Lisa Roecker's Blog, page 31

Bookinistas: ALICE-MIRANDA AT SCHOOL

ALICE-MIRANDA AT SCHOOL brought me straight back to my 6th grade classroom. And it makes me miss those days, which is not always easy to do.


What the back cover has to say:
Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennigton-Jones can't wait to start boarding school. When she arrives at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies, the adventure begins . . . only not quite as Alice-Miranda expects. The minute she sets foot on the school's manicured grounds, she senses that something is wrong: Miss Grimm, the headmistress, is nowhere to be seen, the gardens have no flowers, and a mysterious stranger seems to be hiding out on the premises.


But that's not all. Some girls are mean and spoiled, like Alethea Goldsworthy. Can Alice-Miranda defeat Alethea in one of three difficult tests she must pass to remain at school? Will she discover Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale's big secret—and make things right? Well, if anyone can, it's spunky Alice-Miranda!

What Lila has to say:

What a wonderful start to a new series. Tweens will fall in love with Alice-Miranda (as I did) and will be lining up for the next installment. And it's a super-easy sell making me wish I was back in the classroom again so I could pass it along. Readers will be thrilled with the cast of characters--Alice-Miranda is the youngest and has the most positive outlook on life, which can't help but make you smile, there are a handful of misunderstoods, who I always enjoy because they appear to be one way and end up altogether different and then some trusty friends, which after reading a ridiculous amount of mean-girl-inspired YA, is incredibly refreshing. Add in a fun mystery and a fascinating boarding school that doesn't seem quite right and get ready for a solid middle grade read.

This is one you can recommend without hesitation as girls will be drawn right into Alice-Miranda's world. Even better? It comes complete with a series of extras in the back. Recipes featured throughout, a handy cast of characters and an epilogue that pulls it all together. There's even a sneak preview of Alice-Miranda's next adventure. So glad I had a chance to read this one! It takes everything I loved about teaching those quirky, often-awkward, middle grade students and rolls it up into one perfect package. I'll definitely be sending a few emails out to my teacher friends after this one.

In fact, this book made me so happy, we figured why not spread the love? One lucky commenter will win a copy of ALICE-MIRANDA AT SCHOOL so you can see for yourself!

Check out what the other Bookinistas are up to this week:


Christine Fonseca caws about ScrawlShannon Messenger gets passionate about PossessionShelli Johannes-Wells takes a shine to ShimmerScott Tracey raves about Red GloveCarolina Valdez Miller interviews Invincible Summer author Hannah MoskowitzJessi Kirby feels The Pull of GravityShana Silver delights in The Day BeforeCarrie Harris takes The Goddess Test - with giveawayCorrine Jackson swoons for StarcrossedStasia Ward Kehoe is outspoken about Addie on the InsideSarah Frances Hardy celebrates The Best Birthday Party Ever

Live From New York it's Wednesday Morning

OK, this is so random and it contains some swearing, but I peed a little when they mentioned Eagle Eyed Cherry and grabbed a handful of scrambled eggs. I think there's something wrong with me.

Tell the Truth Tuesday

1. My Google Chrome is all jacked up and this makes me very, VERY stabby.

2. Laura went to bed without checking in about the blog post for today. This makes me want to reveal some controversial truths just to teach her a lesson.

3. Sadly, I'm all out of controversial truths. Blerg.

4. #askiClue was AWESOME last night. If you missed it you can go back and reread the tweets. Lots of fantastic questions and answers.

5. I found Mildred Pierce more disturbing than Black Swan. I blame Veda. That bitch is totally cray cray.

6. I want to write something that makes people feel the way this song makes me feel.



7. My kids are on Spring Break next week and every single year around this time I'm reminded of college Spring Break and the MTV marathon of disgusting challenges and reality dating shows that came with it. Not gonna lie, I'd much rather watch the cast of the Jersey Shore bong beers than sit through the Dora episode where Boots loses his bath toy. Judge me if you must.

8. One of the girls at the gym tried to tell me that Ben wasn't "enjoying" his time spent in the baby play room and I just shrugged and told her I'd see her tomorrow.

9. I liked the musical episode of Grey's Anatomy.

10. I keep checking B&N's site to make sure that our small victory isn't just a computer glitch. So far so good.

Ok, out with it. What's your truth this Tuesday? Tell all in the comments.

