Lisa Roecker's Blog, page 27
June 8, 2011
WTF Wednesday: In Which the Universe KICKS MY A$$
5:30:00 AM: Mumble something that sounds like "Love you" as the husband leaves for work.
5:30:01 AM: Slap on my sleep mask and fall back into a blissfull sleep.
7:11:00 AM: Vaguely hear the kids fighting over who can pee the fastest.
7:11:01 AM: Fall back into a blissful sleep.
7:22:00 AM: Ben is awake.
7:25:03 AM: Confirm that Ben has a fever of 102 degrees.
Universe: 1 Lisa: 0
7:26:27 AM: Feel Ben's top gums and feel two huge lumps where there will eventually be teeth.
Universe: 2 Lisa: 0
7:28:01 AM: Feed Ben and notice there are huge monsoon like clouds looming on the horizon.
7:31:05 AM: Begin somewhat crazed process of getting the kids out of the house before the rain-pocolypse hits.
7:59:01 AM: Pat myself on the back for loading everyone into the car successfully before a drop of rain hits the ground. It's a tie game, bitches.
Universe: 2 Lisa: 2
8:10:02 AM: On the drive to school realize that Jack is wearing a bathing suit, no underwear, no change of clothes and Mia and I are in sundresses and the temperature just dropped from 91 degrees to 64 degrees.
Universe: 3 Lisa: 2
8:20:03 AM: The rain starts pounding our car so hard that I'm 99% sure I saw the Four Horseman of the Apocolypse galloping next to my mom-mobile.
Universe: 4 Lisa: 2
8:35:01 AM: Successfully make it to Jack's school in time to drop him in the car pool line and avoid getting all the kids out of the car in the rain. Take that Universe!
Universe: 4 Lisa: 3
9:23:31 AM: Narrowly avoid hydroplaning on the freeway next to a huge semi. Worst driving conditions ever, but we're all alive and the Universe is my bitch.
Universe: 4 Lisa: 4
9:33:01 AM: Pull into Laura's neighborhood with my fingers crossed that she's left the garage open so I can pull in and avoid getting the kids soaked in the storm of the century.
Universe: 4 Lisa: 5
9:33:15 AM: Begin to manuever the car into the garage and have an instant flashback to my driving test 16 years ago in which I immediately plowed into all 4 orange cones and failed the manueverability section of the test. In one of the most shocking (and potentially destructive) moves in all of history, the instructor passed me anyway. Frank Mangini (Yes, I still remember his name) should be held personally responsible for every single fenderbender I've been involved in since that time. Including, but not limited to: the time I backed into my Grandfather's car on Christmas; the time I backed into my husband's car and just kept driving; and the time I backed into that lady in the minivan in the parking lot.
9:33:16 AM: We all know where this is going, right? Slam into the side of Laura's garage.
Universe: 101 Lisa: -30
9:33:18 AM: Swear a blue streak and then attempt to back out of the garage without hitting Laura's car. Hear a chunk of my car fall off.
Universe: 299 Lisa: -31
9:33:19 AM: Mia asks, "Mommy why did you say, 'Oh $hit'?"
Universe: 300 Lisa: -32
9:33:21 AM: Get out of the car in the pouring rain to assess the damage. It's not good. Part of my door is hanging off the car and there's an unidentified black chunk of my car in the driveway.
9:33:48 AM: Rest my head on the steering wheel and cry a little.
9:34:00 AM: Get the kids out of the car in the pouring rain and take them into the house. By the time we get inside we all look like we've taken a shower with our clothes on.
Universe: 301 Lisa: -33
9:35:00 AM: Test Laura's garage door to make sure I didn't do any permanent damage. It works.
Universe: 301 Lisa: -32
10:05:01 AM: Rain stops, sun is shining and Laura and I head out to my car to assess the damage.
10:10:02 AM: After a detailed analysis of the damage we feel confident the car can be fixed with a hammer and some super glue.
10:15:56 AM: It works!
10:15:57 AM: Kind of.
10:15:59 AM: We can't really figure out what to do with the mystery chunk of car that fell off and into the driveway.
10:16:15 AM: Agree that this part should be hidden in the trunk until further notice.
10:17:00 AM: Step back into Laura's slightly damaged garage and assess our handiwork.
10:17:30 AM: Congratulate each other and and head inside for some tea.
