Jessica Brody's Blog, page 21

August 28, 2013

52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER – CASTING!!!

So, remember my good friend Michelle Levy who is a professional casting agent in Hollywood? She did an awesome dream casting for UNREMEMBERED a few months back (in case you missed it, you can view the post here.) Well, she just read 52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER and was inspired to do another dream cast!

And since I’m so terrible at doing my own dream casts, I’m more than happy to post hers instead. And let me tell you, once again, I was blown away by how amazing and SPOT ON her casting picks were. GOSH, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

So without further ado, here are her picks for the main characters of the film with my comments.

LEXINGTON LARRABEE

Actress Name:

Where You’ve Seen Her: Beautiful Creatures

My Reaction: I’m SO excited about seeing Zoey in the new Vampire Academy movie next year! And seeing her picked for Lexi totally made me squeal! I really think she would be GREAT as the role of a spoiled heiress turned likable heroine.

LUKE-Sam-Underwood

LUKE CARVER

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: Dexter, Homeland

My Reaction: Hottie HOTNESS! Sam seems to be a really great up and coming star. I love the look of him in this photo! He can totally rock that smarmy kiss-ass intern one minute and be caring and sweet and sexy the next! Oh, Luke…

RICHARD-LARRABEE-John-Slattery

RICHARD LARRABEE

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: Arrested Development, Mad Men, Iron Man 2

My Reaction: So, I know I told you I’m normally really bad at dream casting, but I admit, I did picture John Slattery a few times when writing the role of Lexi’s father (the title character of the book!) John has this great seriousness about him and he can be really scary if he wants to be. But at the same time, he has a hidden softness that Richard Larrabee tries so desperately to hide. I think John would ROCK this role!

BRUCE SPIEGELMANN

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: Transformers, Veep, Luck

My Reaction: I love this actor. I’ve seen him in TONS of stuff. He is SO Bruce. Kind and fatherly but also stern and serious. I like that he’s a lot more paternal looking than Lexi’s dad, which is exactly his character in the book.

ROLANDO CASTAÑO

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: The Borgias, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome

My Reaction: YES! Rolando is supposed to be “cute” with a kind of playful dorkiness to him. Although this guy looks pretty hot to me, I can see how he could really play up the boyish charm.

HORATIO THE BUTLER

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives

My Reaction: Horatio was one of my favorite characters to write in this book. He’s basically like a father to Lexi. He’s certainly around her more than her real father. I love Tony’s look and sweet natured smile.

MENDI MILOS

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: Red Riding Hood, The Host, The White Queen

My Reaction: HOLY HOTNESSSSS! I was never Team Mendi (although I hear some readers are!) but after seeing this picture, I might have to switch teams! GAH! This actor just screams rich European heir. I love it! Michelle nailed it big time with this casting pick!

So what do you all think? Is this how you pictured the characters in the book? If not, who did you envision as you were reading? Comment away!

XO

Jessica

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Published on August 28, 2013 14:33

August 21, 2013

5 Ways to Make Your Writing More Cinematic by Screenwriter Daniel Kunka

I am SUPER excited about today’s guest post, you guys! WRITERS! Look alive, this post is so inspiring! When I read it, I immediately thought of 5 ways I could improve my current project!

12 rounds movie poster Daniel Kunka is an amazing screenwriter who has sold FOUR screenplays to major Hollywood studios in six short years. (Click here to read the news of his latest sale reported by Deadline Hollywood) His first feature-length film 12 ROUNDS was produced by Fox Studios and released in 2009 starring John Cena. He has also sold movies to Sony, Warner Bros, and Universal! His most recent sale, BERMUDA TRIANGLE has producer Charles Roven attached, whose known for a few tiny little films like oh, Man of Steel, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises...you know, nothing special. (HA!)

Anyway, Dan is a long-time friend of mine and was kind enough to write a guest post for my blog! When he asked me what I wanted for the post, I told him I wanted to help novelists make their books read more like movies. And he came up with the following 5 kick-ass Story Tips from the Screen!

So without further ado, here is some priceless advice from the wise Daniel Kunka. Take it away Dan!

Kunka

5 Ways to Make your Writing More Cinematic

Books and movies go hand in hand. Since the first talkies, Hollywood producers have often looked to novels and non-fiction books as source material for the Silver Screen, and with the recent success of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Twilight, that trend doesn’t look to be ending any time soon.

