Jessica Brody's Blog, page 18

Unremembered eBook Only $2.99 for a Limited Time!

Haven’t yet read Unremembered? Or want to grab an extra copy for your eReader or phone? Don’t miss out on this awesome deal!

For a limited time, Unremembered is only $2.99 in all eBook stores!
Download it today!

The only thing worse than forgetting her past . . . is remembering it.

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.

Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

From popular young adult author Jessica Brody comes a compelling and suspenseful new sci-fi series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.

Read an Excerpt:

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Published on February 27, 2014 17:17

UNFORGOTTEN is HERE!!!!

HOORAH! After a year-long wait, I’m so excited to say that UNFORGOTTEN, the second book in the Unremembered Trilogy, is now in stores!

Some memories are better left forgotten…

After a daring escape from the scientists at Diotech who created her, Seraphina believes she is finally safe from the horrors of her past. But new threats await Sera and her boyfriend, Zen, at every turn as Zen falls prey to a mysterious illness and Sera’s extraordinary abilities make it more and more difficult to stay hidden.

Meanwhile, Diotech has developed a dangerous new weapon designed to apprehend her. A weapon that even Sera will be powerless to stop. Her only hope of saving Zen’s life and defeating the company that made her is a secret buried deep within her mind. A secret that Diotech will kill to protect. And it won’t stay forgotten for long.

Packed with mystery, suspense, and romance, this riveting second installment of Jessica Brody’s Unremembered trilogy delivers more heart-pounding action as loyalties are tested, love becomes a weapon, and no one’s memories are safe.

Get a Special FREE Purchase Gift!
Download the first 5 Chapters FREE!
See Jessica on Tour!
Play the Unforgettable Fan Challenge

(with guaranteed prizes for all Unforgettable Fans!)

Undiscovered_Final

Haven’t read Unremembered, the first book in the trilogy? The eBook is only $2.99 for a limited time! Download it today!

Or click here to learn more and read the first 5 chapters free!

Also be sure to check out, UNDISCOVERED, the eBook novella told from Zen’s point of view!

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Published on February 25, 2014 18:37

Watch the Video of the UNFORGOTTEN and FIRE & FLOOD Virtual Launch Party!

Thanks to all who logged into today’s virtual launch party! I had a blast talking with Victoria Scott and answering your awesome questions!

In case you missed the part, fear not! We have a video recording of it for your viewing pleasure.

Be sure to check out UNFORGOTTEN by yours truly and FIRE & FLOOD by Victoria Scott! Both are in stores February 25, 2014!

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Published on February 23, 2014 14:34

Don’t Stop Believing – The Journey to Stronger Plots

When I look back at the 185 rejection letters I got from agents when I was trying to get representation for my very first book, I find one common theme throughout. And it usually looked something like this:

Great voice! No story.

Granted, that original book never sold and I never went back to revise it. But this common piece of feedback forced me question the way I approached my writing. Particularly the way I approached the concept of story and plot.

It’s the journey…not the destination.

How many times have we heard this nugget of wisdom? Well, you’re about to hear it again. Because this is what I discovered on my path to finally writing a novel that would sell. Here it is in all of its glorious simplicity:

All well-told stories are about two kinds of journeys.

An external journey (the one that the character physically takes) and an emotional or internal journey (the transformation that occurs as a result of that physical journey.)

Let’s talk about the external journey first. As it’s the easiest one to grasp. I firmly believe that all compelling books involve a character who embarks on some type of journey.

In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss embarks on a really exciting and dangerous journey to the elusive Capitol to compete in the Hunger Games.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling Harry sets off on a journey through the wizarding world and more specifically, through Hogwarts School for Witches and Wizards.

In Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Alina journeys into the mysterious world of the Grisha, the country of Ravka’s group of magical elite.

In The Selection by Kiera Cass, America is on a dramatic and often heartbreaking journey through the world of royalty and into the Prince’s heart.

Starting to get the picture, yet?

“But wait!” you’re probably saying. (I can hear you from here.) What about the books where the character doesn’t actually go anywhere? There are tons of awesome stories that don’t involve Capitols and Magical Worlds, right?

