L.J. Higgins's Blog, page 15
March 7, 2016
Top 4 Contemporary YA Authors
I love reading young adult novels. There’s really no other way to say it. It’s a fact. Even though I have a special leaning toward contemporary novels, I have found that young adult genres such as fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian can fascinate me as well – albeit not quite as much. This is likely why I myself gravitate toward writing in the contemporary genre. It just rings truer and more realistically to me, and therefore, it is easier to write in that vein.
There are several contemporary young adult authors who stick out in my mind as the cream of the crop – but take note that despite my love of the genre, I have not read every book out there (I’m trying, though!), and therefore there must be more authors who will one day fall into this category for me. For now, I’d like to give you a sampling of some of my favorite contemporary YA authors.
Sonya Sones. My novel, ‘Freshman Fourteen,’ thanks Sones in the acknowledgments for being one of my inspirations for making writing seem so effortless and for helping me maintain my focus, energy, and love of writing through her words. She writes spectacular novels-in-verse that are not only fast and easy to read, but that connect readers through creative and metaphorical ways with words. Start with ‘What My Mother Doesn’t Know’ – it’s the one that pulled me in and got me so invested in finding and flying through the rest of her novels!
Meredith Zeitlin. I have only come to know of Zeitlin and her novels pretty recently, but she has quickly become one of my all-time favorite YA contemporary authors. She writes in much the same manner that I feel I do, with a female protagonist who is not quite sure of herself all the time, but finds strength in her convictions when necessary and finds herself in predicaments that are annoying to her, yet humorous to readers. Her writing is crisp and clear, and always has me eager to read more. Check out her novels, ‘Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters’ and ‘Sophomore Year is Greek to Me’ – you’ll be hooked in no time!
Alyson Noel. I first found one of Noel’s books at a local library book sale. The title was ‘Kiss & Blog,’ and I thought it sounded right up my alley. Besides being a fast and fun read, it spurred my interest in reading more of her novels – I’ve read six of hers in total so far. She captures teen life in a way that has more sex, drugs, and other not-so-wholesome issues included, but she does so in a way that doesn’t detract from the innocent values that her main characters still find a way of exhibiting. Even though my novel, ‘Freshman Fourteen,’ is more wholesome overall, reading about the troubles and indecision of teens who are not so much like my main characters still resonates with me and allows me to think about how I might incorporate different values and lessons into my own writing.
YA Author Rendezvous (YAAR). This fabulously gifted group that I am lucky to be a part of includes some of my favorite new authors. With genres ranging from contemporary to paranormal, dystopian, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, there is something for everyone. I highly encourage you to pick up some of the books mentioned on the YAAR website (yaarendezvous.com). You won’t be sorry you did. They are compelling in so many ways – motivationally, metaphorically, and because all the novels by authors in this group are written with the reader in mind (I’m sure the other authors mentioned above do this as well!). As readers ourselves, we take pride in providing you with what you want, because it’s what we want too!
I hope this listing of authors gives you a basis of where to start. And please note that this list is not by any means all-inclusive. There are so, so, so many authors and books out there that are begging to be read that can easily fall into the category of greatness. However, knowing what you’re looking for and what/who you already like in terms of your favorite genre or writing style will help you figure out new potential reading interests that much quicker. Good luck and happy reading!
Written by Beth Rodgers, author of the YA novel ‘Freshman Fourteen.’ Also an editor and college English instructor, she lives in Michigan with her husband, son, and new baby. You can find more information about Beth and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ at www.BethRodgersAuthor.com .
LINKS:
Amazon (print and Kindle editions available):
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethrodgersauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6824040.Beth_Rodgers
Twitter: @bethrodgersauth
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxmBf9BkbUxMkLIuv6Xmo5g
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March 1, 2016
Debut Novel by Eden Finley
One Night with Hemsworth was the first erotica-romance I’ve ever read, and I will admit I went into it unsure if it would be something I would enjoy. I LOVED Paige and Cole’s story, and highly recommend reading it if you are either an avid erotica-romance reader, or want to try out a new genre. Eden Finley has really found a great balance between intimacy, finding love and romance in this novel. Keep reading to find out more about One Night with Hemsworth.
