Nichole Giles's Blog, page 8
December 11, 2013
Cover Reveal! Blood Crown by Ali Cross
Every so often, I'm lucky enough to get to help share the covers of upcoming new releases for other authors. Usually this happens for books about which I am incredibly excited. Today we're talking about my good friend, author Ali Cross, and her February release Blood Crown.
Isn't it gorgeous?
Check out the colors and the details. Tell me this doesn't intrigue you!
About BLOOD CROWN: Serantha is the daughter of the Emperor of the West, who rules over the remnant of humanity who escaped a dying Earth and took to the stars a thousand years ago. With no habitable planets found during their exile, the android Servants who were supposed to care for them rose up, took the name of Mind, and murdered her father. Now the androids amuse themselves by forcing humans like her into mindless drudgery. But flashes of memory hint that Sera is no ordinary human.
On the other side of the galaxy, Nicolai, Son of the East, has abandoned his crown and joined the rebel forces in the war against the Mind. Humans have no real chance... unless the enhanced DNA developed by the Blood Crown scientists can unlock mankind's potential. When Nic and Sera are united, they discover their true potential--and together, humanity just might have a chance. But there's a legion of androids and nine years of mistrust between East and West... and coming together will require more than they ever expected.
Release date: February 20, 2014
About Ali Cross: Ali Cross is the sensei of Novel Ninjutsu where she holds a black belt in awesome. She lives in Utah with her kickin' husband, two sparring sons, one ninja cat, one sumo dog and four zen turtles.
Ali is the award-winning author of young and new adult fiction and moonlights as Alex Cross when she can write wild middle grade adventures set in the faraway places of her imagination.
Social media links:Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ali_crossFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralicrossBlog: http://www.alicross.comBook on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19241969-blood-crownAuthor on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5188441.Ali_CrossTumblr/Pinterest/Etc: http://desolationdiaries.tumblr.com/Indelibles (indie authors): http://indeliblewriters.blogspot.com/Emblazoners (middle grade authors): http://emblazoners.com/Dauntless (authors): http://dauntlessauthors.blogspot.com/
Buy links: coming soon!
Isn't it gorgeous?
Check out the colors and the details. Tell me this doesn't intrigue you!
About BLOOD CROWN: Serantha is the daughter of the Emperor of the West, who rules over the remnant of humanity who escaped a dying Earth and took to the stars a thousand years ago. With no habitable planets found during their exile, the android Servants who were supposed to care for them rose up, took the name of Mind, and murdered her father. Now the androids amuse themselves by forcing humans like her into mindless drudgery. But flashes of memory hint that Sera is no ordinary human.
On the other side of the galaxy, Nicolai, Son of the East, has abandoned his crown and joined the rebel forces in the war against the Mind. Humans have no real chance... unless the enhanced DNA developed by the Blood Crown scientists can unlock mankind's potential. When Nic and Sera are united, they discover their true potential--and together, humanity just might have a chance. But there's a legion of androids and nine years of mistrust between East and West... and coming together will require more than they ever expected.
Release date: February 20, 2014
About Ali Cross: Ali Cross is the sensei of Novel Ninjutsu where she holds a black belt in awesome. She lives in Utah with her kickin' husband, two sparring sons, one ninja cat, one sumo dog and four zen turtles.
Ali is the award-winning author of young and new adult fiction and moonlights as Alex Cross when she can write wild middle grade adventures set in the faraway places of her imagination.
Social media links:Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ali_crossFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralicrossBlog: http://www.alicross.comBook on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19241969-blood-crownAuthor on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5188441.Ali_CrossTumblr/Pinterest/Etc: http://desolationdiaries.tumblr.com/Indelibles (indie authors): http://indeliblewriters.blogspot.com/Emblazoners (middle grade authors): http://emblazoners.com/Dauntless (authors): http://dauntlessauthors.blogspot.com/
Buy links: coming soon!
December 10, 2013
Holiday Shopping: The Making of a Tradition (Part II)
Sleep was tough to find that night, as I dreamed fitfully of the possibility that the store would run out of my prized items before I could get my hands on them. When my alarm went off in the wee hours of morning, I dressed with shaking hands, bundling in easily removable layers, and prepared to do battle in an arena I had experienced once before—only this time, the stakes were much higher than socks.
My child’s Christmas joy was on the line. (Or so I believed.)
