Blkosiner's Book Blog

Cover Reveal: Finn Finnegan

2012-02-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut

Finn (not bleedin' Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.
Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn's survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of "fighting Irish."

Described as "kind of a cross between Harry Potter and the Spiderwick Chronicles, and it's a really fun read!" Finn Finnegan will be released March 12 2013 by Spencer hill press.

Follow Friday 2.17.12

2012-02-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

RULES
To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Question: What is the most unique character name you've come across?
The ones that come to mind are from Between the Sea and the Sky with Alandare, Esmerine and Dosinia.

What about you?

My favorite read and review this week:
Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Check out my giveaways if you want while you're here:

Random by Charong Chow ends 2/21

Discordia by Morgana Gallaway ends 2/15

Eve Hallows and The Book of Shrieks by Robert Gray ends 2/28

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke ends 3/10

Pin It

Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop

2012-02-16T14:59:00.000-05:00

Friday, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day.What better way to celebrate than by having a giveaway hop. Read for Your Future and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer have teamed up to bring you the Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop.
The dates for this hop are February 17th to 21st.

What you can win:
Random by Charong Chow (paperback, open internationally)

After falling for the new guy at school, sixteen-year-old Tierney uncovers the truth surrounding the drug-fueled death of her best friend, Jeremy. Random, a contemporary expose of teenage life in Los Angeles, begins with a not-so-innocent truancy and builds - through complex, interwoven relationships - to a shock ending that sets Tierney up as a young female noir protagonist.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out our interview below!

Based in California, Charong Chow is an internationally exhibited artist, author and mother of two. Her debut novel Random, was inspired by her best friend’s death. A food lover, she writes a recipe and lifestyle blog with her children, www.EatingWithHudson.com. She also writes for various publications when not caring for her family and menagerie of animals.

Our interview:

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

Inspired on my BFF's death at 26, Random is about three friends skipping school with the new guy. Romance and noir thriller rolled into one.

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

My best friend died, surrounded by suspicious circumstances from an overdose of sleeping pills a week before my wedding. We had been friends since elementary school, and we had traveled the world together. His death in 2001 was a shock that I still find hard to believe. Writing Random has been a way for me to deal with the loss.

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

I would love to have dinner with my main character, Tierney. She’s a smart and strong 16-year-old girl that I would have liked to be friends with when I was a teenager.

I love all my characters, so I don’t have one that I wouldn’t want to meet in real life.

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

Reading has always been my favorite pastime. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace and Alexander Stuart’s The War Zone are a few of my favorite books

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

I am working on a sequel to Random. The second book resumes after the end of the first book, and readers find out what happens between Tierney and Tom, who is her love interest in Random.

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

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the sweets and the songs from the Roald Dahl classic children’s book.

--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 like to drink green tea while writing. I listen to music only on occasion when writing. There are a few sections of Random where the characters are listening to specific songs, so I listened to those songs while writing. They bands included, The Horrors, Bat for Lashes and Lykke Li.

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

Granting wishes. It would be nice to make everyone’s dream come true.

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

I just learned to knit hat, and I’m on my fifth knitted hat. I also like making art, since I have a visual arts background.

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

My book, Random, was a release for me, and I hope my readers enjoy reading it.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate, the darker the better.

Edward or Jacob? Edward. I’ve always had a thing for vampires.

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Both

Salty or sweet? Sweet!

Beach or mountains? Beach for vacation and the mountains to live.

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Night owl for as long as I can remember.

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? I imagine neat, but in reality it’s messy.

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates because they have large parrots on their shoulder.

Check out my other giveaways:

Eve Hallows and The Book of Shrieks by Robert Gray ends 2/28

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke ends 3/10

And make sure to visit the other blogs in the hop:

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

2012-02-15T19:38:00.000-05:00

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Published in US: Dec 6th 2011
1st in Lux series, 2nd Onyx out May 15th 2012, and .5 Shadows out Feb 21st 2012
Source: Netgalley

My Review:
First off, let me say hell yeah to the shout out to bloggers. I absolutely LOVE that the main character is a book blogger, and that its authentic. I haven't seen that in any other book, and it rocks.
The writing is awesome, as I've come to know from Half Blood, the first in Jennifer's other series (I also have a copy of Pure screaming at me to be read... I just seriously need to find more time to read, but with the three year old and the newborn, its not as often as I like, but I digress).
As most of you probably know, I am a character person. They make or break books for me, and Jennifer sure nailed it. I love Katy's voice and character, she was so easy to connect with and to be in her head. It was natural and flowed so well. She's kinda shy but she fights to overcome it, which I admire greatly. I love how bold she is with Daemon sometimes, and the way the way that she handles him... well, it couldn't be done any better. Her internal voice, especially the running commentary about his lack of wearing a shirt is great.
And oh hot Daemon. Who knew that aliens could be sexy. But he totally makes it work. He has the bad ass vibe, and he really is an ass sometimes. By about half way through, I understand why, but still. And I really think that the jerkiness is mostly because he wants to protect her and his sister. He doesn't want her to be drawn into a dangerous world. But does that excuse it? I appreciate how Katy questions it, and doesn't just let the attraction totally drive things. She doesn't let his sexy overpower what she wants and what she knows she deserves. And there really is some tender beneath the jerk, even though it isn't the easiest to see or remember when he's being a jerk. I really appreciate Jennifer's genius in writing his character where I can totally see the appeal, but then again, I don't want anything to do with him, then the next minute I wish I were the one kissing him, and then I am totally questioning it again the next.
And I don't want to spoil anything, but just let me say, sweet baby jesus--the lake scene. Yeah. That's all.
Dee is pretty amazing too. She is the sort of female character that I wish were one of my best friends. She is perceptive, talkative, and understanding.
As for pacing and that good stuff... I was never bored, and always wanting to know what would happen next, and yearning to be reading when life and other books that I had a short window of time to read got in the way of that that is Obsidian awesomeness.

Woohoo!

2012-02-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! I passed 1500 hundred followers on the blog. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Thank you for reading, and for each of your comments and views!
For that you get a picture of my daughter smiling and my eternal gratitude...
And maybe a giveaway to come :)

Now working! Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke

2012-02-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke

December 21, 2012
Will that fateful day destroy our world, or did the Mayans have something else in mind?
Maya Delaney knows.
Unfortunately.
Maya Delaney is just an average sixteen-year- old. She’s busy dealing with exams, her soon to be ex-boyfriend and fitting in. But Maya’s got bigger problems. She’s hiding a major secret from her dad and having strange visions she can’t control. In her struggle to figure out who she is, she learns that she is meant to fulfill an ancient Mayan Prophesy and bring forth a New Age on earth. Will the spirit magic Maya wields be enough to defeat Toltec, an evil society bent on keeping her from her destiny? Or will that destiny destroy her?

About Martha, from her site
Martha Bourke grew up in Burlington, Vermont, often considered a hub of "free thinking." She was encouraged to write and be creative at a very young age. Martha also had her father's talent for languages, which later became her career. She spent fifteen years creating and teaching in foreign language programs for young children. She continued to write on the side, trying out a variety of fiction genres. Then she discovered YA - specifically, paranormal romance. She was hooked!

Martha and her husband of thirteen years have carved out their own little piece of Vermont in the Massachusetts countryside. When not writing, she loves spending time with her animals, good music, thrifting, and adding to her Converse collection. She is currently working on book two of the Jaguar Sun Series, Jaguar Moon.

Our interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less. In Jaguar Sun, 16 year old Maya Delaney holds the key to the Mayan 2012 prophecy. She, her BFFs the twins, and her boyfriend Matt must figure it out in time.

--How did you get the idea for the story? I taught Spanish forever and I think with 2012 coming up, it was just a match made in heaven! I got to research a ton of really interesting stuff and then put my own magical twist on it. Perfect.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with? I would say probably with Matt. I mean, come on, hello! Although the twins would make for a lot of laughs!

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read? I just finished Girl of Smoke and Bone before going into editing. LOVED IT! I haven’t read much lately, but usually I do.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? I am just starting Book 2 in the Jaguar Sun Series, Jaguar Moon. It will be out in 2012. Hey, it might be kinda fun to release it right on December 21^st! I hadn’t thought of that!

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? Little Women. I was a tomboy as a kid and she was like my hero.

--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? Sorry, guys. Most of the songs for this series have been by Spanish artists (for obvious reasons), although there was definitely some Keane, Muse, Coldplay. I can’t listen while I write, but I listen nonstop when I’m not writing.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose? I know it’s boring, but probably healing.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? Read, listen to tunes, watch movies, shop at thrift stores, add to my endless Converse collection (that’s not a paid advertisement).

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers? Read! Read anything and everything. Just read.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla.

Edward or Jacob? Who?

Hockey or soccer? Hockey (Don’t tell the twins I said that)

Ebook or paper? Ebook

Salty or sweet? Both together!

Beach or mountains? Mountains (I’m from VT!)

Phone call or email? Phone

Early bird or night owl? Early bird

Dog or cat? I have both!

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Wait, what?

The giveaway: Choice of paperback or ebook (paperback is US only, ebook is open internationally)
Fill out rafflecopter to enter, email addresses left in comments unfortunately do not count.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

IMMB

2012-02-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren, sign up and find out more here

I got:

source: libary

source: libary

currently reading

source: netgalley

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Operative (Ganzfield, #5)

Source: Spencer Hill

Kaynak, Kate *

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Source: Simon and Schuster

Sáenz, Benjamin Alire

Review: Albatross by Josie Bloss

2012-02-11T22:26:00.000-05:00

Albatross by Josie Bloss

What's so cool about nice guys?
Everyone at Tess's new school warns her that Micah is bad news—a heartbreaker. But she can't ignore her attraction to this brooding, brilliant, friendless emo hottie who can turn on the charm—or heart-shredding scorn—at a moment's notice. Starting over in a new town after her parents' split isn't easy for Tess, and Micah feels like her first real connection. But what happens when their bond suddenly feels like shackles? And Micah starts to remind Tess of her freakishly controlling father?
With Albatross, Josie Bloss takes her storytelling in a new direction by exploring the dark side of relationships.

Published in US: 2010
Source: Library

My Review:
I finished this book in one day, and it would have been one sitting if life didn't interfere. I connected automatically with Tess. I guess I have a depression that I can't really shake and some of her words really struck a cord with me. I feel like I've lost some of the people I'm closest with, whether from death, moving away, or just drifting apart.

...I felt like I drifted through the day without ever actually connecting with anyone, like I was a ghost of myself?

There was also another quote where she said a drummer who was always laughing made her uncomfortable because she worried he was laughing at her.... I totally get that. I feel slightly on the outside with most people and worry that other people really don't like me or are talking about me. Also the way that even when included, she felt still outside of what was going on.
Reading that really made me feel more validated... like I'm not the only one, even if its a character in a book.
Micah is hot, brooding and mysterious, so in the beginning I liked him pretty much right away, but there is a darker side of him that I didn't really know what to make of. And his relationship with Daisy--his albatross--I wasn't quite sure what to make of, just like Tess. He is candid which sometimes is charming and unique, but other times leaves him looking like an ass. (I'll stop talking about anything further since I got this impression within first few chapters, but I don't want to spoil anything.)
The story of Tess' father slowly unravels through the story too, and I feel sorry for her having to deal with that. Never knowing what you're going to get from a person, jerk, good guy or just get ignored keeps you on your toes, and its exhausting to live that way.
I really like how Laura tries to be her friend, and Toby is the kind of guy that I want in real life--he reminds me of my husband--chill, protective and friendly.
This is a pretty edgy and dark story overall, and I found myself swept up in Tess' story, and able to truly see both "voices" of her mind--the little one that we ignore way too much, and the one that is overpowered by emotion. But it has a powerful ending, and I love how much Tess grew into herself, and how she was even able to help someone that she disliked for a long time in the process.

