Interview with Sean Austin author of Echo's Revenge

Brothers Jeremy (age 10) and Reggie (age 14) are expert gamers. After a run-in with their mother's explosive boyfriend, they run away from home, only to discover that Echo-7, a new and indestructible game predator, has developed the ability to reverse the rules of its own video game and hunt them down- in the real world. Sean Austin's investigation continues, at echohunt.com.

Giveaway: 2 paperbacks, one US only, one international
Check out our interview below, we'd love your comments!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
  Brothers Jeremy and Reggie King are expert Echo-6 gamers. After a run-in with their mother's explosive boyfriend, they run away from home only to discover that Echo-7, a new and invincible game predator, has developed the ability to reverse the rules of its own video game and hunt them down- in the real world.

--How did you get the idea for the story?
 I experienced it in a vivid dream. A team I was working with created a T-Rex-sized creature with an agenda unknown to us. The creature got loose and chased us down, almost squashing my boss. It was so terrifying I never forgot it.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
Most like: David, aka G-Man, the big mouth in the Cauldron of Hell. He’s a go-getter and a firecracker of a kid who’s not afraid to take on the impossible. Nothing stops him...   Least like: Definitely Asa. He is such a rotten jerk, but I’d love to hear what outrageous hypocritical stuff he’d have to say. A really nasty character.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
Anything by Chekhov, Little Brother, Feed, Shop Class as Soulcraft, Learning by Doing, Graphic Novels; I never have time to read as much as I would like, and when I read, time flies by too fast!
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

“Echo’s Revenge: The Other Side” is the adult side of the same story- the designers who built and then lost Echo-7. It is a modern ‘Frankenstein’ story and puts the story of “The Ultimate Game” in an entirely new light. It will be out in May of 2013. For a teaser, see the excerpt at http://echohunt.com/ .

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, because I’d love to see a less developed American landscape and hang out with people who aren’t as rushed and overwhelmed by modern life as we are.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
Coffee is a must. No music allowed. I only write in the am, and do extreme exercise in the pm: running 5k’s or running hills with a 20 lb weight vest. While sleeping I process what has been, and what will be, story-wise.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
The power to freeze everything in the world and stretch time so I could read more.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
Surfing, swimming way out in the deep, deep ocean.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
I hope we can get our boys to enjoy reading more.


Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate
Edward or Jacob? Alice
Hockey or soccer? hockey
Ebook or paper? paper for home, ebooks for travelling
Salty or sweet? salty
Beach or mountains? surfing at the beach
Phone call or email? email
Early bird or night owl? naturally a night owl, modified self to be early bird.
Dog or cat? I am horrified and embarrassed to say I have 4 cats. This is extremely abnormal. I had 2 brother cats and one died of cancer, so I adopted a female cat to keep the old cat company. Then, on the way out of the adoption center, I saw another cat I liked, so I adopted him too because he was so cool looking. But after a week of silence, I noticed he had a really weird meow sound- like a shrill alien scanner kind of sound. I realized I had made a big mistake, but it was too late, he already bonded with the other cats and they seemed to sense I might move him out, so they stared at me strangely and I changed my mind. Somehow. I don’t know what happened. Then another -completely wild hunter creature with glowing eyes- cat that was really muscular and scary looking with a huge head showed up out of the darkness of a deep ravine and decided to move in. I call him Thor. No one should own this many cats, but I kind of didn’t have a choice. Now if I make contact with stray cats I immediately break eye contact and move awaaay...
Messy or neat? Naturally neat, but I enjoy trying to be messy. It’s fun.
Ninjas or pirates? Definitely Ninja.

Check out the other giveaways on the hop:

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IMMB 4/29

 IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I use it to showcase books I receive and as a social aspect for the blog. To sign up and find out more here

What I got:

The Hunt (The Hunt, #1) Source: netgalley Currently reading

Fukuda, Andrew

When You Were Mine Source: netgalley Review coming soon

Serle, Rebecca *

Being Friends with Boys Didn't finish

McVoy, Terra Elan*

Gone, Gone, Gone Source: Simon Galley Grab Review HERE

Moskowitz, Hannah *

Radiate Review HERE

Gibson, Marley *

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Book Giveaway: Wrecked and Changelings and Author Interview with Elle Casey

Wrecked by Elle Casey

An ill-fated Caribbean cruise and four teenagers: a nerd, a jock, a mouse, and a bitchy beauty queen…an island, a treehouse, some nefarious interlopers…life and death…fear and loathing…love and laughter.
Follow Jonathan, Kevin, Candi and Sarah as they find their typical high school lives and their worlds totally WRECKED.