75 Degrees and Sunny

It's starting to feel like spring in our world so we got outside yesterday. The kids were bare-armed, smiling, sticky-fingered and squinting back the sun. And then, after baths and showers, one more book, a favorite song and sheets tucked up under chins, we settled in for our usual Internet shenanigans. It looks something like:

1. Check Sunday's PostSecrets
2. Check Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr
3. Read updated When Parents Text
4. Check stock on Barnes and Noble

Shortly after Lisa completed number 4, I received the following text: "Um...check b and n for our zip code. Did grandma harrass every store?" Our Grandmother has been known to call every Barnes and Nobles near her just to be sure they are stocking our book. So really, we wouldn't put it past her. But not only is our book carried in all of the B&Ns near us, but most of the B&Ns in other zip codes we plugged in. We're kind of thinking we're stocked in most of the Barnes and Noble stores across the United States!

Now, for many authors, this might not be a big deal. But for us???? This is a HUGE victory! Throughout the course of our release month, our book could be found at one or two stores in most major cities. But now it appears as though we're stocked more widely. We've learned a lot throughout this book publishing process, but one of the most important lessons we've learned is to celebrate victories. So...woohoo!

Granted, we have no idea what this means (if anything). We also understand that this might be a computer error or perhaps a mistake, but we'll take it. (Note to blog readers: If you visit B&N and don't find a copy of Liar Society, don't tell us. Probably best that we don't know.) In the meantime, flowers are blooming, we've packed away our winter coats and we're stocked in B&N, baby.

Happy Monday!

P.S.
In even BETTER news, Part 1 of Kimberly Derting's iClue is UP! Check it!

iClue in 4 Simple Steps

OK, so we can't help but notice that a lot of people are confused or intimidated by the big iClue promotion we have going on and today we're going to maneuver you out of the fetal position and show you how EASY it is to participate.

So...without further ado, here's how you can join in the fun:

1. Writers you adore have written 6 fantastic mysteries for YOU. That's right, YOU. Beth Revis kicked things off this week with her Across the Universe themed mystery and it's nothing short of awesome. You can read follow the links to all of the clues HERE at The Reading Room.

2. So, now you've read the mystery and the clues and because you're crazy smart, you probably have it all figured out. Now all you have to do is click here, enter your personal information and the solution to the mystery. And VOILA, you now officially have one entry to win an iTouch loaded with 6 fabulous books.

3. Next week the fantabulous Kimberly Derting will be sharing her mystery based on her smashing Body Finder series. Check her blog on Monday for all the details and repeat steps 1 and 2 to get ANOTHER entry to win an iTouch.

4. Still confused??? Email us! We want you to enter (and win!) this contest. Let us help you help yourselves. Or something like that.

Strap on your WWNDD (What Would Nancy Drew Do) bracelet and solve a mystery (or 6). We promise it's fun AND easy.

The Bookanistas Give Back (And YOU win!)

Charitable donations are a very personal thing. There are so many ways our hard earned money can help others, and lately our world seems to be breaking into pieces around us. Needs are many and great. The Bookanistas want to give back, so in the coming months, we're going to be looking for ways to pour into communities, both bookish and worldwide. 


For the month of April, we've chose to spotlight Run For Your Life an event that's raising money for a cancer hospital, largely because the framework is already set up (we'd like to keep it simple our first time out), and also because of personal connections to the cause. Most everyone has lost a loved one to cancer or knows someone who has. 
*To encourage you to donate, we're going to give away some sweet prizes! 


Here's how it will work:* 


1. Go to the Run For Your Life page. 

2. Make a donation. $5 is suggested, but lower or higher is fine. (Also know that for every dollar you donate, you'll be entered to win a private, advance screening for twenty people for Breaking Dawn. The Bookanistas have NOTHING to do with that part - that's all Charlie Bewley and Summit Entertainment.) 

3. Come back and fill out the entry form on this page. We're *trusting you* to be honest about giving, and about the amount you give. Don't be a mamby pamby. Keep up our faith in mankind. 

4. The Bookanistas will be giving away a selection of prizes (see list below). You will be entered *one time *for* each dollar* you donate ($5 = 5 entries). If you wish to be entered to win a specific prize, let us know in the designated section of the entry form. 


5. We're following the guidelines set forth by Run for Your Life, which means this particular event will only be open to those in North America. Entries will be closed on April 30th, and we will contact randomly selected winners shortly thereafter. 

6. Spread the word. Tweet, post the Run For Your Life logo (above) with a link to Charlie's site on your blog, or Facebook about the event, and receive an entry (one entry TOTAL for doing all or one of these things). Place a link/links in the place provided on the entry form.