Armed with hot chocolate and hand warmers, we lined up outside, in a crowd that was already much bigger than I had anticipated, and my stomach sank a little lower. If only a handful of these people wanted the same item I was after, I might walk away empty handed. But we stood in line, laughing and joking with our fellow shoppers, and secretly plotting how we would maximize our time. When the doors opened, the crowed gushed forward, leaving me no choice but to flow with traffic, and before I knew it, I was inside and running for my designated section.
After hours of waiting in a line that had felt miles and miles long, I somehow managed to snag the FIRST of my most important item. Hugging it to my chest, I then zoomed around the store, loading up on other necessary (and a few unnecessary) holiday items, before meeting up with my co-shopper at the front of the store for more planning and to move on to the next stores.
The shopping high was better than any drug. Or, at least, I assume so. (I wouldn’t really know.)
Ever since then, Black Friday shopping has been a family tradition. These days, my kids are much older, and my daughters have caught the crazy-shopper bug. The truth is, my kids rarely remember the gifts they receive on Christmas morning. Instead, they remember our time spent together making traditions.
That chaos of shopping has long since ceased to be about things, or money, but has become about spending time together. And that’s a tradition I’m happy about.
What are some of your favorite traditions?
My child’s Christmas joy was on the line. (Or so I believed.)
Armed with hot chocolate and hand warmers, we lined up outside, in a crowd that was already much bigger than I had anticipated, and my stomach sank a little lower. If only a handful of these people wanted the same item I was after, I might walk away empty handed. But we stood in line, laughing and joking with our fellow shoppers, and secretly plotting how we would maximize our time. When the doors opened, the crowed gushed forward, leaving me no choice but to flow with traffic, and before I knew it, I was inside and running for my designated section.
After hours of waiting in a line that had felt miles and miles long, I somehow managed to snag the FIRST of my most important item. Hugging it to my chest, I then zoomed around the store, loading up on other necessary (and a few unnecessary) holiday items, before meeting up with my co-shopper at the front of the store for more planning and to move on to the next stores.
The shopping high was better than any drug. Or, at least, I assume so. (I wouldn’t really know.)
Ever since then, Black Friday shopping has been a family tradition. These days, my kids are much older, and my daughters have caught the crazy-shopper bug. The truth is, my kids rarely remember the gifts they receive on Christmas morning. Instead, they remember our time spent together making traditions.
That chaos of shopping has long since ceased to be about things, or money, but has become about spending time together. And that’s a tradition I’m happy about.
What are some of your favorite traditions?
December 3, 2013
Holiday Shopping: Chaos and Glory (Part 1)
When I was a young newlywed, the women in my husband’s family convinced me to attempt a holiday shopping trip on Black Friday.* Being young and naïve, and having been raised by a woman who had worked way more than her share of retail holiday madness sales, this was not something I had ever done, nor had I desire to try.
But I was new in the family, and it felt like an effort I needed to make, so I woke up in the middle of the night and bundled myself to stand in line in sub-zero temperatures. All in the name of socks (because, apparently, starting at the Fred Meyer 50% off sock sale was part of the tradition).
I will admit that first year, with the socks, I really didn’t see the point. I mean, yes, we were stone broke (which might have been part of my problem, come to think of it) but even then it didn’t seem worth the effort to save two or three dollars on socks.
Fast forward a few years. Money was tight, and I had little children who had high hopes that Santa would bring them special gifts they’d asked for—and one of those gifts felt nearly out of reach to me. It was our year to have Thanksgiving with my husband’s family, and after the dinner dishes were done and the food was put away, the women crowded around the table thumbing through the newspaper ads.
Not wanting to be anti-social, I joined them, and picked up an ad for a big chain store. Low and behold, there, on the front page of the ad, was the very-expensive-almost-unattainable gift my oldest son wanted so badly, offered at a much more manageable price than I ever expected to find it. In fact, it was about half the price I’d seen it on other days, making the unattainable gift seem somehow, maybe, possibly attainable.
A small flame of possibility sparked inside me, fanned by the crazy women surrounding me (and I mean crazy in the most endearing way possible) and before we left that evening, my sister-in-law and I had made a plan. We would go to that store, and we would purchase that gift—and others.
To be continued…
*In case you don’t know what Black Friday is, it’s the day after Thanksgiving, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and the day business managers hope to sell enough merchandise to put those businesses in the black for the year.
But I was new in the family, and it felt like an effort I needed to make, so I woke up in the middle of the night and bundled myself to stand in line in sub-zero temperatures. All in the name of socks (because, apparently, starting at the Fred Meyer 50% off sock sale was part of the tradition).