Jayne Sparks, a potty-mouthed, rebellious seventeen-year-old and her best friend, shy and bookish Tony Green, have a pretty typical high school existence, until several seemingly unrelated incidents converge, causing a cascade of events that change their lives forever. Jayne and Tony, together with a group of runaway teens, are hijacked and sent into a forest, where nothing and no one are as they seem. Who will emerge triumphant? And what will they be when they do?

Giveaway: ebooks of Wrecked and Changelings open internationally


a Rafflecopter giveaway

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

4 shipwrecked teens, an island, a treehouse, some pirates.  Follow Jon, Kevin, Candi and Sarah as they find their lives totally WRECKED.  

--How did you get the idea for the story?  Probably from books I read as a kid like The Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island.  I was always fascinated with what would happen if I were washed up on a deserted island and how I might survive.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?  Most - Candi.  Some might say Sarah, because she’s so bold and out there.  But I think Candi is very intuitive and observant, so I’d like to have dinner with her to talk about her opinion on things.  Least – Frank, the father of Kevin and Sarah.  He’s just a real jerk.  Ha, ha.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?  I don’t have as much time to read as I’d like, but I’m a fan of Fantasy so I’ve read the Harry Potter series, Twilight, Mercy Thompson.  I’ve recently started Samantha Young’s Lunarmorte series.  I’ve also read some Nicolas Sparks, Stieg Larsson, and Jodi Picoult lately, but I prefer fantasy.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?  Yes!  I am working on a 4-book series called War of the Fae.  Book 1-The Changelings is finished and in last editing right now.  Book 2-Call to Arms is 25% done.  Book 1 will be published for the Kindle and Nook by February 11^th and Book 2 by March 11^th.  I hope to roll out books 3 and 4 before the end of the summer.  It’s a YA Fantasy series, and I’m super excited about it.  I’ve had a lot of great feedback so far.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?  That’s a tough one!  I think I’d pick one of the Mercy Thompson books because the main character is a shape shifter, she’s independent, and she kicks ass.  :)

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?  When I write I get my best work done for first drafts with white noise playing, believe it or not.  It blocks out all the external distractors.  I put my headphones on and go to a website that will play white noise constantly.  But when I go through on a second draft and flesh things out and get into the details, I listed to music.  I have a playlist on my website for my newest series War of the Fae.  It includes several artists like Breaking Benjamin, Muse, Evanescence, Mindy Gledhill, Cocorosie, Biffy Clyro, and others.  I drink tea when I write, mostly vanilla tea, with lots of sugar. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?  Another tough question ... I would like to be able to sense people’s intentions, whether they are good or bad.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?  Read of course!  I also like to hang out with my kids, taking walks and going on road trips, stuff like that.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?  Just that I’m super grateful for my readers and look forward to writing more and providing more entertainment for them.  Without my readers I wouldn’t be a writer, and I love being a writer!  Please visit me at my site.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?  Vanilla if it’s plain, chocolate if it has peanuts on it

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Ebook

Salty or sweet? Sweet (but both together, that’s the best!)

Beach or mountains? Mountains

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Night owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Neat (I’m messy but I wish I were neat)

Ninjas or pirates? Ninjas

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Breaking Glass Cover Reveal and Trailer

Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz

On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, he's not sure whether they're real or if he's losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.

Title: Breaking Glass

Author: Lisa Amowitz

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.SpencerHillPress.com)

ISBN: 978-1-937053-38-3

Release Date: July 9, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Genre: Young Adult paranormal mystery

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Review: Radiate by Marley Gibson

Radiate by Marley Gibson

Hayley Matthews is determined to be the best cheerleader she can. She works hard
and pushes herself 110% all the time.
Then Hayley finds a lump on her leg. The diagnosis is cancer. The prognosis is
unclear. She could lose her leg. Or maybe her life.
At first Haley is scared, terrified. In an instant, everything she’s worked for seems
out of reach. But Haley is strong. She’s going to fight this disease. She will not let it
take her life or her dreams.

