Jennifer A. Nielsen's Blog, page 17
July 16, 2019
Great Summer Giveaway 2!
It’s time for another summer giveaway – this time, in celebration of my next book, WORDS ON FIRE.
WORDS ON FIRE tells the story of the Lithuanian Book Smugglers, those who risked their lives to preserve their culture from the Russian Empire, which planned to destroy the country through banning their books.
WORDS ON FIRE will be released on October 1. I have ARCs to give away or you can pre-order your copy today. The ARCs aren’t the only giveaways though.
Have you read THE TRAITOR’S GAME yet? This is the story of Kestra Dallisor, captured by the rebellion to obtain a dagger capable of destroying her king.
If you have read it, you might want the sequel, THE DECEIVER’S HEART, in which things only get worse for Kestra, and for Simon, the rebel who might be falling in love with her. Read these now, because the third book, THE WARRIOR’S CURSE, will be out next winter!
Or, maybe you read THE FALSE PRINCE once, but never got around to the sequel, THE RUNAWAY KING.
Same goes for MARK OF THE THIEF. Books 2 and 3, RISE OF THE WORLD and WRATH OF THE STORM are up for giveaway!
If you win, you can choose from any of these books!
So…how to win? This week, simply tell me in the comments below which book or books you have your eye on. This is a random draw, so your answer will not affect your chances of winning – I’m just curious.
This week’s winners (and the next contest question) will be announced on Sunday, July 21. International entries are okay, but winners but be able to provide a US or Canadian address for shipping.
If you want to preorder WORDS ON FIRE now – please shop at your local indie first. Here are other links you may use.
THE KING’S ENGLISH (Signed copies)
June 3, 2019
Ten Years!
I was reminded this morning that today is the 10-year anniversary of the day my agent, Ammi-Joan Paquette, made her first sale, and my first sale.
Joan and I shortly after I signed with her.I signed with Joan on May 9, 2009, shortly after she put on her agent badge. At the time, I remember feeling the weight of what signing that contract meant, and surely she did too. Neither of us had been tested in in the market – I’d never sold a book, nor had she. Suddenly, our careers had banded together. Perhaps she sensed something marketable in my writing. I certainly understood this was a woman of incredible savvy and intelligence.
And Joan hit the ground running. Today, June 3, marks the day ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR sold to Sourcebooks as a trilogy. In early 2010, she sold THE FALSE PRINCE to Scholastic, also as a trilogy but this time on a pre-empt.
Over the past ten years, I’ve released a total of fifteen novels plus contributions to two compilation novels. My next book will release in October, and there are now six more books under contract!
Not only that, Joan is regularly listed as a top ten selling agent in all three youth categories: Picture Book, Middle Grade, and YA. Her clients include many award winning and New York Times Bestselling authors, and other authors whose careers are rapidly skyrocketing.
Joan is also an author herself, with novels ranging from pre-school age to Young Adult in a variety of genres. Definitely check out her books!
Also, I might note that she is genuinely a kind person. The type of person who I have been honored to call my agent and friend for ten amazing years.
I cannot wait to see where we go from here…
May 28, 2019
End of School Year Status
The Stats
So by my rough estimate, over this past school year, I attended 10 festivals or conferences, did 33 Skype visits, and visited 117 schools in 17 states plus schools in Japan. And I loved every one of them.
If it sounds like a lot, I still have never visited schools in about ten states and several hundred countries, so there are always more visits to be done!
Happening Now
A NIGHT DIVIDED is free as an audiobook for a few more days. Download yours today! Click HERE for the link!
Happening Recently
Two of my books had a huge night recently. THE TRAITOR’S GAME won a Whitney Award for Best YA Novel, and RESISTANCE won for Best Middle Grade Novel and for Best Overall Youth Novel.
Happening Soon
This week, I will turn in final edits for THE WARRIOR’S CURSE, the third book in the Traitor’s Game series.
And it is nearly time for Giveaway Summer to begin! Most of the books will be galley copies of WORDS ON FIRE, the historical coming in June, but there will be some other surprises too!
