C.M. McCoy's Blog, page 10

2016 Kids Writing Contest Semi-Finalists Announced!

Judging this contest gets tougher every year! I am just blow away by the talent our nation’s kids send to Totem Head’s Annual Free Writing Contest for Kids. And I’m SUPER proud to share the 2016 contest semi-finalists, which I announced on the contest website last night http://adventurewrite.com/blog1/2016-... And so, here they are! Let’s give a HUGE congratulations to our 2016 Semi-Finalists! All Ages, No Prescribed Beginning AWAY by Durva Kamdar THERE IS A FAN AROUND EVERY CORNER by Josiah Durand INTREPID by Anna Durand SLEEP SWIMMING OR MIDNIGHT MEMORIES by Anna Durand ONLY STORMS by Miranda Sun TUNNEL SECRETS by Suhyeon Emelie Kim THE DREAM by Yuli Choi SLOPPY’S WILE ADVENTURE by Seoyoung Kim THE HIDDEN WORLD by Kayd Bell Ages 8 and Under THE AMAZING ADVENTURE LANDS by Sai Dheeraj K UNICORN HOLLOW by Claire Timperley MY ADVENTURE WITH THE PINK UNICORN by Jaliyah Johnson SPARKLING SNOW by Kathleen Durand TELEPORTATION by Hayden Miller SUNNY’S ADVENTURE by Katie Nam MOUNT EVEREST by Amelia DiValerio ROCKY THE SUPER DOG by Olivia DePrince THE SURPRISE COOKIE POTION by Hannah Lee AN AWESOME ADVENTURE by Olivia Handzel RAINA THE RAIN DROP by Joanna Kim Ages 9 – 10 Years Old AN ADVENTURE FOR LUCIA COIN by Eliana Du AS A DRAGON by Katherine Min REFLECTIONS OF THE FUTURE by Azlyn Raja THE MAGICAL PEPPERMINT by Ayza Siddiqi REMEMBER ADELINE by Allegra Gray GONE by Evan Hansen BIRD OF PREY by Penny Dugan THE SLEEPING STORY by Ben Handzel THE CAVE OF EVER-REST by Connor Straub THE ADVENTURES OF ME, A HOPELESS KID by Lila Shelton ARCTIC CHILL by Lizzy Higgins THE ALIENS OF ZYBORG by Lauren Waldstein TRAPPED by Hemali Patil Ages 11 – 12 Years Old THE KATCHETHORDAN DIAMOND by Karen Wang LETTING GO – by Caroline Zhao IN THE WOODS by Katie Schornhorst THE LOVE DESTROYERS by Macy K. Li THE ATTACK IN ST. AUGUSTINE by Eli Hagelberg HOW I GOT ACCEPTED INTO FT. HAMER MILITARY ACADEMY by Kyle C. Rickly THE SEARCH FO THE LOST CITY OF SUBMERGED by Andrew B. Brannon NAPOLEON AND JOSEPHINE by Maria Therese Qualkinbush A THISTLE BEDTIME by Maria Therese Qualkinbush SOMETHING IN THE WOODS by Emma Wisecarver THE MYSTERIOUS BOOK by Rama Khabbaz VANISHED by Bolanle Ayangade CALL OF DESTRUCTION: SURVIVAL OPS IV by Ajitesh Kundeti LIGHT IT UP by Nicolas Potts THE MIRACLE OF TIME by Savannah Weaver Ages 13 – 18 Years Old THE SIGNAL by Saddat Nazir PANACEA by Annika Russell WOODEN SECRETS by Hae-in Joann Ryu DMT by Laura S. Moser THE MOUND OF BASKERVILLE by Seth Roetenberger FIGHTING THE FLAMES by Adaline Griffiths FELINE FLUMMOX by Isabella Astuto SNOW DOG by Sylvia Nica A WORTHY RISK by Matthew Inda MONKEYING AROUND by Monica Inda A FRESHMAN’S WORST NIGHTMARE by Evan Orozco THE BIRD AND THE ANCHOR by Ella Osborn WHEN THERE WERE FOUR OF US by Ella Osborn What next? I’ve got a few volunteers who will help me select FIVE finalists from each category. Yes, only FIVE from each category! GAH! This will not be easy. From those finalists, our guest judges will select our contest winners–only one winner from each category. ONLY ONE author from each category will walk away with the first-place prize of $20 cash! How will our guest judges do it this year!? These entries as so great! The 2017 Contest is OPEN So if you know any young writers (under 19 years old and US residents) who’d like to enter their story in 1500 words or less, point them to our contest website for all the details