Published in US: Apr 3rd 2012
Source: Netgalley

My Review:
     Hayley is such an inspiring character. She's so positive and I'd hope that if I ever got cancer, I could keep that kind of attitude. This is more than a book about cancer though, it is a book about survival, the bonds of family, and about living to fight another day so that you can do what you love. Hayley was so strong, and it kinda inspired me to be a better person. She went through so much more than I have and I've been much more down than her, but I love that she still made time for others, and didn't get so focused on herself.
     I related to this book because even though there is nothing wrong with being a "band geek" or a "jrotc nerd" which was exactly what I was, and mostly happy about it, I wondered occasionally how the popular side lived. It was neat to read about someone crossing that divide, being able to fit in and loving what she does.
    Not only is Hayley a great main character, I also enjoyed Lora and Gabriel. They rang true to me, and I would love to have friends like them.
    This book is very emotional at times, I was tearing up at a few parts, and I think that Ms. Gibson did a good job being descriptive, moving the plot along, and making me connect with the characters.
    It made it even more awesome that Ms. Gibson wrote from experience and her personal life, and the foundation that she started.

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Win an iPad 3rd Generation!

The prize is a 16GB White iPad 3rd Generation Wi-Fi only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




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Waiting On Wednesday 4/25

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:
Meant to Be by Morrill

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.
It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").
But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.
Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Delacorte
What are you waiting on?

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Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig $50 Giveaway and Promo

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig



Book Summary:

Willa's secret plan seems all too simple.
Take from the rich kids at valley prep and give to the poor ones.
Yet Willa's turn as Robin Hood at her new high school is anything but. Bilking her "friends"—known to everyone as the Glitterati—without them suspecting a thing is far from easy. Learning how to break into lockers and Beemers is as hard as she'd thought it would be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are bullied just for being different, is more fun than she'd expected.
The complication Willa didn't expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, VP's most notorious ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her—evening the social playing field between the haves and have-nots. There's no time for flirting, especially with conceited trust-funders like Aidan. But when the cops start investigating the string of thefts at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could Aidan wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?
Elisa Ludwig's Pretty Crooked is the first book in an adventurous teen caper series filled with mystery, humor, and heart.

Here's a really cool book trailer:



QUESTION:
What do you think of the Robin Hood idea? Taking from the rich to give to the poor?

It's been something that I have thought about and I don't think I have a really good answer personally, but I think that it's a neat idea for a book.

Giveaway: $50 amazon giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links:

Blog: http://www.elisaludwig.com/?page_id=5

Pretty Crooked on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11182074-pretty-crooked

Author Elisa Ludwig on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45927.Elisa_Ludwig

Elisa on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/elisaludwig/
Website: www.elisaludwig.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElisaLudwigYA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElisaLudwigYA

About the Author:


My debut young adult novel PRETTY CROOKED (Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins) was released in March 2012. Even though I had to extensively research pickpocketing techniques, I am a law-abiding citizen. I live in Philadelphia with my husband Jesse. I'm a proud member of The Apocalypsies, a group of children's book authors debuting in 2012.


Buy it here:




I think this is such a neat idea for a book. I just wonder what all will go wrong, but also who it will cheer up.
QUESTION:
What do you think of the Robin Hood idea? Taking from the rich to give to the poor?

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Review: Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitz

Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitz

In the wake of the post-9/11 sniper shootings, fragile love finds a stronghold in this intense, romantic novel from the author of Break and Invincible Summer.
It's a year after 9/11. Sniper shootings throughout the D.C. area have everyone on edge and trying to make sense of these random acts of violence. Meanwhile, Craig and Lio are just trying to make sense of their lives. Craig’s crushing on quiet, distant Lio, and preoccupied with what it meant when Lio kissed him...and if he’ll do it again...and if kissing Lio will help him finally get over his ex-boyfriend, Cody.Lio feels most alive when he's with Craig. He forgets about his broken family, his dead brother, and the messed up world. But being with Craig means being vulnerable...and Lio will have to decide whether love is worth the risk.
This intense, romantic novel from the author of Break and Invincible Summer is a poignant look at what it is to feel needed, connected, and alive.

