Cecily Wolfe's Blog: The Start of Something New, page 11
October 7, 2018
Ends at Midnight Tonight!
You still have a little time left to enter to win a paperback copy of The Competition: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...
Thanks so much to everyone who has entered, and to all who participated in the Young Adult Scavenger Hunt this past week!
Thanks so much to everyone who has entered, and to all who participated in the Young Adult Scavenger Hunt this past week!
October 2, 2018
CLOSED *** YA Scavenger Hunt
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors, and a chance to win some awesome prizes! On this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 120 hours!
Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are SEVEN contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the ORANGE TEAM, but there are six other teams for you to visit and enter to win a set of books from each of them as well.
If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page here: http://www.yash.rocks/p/how-to-hunt.html
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the orange team, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!).
Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here (http://www.yash.rocks/p/enter-here.html) to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by DATE, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
I am thrilled to be a part of the hunt, and to host the brilliant and lovely Paige Lavoie!
Paige Lavoie is a vintage-loving YA Author from Orlando FL. She writes Coming of Age stories about geek girls, outsiders, and monsters! Paige loves telling stories about characters who find strength in themselves and create long-lasting friendships along the way. When she’s not writing, Paige makes motivational pep talk videos for local writing community Writer’s Atelier, streams creating-writing and video games on her twitch channel. And can often be spotted strolling arm an arm with her husband hunting for antiques to furnish their 1950s home. She blogs about daily life, inspiration, and writing on www.paigelavoie.com and her books can be found on https://amzn.to/2qUDAmc
FROM THE BACK COVER:
"Where she came from there were no windows. The sounds of buzzing equipment and the doctor's shouting rang through her ears daily. It was too uncomfortable to call home and too familiar not to be. Like it or not, she was an experiment.
Filled with childlike wonder and innocence, she took pleasure in stories, imagining what it would be like to live in those pages. A longing growing deep inside her.
She knew she'd never have that life... Not in the lab. Not with them studying her every move. So she decided to do something terrifying.
She escaped."
AESTHETIC BOARD - A Girl Called Monster's protagonist jolts to life in a dark laboratory. She doesn't know why she's there, or what's outside the walls she's grown accustomed to. As her story progresses she realizes she needs to find out. Outside she'll find friendship, freedom, and a name "Monnie". I chose a dark overlay for this board because though Monnie finds hope and laughter, her past scars remain. I don't want to say any more for fear of spoiling the book, but I hope you'll give it a read!
******
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video of the cover photoshoot! It's a must watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXztT...
*******
FAN CASTING
Monnie" - Brittany Lee
This was an easy choice for me, in my dream movie cast my cover model Brittany (@withdropsofjupiter on instagram) would be my monster! Brittany is an old soul with a childlike sense of hope and wonder, and a spirit of joy that would be perfect for the role. Plus she looks EXACTLY like the main character. (You can check out the behind the scenes video of the cover photoshoot here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXztT... )
Victor "The Doctor" - Tom Hiddleston
While I was writing A Girl Called Monster, I always pictured Tom Hiddleston! He plays a villain extremely well, all while maintaining a charming quality. It doesn't matter how attractive the doctor is, a few pages in we can already see that he is the real "Monster" of our story. I feel like Tom Hiddleston would bring the role to life in a way that really showcased that, and give the character a lot of depth on screen.
Igor -KJ Apa
This casting choice is a result of watching a heck of a lot of Riverdale while I was sick last week. Seeing KJ as "The boy next door" Achie Andrews slip into darkness in the second season made me think he'd be a pretty cool choice for Igor... And that's all I'm going to say about that before I get into spoilers!
Sam - Saoirse Ronan
I thought long and hard about this one. When writing Sam I always thought of her as tough. But, my friend Taylor Simonds (Author of COLLATERAL DAMAGE 2019, Parliament House Press) recently described her as a "Cinnamonroll" while talking about the book. And I feel like Saoise Ronan would balance tough and sweet perfectly. Not only does she have incredible range, but I'd long to see her as a protective big-sister type of friend. (and with long green hair!)
LINKS
Website: www.paigelavoie.com
Books: https://amzn.to/2qUDAmc
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/paigelavoie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mrspaigelavoie
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrspaigelavoie
BOOK TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPFwI...
FUN FACT (which may include a certain number!)
I may have a bad habit of drinking way too much coffee and wondering why I have trouble sleeping, but the most cups of coffee I've ever had in a single day is only **13**
****GIVEAWAY!****
Before you leave, I have a Rafflecopter for a chance to win a paperback copy of The Competition, so essentially, you get TWO chances to win it during the scavenger hunt, one by completing the hunt for the orange team, and the second by entering this Rafflecopter!
