A Slice of Real Russia 2: Eyewitness Video Journey Around Moscow

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We are continuing our multimedia Russian adventure through stories, pics and vids. Today, we’ll be watching several very cool vids from our friends at the Real Russia Video Blog. What I especially like is that these are unedited real Russian life vids; “no fake, no bull,” as the authors, Sergey x 2, advertise. And another interesting thing is that both Sergeys live in Ufa, located in the Ural Mountains next to Siberia, and this is their virgin visit to the capital of Russia (to be sure, they came back for later vids). All this brings a certain sense of discovery to the Moscow experiences through their fresh eyes. Enjoy!

Red Square 

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Secrets of St Basil’s Cathedral

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Moskva River: Enchanting Boat Ride Around Moscow

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A Stroll Around Gorky Park – May 9, 2013, Victory Day (Den Pobedi)! So nice and sunny over there – it was snowing on May 9 here, in the Catskills, NY. Where did I go wrong? ;)

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Inside the Posh GUM, Red Square, Moscow (Russia’s main department store, pronounced ‘goom’)

 

Don’t Miss! The Amazing Museum of Cosmonautics & Space Explorers. April 12, 2013 – International Day of Cosmonautics

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Watch: A Slice of Real Russia 1 Video Journey

Read:

Gold Train Magical setting: Moscow, Russia

Beautiful Russia 3: Moscow’s Many Faces

Beautiful Russia: The Golden Ring 1

Beautiful Russia: The Golden Ring 2

The Earth Shifter Mystical Setting: Sacred Lake Baikal, Siberia

Gold Train Blog Tour Centerpiece: Lada’s May Day Interview

Do Amazon and Createspace rip off Indie publishers with failure to correctly report sales?

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This post has just come to my attention and I felt it deserved to be re-posted on my blog. It is about missing or under-reported book sales on Amazon/Kindle/Createspace. I have long suspected something like this. Sometimes I would hear from people that they bought my books, but sales numbers would not match up on KDP or CS reports. Unlike the author in this piece, I am not into meticulously tracking each sale, however even I noticed multiple discrepancies – sometimes gross ones – in the past year or two. I even complained about it last year, but received a canned response. It appears that Smashwords is more accurate in reporting sales, although their reports are delayed.

Many indies are too busy to watch their sales, or they may simply give Amazon the benefit of the doubt, while unfortunately, constant oversight is required. This is a very disturbing situation, and only one of many that are troubling where Amazon’s practices are concerned. For example, in last year’s scandal, Amazon was implicated in a massive meddling with indie book reviews. It also manipulated algorithms to give unfair advantage to the Big 6 and to Amazon grandfathered authors. Another example: a friend of mine is a non-fiction indie publisher, who prints her books through her own channels. When her books have been ordered, she mails them to Amazon. She has complained that Amazon has been repeatedly losing her books, reporting them back to her as canceled sales. Her investigation revealed that the problem with lost books was a widespread one.

Whether these kinds of actions are deliberate or are based on terrible accounting/tracking system and lack of organization, Continue reading »

Beautiful Russia 3: Moscow’s Many Faces

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The continuation of the Beautiful Russia Series is here and today’s highlight is Moscow!

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Every September, Red Square hosts International Military Band Festival, Spasskaya Tower, featuring military bands from all over the world. Grand finale of the festival – joint band showcase. 

I love this city, where I was born and where I spent some of the happiest moments of my early childhood. What’s more, Moscow is featured prominently in two of my books: the top-rated metaphysical fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER & mystery/thriller GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure).

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According to the Russians, Moscow is where Russia’s heart is. Affectionately, it is referred to as “Moscow, the city of white stone” – Moskva Belokamennaya.” Although the present day Kremlin Wall is red brick, the ancient Moscow Kremlin, churches and other buildings were white stone, as seen on the Kremlin picture above, and as you would notice in the many architectural treasures of the Golden Ring of Russia. J.R.R. Tolkien modeled his White City in the Lord of the Rings after Moscow. Read more about the Golden Ring and Tolkien’s White City here. Continue reading »

Author Feature 5: Rory Mackay – Eladria

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From mystical Scotland, I’m enchanted to welcome metaphysical fantasy author, Rory Mackay, and his debut novel, ELADRIA! Rory is a member of our YA Revolution and spiritual blogger – both huge pluses in my book. ;) Congratulations on your new book, Rory! The cover looks great and the story sounds very intriguing!