One Night with Hemsworth
by Eden Finley
Cole Turner’s ex-wife is getting remarried. No amount of alcohol can drown that out, but taking home the hot brunette at the bar is a good enough distraction. That’s all Paige is meant to be—a distraction.
Paige Minor is too busy studying for her law degree and getting over a bad breakup to care about finding another boyfriend. All she wants is one night of careless fun with a complete stranger. Cole seems like the perfect candidate.
When Cole goes to pick up his son from his ex’s perfect house, with her perfect fiancé, and perfect new life, the last person he expects to see is Paige. She definitely shouldn’t be the one opening the door. As he stares at the person who was in his bed less than twenty-four hours earlier, a single thought occurs to him: I just slept with my ex’s new stepdaughter.
One Night with Hemsworth is available HERE
FREE TO READ WITH A KINDLE UNLIMITED SUBSCRIPTION
Follow Eden Finley here:
Character Interview with Paige from One Night with Hemsworth.
Q. Okay, so what’s your story?
A. Story? I don’t really have one. I’m quite boring, actually. I’m studying law so I don’t really have much time to do anything fun.
Q. What do you do when you’re not in classes?
A. I’m usually studying with my best friend Sara.
Q. Describe your perfect guy.
A. Someone who’s not a cheating dickwad would be nice. Un-controlling too. I don’t have very high standards. I just want to be treated with respect.
Q. What are your worst attributes?
A. I can be a bit of a doormat at times because my self-esteem is low. Any time I seem confident, I’m totally faking it. And my mouth doesn’t know when to shut up.
Q. What are your best attributes?
A. I use humour as a defence mechanism which makes me pretty funny at times. Umm … I’m loyal to those closest to me like my brother and Sara. I’m smart, even if I make bad decisions sometimes.
Character Interview with Cole from One Night with Hemsworth
Q. Okay, so what’s your story?
A. I’ll save you the sob story and just give you the basics. I’m a twenty-seven-year-old divorcee with a seven-year-old kid and a bitch of an ex-wife.
Q. What do you do for fun?
A. Hang out with my son, Cody. He means the world to me.
Q. Describe your perfect girl.
A. Someone who doesn’t want anything too serious. A one-night only type of girl. After my marriage, I’m not interested in another relationship. No one out there is going to be my ‘one’—I’ve already come to terms with that fact.
Q. What are your worst attributes?
A. Whoa. This could be a long list. But the worst? Probably my short temper. Okay, definitely my short temper.
Q. What are your best attributes?
A. I’m not sure I have any of those. None that I can see anyway. I’m a good father when my ex lets me see my kid, but that’s about it.
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February 28, 2016
Are you a Dreamer?
Are you a Dreamer? Can you be looking at a magnificent tree its roots buried deep, buckling and bending over the earth at its base, and it’s branches reaching up into the sky with thick limbs and think to yourself, “Imagine how long it took that tree to grow from a seed into that huge tree?” Do you enjoy finding pictures in clouds? And do you take a moment to absorb the colours of the world around you? That is where I got the concept of Dreamers. I am a Dreamer myself.
I believe it’s important to take a moment, a few times a day, to absorb and enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Enjoy the smell of fresh air, the bright green of leaves against the clear blue of the sky. Not only is it extremely calming, but it centres you and reminds you that there is an amazing world around you. So many of us are so busy going about our lives that we can reach a destination in our car and are unable to remember most of the drive. We are on autopilot, cruise control. And we are missing out on our own lives because of it.
If you aren’t a Dreamer already I urge you to try it. It may just help you make your stressful day feel that little bit more bearable.
Are you a Dreamer?
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February 21, 2016
Exciting New Release!
As a writer, I also love to read, and I’m really excited about an upcoming release from author Kayla Howarth. I really enjoyed Kayla’s Institute Series, and now she is about to release the first of her newest series, Losing Nuka. I was lucky enough to have an early sneak peak at this book and I promise you it’s an exciting read.
Losing Nuka
Raised by adoptive parents since the age of six, Nuka James starts questioning her past. Unable to get the answers she seeks, she goes in search of the one person who can tell her the truth—her birth mother.