May 4, 2019
THE WARRIOR’S CURSE Cover!
Yes, I know it’s been FOREVER since I last posted. Just know it’s because I’m working hard on new books for you. Also, I took a nap a couple of times. And went to Japan (just one time).
Back on topic. I am so thrilled to present the cover for the third book of The Traitor’s Game series. Its current release date is anticipated to be March 3, 2020.
If you are wondering what to read while you wait, let me suggest the following:
Have you read the first two books yet? THE TRAITOR’S GAME and THE DECEIVER’S HEART? If not, I hope you will.
Have you read The Ascendance Trilogy, beginning with THE FALSE PRINCE? If you read the first, I’d love for you to continue on in the series. If you haven’t yet started, please consider making this your next reading choice.
WORDS ON FIRE will be released on October 1st. This is my next historical, which tells the story of 19thCentury Lithuania, a small country whose very culture and existence was being threatened by the Russian Empire. Their solution didn’t comme through war, but instead, through book smuggling – illegally sneaking books into their country in hopes of preserving Lithuania’s identity. Young Audra Zikaris becomes caught up in the smuggling, which might be her only chance to save her parents, save her country, and, she hopes, to save her own life.
February 27, 2019
THE DECEIVER’S HEART is released!
Well, it was released yesterday, but I’m finally getting to this now. Here’s a summary!
Kestra Dallisor has finally gained possession of the Olden Blade. With the dagger in her control, she attempts to destroy the tyrannical Lord Endrick. But when Kestra fails, the king strips her of her memory, and leaves her weak and uncertain, bound to obey him. Heartbroken, Simon is desperate to return Kestra to the rebel she was, but refuses to use magic to heal her. With untrusting Coracks and Halderians threatening to capture and kill her, and war looming on the horizon, Kestra and Simon will have to learn to trust each other again if they have any hope of surviving. But can a heart once broken ever be healed?
I hope you’ll check this out – I’m so proud of it and excited to share it with you all!
If you want a signed copy, you can order it from my local indie, The King’s English. If you want a copy elsewhere, you can follow these links:
February 14, 2019
Valentine’s Day Winners!
Thank you to everyone who left their favorite recipes or suggestions – honestly, there were so many that I’ve already printed out to save for future cooking. But for tonight, the items that called my attention most from the comments were Aaron’s homemade Pad Thai, with Shannon’s roasted vegetables (yes, I know they don’t exactly go together, but honestly, shouldn’t great food automatically go together?) Rachel’s pan eclairs. YUM!!!
Congratulations to the following: Sara S, Emilianne, and Mariah S.
If you didn’t win an ARC of THE DECEIVER’S HEART, I hope you will still get your own copy or borrow one from the library (if they don’t have it, ask them to order it in for you!).
If you haven’t yet read THE TRAITOR’S GAME, this is a great time! It’s only $1.99 on kindle.
By the way, earlier this week, THE TRAITOR’S GAME and RESISTANCE were each finalists for both the Whitney Award and the AML award (winners to be announced later this spring). In addition, THE TRAITOR’S GAME was nominated for the Nebraska Golden Sower Award, and RESISTANCE for the Georgia Children’s Book Award and the Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award. Much chocolate has been sacrificed in celebration. More chocolate will yet be eaten. It’s just inevitable.
As an update, this morning I turned in edits for THE TRAITOR’S GAME 3, and now I will return to my regularly scheduled first draft writing on Super Secret Project. More announcements soon to come!
February 10, 2019
Final DECEIVER’S HEART Giveaway!
I have three more arcs of THE DECEIVER’S HEART (to be released Feb 26, 2019!)
LAST GIVEAWAY!
In this book two of The Traitor’s Game series, Kestra Dallisor faces greater danger and adventure when her failed attack on Lord Endrick brings consequences that threaten to destroy everything – including Kestra herself. Simon Hatch may be falling in love with her, but can he abandon everything he believes in to save her?