Review + Giveaway: FALLING FOR THE HIGHLANDER by Lynsay Sands

FALLING FOR THE HIGHLANDER by Lynsay Sands Genre: Historical Scottish Romance Publisher: Avon (Jan 2017) Format: Paperback, $5.98 on Amazon Summary New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands welcomes readers back to the Scottish Highlands, where a gallant warrior vows to protect a beautiful runaway . . . Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue. Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love. Born in Southern Ontario, Lynsay Sands is the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau Vampire series. She has written more than 34 books and anthologies since her first novel was published in 1997. Her romantic comedies span three genres—historical, contemporary, and paranormal—and have made the Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists. Lynsay’s books are read in more than twelve countries and have been translated into at least six languages. She’s been a nominee for both the Romantic Times Best Historical Romance Award and the Romantic Times Best Paranormal Romance Award, was nominated and placed three times in the RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Awards of Excellence, and has several books on All About Romance’s Favorite Funnies list. Jennifer’s Review * Recommended for readers aged 18+ due to content I laughed, I cried, and I spent the entire book rooting for Murine and Dougall to find love and happiness.  FALLING FOR THE HIGHLANDER by Lynsay Sands is a historical Scottish romance, the fourth in the Highlander series, and it can be read as a stand-alone. I’ve been a big fan of Lynsay Sands for years and have come to expect a quality love story with exciting twists and turns that leave readers breathless and ready for more. This book’s summary promised a tale of rotten luck, despotic guardians, a powerful love story and gave as good as promised. In FALLING FOR THE HIGHLANDER, Murine Carmichael has had enough of her half-brother when he attempts to sell her to pay for horses. She runs away and falls into the arms of Dougall Buchanan, a highlander whose sister she had once saved from being branded a murderer. Along with Dougall’s brothers they travel from one castle to another, dodging attacks and trying to keep Murine from destroying any more gowns. FALLING FOR THE HIGHLANDER offers a beautifully crafted world with interesting and engaging characters, though a few seemed rather one-dimensional: Alick and Geordie seem to be simply humorous characters used to offset some of the serious aspects of the book, and a few others seem to only be present to move the plot forward.  However others like Aulay, Conran, Dougall, and Murine have fully fleshed back stories that work to make the funny, brave, flawed, and eminently human characters that are sure to stick with readers well after the story ends. My favorite aspect of the book is probably the accents; every Scottish character sounded and felt Scottish in my head. It’s details like this that make characters come to life, and Sands does a wonderful job of it. Happily ever after comes earlier than expected for the couple, but there are still a few twists and turns to go before the story ends. Sands ties up the loose ends of the story, but readers will no doubt want to know what happens to the rest of the Buchanans, leaving the possibility of more books to come. There is no real cursing, and the romance gets steamy with some R-rated scenes, so I would recommend this to ages 18 and older. Readers who like Stephanie Laurens historical romances or hot men in kilts will love this series. I’d rate this book 4 stars, good enough to read again and recommend to friends. Giveaway Win a paperback copy of Sands’ first book in this historical Scottish romance series: An English Bride in Scotland (The Highland Brides) by Lynsay Sands Note: CM McCoy’s Contest Policy applies. Rafflecopter terms and conditions also apply. No Purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. a Rafflecopter giveaway Save Save

Review + Giveaway: BLUEBERRY SHOE by Ann Dixon (Picture Book)

