Michelle Zink's Blog, page 40
July 19, 2011
Song of the Week – Losing Your Memory
Man… I LOVE this week's song. The comments on Youtube say it was in the Vampire Diaries, but I would never have found it without the nomination from Laura, one of my favorite readers.
Gorgeous.
Thanks, Laura!
On another note, some of you may find your quotes about the Prophecy Trilogy on my Facebook page in the coming weeks. I figured there's no better promotion than a recommendation straight from a reader. Thanks as always for your steadfast support and all you do to spread the word about my books.
I love you all.
July 16, 2011
Saturday Round Up 7/16/2011
Happy Saturday!
In keeping with my more relaxed summer schedule, it was relatively quiet this week ont he blog. We're two-and-a-half weeks from the release of Circle of Fire, and here's your Saturday recap for the week;
Tuesday I posted a dual Song of the Week and Thing I Love, with a clip from my favorite series of all time, Six Feet Under, and the song Breath Me by Sia. I could only watch it once, because I still cry when I see it.
In lieu of Thursday Night Write, I posted this year's big contest for an Ipod Touch 32GB to celebrate the release of Circle of Fire. There are tons of other goodies for the Grand Prize winner plus three runner up prize packs that are pretty awesome, too. Even if you're not in the market for an Ipod Touch (which is basically and Ipod and mini-computer in one, offering you all the functionality of a smart phone without the phone, including games, apps, music, ereader capability, etc.), it would make an INCREDIBLE gift.
I've gotten several people leaving comments saying they can't post the links and such but still want to enter, but for this contest, I have to count only those entries that follow the contest guidelines. As you know, I run A LOT of contests and giveaways all year round, most of which require very little (and sometimes nothing) to enter.
But this is different.
It's an Ipod Touch! And this is the one giveaway a year that is specifically geared toward increasing word of mouth for the Prophecy Trilogy, and in this case, the third and final book, Circle of Fire. Plus, it wouldn't be fair to all of you who are posting contest links, referring friends, and posting links to the Circle of Fire page on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Indibound, etc. I know how busy you all are, and I truly appreciate everything you do to help spread the word about the Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy.
This is my little way of saying thank you for going the extra mile! So hurry and enter!!
July 15, 2011
And Here It Is!! The Free Ipod Touch 32GB Giveaway!!!
[image error]Those of you who have been following me for some time know that every year in July, just before the release of one of the Prophecy books, I launch a massive giveaway with a very big prize. A few months ago I asked you guys which of the following things you would most like to win; an Ipod Touch, an Ipod Classic, an Ipod Nano, or a Kindle/other ereader.
The Ipod Touch won that poll, and true to my word, I'm offering it up – along with some other goodies – in this year's big giveaway to celebrate the upcoming release of Circle of Fire, the third and final book in the Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy, on August 3rd. The Ipod Touch is truly a marvel. It does EVERYTHING! You can learn more about it here. I'll be posting pictures of the prize packs in the near future, but I really wanted to get this up and running asap, so I'm starting it today. Also, I've been known to throw in extra stuff at the last minute, so I reserve the right to add to these prizes at will!
There are TONS of ways to increase the number of your entries, but I'll get to that in a minute!
First the prizes!
One grand Prize winner will receive;
An 32GB Ipod Touch
Signed copies of Prophecy of the Sisters, Guardian of the Gate, and Circle of Fire plus color-coordinated wristbands
A straw tote bag
A purple and green, cloth-covered photo album
Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods shimmering body spray
Mesh Bath Sponge
Large Bath and Bode Works Flower Shop Candle
Purple nail polish
Lindt Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt bar
THREE runners up will receive;
Signed copies of Prophecy of the Sisters, Guardian of the Gate, and Circle of Fire plus color-coordinated wristbands
A straw tote bag
Bath and Body Works Body Spray
Candle
Nail Polish
Nail file
Lindt Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt bar
And there are so many ways to enter, including one that gives you UNLIMITED possibilities for entries. You ready for this?
You get ONE ENTRY FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING;
Post a link to the contest on Facebook and/or Twitter
Post an update on Facebook and/or Twitter explaining why you love the series. Be sure to include @michellezink and/or @prophecypress or tag me in your update.
Change your Twitter avatar to the Circle of Fire cover (it must stay up for the duration of the contest to count)
Post on Twitter/Facebook a link to the Circle of Fire page on Indiebound, Borders.com, BN.com, or Amazon.com
Add Circle of Fire to your Goodreads bookshelf
And lastly (this is the big one), YOU GET ONE EXTRA ENTRY FOR EACH NEW PERSON YOU REFER TO ME ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER. Plus, the person you refer ALSO gets an entry. All you have to do is tell all your friends and family to friend request me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. Then, have them send me a Tweet @michellezink or a message or post on my Facebook wall telling me who referred them. I've had people in previous contests get over THIRTY entries on this part alone, which obviously gives you a MUCH better chance of winning.