Giveaway Promotion: Bridger, Forbidden, Traitor and a giftcard

2012-02-11T21:46:00.002-05:00

Here's where you enter

Here's what she has to say:

In honor of the followers, I'm giving away a few gifts! 1 copy autographed copy of my book, BRIDGER, copies of both my books BRIDGER and FORBIDDEN in e-book format, two e-copies of my ARC, TRAITOR, and finally a $10 gift certificate.
Here's the skinny, if I hit 100 followers by February 26, those will be the gifts. If I hit 150, the gift certificate jumps to $15, if we reach 200 followers, the gift certificate jumps to $20 and I'll add an additional gift: Cinder by Marissa Meyer (see my review of this awesome book here). So you see, the more followers, the more love!

I read Bridger and Forbidden before they were published and Megan is an amazing writer, and one of my twitter bffs.

Light of Asteria: Free to borrow on Amazon!

2012-02-11T21:32:00.001-05:00

The Light of Asteria now free to borrow Amazon Prime! This is one of my favorite books and you should totally take advantage and then go buy Keepers.
Get it NOW
Here's my review

The magic Crystal by Lorna Suzuki: Free until midnight 2/12

2012-02-11T21:26:00.002-05:00

My friend Lorna Suzuki has her book The Magic Crystal: The Dream Merchant Saga Book One is free today! I just picked it up and can't wait to read it.

Be careful what you wish for takes on a whole new meaning…
When a good wish goes bad, a beautiful princess despised by all, a lowly court jester who was meant to be a great knight and a village idiot with a mysterious past are thrust together by fate. Made to embark on a perilous and unorthodox quest, they set off to break a dreaded curse.
Along the way, a series of trials await them in strange lands far from home. From a powerful Wizard and an evil, shape-shifting Sprite to the flamboyant Elves and an army of mimes, they encounter an array of unforgettable friends and foes as they set off to recover a silver locket to destroy the curse.
In a race against time, pursued by a Sorcerer on the hunt for this same locket, an epic journey becomes a trying, humorous adventure of self-discovery and a test of true loyalty and friendship for this unlikely trio as they fight to survive this quest and ultimately, each other.

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Crystal-Dream-Merchant-ebook/dp/B006PK5VJO

Her other series, A Warrior's Tale has been optioned for a movie and casting is going on now. I have three of the titles in this series as well.

FREE today! Fated Hearts by PR Mason

2012-02-10T10:03:00.000-05:00

EVE has always played by the rules, afraid to take chances. HOLDEN wants to change that. She's certain they've never met before...or have they? Holden seems so familiar, but who is he? What is he? Yesterday her biggest challenge was trying not to bomb on her SATs. Today, paranormal forces have transformed an ordinary high school dance into a test of fate vs. free will and loving Holden could be Eve's end.

I downloaded it--will you?
http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Paranormal-Romance-Novella-ebook/dp/B006XVD53O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328886073&sr=8-1

Review: Exposed by Susan Vaught

2012-02-09T18:42:00.002-05:00

Exposed by Susan Vaught

Chan Shealy’s got most things going right in her life—straight A’s, a shot at the regional majorette championships in baton twirling, and the best best friend a girl could wish for. But after the football quarterback spreads a vicious lie about her, and the whole school decides she’s too trashy for words, Chan begins to wonder if the only place she’ll find love is online.
She’s careful. She follows all her parents’ rules, mostly anyway. A girl’s got to trust herself at a certain point, right? But what if your gut is telling you something that you’re just not hearing… until it’s too late?
From the moment Chan logs on and meets Paul, until the truth begins to show through, Susan Vaught sends readers on a fast-paced and gripping ride. Even when you know something bad will happen, you still might not see it coming…

Published in US in 2008
Source: library
My Review:

This is a very realistic book about online predators, but it is also about much more. I haven't really read much about a teen dealing with an STD, and I think that its really important to talk about, because no matter how gross or uncomfortable, it is REAL LIFE. Sometimes things in fiction can make something in real life easier to deal with and hopefully that will make someone less ashamed of themselves, and realize that even though a mistake, it can happen, and you can still live your life.
That said, the main character was sympathetic in some ways. She did in a sense have it all, but she also had a broken heart, an STD, and attracts the wrong sort of attention online, so really, she didn't. I didn't connect with her personally the best, but I still was invested in what happened to her, and I saw the bad things coming and didn't want it to.
This book does relationships really well. I love the realistic, but strong connection she has with her sister. She's dramatic, bratty at times, but underneath vulnerable and young. I love it when Chan's protective instincts kicks in, and the soft moments where she lets her in her bed after a nightmare, and other ways she looks out for her. I also love her bff Devin, it makes me long for a friend like that. As a mom, I can totally see her side of the story, but remembering childhood, I can also see how stifling that could be. I think the perfect balance was met with her father though. It is hard how she used to be ashamed of his size, but now she's seeing past that to the great man and dad that he is. I loved the moments with them together.
The plot was fast moving and kept me interested, especially after the first few chapters of set up. I liked Vaught's writing style and want to read more of her stuff.

Free book!

2012-02-09T15:30:00.003-05:00

In The Dreaming by Terrance Foxxe - Dark fantasy. A mosaic novel. A collection of short stories bridged together by a larger narrative.

Foxxe's unique novel offers a wide variety of stories to suit any tastes. From Native American legend to urban detective. Science fiction, magic and love, alongside vampires, barbarians, presidents, elves, and (walking talking) toys.

www.smashwords.com/books/view/85403

The coupon code is: JP54R (and is not case sensitive).

Promotional price: $0.00

Coupon Code: JP54R

Expires: March 1, 2012

Follower Love Giveaway

2012-02-07T00:10:00.000-05:00

Giveaway: Wild Land by Kathryn Hogan

Wild Land is about a seventeen year old tom boy, Elizabeth Walker, who
chases her dream of being a peacekeeper to the far side of the world. But
when she arrives in the Wild Land, it's eerily familiar. She can
remember growing up here, getting married, being a refugee and then
being killed in a terrible war... one which supposedly ended hundreds
of years before. The more Elizabeth remembers, the more it seems that
the enemy who destroyed her people then is still in the Wild Land.
Elizabeth and her friends are pawns in a struggle that's already
killed her once. Can she stop the slaughter this time?
Wild Land is a paranormal romance aimed at young adults, and older
adults who are young at heart. Or young in books. You know.

Giveaway is open internationally for one print copy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is my interview with Kathryn-thanks so much for participating.

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

A terrible evil hides in the Wild Land. Elizabethcan stop it. But the last time she tried, she didn't make it out alive.

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

I had anextremely vivid dream in which I was one of the main characters. When I wokeup, I jotted down some notes from the dream, which formed a basic outline. Thedetails that weren't in the dream came to me as I went.

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

I'd liketo have dinner with Maria, an ancient shaman who shares my love of gardening.She's really friendly, spiritually mature, and has accomplished my dream ofowning chickens.

I wouldn'tlike to have dinner with any of the crazed, human eating robots.

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

I maketime to read! Right now I'm re-reading the Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix. Ican't believe I actually read that in junior high without peeing myself withfear!

Thereare too many favorites for me to list, but I love the Dark Tower by StephenKing, His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, anything by Dave Barry... Irecently had a viking-romance binge, reading about ten books by Sandra Hill.And I love books about gardening and permaculture design, foremost among thembeing Edible Forest Gardens by Dave Jacke.

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

I'mworking on the second in a series, the first of which will be released latethis spring. A young woman named Ana discovers she's pregnant, but has neverhad sex. With the help of her magically powerful grandma, Ana begins toremember a clandestine relationship with a man who wasn't quite human, but wasa shadow, living in a world parallel to our own. In her efforts to find hermissing baby-daddy, Ana accidentally opens a gateway between the worlds... agateway with its own plans for the realms of light and dark, and the people wholive in them.

Insteadof robots and shamans, this series features an almost-always topless hunkyman-witch, a love-triangle that breaks the boundaries between worlds, and a warthat threatens the balance of life itself.

DUN DUNDUN.

Itpromises to be exciting, sexy, and magically inclined!

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

Either Geography of Hope: A Tour of the World We Need by ChrisTurner, or the Ringing Cedars Series by Vladimir Megre.

My life-goals center around living in my own garden of Eden;designing and creating a beautiful and ecologically self-sustaining forestgarden that feeds me and my family, as well as meshing harmoniously with thenatural forest around us. Also, global warming scares me.

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

All Ineed to write is to force myself to write. I like to write in the morning, witha coffee, by myself where it's quiet, but all I need is to make myself sit downat the keyboard and not stand up until my 2000 words for that day is finished.

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

Thepower to win the lottery.

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

I lovehiking, cross country skiing, exploring, playing with my dog and cat, snugglingwith my lumberjack fiancee, reading, cooking and eating delicious things withfriends, and gardening. I also work part time for a beautiful protected areacalled Kananaskis Country near where I live: I'm an information officer as wellas working with seniors and people with special needs, and getting them outsidein the beautiful mountains!

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

You'rewelcome in my garden any time! Make sure you try the strawberries, they'redelicious!

Lightninground: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Jacob

Hockey or soccer? Soccer because sometimes theywear short shorts

Ebook or paper? Depends on whether the book haspictures

Salty or sweet? BOTH ALL AT ONCE

Beach or mountains? Mountains

Phone call or email? Phone call with goodfriends, email when nervous.

Early bird or night owl? Early bird.

Dog or cat? One snuggling on each side.

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates. For sure.

Thanks Kathryn!

Check out my other giveaways:
Entanglements and Fated Hearts by P.R. Mason ends 2/9

The Lucky Boy by Caroline Gerado ends 2/10

Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt ends 2/10

Deluge by SB Sebrick ends 2/12

Discordia by Morgana Gallaway ends 2/15

Eve Hallows and The Book of Shrieks by Robert Gray ends 2/28

Check out the other giveaways in the hop:

Don't Breathe a Word Trailer Launch and Giveaway

2012-02-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

PRIZES:

Five Grand Prizes:

Signed copies of Don’t Breathe a Word, Tell Me a Secret, the TMAS special edition audiobook, bookmarks, stickers, and other swag*

Ten Runner-Up Prizes:

Don’t Breathe a Word flyers, bookmarks, stickers, and a TMAS button*

*Must include mailing address with entry. (US + up to 20% international winners)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Click here to go to the DBAW trailer link, then click the Share button to send to your Facebook, Twitter, Google+, MySpace, blog, or other social network.5 pts each

2. Buy the book at this link for more chances to win!

3. Click here to tell us where you posted and to enter!

IMMB and Follow Friday

2012-02-05T20:54:00.004-05:00

IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren, sign up and find out more here

I got:

Quad

My review HERE

Source: library

Watson, C.G.

Obsidian (Lux, #1)

currently reading

source: netgalley

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

And here's a pic of part of my birthday loot:

My Follow Friday post:

RULES
To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Question: What characteristics do your favorite books share?

Great characters and awesome writing. And having a moody hot love interest doesn't hurt.

Mini Review: Quad by C.G. Watson

2012-02-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

Quad by C.G. Watson

Everything led up to this moment—the point when the teasing, the cruelty, the pressure all became too much. And someone finally snapped.
Now six students, from six different cliques, are trapped in the student store while a shooter terrorizes their school. The shooter's identity is teased out through the students' flashbacks until the reader breathlessly reaches the final page. It's only there that he discovers the shocking answer to the question: Who is shooting out in the quad?
This gripping thriller by educator C. G. Watson is inspired by observations made in her own high school. Quad examines in heartrending detail how even the most casual cruelties can tear people apart.