You bring up a VERY good point.

And it’s a good thing you asked, because that’s exactly what I’m going to talk about next.

A journey doesn’t have to physically take your character anywhere. He/she doesn’t have to go to another country, or through a portal to another dimension, or even across the street. Journeys can occur right in a character’s own home.

The key thing to remember is this:

A journey exists when your character tries something new.

WOAH! How simple is that? Almost too simple! But it’s true.

All great stories are about a character who tries something new. Whether it be because theywant to (Lena’s choice to defy the rules and pursue a relationship with Alex in Delirium by Lauren Oliver) or because they’re forced to (Deuce’s death-defying journey to Topside in Enclave by Ann Aguirre).

Either way, your character has to break out of her comfort zone and do something different with her life. Otherwise, what’s the point of the story? Why do we want to read about a character who does the same thing every day and never takes any risks? Never tries anything new? Never goes anywhere?

We don’t.

That’s why as authors it’s our job to set up a really interesting and flawed character and then push her into something new, something unfamiliar, something unknown. Those are the stories readers love to read about.

Let’s look at some more examples of external journeys in which the character stays exactlywhere they are:

In Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, both Eleanor and Park step out of their comfort zones (and in Eleanor’s case, her physical safety zone) in order to explore a relationship with someone new and exciting.

In The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Hazel journeys into a new and exciting relationship with Augustus and then leaves her safe haven to travel to Amsterdam to meet her literary idol (two journeys for the price of one).

And even my own 52 Reasons to Hate My Father and My Life Undecided feature characters that try new things without actually going anywhere.

In 52 Reasons, Lexi doesn’t leave her home or her family. But the fact that she has to work 52 low-wage jobs in order to earn her trust fund is a journey in and of itself. Because it’s anew way of life for her. And it introduces her to new people she wouldn’t have met before.

In My Life Undecided, Brooklyn still goes to her same school and lives in her same house, but her approach to life has changed. She now posts all of her decisions on her blog and asks her blog readers to vote on what she does. Her journey lies in letting other people make decisions for her.

So if you’re working on a book right now or brainstorming a new story, ask yourself, “What is my main character’s journey? How is he/she trying something new?”

Okay, external journeys. Are you good? Does it make sense? Good, let’s move on.

Now, let’s talk about the other kind of journey…the emotional (or internal) journey.

Why do we send our characters out into a strange new world and force them to try strange new things? Probably because there’s something they need to learn while they’re out there on that strange new journey.

If your character is flawed (which believe me, she should be!) then that means she is missing something. Missing an understanding of some key principal in life.

The strength to forgive, perhaps? The ability to love? To trust? To take responsibility for her actions? What about the awareness of her own power? All of these things (and more!) are what I like to call “Universal Lessons.” And they happen to show up in many different stories (whether you notice them or not.) Why? Because they not only are they universal lessons, they are also human lessons.

They are the lessons you, me, your neighbor, and your uncle Bob can relate to. Because we’re human too. They are the themes that give your story heart. And depth. And purpose.

And it’s up to you, the writer, to not only figure out what key universal lesson is missing from your character’s life, but also to figure out who they’re going to find it.

This is the crux of the emotional journey. This is why we send our characters out on their external journeys in the first place. So they can find that missing piece in their soul and fix it. So they can become a little more whole and a little less flawed.

I know! I know! You want more examples. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some popular YA titles broken down into (overly simplified) external and internal journeys:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

External Journey: A girl is forced to leave her home and fight to the death in an arena with 23 other teens.

Internal Journey: A girl finds the strength to stand up to the corrupt Capitol and right an epic wrong.

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

External Journey: A girl is recruited to be a Spinster for the Guild and enters a dangerous new world of manipulation and power.

Internal Journey: A girl discovers her own power and how to use it.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

External Journey: A girl is forced out of her comfort zone when she travels to Paris for a school year abroad and falls in love for the first time.

Internal Journey: A girl learns how to love and how to break free from an old life that no longer serves her.

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

External Journey: A girl with no memories goes on a journey to discover the truth about her past, the boy who claims to love her, and the people who are hunting her down.