Please leave your number of entries and how you came about them in the Comments section of this post. Example;
Posted link on Twitter = 1 entry
Changed Twitter pic to CoF cover = 1 entry
Referred 10 people = 10 entries
Total = 12 entries
CONTEST RULES: Contest runs today through Friday July 29th at Midnight EST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced no later than August 2nd, 2011. Unfortunately, I have to limit this contest to US readers due to customs, insurance, and and the technical differences from country to country that could make the Ipod Touch problematic for International readers. I'm so sorry! You know I love all of you, and I'll be doing a giveaway just for International readers in August!
I'm so excited to share this final book with each of you. It has been an amazing journey, made more special by everyone who has read and enjoyed the books. I hope you will all take a look at the Acknowledgments page at the back of Circle of Fire. The final message is for each of you who have done so much to support me.
July 12, 2011
Song of the Week – Breathe Me
So, I recently shared the series Six Feet Under with Kenneth and Rebekah. It was one of my very favorites when it was on. One of those very few times I actually mourned the end of a series.
And I don't even watch TV anymore.
I was super excited when Kenneth and Rebekah were old enough to watch it and bought the boxed set a few months ago. We've been watching it ever since and finally finished it a couple of night ago.
The series finale was as I remember it – the best ending to any series, ever.
I'll admit that I was bawling my eyes out. I hesitated posting this video of the last ten minutes, but I HAVE to. It's such an amazing series, and even though you probably won't feel it as much as I did if you haven't become attached ot the characters, it's an emotional, beautiful ten minutes accompanied by a gorgeous song, Breathe Me by Sia.
So if you're part way through the series, DON'T WATCH this!
But if you watched it when it was on, this will be a bittersweet reminder of how amazing the show was, and if you haven't watched it, you must. By the time you get through all five seasons, this will mean even more to you.
And on another note, if I could only point to one TV series to illustrate perfection in writing, this would be it. It is completely flawless from start to finish, with rich, multi-dimensional characters that stay a part of your psyche long after you finish watching. It's commentary on life and death actually taught me something and changed me in a way I can't quite explain. I tip my hat to Alan Ball, the executive producer. He's now working on True Blood.
One of my favorite quotes?
"You can't take a picture of this It's already gone."
July 9, 2011
Saturday Recap
Guess what? It's Saturday!
I'm going to try and do a recap every Saturday to post links for that weeks feature. That way, if you missed something, you can catch up!
Of course, the operative word here is "try", because I commit myself to all kinds of things when I'm feeling ambitious and then lose track of half of them when I return to my default mood, aka "overwhelmed".
But I always try!
So here the recap for this past week;
Wednesday I revealed the cover of A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS, my new book. Set in London in the late 1800s, it has all of Prophecy's darkness with more action and tons of sexy. I'm super excited to share it with you guys. It comes out March 20th, 2012, so get ready for lots of fun promotion over the next nine months.
Thursday was Open Mic on Thursday Night Write. There's always great writing on display, so go take a look at the writing samples of my very talented readers.
The Friday Poll was all about pie. Because, really, what could be more important?! Right now, apple is in the lead, so if you care about this very pressing issue, I URGE you to VOTE.
;)
There's only a little over three weeks until Circle of Fire releases. Next week, I'll announce my massive iPod Touch giveaway as well as a VERY special giveaway associated with purchases of Circle of Fire in the first week of release (August 3rd – 10th), Preorders WILL count for that giveaway, and I promise it is a very special one. So stay tuned!
July 8, 2011
Friday Poll – Pie!!!
[image error]Am I the only one who thinks PIE in the summer? It shouldn't really be a summer food, since at the very least you have to turn on the oven to make the crust.
But for some reason, summer makes me think, "Pie!"
It's probably because of all the fresh produce that lends itself to pie-making.
Cherries, peaches, strawberries, blueberries… Om-nom-nom!
So this Friday, I'm keeping it light by asking you to share YOUR favorite summertime pie. Weigh in with the Friday Poll!
View Poll
July 7, 2011
Thursday Night Write – 7/7/2011
[image error]You know that saying, "Better late than never?"
Well, I TOTALLY believe it!
Which is why I'm posting TNW even though it's a bit late.
But before I get to that, just a quick reminder that yesterday I revealed the cover for A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS, my March 2012 book. Hope you guys love it as much as I do!
And now for Open Mic. You know the rules; post your original short story, song, poem, or novel excerpt of no more than 300 words for comment. If you post something of your own, you have to comment at least one other piece! Writers of all ages and experience are welcome to participate. No one here bites, I promise!