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out Tori Rigby's site: https://www.booksbytori.com/blog
Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are SEVEN contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the ORANGE TEAM, but there are six other teams for you to visit and enter to win a set of books from each of them as well.
If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page here: http://www.yash.rocks/p/how-to-hunt.html
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the orange team, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!).
Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here (http://www.yash.rocks/p/enter-here.html) to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by DATE, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
I am thrilled to be a part of the hunt, and to host the brilliant and lovely Paige Lavoie!
Paige Lavoie is a vintage-loving YA Author from Orlando FL. She writes Coming of Age stories about geek girls, outsiders, and monsters! Paige loves telling stories about characters who find strength in themselves and create long-lasting friendships along the way. When she’s not writing, Paige makes motivational pep talk videos for local writing community Writer’s Atelier, streams creating-writing and video games on her twitch channel. And can often be spotted strolling arm an arm with her husband hunting for antiques to furnish their 1950s home. She blogs about daily life, inspiration, and writing on www.paigelavoie.com and her books can be found on https://amzn.to/2qUDAmc
FROM THE BACK COVER:
"Where she came from there were no windows. The sounds of buzzing equipment and the doctor's shouting rang through her ears daily. It was too uncomfortable to call home and too familiar not to be. Like it or not, she was an experiment.
Filled with childlike wonder and innocence, she took pleasure in stories, imagining what it would be like to live in those pages. A longing growing deep inside her.
She knew she'd never have that life... Not in the lab. Not with them studying her every move. So she decided to do something terrifying.
She escaped."
AESTHETIC BOARD - A Girl Called Monster's protagonist jolts to life in a dark laboratory. She doesn't know why she's there, or what's outside the walls she's grown accustomed to. As her story progresses she realizes she needs to find out. Outside she'll find friendship, freedom, and a name "Monnie". I chose a dark overlay for this board because though Monnie finds hope and laughter, her past scars remain. I don't want to say any more for fear of spoiling the book, but I hope you'll give it a read!
******
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video of the cover photoshoot! It's a must watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXztT...
*******
FAN CASTING
Monnie" - Brittany Lee
This was an easy choice for me, in my dream movie cast my cover model Brittany (@withdropsofjupiter on instagram) would be my monster! Brittany is an old soul with a childlike sense of hope and wonder, and a spirit of joy that would be perfect for the role. Plus she looks EXACTLY like the main character. (You can check out the behind the scenes video of the cover photoshoot here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXztT... )
Victor "The Doctor" - Tom Hiddleston
While I was writing A Girl Called Monster, I always pictured Tom Hiddleston! He plays a villain extremely well, all while maintaining a charming quality. It doesn't matter how attractive the doctor is, a few pages in we can already see that he is the real "Monster" of our story. I feel like Tom Hiddleston would bring the role to life in a way that really showcased that, and give the character a lot of depth on screen.
Igor -KJ Apa
This casting choice is a result of watching a heck of a lot of Riverdale while I was sick last week. Seeing KJ as "The boy next door" Achie Andrews slip into darkness in the second season made me think he'd be a pretty cool choice for Igor... And that's all I'm going to say about that before I get into spoilers!
Sam - Saoirse Ronan
I thought long and hard about this one. When writing Sam I always thought of her as tough. But, my friend Taylor Simonds (Author of COLLATERAL DAMAGE 2019, Parliament House Press) recently described her as a "Cinnamonroll" while talking about the book. And I feel like Saoise Ronan would balance tough and sweet perfectly. Not only does she have incredible range, but I'd long to see her as a protective big-sister type of friend. (and with long green hair!)
LINKS
Website: www.paigelavoie.com
Books: https://amzn.to/2qUDAmc
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/paigelavoie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mrspaigelavoie
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrspaigelavoie
BOOK TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPFwI...
FUN FACT (which may include a certain number!)
I may have a bad habit of drinking way too much coffee and wondering why I have trouble sleeping, but the most cups of coffee I've ever had in a single day is only **13**
****GIVEAWAY!****
Before you leave, I have a Rafflecopter for a chance to win a paperback copy of The Competition, so essentially, you get TWO chances to win it during the scavenger hunt, one by completing the hunt for the orange team, and the second by entering this Rafflecopter!
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out Tori Rigby's site: https://www.booksbytori.com/blog
September 27, 2018
September 23, 2018
Enter to Win! Signed Paperback Plus!
A few more days are left for you to enter to win a signed paperback of The Competition, along with a pretty notebook and pen.