Universe: 301 Lisa: -31
10:18:00 AM: Briefly discuss opening up our own body shop for women who damage their cars and need to fix them quickly so their husbands don't critisize their abysmal manueverability skills.
10:18:08 AM: Remember we have to finish THE LIES THAT BIND by October 1st.
10:18:45 AM: Realize that we can use this for our blog post tomorrow.
FINAL SCORE: Universe: 301 Lisa: 1 (blog post material is worth a lot, people.)
*******************************************************************************
Don't forget, this is day three of the Elana Johnson POSSESSION Launch Festival of Awesome! Today, go to Shannon Messenger's site and comment to enter to win a signed copy of POSSESSION and learn the secret time that you need to use the Twitter hashtag #taggedPOSSESSION to win another signed copy of POSSESSION!
Meanwhile, don't forget: if you spread the word about POSSESSION, you can win one of FIVE signed copies of the book!
We're giving away 17 signed copies of POSSESSION throughout this week's blog tour--be sure to visit and enter to win! Tomorrow's giveaway will be hosted at Jamie Harrington's blog!
AND now for our winners of a signed copy of POSSESSION!!!!
Congratulations go out to @TheCheyShow and Sarena!
Email us ASAP to claim the best prize ever!
5:30:01 AM: Slap on my sleep mask and fall back into a blissfull sleep.
7:11:00 AM: Vaguely hear the kids fighting over who can pee the fastest.
7:11:01 AM: Fall back into a blissful sleep.
7:22:00 AM: Ben is awake.
7:25:03 AM: Confirm that Ben has a fever of 102 degrees.
Universe: 1 Lisa: 0
7:26:27 AM: Feel Ben's top gums and feel two huge lumps where there will eventually be teeth.
Universe: 2 Lisa: 0
7:28:01 AM: Feed Ben and notice there are huge monsoon like clouds looming on the horizon.
7:31:05 AM: Begin somewhat crazed process of getting the kids out of the house before the rain-pocolypse hits.
7:59:01 AM: Pat myself on the back for loading everyone into the car successfully before a drop of rain hits the ground. It's a tie game, bitches.
Universe: 2 Lisa: 2
8:10:02 AM: On the drive to school realize that Jack is wearing a bathing suit, no underwear, no change of clothes and Mia and I are in sundresses and the temperature just dropped from 91 degrees to 64 degrees.
Universe: 3 Lisa: 2
8:20:03 AM: The rain starts pounding our car so hard that I'm 99% sure I saw the Four Horseman of the Apocolypse galloping next to my mom-mobile.
Universe: 4 Lisa: 2
8:35:01 AM: Successfully make it to Jack's school in time to drop him in the car pool line and avoid getting all the kids out of the car in the rain. Take that Universe!
Universe: 4 Lisa: 3
9:23:31 AM: Narrowly avoid hydroplaning on the freeway next to a huge semi. Worst driving conditions ever, but we're all alive and the Universe is my bitch.
Universe: 4 Lisa: 4
9:33:01 AM: Pull into Laura's neighborhood with my fingers crossed that she's left the garage open so I can pull in and avoid getting the kids soaked in the storm of the century.
Universe: 4 Lisa: 5
9:33:15 AM: Begin to manuever the car into the garage and have an instant flashback to my driving test 16 years ago in which I immediately plowed into all 4 orange cones and failed the manueverability section of the test. In one of the most shocking (and potentially destructive) moves in all of history, the instructor passed me anyway. Frank Mangini (Yes, I still remember his name) should be held personally responsible for every single fenderbender I've been involved in since that time. Including, but not limited to: the time I backed into my Grandfather's car on Christmas; the time I backed into my husband's car and just kept driving; and the time I backed into that lady in the minivan in the parking lot.
9:33:16 AM: We all know where this is going, right? Slam into the side of Laura's garage.
Universe: 101 Lisa: -30
9:33:18 AM: Swear a blue streak and then attempt to back out of the garage without hitting Laura's car. Hear a chunk of my car fall off.
Universe: 299 Lisa: -31
9:33:19 AM: Mia asks, "Mommy why did you say, 'Oh $hit'?"
Universe: 300 Lisa: -32
9:33:21 AM: Get out of the car in the pouring rain to assess the damage. It's not good. Part of my door is hanging off the car and there's an unidentified black chunk of my car in the driveway.
9:33:48 AM: Rest my head on the steering wheel and cry a little.
9:34:00 AM: Get the kids out of the car in the pouring rain and take them into the house. By the time we get inside we all look like we've taken a shower with our clothes on.