When her search leads her to Litmus, Nuka wants to prove she’s worthy. Litmus is the infamous underground club where Defectives use their supernatural abilities to fight it out for money, fame, and glory. Litmus is where you find out what you’re made of.
Nuka wants to win her mother’s approval, but doing it without losing herself might be impossible.
Litmus is a spin-off of The Institute Series. While it is set in the same world, and characters from The Institute make appearances, it can be read as a separate, stand-alone series.
Losing Nuka is available for Pre-Order on Amazon NOW! Click HERE to grab your copy.
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February 14, 2016
I went and joined a Book Club!
Yes, I went and joined a Book Club. To be honest my friend created it so it wasn’t as scary as it sounds. Why join a book club? To talk about books of course! And to discover new authors I didn’t even know existed. It does mean my already lengthy TBR list will get even longer, but I would feel lost if I didn’t have a backlog of books to read.
Unfortunately I was sick and missed out on our first meeting, which I was really sad about. I had dreams of sitting around snacking on delicious nibbles while sipping on a glass of champagne and talking about our favorite books. I really hope my first meeting doesn’t destroy that image. Lucky I have a great imagination. But they soldiered through despite my absence and managed to decide on the first book to be read.
Room by Emma Donoghue
Room, as you probably know, has also recently been released as a movie. I look forward to reading it and letting you know what everyone thought in a months time.
Feel free to join us each month so you can share your thoughts too!
Are you part of a book club?
What are you reading at the moment?
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February 7, 2016
Why I Love Bad Reviews
This weeks post was written by the very talented Kayla Howarth, author of The Institute Series.
Earlier this week we had a discussion about the importance of good and bad reviews, and it inspired her to write this post for me to share with you.
Why I Love Bad Reviews
By Kayla Howarth
The saying “Bad reviews aren’t really bad” is actually true. There are many benefits to bad reviews, and I’ll be the first to say that I LOVE them.
Do I love them when they pop up on my Amazon or Goodreads page and yell at me for being a mediocre writer with no hope of success? Not so much.
However, after I rant and rave about how the review was mean or unwarranted, I usually take a second glance and tell myself the same things I do every time someone doesn’t like my work:
Everyone is entitled to their own (wrong) opinion. (LOL)
Not everyone loves the same thing.
I belong to numerous writing groups and there’s an author who is always revered for their writing by everyone else. But me? I couldn’t read their work at all. Granted, it was written really well, but it wasn’t my genre of choice and I just didn’t find it interesting. It has nothing to do with that author and everything to do with what I do/don’t like.
Is there anything in the review I can learn from or improve on?
I generally find the reviews that have a genuine complaint annoy me more than the ones that just attack the book. Valid complaints are upsetting because I’ll agree that I could’ve done better, or that they made a fair point. The good thing about this though, is it means I learn how to better my craft. I generally don’t stay mad for long.
So why am I professing my LOVE for bad reviews if they make me all twitchy and crankypants? (Crankypants – so a word!)
Not only do some bad reviews teach you to better your craft, they also keep you grounded, and help keep hold of that little bit of self-doubt all authors have.
I’ll be the first to admit that when the shining 5 star reviews come in, I’m usually on a high for a full day. I feel invincible, and like I’m going to be the next big thing. I need the bad reviews to bring me back down and remember that no matter how proud I am of my work, I can always improve. In this industry, it’s a constant learning curve. If you’re no longer learning, your books won’t progress and you won’t move forward. I believe I get better with every book I write, but if I got nothing but 5 glowing stars, why would I feel like I need to improve? I’d get lazy. I’d feel like everyone was going to love what I wrote, no matter what it was. I can tell you now – they wouldn’t!
Another reason I love bad reviews is because it means my book is getting out there. All different kinds of people are reading my books. Anyone who has only good or decent reviews is suspicious. Where did those reviews come from? Every best seller out there – Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Fault in Our Stars – they all have bad reviews. Why? Again, it’s because not everyone likes the same thing. So if a book is only being read by people who LOVE the book? Alarm bells warn in my head. Chances are they are all solicited reviews.
*Please note: I’m not saying solicited reviews aren’t honest, but it’s a sign the book isn’t selling and it’s not reaching its target audience.