Source: library
Published in US: May 07

My "mini"view:
This is a non-stop book, and I read it in almost one sitting. I liked it overall, but the beginning it felt like there were too many characters being thrown at me. I eventually got to know them, but I didn't get to connect to any of them deeply even with the strenuous conditions they were under because there were so many of them.
This book does make me think, and I hope others too. You don't really know what is going on in someone's head, when you might push too far. The walk a mile in their shoes before you judge thing I guess. But it does deal with important issues--shooting, bullying, and the class structure of high school.

Similar reads: 19 Minutes by Picoult, Hate List by Brown

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Eve Hallows and the Book of Shrieks by Robert Gray

2012-02-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

Eve Hallows and the Book of Shrieks by Robert Gray

For fourteen-year-old Eve Hallows, life can be summed up in one word-horrible. She has the most horrible friends. She lives in a horrible old castle. Even her family is a bunch of horrible monsters.
However, in the monster-inhabited world of Gravesville--a world where messages are sent through Ouija boards, jack-o'-lanterns get facials to suit their moods, and the worst thing Eve has to deal with are those annoying zombie tourists who overrun her favorite graveyard during the Halloween season--horrible means wonderful. And everything for Eve is perfectly horrible.
But her life is about to go head over heels when a mysterious group known as The Source starts terrorizing Gravesville. Now she must move to the human world--where everything is opposite ... and for Eve, that's absolutely adorable!

Robert Gray is a writer. If that job description doesn't impress you, how about fantasy writer? Too general? Well, he doesn't get insulted if you call him a horror writer. If horror's not your thing, then scratch out horror and replace it with suspense. And for the kiddies, you can slap on a YA or MG in front of that title.

Gray lives in Bushkill, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

The best way to contact the author is through a combination of smoke signals, interpretive dance, and bird calls. But if that method doesn't work, you can always try these far more boring ways:

Email: EveHallows1031@gmail.com
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Google+

Thank you Robert for the interview and the giveaway!

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

Eve Hallows and the Book of Shrieks is one part Jungle Book, two parts Nightmare Before Christmas, and a dash of Nancy Drew mystery.

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

The idea for the book stemmed from a short story my daughter wrote about a girl who leaves her life in the big city and learns to adapt in a pastoral town. I took her idea and thought, What if this girl was raised in a world full of monsters and had to learn to adapt in the human world?

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

Well, I eat dinner with Eve Hallows every night—I very much based the main character on my daughter—but I’d have to say I’d probably like to eat dinner with Eve’s grandparents the most. They can get a bit wild, though. I wouldn’t enjoy having dinner with any of the zombies in the story. I’m afraid they’d only like me for my mind.

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

It seems there’s never enough time to read, but I try to do it every evening for at least an hour or two. I have too many favorite books to list, but my all-time favorite book is Stephen King’s IT.

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

I just finished drafting Eve’s second story, and it will be available this summer. After that, there are two more books in the series, and then I plan to finish a YA ghost story I’d started some years ago.

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

Alice in Wonderland. Definitely. It is one of the most magical worlds in all of literature. Problem is I’d make a really ugly Alice. Maybe Robert in Wonderland?

--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 prefer not to listen to music while I’m writing, but coffee is a necessity.

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

I don’t want a superpower. It’s just too much pressure. I’d have to save the world all the time, worry about which supervillain wanted to kill me, change my whole wardrobe to tights and capes. And I’m horrible at keeping secrets, so my identity would be all over Twitter and Facebook in minutes.

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

Reading, of course. I also play a little guitar and enjoy photography. For the most part, though, I spend my free time with my wife and two children.

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

Yes. I’d like to thank you all for spending a little time with me today. Hope you had as much fun as I did.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Paper

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Night owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

Giveaway info:
-One signed paperback (US only)
-Ends 2/28

a Rafflecopter giveaway

IMMB 55

2012-01-29T19:03:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2)

my review here

source: simon & schuster

DeStefano, Lauren *

Silver Dew (The Lost Magic #2)

my review here

source: ireadiwrite

Davis, Suzi *

Pure (Covenant, #2)

source: Spencer Hill

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Angelina's Secret

source: Spencer Hill

Rogers, Lisa *

Treasures of the Transformed Life: Satisfying Your Soul's Thirst for More

source: bible study leader

Mathison, John Ed

Obsidian (Lux, #1)

currently reading

source: netgalley

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Don't Breathe a Word

source: won from Ms. Cupala and Teen Book Scene

Cupala, Holly

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

2012-01-26T19:41:00.001-05:00

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

I am giving away Darkness Surrounding by Kat Mellon

Convoluted pasts. Moral conflicts. Zanni Anderson, a strong-willed blonde with wit to boot, discovers she's tangled in something more inexplicable and daunting than she could ever imagine. And she — along with a motley crew of teenage boys — are the only ones who can stop what their ancestors began.

Here's my interview with Kat:

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

Zanni, a strong-willed blonde with wit to boot, discovers she — along with a motley crew of teenage boys — are the only ones who can stop the subtle chaos their ancestors began.

And yeah, that was totally five characters over the limit. I feel like a total badass now.

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

Most of the characters and events in The Atavists Trilogy came into being while playing basketball in the ol' Glory days of Middle School and early High School. It was a coping mechanism. I was a meek little dork, and writing was my escape from the oh-so-mean girls who made my life difficult on the court. I also conceptualized a lot of the scenes from Darkness Surrounding while working out at the gym with Avenged Sevenfold's Waking the Fallen album blasting in my ears, particularly the epic scene that goes down in chapter eight.

And no, this is not a novel about basketball, so don't click out of this window just yet!

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

Having dinner with Garr would be awkward, and you'll see why pretty quickly. However, I would love to have dinner with Benny and Todd. I would probably snort soda out my nose from their antics, but it would be so worth it. You'll learn more about them in Streets, which is the second book of The Atavists Trilogy.

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

Let's just say I have a good relationship with Sparknotes these days.

Given I'm taking a full load of classes while writing novels and playing the oboe, reading outside of my English classes doesn't really happen. It's sad. I'm going to start plugging my Kindle into the audio jack of my car and using the text-to-speech feature. (Or I could, you know, spring for an audiobook or two and ditch the I-am-an-awkward-robot voice.)

Some books that stuck with me over the years and influenced me one way or another are as follows (in no particular order):

Anthem by Ayn Rand
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Stormbreaker and Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz
Lucy's Completely Cool & Totally True E-Journal by Jane Harrington
Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Valiant by Holly Black
The Flowers in the Attic Saga by V.C. Andrews
The Haunting of Freddy (The Golden Hamster Saga)

Odd assortment, I'll give you that.

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

I have quite a few projects coming up. Streets, the second book of The Atavists Trilogy, is due for a mid-March 2012 release. Creation, a novella along the lines of Ayn Rand's Anthem and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, should be out and about in July or August. For a full list of releases, hit up my website (www.katmellon.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?

First of all, my head would explode. Then I would sit and ponder. After pondering, I would lament over Pokémon not being an option. Finally, I would settle for the Spot books, 'cause that dog sure knew how to have a good time.

--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?

Caffeine helps. Like, really helps. Other than that, a good, heavy dose of the Waking the Fallen album by Avenged Sevenfold gets me going. In fact, that CD inspired this novel from the ground up (with the help of Epica by Kamelot). I'm a very music-driven person.

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

To be Limitless, sans addictive pill. You know, the movie with Bradley OMGBLUEEYES Cooper? I'd be spitting out novels left and right. (That should totally count as a superpower.)

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

I enjoy running more websites than I can keep tabs open for and reading fashion blogs. I also like to pretend I'm a good singer. I am also known to practice my metal vocals while driving to and from campus.

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

Prepare for an odd journey with lots of weird dudes!

Also, fun facts:

New Mexico is a state in The United States of America. We are not a part of Mexico. No, I do not speak Spanish. No, it does not cost more to ship here. We are as much a state as Texas or New York. Did I just blow your mind? Good.
Zanni = Annie with a "Z"
Garr = Rhymes with "Car"
Atavism = The return of a trait or recurrence of previous behavior after a period of absence.

Facebook: The Atavists Trilogy and my Author Page

Twitter: @ataviststrilogy

Goodreads: Print and Kindle

Amazon: Print and Kindle

Websites: The Atavists Trilogy and my personal website

Smashwords: Even if you don't win, use the code " BF27Y" to purchase my novel for just $.99 from Smashwords! This coupon code is good from now until one week after the end of this giveaway.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla.

Edward or Jacob? Jacob.

Hockey or soccer? Hockey.

Ebook or paper? Paper. (But honestly, both have their perks!)

Salty or sweet? Sweet.

Beach or mountains? BEACH. I am so dang sick of the mountains. My back yard is a mountain. I am WATER freaking DEPRIVED.

Phone call or email? Email. I'm anti-social like that.

Early bird or night owl? Night owl. Go to bed at 8 AM, get up at 5 PM. Life is good, brah.

Dog or cat? Cat.

Messy or neat? I prefer neat, but you know how that goes...

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates!

And now the giveaway:

3 ebooks, open internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feel free to check out my other giveaways (check out top right sidebar)

Growing up Wired by David Wallace Fleming ends 1/31

Silver Dew by Suzi Davis ends 2/4

Travel to Tomorrow by Angela Sage Larsen ends 2/6

Entanglements and Fated Hearts by P.R. Mason ends 2/9

The Lucky Boy by Caroline Gerado ends 2/10

Deluge by SB Sebrick ends 2/12

Discordia by Morgana Gallaway ends 2/15

Here are the other participating blogs:

Follow Friday

2012-01-25T01:29:00.000-05:00

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}(Required) Follow our Featured BloggersPut your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followedFollow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followersIf you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Follow by GFC please, and feel free to check out twitter, facebook, or others. Let me know if you follow here or one of my other sites, and I will follow you back.

The Question: What genre do you avoid?
-Usually I avoid historical fiction.
What about you?

Review: Fever by Lauren DeStefano

2012-01-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.
Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.
The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.
In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

Publishes in US: Feb 21 2012
2nd in Chemical Garden series, Wither (my review here) is 1st, the 3rd out in 2013

My Review:

I was quickly reminded how much I love the characters, Destefano's writing style, and the chilling world that she has created. I've been eagerly awaiting this book, and it didn't disappoint, and I am just as on the edge of my seat for the 3rd one as I was for this one.
If anyone thought that Rhine's freedom would be easy, they will be deeply disappointed. But I loved following their journey, even during the hard parts, because I love Rhine's undying spirit, her loyalty to finding her brother, and how much she is a fighter.
It was emotional as she realized how much she really missed her sister wives, and even how Linden stayed in her heart. Her feelings for Gabriel are still there, but they still really don't get a chance to bloom because of all of their difficulties. I think, like Rhine, I really appreciate the freedom of choice here--I don't think they are in love, but I'm glad they're able to support each other, see if love blooms. I think that her feelings for Linden grew more than she wanted to admit, and I kinda wish that her and Linden had a chance to figure it out without the weird love triangle (was square I guess with Jenna, and I don't even know what you call it if you figure in Rose...) but I also don't want Cecily to be abandoned. So, if I as the reader can't figure it out and see the obvious answer, then I can only imagine the turmoil in Rhine, and that it really must be easier to try to forget/ignore the feelings for Linden. And that is not even factoring in Silas--but I can't really get too much a read on their dynamic. I def liked his character, and hope to see him again.
Destefano really knows how to torture her characters, and its hard to read, but it is awesome how they grow and change. As well as what their suffering and trials make me feel. I have no idea what is next for them, but I am dying to find out.
What did you think of the book/series, and what do you think about the love [insert shape here]?