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The Envelope Please! The Earth Shifter Mega-Giveaway Results

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I am immensely grateful to all those who participated in The Earth Shifter Launch & Mega-Giveaway! To all my fabulous readers, reviewers, fellow writers, and fans who helped spread the word about my books, and especially, to all who wrote those awesome reviews, did author features, and hosted interviews: THANK YOU! Continue reading »

Shaman, Mysterious Brunette, Russian Oligarch, CIA Guy…What Do They All Have in Common?

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2  SUPER-EXCITING NEWS, dear readers! 

1. Both THE EARTH SHIFTER and CATHARSIS are now featured on the top-rated Amazon list for visionary/metaphysical literature, all thanks to your wonderful reviews! 

2. THE EARTH SHIFTER Virtual Tour is nearing its grand finale and I have some awesome news about the upcoming giveaway! As you know, I’m giving away ARCHOS TABLET, as well as 2 complete sets of my ebooks.

I’ve decided to add something very special and exciting to my giveaway to thank all of my readers, reviewers and fans for your wonderful support and generosity. In addition to the above great prizes, I am also giving away signed paperback copies of The Earth Shifter, Gold Train and Stepford USA! Each book comes complete with 2 of my new, exclusive bookmarks, and this giveaway is open worldwide!

More about THE EARTH SHIFTER MEGA-GIVEAWAY

Giveaway Results

Links to all my books: bookstore

ARCOS TABLET image 

And now…how ’bout some TALKING NAMES, mate?

As Captain Jack Sparrow would probably say…

In the run up to ‘The Earth Shifter Virtual Tour & Giveaway Grand Finale,’ I want to invite you on a little linguistical adventure in which we’ll explore the fascinating subject of the talking names in literature, and learn some of my secrets…

Ready? Continue reading »

Author Feature 4: Darlene Foster – Amanda Adventures

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Today, I am very excited to welcome the globe-trotting children’s mystery author, Darlene Foster, who is fresh from her fabulous trip to Spain! She pens the Amanda Travel Adventures, the latest in the series being Amanda in England, The Missing Novel. I have to commend Darlene’s choice of countries where she sets up her books – all very different, mysterious and beautiful in their own, very special way. I’ve been to all three and enjoyed them all! If you ask me, we need more children’s authors whose outlook is positive and whose writing helps expand children’s horizons, while teaching them valuable lessons. Yes, Darlene does just that through her lovely books, and this is why she is a member of our #YARevolution. For more about YA Revolution, for literature with message and meaning, and to join, go here.

Amanda in England Blurb Continue reading »

Author Feature 3: Mark O’Neill – The Ancients and the Angels

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I am very thrilled and excited to introduce my today’s guest, Mark O’Neill, artist, author of The Ancients and the Angels series, YA Revolutionary, and the all around great guy from Chicago, IL! Mark in part was the inspiration behind the #YARevolution idea and I consider him a kindred spirit. Read about the first two books in this original alternative history/dystopian fantasy series, including my review of book 1, Celestials.

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Blurb Continue reading »

How to Get Your Very Own Book Category on Amazon

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Wh…wha….what? Getting your very own book category on Amazon???? Yeah, right, you say. As it stands right now, KDP (Amazon indie publishing platform) is missing even mainstream categories to list some of our books accurately, as I found out during my free promo a few days ago. For example, my book GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), should be listed in the following categories:

1. Mystery & thrillers – thrillers – tales of espionage & intrigue & 2. Romance – romantic mystery.

Guess what, “thrillers” is as far as KDP categories go, although “tales of espionage and & intrigue” is available on Amazon! And with “romance” they only offer “romantic suspense” (not entirely appropriate at all), but no “romantic mystery” (totally appropriate), although again, this category is available and I’ve seen some books listed.

So, you think the title of this post is a joke? Nope, honest to goodness truth! Some ARE getting not only all the categories their hearts desire, but also, their very own categories on Amazon, like the well known TV series Stargate Atlantis, which has been adapted as novels. Continue reading »

CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians, will be FREE on Amazon 5/22-23!