Universe: 301 Lisa: -33
9:35:00 AM: Test Laura's garage door to make sure I didn't do any permanent damage. It works.
Universe: 301 Lisa: -32
10:05:01 AM: Rain stops, sun is shining and Laura and I head out to my car to assess the damage.
10:10:02 AM: After a detailed analysis of the damage we feel confident the car can be fixed with a hammer and some super glue.
10:15:56 AM: It works!
10:15:57 AM: Kind of.
10:15:59 AM: We can't really figure out what to do with the mystery chunk of car that fell off and into the driveway.
10:16:15 AM: Agree that this part should be hidden in the trunk until further notice.
10:17:00 AM: Step back into Laura's slightly damaged garage and assess our handiwork.
10:17:30 AM: Congratulate each other and and head inside for some tea.
Universe: 301 Lisa: -31
10:18:00 AM: Briefly discuss opening up our own body shop for women who damage their cars and need to fix them quickly so their husbands don't critisize their abysmal manueverability skills.
10:18:08 AM: Remember we have to finish THE LIES THAT BIND by October 1st.
10:18:45 AM: Realize that we can use this for our blog post tomorrow.
FINAL SCORE: Universe: 301 Lisa: 1 (blog post material is worth a lot, people.)
*******************************************************************************
Don't forget, this is day three of the Elana Johnson POSSESSION Launch Festival of Awesome! Today, go to Shannon Messenger's site and comment to enter to win a signed copy of POSSESSION and learn the secret time that you need to use the Twitter hashtag #taggedPOSSESSION to win another signed copy of POSSESSION!Meanwhile, don't forget: if you spread the word about POSSESSION, you can win one of FIVE signed copies of the book!
We're giving away 17 signed copies of POSSESSION throughout this week's blog tour--be sure to visit and enter to win! Tomorrow's giveaway will be hosted at Jamie Harrington's blog!
AND now for our winners of a signed copy of POSSESSION!!!!
Congratulations go out to @TheCheyShow and Sarena!
Email us ASAP to claim the best prize ever!
June 7, 2011
#TaggedPOSSESSION
Today is THE day! CONGRATULATIONS, Elana. You have a brand new book in this world and she's beautiful. Just beautiful.
So beautiful that we're giving away all sorts of FREE, SIGNED copies throughout the week! In fact, all you have to do to enter is leave a comment in this here blog post. That's right, leave your mark and you might win a copy of your very own! If you're struggling with what to say, tell us which rule you'd most like to break!
If that's not enough, we're also going to be stalking Twitter tonight from 9 PM-10 PM EST searching for folks using the official #taggedPOSSESSION hashtag. If we catch YOU tweeting it, you may just win another FREE, SIGNED copy!
AND, because we enjoy humiliating ourselves in floppy beach hats and smexy shoes, we present the following video for your viewing pleasure. Rest assured, POSSESSION is about 10 bajillion times better than this video.
*********************************************************************************
Don't forget, this is day two of the Elana Johnson POSSESSION Launch Festival of Awesome! Today, go to Lisa and Laura Roecker's site and comment to enter to win a signed copy of POSSESSION and learn the secret time that you need to use the Twitter hashtag #taggedPOSSESSION to win another signed copy of POSSESSION!
Meanwhile, don't forget: if you spread the word about POSSESSION, you can win one of FIVE signed copies of the book!
We're giving away 17 signed copies of POSSESSION throughout this week's blog tour--be sure to visit and enter to win! Tomorrow's giveaway will be hosted at Shannon Messenger's blog!
So beautiful that we're giving away all sorts of FREE, SIGNED copies throughout the week! In fact, all you have to do to enter is leave a comment in this here blog post. That's right, leave your mark and you might win a copy of your very own! If you're struggling with what to say, tell us which rule you'd most like to break!
If that's not enough, we're also going to be stalking Twitter tonight from 9 PM-10 PM EST searching for folks using the official #taggedPOSSESSION hashtag. If we catch YOU tweeting it, you may just win another FREE, SIGNED copy!
AND, because we enjoy humiliating ourselves in floppy beach hats and smexy shoes, we present the following video for your viewing pleasure. Rest assured, POSSESSION is about 10 bajillion times better than this video.