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Discordia by Morgana Gallaway

2012-01-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

Discordia by Morgana Gallaway

In near future Las Vegas, Beatrice D’Angelo, a descendant of famed poet Dante Alighieri, receives a mysterious voice recording on her thirteenth birthday. What she hears is a story with incredible implications . . .
Several thousand years ago, a routine temptation goes awry and Mona—a young Hopi woman—saves the life of a snake who happens to be the adored pet of the demon Astaroth. Their encounter sparks a crisis for Astaroth, who breaks a cardinal rule of Hell and must prove to his fellow demons that he still has what it takes to be part of Hell’s inner circle.
Astaroth is tasked with tempting Mona’s soul into damnation across three of her lifetimes on the Purgatory (Earth), but in order to save his job and her soul, the two embark on a tour of Hell that will change them both forever.
In this bold re-imagining of Dante’s Divine Comedy, where our own Earth is the Purgatory and the Seven Deadly Sins are the temptations of a lifetime, a most unlikely friendship will shake the foundations of good and evil.

About Morgana, from her site

Morgana Bridget Gallaway was born on a full moon in March, 1983. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, and learned to love books, bake cookies, and shoot guns. Woefully unpopular in high school, she overcame her dislike of social events to study at (and graduate from) the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where attendance at charity balls was just as important as lectures and exams.
Armed with a double degree in geography and international relations, she set forth to find a traditional job, only to discover that no one was interested in her knowledge of world capitals or her skill at navigating cocktail parties. It was then that she decided, on a suggestion from her mother, that she would write novels.
Inspired by her previous travels through the Middle East and Africa (and motivated by the idea of living on a few dollars a day) she moved to India and wrote her first novel, The Nightingale. Braving monsoons, over-friendly shopkeepers, intestinal disease, snow leopards, and immigration police, she persevered and emerged twenty pounds lighter, with a manuscript in hand.
Ever since, she has had the good fortune of being published and living in England, Texas, and Arizona. She is already hard at work on her next project.

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

It’s a re-mix of Dante’s Inferno when dissatisfied demon Astaroth falls in (sort of) love with Mona, the human soul he’s supposed to tempt.

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

I had a really vivid dream about this gold-skinned demon stalking a human girl through Hyde Park, London, during the Victorian era. (My dreams always include fashion.) The demon was depressed that they couldn’t be together and he couldn’t offer her anything. The entire Inferno Trilogy began as an effort to tell the backstory of that poignant scene, but now it’s turned into a real epic.

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

I would love to have dinner with Astaroth. If you can get past the irredeemable evil part, he’s very entertaining.

I would least like to have dinner with the demon Gressil, because his body odor would really kill my appetite.

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

I try not to read anything while I’m writing—I’m too afraid another writer’s amazing story will taint my style! But when I’m in editing mode, I catch up on my giant stack of to-read books. I’m a huge fan of J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and Jane Austen. One of my favorite things to do is get immersed in classic sci-fi series written long ago, like Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books or the Dune books by Frank Herbert.

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

Currently I’m working on Mortal Coil, the second book of the Inferno Trilogy. I’m aiming to have it finished by early summer 2012. Here’s a little teaser:

“By near-unanimous consent amongst demons, the most problematic gate of Hell was the one in London. It was uncomfortably close to several churches, and too many of the nearby streets were named after holy things, like Worship Street, Gracechurch Street, and a particularly offensive Bartholomew Lane.

Then again, there was Houndsditch, Crutched Friars, and my personal favorite, Wormwood Street.

One might even say that the geography of London was a battle between good and evil.”

--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 tough, because if I were immersed in the world of, say, Harry Potter (with magical abilities, of course!) it would be awful to have to leave it again after just 24 hours. I guess I would pick up a Time Turner and extend that day as long as possible.

--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?

Absolutely. I make up playlists for every book I write, based on the feel and emotion of the story. For Discordia, the list includes a lot of dark stuff like Massive Attack, IAmX, Apocalyptica, Dead Can Dance … and even some Sting!

I also need good supplies of tea (and occasionally an energy drink).

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

I’d like to be able to shape-shift. It would be cool to experience life in a different form.

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

I’m a bit of a computer game nerd (Civilization! Warcraft!) and I also love to cook. Whenever I feel tense or anxious, I go into the kitchen and make up some new recipe. It usually turns out pretty well, especially if I’m baking cookies.

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

I’d like to thank my readers for reading! As an author, my favorite moments are hearing how one of my stories affected someone else—their worldview, their knowledge, or even brightening up an otherwise dull day.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Paper

Salty or sweet? Salty

Beach or mountains? Mountains

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Night owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Neat

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

And now for the Giveaway:

-One print copy, US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway and Guest Post: This or That with Sheila Welch author of Waiting to Forget

2012-01-16T08:21:00.013-05:00

Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch

First let me explain that I must be a This AND That kind of person!

Vanilla or chocolate? I love vanilla milkshakes but also adore chocolate candy.

Edward or Jacob? Okay, neither, but my daughter says to pick Edward. She even has a cardboard Edward in the school library where she’s the director. I thought it was a real boy standing very still while I was doing a Skype visit. Okay, he was way far away, and I did realize after a few minutes that he couldn’t be real. But then neither is Edward.

Hockey or soccer? Soccer! My kids played soccer, and our oldest son is a great volunteer soccer coach.

Ebook or paper? Reading in bed, I prefer an e-book. Reading in a chair, I like a regular book.

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Mountains although I hate heights but love looking at the views from a safe point.

Phone call or email? Phone call from family and email from friends and email from anyone if it’s about the business end of writing, such as school visits, Skyping, etc.

Early bird or night owl? I like being up early but am a night owl.

Dog or cat? Both! We have three dogs and four cats.

Messy or neat? I like things neat but I am messy.

Ninjas or pirates? Aren’t ninjas covert warriors? Although I guess I’d like some of their super powers. But pirates are thieves, right? So, I guess I’ll go with ninjas.

And now for the giveaway- one print copy, open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

2012-01-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

REVEALING EDEN tells the story of Eden Newman, who lives in a future, post-apocalyptic world where resistance to a deadly, overheated environment defines class and beauty. A month away from her 18th birthday, Eden must mate—or die! If only someone wanted a lowly, white-skinned Pearl, worthless in a world ruled by dark Coals. When Eden unwittingly compromises her father’s secret biological experiment, she is cast out—into the last patch of rainforest and the arms of a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction to him.

Check out the promotional site for the book
About Victoria from her site
Raised in Coral Gables, Florida, Victoria attended the University of Miami and received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and French with a double minor in German and business. Later, she studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Los Angeles, private acting classes with Geraldine Baron and many UCLA Extension film courses. She cites her primary literary influence as Ernest Hemingway, and counts Don Quixote and Gone with the Wind as two of her favorite books. Victoria currently lives in Santa Monica, California with her two children and a lot of books.

Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

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

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

Revealing Eden was born from my deep fears about global warming, increasing racial strife, and a personal search for true love. Basically, I channeled it.

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

I’d like to dine with Bramford, Eden’s Jaguar Man and find out what it really feels like to be such a beast. Maybe he could teach me how to growl with conviction.

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

I read about 30 books a year, each one an intriguing mini writing class. Some favorites: Pride and Prejudice, A Confederacy of Dunces, The Poisonwood Bible.

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

Work is play—the “game” in progress: Save The Pearls Part 2. The past catches up with Eden, testing her courage and emotional ties to her mate. Will she be a hero or loser?

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

Yikes! Most interesting protagonists suffer terribly. The sex scenes in the beloved romance novel, Flowers From The Storm, are hot—I’d be “Maddie” for a day!

--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’m listening to the characters speak, watching what they do, and feeling their emotions. So I need quiet (and dark chocolate) to keep up with them!

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

Always holding a compassionate view of others.

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

Play tennis! I love when the ball hits the sweet spot, the precision of a great serve, entering the zone of a rally. It gets me out of my head, which is mostly where I live.

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

I love to hear from you! Please visit me at VictoriaFoyt.com. And thanks for all the cool videos you’ve uploaded at SaveThePearls.com. You make it all worthwhile.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Theo’s 91% dark chocolate.

Edward or Jacob? Jacob with less makeup.

Hockey or soccer? Tennis or swimming.

Ebook or paper? I need paper to read at odd angles.

Salty or sweet? Both, sea salt on chocolate?

Beach or mountains? I have seawater in my veins.

Phone call or email? Emails, tons.

Early bird or night owl? Crack of dawn.

Dog or cat? In love with finches.

Messy or neat? Neat piles of little messes.

Ninjas or pirates? Martial arts, please.

And now for the giveaway:

For one ebook, open internationally

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Giveaway: Fated Hearts and Entanglements by PR Mason

2012-01-12T17:42:00.001-05:00

Fated Hearts by P.R. Mason

EVE has always played by the rules, afraid to take chances. HOLDEN wants to change that. She's certain they've never met before...or have they? Holden seems so familiar, but who is he? What is he? Yesterday her biggest challenge was trying not to bomb on her SATs. Today, paranormal forces have transformed an ordinary high school dance into a test of fate vs. free will and loving Holden could be Eve's end.

Entanglements

For teen, Kizzy Taylor, the fun of spelunking with her friends through an under-city tunnel turns bizarre when she accidentally opens a vortex and her stepsister is sucked through to an evil alternate dimension. Worse, her stepsister is replaced with a rampaging monster. Worse yet, Kizzy's new boyfriend is a soldier sent to prevent her from reopening the vortex even if he has to kill her to do it.

Check out my interview with Patricia here

Fated Hearts is ebook only open internationally and Entanglements is print copy, US only.

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Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Travel to Tomorrow by Angela Sage Larsen

2012-01-10T20:21:00.000-05:00

Travel to Tomorrow by Angela Sage Larsen

The book chronicles the adventures of five high school girls in 1955 who wake up one morning, finding themselves 55 years into the future. The characters, who all have very different personalities, must work together to get back to 1955. After they get a glimpse into the future, they wonder if they want to return to the days where girls wore poodle skirts.

1. The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less. In Travel to Tomorrow, 5 mismatched teens from 1955 time travel to present day after a school assignment to predict life in the future.

2. How did you get the idea for the story? I love the nostalgia of the 1950s and was sketching different teeny bopper girl characters when I began wondering if life was truly a “simpler” time in the 50s, which we hear so often, or if life is better now (with technology, civil rights, etc). I set out to answer the question by writing the Fifties Chix book series featuring the characters I’d doodled (now the artwork is done by another artist, Astrid Sheckels, who captured the characters perfectly!). There are diary entries in the book from each of the five girls; I love that kind of stuff because you get a peak at not only the secret lives of the girls, but at the time period (the 50s) through their eyes.

3. Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with? This is a tough one, because *of course* I think all of the characters in the Fifties Chix books are fascinating (I spend time with them every day, after all). I think at the moment, it’s a tie: I’d most like to have dinner with Maxine Marshall, the super-smart and introspective Fifties Chix character or Miss Boggs, the quirky and lovable teacher who gave the assignment that made them time travel. We’d have a lot to talk about and I have many questions for them! I’d least like to have dinner with popular girl Diane Dunkelman; she makes me so mad. She’s just mean and she does not bring out my best qualities!

4. What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read? My all-time favorite book for fiction/pleasure reading is To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee writes about such heavy and significant things from the light and innocent perspective of a child. It amazes me every time I read it. I make time to read because it’s part of my job, but because I love reading so much, I usually feel guilty when I sit down with a book. I have to remind myself that it’s work! Fortunately, I’m in a book club, so that gives me not only a deadline but a “reason” to read.

5. Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? Oh, yes, so many works in progress! Whether it’s a good thing or not, I’m not one of those authors who works on one book at a time. The second Fifties Chix book, Keeping Secrets, is coming out the first quarter of 2012, and the third Fifties Chix book, Third Time’s a Charm, which I’m just finishing up, is coming out a few months after that. They are really exciting (including time travel to other eras and along with that, the introduction of new characters) and I can’t wait to see what the readers who love the first book will think. I’m also working on at least two more titles in the Fifties Chix series. I’ve got two independent titles for YA books, a screen play and two other series for adults that I am plugging away on, too.