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend - I am working on final edits for Treasure of Hope and can't wait to share the Cliff Walk Courtships finale with you all at the end of October!
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend - I am working on final edits for Treasure of Hope and can't wait to share the Cliff Walk Courtships finale with you all at the end of October!
September 22, 2018
The Library War - Cover Sneak Peek
One of my regular teen readers, Courtney, is already wanting to know when my next YA, The Library War, will release. She told me that she read The Competition as soon as it hit her Kindle early Tuesday morning and is in love with both Michael and Raiden.
Well, I wish I could write them as fast as she can read them!
Here is a sneak peek at the cover of The Library War, which should show up next fall. You can add it to your Goodreads to-read shelf now.
Well, I wish I could write them as fast as she can read them!
Here is a sneak peek at the cover of The Library War, which should show up next fall. You can add it to your Goodreads to-read shelf now.
September 18, 2018
New Release - The Competition!
I am so thrilled that The Competition is finally out in the world today!
Today and tomorrow it is only 99 cents from your favorite e-book retailer, so don't miss this great deal.
What are early reviewers saying?
I was hooked!
Both of the main male characters were such understanding, sensitive, quietly confident and caring individuals. It is not typical in a YA, or books in general, for the majority of the male characters to be something other than extremely ‘manly’, overconfident and flirtatious, it was refreshing.
This is probably one of the most diverse books that I’ve read.
Compelling story! I really enjoyed this book about teens competing in a writing competition. It was intriguing getting to know the characters, with all their fears and secrets and personalities.
I also would like to give special appreciation for the homeschooling shout out; I particularly loved those moments.
Cecily Wolfe does an excellent job of capturing and revealing the lengths some will go to get back at people, and also the tenderness of being friends.
The Competition is a book that travels dark places with a little torch in the back pocket.
Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to read and review early, and for readers who contacted me directly who shared how much certain characters and situations spoke to their own lives and experiences.
One girl wrote about her autistic sister, and how much Julia was like her in all the positive as well as negative ways; three homeschooled teens wrote to thank me for having a homeschooled character, and not just for including her but having her as a strong, smart girl who is a good example to everyone present.
Five (FIVE!) young people wrote to tell me that they have family members who are incarcerated, and that Mary Sofia's feelings were so much their own.
I am so glad that these characters were able to reach readers in such a personal way.
Happy reading, and please, keep sharing your thoughts with me! I love hearing from readers.
Today and tomorrow it is only 99 cents from your favorite e-book retailer, so don't miss this great deal.
What are early reviewers saying?
I was hooked!
Both of the main male characters were such understanding, sensitive, quietly confident and caring individuals. It is not typical in a YA, or books in general, for the majority of the male characters to be something other than extremely ‘manly’, overconfident and flirtatious, it was refreshing.
This is probably one of the most diverse books that I’ve read.
Compelling story! I really enjoyed this book about teens competing in a writing competition. It was intriguing getting to know the characters, with all their fears and secrets and personalities.
I also would like to give special appreciation for the homeschooling shout out; I particularly loved those moments.
Cecily Wolfe does an excellent job of capturing and revealing the lengths some will go to get back at people, and also the tenderness of being friends.
The Competition is a book that travels dark places with a little torch in the back pocket.
Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to read and review early, and for readers who contacted me directly who shared how much certain characters and situations spoke to their own lives and experiences.
One girl wrote about her autistic sister, and how much Julia was like her in all the positive as well as negative ways; three homeschooled teens wrote to thank me for having a homeschooled character, and not just for including her but having her as a strong, smart girl who is a good example to everyone present.
Five (FIVE!) young people wrote to tell me that they have family members who are incarcerated, and that Mary Sofia's feelings were so much their own.
I am so glad that these characters were able to reach readers in such a personal way.
Happy reading, and please, keep sharing your thoughts with me! I love hearing from readers.
September 13, 2018
The Kithseeker by M.K. Wiseman
The Kithseeker
France, 1680
Liara's defense of the Wizard Nagarath has rendered Anisthe incantate--bereft of magick--but even this cannot guarantee her safety. Because the death of her father-in-magick would seal the girl's fate, necessity demands she and her wizard maintain a watchful eye on the war mage, while protecting her from his dark designs.
Anisthe has embarked on a journey across Europe, aided by his half-fey manservant with an agenda all his own. They search for a legendary mirror that contains the world's most powerful magick. Although the stuff of fairytales, the possibility of its existence compels Nagarath and Liara to seek the artifact themselves. Both know that should Anisthe lay claim to that power, Liara would be at his mercy and not even Nagarath could save her.