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Many thanks to all those who supported GOLD TRAIN #freebiefriday yesterday! GOLD TRAIN will now be on sale for only $1.49 (reg. $3.99). So, if you’ve missed the free day, you can still grab it here: Amazon US  UK  DE  CA  JP, or borrow free with #AmazonPrime trial membership.

Mark you calendar, as I have even more exciting news! 

CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicle 1) will be FREE for 2 days: 5/22-23!     

CATHARSIS

Download CATHARSIS ebook on: Amazon US  UK  DE. Available on all international Amazon sites.

NOTE: You can also read CATHARSIS free with #AmazonPrime trial membership! Download today!

Karma can be a beautiful maiden or a bitch… Lemurians…Atlanteans…Hidden origins of humanity… Continue reading »

Gold Train FREE 5/17 on Amazon! Beautifully Re-edited, New Scenes and Artwork

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GOLD GT COVER ebook

EXCITING NEWS!

Mark your calendar! GOLD TRAIN ebook will be FREE on Amazon Kindle on Friday 5/17 for one day only! Grab it here: Amazon US  UK  DE  CA  JP.  Also available on all other international Amazon sites.

Update 5/20: GOLD TRAIN will be on sale: $1.49 (reg. $3.99) for a limited time on #Kindle! Or you can try it FREE with #AmazonPrime trial membership! Download today!

From the publisher: GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) has been beautifully re-edited and redesigned, new scenes and artwork have been added to both paperback and ebook versions! The new length is 288 print pages. New passages and scenes make characters and events stand out better, adding a more reflective/spiritual tone to the book and highlighting the romantic element, while preserving this novel’s trademark rip-roaring pace. Published by RAY HOUSE.

New Synopsis

Begin your love affair with Russia! GOLD TRAIN is a gripping romantic thriller based on true historic events! Continue reading »

The Death of a Dream – Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel) by Lada Ray

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I thought this new review of GREEN DESERT was absolutely amazing and one of the best I’ve ever received. Says the author of the review, Sherry Fundin: “I love Lada Ray’s writing and her books really do seem to speak to me. I almost feel as if I am there and the characters are talking around me.”

Small book – big message! Green Desert is a novelette set in Baghdad, Iraq, circa 2007, when scandals surrounding the Abu Ghraib prison and the abuse of smart bombs shook the world. It’s only 12,000 words, or about 40 pages long, but in-between non-stop action and twists, the book packs a powerful and profound message. It’s about the devastation and injustice of war and it’s also about how interconnected we are in this small world. But most importantly, it is about the hope of peace.

In reading Green Desert you’ll notice that the main character’s name is Mohammed al-Tikriti. Such name is highly symbolic for those who are familiar with the whole Sunni vs. Shia religious division and hatred. The thing is, Mohammed is a name used primarily by the Shia Muslims, while al-Tikriti happens to be a typical Sunni last name, meaning “from Tikrit,” a quintessential Sunni stronghold. What’s also symbolic, Tikrit is the birth place of Saddam Hussein. Ironically, its name is derived from the name of the legendary river Tigris, the seat of the ancient Mesopotamia considered the cradle of Western civilization. I deliberately gave the main character such “loaded” name. Here’s my message: if this internal mutual disagreement and hatred are replaced with unity from within, Iraq would see a different future, and the desert would blossom into a garden…again. The same equally applies to us here, in the USA, or any other Western country for that matter. War is never the answer. It is by looking within that we find the answers we seek.

Seeing this kind of a review makes me jump for joy because the reader has understood my intent so completely. Thank you, Sherry!

From Sherry Fundin’s review of Green Desert:

One day, the Iraqi desert will be a garden…again.

Mohammed al-Tikriti, suicide bomber, former University of Baghdad student

Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel)

Add To Goodreads

“I want you to give this after the explosion to that pretty lady dressed as a man,” he told the boy as he handed him an envelope.  Continue reading »

Author Feature 2: Anneli Purchase

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I am pleased to introduce today’s new Author Feature. From Vancouver, Canada, welcome my guest, Anneli Purshase!