6. If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? I’d either choose Island of the Blue Dolphins (because running around an island with a dog sounds perfect right about now) or Under the Tuscan Sun (because hanging out in an old house in Italy and cooking stuff from my garden sounds divine). You can tell I want a vacation!

7. 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 can’t listen to music at all when I’m actually writing, which is strange because I used to only be able to do homework with music playing. Now, though, it’s too distracting; I start focusing on the lyrics. I have been inspired by my father-in-law’s 1950s quartet, The Stylemasters, though, for ideas to write in the Fifties Chix. To write, I must have something to chew on (so I won’t chew my fingernails)--I either chomp gum (bubble-mint) or munch sunflower seeds still in the shell while I’m tapping away on my laptop.

8. If you could have any superpower what would you choose? Time travel, of course!

9. Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? I love making crafty stuff; painting used to be my profession, so I always enjoy that. I also am enthralled with miniatures--I have 2 dollhouses and various dioramas that I love making things for. I guess I can’t get away from wanting to create other worlds and dimensions! Weather permitting, I also love to garden. Otherwise, I am happy to hang out with my husband and dog and watch movies at home.

10. Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers? I hope my books encourage girls to be strong and value themselves for the stuff that really counts. Most of all, I hope when a reader buries her nose in a book I’ve written, she has the same feeling I do when I open a good book: that wonderful things are possible.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? CHOCOLATE

Edward or Jacob? Peeta!

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Paper

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? Yes :-)

Early bird or night owl? Night owl

Dog or cat? Tough one, but dog if I *must* choose

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates (see “Beach” above)

Giveaway:
One print copy, US only

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Review: Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch

2012-01-10T08:49:00.013-05:00

Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch

T.J. has always looked out for his little sister, Angela. When Momma used to go out and leave them home alone, he'd lock the door so they'd be safe, keep Angela entertained, and get out the cereal and milk for her. When Momma's boyfriend got angry at them, he'd try to protect Angela. Later, at their foster homes, T.J. was the only one who knew how to coax his little sister out of her bad moods. The only one who understood why she made origami paper cranes and threw them out the window. But now T.J. is sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, wondering if Angela, unconscious after a fall, will ever wake up. Wondering, too, if he will ever feel at home with his and Angela's new parents—Marlene, who insists on calling him Timothy, and Dan, who seems to want a different son.Going back and forth between Now and Then, weaving the uncertain present with the painful past, T.J.'s story unfolds, and with the unfolding comes a new understanding of how to move forward.

Published in US: Oct 1 2011
Source: Book tour from Teen Book Scene

My Review:

Ms. Welch spins an intriguing story in Waiting to Forget. It is like a train wreck reading about these children and all they went through, but I know that I for one could not look away. TJ and Angela evoke sympathy, and I couldn't help but be invested in their stories.
Sometimes the jumps in narrative from one time in the story to another can be jarring and confusing, but it was done very well in Waiting to Forget. The use of TJ's life book-pictures and drawings to help him remember his life before adoption assist in bringing back memories, and then it ties well back into the plot when he comes to the present.
TJ and Angela are so strong and resilient, it makes me love them even more. I can see how they grow, how they were hurt, and ultimately how they heal and accept a new and better life, and it blossoms out in the story.
Ms. Welch seems to make everything very realistic, from their emotions to the details of how the world around them might see them--from teachers, social workers, momma, the boyfriends, and the world outside. But I didn't feel like I was in the outside world, I felt like I was given a front seat to their life.
If you like realistic, contemporary, or tough issues (or even if you don't but the description intrigues you) I recommend you pick up Waiting to Forget and give it a try.
I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.

Book Giveaway: Deluge by SB Sebrick

2012-01-09T19:23:00.001-05:00

2nd in the Assassin's Rising series (1st is Decoy)

The city of Shaylis still lives, the traitor Melshek is slain, but the Destroyer walks freely upon the earth.
Kaltor’s newly awoken link to his brother causes more problems than it solves, bringing five years of dampened doubt and fear crashing down on his mind. Suspicion between his parents tests the bonds of his family’s loyalty. Mysterious deaths and demonic dreams haunt their path as they attempt to cut off the Destroyer before she reaches civilization.
Their efforts against the Destroyer collide upon the walls of the capital city, Levarion. Here the fate of king and realm will be decided in a relentless battle of both mind and steel as the Abyssian’s full power and her new champion are finally revealed.

Check out my interview here
Giveaway is for 5 copies of Deluge and is open internationally. If under 18, please have parental consent.

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Giveaway: Silver Dew by Suzi Davis

2012-01-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

Silver Dew by Suzi Davis sequel to Amber Frost

Just weeks before graduating from high school, Grace is running for her life with her magical and mysterious boyfriend, Sebastian, by her side. An ancient magic has been awakened inside of Grace that is powerful, frightening and barely within her control. The Others, who possess their own dangerous magic, are hunting them, and their only hope is for Grace to learn how to harness her incredible powers to stop them. The answers they seek are hidden within a life lived thousands of years ago, shrouded in mystery, magic and deceit. When their past catches up to them, Grace and Sebastian are faced with a truth that shakes the foundation of their relationship, their lives and everything they thought they knew. It is up to Grace to learn to control the Lost Magic, to right the wrongs that have been done, and to discover once and for all, who she really is.

Make sure to check out my review of Amber Frost and Silver Dew

Giveaway is for one signed ebook (mobi format).

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Review: Silver Dew by Suzi Davis

2012-01-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

Silver Dew by Suzi Davis

Just weeks before graduating from high school, Grace is running for her life with her magical and mysterious boyfriend, Sebastian, by her side. An ancient magic has been awakened inside of Grace that is powerful, frightening and barely within her control. The Others, who possess their own dangerous magic, are hunting them, and their only hope is for Grace to learn how to harness her incredible powers to stop them. The answers they seek are hidden within a life lived thousands of years ago, shrouded in mystery, magic and deceit. When their past catches up to them, Grace and Sebastian are faced with a truth that shakes the foundation of their relationship, their lives and everything they thought they knew. It is up to Grace to learn to control the Lost Magic, to right the wrongs that have been done, and to discover once and for all, who she really is.

Publishes in US: Dec 1 2011
Source: publisher
2nd in Lost Magic Series- see my review of Amber Frost

My Review:

Ms. Davis starts off Silver Dew with a bang. I'd forgotten a few details from Amber Frost, but I was quickly caught up in Grace's story and everything came back. Their fear of the Others is palpable, and it shows that Ms. Davis' writing has only improved. The pacing is awesome and the descriptions are beautiful, it makes me want to see what they're seeing, and I can almost feel what they are experiencing, pleasant or no. But there are some steamy scenes, so that makes up for the fear and turmoil in a flash.

I loved the memory scenes with Caoilinn, giving detail into things that have only been hinted at. It was a great experience to see Grace learn about her, connect with her in a way-dislike her in others and how the memories change things.

There were many twists that I didn't know what to make of--Mags anyone? And the implications of her presence and the things that she says happened! But it plays into the story, and I was on the emotional rollercoaster with Grace trying to sort through it all.

The ending was surprising, but I really enjoyed it. It shows the strength of Grace, how much she's willing to sacrifice, and the strength of the love between Grace and Sebastian.

If you haven't read Amber Frost, I recommend you do that as soon as possible and then pick this one up.

Winners of Darkride, Surfacing and Rift of Askrah

2012-01-08T07:53:00.000-05:00

Congrats to
Renee G winner of Rift of Askrah
Charissa J winner of Darkride
and
Courtney W winner of Surfacing
I've emailed the winners and if I don't hear back from them, I will pick new winners after the 10th

if you didn't win, make sure to check out my other contests:

-Moon-Linked and Moon-Ache by Erin Irvin ends 1/11/12

-Notes to Self by Laura Schaefer ends 11/16/12

-Spirits of Glory by Emily Devenport ends 1/18

-All's Fair in Vanities War by Elizabeth Marx ends 1/25

-Growing up Wired by David Wallace Fleming ends 2/1

-Silver Dew by Suzi Davis ends 2/5

-The Lucky Boy by Caroline Gerado ends 2/11

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: The Lucky Boy by Caroline Gerardo

2012-01-07T18:57:00.000-05:00

The Lucky Boy by Caroline Gerardo

Seth is a young boy who does not fit in anywhere. He is severely punished for the smallest of errors by his father a neurosurgeon. Seth’s mother is a socialite who drowns her problems in pills and alcohol. The father decides he cannot deal with Seth anymore and sends him to live with his paternal Grandmother. Seth’s Grandmother is more patient than his parents were. Seth becomes friends with a family down the street and falls in love with their daughter Amy. When grandmother dies of a stroke, he returned to his emotionally distant family.
In high school, Seth discovers he has talents in swimming and selling drugs to his friends. Seth decides he needs $10000.00 to find Amy who has moved to California. He makes friends with Jon who makes money organizing street fights between homeless men and taking bets. The two become friends and through their illegal activities, Seth saves up the money to leave on his journey to find Amy.
“The disturbing results of his quest will haunt the reader.”

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

A disturbed young man obsesses over a girl and raises ten thousand dollars through illegal activities to find her.

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

A youth in my childhood stalked my sister Nori from Philadelphia to California. The story is not about that boy. It is about the idea of disillusioned youth, finding connection as a human as an immense struggle. I started writing a novel about being an outsider.

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

Most: Grandmother Mac, Seth’s Grandmother, would be a joy to sit with because all my Grandparents passed away when I was young. Her spiritual bond to everyday reality is something a part of me that I do not speak of often.

Least: The selfish Mother I might have to slap her.

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

I read all the time. A writer is obliged to know what came before and who is working in our time. I do not read as many e-books because of eye strain. I purchase fifteen to twenty books a month, and visit the UCI University library for another 30. I read classics, poetry, thrillers, non-fiction science, math, medicine. Authors I like now: TC Boyle, Nicholson Baker, Dave Smith, Mei Mei Bersenbrugge, Haruki Miramaki, and I’m reading some early work of

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

I have a poetry interactive “book” in process titled A Year Without Sleep I cannot disclose everything as patents are pending. Release date 9/12/2012 I completed a first draft of a novel I am working title calling Eco Terrorist about a woman retired from Mi5 who lives on a remote ranch in Wyoming. Another first draft in a drawer that needs some time to settle is titled Pump about a penny stock boiler room.

--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 Bible I think that gives me a great landscape of a million million stories.
--

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 sit in same chair, wear same baseball hat, Peets coffee Major Dickason’s black, I get up every morning at 5:30 and write 7 days a week I don’t believe in writer’s block. I work hard, play hard and have a grand time.

Music tastes are varied. Bon Iver, The Cure, Sublime, Jazz

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

To fly standing upright as I do when I dream.

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

Run, long hikes, surf, garden organic vegetables and flowers, orchids, have rose cultivar patents, watch my children’s sports, fundraise, read, write, take photographs, paint, journal, gourmet cook, make a bonfire on the beach,

pets: dogs, turtles, pigmy goats, horses chickens and cattle

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

I appreciate that they are sharing my time and my life.