Internal Journey: A girl learns how to trust in feelings she can’t remember.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

External Journey: A girl transfers to another faction within her community and experiences a completely different way of life.

Internal Journey: A girl discovers who she really is and how to embrace her own divergence from the norm.

AHA! It makes so much sense, doesn’t it? Or at least I hope it’s starting to!

Plotting can be a tough nut to crack. Especially if you’re a newer writer with less experience with story. But if you can keep these two journeys in mind as you write, I think you’ll find yourself (and your story) one step closer.

Oh, right. I forgot to give you one more example! Remember how I told you about those 185 rejection letters from agents? Well, obviously, I finally did find an agent and I finally did get published. So here’s that story.

Jessica’s Long and Frustrating Path to Getting Published:

External Journey: Because of many rejections, a girl is forced out of her writing comfort zone to find the key to telling a good story.

Internal Journey: A girl becomes a better writer.

I wish you much success and insight on your own journey, whatever that may be and wherever it may lead you.

Originally published on SwoonReads.com

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Published on February 17, 2014 11:37

The UNFORGOTTEN Tour!

Hoorah! I’m going back on the road to promote the second book in the UNREMEMBERED trilogy! And I hope to see YOU at one of the stops!

Here is the official schedule:

Monday – February 24, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (Redondo Beach)

UNFORGOTTEN Launch Party!

7:30 pm

Facebook Event Page

Wednesday – February 26, 2014

Oakland, CA

A Great Good Place for Books

Reading/Signing/Q&A

7:00 PM

Facebook Event Page

Friday – February 28, 2014

Denver, CO

Tattered Cover (Highlands Ranch)

Reading/Signing/Q&A

7:00 PM

Facebook Event Page

Monday – March 3, 2014

Chicago, IL

Anderson’s Bookshop (Naperville)

Reading/Signing/Q&A

7:00 PM

Facebook Event Page

Thursday – March 6, 2014

Houston, TX

Blue Willow Bookshop

Reading/Signing/Q&A

7:00 pm

Facebook Event Page

And don’t forget, I’ll also be visiting cities in the South on the YA Chicks Kickin’ It Tour and the Girls Gone Sci-Fi Tour in March, as well as several other cities around the country throughout March, April and May!

Check out my appearances page for more events!

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Published on February 14, 2014 10:47

The Unforgotten Blog Tour!

What is UNFORGOTTEN? Apart from being the sequel to Unremembered? Well, it’s more. More what? you ask.

More action. More memory manipulation, more sci-fi stuff, and definitely more kissing!

So it’s only natural that the blog tour for UNFORGOTTEN be MORE too! And it is. It definitely is!

Not only is there exclusive content at EVERY. SINGLE. STOP. But along the way, on each blog, we’ll be revealing Unforgotten Secrets about the book! Clues that will help you unravel all the new mysteries in this second installment in the trilogy!

So if you want to find out what those secrets are (and they’re good ones!) then you better check out each stop of the tour!

So here they are…the 10 stops of the UNFORGOTTEN Blog Tour!

Monday – 2/17/14

Unforgotten Secret #1

A Book and a Latte

Where I dish about my pet peeves, my dreams of becoming a Spice Girl, and my (semi) hidden talent.

Tuesday – 2/18/14

Unforgotten Secret #2

Alice Marvels

Where I reveal the top 5 places I would like to time travel (uh-oh, spoiler?)

Wednesday – 2/19/14

Unforgotten Secret #3

A Backward Story

Where I dish about THE FUTURE (*raises arms above head*) and some of the (scary?) technology I created for the year 2032.

Thursday – 2/20/14

Unforgotten Secret #4

Book Gems

Where I dish about the good, the bad, and the ugly of google searches for this book, and the shocking ending that readers are talking about!

Friday – 2/21/14

Unforgotten Secret #5

Book YA Review

Where I dish about my writing rituals and share some (shhh!) secrets about book 3!

Monday – 2/24/14

Unforgotten Secret #6

A Book Addict’s Guide

Where I dish about writer’s block, some of the surprise twists in UNFORGOTTEN, and the one song that got me through the roughest part of writing the book!