*********************************************************************************
Don't forget, this is day two of the Elana Johnson POSSESSION Launch Festival of Awesome! Today, go to Lisa and Laura Roecker's site and comment to enter to win a signed copy of POSSESSION and learn the secret time that you need to use the Twitter hashtag #taggedPOSSESSION to win another signed copy of POSSESSION!Meanwhile, don't forget: if you spread the word about POSSESSION, you can win one of FIVE signed copies of the book!
We're giving away 17 signed copies of POSSESSION throughout this week's blog tour--be sure to visit and enter to win! Tomorrow's giveaway will be hosted at Shannon Messenger's blog!
June 6, 2011
The Backhanded Optimist
I've never really considered myself a glass is half full kind of gal. When bad news comes my way, I tend to react like a soap opera actress, an exquisite blend of tragedy and drama with lots of sobbing and grande gestures thrown in for good measure.
But inevitably as I begin to process the news, things start changing, and within a few days disaster turns into delight. The most recent example of my backhanded optimism in action is when my husband and I decided that it might be time for me to go back to the day job.
Day 1
Husband: Well, if we want to move into a bigger house I think you'll probably have to go back to work.
Me: *Sobbing too hard to respond*
Husband: You worked before, was it really that bad?
Me: Sob gasp sob...writing. Sob gasp sob...neglected children. Sob gasp sob...END OF MY LIFE.
Husband: ....
Day 2
Me: So, I happened to talk to my old manager today and there's a job opening that sounds kind of perfect.
Husband: That's great.
Me: Whatever. I still hate you.
Day 6
Me: The interviews went REALLY well. This is going to be great! It was so nice to catch up with everyone that I used to work with and have a quiet house. I could totally get used to this.
Husband: ....
Day 25
Random friend: So, you're going back to work!
Me: Yeah. I decided that I'd have way more balance in my life if I went back to work. More time to write, the kids are thrilled to be able to go to camps and stuff. I think it's going to be the best of both worlds.
Random friend: Good for you!
Me: I know. Best decision I ever made.
Husband: Sigh.
And, that, my friends, is how you rewrite history. What's funny is that I don't even realize I'm doing it. End up with a book cover you hate? Make a couple of tweaks, write a blog post, add faux pink hair to your profile pic as a joke and take full credit for being a marketing genius! Who needs real optimism when the backhanded version is so much more fun?
But inevitably as I begin to process the news, things start changing, and within a few days disaster turns into delight. The most recent example of my backhanded optimism in action is when my husband and I decided that it might be time for me to go back to the day job.
Day 1
Husband: Well, if we want to move into a bigger house I think you'll probably have to go back to work.
Me: *Sobbing too hard to respond*
Husband: You worked before, was it really that bad?
Me: Sob gasp sob...writing. Sob gasp sob...neglected children. Sob gasp sob...END OF MY LIFE.
Husband: ....
Day 2
Me: So, I happened to talk to my old manager today and there's a job opening that sounds kind of perfect.
Husband: That's great.
Me: Whatever. I still hate you.
Day 6
Me: The interviews went REALLY well. This is going to be great! It was so nice to catch up with everyone that I used to work with and have a quiet house. I could totally get used to this.
Husband: ....
Day 25
Random friend: So, you're going back to work!
Me: Yeah. I decided that I'd have way more balance in my life if I went back to work. More time to write, the kids are thrilled to be able to go to camps and stuff. I think it's going to be the best of both worlds.
Random friend: Good for you!
Me: I know. Best decision I ever made.
Husband: Sigh.
And, that, my friends, is how you rewrite history. What's funny is that I don't even realize I'm doing it. End up with a book cover you hate? Make a couple of tweaks, write a blog post, add faux pink hair to your profile pic as a joke and take full credit for being a marketing genius! Who needs real optimism when the backhanded version is so much more fun?
June 3, 2011
Friends and book releases and PRIZES, oh my!!!!
June's here!!!! You know what that means???? POSSESSION officially releases in T-4 days. Are you as excited as we are? Yes?Yes.So: help us show Elana some love and celebrate her book's release!
All next week, we're hosting a mini-love-tour for Elana and POSSESSION--with prizes every single day. We're pulling out all the stops: there's vlogs and blogs and Twitter and more!
We have tons of copies of POSSESSION to give away--all signed by our amazing Elana (and since Shannon contacted her publicist, this is all one big huge surprise for Elana!)