I will admit that first year, with the socks, I really didn’t see the point. I mean, yes, we were stone broke (which might have been part of my problem, come to think of it) but even then it didn’t seem worth the effort to save two or three dollars on socks.
Fast forward a few years. Money was tight, and I had little children who had high hopes that Santa would bring them special gifts they’d asked for—and one of those gifts felt nearly out of reach to me. It was our year to have Thanksgiving with my husband’s family, and after the dinner dishes were done and the food was put away, the women crowded around the table thumbing through the newspaper ads.
Not wanting to be anti-social, I joined them, and picked up an ad for a big chain store. Low and behold, there, on the front page of the ad, was the very-expensive-almost-unattainable gift my oldest son wanted so badly, offered at a much more manageable price than I ever expected to find it. In fact, it was about half the price I’d seen it on other days, making the unattainable gift seem somehow, maybe, possibly attainable.
A small flame of possibility sparked inside me, fanned by the crazy women surrounding me (and I mean crazy in the most endearing way possible) and before we left that evening, my sister-in-law and I had made a plan. We would go to that store, and we would purchase that gift—and others.
To be continued…
*In case you don’t know what Black Friday is, it’s the day after Thanksgiving, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and the day business managers hope to sell enough merchandise to put those businesses in the black for the year.
November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
**When you start your holiday shopping, I hope you'll consider giving books as gifts. And if you do...I hope you'll keep DESCENDANT in mind for the YA Paranormal reader in your life. Thank you for stopping by, for reading, supporting, and for, well, just being.
November 26, 2013
Because I’m Thankful
This week, I will cook turkey and pie and potatoes and about 20 other delicious things and spend a special holiday with all but one member of my immediate family (my oldest son will be in Utah). Then, my daughters and I will spend the afternoon PLANNING a massive shopping trip for Friday.
FRIDAY. Not Thursday.
I have long been a Black Friday junkie. Even an addict, if you want to call a spade a spade. And my daughters have joined me in this obsession. But this year, some stores are opening on Thursday in order to try to entice some of us crazy addicts into skipping out of our Thanksgiving dinner—time that is actually very important—for…shopping. And as much as I love it, as much as I’ve been an advocate of great deals, this is too much for me.
Yes, I’m aware that some stores are opening in the late evening, but that still requires all store employees to work through the holiday, which is a big deal. (I’ve worked in retail—these days are the reason people quit.)
I would feel horribly ungrateful were I to prioritize material things over this very special day. And so while we may jump online for some great things, my family and I will be sticking to tradition and not leaving our house for our adventures until the clock tolls midnight. I know I’m only one person, but I don’t want to be one single person who contributes to the problem. I have too many reasons for which I am thankful to squander away the one day of the year set aside for remembering my blessings.
My readers are among those blessings. So thank you for your amazing, wonderful support.
Regardless of where or how you spend your Thanksgiving, I hope you take a minute to remember all the blessings in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
FRIDAY. Not Thursday.
I have long been a Black Friday junkie. Even an addict, if you want to call a spade a spade. And my daughters have joined me in this obsession. But this year, some stores are opening on Thursday in order to try to entice some of us crazy addicts into skipping out of our Thanksgiving dinner—time that is actually very important—for…shopping. And as much as I love it, as much as I’ve been an advocate of great deals, this is too much for me. Yes, I’m aware that some stores are opening in the late evening, but that still requires all store employees to work through the holiday, which is a big deal. (I’ve worked in retail—these days are the reason people quit.)
I would feel horribly ungrateful were I to prioritize material things over this very special day. And so while we may jump online for some great things, my family and I will be sticking to tradition and not leaving our house for our adventures until the clock tolls midnight. I know I’m only one person, but I don’t want to be one single person who contributes to the problem. I have too many reasons for which I am thankful to squander away the one day of the year set aside for remembering my blessings.
My readers are among those blessings. So thank you for your amazing, wonderful support.
Regardless of where or how you spend your Thanksgiving, I hope you take a minute to remember all the blessings in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
November 19, 2013
Guest Post: Jeffery Nicholas, My New Agency Bro.
Hey guys! I'd like to introduce you to my new agency brother, Jeffery Nicolas, here to say hey and tell you all a little about why he chose to sign with his new agent, the lovely, amazing, wonderful Sarah Negovetich, who also happens to be my agent. (You see why we're agency siblings?)
Please give him a hearty welcome, and if you feel inclined, he could use some blog-love, or at least some followers for his new blog. So once you're done reading his story, feel free to click on through.