As a screenwriter, I’m often asked what makes a book a good movie. While that answer can be a complicated one, here are five story tips utilized by screenwriters that I think would be beneficial for all types of fiction writing.

movie-12_rounds-stills-1938648690

1. Your Hero Can Never Have Too Many Obstacles

Great storytelling is built on heroes overcoming challenges. From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Mission Impossible, screenwriters build scenes and structure stories so that their hero is tested beyond the usual limits. In your writing, it’s important to make sure nothing comes easy for your main character. Even the simplest of tasks can benefit from being a challenge. The more obstacles your main character overcomes, the more likable and active he or she will be, and the better your writing will be.

2. The Benefit of Failing

With so many obstacles facing your main character, it’s also important to let them fail. A lot of Hollywood movies use this technique to show character growth throughout the course of the story – a character is faced with a task that results in a failure, but by the end of the story, the character is faced with a similar obstacle and succeeds. From The Karate Kid (Daniel Larusso is beaten up by Johnny at the beginning, but wins the fight in the end) to The Matrix (Neo can’t bend the spoon, then realizes how to use his powers) to even Happy Gilmore (Happy can’t make a putt at the beginning but has to make a putt to win at the end), screenwriters utilize failure as a measurement of character growth, and character growth is a sign of a good story.

john cena

3. The How and Why of Your Story

One of the tools often taught to screenwriters is about the use of an Inciting Incident. This incident occurs early in your story (usually within the first 10 pages/minutes) that answers the question of how and why your particular story is taking place. This can be a beneficial tool in your own storytelling – stories are tighter if there’s a specific reason why the action is taking place or why the main characters are involved instead of just random chance. For instance, in the movie Super 8, the main characters (the kids making the super 8 movie) are brought into the plot about a government conspiracy because of a train crash they witness at the beginning of the story. But the train crash itself is also specific – it crashes in the town because the kids’ teacher is involved in the conspiracy. There’s no random chance here. Making sure the hows and the whys of your writing are air-tight will benefit your story.

4. Spicing Up Your Villain

Some of the greatest characters in movie history are villains. From Darth Vader in Star Wars to Hans Gruber in Die Hard, great villains can instantly elevate your writing. As much as you focus on your hero, make sure your villain is a worthy opponent with unique and three-dimensional qualities. Even a school bully can be built with specific details to make him stand out above the rest.

5. Be Your Own Best Editor

Screenwriting is a limited medium. Most movie scripts are only 100 to 120 pages long. Because of the limited space, screenwriters have to tell their stories economically. As a writer, novels have much more leeway to explore more of the world. This can be a double-edge sword. Learn to be your own editor. In screenwriting, good scenes develop either plot or character, while great scenes do both at the same time. If every word in your book has a distinct purpose, your overall storytelling will become cleaner and clearer.

Thank you DAN!!!!

Round of applause!

*Clap Clap Clap*

Be sure to check out Dan’s first film, 12 ROUNDS starring John Cena and keep your eyes open for more of his films coming to theatres soon!

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Published on August 21, 2013 07:34

August 19, 2013

Guest Star: Amanda Ashby

It’s time for another Guest Star! Our guest this week is Amanda Ashby, author of the new release, DEMONOSITY! And to celebrate her release, I’m giving away a free copy! (See widget at the bottom of this post!)

About DEMONOSITY:

The Black Rose–a powerful ancient force–has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis’ high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That’s where Cassidy comes in.

She’s a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She’s the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her. Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy.

In honor of UNREMEMBERED, I’m asking all my guest stars to tell us about a memory they wish they could “Unremember.” Here’s what Amanda had to say!

I’m a big fan of memory wiping (and mind control. You have no idea what I could do if I was a Jedi). Anyway, I know I should say that I’d unremember something deep and dark from my hideous teenage years but truly, I don’t want you to think badly of me (plus I’ve been advised that suppression is the best form of mental health!) so I think I’d better just leave my embarrassing past where it is!

However, the one thing that I would love to erase from my mind is season two of Dark Angel. I know it was a long time ago but I seriously, seriously, SERIOUSLY loved season one of that show and then something unexplainable happened and season two was awful – so awful that not even a hottie like Jensen Ackles could save it. So, Jessica, since you are the master of making things happen, I will looking forward to forgetting about this is the near future!

Rave Reviews for DEMONOSITY:

“With interesting characters and a fresh plot, this absorbing read addresses everything from peer pressure to intelligent guy pals to self-reliance, with just enough paranormal activity to maintain an edge. The message never overwhelms the fun in this frothy paranormal romp.” Kirkus Reviews

“Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.” School Library Journal

About the Author:

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and after spending the last sixteen years dividing her time between England and New Zealand, she’s finally returned home for some sunshine. When she’s not moving country, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to eat chocolate, watch television and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that amongst ourselves, shall we?)