The last reason I love bad reviews is because what someone might hate, someone else might love. I know I kind of said similar above, but what I mean is this:
One of my books received a one star review that said:
“I felt like I was reading a story written by a horny, liberal teenager.”
You know why I love this so much? Because this will make horny liberal teenagers pick up my book! (Who are my YA target audience, unlike the above reviewer.) *Please note, if you’re a teen and neither liberal nor horny, I’m sure you’d still like my book.
Another one of mine that was two stars:
“I lose interest when the obligatory gay character enters the scene.”
You know who may read my book now? A teenager who might be struggling with their sexuality.
I’ve read reviews of Young Adult books that actually say something along the lines of the reader being in their forties and not enjoying the book because it was really aimed at teenagers.
Umm, what?
While I believe any age can enjoy a Young Adult book, if you don’t like teenager angst, why are you picking up this genre? But again, these reviews promote the book for what it really is – a book for teens. The right target audience will read that and want to pick up the book.
So that, in a nutshell, is why I LOVE BAD REVIEWS! **Except for that one on Goodreads that said my book was dull and predictable. YOU’RE dull and predictable, random reviewer! (Mature comeback, am I right?)
You can find Kayla Howarth and her amazing Institute Series on:
www.kaylahowarth.com
Facebook
Amazon
Goodreads
Twitter
And keep an eye out for Kayla’s new series Litmus, Losing Nuka will be released on the 25th March 2016!
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February 1, 2016
Fall of the Dreamer Launch Party
Over the weekend I celebrated the launch of Fall of the Dreamer, by hosting a boho style party, in honor of the Dreamer Trilogies newest character, Harper. With around 30 people attending it was a great night full of delicious food, refreshments and henna tattoo’s. Of course the night and launch wouldn’t have been what it was without the help of many amazing people so I have posted my speech here so you know who I have to thank.
~SPEECH~
I may have written Fall of the Dreamer, but it would never have gotten to where it is if it wasn’t for the help, support and encouragement of a lot of people. I just want to take a moment to thank them all.
First and foremost, tonight isn’t just a celebration for me, but also my amazing cover designer Ann-Maree. I think you will all agree that a book will only do well if it has a great cover, and her design has given Fall of the Dreamer, the best chance it’s got. Ann-Maree, thank you so much for being patient with me and not disowning me as a friend. I’m looking forward to working on book three with you.
A huge thank you to those of you who read Fall of the Dreamer and gave me your feedback: Mum, Margaret, Jacqui, Tizena, Kylie, Terri & Kayla. Your comments and ideas helped mould Fall of the Dreamer into the book it is. And a massive thank you to my editor Patrick for his love of commas and correcting my punctuation and grammatical errors.
One of the fun parts of book launches is the free stuff, and I have to thank the people who donated prizes for the lucky door prize: Christine at Created by Christine, Kelsey an Independent Scentsy Consultant, Tash at Younique, Sarhan at SA Ultimate Fitness, Heidi at A Life Fulfilled and Jen from Amelia V’s House.
I was lucky enough to have two great businesses donate prizes for my huge giveaway that was drawn on Thursday. The gorgeous Dream Catcher was donated by Nicole at Intuitive Creations and Wild Flower Clothing donated the Dreamer Singlet. Winners have been announced and contacted. I have listed them below and I hope they enjoy their prizes.
I had the vision for tonight but it wouldn’t have come together if it wasn’t for those of you who came earlier today to help set up. Thank you. Another huge thanks needs to go out to Amanda from Your Inspiration at Home and her helpers for the delicious food that we are eating tonight. If you are loving the food make sure you find Amanda to have a chat about her range.
And thank you to Leanne for all of the gorgeous thank you gifts she created for you all to take home with you.
I think we will all agree the best centrepiece tonight is the amazing cake created by the talented Kylie! Thank you so much for creating it for me and I can’t wait to have a slice.
I am also really excited to have Victoria here from Sunlit Henna here to decorate us all with her gorgeous henna art. Thank you Victoria.
Most of all thank you to all of you for making the effort to take the time out of your busy lives to help me celebrate achieving my dream. Without the support and encouragement of my family and friends I could never have gotten here, at least not still semi-sane.
And of course thank you to my amazing husband and kids for understanding that achieving your dreams takes commitment and the help of those who love you. You pick up the slack without complaining, too much, and I am so lucky to have you all by my side.
