Amy Kulp's Blog, page 3

June 20, 2025

Master's Degree, Book Release Prep, & Illness

Hello everyone,

I hope you are enjoying your summers! While I am enjoying my summer, it is super busy! I have started going back to school for my master's degree to get my certification in being a principal. I am doing well with the curriculum, but I did forget how much homework I have every week. I have about three chapters every week to read and sometimes additional articles too. With the readings, I have a discussion post to write in APA format,  a case study or assignment, and I have to be working on my school's project a little bit each week. Going back to school is probably the best decision I have made for myself, but it is a lot more work than I am used to. I have to get myself back into the swing of things. Thankfully, I have found my rhythm.

Along with my master's degree, I am also preparing for The Assassin Trials' release! As you know, the release is August 8th! I have my website updated to show where it will be released at. However, I am contacting stores to try and get the physical copies sold in stores. My biggest goal is to get my copies in Barnes & Noble, local libraries, and some independent stores. I really like working with Bookstore Plus in the past and Doylestown bookshop near me. I am trying to get my book back in their physical locations! I hate speaking on the phone so I try to communicate through email which can take longer for responses to follow through.

One last thing I would like to mention is that this summer has brought me some unfortunate luck.​ I have been diagnosed with shingles and am currently struggling with treatment. It has put my life on pause at the moment as the rash is appearing on my neck and face and in my hair. The pain is bearable - almost like a paper cut on your finger and you stretch it and it starts to bleed. However, since the rash is spreading to my face, I am basically in quarantine. This illness has stopped me from pursuing my camps that I was going to have this summer. With the rash, I also cannot go in the pool :(. If you remember past posts about me, you know that I love swimming! Once they harden, I'm going to try and just dip my body in and see if I can avoid getting my face or neck wet from chlorine.

What are your summer plans?
​- Amy :)
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Published on June 20, 2025 08:30

June 13, 2025

The Assassin Trials - Sneak Peek - Bridget & Toby

Hello everyone,

I have another sneak peek for you! This one is a little out of place and isn't in the beginning. Here, we learn why Bridget and Toby were chosen to be Inductees for this year's trials. Toby is one of the Inductees in the trials.

We don't know much about Toby as he is someone Bridget doesn't necessarily hang around with. However, he is a character that she observes a lot. Through these actions, I love Toby. I hope you will too.

Is there a sneak peek scenario you would love to see?
​- Amy :)
​“How… how did they find you?”
            “I was flagged,” I whispered.
            “But why?” I looked over at him and just watched him. He kept darting his eyes between his screen and me. “We might not know who flags us, but they tell us why.”
            “Manhunt,” I whispered. I closed my eyes for a second and relaxed against the sofa. “I was playing manhunt. I have no idea if it was at my house or in the school playground.” I shook my head. “I never played alone, so I don’t know why I was singled out.” Toby just stared at me. “I lied; I know why. It was a game where you ran, hid, and got chased. I was never caught. I was good.” I shook my head and looked up at the screens. “It was so stupid to play. I can’t imagine how insensitive I was.”
            “You were a child,” Toby said.
            “A stupid one.” I wrapped the blanket tight around me in hopes that it would cut off some circulation somewhere. Maybe it would let me sleep for a little bit. “Whenever we did the physical fitness test at school, I was always at the top. My grades were always good too. The manhunt took it over the top – I had all the qualities they were looking for in an Assassin.” I shook my head again. Saying it out loud, it sounded unreal. Having your fate chosen when you were young. “What about you?” I asked.
            “I asked for someone to flag me,” Toby said. He looked over at me and shrugged his shoulders. I could see some regret flash across his face as he turned back toward the TVs. “At the time, I didn’t want to go to school or work afterward. I was just a young, stupid boy afraid of his future.” Biting his lip, I could see that he wasn’t sure what exactly he could tell me. I wasn’t sure either. Could I be trusted with this? He chose to be here just like the Elitists. He was no better than them. “I forgot about the part where I would have to kill people. I thought of it more as protecting people.”
            “When did you decide?”
            “Last year, when I was eighteen and just graduated high school.” His gaze moved down from his screen and onto the scoreboard now. “Everyone was moving on without me. My friends were getting accepted into colleges and my girlfriend got pregnant.” I tried to keep my face from showing what I was thinking, but I knew it was. If he looked at me, he would see how horrified I was to hear that. “I didn’t want to think about any of that and I was lazy. I thought when I survived these Trials that it would give me an automatic job and be surrounded by people with the same minds.” He turned to me, and I watched as he registered my face. “Clearly, we are all on different pages here.”
            I nodded but didn’t say anything. I didn’t feel like I needed to. He didn’t need to hear my judgments when he was looking for reassurance. Besides, this was the only interaction I have had all day and it felt normal. Maybe like I was in a dorm room.
            Something that Toby didn’t want to experience.
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Published on June 13, 2025 09:30

June 6, 2025

Website Updates - Assassin Links & Shop

Hello everyone,

In preparation for The Assassin Trials being released, I am updating the website. Check back every couple days to see new websites being added for where you can buy the book.  I will also be updating the shop to contain the book and a new bookmark we created for the release of the book!