BLUEBERRY SHOE by Ann Dixon Genre: Children’s Picture Book (Alaska) Length: 32 pages Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books Format: Paperback, $9.95 on Amazon Summary Ann Dixon’s delightful story, illustrated with enchanting, colorful linocuts by Evon Zerbetz, presents a playful look at the secret world of woodland creatures. Ann is the author of eight picture books for children and one nonfiction title for young adults, as well as poems, essays, and nonfiction for adults. She lives in Homer, Alaska, where she works as the director of the Homer Public Library. Her children’s books have garnered numerous awards, including the National Outdoor Book Award, Ben Franklin Award, and Patricia Gallagher Award. She and her husband have two grown daughters. Review by Junior (5 years old) I want a blueberry shoe! (BLUEBERRY SHOE by Ann Dixon with vibrant illustrations by Evon Zerbetz is a children’s picture book set in Alaska. Appropriate for ages 1-9) I found this book at the bookstore when my mom was meeting with readers. I like the colors on the cover. A baby loses his shoe when he was picking blueberries with his momma and dadda. They leave the baby’s shoe on the mountain and go home without it! A lot of animals try to eat the shoe. It’s funny. But each animal loses the shoe. When the snow melts and momma and dadda come pick blueberries again, the baby finds his shoe, with a blueberry plant growing inside! I didn’t understand a lot of the words, so I asked my mom to make up a different story to go with the pictures. I was really worried about the shoe and was sad the momma and dadda left it on the mountain all winter. I was happy they found it and brought it home. My favorite part of this book is the pictures and knowing the shoe is now okay. I love the pictures but when I had to pick a book to give to my best friend for his birthday, I chose a different book with llamas. I want to read this book again and again, but it’s not my favorite picture book. I give this book 4 stars.   Giveaway Note: CM McCoy’s Contest Policy applies. Rafflecopter terms and conditions also apply. No Purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review + Giveaway – VIOLENT ENDS by 18 authors (teen fiction)

VIOLENT ENDS by Beth Revis, Blythe Woolston, Brendan Shusterman, Christine Johnson, Courtney Summers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Delilah S. Dawson, E. M. Kokie, Elisa Nader, Hannah Moskowitz, Kendare Blake, Margie Gelbwasser, Mindi Scott, Neal Shusterman, Shaun David Hutchinson, Steve Brezenoff, Tom Leveen, and Trish Doller Genre: YA Fiction (social violence) Publisher: Simon Pulse (Sep 2015) Format: Paperback, $6.70 on Amazon Summary In a one-of-a-kind collaboration, eighteen of the most recognizable YA writers—including Shaun David Hutchinson, Neal and Brendan Shusterman, and Beth Revis—come together to share the viewpoints of a group of students affected by a school shooting. It took only twenty-two minutes for Kirby Matheson to exit his car, march onto the school grounds, enter the gymnasium, and open fire, killing six and injuring five others. But this isn’t a story about the shooting itself. This isn’t about recounting that one unforgettable day. This is about one boy—who had friends, enjoyed reading, playing saxophone in the band, and had never been in trouble before—became a monster capable of entering his school with a loaded gun and firing bullets at his classmates. Each chapter is told from a different victim’s viewpoint, giving insight into who Kirby was and who he’d become. Some are sweet, some are dark; some are seemingly unrelated, about fights or first kisses or late-night parties. This is a book told from multiple perspectives—with one character and one event drawing them all together—by some of YA’s most recognizable names. Shaun Hutchinson is a writer and geek living in sunny South Florida. He grew up in Florida and has only lived outside the Sunshine State twice in his life. Shaun loves geeking out on tech and sci-fi, and worships at the altar of Joss Whedon. He’s fully prepared for the zombie apocalypse.   Wendy’s Review An amazing and haunting read! VIOLENT ENDS by Shaun David Hutchinson and 17 other authors is a young adult contemporary fiction, standalone novel. I chose this book to read because I have previously read WE ARE THE ANTS and TH FIVE STAGES OF ANDREW BRAWLEY by the Hutchinson. Since I considered both 5 star books, I anticipated another remarkable story, and I was not disappointed. In essence, this book is about a school shooting, told from 17 different points of view. Although I have read other books with this theme, VIOLENT ENDS was, by far, the most original. Each chapter begins in first person, leaving the reader with no idea who is speaking. As each chapter’s story unfolds, you learn more about the narrator and how their lives were effected by the shooter. Some chapters seem totally unrelated to the story but contributes brush strokes that help paint the entire picture. One of the many things I loved about this book was that it did not portray the shooter as someone you would hate until the day he pulled the trigger. It delved into the human side of the person and what may have brought him to the place where the shooting would be his inevitable release. However, at no time, does the book make excuses for what he does. Instead, it allows the readers to make the decision themselves, whether or not he could have been saved. The writing was brilliant and as I expected, the story provided much more than a gratuitous “violent end.” This book would make a perfect book to discuss in a book club or readers’ group. One person’s interpretation of the events may differ completely from another’s, and I think that was the authors’ point. Although there is no sex in this book, there is language and, as the title states, violence. I would not recommend it to readers under 14 years old. However this is for anyone who seeks meaning in the wake of tragedy. I give this book 5 stars. I loved it and purchased a copy to keep and read again in the future. I have recommended this to several friends as I believe it is remarkably touching. Giveaway Note: CM McCoy’s Contest Policy applies. Rafflecopter terms and conditions also apply. No Purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. a Rafflecopter giveaway Save