Published in US: April 17th 2012
Source: Simon Galley Grab

My Review:
    At first I thought that there was something wrong with Craig, besides his depression/obsession with animals. Something about his voice, it didn't sound like an authentic teen, but as the book went on, I either got used to it, or it fit the character more than I am giving it credit for.
    While there are some differences in the voice of Craig and Lio, I got confused at whose perspective it was from. I know that each had unique problems and quirks, so I had to look for those cues rather than the voice style.
    I appreciated that these books talked a lot about the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, as well as an event I really didn't know about--the sniper shootings. This is an event that effects us all, but I really haven't read much that takes a perspective of someone who lost a loved one in 9/11. I also liked the theme of every life lost deserves to be honored, and the struggle of is one loss worth less than the loss of many?
    She did the love stories in this one really well. I didn't feel like it was shoved in my face that this is a gay couple, it just seemed natural.
    I enjoyed Hannah's other books more than this one, but I liked this one nevertheless.

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IMMB 4/22

 IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I use it to showcase books I receive and as a social aspect for the blog. To sign up and find out more here

What I got:

When You Were Mine Currently reading Source: Netgalley

Serle, Rebecca

Shield the Heart (Heart, #2) Currently reading Source: author for review

Richardson, T.K. *

Possession (Possession, #1) Source: library

Johnson, Elana *

You Are Here Source: library

Smith, Jennifer E. *

Breaking Beautiful Review HERE Source: Bloomsbury

Wolf, Jennifer Shaw *

Nevermore (Nevermore, #1) Review HERE Source: library

Creagh, Kelly *

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Review: Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Publishes in US: April 24th 2012
Source: Bloomsbury for review

My Review:
     This is a very emotional story that didn't let me go, with a main character that held my attention and a plot that uncovered piece by piece.
     Allie lost her boyfriend and is in mourning, but that is not all there is to the story. She's forgotten all the events leading up to his death, she doesn't know if she's responsible, her best friend is responsible, or a dark mysterious James is to blame. She isn't sure if she wants the memories to come back or not. Allie definitely got my sympathy, though I really wished she would have had the courage to come forward with the abuse sooner, but I've been in those shoes and I know the mindset, and I can only imagine if the person was dead and it might just seem like you're trying to tarnish his name.
     Blake is such a sweety and I was rooting for him right away. But again, with their blossoming romance that I wish would have started sooner in her life to save her lots of pain, with Trip just dying, I can see how she would be hesitant, and why she pushes him away like she does.
    I also love the character of her brother Andrew. He is so strong in all the right ways, he may have a disability, but he uses his brain and his huge heart for those he cares about. I think that their relationship is so touching and it makes me want to have a sibling. And Caitlyn is such a great addition, I love her quirkiness and how she is so at home with who she is. I love a character who can look past the surface and see the hearts of others, and really hold on to that.
    I really think the title is so appropriate, it is a sad book but in a beautiful kind of way... at least how everything turns into.

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Breaking Beautiful Trailer and Contest

First off, the trailer:


Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
(I just started and love it so far! Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy)

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Contest info:
From Angela Morrison's site, you must enter HERE

Step 1) Post Jen's BREAKING BEAUTIFUL trailer or link to it on your blog, FaceBook, Twitter, Goodreads, or where ever you hang out in cyberspace.  Here's the link to copy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT4TPxhZ0Rw

and here's the embed code:  

Step 2) Tell me about it in a comment below. One entry per person to keep it simple. Fair enough? 

The contest runs from now until midnight (AZ time), May 12th!

Now for the prizes:

The grand prize is a beautiful hardcover of Jen's brand new book, BREAKING BEAUTIFUL (see the countdown widget in the sidebar)

4 runners up will receive BREAKING BEAUTIFUL meets MICHAEL and LEESIE swag packs

1 additional winner will receive a signed, first edition hardcover of TAKEN BY STORM (these are getting scarce!) 

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Interview with Lois Brown author of Cycles

When Renee discovers that her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, has bags of his dead daughter’s frozen blood stored in his basement, she decides it’s up to her to uncover the doctor’s mysterious past. What she learns, however, is not what she expects. Now she and her friend Sam Miller are on the run, hiding from scientists who want to use what the two teenagers know to change human life forever.