HERE'S THE LIST OF BOOKANISTA PRIZES (this list WILL be added to, so check back): 


JUST ADDED by an anonymous donor!:A signed copy of CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS by Cassie Clare
From Veronica Rossi:A fifty page manuscript critique
From Carolina Valdez Miller: Signed copies of BLOOD MAGIC by Tessa Gratton, XVI by Julia Karr and RIVAL by Sarah Bennet Wealer
From Shannon Messenger: A signed copy of WHITE CAT and a signed copy of RED GLOVE by Holly Black
From Carrie Harris: A 50 page manuscript critique
From Jessi Kirby: A signed copy of MOONGLASS
From Gretchen McNeil: A swag pack of POSSESS goodies, a signed copy of A TOUCH MORTAL by Leah Clifford and a query critique
From Corrine Jackson: A 50 page manuscript critique 
From Stasia Kehoe: A signed copy of AUDITION
From Shana Silver: A query and first chapter critique
From Lisa and Laura Roecker: A signed copy of LIAR SOCIETY and bookmarks
From Shelli Johannes Wells: A box of ten mystery advance reader copies
From Elana Johnson: A Dystopian Trifecta of Awesome - a signed copy of DARK AND HOLLOW PLACES by Carrie Ryan, a signed copy of MATCHED by Ally Condie, and a signed ARC of Elena's own POSSESSION
From Christine Fonseca: Signed copies of EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IN GIFTED STUDENTS and 101 SUCCESS SECRETS FOR GIFTED KIDS

From Myra McEntire: A signed copy of DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins (AND Rachel is throwing in a signed Demonglass totebag), a signed copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis, a signed copy of TORMENT by Lauren Kate, a unicorn, and a signed, annotated HOURGLASS. 
So, what are you waiting for???? Click here to enter! 
And don't forget to check out what the rest of The Bookanistas are up to this week!
Elana Johnson counts down to Possession with a "Tag, You're It" contest! 
Christine Fonseca Fangirls Cassie Clare
Myra McEntire Hides Carrie Ryan in the FortShannon Messenger Accessorizes with White Cat/Red GloveJamie Harrington Praises PosessionShelli Johannes-Wells Admires ShimmerCarolina Valdez Miller Wants You To Find ClarityMegan Miranda Discovers Where She WentJessi Kirby Hopefully Doesn't Loath(e) The Liar SocietyShana Silver Seeks ClarityRosemary Clement-Moore is Overwhelmed by WitherCorrine Jackson J'Adores Anna and the French KissStasia Ward Kehoe Cries Over One of those Hideous Books Where the Mother DiesSarah Frances Hardy Marvels Over MatchedLiLa Roecker Brags About Bookanistas Giving Back

On Writing

Writing is hard. Sure, we have lots of ideas, can plot out a story like nobody's business and have voice pretty much covered, BUT we're falling a wee bit short in some...uh other rather important areas. Mainly character development and pacing.

But who needs character development? Who cares about the pace of a story?

Turns out readers do. Who knew?

When we actually sat down to analyze our shortcomings, we realized something. Because we write together, there's a whole lot of dialogue back and forth about all aspects of a WIP. We know the characters inside and out, understand their backstory, know what makes them tick. The problem is translating this onto the page--showing the reader (ah, showing versus telling, how you haunt us), investing the reader, getting the reader to understand. A few quirks is not enough. Readers want emotional investment. They want to pull for characters, root them on, CARE. By the millionth draft of The Liar Society, we like to think we were able to tap into that, but we want to learn how to do that in the first or second draft! We want to learn how to write more efficiently.

In terms of pacing, we've gotten greedy since reading primarily YA. We love being thrown into a story, like the feeling of whiplash, of action, the go-go-go. But, as always, there's a fine line. A plot can definitely move too quickly, leaving a reader feeling annoyed and uninterested. We want to learn the art of unfolding a story, luring our readers along. And we want to learn it NOW.

So...we're in research mode. We're reading and learning and talking and practicing. Because we want to get it right. We're determined to get it right. We have to get it right.

For the love of God, please tell us we're not the only ones. Leave your writing-related Achilles' heels in the comments.

Tumblr Tuesday

Tumblr makes us feel old.
But....
I think we're finally starting to figure it out.
And, um, tell us if we're doing it wrong.

How Big is Your R.A.K?

A couple of weeks ago we got the most amazing Tweet that someone had received a copy of The Liar Society as a Random Act of Kindness. We were intrigued and we did a little research and found out that there are two AMAZING bloggers who have created a monthly challenge that allows people to randomly fulfill book wishes. And of course once we found them we absolutely HAD to talk them into a guest post convincing all of our amazing readers to join up, so without further ado, meet Isalys and Vanessa!