Thank you!
With so many great prizes won over the last week here are the lucky winners:
Dreamer Giveaway
Dreamer Prize Pack 1: Roger Simmons
Dreamer Prize Pack 2: Karra Beezley
Dreamer Prize Pack 3: Cian Ryan
Launch Party Lucky Door Prizes
A Life Fullfilled – Wrap Bracelet: Jane O’Sullivan
SA Ultimate Fitness – 2 x 30 min PT Sessions (3 winners): Casey Black, Nicole, Debbie Kingston
Kelsey an Independant Scentsy Consultant – Scentsy Pack: Olga Summerhayes
Natasha at Younique – Younique Eye Pack: Erika Griffith
Amelia V’s House – “Never Stop Dreaming” Wire Art: Terri Perkins
2 Wine Pack: Margaret Priddy
2 Wine Pack: Mel Toner
Dreamer Mug and Leaf Journal: Sam Clark
Thank you to all of those who helped me celebrate the release of Fall of the Dreamer. To see more photos of the night head to my Facebook page.
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January 27, 2016
Fall of the Dreamer Release Day!
RELEASE BLITZ
Fall of the Dreamer
(Dreamer Trilogy, Book Two)
BY : L.J. HIGGINS
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY
28TH
JOIN THE PARTY
Enjoying her new life in Sandhaven after the events of the
year before, Amelia feels like she has it all great friends, a home by the
beach, a job that she loves, and a handsome boyfriend. But a new threat is
brewing in the city; the Cambiar Virus is spreading fast and people are dying.
Amelia does not want to give up her peaceful life, but someone must fight for
those who are unaware of the danger they’re in. With Cameron acting strange,
her friendship with Sarah strained, and her relationship with Jonah growing
more complicated, the last thing Amelia wants is to put her personal life aside
and get involved in another life threatening situation. But she doesn’t have a
choice.
Every time I awoke, I remembered nothing. No dream, just darkness. A new fear came over me. Had they worked out how to erase my Dreamer abilities? Had they destroyed my dreams?
FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED: Fall of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy
Book 2)
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU
BOOK ONE: Dawn of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy Book 1)
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU
L J Higgins hails from Queensland, Australia, and her love
of books motivated her to return to her dream of writing a novel. The result is
inspiring, showing dreams can be achieved if you have self-belief. She hopes
to instill in her children the world of imagination and chasing your
dreams.
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Amazon / Goodreads
HOSTED BY:
LIKE A BOSS BOOKPROMOTIONS
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January 24, 2016
Launch Week! Fall of the Dreamer
Welcome to launch week! I’m so excited that this Thursday 28th January (AEST) you will finally be able to purchase Fall of the Dreamer! Today I just wanted to go over all of the exciting things that are happening this week to make sure you don’t miss out on any of them.
First of all make sure you have entries in the Dreamer Giveaway. There are some great prizes and there are three chances to win! Winner will be drawn on Thursday 28th January.
Second there is the 5 Author Extravaganza Giveaway. With six chances to win some amazing books, or a $25 Amazon voucher, make sure you get as many entries as you can.
Third is the official release of Fall of the Dreamer on the 28th January. If you want to make sure you don’t miss it, you can pre-order your copy on Amazon now!
Fourth is the 5 Author Extravaganza Facebook Event! Head to the event to let us know that you will be there. There will be fun games, the chance to ask the authors questions and of course MORE PRIZES!
Fifth is the official release party for Fall of the Dreamer in Calliope Queensland. If you can make the event please let me know via the Facebook Event Page. There will be delicious food, refreshments and lucky door prices. Also the chance to purchase a signed copy of Fall of the Dreamer!
I hope that you can at least make it to one of these events and wish you all of the best in the giveaways.
Keep Dreaming,
L J Higgins
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January 17, 2016
More Giveaways!!!
I’m so excited about the launch of Fall of the Dreamer that I thought, why not give even more stuff away? This time I have teamed up with four other authors to put together this awesome giveaway. We will also be having a 5 Author Extravaganza launch party on Facebook where you can win even more prizes!!! Enter the competition below and I hope to see you at the online event!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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