She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book, You Had Me at Halo was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. Zombie Queen of Newbury High was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010. Fairy Bad Day was selected by Voya as one of their Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2012 and was a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist for the Australia/NZ region.

Visit her online at: AmandaAshby.com

Giveaway Time!

(Open internationally)

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Published on August 19, 2013 08:13

August 4, 2013

UNFORGOTTEN ARC Giveaway – August

Hey awesome readers! I just received a box full of very gorgeous UNFORGOTTEN ARCs! (See pics below!) UNFORGOTTEN is the second book in the UNREMEMBERED trilogy and it will be released on February 25, 2014 which is a little less than 7 months away! WOOT!

Opening the box (Puppy thinks it’s full of treats)

SO gorgeous!

I totally geeked out when I put them on the shelf next to UNREMEMBERED!

And to make the time until February 25th go by faster, I decided to host an ARC giveaway every month until the book releases (That’s SEVEN giveaways!) Each giveaway will be slightly different and some might require you to dust off your creative skills.

ALL GIVEAWAYS WILL BE OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!

So without further ado, here are the details for the first giveaway!

August ARC Giveaway: “Why are YOU excited about UNFORGOTTEN?”

Create a video or visual representation showing us why YOU are excited about the release of UNFORGOTTEN in February!

2 ARCs up for grabs!

DETAILS:

1) Your visual can be ANYTHING (video, drawing, photo, trailer, pinterest board, animation, fan art, fan poster, music video, you talking to the camera–the sky is the limit! Whatever inspires you! BE CREATIVE!)

2) Your visual MUST be posted online somewhere (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blog, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)

3) You must use the Raffle Copter widget below to officially enter (you will be prompted to enter a URL to your visual). You’ll also have other chances to enter!

4) 2 ARCs will be given away: 1 to a random entry and 1 to the best visual submitted! At the end of the month, I’ll post 10 finalists and YOU all will get to vote for your favorite!

5) HAVE FUN!!! Points will be rewarded for creativity!

**NOTE: you don’t have to create a visual to enter, you can simply enter using the other methods in the Raffle Copter widget below.

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Thanks for tuning in! Have fun!

Jessica

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Published on August 04, 2013 23:22

August 1, 2013

UNFORGOTTEN – Cover Reveal!

SQUEEE!!!! Yesterday was a beautiful day! The lovely bloggers at Bewitched Bookworms revealed the cover of UNFORGOTTEN (Book 2 in the Unremembered Trilogy) for all the world to see! And the outpouring of wonderful comments and cover love has been tremendous! I’m feeling very grateful for all of you and the wonderful people at Macmillan Children’s, my publisher!

So in case you missed it yesterday, I’m posting the cover again here for you all to feast your eyes upon!

And here it is!

So…what do you think!???? COMMENT!!!

Also, here’s the official synopsis:

UNFORGOTTEN:

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.

And here are books 1 and 2 side by side. SQUEAL!!!! SO PRETTY!

Do you want to win an advance copy!???

Then hurry over to Bewitched Bookworms to enter the giveaway!

Until next time!

Jessica

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Published on August 01, 2013 08:15

July 20, 2013

Read the Entire First Season of The Traveling Story!

PHEW! The first season of THE TRAVELING STORY (my fun, new author project) is NOW complete! I thought I’d post all the episode links here so you can read the entire story (in case you missed it this week!)

But first, here’s a bit about the project:

What is the Traveling Story?

5 Authors. 5 Days. 1 Story.

Each season of The Traveling Story will feature 5 well-known authors collaborating on one original, kick-ass story, with each author writing one of five episodes.

The full story will be revealed over the course of a week, with each episode appearing on the blog of the author who wrote it.

How Does it Work?

There are only three rules for The Traveling Story:

1) No brainstorming, outlining, or discussion of plot ahead of time. The first author writes the first episode of ANY kind of story they want and the next author picks up where that episode leaves off, taking it WHEREVER they want to go! The last author ends the story however they see fit!

2) An author cannot make changes to any previous episode. Each author has total creative control over their OWN episode only, but it has to continue where the last episode leaves off.

3) HAVE FUN! As you’ll see from the awesome story that came out of this, we don’t take ourselves too seriously! The Traveling Story is meant to be fun for the writers but especially for the readers!