How do you mark the pages of a book when you put a book down? I used sticky notes, bookmarks, and sometimes I'll just face the book down.
​- Amy
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Published on June 06, 2025 07:30

May 31, 2025

Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: May 2025

Hello everyone,

Another month is wrapped up and it is OFFICIALLY SUMMER FOR ME! My school has wrapped up. I plan on reading while I'm swimming and any down time I have. Expect many more thrilling finds with me.

Unfortunately, as much of a book lover as I am, I did have to recently donate a bunch of books from my pile to give myself room for others. You might have recognized some of these as previous reads I have posted about. I can only keep so many books. I officially keep all advanced books and books I love. I am only getting rid of 5 books as May is the fifth month.Mars Hospital by Lloyd FlattWhen You Get The Chance by Emma LordAlphas by Lisi Harrison (Book #1)Movers & Fakers by Lisi Harrison (Book #2)Belle of the Brawl by Lisi Harrison (Book #3) Have you gotten rid of any books recently? Tell me why!
​- Amy :) April 6 - May 3 The Legacy of Yangchen
F.C. Yee

Avatar the Last Airbender series
Book 4 of 5

This one took me a bit. I just did not enjoy it as much as I loved the Kyoshi series.
Picture May 5 - May 19 Picture Top of the Feud Chain
Lisi Harrison

Alpha series
Book 4 of 4

I remember being so incredibly shocked at the ending the first time I read this!

​3.5 stars
April 27th - May 22nd Breaking Dawn
Stephenie Meyer

Twilight series
Book 4 of 5

3 stars

I loved this one so much! I forgot how different the ending is compared to the movie.
Picture April 14 - May 28 Picture Binding 13
Chloe Walsh

Boys of Tommen series
Book 1 of 6

3 stars

I'm surprised that I liked this book! I can't wait to read the rest.
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Published on May 31, 2025 19:30

May 30, 2025

Missing Paperback (4) Giveaway

Hello everyone,

The promotion for my new book is still happening! This time I am giving away 4 paperback copies of Missing. This giveaway starts May 30th and ends June 29th. As a reminder, the following events will take place before The Assassin Trials is officially released!Missing Paperback Giveaway (4 copies) on Goodreads: May 30th - June 29thWanted Paperback Giveaway (6 copies) on Goodreads: July 4th - August 3rdBOOK IS OUT - August 8thNEW BOOK Ebook Giveaway (100 copies) on Goodreads: August 15th - September 13thNEW BOOK Paperback Giveaway on Goodreads: September 19th - October 18thClick the link below to enter the giveaway!

​- Amy :)
Goodreads Book Giveaway Missing by Amy Kulp Missingby Amy Kulp

Giveaway ends June 29, 2025.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway
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Published on May 30, 2025 16:00

May 26, 2025

Innocent Winner

Hello everyone,

The Innocent paperback giveaway has ended. 8082 people had entered and one person has won. You will receive a signed copy of my book, 2 bookmarks, and a personalized note from me. I have sent your copy in the mail and I hope you enjoy reading it!

​THE WINNER IS...
Rebecca Kessler Congratulations!

Tell me, what other book giveaways has everyone been entering?
​- Amy
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Published on May 26, 2025 09:52

May 25, 2025

Innocent Paperback Giveaway - ENDED

Hello everyone,

The Innocent giveaway on GoodReads ends today! This is your last chance to submit yourself for a chance to win a paperback signed copy of my book, a bookmark, and a personalized note from me. This is the most prestigious giveaway I will be hosting as I am only giving ONE book away! Use the link down below if you'd like to join:
Goodreads Book Giveaway Innocent by Amy Kulp Innocentby Amy Kulp

Giveaway ends May 25, 2025.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter GiveawayI will announce the winner as soon as I am able to post it!

As a reminder, this giveaway was to spark interest in my newest book, The Assassin Trials! Coming out August 8th! Stay tuned for more giveaways!

​- Amy :)
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Published on May 25, 2025 16:00

May 2, 2025

The Assassin Trials - Sneak Peek

Hello everyone,

To build up suspense for my book, The Assassin Trials, I have a sneak peek for those who would like to read it! I am so excited and I hope you enjoy it.

This sneak peek is in the first chapter. We are centering on our main protagonist, Bridget Solomon. She is your average student who doesn't like to cause trouble. This first scene is made to feel suspenseful and powerful. Maybe even making sure that Bridget (and the reader, YOU!) feel powerless.