Jeff:
First, thanks to Nichole for having me as guest on her blog. I just signed with the same agent, and as a newcomer to the agency, I appreciate the support. In fact, that’s what my blog post is about today.
My main goal in pursuing an agent for my book was probably the same as every other writer: sell my book to a publisher. There are benefits of signing with an agent beyond just the big book deal, however, that I realized almost immediately. Many relate to networking.
Signing with an agency opens the door to a host of literary types (agency staffers and other authors whom your agent represents are two who come quickly to mind). Use this network! I got a nice welcome from many of the people at my agent’s agency. If they offer to help (like Nichole did) accept it graciously! Your new network can provide:
- Information on the publishing process. You may have already asked some of the people in your new network for references about your agent when you were in the pre-signing phase. Beyond that, they can provide input on what to expect during the next phase of your career because they’re going through it right now.- Support through the post-querying phase of your writing career. Writing can be solitary, especially when you’re querying. It can seem like you’re one blade of grass in a giant field, with no way of ever gaining notice. After signing with an agent, writing is, well, still a solitary process. However, it’s nice to know you’re on a team full of other literary types who want to see you succeed as much as you do. Just being part of a bigger group can make the Sisyphean task of publishing seem a little less daunting (or at least make the boulder a little lighter). If you ever need a kind word, there’d be no better place to look than the agent who saw something in your work, and the other writers at the agency who know just how you feel.- Help building your career. Okay, there isn’t an agency out there that will provide people to do the writing for you. But, many of them are willing to help with other aspects of your career, such as expanding your social media presence. Look for tweets, retweets, guest blog posts (like this one!) as ways to put your new agency support system to use. They can help build your social profile, even opening up some of their own network to you.- Your agent may also be able to provide you with help marketing. I’d guess many agents are strong marketers, particularly online. If you have no idea where to start, ask your agent. She can get you going with a few simple recommendations for marketing, such as: channels (websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook…you don’t have to be on all of them!), frequency, and content (Because, in the life of the internet, there have been a few rare, isolated, once-in-a-blue-moon instances of inappropriate social media posts that have landed the poster in some mildly hot water).
The above are just some of the added benefits of working with a literary agent. There are certainly more, including sniffing out those million-dollar book deal s for you. As far as putting your new agent-writer relationship to good use, be proactive. If you would like help, your agency is there for you, but you have to ask! It’s your career, and you own it—but you don’t have to go at it alone.
You can find out more about Jeffery Nicholas and his work on his website or follow him on Twitter @jnwrites.
Please give him a hearty welcome, and if you feel inclined, he could use some blog-love, or at least some followers for his new blog. So once you're done reading his story, feel free to click on through.
Jeff:
First, thanks to Nichole for having me as guest on her blog. I just signed with the same agent, and as a newcomer to the agency, I appreciate the support. In fact, that’s what my blog post is about today.
My main goal in pursuing an agent for my book was probably the same as every other writer: sell my book to a publisher. There are benefits of signing with an agent beyond just the big book deal, however, that I realized almost immediately. Many relate to networking.
Signing with an agency opens the door to a host of literary types (agency staffers and other authors whom your agent represents are two who come quickly to mind). Use this network! I got a nice welcome from many of the people at my agent’s agency. If they offer to help (like Nichole did) accept it graciously! Your new network can provide:
- Information on the publishing process. You may have already asked some of the people in your new network for references about your agent when you were in the pre-signing phase. Beyond that, they can provide input on what to expect during the next phase of your career because they’re going through it right now.- Support through the post-querying phase of your writing career. Writing can be solitary, especially when you’re querying. It can seem like you’re one blade of grass in a giant field, with no way of ever gaining notice. After signing with an agent, writing is, well, still a solitary process. However, it’s nice to know you’re on a team full of other literary types who want to see you succeed as much as you do. Just being part of a bigger group can make the Sisyphean task of publishing seem a little less daunting (or at least make the boulder a little lighter). If you ever need a kind word, there’d be no better place to look than the agent who saw something in your work, and the other writers at the agency who know just how you feel.- Help building your career. Okay, there isn’t an agency out there that will provide people to do the writing for you. But, many of them are willing to help with other aspects of your career, such as expanding your social media presence. Look for tweets, retweets, guest blog posts (like this one!) as ways to put your new agency support system to use. They can help build your social profile, even opening up some of their own network to you.- Your agent may also be able to provide you with help marketing. I’d guess many agents are strong marketers, particularly online. If you have no idea where to start, ask your agent. She can get you going with a few simple recommendations for marketing, such as: channels (websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook…you don’t have to be on all of them!), frequency, and content (Because, in the life of the internet, there have been a few rare, isolated, once-in-a-blue-moon instances of inappropriate social media posts that have landed the poster in some mildly hot water).
