Author Interview

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with the folks at AwesomeGang.com about books. We discussed my first entry into writing, the writing process, writing habits and advice for others. AwesomeGang has now compiled the interview and posted my comments on their website. Check it out at AwesomeGang.com.

Two Free Kindle Downloads

Great news! Two best selling novels, The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff #horror #mystery and A Door Unlocked #supernatural, are FREE Dec. 25 - 27, 2014 - Kindle version only. Just follow the links below. Merry Christmas!

The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff  |  A Door Unlocked

Reviews That Melt An Author's Heart

Occasionally, a reader writes a review so glowing that it melts the author's heart. A few come to mind:

"There are a handful of authors that I will read
everything they write. Calvin Dean is one of them."  - Richard

"If you haven't discovered Calvin Dean's books yet,
you're missing out on a talent to watch."  - Teri

Oh, yeah. Consider my ego sufficiently stroked. Of course with good reviews we have to take the less than thrilling. Bad reviews are good medicine because they let us authors know that we've missed the mark. They help keep us in line.

But how can two different people read the same novel and reach polar opposite conclusions. We're all human with different sets of standards, belief systems and tastes. I get that and welcome all feedback. If you've read either of my books, The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff or A Door Unlocked, I welcome your opinion. Write a review and post it to Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, or any place you desire. 

FREE! Nook Version of A Door Unlocked

 Several months ago, I removed A DOOR UNLOCKED (Nook version) from Barnes & Noble, 

freeing me to offer deeper discounts on Amazon.com. (It's a long story). To kiss and make up with everyone wanting a copy, I'm offering a FREE Nook version for a limited time. All you have to do is send your request via email: jcalvindean  at  gmail dot com. That's all you have to do. Honest. I should have done this a long time ago. I hope this makes it all better.

The average rating for A DOOR UNLOCKED is a whopping 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Here's what readers are saying: 

Scary but I couldn't stop reading...Makes you think...Enjoyed every chapter...Never wanted to put it down...Will read again...5 stars!

Find out what you've been missing. Ask for your FREE Nook copy today. Remember, this offer is for a limited time only. Again, the email address is jcalvindean at gmail dot com.

Latest Reviews

After a terrific run this summer (reaching #1 on Amazon), several new reader reviews for A DOOR UNLOCKED have appeared on Amazon. Here's what they're saying:

Scary but I couldn't stop reading...Makes you think...Enjoyed every chapter...Never wanted to put it down...Will read again...5 stars!

In fact, this supernatural/suspense best selling novel is averaging a whopping 4.6 stars out of 5. I'd like to know what you think? The Kindle version is only $1.99 or FREE with Kindle Unlimited. Go ahead. Download and read it today, and then post your comments on Amazon.com.

New Microcerpt - Epitaph, Chapter 13

Today, I uploaded an excerpt from Chapter 13 of The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff, a horror/mystery novel. As the chapter opens, Marc’s pickup has rolled to a stop beside an old family cemetery in the countryside. It's nighttime. The engine refuses to start. His friend, Angela, is summoned to the scene, but before she arrives...

Read the excerpt here: Microcerpt - Chapter 13

A Ghost Story In The Making

I made progress today on my third novel, a yet untitled ghost story set in the small town of Sycamore Grove, MS (aka Senatobia). If you read The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff, you might remember Madam Zelda, an eccentric old fortune teller whom channeled the spirit of Daniel Townsend. Madam Z is being reprised in this manuscript. I'm only on chapter 4. No timetable for its completion.

Sample Chapters Via Microcerpt

How do you choose the next book to read? If you're like me, first you choose your genre of interest. Then, at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or even Google, you may do a search. Once a title grabs your attention, you may peruse a sample chapter or two. But one or two chapters of Amazon's choosing may not be enough. That's why I like Microcerpt. It allows the author to publish excerpts from chapters that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Recently, I uploaded Chapter 55 of A DOOR UNLOCKED to Microcerpt. It's my favorite chapter and really encapsulates what the novel is about -- a conduit from this life to the afterlife. Want to read Chapter 55? Click here and you're on your way.

I'll add a few more excerpts in the coming weeks from A DOOR UNLOCKED as well as THE EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF. So check back here regularly to see what's happening at my Microcerpt Journal.

5 More Stars for A Door Unlocked

Check out the latest reader review of A Door Unlocked:

Had me in its grip right from the beginning!