Meanwhile, we really want to get the word out to people about Elana, her book, and this launch extravaganza! So, to entice you to share the love, we have FIVE SIGNED COPIES OF POSSESSION to give to people who spread the word about POSSESSION. There are LOTS of ways to win--and everything you do garners you more entries!To enter, just fill out the form below. Contest details are below as well.
Also: Right click on the image at the right and use it as your avatar in Twitter or Facebook for more entries! :D
*~*~*~*~*~*~*Tour Schedule
Friday: Spread the word about POSSESSION!Monday-Saturday: Begin daily contests! For 24 hours only, you have 2 chances to win on each day, hosted at different people's blogs!Monday: Visit Beth Revis's blog for 2 more chances to win POSSESSIONTuesday: Visit Lisa & Laura Roecker's blog for 2 more chances to win POSSESSIONWednesday: Visit Shannon Messenger's blog for 2 more chances to win POSSESSIONThursday: Visit Jamie Harrington's blog for 2 more chances to win POSSESSIONFriday: Visit Christine Fonseca's blog for 2 more chances to win POSSESSIONSaturday: Visit Ali Cross's blog for 2 more chances to win POSSESSIONSunday: Stop by any of our blogs to find out the winners of the 5 signed copies for the Spread the Word contest!Go forth! Spread the word! Collect entries and win a signed copy of POSSESSION!
June 2, 2011
BIG, Huge, Amazing News!
Some of you may have seen this already, but if not....
Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker's THE LIES THAT BIND, the second book in The LIAR SOCIETY series, to Leah Hultenschmidt at Sourcebooks, for publication in Spring 2012, by Catherine Drayton at Inkwell Management (NA).
We are so excited to announce that Kate's adventures will continue. We have a whole lot of exciting stuff in store for our pink haired super-sleuth including but not limited to: some serious secret society ass kicking, a fab new 'do and a juicy new mystery.
The truth is we wouldn't be here without all of your support. You read our randomness, you laugh at our humiliations and you helped us convince people to read The Liar Society. Honestly, we're still in shock that it actually worked. Thank you for everything.
XOXO,
L&L
Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker's THE LIES THAT BIND, the second book in The LIAR SOCIETY series, to Leah Hultenschmidt at Sourcebooks, for publication in Spring 2012, by Catherine Drayton at Inkwell Management (NA).
We are so excited to announce that Kate's adventures will continue. We have a whole lot of exciting stuff in store for our pink haired super-sleuth including but not limited to: some serious secret society ass kicking, a fab new 'do and a juicy new mystery.
The truth is we wouldn't be here without all of your support. You read our randomness, you laugh at our humiliations and you helped us convince people to read The Liar Society. Honestly, we're still in shock that it actually worked. Thank you for everything.
XOXO,
L&L
The Bookanistas: HOURGLASS
Two very important things happened before we even cracked open our ARC of HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire.
1. We fell in love with Myra. She's she's pocket sized, she's blonde and she's hilariously irreverent. What's not to love?
2. We fell in love with the cover. I mean, holy WOW. That cover is one of the most amazing we've seen this year. It's gorgeous, it's twisty and it's sparkly.
And as it turns out, all of the stuff we loved about Myra and that gorgeous cover are EXACTLY the same things that we love about HOURGLASS. So, to recap for those of you who are a little slow on the uptake (I'm looking at YOU Scott Tracey) HOURGLASS was pocket sized, blonde, hilariously irreverent, gorgeous, twisty AND sparkly. Oh, and we LOVED it.
Here's what the back cover has to say (if you can bring yourself to turn it over):
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.
What Lila has to say:
Emerson was a total BAD ASS. I mean, the girl can fight, time travel AND has two completely gorgeous guys fighting over her. Emerson is no damsel in distress. She's not the type to let other people fight her battles and with bookshelves crowded with heroines who do nothing but make assanine decisions and wait for someone to save their dumb asses we found Emerson refreshing.
But I'd be lying if I said Emerson was my favorite thing about HOURGLASS, because she SO wasn't.
Some girls love Michael. And I totally get that. He's a good guy. Stable. There when you need him. Maybe a little bit moody for my tastes, but overall hot and dependable. A sensible choice for any sasstastic teenage heroine.
And then there's Kaleb. Binge drinking, womanizing, hot, TALL, and broken. I loved him. Really, really loved him. All you crazy bitches can take Michael as long as you leave me Kaleb although something tells me I'm going to have to get in a VERY long line.