Season 1 Authors:

Jessica Brody

Jessica Khoury

Emmy Laybourne

Lish McBride

Gretchen McNeil

This first season turned out to be one wild and quirky ride! We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it!

And, here are all the links to the episodes!

Season 1 Episodes:

Episode 1 – Jessica Brody

Episode 2 – Jessica Khoury

Episode 3 – Lish McBride

Episode 4 – Gretchen McNeil

Episode 5 – Emmy Laybourne

So! Tell us what you thought! Comment below!

Also, check out our fun PINTEREST BOARD for the story!

And be sure to LIKE The Traveling Story on Facebook so you can catch future seasons!

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Published on July 20, 2013 08:20

July 15, 2013

The Traveling Story – Season 1 – Episode 1

It’s finally here! This is a project I’ve been wanting to start for a LONG time and I’m so thrilled to be finally bringing it to you all (along with a very special giveaway)! Please welcome the very first season of…

THE TRAVELING STORY!

What is the Traveling Story?

5 Authors. 5 Days. 1 Story.

Each season of The Traveling Story will feature 5 well-known authors collaborating on one original, kick-ass story, with each author writing one of five episodes.

The full story will be revealed over the course of a week, with each episode appearing on the blog of the author who wrote it.

How Does it Work?

There are only three rules for The Traveling Story:

2) An author cannot make changes to any previous episode. Each author has total creative control over their OWN episode only, but it has to continue where the last episode leaves off.

Season 1 Authors:

Jessica Brody

Jessica Khoury

Emmy Laybourne

Lish McBride

Gretchen McNeil

*Don’t forget to LIKE The Traveling Story on Facebook where we’ll be posting links to EVERY episode, so you never miss out on a piece of the story!

And to further entice you, we’ll be giving away an awesome Traveling Story prize pack featuring a book from EACH of the season 1 authors (enter at the bottom of this post.)

I have to say, I knew this project was going to be fun, but I didn’t imagine just HOW MUCH fun it would be. The authors who collaborated on this first season were all so creative and hilarious and amazing, each bringing her own style to the mix and taking the story up a notch with each episode. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it!

And without further ado…here is THE TRAVELING STORY SEASON 1!

Episode 1

by Jessica Brody

In hindsight, I never should have told him my name was Hilda Otterbum.

Because, well, for starters, my name is not Hilda Otterbum. And secondly, and probably more important given my current predicament, I really should have recognized the fact that anyone walking around a busy coffee shop, asking for someone named Hilda Otterbum is more than likely to be a suspicious character. I mean, the name sounds like it’s ripped from a Harry Potter novel.

But alas, I did not recognize this fact.

And so here I am.

I’d like to be able to tell you that I was taken against my will. That something was slipped into my coffee while my back was turned. That I dropped dramatically to the floor like a clichéd sack of flour and was then tossed over the shoulder of some burly, bald guy whose muscles are too big for his tee-shirt, only to wake up hours later, bruised and disoriented.

Yes, I would really love to be able to tell you that.

But of course, that would be a lie.

Because the truth is, I went willingly.

And now, knowing what I know, I realize how sad of a statement that is.

What’s even sadder is the reality that I only went willingly because the guy was cute.

And not just any cute. I’m talking Nicholas Sparks movie cute.

With a British accent.

I should probably back up and tell you what happened. Because by now, you’re undoubtedly thinking less of me. And since you didn’t really have an opinion of me to start with, that means I’m off to a pretty shabby start in your mind.

Maybe this will help.

There I was, sitting at my favorite table at Java the Hut, a coffee shop frequented by blind daters who meet on the internet, minding my own business, with my nose where it normally is—in a book. Today it was The Great Gatsby. And no, not because the movie just came out. I’m not a fair-weather reader. Because it just so happens to be my seventh favorite book of all time. I would list books 1-6 but that would just waste time and I know you’re dying to hear about the guy.

The one who so effortlessly charmed me into…well, you’ll find out soon enough.

So, like I said, I was reading The Great Gatsby and then into my world walked—no, floated. Picture him floating, like some angelic being created by the divine. It’ll make the grand err in judgment I’m about to commit in less than ten seconds much more forgivable.

Into my world floated him.

All six foot something of him (it’s hard to accurately gauge height when you’re sitting down and the other person is standing), with lean muscles, almost-black hair and sapphire blue eyes. Am I painting an appetizing enough picture? Because it’s really important that I get this right. I want you to understand why I did what I did. Nay, I need you to.