I hope to grow to become better and be great someday.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

Edward or Jacob? Jacob

Hockey or soccer? Hockey, note my ex-married name Barbeau hint

Ebook or paper? Paper hardback

Salty or sweet? Salty don’t like sweet

Beach or mountains? Both I live a life half and half I am blessed

Phone call or email? Face to face

Early bird or night owl? Early always

Dog or cat? Dogs but have many pets

Messy or neat? Neat white carpet

Ninjas or pirates? ninjas

And now for the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview with SB Sebrick

2012-01-07T18:45:00.004-05:00

Decoy by SB Sebrick

The last few grueling years of training have served Kaltor well. He’s learned to harness the magic within his body, overcome a stronger opponent, avoid capture, and everything else an assassin-in-training needs to survive.
Or so he thought.
But when those they protect at an excavation site release a demon from the Abyss itself, Kaltor realizes just how poorly prepared they all are for what’s coming. Within a single night, their mining camp of one thousand people plummets to a couple hundred terrified survivors, the majority turned against each other by the demon’s potent abilities. Then she turns towards Shaylis, the largest city in the region, for the next stage of her plan.
In a constant battle of both steel and strategy Kaltor and his friends struggle to delay, deceive and defeat their opponent, who’s spent the last thousand years planning out every detail of her assault to perfection. As the number of casualties mounts and her final plan comes to light, Kaltor is left with only one option. He must draw on the secret power within himself, knowing if his true identity is discovered, his life and the fate of the world, will be changed forever.

Interview:

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

Kaltor Stratagar and his allies battle against a Demon from the Abyss itself for the future of Shaylis.

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

I’ve been wanting to write an assassin-in-training novel for a while now, and pitting him against a Demon turned out to work perfectly with what I wanted for the rest of the series.

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

I'd love to sit down with Kaltor and hear some of his stories from training. Granted he'd eat me out of house and home but the extra intel would be well worth it. His dad Gereth wouldn't be as much fun though, he sometimes comes across as a know-it-all type.

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

Lately I've been trying to read as well as write, to keep the creative juices flowing. I finished Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Trilogy a few months ago and now I'm working on the Wheel of Time Series he's wrapping up. Towers of Midnight's so good I've been having a hard time getting a full night's sleep!

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
Later this month I'm planning to publish the second book in Kaltor's story, Deluge. Stay tuned for it!

--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'm sure there's a spell somewhere for photographic memory. Straight A's at college here I come!

--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 have a MUCH easier time writing when I have some music in the back ground. My tastes vary ALOTdepending on my mood. But some groups I listen to often are Unsun, E Nomine, Linkin Park, Celtic Rock etc. Lose Yourself by Eminem is one song that kind of inspires me to push harder, along with the Halo 3 Theme Song for reasons I don't totally understand.

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

Wolverine, definitely. No aging, insta-heals and adamantium claws? You'd save ALOT of money on home security systems :)

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
My family is big on card games each weekend. My cousins and I sometimes play laser tag, paintball or video games for guys' night out. Some online games help me keep track of my friends on the other side of the country. Don't forget swing and latin dancing, those are fun.

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

You guys rock :)

Lightning round: this or that? Some of these longer responses might be funny, but if not just go with the one word answers.

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate, european please. Belguim's been holding out on us!

Edward or Jacob? Jacob, according to my sisters. Warm and buff vs skinny and cold, not even a contest they say.

Hockey or soccer? Soccer, two years living in Argentina. Gotta stick by my latin friends!

Ebook or paper? Paper if I REALLY like the book.

Salty or sweet? Salty. Mmmm.

Beach or mountains? Well, up here in the Pacific Northwest the beach is COOOOLD, so definatelymountains.

Phone call or email? Email.

Early bird or night owl? Aspiring early bird, perpetual night owl.

Dog or cat? Dog, but he stays outside.

Messy or neat? Messy (to my undying shame...)

Ninjas or pirates? Ninjas. You'll understand once you've read Decoy ;)

Check out the author site here for writing samples: http://sbsebrick.wordpress.com/category/about-me/

Author Interview With CD Echterling

2012-01-07T18:32:00.001-05:00

Torqed by CD Echterling

On his fifteenth birthday, Torq Vandermellonhearst, the orphan son of a human father and alien mother, a boy with an intelligent worm living in his brain, learns that it was his parents final wish that he return to Earth, a place he believes is populated with dragons and princesses and hideous monsters like the fairy tales his father told him as a child. The Quest for Earth is a young adult/adult science fiction, dark fantasy, comedy of manners, fairy tale mash up narrated by an intelligent worm living in the young hero's brain.

How can Torq get to Earth? The G'Tari people have no right to travel because of the worms, called agzneh, living in their heads.. He has to be smuggled of the planet. Torq's “retired” pirate uncles, Dag and Walt, assisted by the former temple priest Nole au Zhou, the brain-enhanced lizard Rafin and android Lonnie use their talent for swindling to help Torq get to Earth. But what did Torq's parents plan for him to do once he got there and can he fulfill his own dreams of fighting dragon and trolls, rescuing a princess and finding true love?

Thank you Cynthia!

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

Torq the orphan son of a human and alien, must go to Earth to fulfill their final wish. He believes Earth is like his father's fairy tales.

How did you get the idea for the story?

I have some pretty strange dreams and the characters keep me awake at night talking.

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

People in this book have dinner quite often (and eat the leftovers for breakfast) Nole au Zhou, a eunuch and former temple priest, turned pirate trader, is a real foodie. Deprived as a child in the temple, he tries to make up for it with his gourmet tastes, excellent manners and stimulating conversation. And he always leaves pie for the server.

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

I've been trying to finish Making Money for months now. My favorite authors are Terry Pratchett, Mark Twain, Douglas Adams and Kurt Vonnegut.

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

Now that I've finished Torqed, I'll be working on another humorous science fiction novel I'm calling Courting Corporal Coogan. It's a twisted romance involving Neanderthals, Mesolithic Europeans, Native Americans, a Civil War doctor, pirates, a WWII bomber crew, and a platoon of 21st century peacekeeper on their way to Mars all stranded on the same planet.

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

I'd like to visit Discworld, but I don't think I'd want to live there.

--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'm a tea drinker. I can't listen to music with lyrics while I'm writing. Too distracting. But some of my works have had "theme songs" that I listen to to get into character.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Sometimes, I think I'd like to know the future, but then again, maybe not.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I also illustrate my own books and do animation, voiceover and sound effects. but when I'm not sitting in front of the computer , I like to garden.

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

You can learn about all my books and how to get them at my website. I also have profiles of some of my crazy characters, sample illustrations and some videos I've made .http://www.welikehumans.com.

I am also sponsoring Torq's Trivia Contests where you can win free copies of the e-book. I plan to run them monthly. http://welikehumans.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/

Lightning round: this or that? This or that what?

Vanilla or chocolate? Butter Pecan

Edward or Jacob? I don't know who they are.

Hockey or soccer? Canine agility.

Ebook or paper? E-book

Salty or sweet? Both with sour in there too

Beach or mountains? Forest with no mountains. I don't like heights

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Either one, but not both at the same time.

Dog or cat? Both, and birds and rats and spiders and horses and ...

Messy or neat? More on the messy side

Ninjas or pirates? Hey, in Torqed there are ninjas and pirates fighting together against cowboy robots and cooks.

Thanks for a most interesting interview. I need tea now.

Check out her site here:

http://www.welikehumans.com

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Growing up Wired by David Wallace Fleming

2012-01-05T11:59:00.003-05:00

Growing up Wired by David Wallace Fleming

How will romantic relationships withstand technology's offer of instant gratification?While on his computer, Victor Hastings admires the provocative pictures of the girl he's dating.Meanwhile, she's posting more and more on Facebook and all the social sites.Now everyone in his cramped fraternity is competing for her.What kind of love is this?The wired kind.

About David:
David Wallace Fleming studied mechanical engineering at Iowa State University. He's worked in aerospace research and development in Indiana and Virginia. He enjoys running, karaoke and sand volleyball. His short stories have appeared in Out of the Gutter's Hard Times Issue and Escape Velocity's anthology.
Here's a link to his site which features short stories and other writing samples:
http://www.davidwallacefleming.com

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
In a world of instant gratification, can traditional relationships survive.

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

A girl I went on a date with made a comment that she might start her own “website” to help pay the bills. The next week another girl I was talking to on Match.com sent me an email for her own “website.” This was several years ago and it made an impression on me.

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

The second female lead, Erin. She’s been a little corrupted with her wealth and beauty, but she’s strong and honest about it.

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

I’ve found enjoyment in many of the classics. Some favorites include: Lolita, Les Misarables, On The Road and John Barley-corn. I still find time to read and am currently reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
I’m continually adding new short stories to my blog, http:www.davidwallacefleming.com. I’ve begun work on a second novel involving the internet again, however, this time from a postmodern, humorous vantage point (similar to Kurt Vonnegut).

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

Okay, I’m going to cheat and pick a short story. I want to live inside of “Guy De Maupassant” by Isaac Babel. Those six pages are really magical and they conjure up a world better than many full length novels.

--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 like to listen to Mozart when I revise. A good deal of this novel was written under the influence of Coca-Cola Classic. I don’t really need anything specific to write and this is mostly because I spread my strategy out over various tricks: scratch paper (for trying out phrases, sentences and bizarre doodling), a Word Menu with tabs, lots of pacing in circles and something to throw up in the air and catch.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I’ve always wanted to have “The Force” like Luke Skywalker.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I like jogging, sand volleyball and singing karaoke.

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

That covers it.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

Edward or Jacob? Neither, sorry. I tried.

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Ebook

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? Phone call

Early bird or night owl? Night Owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Ninjas

And now for the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

2012-01-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.
As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.
Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

Publishes in US: Jan 10 2012
Source: author
My Review:

Wow. That is the one word I'm left with!

Trish is a friend of mine, and I feel so lucky that I got to be a part of reading this story before it was published! I knew that Trish was talented, and she had amazing stories to share, and I'm so proud of her that she's on the shelves and more people get to read her awesomeness.

Destiny's fire was amazing. I love Dez's character. She has spunk and she's strong, all those traits that I admire and wish I had more of. She is relatable, and she has a great voice.

Destiny's Fire has so much action, and everything flows together so wonderfully. There are some truly hot scenes, and the plot is paced perfectly.

I like the secondary characters too- Lana is a great friend with her own personality. I also like Mr. Liam--I love that they have an ally with him, and that he helped out so much.

Book boys slight spoiler: Both of the guys are awesome, and I lean towards Jace for myself, but I do think that Dez is perfect with Reese.

I had my baby!

2012-01-04T12:27:00.000-05:00

Jillian Elizabeth was born 12/12 at 2:38pm weighing 7lb 12oz, and 19 inches long. She is a joy-getting the hang of eating and sleeping. I had contractions all Sunday night and went to Dr. Brannon's for my appt. I was 4 cm dilated and he sent me on over to the hospital. I got there at around 11, water was broken by 12, epidural about 1 and then when Dr B got there, four pushes later, Jillian was here! I got to hold her right away, even before weighing and cleaning.

first time meeting her big sister
she looks just like her big sister
Jillian's first bath

Katie's first bath:

back to Jilly:
2.5 weeks old
sisters on christmas morning

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: All's Fair in Vanities War by Elizabeth Marx

2011-12-21T18:57:00.000-05:00

All's Fair in Vanities War by Elizabeth Marx

By the light of the next blue moon, the ShiningOnes are coming for it. The Order will sacrifice anything or anyone to protect it. If Locke and Keleigh don’t locate it first, the battle brewing between sacred knowledge and modern communication is going to destroy everything--even their love.

About Elizabeth: Windy city writer, Elizabeth Marx, brings cosmopolitan life alive in her fiction—a blend of romance, fast-paced Chicago living, and a sprinkle of magical realism. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs. She grew up in the city, has traveled extensively, and still says there’s no town like Chi town.
You can contact the author at elizabethmarxbooks@gmail.com or visit her website www.elizabethmarxbooks.com

--The Twitterversion: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less. The Order hasprotected a relic since the dawn of civilization, but the ShiningOnes want itback, and the only thing standing in their way is Locke and Keleigh’s love.

--How did you get the idea for the story? I wanted to write a story abouthereditary witches in the modern world and the conflict between their ancienttraditions and our technology. I found an Italian line of hereditary witches,but I ended up focusing on a Celtic Druid tradition, which led me to Boston,which led to Salem and then back to the world of witches. It seemed like theperfect place to hide them in plain sight. And it’s creepy in Salem too.