The above are just some of the added benefits of working with a literary agent. There are certainly more, including sniffing out those million-dollar book deal s for you. As far as putting your new agent-writer relationship to good use, be proactive. If you would like help, your agency is there for you, but you have to ask! It’s your career, and you own it—but you don’t have to go at it alone.
You can find out more about Jeffery Nicholas and his work on his website or follow him on Twitter @jnwrites.
November 12, 2013
Half-way Failed
So remember how at the beginning of the month I was all excited and had big plans for NaNoWriMo? And remember how I was all gung-ho about drafting book 3 in the DESCENDANT series this month?
Well. In case you’re wondering how it’s going, it’s not.
Let me explain: Kids with the flu, husband out of town, other stressful drama, late nights, early mornings, and a complete lack of inspiration=no words.
Well, I mean, I have like 3100 and change, but…it’s the 12th. I should realistically have 24,000+.
I’ve never started NaNoWriMo and not finished. Never not written the expected 50,000 words. And guess what? I don’t plan to give up now.
What? You don’t think I can do it? I’m really very behind, and this week, I will be leaving town for five days—five more days of no writing. I’ve half-way failed, and yet…I still have hope. I know I can do it. Don’t ask me why or how, but after having written an number of books already, and having won NaNoWriMo each time I’ve participated before, I’m fairly certain I can actually still do it.
This year it may come down to me writing furiously at 11:00 pm on November 30th to finish at the very last second, but—I believe I have it in me.
I believe I’m up to the challenge.
What about you? What’s your most difficult challenge these days?
Well. In case you’re wondering how it’s going, it’s not.
Let me explain: Kids with the flu, husband out of town, other stressful drama, late nights, early mornings, and a complete lack of inspiration=no words.
Well, I mean, I have like 3100 and change, but…it’s the 12th. I should realistically have 24,000+.
I’ve never started NaNoWriMo and not finished. Never not written the expected 50,000 words. And guess what? I don’t plan to give up now.
What? You don’t think I can do it? I’m really very behind, and this week, I will be leaving town for five days—five more days of no writing. I’ve half-way failed, and yet…I still have hope. I know I can do it. Don’t ask me why or how, but after having written an number of books already, and having won NaNoWriMo each time I’ve participated before, I’m fairly certain I can actually still do it.
This year it may come down to me writing furiously at 11:00 pm on November 30th to finish at the very last second, but—I believe I have it in me.
I believe I’m up to the challenge.
What about you? What’s your most difficult challenge these days?
November 6, 2013
DESCENDANT: Re-booted (and a contest!)
Hey hey! Guess what? Today's the day. DESCENDANT, originally published by Rhemalda Publishing, has now been rebooted under the Jelly Bean Press imprint. And now I need your help spreading the word in order to get it re-recognized by search engines.
Original Rhemalda version
The new and improved Jelly Bean Press version!
What's different?
The cover, just a hair. (Can you spot the differences?)
The imprint logo.
Bonus material... wait, what?
Yes, people. It's true. When this book was rebooted, I added a bonus chapter from Birthright at the back of all versions. BONUS MATERIAL! As in, never before seen, and only available to those people who buy it now,
How can you help? Well. You can FB, Tweet, Instagram, Pin it, blog it, or just tell your local librarians, and then come back to this list and enter to win several really great prize packs!
Nov 6thTaffy's Writings ( or 13th) taffyscandy.blogspot.comLindzee Armstrong http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.comKelly P's Blog http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/Nov 7thWhat's Beyond Forks? http://www.whatsbeyondforks.comThe Young Adult Book Butterfly http://theyabookbutterfly.blogspot.com/Nov 8thLiterary Chanteuse 2 www.literarychanteuse.comReading with ABC http://readingwithabc.blogspot.comBook Lovers Life http://bookloverslife.blogspot.ie/Turning Pages www.theturningpages.comthe fiction fairy http://www.thefictionfairy.comNov 9thJ.P.'s Blog http://www.jpgrider.com/jps-blog.htmlabookandalattee http://abookandalattee.blogspot.comMythical Books http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/Nov 10thBook Addict Mumma http://bookaddictmumma.netJennzah.net Http://Jennzah.netNov 11thBook Hostage http://bookhostage.wordpress.com/ordinary girlz book reviews www.ordinarygirlzbookreviews.weebly.comSix Mixed Reviews http://www.sixmixedreviews.blogspot.comNov 12thTristi Pinkston, LDS Author http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.comNov 13thBroadway Girl Book Reviews http://broadwaygirlbookreviews.blogspot.comYA Book Addict http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com.au/YaReads http://www.yareads.com
anyCassandra M's Place http://star95011.blogspot.comparanormal book club (7th, 8th, or 12th) www.paranormal-bookclub.com
.jpg)
Original Rhemalda version
The new and improved Jelly Bean Press version! What's different?