Tuesday – 2/25/14

Unforgotten Secret #7

Bewitched Bookworms

Where I share the love letter I wrote to Zen! (Sorry, Sera)

Wednesday – 2/26/14

Unforgotten Secret #8

Addicted 2 Novels

Where I share my favorite quote from UNFORGOTTEN and why it has so much meaning to me.

Thursday – 2/27/14

Unforgotten Secret #9

Jenuine Cupcakes

Where I share my UNFORGOTTEN playlist!

Friday – 2/28/14

Unforgotten Secret #10

MacTeenBooks

Where I….well, it’s a surprise!

The book releases February 25, 2014! But get a head start! Read the first 5 chapters of UNFORGOTTEN for FREE!

And don’t forget to check out the eBook novella from Zen’s point of view, UNDISCOVERED, on sale now for only $1.99!

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Published on February 13, 2014 18:05

The Unforgettable Fan Challenge (with guaranteed prizes for everyone!)

It’s almost time, you guys! UNFORGOTTEN hits stores SOOOON! And I need lots of help getting the word out to readers! So I came up with a fun game with prizes to reward EVERYONE who helps me spread the word about the trilogy!

Introducing…

The Unforgettable Fan Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

1) Complete all three levels of the challenge to reach “Unforgettable Fan” status

2) When you complete all the levels, claim your guaranteed prize pack which includes:

An exclusive Unremembered ETERNAL KNOT necklace!

(Designed by Hebel Design )

An autographed Unremembered Trilogy bookplate

An autographed Unremembered Trilogy bookmark

A “Property of Diotech” temporary tattoo

EVERYONE who completes the Unforgettable Fan challenge will win a prize pack with an Unremembered necklace!

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!

With each level of fan status you complete, you are ALSO entered to win the Grand Prize for that level!

THIS PROMOTION IS OPEN TO ALL COUNTRIES!

In order to achieve the ultimate UNFORGETTABLE FAN status, you must complete three levels of fandom:

Each level requires a minimum number points to complete. And each level contains a grand prize that you will be automatically entered to win when you complete the level.

If you score more than the minimum number of points for a level, you’ll have that many more chances to win the grand prize for that level!

You can complete the levels in any order you want, but you MUST complete all three levels before claiming your Unforgettable Fan Prize Pack.

Rafflecopter widgets are being used to keep track of points and to select the grand prize winners at the end.

So without further ado, I unleash onto you…the UNFORGETTABLE FAN challenge!

CLICK HERE WHEN YOU’VE REACHED UNFORGETTABLE FAN STATUS!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A FEW RULES:

1) This promotion is open to fans in ALL countries.

2) We will be shipping all the prize packs out to Unforgettable Fans at the end of the promotion, so please allow a few weeks for delivery.

3) We will be closely monitoring entries for cheating. So just don’t do it. Otherwise, you’ll be disqualified. And that sucks.

4) Have fun!

Thank you all for your continued support of my books! I couldn’t do this without you guys!

BIG HUGS AND KISSES!

Jessica

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Published on February 08, 2014 13:36

Unremembered Fan Cover Collection

How much do I LOVE these Unremembered Covers designed by fans???

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Published on February 07, 2014 10:34

UNFORGOTTEN – Special Pre-Order Gift!

Do you know who I love more than anyone??? Fans who pre-order my books before they even release!

And to show you how much I love all you awesome pre-ordering people, I’ve decided to offer you a special gift NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE!

This year, EVERYONE who pre-orders UNFORGOTTEN (physical copy or eBook) will receive the following exclusive bonus content!

“Welcome to Planet Earth” – The first EVER bonus story from Cody’s point of view!!! (For all you Team Cody fans out there, this is for you! A retelling of the scene in Unremembered in which Cody and Seraphina meet for the first time, from Cody’s perspective!)

Not one, but TWO Deleted Scenes from Unremembered never before released!

This offer is open to ALL countries. The UK Edition is eligible!

Simply pre-order UNFORGOTTEN from your favorite online or brick and mortar retailer (anywhere in the world!) and then:

Email a copy, photo, or scan of your receipt to UnrememberedTrilogy@gmail.com

Our staff at Unforgotten Headquarters will review your receipt and send you a link to download your free gift!