Terror, death, heart wrench and corruption are just part of this fascinating book. I loved it. Great author. Will be sure to read his other book too.

His other book? That would be The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff. Available at Amazon.com. 

 

Yet Another 4-Star Review

A reader on Goodreads gives The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff 4-Stars:

A great read for October. Refreshingly not filled with sex and bad language, suitable for all readers. 

Yep. That's how I operate. Creepy doesn't have to be X-rated.

Two Best Sellers To Get You In The Halloween Mood

A DOOR UNLOCKED  |   THE EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF

Positive Reviews Continue for A Door Unlocked

Here's the latest review for A Door Unlocked -- hot off the presses:

Really new and interesting idea. caught my attention and held it to the point I did not want to put it down. The kind of book you feel a little sad when it's done, because you are not ready to give up the ride.

A Door Unlocked in available in Kindle, paperback and Audible audiobook at Amazon.com.

More 5-Star Reviews for A Door Unlocked

A Door Unlocked continues to receive very positive reader reviews. Here's what they're saying at Amazon.com:

Good book...Fast paced read. Keeps your attention...Interesting twist from the macabre. Good story with well-thought out resolution...I really enjoyed it and would recommend the book to friends.

Download the Kindle version, and then get the Audible audiobook for only $1.99 to take advantage of Whispersync technology. With Amazon's new KindleUnlimited offering ($9.99/month for unlimited downloads) why not head on over to the Kindle store and download A Door Unlocked today. Here's a direct link:

A DOOR UNLOCKED

Great New KindleUnlimited Program

Amazon.com just announced a great new Kindle/Audible Program. It's called KindleUnlimited, and here's how it works. For just $9.99 per month you get unlimited access to over 600,000 Kindle ebooks & thousands of Audible audiobooks. That means you can read The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff, A Door Unlocked plus a bunch of other ebooks for the low price of just $9.99/month. And if that's not enough, you can listen to the Audible audiobook of A Door Unlocked and take advantage of WhisperSync technology.

KindleUnlimited is a no-brainer if you're a avid reader. Just follow these links to get started.

EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF

A DOOR UNLOCKED

4-Stars Reviews For A Door Unlocked

BEST SELLER:  Since the special promotion for A Door Unlocked over the 4th of July holiday, several new reviews have popped up on Amazon.com. Here's what they're saying:

Excellent! Good story with a twist. Kept me interested through out.

Couldn't put it down til I finished it. A great page-turner book.

What a great writer. Keeps you on the edge...would read again and again. Movie next.

Movie next? I wish. But I appreciate the thought. A Door Unlocked is a quick read. As another reviewer noticed, I prefer sentences that pack a punch...few words with huge impact.

I'd love to hear what you think. Download A Door Unlocked today. Available in Kindle, paperback and Audible audiobook.

A Door Unlocked - Audiobook $1.99

If you downloaded A Door Unlocked to Kindle you can now download the audiobook for only $1.99 and take advantage Whispersync technology.  Download A Door Unlocked audiobook NOW!
 
Narrated by yours truly.

Thank You!

The "Free Promotion" for A Door Unlocked & The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff was a huge success. During the 3-day event, Amazon reports nearly 10,000 total downloads (9973 to be exact). That's far more than I ever expected. What's more, A Door Unlocked hit #1 on the Suspense/Occult category and The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff hit #2 and remained in these positions during the entire promotion.

Thank you for taking advantage of this offer. I hope you enjoy the novels. Feel free to rate and/or review them at Amazon.com and Goodreads.

Last Chance for Free Download

Tonight (Saturday July 5) is your last chance to pick up two FREE downloads:
  
A DOOR UNLOCKED: http://www.amazon.com/A-Door-Unlocked-Calvin-Dean/dp/1492327379/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1382440441&sr=1-1

EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Epitaph-Jonas-Barloff-Calvin-Dean/dp/1482032317/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362428952&sr=1-1

 

Do it NOW!!!  Currently the #1 and #2 Kindle Downloads:

Thanks, Everyone!