The cover, just a hair. (Can you spot the differences?)
The imprint logo.
Bonus material... wait, what?
Yes, people. It's true. When this book was rebooted, I added a bonus chapter from Birthright at the back of all versions. BONUS MATERIAL! As in, never before seen, and only available to those people who buy it now,
How can you help? Well. You can FB, Tweet, Instagram, Pin it, blog it, or just tell your local librarians, and then come back to this list and enter to win several really great prize packs!
Nov 6thTaffy's Writings ( or 13th) taffyscandy.blogspot.comLindzee Armstrong http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.comKelly P's Blog http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/Nov 7thWhat's Beyond Forks? http://www.whatsbeyondforks.comThe Young Adult Book Butterfly http://theyabookbutterfly.blogspot.com/Nov 8thLiterary Chanteuse 2 www.literarychanteuse.comReading with ABC http://readingwithabc.blogspot.comBook Lovers Life http://bookloverslife.blogspot.ie/Turning Pages www.theturningpages.comthe fiction fairy http://www.thefictionfairy.comNov 9thJ.P.'s Blog http://www.jpgrider.com/jps-blog.htmlabookandalattee http://abookandalattee.blogspot.comMythical Books http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/Nov 10thBook Addict Mumma http://bookaddictmumma.netJennzah.net Http://Jennzah.netNov 11thBook Hostage http://bookhostage.wordpress.com/ordinary girlz book reviews www.ordinarygirlzbookreviews.weebly.comSix Mixed Reviews http://www.sixmixedreviews.blogspot.comNov 12thTristi Pinkston, LDS Author http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.comNov 13thBroadway Girl Book Reviews http://broadwaygirlbookreviews.blogspot.comYA Book Addict http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com.au/YaReads http://www.yareads.com
anyCassandra M's Place http://star95011.blogspot.comparanormal book club (7th, 8th, or 12th) www.paranormal-bookclub.com
November 5, 2013
Cover Reveal: All She Wants For Christmas by Sara V. Olds (and a giveaway!)
Okay people, I'm seriously getting excited about the holidays, and what better way to gear up for Christmas, than to get reading holiday stories?
I love this title. And isn't the cover gorgeous? I mean, come on?
About ALL SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS: George Clauson is Santa's daughter, but she can't stand Christmas. All that ho-ho-hoing, caroling and people's greedy wants? No, thank you. She's left the family business and struck off on her own in the human world finding her niche as a humble second-grade teacher.
Ebenezer Herod is a descendent of King Herod. His family has never stopped trying to destroy Christmas. This year they may actually get their wish, but not if Ben can help it.
George wants nothing to do with restoring balance to the Christmas season, and she certainly isn't interested in the shockingly handsome and devilishly rich Ben. A determined do-gooder, Ben's used to saving the day, but he can't rescue Christmas alone. Can George and Ben find a way to work together despite their opposing heritages to make the Season bright?
About Sara Olds: Sara V. Olds has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. One of her favorite memories is of unfolding a tale for friends while they were all bundled in sleeping bags watching a comet shower in the Uintah Mountains.Mother of three: Large, Medium and Small, she welcomes her newest role, that of mother-in-law.
Life has taken her from thither to yon and back again—she's moved 22 times during her marriage. She breathes to travel. Longs to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a horse. Is an addictive reader. Enjoys swimming, skiing, violin and movies. Wonders if she'll ever get to SCUBA dive again. And has found a calling that fulfills her in ways she never could have imagined—teaching history to—wait for it—8th Graders.
Her stories consume her. There's nothing she'd rather do than spend all day, all night and the next day conversing with her latest set of characters. History, adventure, action, romance, humor. Adults, YA and kids. Yep, she does it all. Looking for something to enjoy on a quiet rainy afternoon? Or wanting a pulse-pounding, stay up all night turning pages adventure? Or a you've-GOT-to-be-kidding romp? You'll find them in her pages.