Easy peasy!

Here are links to some popular online retailers:

Offer expires 2/25/14

About UNFORGOTTEN (Book 2 of the UNREMEMBERED trilogy)

Some memories are better left forgotten…

After a daring escape from the scientists at Diotech who created her, Seraphina believes she is finally safe from the horrors of her past. But new threats await Sera and her boyfriend, Zen, at every turn as Zen falls prey to a mysterious illness and Sera’s extraordinary abilities make it more and more difficult to stay hidden.

Meanwhile, Diotech has developed a dangerous new weapon designed to apprehend her. A weapon that even Sera will be powerless to stop. Her only hope of saving Zen’s life and defeating the company that made her is a secret buried deep within her mind. A secret that Diotech will kill to protect. And it won’t stay forgotten for long.

Packed with mystery, suspense, and romance, this riveting second installment of Jessica Brody’s Unremembered trilogy delivers more heart-pounding action as loyalties are tested, love becomes a weapon, and no one’s memories are safe.

Read an Excerpt!
Download the first 5 Chapters FREE!
See Jessica on Tour!

And don’t forget to check out UNDISCOVERED, a special eBook novella (told from Zen’s point of view!) available 2/14/14!

Happy Reading, everyone! As always, thank you so much for your support of my books!

Jessica

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Published on February 05, 2014 18:51

5 Reasons to Get Excited about the Release of the UNREMEMBERED Paperback!

Hey! Hey! Hey! Guess what today is, boys and girls???

It’s the official release day of the UNREMEMBERED paperback!

Excuse me, while I do a little dancing off screen here.

Well, clearly I’m excited about the UNREMEMBERED paperback, but I’m sure you’re asking why you should be excited about it.

So I’ll tell you.

Here are the top 5 reasons YOU should be excited about the release of Unremembered in paperback!

5) For starters, it’s WAY lighter than the hardcover, which means you can take it more places without the risk of back, arm, or hand pain. (So in a way, it’s kind of a pain reliever as well as a book.)

4) It’s PACKED with so much bonus content, you won’t even know what to do with yourself! At the back of the book, you’ll find not one but TWO bonus short stories (with author introductions), a reader guide with insightful questions to make you feel smart (who doesn’t want to feel smart?), a Q&A with yours truly, in case you want to learn more about my experience writing the book (this is the part where I feel smart, or at the very least, chatty), and a special sneak peek of book 2, UNFORGOTTEN!

3) It has this really cool velvety “Soft Touch” cover treatment that’s so fun to touch. And pet. And rub your face against. Ahem, not that I’ve done that. I’m saying, like, if you have a cat or something who likes to rub his face on things.

2) While the hardcover was priced at $17.99, the paperback is only $9.99! That’s like (*counts on fingers*) EIGHT dollars less! Gosh, what will you do with eight whole dollars? Treat yourself to lunch at Panera Bread? Download 2.5 episodes of Downton Abbey on iTunes (4 if you choose SD)? Buy 3 lattes (2 if you’re at the airport)? How about buy a second copy of the paperback? Ha! The choices are endless!

And finally, the number one reason YOU should be excited about the release of the UNREMEMBERED paperback…

1) The release of the paperback means there’s only ONE MONTH left until the release of book 2, UNFORGOTTEN!!! (*cue raucous applause*) That’s right. The wait is almost over. If you haven’t read UNREMEMBERED yet, you can read it now (cheaper, lighter, packed with bonus content) and you’ll only have to wait less than a month for the story to continue! Lucky you. For everyone else, hold on, we’re almost there. I know it’s been a long time since you’ve spent time with Seraphina and Zen.

So there you have it. Did it work? Are you pumped? If you are, here are some links you might find useful:

CLICK HERE to read more about the book, watch the trailer, read reviews, all that fancy stuff.

CLICK HERE to download the first five chapters for FREE!

CLICK HERE to purchase the book!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out my new and improved Book page where I’ve posted tons of new stuff, including information about my new eBook novella which releases Feb. 14, UNDISCOVERED!

HAPPY READING!