#1 and #2 in the Kindle Store.  I certainly never dreamed this:

Download your free copy now. Offer ends July 5 -- appropriately at midnight:

EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Epitaph-Jonas-Barloff-Calvin-Dean/dp/1482032317/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362428952&sr=1-1

A DOOR UNLOCKED: http://www.amazon.com/A-Door-Unlocked-Calvin-Dean/dp/1492327379/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1382440441&sr=1-1

Free Kindle Books Thru July 5

Join the thousands who have already downloaded FREE copies of The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff & A Door Unlocked. FREE offer ends July 5th at midnight. Here's a link:

EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Epitaph-Jonas-Barloff-Calvin-Dean/dp/1482032317/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362428952&sr=1-1

A DOOR UNLOCKED: http://www.amazon.com/A-Door-Unlocked-Calvin-Dean/dp/1492327379/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1382440441&sr=1-1

Free Kindle Downloads July 3 - 5, 2014

July 3 – 5, 2014 avid readers get a treat. The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff (Horror/Mystery) and A Door Unlocked (Paranomal/Thriller) are free (Kindle download at Amazon.com). That’s right. Free!

Epitaph of Jonas Barloff soared to #1 last October. Get it FREE NOW!

A Door Unlocked is also FREE.

When I offered Epitaph of Jonas Barloff as a free download last October, it immediately soared to #1 on the Kindle horror list.

Here’s a convenient link to each free book. Be sure to download both:

EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Epitaph-Jonas-Barloff-Calvin-Dean/dp/1482032317/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362428952&sr=1-1

A DOOR UNLOCKED: http://www.amazon.com/A-Door-Unlocked-Calvin-Dean/dp/1492327379/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1382440441&sr=1-1

What do the critics say? 

EPITAPH OF JONAS BARLOFF - Dean does an incredibly good job with character development…It must be said that Dean knows how to set a mood…Dean has a talent for writing in that he doesn't bog the reader down with endless exposition but manages to develop both story and character with few words but huge impact…reads a lot like an old R.L. Stine book mixed with a good Arthur Conan Doyle story. Calvin Dean writes like the best of them.

If you haven't discovered Calvin Dean's books yet, you're missing out on a talent to watch.

A DOOR UNLOCKED - Great paranormal read…“A Door Unlocked” is a fabulous five star read…There are many great first lines in the history of literature - and in the future when people compile those lists they will include the first line of “A Door Unlocked” by Calvin Dean…Dean’s strong points really shine through in this supernatural suspense novel…The pages fly by, and I don’t think I’m out of line comparing his writing style to Dean Koontz…This book will really make your evening enjoyable, pick it up and don't forget to breath!

Author of Dracula Chronicles Reviews Epitaph of Jonas Barloff

Authors crave reviews - good or bad. Feedback is a necessary part of the creative process. But when a fellow author takes time to read your book and post a positive review - well that's heavenly. Shane O'Neill, author of the acclaimed The Dracula Chronicles, recently posted a review on The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff. Let's see what he had to say:

One of the parts I enjoyed the most were the segments of the book that took us back to the American Civil War, and the way it tied in with the story in the modern day. This was especially important in taking the story to its crescendo, and that didn’t disappoint. I don’t get through too many books in one day, but I did with this one. It was an excellent story that prompts me to think Calvin Dean should pen more of the same. I hope he does. Pick this one up. It is well worth the money. (Read the entire review at Goodreads.)

A 5-Star review works for me. Thanks, Shane.

Great Spring Break Reading

While you're loading your suitcase, be sure to load your Kindle or Nook with A Door Unlocked & The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff.  Here's what the critics are saying:

The pages fly by, and I don’t think I’m out of line comparing his writing style to a Dean Koontz.

There are many great first lines in the history of literature and in the future when people compile those lists they will include the first line of “A Door Unlocked” by Calvin Dean.

This book will really make your evening enjoyable, pick it up and don't forget to breathe!

Calvin Dean writes like the best of them, with a superb sense of syntax and a choice for words that proves he's worked at his craft.

If you haven't discovered Calvin Dean's books yet, you're missing out on a talent to watch. 

Order A Door Unlocked & The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff from Amazon.com or B&N.com. Both books are available in ebook and paperback. A Door Unlocked is also available in audiobook format.

Another 5-Star Review for "A Door Unlocked"

Teri Polan at Books & Such posted her review of A Door Unlocked on Goodreads and Amazon.com. Here's a taste of what she had to say:

Telling a reader how the mother of a kidnapped daughter feels is one thing, but actually getting the reader to experience that emotion requires talent and this book was a turmoil of emotion for me.

What father wouldn’t fight to do everything he could to find his kidnapped daughter - including reaching out from beyond the grave?

If you haven’t discovered Calvin Dean’s books yet, you’re missing out on a talent to watch.

Read the entire review at: Teri Polen's Book & Such