Sara’s social media links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/saravoldsWebsite: http://www.saravolds.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraVOlds
For 48 hours only, Sara is holding a massive giveaway. Don't miss the small entry window! a Rafflecopter giveaway
I love this title. And isn't the cover gorgeous? I mean, come on?
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About ALL SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS: George Clauson is Santa's daughter, but she can't stand Christmas. All that ho-ho-hoing, caroling and people's greedy wants? No, thank you. She's left the family business and struck off on her own in the human world finding her niche as a humble second-grade teacher.
Ebenezer Herod is a descendent of King Herod. His family has never stopped trying to destroy Christmas. This year they may actually get their wish, but not if Ben can help it.
George wants nothing to do with restoring balance to the Christmas season, and she certainly isn't interested in the shockingly handsome and devilishly rich Ben. A determined do-gooder, Ben's used to saving the day, but he can't rescue Christmas alone. Can George and Ben find a way to work together despite their opposing heritages to make the Season bright?
About Sara Olds: Sara V. Olds has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. One of her favorite memories is of unfolding a tale for friends while they were all bundled in sleeping bags watching a comet shower in the Uintah Mountains.Mother of three: Large, Medium and Small, she welcomes her newest role, that of mother-in-law.Life has taken her from thither to yon and back again—she's moved 22 times during her marriage. She breathes to travel. Longs to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a horse. Is an addictive reader. Enjoys swimming, skiing, violin and movies. Wonders if she'll ever get to SCUBA dive again. And has found a calling that fulfills her in ways she never could have imagined—teaching history to—wait for it—8th Graders.
Her stories consume her. There's nothing she'd rather do than spend all day, all night and the next day conversing with her latest set of characters. History, adventure, action, romance, humor. Adults, YA and kids. Yep, she does it all. Looking for something to enjoy on a quiet rainy afternoon? Or wanting a pulse-pounding, stay up all night turning pages adventure? Or a you've-GOT-to-be-kidding romp? You'll find them in her pages.
Sara’s social media links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/saravoldsWebsite: http://www.saravolds.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraVOlds
For 48 hours only, Sara is holding a massive giveaway. Don't miss the small entry window! a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 1, 2013
A Chat with Michelle Davidson Argyle about her new release CATCH (and a contest)
Hey all! Happy November!
Yes, as a matter of fact, I AM hard at work writing my newest project for National Novel Writing Month. But I had to take a short break to give a shout out to Michelle Davidson Argyle, whose new release CATCH was released this week. I'm a big fan of Michelle's, and not just because we were both Rhemalda authors. I *heart* her work.
This week I got to ask her a few short questions about her newest release, and I always love what she has to say.
1. What were you doing when you had the idea for the main story line in Catch?
Because I have a terrible memory, I honestly can't remember what I was doing. But I do remember trying to come up with the idea over the course of a week. It usually takes a while to fully form all of it. Too bad I can't say I was in Vegas, right? I think I was probably in the car or the shower -- where I get most of my ideas.
2. Have you ever had your purse stolen the way Miranda did? If so, explain a little, and if not, how would you feel if you did?
Nope! I thought my car was stolen once, but it turned out a family member had just taken it without telling me. And I've had a bike stolen once, but never money or credit cards or a purse. I would freak out and probably wouldn't be nearly as level-headed as Miranda. Oh, wait ... she chases after the thief. Maybe I would be smarter than that!
3. What is your favorite part of the setting of this book?
I've only been to Las Vegas a few times, so I had to do a lot of research for Catch. I think my favorite part of the setting was being able to explore the Strip and going into the Bellagio. One of my favorite movies is Ocean's Eleven,so this made it come a little more a alive for me.
4. If Catch had a theme song, what would it be?
I think a great song that captures the feel of Catch is "I Won't Give Up on Us" by Jason Mraz. It might seem a little slow for Catch, but I really think it fits both characters.
5. You are very good at writing flawed, but redeemable characters, especially antagonists. Do you feel that finding redeeming qualities in others is an important lesson in life?
Oh, absolutely. I think I'm a really judgmental person (hard to admit) and it has been an important thing in my life to fix that flaw about myself and find something great in everyone. This has naturally moved over into my writing. It's so important to me to make my characters as real as possible, and in reality, everyone is flawed. Nobody's perfect. So I love to explore characters and find their faults, but also find their motivations and look at them objectively so I can understand why they are the way they are. Then I love to show that to the reader and let them make a call on how they feel about a person's flaws. It's quite fun!