Then he spoke. And I heard that mouth-watering accent for the first time. It was like James Bond, Dr. Who, and the hot guy from Downtown Abbey had some strange three-way love child.

“Excuse me,” he said, “Are you Hilda Otterbum?”

I looked up at him and our gazes collided, turning every muscle in my body into Silly Putty. There was suddenly no other word in the English language. At least not that I could ever remember learning.

There was only “yes.”

And so I bumbled it out. “Yes!”

Anything to make sure this person did not walk out of my life only moments after he floated into.

Okay, so the thought did occur to me that I was not, in fact, who I said I was. And that he was probably supposed to be meeting some beautiful supermodel he’d met playing online chess or something, but I didn’t really care at that point. I just wanted him to sit down. He could call me Hilda, Helga, Hippo, it honestly didn’t matter to me in the slightest.

I admit, I don’t look much like a Hilda. Not that I look much like a Lucy either. But he didn’t seem to notice. Although, now of course, I know that Hilda Otterbum wasn’t a real person anyway. It was a code name.

A code name I really shouldn’t have answered to.

But c’mon. Can you blame me? The guy said “bum” to me. Sure, it was proceeded by the word “otter,” but still.

He smiled and slid into the chair across from me. And I felt my stomach turn to goop.

“So,” he said, “Are you still up for this?”

I painted on a bright smile. “Of course, why ever would I not be?”

“Some people get cold feet at the last minute.”

I shrugged. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

He pursed his lips. “Good point. But I always have to make sure. Once we start the implementation, it’s hard to turn back.”

Implementation?

I did consider this a very strange term for “dating,” but at the time I chalked it up to one of those quirky phrases the Brits use that we Americans all find so endearing. Like how they call sweaters “jumpers,” and shopping carts “trolleys.”

“Well, you know,” I said, trying to sound confident, “I’m all about…implementing. Or whatever.”

He looked surprised. “Really?”

I shrugged again and took a sip of my coffee. “Sure, I mean, it wouldn’t be my first implementation.”

This wasn’t a lie.

I’d had my fair share of boyfriends, thank you very much. But to my discredit, none of them looked like him.

You’re probably wondering where I thought I was going to go with all of this. Eventually I’d have to fess up and admit that I wasn’t the elusive Hilda Otterbum, but rather just plain old seventeen-year-old Lucy Morgan who happened to have a weakness for Fitzgerald.

But honestly, I wasn’t really thinking about that at the time. I was too focused on his mouth. The way it seemed to cradle the words before releasing them into the air. I was, you know, living in the moment. All the gurus tell you that’s how you should live.

All the gurus are wrong.

Maybe if I’d stopped to talk some sense into myself, I wouldn’t be in this mess.

The Brit looked intrigued. “Oh, so you’ve done this before? I was under the impression you were new.”

“I…” I stammeed. “I’m new…ish.”

He nodded as though this made perfect sense. I’m glad it made sense to him. I was already starting to feel very lost. But as long his cute bum stayed in the chair, I didn’t really care.

I watched as he glanced around the coffee shop. He looked anxious. Preoccupied. Then he turned back to me. “Well, I suppose I don’t need to explain anything to you, then.”

He reached into his pocket and produced a small silver box, placing it gingerly on the table and sliding it toward me. “I’ll just leave you with the package.”

Jewelry?

On a blind date?

I liked this guy already.

I pulled the box curiously toward me, preparing to flip open the lid. But he stopped me. “I wouldn’t open that until it’s time.”

I pulled my fingers back. “How will I know when it’s time?”

He stood up, straightening the cuffs of his button-down shirt, and letting out a chuckle, as though I’d made some kind of joke. “I think it’ll be quite obvious.”

I started to panic then. Why was he leaving? Was it something I’d said?

“Well.” He sighed, looking down at me with an almost pitying expression. “Good luck.”

I watched longingly as he zigzagged through the crowded restaurant and walked out the front door.

Confused, I sniffed under both armpits and blew into my hand, checking my breath. I was just about to dig my compact out of my school bag to check for food in my teeth when I heard the noise. An epic, thunderous boom that came from right outside the coffee shop. On the street where my Brit had exited.

I snatched up the small silver box and my school bag and ran toward the entrance, shoving open the door with my shoulder.

In hindsight, I never should have left the building.

I never should have accepted that little silver box.

And I never, ever should have told him my name was Hilda Otterbum.

But I did.

And now I have to deal with the consequences.

The consequences that started the second I stepped out that door.