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Vancouver Island author, Anneli Purchase, has published her third novel. From “The Wind Weeps” set in the wilds of the BC coast, to “Orion’s Gift” set in Baja, Purchase now takes us to postwar Europe in “Julia’s Violinist.”

Continue reading »

YA Revolution on Goodreads

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One of the latest #YARevolution recruits, Barbara Cool Lee, the author of the Deeds of the Ariane novellas, has posted on her Goodreads blog about  #YAR.YA REV BADGE 2 Here’s an excerpt: “The Deeds of the Ariane is joining a great new project: YA Revolution! for literature with message & meaning. Lada Ray, author of The Earth Shifter, has started YA Revolution, which “aims to unite all those who are tired of the same old, same old and who want to read new, original, inspiring books with message and heart.” A great project with a terrific goal.” Here’s a link to Barbara’s post.

Lada says: Loved the post, Barb! Your novellas certainly sound like an exciting read, and the ones right up the #YAR alley. :) Welcome to the #YARevolution! We are for literature with message and meaning.

Everyone, spread the word and join! Literature should be nourishment for our minds and souls. #YAR is open to anyone who cares about what mind/soul food our teens – and we as adults – consume! Go to YAR page to join.

Cheers,
Lada Ray
Author, #YARevolution founder

P.S. I am looking into starting a YA Revolution Goodreads group, as well as other  groups at similar venues. Join us and help promote our cause. If you would like to volunteer to help organize a group, please contact me!

The Young Adult Revolution Is Here! Self-Publishing Just Found Its Conscience.

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With Thousands of Self Published Ebooks Flooding The Market, Where Can Parents, Teens And Young Adults Turn For Quality Literature With Message and Meaning?

Dublin, Ireland. April 21, 2013 – Lada Ray, author of the popular “Earth Shifter” series of Young Adult novels, this week announced the formation of the Young Adult Revolution or #YARevolution for short; a coalition of indie authors from across the globe dedicated to producing high quality fiction and non-fiction with healthy and positive subtext for young and developing minds.

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This is a recent post at Rohan's blog about our #YARevolution, including his #YAR press release. Good job, Rohan!

2013: Year of the Thriller~ Dan Brown, Lada Ray, Joshua Lisec, and More!

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First a few important announcements:

1. Wow! Due to the veritable avalanche of super-exciting features, interviews and posts that are still waiting in line, I am happy to announce that I’m extending THE EARTH SHIFTER Virtual Tour into May. Still to come: Real Russia Video Journey 2: Spectacular Moscow, new dramatic video/audio excerpts, new reviews & features! And of course, don’t miss our Mega-giveaway grand finale on May 31! There’s still time to enter!

Ray House 32. In the excitement of the launch, I somehow forgot to mention that I have started my own brand & publishing house dedicated to publishing and promoting literature with conscience, message and meaning. After a lot of deliberations, I’ve decided to call it RAY HOUSE. Going forward, all my books will carry the Ray House logo and designation.

3. YA Revolution is gaining momentum and I hope to have more activities going on soon. It is a grassroots movement, and all authors interested in literature with message & meaning are encouraged to join and network! Read more here.

And now, today’s feature:

Exciting and notable 2013 thriller releases for all ages! This is an article generously shared by author Joshua Lisec. Featured on his blog and syndicated to his publisher’s website, it includes the new releases by Dan Brown, Josh Lisec and yours truly.  Continue reading »

Shifting to the New Earth: Being Zorba The Buddha

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In my recent interview with Jason Sullivan on Different Outcomes Blog as part of THE EARTH SHIFTER Virtual Tour, we’ve discussed how we are SHIFTING to the new spirituality and the new community on planet Earth, the one that is joyful and open, the one Osho called “being Zorba the Buddha.”

I know, our world is far from perfect, and every day there is violence and threats to peace, every day global ambitions or secret agendas of a few threaten lives and well-being of all. We’ve talked about these grave subjects in my previous posts and interviews. But we have also discussed the importance of staying positive and looking into the future with hope.

Today’s post is dedicated to the PURE LOVE and JOY, and to the effortless sense of community that is the trademark of the newly budding earthly society the birth of which we are presently witnessing with our own eyes. All over the world, individuals, businesses and organizations experience the “Eureka!” moment as people come together to celebrate.