All in all, HOURGLASS is a fun, twisty, romance that I'd highly reccomend to fans of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and WHEN YOU REACH ME. HOURGLASS hits bookshelves June 14th, make sure you snag a copy!
Check out what the rest of the Bookanistas are up to this week and join the Bookanista Book Club at The Reading Room to see what books are making us swoon this week:
Elana Johnson gushes over Blood MagicLiLa Roecker adores HourglassChristine Fonseca sings high praises for Possess – with giveawayShannon Messenger applauds A Need So Beautiful – with giveawayMegan Miranda has a passion for PossessionCarolina Valdez Miller sees beauty in Between Shades of GrayBethany Wiggins finds Bad Taste in Boys deliciousShana Silver celebrates A Need So BeautifulStasia Ward Kehoe delights in DeliriumCarrie Harris thinks Wrapped simply rocksRosemary Clement-Moore is giddy about HourglassSarah Frances Hardy finds the awesome in Okay for NowMyra McEntire welcomes Blood Magic author Tessa Gratton into the Fort
1. We fell in love with Myra. She's she's pocket sized, she's blonde and she's hilariously irreverent. What's not to love?
2. We fell in love with the cover. I mean, holy WOW. That cover is one of the most amazing we've seen this year. It's gorgeous, it's twisty and it's sparkly.
And as it turns out, all of the stuff we loved about Myra and that gorgeous cover are EXACTLY the same things that we love about HOURGLASS. So, to recap for those of you who are a little slow on the uptake (I'm looking at YOU Scott Tracey) HOURGLASS was pocket sized, blonde, hilariously irreverent, gorgeous, twisty AND sparkly. Oh, and we LOVED it.Here's what the back cover has to say (if you can bring yourself to turn it over):
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.
What Lila has to say:
Emerson was a total BAD ASS. I mean, the girl can fight, time travel AND has two completely gorgeous guys fighting over her. Emerson is no damsel in distress. She's not the type to let other people fight her battles and with bookshelves crowded with heroines who do nothing but make assanine decisions and wait for someone to save their dumb asses we found Emerson refreshing.
But I'd be lying if I said Emerson was my favorite thing about HOURGLASS, because she SO wasn't.
Some girls love Michael. And I totally get that. He's a good guy. Stable. There when you need him. Maybe a little bit moody for my tastes, but overall hot and dependable. A sensible choice for any sasstastic teenage heroine.
And then there's Kaleb. Binge drinking, womanizing, hot, TALL, and broken. I loved him. Really, really loved him. All you crazy bitches can take Michael as long as you leave me Kaleb although something tells me I'm going to have to get in a VERY long line.
All in all, HOURGLASS is a fun, twisty, romance that I'd highly reccomend to fans of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and WHEN YOU REACH ME. HOURGLASS hits bookshelves June 14th, make sure you snag a copy!
Check out what the rest of the Bookanistas are up to this week and join the Bookanista Book Club at The Reading Room to see what books are making us swoon this week:
Elana Johnson gushes over Blood MagicLiLa Roecker adores HourglassChristine Fonseca sings high praises for Possess – with giveawayShannon Messenger applauds A Need So Beautiful – with giveawayMegan Miranda has a passion for PossessionCarolina Valdez Miller sees beauty in Between Shades of GrayBethany Wiggins finds Bad Taste in Boys deliciousShana Silver celebrates A Need So BeautifulStasia Ward Kehoe delights in DeliriumCarrie Harris thinks Wrapped simply rocksRosemary Clement-Moore is giddy about HourglassSarah Frances Hardy finds the awesome in Okay for NowMyra McEntire welcomes Blood Magic author Tessa Gratton into the Fort
June 1, 2011
Déjà Vu
Sometimes history repeats itself...
Laura and Lisa 1984 (courtesy of a zip drive Lisa stole from Stacey)Well, that's what we're hoping anyway.
Lydia and Mia 2011 (Courtesy of http://poochieprintsblog.com/)
Laura and Lisa 1984 (courtesy of a zip drive Lisa stole from Stacey)Well, that's what we're hoping anyway.
Lydia and Mia 2011 (Courtesy of http://poochieprintsblog.com/)
May 31, 2011
We Heart Indies!
We've always loved bookstores. The feel, the smell, the rows and rows of books. We smile like a couple of goons every time we walk into one because the possibilities are endless. And then, clutching our paper or plastic bag, filled with final decisions, we're overwhelmed by a sense of hope and excitement and can't wait to rush home and tear into our new addition.Or something like that.