Giveaways:

1) an e-book copy of Lois’ young adult Urban Fantasy CYCLES. (Both U.S. and International entries are welcome.)

2) An e-book copy of Lois’ collection of short stories TREASURE HUNTERS. In addition, the winner will recieve via snail mail a set of three  magnets made from sandstone only found in southern Utah by Zion's National Park and where several of the stories in TREASURE HUNTERS are set. (Only U.S. entries, please).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

When Renee discovers that her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, has bags of his dead daughters frozen blood stored in his basement, she decides it’s up to her to uncover the doctors mysterious past. What she learns, however, is not what she expects. Now she and her friend Sam Miller are on the run, hiding from scientists who want to use what the two teenagers know to change human life forever.

(That’s only 69 words. Do I get extra credit?) :)

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I had the idea for Cycles at the same time I was diagnosed with Simple Partial Seizures. These seizures don’t affect motor skills, but they can affect all of your five senses (hence their other name: sensory seizures.) My seizures created an odd mesh of symptoms, the most disconcerting of which was massive déjà vu. For those who are saying to themselves, “huh?” take a minute to read this article about the different types of seizures.

As part of my seizures, time would slow down to a crawl and everything around me faded in and out. It was like I had lived that moment a thousand times before in a different life. Needless to say, it was weird.

I went to bed one night thinking about my recent trip to the neurologist. In my sleep, I had a vivid dream about a girl who had frightening feelings of having already experienced things before but in another lifetime. It wasn’t like reincarnation—the same soul coming back to earth to live as someone or something else. Instead, it was like her life just kept repeating itself and she had moments where these “other-life” memories were intensely strong.

I woke up and knew I was going to write a book about it.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Oh, there is no question I would LOVE to have dinner with Gamma Didi. She is an Ohlone Native American who surprised me every time I went to write the scenes she is in. Her character wrote herself, and I fell in love with her.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I love Young Adult books, all genres. I don’t read as much as I used to, but I think it’s important for any author to keep reading. Recently I just finished Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool  and I’m halfway through The Book Thief by Marc Zusak.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

 I’ve got a middle grade mystery set in 1985 called Catching Katil that will be published in the next few months. I’m also working on an adventure/coming of age story set in 1920. Oh, and of course, I’m writing the sequel to Cycles. I expect it to be out the end (very end) of 2012.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Harry Potter. I know it sounds cliche, but I would love to walk of the halls of Hogwarts.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I tend to snack a lot, but that is not a good thing. (I’m sure you’ve all heard of “writers butt.”) My list of temptations include: fishy crackers, corn chips and salsa, wasabi almonds, butter and toast, etc.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Invisibility. Hands Down.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I actually like running. (Weird, I know.) I also enjoy baking, organizing closets, going to movies, watching British television off of Netflix and various other weird things.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I love feedback. If any of you have comments or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me while I’m still writing the sequel to Cycles. You can find me at my website www.loisdbrown.com or my blog Life of Lois

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? vanilla

Edward or Jacob? neither

Hockey or soccer? soccer

Ebook or paper? ebook

Salty or sweet? salty

Beach or mountains? beach

Phone call or email? email

Early bird or night owl? night owl

Dog or cat? cat

Messy or neat? neat

Ninjas or pirates? pirates

To contact her, please visit her website at www.loisdbrown.com or her blog Life of Lois

Check out the other hops:

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Waiting On Wednesday 4/18

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:
When You Open Your Eyes by Celeste Conway

 

The more you love, the more you stand to lose….Tessa’s head over heels for Lucien, the son of a French diplomat. Sexy, artistic, and daring, he brings out a completely new side of her. With him, Tessa feels beautiful and exotic. So when Tessa’s strict father forbids her to see Lucien, she’s determined to keep their relationship a secret.But as Tessa gets caught up in Lucien, he becomes increasingly volatile. What she once found alluring about him now feels alarming. Tessa must figure out how far she’ll go for Lucien before she risks losing not just him, but everything she loves.

Published March 20th 2012 by Simon Pulse


What are you waiting on?

