls Trailer

Here' the new trailer for my novel Souls in Peril coming out soon! Let me know what you think!

New book

Hello! I have a new book coming out in a few weeks (depending on the editor), titled Souls in Peril. I was diligently working on the edits for Unbelievable, when Souls in Peril grabbed me from behind and tackled me to the ground.
Needing a diversion from Unbelievable, I gladly embraced Souls. The story, originally a short story for an anthology I am part of, literally poured out of me. It went from a short story to a full length novel!
It is a moving story about two guys, students at Port Fare High:} Max Sanchez is THE most popular kid,  the other, JD Miller, the LEAST popular. A tragedy throws these two together and the struggle for survival begins.
I hope you'll love this novel as much as I do. I feel the story is so poignant for the times we live in.
The final edit should be back from the editor by the end of the month!

UPDATE: Unbelievable. I have finished the novel, but it still needs editing. I am concerned about the story. I want it to be a strong, enjoyable follow-up novel for Unlovable, and I have stressed about it a great deal. Writing Souls in Peril was a much needed break from my Unbelievable edits and I'm now ready to get back to it and finish it! Thank you all for your support!

PS: I LOVE my Unbelievable cover!! Thank you so much Paul Beeley! You are a genius!

And the Winner is...

Congrats Jennifer!! Send my your address (email and Snail mail) and I'll get those off to you! Thanks everyone for entering and for your support!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two book Giveaway

Hard to believe it's been one year since I published Unlovable...okay, it's been year and a half, but for the first six months I only sold 150. Then June 1st of last year I hired digital artist Paul Beeley to create me a beautiful new cover. Next, I had some amazing book bloggers gave me a few wonderful reviews.

Then the magic hit! I've now sold nearly 8000 copies! I'm humbled, honored, and grateful for your support. Truly, words can not express my gratitude. To celebrate..and to THANK YOU,  I'm having a giveaway of TWO books.

A paperback copy of Unlovable, (US winner, International winner will received an ebook) and an E-copy of It's a Love Thing, a summer love anthology I've written a short story for titled Pete & Tink. Contest ends June 10, 2012. So enter below and again, thank you for all your support!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Got a wonderful review today on  Lisa's reads

“Unlovable” (Book one in the Port Fare Series) by Sherry Gammon

I know that I date myself when I use references (in my posts) from my childhood but so many of those memories have shaped the person that I have turned into. If we are being honest, those of you who are at least old enough to remember the references I allude to, must admit..that they usually bring a smile to your face as well.  To those of you “young” people (I am so grateful that you are here)…take a minute to Google “my memories” you may get a giggle yourself.  Usually the “cheesy” factor is sky high…Yes!!! I said “cheesy”.  Dating myself once again…Heehee!!
Deniece Williams sang, “Let’s hear it for the boy!” in the 1984 movie Footloose.  I haven’t seen the 2011 release, so I don’t know if Ms. Williams sang the song again or if it was covered by someone else. Regardless, when I think of the song, it’s Deniece Williams I hear in my mind.  I found that song coming to the forefront of my mind during my reading of Sherry Gammon’s “Unlovable”.  No! Not because the book made me think of Kevin Bacon. Nor did it make me want to dance…it just made me want to cheer for the “Good” guys.
Set in Port Fare, a fictional town in up-state New York, Sherry Gammon sets the stage for what will be a heart-breaking, tender, unnerving, often frustrating, yet equally loving contemporary romance novel(s).  As you know, I am a HUGE fan of the “strong” woman. I usually love how the heroines in the novels I read are rock steady.  They do as much “saving” as the heroes do. That being said, I truly enjoyed watching our heroine, Maggie, being “saved”  (I will use the term loosely…you know I won’t give away any treasures here!!).  While Maggie is a “strong” girl and a character that one can look up to… she needs help and support.  I loved watching her find her “rock(s)”.
“Let’s hear it for the boy!!” Or in this case “the boys”.  Ms. Gammon has written three incredible heroes for the Port Fare series. ( Oh stop it!!! Get your mind out of the gutter..it’s not that kind of book!! Heehee!!)  Seth is the leading man in “Unlovable”.  He is warm, smart and witty.  He is strong without being intimidating and protective without being condescending.  I couldn’t help but to fall a little bit in love with him myself.   While this is Sherry Gammon’s first series, she has already done something that makes her a “great” series writer (by my definition).  You may not remember, but in an earlier post I explained that a “great” series writer (by my definition) will introduce the reader to all the main characters (and future main characters) in the first book and build on them during the books that follow.  Ms. Gammon did a stellar job of not only introducing her readers to Seth but also to Cole and Booker, Seth’s best friends and our future heroes!  Cole and Booker had vital roles in “Unlovable” and frankly they had a sneaky way of stealing the scenes when given the opportunity to do so.  I can’t wait to see them again!
While weaving her story, Ms. Gammon takes us on a tour through Port Fare.  Amongst our view we see the streets, the parks, the hospital, and the high school.  We see a very real picture of what high schools all over our country look like once you step inside the building.  While I am sure it is not representative of ALL high schools, judging by what I hear on the news and read in the papers, it certainly isn’t a rarity.  Ms. Gammon was able to create her fiction while still showing her readers a reality that is becoming all too common in our schools…bullying and drug use/abuse.  I commend Ms. Gammon in her ability to write her story without becoming preachy.  It is clear just by reading “Unlovable” that the topics discussed are near and dear to Ms. Gammon’s heart.
“Unlovable” is the first book in Sherry Gammon’s Port Fare series.  Book two, “Unbelievable” and book three, “Unbearable” have not yet been released and I was unable to find release dates as of yet.   This is exciting…according to Ms. Gammon’s Facebook page, “Unlovable” has “…just been signed to be made into a movie…”.  So get reading!
Right about here is when I usually give a warning if a book contains sexually explicate material.  This book does NOT.  However, I do have a warning for you… As I have mentioned several times…”Unlovable” is book One in the Port Fare series.  This is not a standalone book.  While there is not a cliff hanger, the plot is not tied up.  So please don’t get angry with me when you close the cover and all of your questions aren’t answered. (Wink!)
As always, I can’t wait to hear from you.
xo,
Lisa