But there's a special, special place in our hearts for independent bookstores. They're local and unique and entrenched in the community and usually cozy and warm and inviting and have staff members with years under their belt who hand sell books, who care (not to say employees at other bookstores don't care, but you know what we mean). Breezing through the doors of an Indie feels different, magical even. Almost like you couldn't pass by if you tried. There's just something magnetic about a neighborhood bookstore.
So today's post is devoted to two of our favorites so far. The Learned Owl Bookshop is nestled into a historic building in downtown Hudson, Ohio, which may be one of the cutest towns on earth (Biased? Who? Us?). From the second we walked into their bookshop many moons ago, ARC in tow, nervous about the speech we'd practiced about how to approach booksellers, we were embraced. Calendars were whipped out, a launch party was set and Liz and Mary said they couldn't wait to read the book. And it actually felt like they were telling the truth! Then, not too long after, we received emails about what they enjoyed, why and how they couldn't wait to recommend the book to readers. It honestly doesn't get much better than that. The launch was incredible, the staff beyond welcoming and their support throughout this entire process priceless. They spread the word in the papers on their website and beyond and we can't thank them enough.
Luckily we have big hearts. When we stepped foot in Anderson's Bookshop in downtown Naperville, IL that *gasp* rivals Hudson's, it was love at first sight. Again we were welcomed by that neighborhood feel and the unique passion that comes with running an independent business. Publisher's Weekly named Anderson's With all of that said, we want to do our tiny part in saying a huge THANK YOU to our two favorite booksellers and the entire network of Indies, which is why we've banded together with a bunch of other writers who feel exactly the same way. Check out all of the Indie-love and if you have something to add, send us your link and we'll tack it to the list! You can also follow us on Twitter using the tag #iheartindies. Because today is all about spreading the love. In fact, one lucky commenter will win a book of their choice ordered from the Learned Owl and another commenter will win a book of their choice ordered from Anderson's. 'Cause we love you and we love them.
Sarah Frances Hardy
Shana Silver
Elana Johnson
Stasia Kehoe
Shannon Messenger
Carolina Valdez Miller
Mundie Moms
Myra McEntire
Sara Bennett Wealer
Janet Gurtler
Joy Preble
Ty Drago
Kate Walton
Julia Karr
Randy Russell
Adele Griffin
Helen Landalf
Andrea Higgins
Beth Revis
Tess Hilmo
Sheela Chari
Gail Handler
Crystal Allen
Christine Fonseca
So, go ahead and tell us about the Indies in your neighborhood. And while you're at it, let's join arms, sway and maybe light a lighter or two.
PS: Check out what Randy Russell's got cookin' in his neck of the woods. Because it's cool. Like $2500 in support of schools, libraries and Indies cool.
PPS: Equally amazing is what Kelly Sonnack of Andrea Brown Lit is planning to help all bookstores. Check it out!
May 27, 2011
iClue WINNERS and Indie Awesomeness
We had a so much fun with iClue. Thank you so much to all of you who played along and helped us spread the word. Today we are beyond excited to finally announce the winners!
Drumroll please...
The winner of the 6 autographed books is....
Melissa Wheelock!
Congratulations Melissa! We'll be sending you an email shortly to get your address.
And.....now for the grande prize. The winner of an iPod Touch donated by The Reading Room, loaded with six AMAZING mysteries is...
Jasmine Miller!
Congratulations Jasmine!!!! We'll be in touch shortly to work out all the logistics.
And now for even more awesomeness...
We are officially declaring May 31st We <3 Indies Day. Want to help us celebrate? Click here and we'll link to you. It's going to be EPIC!
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
Drumroll please...The winner of the 6 autographed books is....
Melissa Wheelock!
Congratulations Melissa! We'll be sending you an email shortly to get your address.
And.....now for the grande prize. The winner of an iPod Touch donated by The Reading Room, loaded with six AMAZING mysteries is...Jasmine Miller!
Congratulations Jasmine!!!! We'll be in touch shortly to work out all the logistics.
And now for even more awesomeness...
We are officially declaring May 31st We <3 Indies Day. Want to help us celebrate? Click here and we'll link to you. It's going to be EPIC!
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
May 26, 2011
The Bookanistas: DIVERGENT
I'm not gonna lie, when I first read the cover copy for DIVERGENT I was a little confused. The front cover didn't exactly clear things up. A burning symbol? A creepy skyline? When I first saw it I sunk down on my knees and raised my hands to the sky and screamed, "WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN!?!" Ok, not really, but I totally thought about doing it.