BOOK DESCRIPTION:When eighteen-year-old Miranda chases a purse snatcher on the Las Vegas Strip, the last thing she expects is for the pursuit to turn into an extended game of hide-and-seek. All Miranda wants are the old black and white photographs buried at the bottom of her purse. They’re the only things she has left of the grandmother she never knew. But how much is she willing to put on the line to save them? And is it possible she’s falling in love with a thief?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michelle D. Argyle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She adores cheese, chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in the time she grabs between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter. She believes a simple life is the best life. Michelle writes contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction (and other genres when she feels like it).
michelledargyle.com | twitter.com/LadyGlamis | facebook.com/michelle.ladyglamis
Visit the CATCH tour page! TOUR PAGE.
Release date: September 20th 2013
Publisher: MDA Books
Purchase: Amazon
Find CATCH on Goodreads
And now for the contest! Michelle is giving away both paperback and ecopies of CATCH during the tour, and the deadline is this coming SUNDAY, November 3. Don't miss out on your chance to enter and win!
. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by! And now, back to writing.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I AM hard at work writing my newest project for National Novel Writing Month. But I had to take a short break to give a shout out to Michelle Davidson Argyle, whose new release CATCH was released this week. I'm a big fan of Michelle's, and not just because we were both Rhemalda authors. I *heart* her work.
This week I got to ask her a few short questions about her newest release, and I always love what she has to say.
1. What were you doing when you had the idea for the main story line in Catch?
Because I have a terrible memory, I honestly can't remember what I was doing. But I do remember trying to come up with the idea over the course of a week. It usually takes a while to fully form all of it. Too bad I can't say I was in Vegas, right? I think I was probably in the car or the shower -- where I get most of my ideas.
2. Have you ever had your purse stolen the way Miranda did? If so, explain a little, and if not, how would you feel if you did?
Nope! I thought my car was stolen once, but it turned out a family member had just taken it without telling me. And I've had a bike stolen once, but never money or credit cards or a purse. I would freak out and probably wouldn't be nearly as level-headed as Miranda. Oh, wait ... she chases after the thief. Maybe I would be smarter than that!
3. What is your favorite part of the setting of this book?
I've only been to Las Vegas a few times, so I had to do a lot of research for Catch. I think my favorite part of the setting was being able to explore the Strip and going into the Bellagio. One of my favorite movies is Ocean's Eleven,so this made it come a little more a alive for me.
4. If Catch had a theme song, what would it be?
I think a great song that captures the feel of Catch is "I Won't Give Up on Us" by Jason Mraz. It might seem a little slow for Catch, but I really think it fits both characters.
5. You are very good at writing flawed, but redeemable characters, especially antagonists. Do you feel that finding redeeming qualities in others is an important lesson in life?
Oh, absolutely. I think I'm a really judgmental person (hard to admit) and it has been an important thing in my life to fix that flaw about myself and find something great in everyone. This has naturally moved over into my writing. It's so important to me to make my characters as real as possible, and in reality, everyone is flawed. Nobody's perfect. So I love to explore characters and find their faults, but also find their motivations and look at them objectively so I can understand why they are the way they are. Then I love to show that to the reader and let them make a call on how they feel about a person's flaws. It's quite fun!
BOOK DESCRIPTION:When eighteen-year-old Miranda chases a purse snatcher on the Las Vegas Strip, the last thing she expects is for the pursuit to turn into an extended game of hide-and-seek. All Miranda wants are the old black and white photographs buried at the bottom of her purse. They’re the only things she has left of the grandmother she never knew. But how much is she willing to put on the line to save them? And is it possible she’s falling in love with a thief?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michelle D. Argyle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She adores cheese, chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in the time she grabs between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter. She believes a simple life is the best life. Michelle writes contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction (and other genres when she feels like it). michelledargyle.com | twitter.com/LadyGlamis | facebook.com/michelle.ladyglamis
Visit the CATCH tour page! TOUR PAGE.
Release date: September 20th 2013
Publisher: MDA Books
Purchase: Amazon
Find CATCH on Goodreads
And now for the contest! Michelle is giving away both paperback and ecopies of CATCH during the tour, and the deadline is this coming SUNDAY, November 3. Don't miss out on your chance to enter and win!
. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by! And now, back to writing.