--Whichcharacter would you most/least like to have dinner with? I would most like tohave dinner with Ilithyia, she has a wisdom that calls to me, but at the sametime I’d be asking many questions, doing my best to wheedle some answers out ofher. Ilithyia has secrets, and as Sister Arianna says, “Secrets, secrets, areno fun, unless they’re shared with everyone.” I’d least like to have dinnerwith Balor, I mean the guy has dangling shrunken heads hanging off theshoulders of his armor. Who could eat with them screeching?

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read? Ilove the classics. I reread most of Jane Austen each year. I also love JaneEyre, something about the way Bronte crafts the combination of Jane’s strengthand vulnerability grabs me every time I read it. I don’t spend as much time asI’d like reading; mostly I read books for research now. But when I travel Iread for pleasure, and I go for anything from Evanovich and her zany StephaniePlum to books like The Time Travelers Wife or Water for Elephants.

--Do you haveany other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? All’s Fair inVanities War is Book I in The Seers Seven Deadly Fairy Tales, each book isbased on a deadly sin and a fairy tale. Book II will be released sometime in2012, probably Halloween.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like afavorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? Wow, if thefairy godmother is going to ensure my safety, then I think I’m going to thearena in the Hunger Games.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs onyour playlist- songs that inspired you or that wereplaying while you wrote? I don’t listen to music while I write, but there aresongs that inspire me, for example I love Epica ‘Cry For the Moon’, it’s theperfect music for the battle scene in All’s Fair in Vanities War. The lyricssay, “Follow your common sense, you cannot hide yourself, behind your fairytale, forever and ever.” The lyrics are perfect for that moment, because it’swhen Keleigh accepts what she is.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose? I don’t know if it’sa superpower but I’d like to be a time traveler. I’d love to go to other placesand times. I guess it could be a superpower if you were able to change thecourse of history, but kind of a hefty responsibility. I guess that’s what asuperpower really is.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? Both my daughtersare athletes, so I spend time at softball and basketball tournaments. Also, Ilove to travel (in this time), I have seen most of the U.S., and a lot ofEurope, but next I’m thinking Egypt or Istanbul.

--Is thereanything else you want to add or say to your readers? I love to play withnarration in my books, sometimes I think we overlook who’s telling us the story,especially when we have so many stories told in first person. All’s Fair inVanities War is told by a unique narrator, who is part of the story, whilestill being separate from it. Imagine having to witness the boy you love as hefalls in love with another girl, the very girl who your human existence wasforfeited for in order to protect hers.

Lightninground: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolateall the way.

Edward or Jacob? Edward books/Jacob movie.

Hockey or soccer? Softball orBasketball.

Ebook or paper? Ebook.

Salty or sweet? Sweet.

Beach or mountains? Beach.

Phone call or email? Email.

Early bird or night owl? Both.

Dog or cat? Cats: Lord Luxor andSir Sherbert follow me around like dogs.

Messy or neat? Neat freak.

Ninjas or pirates? PowerRangers vs. Captain Jack? Oh, please, Captain Jack wins every time!

And now for the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Spirits of Glory by Emily Devenport

2011-12-21T18:45:00.000-05:00

About Spirits of Glory:

One morning the people of the North woke up and the people of the South were gone. That's the first thing every child learns on the colony world of Jigsaw. But for one girl, knowing about The Disappearance is not enough. Hawkeye wants to know why.

That's why she spent half her life researching The Disappearance. And that's also why eight Neighbors show up on her doorstep, demanding that she accompany them into the Forbidden Cities ruled by the Southern gods to speak with the Spirits of Glory. Everyone thinks Hawkeye is an expert on Neighbors, these almost-humans who move, talk, and think as if they were born inside one of the Time Fractures. But she can't imagine what they want to ask the ghosts of their ancestors, or why they need her to go along. The Southern gods caused every human inhabitant of the Southern cities to disappear overnight; what else might they do?

But the Northern gods say Hawkeye should go and her curiosity won't let her refuse, even though she's going into more danger than she can imagine. Pain and puzzlement wait along the broken interstate, along with scavengers who want to kill them all. Hawkeye's questions only generate more questions as they move farther and farther into the South, right into the heart of the Disappearance, until Hawkeye's questions have all been answered.

Thank you Emily for taking the time to join us and answer some questions!

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

One morning, the people in theNorth woke up and the people in the South were gone. Hawkeye wants to know why.Her curiosity takes her to the Forbidden Cities, even though she's going intomore danger than she can imagine.

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

I dreamed aboutthis world and these characters. A lotof my novels take form that way – I have a vivd dream, and I start to thinkabout it, try to figure out why things are happening and what could happennext. I wrote about this process on myblog: http://www.emsjoiedeweird.com/2011/06/notes-from-dreamed-life.html

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

I like theNeighbors a lot, but it could be kind of nerve-wracking to have supper withthem. Hawkeye would be pleasant company,especially with Wolfy and Brat in tow. But the character I would most like to have a conversation with is oneof the side characters, the writer John Davies. I think he would be really interesting to talk to.

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

My mind always goesblank when people ask me to list favorites, but some of My old favorites are Dragonwyck,The Haunting, The Hobbit, Watership Down, and Poe's Tales Of Terror. If I listed my favorite authors, the list would be ridiculouslylong. I love audio books, becauseI actually don't have as much time for reading. I blogged about some of my favorites: http://www.emsjoiedeweird.com/2011/09/how-sarah-vowell-saved-my-sanity.html

I'm a geologystudent these days, so my eyeballs are getting fried by a huge amount of coursework.

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

I always havemultiple works in progress. The two thatare the closest to completion are YA fantasies: The Order Of The Dragonand Lord Monkey. I've got anadult novella ebook coming out in the next month or so titled Pale Lady,and I'm hoping to have one of my backlist titles, Belarus, out in ebookby the end of the year.

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

The fairy godmother would have to beextremely patient with me. First my mindwould go blank (the pressure!), then I would worry that my favorite books mightactually be really scary places to be. And then I would worry that if I picked a wonderful place, I would feelreally bad when I had to leave it again. I wish my mind didn't work that way, but it does.

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

I can't listen toany music with lyrics while I'm actually writing, but songs can inspireme. At the beginning of Spirits OfGlory, I have a quote from a Patty Griffin song, Useless Desires: “Goodbye to all the window panes, shining inthe sun, like diamonds on a winter's day, goodbye, goodbye to everyone.” When I heard this it made me think of TheDisappearance in my story, when everyone in the North woke up one morning andfound out that everyone in the South had vanished off the face of the world. All of the windowpanes shining in the sun werethe empty windows of the Forbidden Cities.

I also felt veryinspired by The Lark Ascending, a classical piece by the Britishcomposer Ralph Vaughan Williams. So Inamed one of the Forbidden Cities Lark.

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

To be able to fly. I don't want to fight super-villains, I wantto be able to visit canyons and mountains, and explore the sheer rock faces andthe hard-to-reach spots.

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

I love to travel in theSouthwest U.S. I love to hike andgarden. I love geology, but right now myclasses are really tough chemistry classes, and I'll be really glad whenthey're done.

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

Publishing is goingthrough some drastic changes these days, and a lot of people hate the idea ofreading a book on a device instead of holding a physical copy in theirhands. But there is an up-side to thisrevolution. As a reader, you'll have alot more books to choose from, and you'll have the option to sample them firstbefore you commit your money and time. Right now, big publishing houses are charging a lot for their ebooks,but eventually you'll see those prices go down – and they're not the only gamein town. Many of your favorite authorswill eventually be publishing on their own, at least part (if not all) of thetime.

My philosophy aboutpricing is simple. When I was a kid, Iused to be able to go into a store and pick up books for $1 to $2 apiece, so I couldget lots of them. I loved it. That's why I'm charging $.99 for my ebooks –I want readers to be able to afford them. You shouldn't have to choose between buying books and paying your gasbill.

And now for the giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner of Simmer

2011-12-19T12:36:00.000-05:00

Yto
I've contacted and if I don't hear back by 12/21 12pm EST a new winner will be chosen.
Make sure to enter my other contests:

-Rift of Askrah by Benjamin Andrews ends 1/7/12

-Darkride by Laura Bradley Rede ends 1/7/12

-Surfacing by Shana Norris ends 1/7/12

-Moon-Linked and Moon-Ache by Erin Irvin ends 1/11/12

-Notes to Self by Laura Schaefer ends 11/16/12

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Notes to Self by Laura Schaefer

2011-12-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

Notes to Self by Laura Schaefer

Two climbed up. Two fell down.

One woke up.
In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, Robin Saunders has to relearn who she is and find out what happened the night everything changed.

About Laura (from her site)

Laura loves to write almost as much as she likes to drink tea. She got her start as a contributor to the University of Wisconsin’s student paper The Daily Cardinal and went on to write regularly for The Princeton Review and Match.com. Laura is the author of The Secret Ingredient (Simon & Schuster 2011), The Teashop Girls (Simon & Schuster 2008), and Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor (Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2005). Writing as Avery Sawyer, Laura recently released the YA novel Notes to Self. She is also the author and publisher of Planet Explorers travel guides for kids. Laura lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her fiance and enormous cat Ramona.

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

In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, Robin Saundershas to relearn who she is & find out what happened the night everythingchanged

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

The book’s first title was 25 THINGS ABOUT ME. It startedwhen my boyfriend, now fiancé (yay!), remarked that the 2009 Facebook memewould make a good novel. My eyes lit up and I began thinking about a reasonsomeone would want to write or revisit a list like this. Almost right away, Ilanded on the idea that my main character didn’t know who she was anymore, andthe concept of a traumatic brain injury grew from that. The interesting thingis, most 15 year olds don’t experience TBIs, but most of them struggle withidentity anyway. That’s why I think the book’s concept will resonate. It isessentially about one girl deciding who she is and what really matters.

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

Reno. He’s Robin’s oldest friend and a bit of a wise soul.Sometimes, you meet people who seem to have the big stuff figured out, and Renois that person in my book.

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

I read all the time, sometimes as many as three books aweek. Here are some recent favs:

OKAY FOR NOW by Gary D. Schmidt

WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead

THE HUNGER GAMES series by Suzanne Collins (I cannot waitfor the movie...squeee!)

GIRLS DON’T FLY by Kristen Chandler

BREADCRUMBS by Anne Ursu

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver

AND THEN THINGS FALL APART by Arlaina Tibensky

BOSSYPANTS by Tina Fey

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

I am revising a YA novel I wrote a couple years ago calledTHE HOLLYWOOD SCOOP. It takes place during World War II and it's about a clevercub reporter who falls in love with a mysterious boy. I'm really excited aboutit! It should be available in early 2012.

I’m also gearing up to begin writing a new novel about agirl exploring her past lives and the epic romance that spans all of them. I’mjust starting the research on this one now.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like afavorite book for 24 hours, which

book would you pick and why?

I’d pick Pride &Prejudice. Don’t we all want to be Elizabeth Bennet after she lands Darcy?Delicious!

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Arethere any songs on your

playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing whileyou wrote?

I usually write in silence, or amidst the quiet chatter ofmy favorite coffee shop. Sometimes said coffee shop plays Adele or Motown orold-timey jazz, and I dig that. Coffee does indeed help my writing. I’m a fullon addict—I’ll go ahead and admit that. I’ve even started drinking Americanosinstead of coffee sometimes, which upped my caffeine intake about 100%.

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

To be invisible. Imagine the interesting things I could seeand write about!

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

I love food, so I like eating out and trying new recipes alot. I also enjoy visiting art museums, taking walks and reading.