We are Isalys & Vanessa and we are Book ♥ Soulmates. We were so EXCITED to be asked to make a guest appearance on Lisa & Laura's blog and tell you a little more about our feature called "Random Acts of Kindness: How Big is Your R.A.K.?"
How was RAK born?RAK is actually the brainchild of Vanessa. You see, we're always buying books or little knick-knacks for each other because we really are best friends. Sometimes we'll be out shopping and we'd think "Ooh, Vanessa would love this!" or "This is so Isalys!" and then we'd get it, just because. Then Vanessa (she's the creative genius) got to thinking about how we could apply this to the book blogging community. If WE love gifting so much, just because, well then maybe the rest of the world does too.

We launched RAK with high hopes, but these last couple of months have surpassed those hopes. We really learned how kind-hearted and appreciative book bloggers are. And then, because all that isn't cool enough, the FABULOUS Lisa & Laura decided to join us. How insanely cool is it that authors, real live AUTHORS wanted to share a little book love too!!


RAK is open to anyone and everyone. It is a simple way of sharing the love of books and reading with others who love it as much as we do. We know that times are tough and the downturn in the economy has affected everyone differently. RAK has allowed those who are not able to shop for books right now to still get some of their favorite titles. We've also had many international participants who don't have access to the same titles as we do, here in the States. RAK has changed that for them too.
We can both attest to the simple joy of getting home after a long day of work to find a package on our front porch with something from our wishlist inside. What a simple way to bring a smile to someone's face. Amazon and Book Depository have made it so easy to do just that.
We highly encourage ALL lovers of books, readers and authors alike, to participate. There is NO OBLIGATION to give...you give when you can. However, you MUST be open to receiving =DTo get involved, just click on the button above to be re-directed to our April Sign-Up Form. Just supply your info and voila! On the post itself, you'll also find the link for the April Sign-Up Google Doc. You can browse through the wishlists of some of your favorite bloggers and decide who you would like to send a Random Act of Kindness to.
We've had an amazing blog journey these past two years, but next to creating Book ♥ Soulmates in the first place, we are most proud of the success of "RAK". It has been a testament to what big hearts book bloggers really have!!
Thank you again and a big bear {HUG} from us to Lisa & Laura for having us on here! We really hope that everyone's book wishes come true!

♥ Vanessa & Isalys ♥

P.S.Beth Revis is being featured on iClue this week and holy cannoli, wait until you read the mystery she's cooked up for you. If you loved Across the Universe be sure to check out Beth's companion mystery and a chance to win an iTouch!

EPIC, HUGE, CRAZY, INSANE Contest: Introducing iClue

Do You iClue?
[image error] 6 Authors6 Mysteries6 Chances to Win an iTouchSix authors were talking one day and realized that even though their books ran the gamut from sci fi to romance, contemporary to ghostly, they all had one thing in common: a really good mystery. These authors--Lisa & Laura Roecker, Mandy Hubbard, Adele Griffin, Kimberly Derting, Lee Nichols &; Beth Revis decided they wanted to give their readers a little more mystery...and if they solved that mystery, there needs to be a great prize, no?

The authors are working with The Reading Room (an awesome new reader networking and book review site) and a slew of amazing book bloggers to bring you an exciting new contest that will be running over the next 6 weeks. For each mystery you solve, you get another entry into the contest. The grand prize is an iTouch loaded with 6 AMAZING eBooks from the participating authors.

Here's how it works:
Starting on April 4th a new author will be featured on the iClue Site each week.The author will post their mystery on the site on Monday.On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will post links to The Reading Room and two awesomesauce book bloggers who will be posting a special clue to help you solve the mystery.Once you've solved the mystery you send us the correct solution using a form on the website.If you enter the correct solution you get one entry into the contest.Solve all 6 mysteries you get 6 entries to win the iTouch.iClue launches next week (April 4th) with my mystery, featuring some of the characters from ACROSS THE UNIVERSE. Solve the mystery, get the password, and you'll get an entry to win an iPod Touch!

Meanwhile...we want to make sure to get the word out on this exciting 6-week event! And that's where you come in...you, and six autographed books...




Help us spread the word, and you'll be entered for a prize to win six autographed books, one from each of us! There are lots of ways to enter!

You can tweet! 


You can blog!
(If you past the html code under the banner into your blog, it will automatically show up, all linked directly to the contest. If you put it into the post, be sure you're on the "edit html" tab of Blogger.)







<center><a href=http://bit.ly/icluecontest">&... border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GU...

You can spread the word however you like! And for every way you spread the word, we're going to enter you in a contest for a grand prize pack of all six of our books, signed! And don't forget to come back to the actual event for your chance to solve fun mysteries and win an iPod Touch!! (And yes--before you ask, the contest IS open internationally--both prizes!)

So...the real question is: Will you iClue????

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