Freebie Friday: Stalking Jack the Ripper (hardcover)

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to Freebie Friday on the Just North of Normal Book Blog

Review + Giveaway – THE SCHOOL IS ALIVE by Jack Chabert

THE SCHOOL IS ALIVE! (Eerie Elementary #1) by Jack Chabert Genre: Children’s Chapter Book, Scary Stories Publisher: Scholastic (June 2014) Format:  Paperback, $2.97 on Amazon Summary Eerie Elementary is one scary school! This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! In this first book in the series, Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is ALIVE! Sam finds this out on his first day as the school hall monitor. Sam must defend himself and his fellow students against the evil school! Is Sam up to the challenge? He’ll find out soon enough: the class play is just around the corner. Sam teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school before it’s too late! Author Jack Chabert is a pen name for Max Brallier. Max is the author of more than twenty books for children, including the Galactic Hot Dogs and The Last Kids on Earth middle-grade series. He lives in New York City with his wife, Alyse.       CM McCoy’s Review Fun, picture-filled pages, perfect to read to pre-schoolers/Kindergarteners/First Graders. THE SCHOOL IS ALIVE (Eerie Elementary #1) by Jack Chabert, is an early reader with black and white illustrations throughout. My 5-year-old loves illustrated books about kids, and the quirky title/cover of this book caught his eye and the creepy story line held his attention. Sam Graves and his two friends, Lucy & Antonio, are students at Eerie Elementary School, where Sam discovers the school is trying to eat the students. As Hall Monitor, it’s up to Sam to fight the school and save the students. In this installment, during the class play, the stage and props come to life and try to swallow the students. I read this book to my 5-year-old son, who loved looking at the pictures as I read. Though this is marketed as a book for newly independent young readers, I saw more than a few large words that might be too advanced for a young reader. But as a book read out loud to a pre-schooler, it was perfect. The chapters are numbered with digits, which made my son happy that he could “read” which chapter we were about to start. The print is large enough to point out some sight words for him too. I’d recommend this book for parents who like to read to their pre-schoolers/kindergardeners/first graders, and especially for kids who like adventure and won’t be scared by a dark tale with a student-eating villain. 4.5 Stars a Rafflecopter giveaway Note: CM McCoy’s Contest Policy applies.  Rafflecopter terms and conditions also apply. No Purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Save

Giveaway ~ $20 PayPal Cash

This blog is growing, and we’re giving away $20 in PayPal cash to a lucky subscriber!  Use the Subscribe box in the right margin (or scroll to the bottom on a smart phone) to receive an alert in your inbox when we publish a new blog post. We’ve got some great new features, like: Just North of Normal Book Reviews First Pages (first draft’s of a published book’s first page + a ‘before and after’ look at the book’s opening) Writing Tips Book Marketing Tips …plus awesome book giveaways and guest posts from our favorite authors. We hope you’ll subscribe and join the fun!

How to Write a Book Review

Some readers reached out to me, wanting to learn how to write a more helpful, professional-looking book review, and so I put together this quick “how to” guide. The bottom line is that you can write a book review however you want–even one sentence works. If you’re interested in writing a more thorough book review, read on

Giveaway: First Pages – DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND (YA fantasy) by Heather Eagar

First Pages is a series featuring an early draft of a published book’s first page and a short commentary from the author describing how that draft evolved into its published form. I’ve read thousands of first pages, and I started this series to study how authors get it right. It takes a lot of courage for authors to share their first or early draft, so these are a real treat! In this installment of the series, we look at DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND, a Young Adult Historical Fantasy (Salem witch trials) by debut author Heather Eagar (Jan 2016, Clean Reads). I really enjoyed this book and reviewed it shortly after its release. Part of my review is now printed on the back cover of this book

{Giveaway + Review} First Pages – DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND (YA fantasy) by Heather Eagar

First Pages is a series featuring an early draft of a published book’s first page and a short commentary from the author describing how that draft evolved into its published form. I’ve read thousands of first pages, and I started this series to study how authors get it right. It takes a lot of courage for authors to share their first or early draft, so these are a real treat!

In this installment of the series, we look at DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND, a Young Adult Historical Fantasy (Salem witch trials) by debut author Heather Eagar (Jan 2016, Clean Reads). I really enjoyed this book and reviewed it shortly after its release. Part of my review is now printed on the back cover of this book