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

Thank you for being awesome. Readers allow people like me tomake a living writing, and we love them for it.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Jacob

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? Supermessy

Ninjas or pirates? Ninjas

And now for the giveaway:

-Open internationally

-Ebook in preferred format

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Moon-Linked and Moon-ache by Erin Irvin

2011-12-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

Moon-linked by Erin Irvin

Fifteen-year-old March Howe is going through some bizarre bodily changes - the last thing she needs when most people at school already think she's a freak. Little does she know that those changes are leading her into a supernatural world of strange mysteries and terrible danger. March is a werewolf - but not just a werewolf. She's the last known female of the species, and that makes her a rare commodity.

Just when the guy of her dreams asks her out, a pack of werewolves invade her house to take her back to their den, where she must be heralded through her first change or risk certain death. Along the way, she meets the dark and handsome Greyson, her only peer in the pack, and is caught up in the dark intrigue surrounding her new "family" and the strange truth behind her existence. Will she fit in this new, magical world better than she does at school? Will she even survive her first change? Or will the power that's growing inside her destroy her and the entire werewolf bloodline?

In Book One of the Lone March Series, March Howe must choose between mundane and magical, the familiar and the unknown, freedom and responsibility. Will she decide her fate before the last of the werewolves decide it for her?

Moon-ache

Her name is March Greeley Howe. And she’s a were-wolf. After escaping her captor’s den, and being rescued by an unlikely ally, March finds out what’s been happening in Glenbrook since she’s been gone. Life will never be the same since Elliot’s take-over, and the last she-wolf in the world has some tough decisions to make.

In the midst of being forced to master her Lupine form, she is thrown back into her old life, with all the fear and uncertainty that went with it. Besides being torn between Ethyn and Greyson, March fails to make sense of her hesitation in trusting Avery. With both home and school upside-down, she tries to find solace in her friends, but soon learns she stands apart, and the divide only grows with each day of her double life.

In Book Two of the Lone March Series, March Howe meets some new faces and sees old ones in new ways. She grows up fast when she has to make decisions no one else can, and embarks on a mission that will redefine her place in the pack. Will she balance her were and human lives before the last of the were-wolves throw everything into chaos?

Thanks Erin for your time!

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

The Lone March series is about a teenage girl whofinds out she’s the last female werewolf on earth. It’s got romance, humor andaction.

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

It’s not a very enchanting story, Lone March’s origin. I saw that vampires were selling and Ipredicted where the market was going to head next—werewolves. I actually ignored it for a while, rejectedthe idea, because I didn’t think I could write werewolves, but I sat down tolunch with my fiancé’s brother (this was the summer of 2009) and he suggestedwerewolves without knowing anything about the fact that I’d been running awayfrom the idea for weeks. He convinced meto do it and I credit him with sparking my interest. Then, my fiancé, a long-time werewolf fan,advised me on the rules of a world with weresand his encouragement made me think I was capable, so from there I beganMarch’s story.

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

Most: Ruthie Birch. I have such a crush on her! She’s so witty and cultured—and waaay coolerthan I am!

Least: Ugh, this is hardbecause I can only talk about characters from the two books that are out…Um,well, any of the frigids would be completely insipid, but the were-raven, BeatriceChattingsworth would be worse. Idefinitely don’t trust her.

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

Oh dear. This is a dangerous question, but I’ll tryand limit it to just a few. HarryPotter, of course. The Sandman graphicnovel series by Neil Gaiman; Brave New World by Aldous Huxley; A Moveable Feastby Ernest Hemingway; Great Gatsby…I should probably stop now. I love to read pretty much any genre, anystyle, fiction, non-fiction, but these days I only get to read about a book amonth or less. Hopefully that’ll changewhen my work calms down!

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

I’ve got several, but Idon’t really let myself work on them much—haha! I try to put my energy into Lone March, but I am working on a middlegrade paranormal series and a funny confessional series about a high schoolgirl. As for release dates, all I cansay is that book #3 of Lone March, Moon-Burn, will be out Spring 2012.

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

Harry Potter, handsdown! Who wouldn’t want to spend a dayat Hogwarts or the Burrow—even Grimmauld Place! I want my own wand so badly!!

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

Oh yes. For me, it’s all about location and theenergy around me when I’m working. Itdoesn’t matter where as long as I’m in control of the environment. I can write in public, outdoors, but when Ireally need to think about a scene (usually in revision) I need a quietroom. And a cup of coffee is alwayswelcome! As far as music, I have manywriting playlists, many songs that inspire me before writing a scene and ones Iuse as theme music while I’m writing. Too many to list. But I recentlyput a “Playlist” page on my blog site, so if anyone’s interested, they cancheck out the specific bands/songs here: http://erinirvinsblog.blogspot.com/

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

Teleportation. Then I could go to all the places in theworld I want to go in the blink of an eye without spending a dime on air-fare!

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

I’m a musician/singer-songwriter. Music is on equal footing with novel writingfor me. I also draw [poorly].

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

Just wait, guys, because,oh man, things are going to get crazy in Lone March. I’m working on book #6 now and it’s some ofthe most fun I’ve had writing. Everybook is more fun than the last.

Lightning round: this orthat? That

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Game: Hockey. Players: Soccer;)

Ebook or paper? Paper

Salty or sweet? Salty

Beach or mountains? Mountains

Phone call or email? Depends on who—haha! But probably phone call

Early bird or night owl? Both

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Neat

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

-One ebook of Moon-Linked, and one of Moon-ache

-US only

Bonus winners of The Moon Coin

2011-12-08T17:47:00.000-05:00

The Moon Coin by Richard Due
I've emailed and if I don't hear by 12/10 12 noon EST, new winners will be chosen.

Yto
Laura S.
Theresa D.
and Daniella

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-12-06T10:38:00.000-05:00

Crossed by Ally Condie

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Published in US: Nov 1 2011
Source: library
2nd in Matched series, 3rd out: fall 2012

My Review:

Crossed was more action packed than Matched, although it started out a bit slow to me. I think this is mostly because it's been such seemingly long time since I've read Matched. I should've re-read or at least looked up some spoilers. But even with that, I remembered the characters and the main gist of the story.

Once I was back into Cassia's head, and the flow of the story, I didn't want to put it down. I just had to know what would happen next, and what trials she'd face next. Another thing that I liked about Crossed is that we get more into the head of Ky. He is still a pretty big mystery to me, because even though we were in his thoughts, they still seemed veiled or guarded. I did learn a lot more about him though, and I think that it helped the pacing to have him in the story.

Quite a few things surprised me in the story... how much I was able to care about some of the secondary characters that were new to the story for one. Xander also surprised me... I can't really say why, but he did something in the story and then something about his character from previous book that I didn't know and never would've guessed.

This is a great second book, and I can't wait for the conclusion!

I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Surfacing by Shana Norris

2011-12-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

Sixteen-year-old Mara Westray has just lost her mother, and now, being shipped off to live with the father she doesn’t know is not how she imagined grieving. She’s already counting down the days until she turns eighteen and can leave the tiny island of Swans Landing.

But from the moment she steps off the ferry, nothing is as ordinary as it looks. Whispers of a haunting song on the wind make her see impossible things, and she isn’t sure she can trust her judgment about what is real and what isn’t anymore. Maybe she can’t even trust her judgment about quiet Josh Canavan, whose way of speaking in riddles and half-truths only confuses her more, luring her deeper into the secrets hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.

As she tries to unravel the events that led to her mom fleeing the island sixteen years ago, Mara finds that the biggest secret of all is only the beginning.

About Shana (from her site)

I was born August 19, on my parents’ first wedding anniversary, in a small town in eastern North Carolina. I’m the oldest of four children. I’m a leo, which means I’m supposed to be bossy, interfering, and intolerant. But I’m also supposed to be broad-minded, warm-hearted, and creative, so maybe it all evens out.

I’ve always loved books. My parents would read my favorite books to me so often that I’d memorize them before I had learned how to read. Some of my favorite memories as a kid are of my mom taking my siblings and me to the public library. I’d always check out a big stack of books and then have them all read within a week. The first time I can remember writing a story that wasn’t for school, but simply because I wanted to write, was when I was eight years old. I wrote and illustrated a book called The Lonely Rectangle. It was a story about a rectangle that had been thrown in the trash and felt unloved until someone found it and took it home to use as a table. No, it was not a box or anything like that, it was just a plain rectangle. I have no clue why I decided to write about a geometric shape. It wasn’t like I was particularly fond of math or anything.

I spent my junior year of high school and part of my senior year living just outside of West Palm Beach, Florida, where my family moved to the summer I turned sixteen. I had a hard time making friends, but the good thing that came out of it was that I started to spend a lot of time online since I had no one to hang out with after school. That was when I discovered online journals written by teen girls and even started my own, which I wrote under a pen name. It was that experience with online journals in 1996-1997, the predecessor of today’s blogs, that helped inspire Something to Blog About.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a writer. Well, actually I wanted to be a ballerina, an archaeologist, a teacher, AND a writer, all at the same time. But after a while I figured out that I’d never taken a ballet lesson in my life, I didn’t particularly like to get dirty, and I hated being in a classroom all day, so that really only left writer as my future job. My family advised me to get a back up plan, which meant, “study something else in school that you can earn a living at while waiting for your books to sell.” So I studied graphic design, tested out of as many classes as I possibly could to avoid sitting in so many classrooms, and got my degree.

I’m still a web designer by day and write my books during my lunch hours and at night. I currently live in North Carolina with my husband and our menagerie of pets: two dogs–Chloe and Zoey–and five cats–Elmo, Bandit, Kit, BC, and Butter.

Thank you so much for being here!

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less. Surfacing is a paranormal YA that takes place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There are mermaids involved. And lots of secrets.

--How did you get the idea for the story? The idea originally came from my love of the Outer Banks during the off season. My husband and I visited the islands one year in March, before the tourists had arrived, and it was so quiet and empty. It made me think about all the secrets that could be there that only the year round residents know about. From that, the fictional island and the people started to grow in my head.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with? I’d most like to have dinner with Miss Gale because she’s the best cook on the island and she’d insist on making something good rather than letting us go out to eat. But I’d hate to have dinner with Elizabeth Connors. I don’t think I could stand to be around her very long.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read? I love Sarah Dessen’s books, especially The Truth About Forever. I’m also a big Meg Cabot fan and have read most of her books.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? Right now, I’m working on a sequel novella to my second published book, Troy High. I hope to have it out in ebook format early next year, but I don’t have a definite release date yet. I’m also working on the sequel to Surfacing, but again, no definite release date right now!

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. I always wanted to be Emily for a little while when I was a kid (I love the Anne of Green Gables books too, but Emily has always been my favorite). I’d probably miss modern conveniences, but 24 hours in Emily’s world would be fun to experience!

--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 need quiet to write. I can’t have the TV on or people trying to talk to me. I do make playlists for each of my books because songs help influence storylines and characters, but I can’t listen to them while I write. I listen to them during brainstorming sessions when I’m trying to figure out events or character motivations. I have all of the playlists for my books up on my website at www.shananorris.com

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose? The ability to clone myself. Is that a superpower? One of the guys in X-Men 3 could do it, so I’m going with yes. I need to be able to split off into clones any time I want so I can have one clone working, another clone reading all of the books on my huge to read list, and another clone just being completely lazy and doing nothing!

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? My husband and I just bought kayaks last spring, so we spend a lot of time kayaking during warm weather. We also love to visit historical sites and homes. I’m a big history geek.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers? Thanks so much for the interview! And thank you to all the readers out there for taking the time to check out my books!

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla.

Edward or Jacob? Neutral!

Hockey or soccer? Soccer.

Ebook or paper? Both!

Salty or sweet? Sweet, but a fruity sweet.

Beach or mountains? Beach.

Phone call or email? Email.

Early bird or night owl? Night owl.

Dog or cat? Both!

Messy or neat? I try to be neat, but honestly, messy.

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates. Arr!

And now for the GIVEAWAY:

-Open internationally
-Ebook format