To be continued…

Follow the Traveling Story! Below is the post schedule:

Episode 1 – July 15 – Jessica Brody

Episode 2 – July 16 – Jessica Khoury

Episode 3 – July 17 – Lish McBride

Episode 4 – July 18 – Gretchen McNeil

Episode 5 – July 19 – Emmy Laybourne

And as promised, here is the giveaway (Open Internationally)

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Published on July 15, 2013 06:00

July 5, 2013

Win Seraphina’s Locket!

Okay, as exciting news goes, this is kind of up there at the top. Probably because I’m such a massive dork!

I’m pleased to announce that the fabulous Hebel Design has created a jewelry line inspired by UNREMEMBERED and the first piece to be released is none other than Seraphina’s locket (which, if you’ve read the book. you understand what a significant item this is to the story!)

And look how GORGEOUS IT IS! It’s EXACTLY how I pictured it in my head! I’ve been wearing mine EVERY day since I got it!

Click here to order your own!

To celebrate the locket now being available for sale to the public, I’ve decided to give one away on my blog (along with an autographed copy of the book!)

Viviane at Hebel Design has designed jewelry inspired by so many fantastic books like THE GRISHA TRILOGY by Leigh Bardugo, THE SYRENA LEGACY by Anna Banks, THE SHADOWHUNTERS CHRONICLES by Cassandra Clare, among others! I’m thrilled and honored that she’s decided to create jewelry inspired by UNREMEMBERED!

So don’t forget to check out Hebel Design’s website and see all the gorgeous jewelry for yourself!

This giveaway is open internationally!

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Published on July 05, 2013 17:13

May 29, 2013

Coming in June: The Fierce Reads Tour!

HOORAH! It’s almost summer! Which means it’s time for me to be leaving on tour again! This time I’ll be accompanied by the loveliest of ladies. Of course, I’m talking about my fellow Fierce Reads authors: Leigh Bardugo, Anna Banks, Emmy Laybourne, and Gennifer Albin!

We’ll be touring together for 2 whole weeks! And the cities and dates were just announced! Are coming to a city near you? Check out the list of cities below and click here for ALL the details on the Fierce Reads Facebook page You can also find more information about this tour and my other upcoming events on my appearances page.

6/4 Portland, OR
6/5 Las Vegas, NV
6/6 Denver, CO
6/7 Boulder, CO
6/8 Omaha, NE
6/9 Dallas, TX
6/10 Edmond/OKC, OK
6/11 Memphis, TN
6/12 Miami, FL
6/13 Tampa, FL
6/14 Raleigh, NC
6/15 Boston, MA
6/16 Madison, CT
6/18 New York, NY
6/19 Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hope to see you at one of the stops!

Jessica

Related Posts:THE UNREMEMBERED TOUR!UNREMEMBERED – Big News Roundup!These are a Few of My Favorite Things (of 2012)Pen Fatale Fall Tour Dates and (some) Details!About

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Published on May 29, 2013 06:47

May 28, 2013

Unremembered – CASTING!!!

So, you guys! I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful person named who is an author AND a professional casting director! She’s worked on projects like MY NAME IS EARL, MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS, and she just worked on the new VAMPIRE ACADEMY film!

And guess what!? Michelle read UNREMEMBERED and put together a DREAM CAST for me based on who she pictured while reading the book!

WOW!!!!

I’m usually SO bad at dream casting my own books. But Michelle NAILED it! I was so excited about her picks, I wanted to share them with you all!

So here it is. The unofficial UNREMEMBERED movie cast, as selected by REAL LIFE CASTING DIRECTOR, Michelle Levy!

SERAPHINA

Actress Name:

Where You’ve Seen Her: The Secret Life of the American Teenager

My Reaction: YES! YES! YES! With some purple contacts India IS Seraphina!!!

ZEN

Actor Name:

Where You’ve Seen Him: The Vampire Diaries

My Reaction: OMG! ZEN! I’ve always loved the Vampire Diaries. And I think Steven definitely captures that “desperate need to protect” that Zen embodies.

CODY

Actor Name: Chandler Canterbury

Where You’ve Seen Him: The Host, Knowing, Fringe

My Reaction: This is EXACTLY how I pictured Cody. We’ll have to “nerd” him up a bit, but Chandler is perfection!

THANK YOU MICHELLE! These pics are going RIGHT onto my vision board for the series.

So there are a few surprise new characters in UNFORGOTTEN (one in particular that I’m DYING to cast) maybe Michelle will be kind enough to read and give me her picks in 2014!

What do you guys think? Did you picture anyone else when reading UNREMEMBERED?