July 6, 2011
A Tempting Cover – And Winners!!!
Before I announce the five winners of Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate, I have something super special to show you.
Ready? Wait for it…
[image error]Behold the cover for A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS, to be released March 20th, 2012.
I'm super excited about this book and the world it's set it. I think those of you who love Prophecy will REALLY adore TEMPTATION, and I think it will find some new readers as well because it's tres sexy and action-packed.
There is another cover floating around from the Penguin Spring 2012 catalog, but it was pre-tweak and not really final.
This one IS final, however!! And I'm so excited to share it with you. Please add it to your TBR list on Goodreads (the cover there is the unofficial version, but I'm sure it will be updated soon). I promise tons of amazing, fun giveaways as we get closer to the release date.
Here's the summary;
When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendents charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.
I don't know about you, but just the word "temptation" is sexy to me!
;)
Now, time for the winners of the Surprise Giveaway!
Laura (make_it_work_567@hotmail.com)
Michele Walker (shellbug716@yahoo.com)
Stephanie (katattack@comcast.net)
Camille S. (camilleanne_angel@yahoo.com.ph)
Kreag Sheehan (kreagsheehan@yahoo.com)
Each of the winners will receive;
A signed paperback of Prophecy of the Sisters
A signed paperback of Guardian of the Gate
A blue Prophecy wristband
A green Guardian wristband
A purple Circle wristband
A masquerade mask (when you read Circle of Fire, you'll see how this ties in)
A personalized postcard from moi
If you're a winner, polease email Rebekah at prophecypress@aol.com with your mailing address and we'll get everything right out to you.
I also want to thank every one of you for the many, many lovely comments I received. I'm working my way through the list to respond to each of you individually, but I just want to say that your comments about my work and me touched my heart in a way I can't explain.
I adore you guys!
June 29, 2011
Summertime Sloooowdown
In case you were wondering, I *am* aware that I missed both Anonymous Teen Reader AND Song of the Week this week.
What can I say except, "It's summer!!!"
I do plan to maintain my normal blog schedule, but I think it's fair to say that I will have lapses from time to time over the next two months. Or maybe we can call them Surprises in Which I Don't Blog When I Usually Do, Blog When I Usually Don't, and Blog About Things I Don't Normally Talk About.
Exciting stuff!
;)
Having a summer launch date — which I've had for three years now — brings it's own set of challenges. Just when everyone's home from school and the living feels easy, it's suddenly… NOT. There are launch parties and interviews and signings and promotion to do. And I love it, of course! But it can be overwhelming at a time when my burnout has reached epic proportions and I'm in desperate need of a break.
I have to admit that I'm looking forward to that March 2012 release date for A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS!
But for now, I'm concentrating on Circle of Fire, which comes out exactly five weeks from today. Can you believe it? I'm super excited to share the final installment of Prophecy of the Sisters, but also a little sad to say goodbye to Lia, Alice, Sonia, Luisa, James, Dimitri, Edmund and Aunt Virginia. They've been a huge part of my life for more than five years now. I'll miss them terribly.
Now, a few orders of business.
I'm in need of more Anonymous Readers in order to continue the feature, so if you'd like to be featured, please send an email to prophecypress@aol.com with "Anonymous Prophecy Reader" in the Subject line. Rebekah will send you the questions and instructions.
Please continue to send your song suggestions to prophecypress@aol.com with "Song of the Week" in the Subject line. Alternatively, you can post them to my Facebook Wall and I'll try to keep track of them.
There's still two more days to enter the giveaway for signed copies of Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate. There will be FIVE winners and entering is SO easy. Even if you have copies of your own, this is a great opportunity to win a signed set to give as a gift (or, yanno, you can keep the signed ones for yourself and donate your old ones if you already have them). Either way; free books and schtuff!
The big, iPod Touch and Massive Swag Giveaway will commence mid-July. This is my legendary annual giveaway and is not to be missed!
And on that note, I'm going to have a VERY special giveaway for everyone who purchases Circle of Fire in the first week of its release (including preorders). And I do mean SPECIAL.
Basically, it's about to get CUH-razy around here, so STAY TUNED!
Mwah!
June 23, 2011
Thursday Night Write – 6/23/2011
[image error]Guess what, you guys?!
It's Thursday night and the mic is on and open.
You know the rules; post your original poem, song, short story, or novel excerpt of no more than 300 words for comment. And if you leave your own work, make sure to comment for at least one other participant. Writers of all ages and experience are welcome to play. Don't be shy! Everyone here is so supportive and wonderful.
Also, if you didn't hear about last night's giveaway, you can find it here. I'm giving away free books!