Thus, the pair find themselves at Versailles, surrounded by agents who ferret out magick users and destroy them. Uncertain who is friend and who is foe, with their rival on their heels, they must discover the mirror before Anisthe releases its evil, or worse, it lays claim to Liara's magick and brings doom upon them all.
My review here on Goodreads and Amazon: Fantastic new installment in this unique series! If you love this time period (17th century France) and you're looking for a fantasy/adventure, this series is definitely for you. Finely crafted characters with great relationship development, a compelling storyline, and something new around every corner, The Kithseeker is even more fascinating than its predecessor. This isn't just for teens - it has definite crossover appeal for adults as well.
Purchase Links
https://smile.amazon.com/Kithseeker-B...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kithseeker-B...
Author Bio –
M. K. Wiseman has degrees in animation/video and library science – both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today, her office is a clutter of storyboards and half-catalogued collections of too, too many books. (But, really, is there such a thing as too many books?) When she’s not mucking about with stories, she’s off playing brač or lying in a hammock in the backyard of her Cedarburg home that she shares with her endlessly patient husband.
Social Media Links –
https://twitter.com/FaublesFables
https://www.facebook.com/FaublesFables/
https://www.instagram.com/faublesfables/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
http://mkwisemanauthor.com
September 12, 2018
Short Stories on Amazon
Happy Wednesday!
Some of The Competition's early readers have asked me questions about Jada and Mary Sofia's school, and the more I have talked about it, the more I am considering writing a serial (not focused on these two characters, but their younger classmates in the year following the events of The Competition - of course, all set in this school (St. Catherine's).
Do you read short stories? I do sometimes, but I've never read a serial. I think it would be fun to write, and I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in reading. They would be 99 cents, and occasionally free.
Any thoughts?
"Are you afraid of private school girls?" - Jada
Some of The Competition's early readers have asked me questions about Jada and Mary Sofia's school, and the more I have talked about it, the more I am considering writing a serial (not focused on these two characters, but their younger classmates in the year following the events of The Competition - of course, all set in this school (St. Catherine's).
Do you read short stories? I do sometimes, but I've never read a serial. I think it would be fun to write, and I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in reading. They would be 99 cents, and occasionally free.
Any thoughts?
"Are you afraid of private school girls?" - Jada
September 7, 2018
Treasure of Hope - Less Than 8 Weeks Away!
Sarah has a tough road to walk in Treasure of Hope, the third and final book in my inspirational historical romance series, Cliff Walk Courtships, as CWC readers are well aware.
A little less than 8 weeks until Sarah and Sam's story releases, and of course, Josie and Arthur's baby makes an appearance. You can get Josie and Arthur's story, book one, Throne of Grace, for FREE at your favorite e-book retailer. https://amzn.to/2wNbtJE
A little less than 8 weeks until Sarah and Sam's story releases, and of course, Josie and Arthur's baby makes an appearance. You can get Josie and Arthur's story, book one, Throne of Grace, for FREE at your favorite e-book retailer. https://amzn.to/2wNbtJE
September 5, 2018
Violet Souls - Release Day
Violet Souls, book 1 The Evoxian Legacies
While searching for clues to her past, shy single mum, Bree Mills discovers a subculture of aliens with supernatural abilities living on Earth.
And she’s one of them.
Finding herself hurled into a world of possibilities, it’s made more alluring by Quinn Taylor, the violet-eyed Evoxian from her childhood dreams.
324-year-old Quinn knows his destiny is entwined with Bree’s, but before he can confess his love, he must wait for her to sense the Akui, a mysterious force tied with ancient Evoxian law.
At a Cotswolds country manor, passions awaken and ignite a love more magical than the once-Utopian planet, Evox. Then Fate delivers a cruel and heart-breaking blow when Bree is kidnapped by a malicious alien who wants her and her power.
Will Quinn still love her when she’s faced with protecting her half-human daughter… whatever the cost?
Purchase Links
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2oIpTXS
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2M28h2t
Smashwords: https://bit.ly/2LXAJ5r
Apple: https://apple.co/2wLOOyl
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2wKoXXu
Nook: https://bit.ly/2CkoT68
Author Bio
Abbey MacMunn writes paranormal and fantasy romance. She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband and their four children.
When she’s not writing, she likes to watch films and TV shows – anything from rom-coms to superheroes to science fiction movies. She is a proud member of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Social Media Links
Website: https://abbeymacmunn.com/
Twitter: @abbeymacmunn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbeyMacMunn...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbeymacmunn/
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/27Wfrw0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbeymacmunn/
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/aut...