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Hope's Journey Blog Tour: Guest Post and Giveaway info

Hope's Journey by Stehpanie Worlton

A couple since their sophomore year, Sydney and Alex are looking forward to graduation and a bright future together. Sydney is straight-A student trying to decide between college scholarships and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve a mission. Both active members of the LDS Church, their hopes and dreams painfully fade when they learn that Sydney is pregnant. The very foundations of their faith are shaken, as is their relationship. Separately, they venture through confusion, self-doubt, and failure as they learn the value of forgiveness and try to piece their broken lives back together.

The Trailer:

To learn more about what prompted her to write this, read The Backstory.
Check out what they're saying on Goodreads
Order a signed copy HERE. Or pick up a copy in select stores or online at:
Amazon, Deseret Book, Barnes and Noble, Cedar Fort (ebook)

Check out the other tour stops here

About Stephanie from her blog:

Author of Hope's Journey. Stephanie was born with a pen in her hand and a pencil behind her ear. Whether it's writing a novel, painting a mural, designing furniture, or building sometimes just for the sake of building, Stephanie's always got a project in the works. She lives in a quiet Utah suburb with one patient husband, two adorable dogs, three hours of sleep, and four amazing (and equally crazy) children.

Interview

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

“A life changing mistake. A soul changing journey.” Because none of us are perfect.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I have the opportunity to work with a lot of youth and, having had a personal experience with teen-pregnancy, I saw a need that wasn’t getting filled anywhere else. Nowhere could I find a book – religious or otherwise – that dealt with the subject in an honest, blunt, yet approachable way. There’s nothing more powerful than a story that shares the realistic pitfalls and triumphs of ordinary people. If we can learn something from someone else’s mistakes, perhaps we will be less likely to make them on our own.  

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Gramms. She is in so many ways my own Grandma whom was such a huge positive influence in my life. She is so quirky and “perfectly imperfect.” Dinner with her would not likely be a boring affair.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Reading, gardening, painting, designing, and being a mom.  I tried to become a runner, but learned how much I really don’t like it, but I love to walk. If I need to clear my head, I will go for a long (like 6-7 mile) walk. I also enjoy 4wheeling, camping, and playing card games with my family.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

 BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! We all come to this world uniquely packaged with our own talents, skills, and traits. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Don’t let other’s define you either. You are great! You are wonderful! Believe in yourself and LOVE yourself enough to make appropriate, brave decisions.

-Top FIVE Book Picks or authors:

5. Anything Nicholas Sparks

4. Hunger Games Series – Susan Collins

3. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet – Jamie Ford

2. The Help – Caroline Stocket

1. Gifted – Karey White

-Five things you wish you knew when you were younger

5. That boys really do define relationships differently than girls do.

4. Real friends aren’t necessarily the coolest people on the block or the ones you have the most in common with. Real friends are the ones who love you despite your imperfections and “uncoolness.”

3. Talents – I wish I knew that I had them.

2. Talents – I wish I’d known what mine were.

1. I wish I’d known that there is some mysterious time-warp that happens as you age. At a certain point – somewhere around that magical 30 mark - years start to morph by at an ever increasing pace. I’d have slowed down and enjoyed my youth so much more fully if I’d understood just how fleeting it was.

-FIVE favorite ways to procrastinate

5. Facebook

4. Read something – Anything! A book, a newspaper, the mail!

3. Long walks…

2. Putting around my yard – planting, weeding, or just observing.

1. Sitting on the porch swing, barefoot legs tucked up under me, while I bask in the sun. 

-Top Five TV shows:

5. Dirty Jobs

4. Restaurant Impossible

3. The Voice

2. Biggest Loser

1. Gold Rush

-Five pet peeves:

5. Lazy people.

4. Messes

3. Rudeness

2. Weeds

1. Time-wasting computer games

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? CHOCOLATE

Edward or Jacob? JACOB

Hockey or soccer? HOCKEY

Ebook or paper? PAPER

Salty or sweet? SWEET

Beach or mountains? BOTH J

Phone call or email? EMAIL

Early bird or night owl? EARLY BIRD

Dog or cat? DOG

Messy or neat? NEAT

Ninjas or pirates? PIRATES

Giveaway info

• One autographed copy of "Hope's Journey"

• Two digital copies of "Hope's Journey" (pdf or epub)

And... as a bonus,  if Kreating Krazy gains 100 followers during the course of the tour, I'll add: 

• A $25 gift card to Amazon!

Enter HERE

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