I had heard a few things about the book before I read it. I knew it was dystopian, I knew it was set in Chicago and I'd heard it was ten kinds of amazing, so naturally I was curious.
Thank God my curiosity got the best of me, because DIVERGENT
is one wild ride.
Here's what the back cover has to say (Editorial Note: It's not nearly as confusing to me now that I've read the book. Do others find the copy confusing or am I the only easily confused idiot?):
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.
What Lila has to say:
Wow. DIVERGENT is the kind of book that reels you in and never lets you go. I vividly remember reading a scene where Tris is on a ferris wheel and I had to put the book down because I was so nervous about what was going to happen next. So. Much. Tension.
Tris is a fascinating. She's just so incredibly tough and brave and I am such a complete and utter wimp. If faced with leaping onto a moving train or begging for food on the outskirts of society, I'll choose begging every single time. I'd rather be hungry than splattered somewhere underneath an El train, but that's just me.
And then there's Four. To quote Sarah Dessen (I'm in the middle of THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER
and holy crap, The Dessen is my idol), Sa-Woon. Four is hot, loyal and has the whole tough love thing down to a science.
I was hooked on DIVERGENT from the very first page. It's one of those books where you can't imagine what's going to happen next and you can't stop turning the pages to find out. Order your copy immediately. And then send us an email so we can discuss.
Here's what the rest of the Bookanistas are up to this week:
Elana Johnson sings praises for SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD
Shannon Messenger is wild about WILDFIRE + an ARC giveaway
Carolina Valdez Miller adores A NORTHERN LIGHT
Lisa and Laura Roecker dotes over DIVERGENT
Megan Miranda thinks MOONGLASS is marvelous
Jessi Kirby praises POSSESSION
Carrie Harris reveals the BAD TASTE IN BOYS Book Trailer
Sarah Frances Hardy delves into DIVERGENT
Stasia Ward Kehoe delights in BITTER MELLON
Christine Fonseca relishes in the RED GLOVE
P.S. Be sure to join The Bookanista Book Club over at The Reading Room. We're going to be working very closely with them to bring you even more Bookanista awesomeness that you will not want to miss.
I had heard a few things about the book before I read it. I knew it was dystopian, I knew it was set in Chicago and I'd heard it was ten kinds of amazing, so naturally I was curious.
Thank God my curiosity got the best of me, because DIVERGENT
is one wild ride.
Here's what the back cover has to say (Editorial Note: It's not nearly as confusing to me now that I've read the book. Do others find the copy confusing or am I the only easily confused idiot?):In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.
What Lila has to say:
Wow. DIVERGENT is the kind of book that reels you in and never lets you go. I vividly remember reading a scene where Tris is on a ferris wheel and I had to put the book down because I was so nervous about what was going to happen next. So. Much. Tension.
Tris is a fascinating. She's just so incredibly tough and brave and I am such a complete and utter wimp. If faced with leaping onto a moving train or begging for food on the outskirts of society, I'll choose begging every single time. I'd rather be hungry than splattered somewhere underneath an El train, but that's just me.
And then there's Four. To quote Sarah Dessen (I'm in the middle of THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER
and holy crap, The Dessen is my idol), Sa-Woon. Four is hot, loyal and has the whole tough love thing down to a science.I was hooked on DIVERGENT
from the very first page. It's one of those books where you can't imagine what's going to happen next and you can't stop turning the pages to find out. Order your copy immediately. And then send us an email so we can discuss.Here's what the rest of the Bookanistas are up to this week:
Elana Johnson sings praises for SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD
Shannon Messenger is wild about WILDFIRE + an ARC giveaway
Carolina Valdez Miller adores A NORTHERN LIGHT
Lisa and Laura Roecker dotes over DIVERGENT
Megan Miranda thinks MOONGLASS is marvelous
Jessi Kirby praises POSSESSION
Carrie Harris reveals the BAD TASTE IN BOYS Book Trailer
Sarah Frances Hardy delves into DIVERGENT
Stasia Ward Kehoe delights in BITTER MELLON
Christine Fonseca relishes in the RED GLOVE
P.S. Be sure to join The Bookanista Book Club over at The Reading Room. We're going to be working very closely with them to bring you even more Bookanista awesomeness that you will not want to miss.