I’ve put together a compilation of videos that demonstrate this point fully. If a picture is worth a thousand words, than these clips are worth millions of views, as seen on Youtube! These truly are Zorba the Buddha moments; these are rare glimpses into the future so many of us have dreamed about! Why wait? Be a part of the New Earth and immerse yourself in LOVE and JOY today!

ODE TO JOY Flashmob in Sabadell, near Barcelona, Spain. Many thanks to Lesley Fletcher of InspirationImport blog for pointing out this video!  Continue reading »

The Earth Shifter *Virtual Tour* Interview with Lada Ray

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L: Jason, it is my great pleasure to be your guest today. I enjoyed tremendously our last interview during the GOLD TRAIN Blog Tour. That interview was so profound and revealing – all thanks to your rare ability to ask poignant questions and make your guest feel comfortable answering them – that it became the centerpiece of the last year’s tour.

Read more… 4,601 more words

A reader reaction: "Great interview – fantastic, challenging questions and extremely thought-provoking and insightful answers. Loved reading it :) Rory, BeyondtheDream Blog (UK) ***You can also read the full interview at my new Futurist Trendcast Blog. Must read! In this thought-provoking and unique piece, I'm being interviewed by author and blogger Jason Sullivan, whose inquisitive mind and poignant questions have allowed us to create this one-of-a-kind interview! In addition to THE EARTH SHIFTER's protagonist, Sasha, and the mystical setting of Lake Baikal in Siberia, which caught Jason's imagination, we discuss lots of hot and important topics, including my advice on the mysterious Bitcoin and other alternative investments, future of the US and global economy, preparing for Earth changes and global paradigm shift, as well as what it was like growing up in Russia and meeting Fidel Castro. Some of the burning issues discussed are: What is the future of Capitalism and what kind of society are we transitioning to? How to protect yourself during the upcoming collapse and other changes? What lessons can we learn from the 1990s Soviet collapse? What is the future of human consciousness and spirituality? Why organic gardening and community building is paramount? And much more! Visit Jason's blog, read, like and comment! Jason and I would love to know what you think! :) ***Incidentally, Jason has also authored a 5 Star review of THE EARTH SHIFTER, which you can read on Amazon and Goodreads.

Boston Bombing: GOLD TRAIN Deja Vu?

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This post has been reblogged in its entirety from Futurist Trendcast Blog!

Remember how a few months ago a meteor exploded above Chelyabinsk in the Ural Mountains, Russia? It happened shortly after the release of my visionary fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER, and much like it was described in the book. Many readers had dubbed the book prophetic. Read more about THE EARTH SHIFTER.

Check out the post and eyewitness videos: The Earth Shifter Plot Playing out in Real Time: Massive Meteor Rocks Russia

I feel a similar sense of Deja Vu with the recent Boston Marathon bombing.

GOLD GT COVER ebook

 

Continue reading »

Shamans, Shifters & Remote Viewers: The Earth Shifter Video Mini-Excerpts

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THE EARTH SHIFTER Virtual Tour continues!

Today, I want to share something special: the audio/video versions of several mini-excerpts, as well as the new book synopsis, characters and spectacular settings. We are trying this new thing and I hope you like it. I have created the videos, while the narrative is read either by me or one of my avid readers and fans. A reviewer once told me that for books set in Russia, my Russian accent was just what the doctor ordered, so I decided, why not try my hand – excuse me, voice – in the audio/video genre? I find it enjoyable creating videos and narrating my work, however, I must tell you that it’s much harder than it seems! I now fully understand all those actors and singers who have to do countless takes to get it just right. Well, with juggling a million and one projects every day and writing new books, I have to be more time conscious than that.

The scenes and mini-excerpts below are engaging and intriguing at best, and images are lovely…even if the delivery has not reached the professional polish my perfectionist heart desires – yet! These are the first three vids, with more to come! Have a listen and let me know what you think in the comment section!

..The Earth Shifter: Synopsis, Characters and Exotic Setting

narrated by a fan

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The Earth Shifter: Shaman Tengis & Mystical Realm of Lake Baikal, Siberia

narrated by the author 

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The Earth Shifter mini-excerpts: Who are the Shifters, Remote Viewers, Protectors & Earth Keepers?

narrated by the author