Thanks, Lisa!!

Pete & Tink

Took a MUCH needed break from editing Unbelievable, and wrote a short story for a summer anthology titled IT'S A LOVE THING coming out June 1st.

Pete & Tink

Pete Pancerella loves two things in life: Video games and Spongy Cremes.
He’s happy, content, and he’s also a geek.
All that is about to change when his mother wishes upon a star and Tink answers the call. But will it take more than a five-and-a-half inch faery to whip this manga-loving goofball into shape?

Click here for more info on my story.



This it my cover for Pete & Tink. It will NOT be on the outside of the book, only on the inside along with my story.

Here is the cover for the Anthology. Learn more about it and the other authors here.

Unlovable: The Movie!

Exciting News: Unlovable :The movie!! Yes, you read that right! I was contacted by an indie filmmaker and she wants to make Unlovable into a movie! She is adapting it into a screenplay, along with my input, with the date of production listed as TBD for now! To say I am ecstatic would be putting it mildly! I'm grateful for all the readers out there who have read Unlovable and left reviews! This is why reviews are important to writers, so thank you very much! I'd also like to thank the Book Bloggers. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into reviewing author's works. The pay is terrible;} the hours are long, and not all authors appreciate what you do for them. If not for you, books like mine would never have found the light of day! I'll update you as I learn more.

Great review by Lacey

Wonderful review from Lacey Shoelaces Book Blog! 

First Thoughts:

An emotional thriller that had me literally reading late up into the night. Once this story had its hooks in me it never let go; it pulled me into its depths and opened my eyes to a world unlike mine and taught me that everything is not always what it seems and danger lurks around every corner and perhaps behind many doors. This is one I’ll never forget, the connection from the reader to the story and the characters themselves helped tell a story that many are afraid to write.

Plot:

It was laid out perfectly, there were plenty of suspense and thriller scenes, there were enough of those slow scenes where they gave the reader time to think over the previous actions and soak in the beautiful writing. The sub-plots were tied perfectly to the main plot and I wasn’t once left confused or disappointed. The pace was just right, I loved that it was really well balanced; I didn’t feel whiplashed or fighting to continue reading. This one is definitely a book that answered most of the questions and left you hungry for more.

Characters:

To say they were strong would only be an understatement. I felt such a strong connect to the main protagonist and also the antagonist. Each and every character had their own spark that instantly connected you to them. I felt that each and every one stayed true to their “character”, the actions and decisions they chose did not in any way stray out to unbelievable. Every person in “real” life is different and how they react to real life situations is based upon them; not the “Norm”. I hate when people group everyone into categories, were not cattle, were real, living, breathing beings, we don’t have to fit the norm of our category, we have the chance to be our own category; to take as long as we need to pass into the next. So when reading this book I felt each character created their own category, whether they were snails or speedsters in moving to the next stage was up to them and their needs; I loved it.

Transformation of the Character:

There was definitely some transformations that took place in this story; some subtle and some not so much. Seth and Maggie’s were both enjoyable and inspiring. I loved that Maggie’s transformation was nothing like what I had imagined; I just love when a character can wrap you around their pinky and surprise you with something you thought you knew. Her transformation (I won’t talk about it too much; it spoil the book) was so different, yet something I am in the end satisfied with, the author was witty and connected with Maggie, that you can tell from page one all the way to the end. As for Seth’s transformation, his wasn’t so obvious but if you pay close enough attention you’ll see it and be so proud that you spotted it, he is definitely a character I fell in love with; I just wish there were more Seth’s out there! As for the rest of the characters some changed, some tried to change and some didn’t but in the end I felt very satisfied in this aspect.