I hope you enjoy!
​- Amy :)
Preparation ​​“I’ll get the door!” I called as I set the sponge down in the sink. Normally, I would ring it out, but I knew it was probably a neighbor who wanted to repurchase eggs. Most knew by now that they could take as many eggs as needed and then stick the money in the mailbox. It was an honor system that worked well. However, we still had a couple of people who were uncomfortable and didn’t want to take the chances that someone thought they were scamming us. We wouldn’t mind though. A neighbor always helps a neighbor when in need. I made sure to wet my fingers and slick back any stray hairs that sprung out from my ponytail first. My mom always said to look nice for neighbors. “What can I help you with?” I asked as soon as I opened the door.

My smile quickly faded when I saw two men in forest green standing on my front porch. At their feet were huge black mud boots that went past their knees. As my eyes traveled up, I saw the green onesie until it reached their black gloved hands, and hazmat mask. By the time that my eyes could see the lighted green dots where their eyes should be, my smile was completely gone and I turned back to yell for my mom.
I should have rung that sponge out because I would not be returning to do those dishes.

Before my mom could get to the door, one of the gloved hands reached out and grabbed my arm. I resisted and looked back to see if my mom was coming yet. I had to see her before I left. I braced my feet against the carpet but as I got dragged toward the door, I felt the rug burn beginning to affect the soles of my feet. However, I knew lifting would only make it easier for them to get me in their van.

As soon as my feet hit the porch, I screamed at the top of my lungs for my dad. I was hoping he was somewhere in the barn and not yet in the fields. He would never hear my screams from there. Maybe I could stir up our cows and pigs to get someone’s attention.

I just wanted to say goodbye first.

“What is with all of this ruckus?” my dad asked as he came out of the barn. He already had his overalls stained with the oil needed for our equipment but for once, I wasn’t embarrassed to see him. He dropped hold of the rag in his hands and ran straight for me. “Darling, I love you so much!”

He knew not to get close enough to the green folk or else he would be zapped with electricity. It came from the rod they held in their hands. However, it didn’t harm them. It must have been from where they held it.

“Tell mom I love her too!” I yelled.

“I’m right here, baby!”

I arched my neck to try and take a glimpse of her, but I already heard the van doors open. Once all three of us were in, I was able to see a glimpse of my mom in her pretty blue Sunday dress hugging my dad in his greasy, stained overalls. It was probably the most affection I’ve seen from both in quite some time.

​All it took was for them to lose their daughter to show it.
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Published on May 02, 2025 15:00

April 30, 2025

Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: April 2025

Hello everyone,

While my reading has slowed down, it has not completely stopped. That is such a huge accomplishment for me! I hope to continue this into May and skyrocket again in June.

Wish me luck :)
​- Amy
March 8 - April 1st The Dawn of Yangchen
F.C. Yee

Book 3 of 5

3 stars
Picture March 10 - April 3rd Picture Movers & Fakers
Lisi Harrison

Book 2 of 4

3.5 stars
March 20 - April 6th The End of Oz
Danielle Paige

Book 4 of 4

4 stars
Picture March 30 - April 13th Picture A Thousand Broken Pieces
Tillie Cole

Book 2 of 2

4.5 stars

Loved this one so much more than the first book! April 7th - 17th Belle of the Brawl
Lisi Harrison

Alphas series
Book 3 of 4

5 stars
Picture April 13th - 19th Picture If We Ever Meet Again
Ana Huang

Book 1 of 4

Didn't think I'd like this so much! I bought the other three books right away!
April 8th - April 20th See How They Run
Ally Carter

Book 2 of 3
Embassy Row series

3 stars
Picture November 11th - April 26th Picture Eclipse
Stephanie Meyers

Book 3 of 5
Twilight series

3.5 stars
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Published on April 30, 2025 18:30

April 25, 2025

Innocent Paperback Giveaway

Hello everyone,

This giveaway starts the second round of giveaways for my previous books! You will soon see Missing and Wanted have paperback giveaways after this one. As a reminder, these giveaways are to build excitement for my new book to come out in August. I'm so excited for this!

Here is a list of upcoming dates you might want to see for the future:Missing Paperback Giveaway (4 copies) on Goodreads: May 30th - June 29thWanted Paperback Giveaway (6 copies) on Goodreads: July 4th - August 3rdBOOK IS OUT - August 8thNEW BOOK Ebook Giveaway (100 copies) on Goodreads: August 15th - September 13thNEW BOOK Paperback Giveaway on Goodreads: September 19th - October 18th
Innocent's giveaway will run until May 25th and I will be giving 1 signed copy out. Below is the link to enter:
Goodreads Book Giveaway Innocent by Amy Kulp Innocentby Amy Kulp

Giveaway ends May 25, 2025.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter GiveawayGood luck!
​- Amy
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Published on April 25, 2025 20:30