Description:

I wouldn’t say there was a ton of description, actually there was more dialogue than description but for this book it was perfect. The author chose to reveal some of the description through dialogue which left this book both unique and creative. There were some parts of the story where the description overtook the dialogue which allowed the reader to get a great view of the scene and store it in their memory for further references. But overall I thought the description was just right.

Style:

I loved this author’s style, she chose the right moments to switch POV’s. It was always in the best interest to the reader, it was like the author knew exactly when I wished I could be in that person’s mind; it was mind blowing! Also I loved that the author chose to arrange the scenes the way she did, there could have been different ways to get this story across but the way she worded things and chose to end some scenes the way she did, really made me enjoy this book even more.

Quote of the book:

“I had allowed myself to fall in love with someone who didn’t return my feelings, who would never return my feelings. My mother was right. I am unlovable. I am nothing.”

Goodreads Summary:

Port Fare, New York, has fallen into the clutches of true evil. The Dreser brothers have arrived with a scheme to increase drug sales in the area by whatever means possible. Seth Prescott is part of MET (Mobile Enforcement Teams) a branch of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). He's been assigned to work undercover at Port Fare High, and things aren't going very well, until senior Maggie Brown enters the equation. He's harbored a secret crush on her from day one, and now that she is in the center of the case, he's trying to stay clear and objective while walking the line between business and unrequited love.

 Maggie is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes, but is she an addict, or is there another reason for her appearance? She struggles with her feelings for Seth, fearing he is just another person who will eventually let her down, as everyone in her life has done thus far.

 Maggie has spent her life caring for her alcoholic mother, a task that has left her heavily burdened and alone. Before long, her mother's health takes a turn for the worst, sending Maggie's life into a tale-spin.

 While Seth works relentlessly to inject fear into the dealers and flush them out into the open, Maggie fights to stay alive as the hunt turns deadly.

 Seth and Maggie's romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading realistic and inspiring books. I would also recommend this to anyone who has little knowledge of what goes on behind closed doors; this will literally open your eyes. I wouldn’t however recommend this if you don’t enjoy romance (yes even this story can have it). And I wouldn’t recommend this if you look for more description, though I felt that it was adequate and perfect not all readers will. This is a book that will open your eyes and rip open your heart (I highly recommend that you grab some tissue to sit beside you). I simply loved this author’s story and writing and I cannot even begin to express how much I can’t wait to read the next book in the series “Unbelievable”.

*SPOILER ALERT* Would Maggie have?

*SPOILER ALERT*
Would Maggie have?

Someone recently complained to me about Unlovable, claiming my main character Maggie would not have done some of the things she did.

I beg to differ. I can say wholeheartedly, she would have. Maggie is very typical of an (emotionally) abused person. She was based on two girls I knew growing up, and Maggie acts exactly as they did. Now, I do agree that not everyone will react as she did, but many do.

They willingly accepted the abuse heaped upon them by others, mostly because they were used to it. The abuse seemed to "rolled off their backs," if you will. Although personally, I believe it sank deep inside them, reinforcing how they viewed themselves.

Another reason they accepted the harshness of others was because they felt they deserve to be treated cruelly. Isn't that what they were told daily?

To an abused person, kindness is often viewed as suspicious. "Why would someone (insert adjective here; cute...rich...all-together... popular...or whatever) be nice to me?" They "lie in wait" for the insult, the verbal punch to hit, because rest assured, in their minds it will.

Sadly, there are many Maggie's (and her male counterparts) in the world. I wish there weren't. Maybe we as a people should stop looking inward as much as we do and start looking outward. We will not have to look far. It may be within our own families: an aunt, a cousin, or a sibling. It may be a neighbor or a classmate or someone at work. Usually it is obvious who needs a friend, or a compassionate ear, but not always. If you are earnestly seeking to help others, you'll know. A feeling will spark inside you, an overheard conversation will catch your ear, something will let you know.

Bullying of any kind has no place in this world. Those who believe in God, have no right to judge those who don't. Those who don't believe in God, have no right to bully those who do. Bullying someone because they are fat, thin, short, tall, gay, straight, the "wrong color" (this holds true for ALL races, African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian and whomever else) is wrong. I am Caucasian, my youngest son is part African-American part Puerto Rican (we adopted him), and my daughter-in-law is a Chinese-Malaysian, and I love them all equally. Not that I'm setting myself up as the perfect role model, I too have my prejudices. For one, I really hate stupid people who work at phone-in help centers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I digress;}

We can make a difference. There will always be Maggie's out there, but they don't have to be alone. They don't have to "fight the good fight" all by themselves. And WE will be all the better for helping them.

Now, back to writing book 2-Unbelievable. Poor Cole!