Want one of these arcs? It’s Valentine’s week, and I want to make the hubby a special dinner. Post a link or description of your favorite main course, side dish, or dessert recipe. I’ll choose ARC winners randomly, but also post my selected menu at the same time.
Winners will be chosen on Feb 14that 12 pm EST. Multiple entries are okay – but you must post a different recipe each time!
OR…preorder now!
Have you read THE TRAITOR’S GAME?
If you haven’t read book 1 yet, THE TRAITOR’S GAME is available on Kindle right now for only $1.99, and is now out in paperback! Or you can click any of the links below to get your copy!
Teacher’s Guides Available
In other news, if you are a teacher and would like a digital copy of the Teacher’s study guide for RESISTANCE, or paper copies of the study guides of any of my other books, please leave a note in comments below for me to contact you for an email or mailing address.
WORDS ON FIRE Cover Release!
Finally, have you seen the cover yet for my next historical, WORDS ON FIRE? It will be released on Oct 1, 2019.
January 31, 2019
WORDS ON FIRE Cover Reveal!
Cover reveals are always exciting! This time it’s for my next historical coming this October: WORDS ON FIRE! To read more about it, please visit BookPage – my thanks to them for hosting the cover reveal!
You can pre-order the book now, and while you’re at it, why not get the second book of the Traitor’s Game series, THE DECEIVER’S HEART! Coming Feb 26, 2019.
If you haven’t read THE TRAITOR’S GAME yet, it’s on sale for Kindle for $1.99. Check it out!
In this sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Traitor’s Game, Kestra Dallisor has finally gained possession of the Olden Blade. With the dagger in her control, she attempts to destroy the tyrannical Lord Endrick. But when Kestra fails, the king strips her of her memory, and leaves her weak and uncertain, bound to obey him. Heartbroken, Simon is desperate to return Kestra to the rebel she was, but refuses to use magic to heal her. With untrusting Coracks and Halderians threatening to capture and kill her, and war looming on the horizon, Kestra and Simon will have to learn to trust each other again if they have any hope of surviving. But can a heart once broken ever be healed?
The Deceiver’s Heart marks a stunning return to Jennifer A. Nielsen’s gorgeously rendered world of Antora and all its treachery and magic.
January 22, 2019
THE DECEIVER’S HEART: Winners!
Thank you to all who posted this week for these books, or who voted in the Teen Choice Awards. Winners of THE DECEIVER’S HEART arcs are: Gaby and Cheyne!
If you are a teen, please consider voting for THE TRAITOR’S GAME! Voting ends on Feb 1, and your votes could make a huge difference!
Book 2 of the Traitor’s Game series, THE DECEIVER’S HEART will be released on Feb 26. If you haven’t yet read book 1, I hope you’ll check it out, and if you have, then I hope you’ll want to know more of Simon and Kestra’s story. Here is the Goodreads description:
In this sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Traitor’s Game, Kestra Dallisor has finally gained possession of the Olden Blade. With the dagger in her control, she attempts to destroy the tyrannical Lord Endrick. But when Kestra fails, the king strips her of her memory, and leaves her weak and uncertain, bound to obey him. Heartbroken, Simon is desperate to return Kestra to the rebel she was, but refuses to use magic to heal her. With untrusting Coracks and Halderians threatening to capture and kill her, and war looming on the horizon, Kestra and Simon will have to learn to trust each other again if they have any hope of surviving. But can a heart once broken ever be healed?
Those of you who were asking about art from The Ascendance Trilogy– I want anything that can be transmitted and displayed digitally. You can email it to me from the “Contact Me” page of this blog.
STATUS UPDATE
I am about to start edits for book 3 of THE TRAITOR’S GAME series.
I am writing the first draft of super secret project.
Watch out soon for the cover to my next historical novel out this fall, WORDS ON FIRE.
And of course, new ideas are always in the works!
January 15, 2019
News, news, news…and a GIVEAWAY!
I hope everyone is enjoying their New Year’s. Mine is already a bit crazy so I’ve got a lot of news. Stop by each book cover’s picture for news.
THE TRAITOR’S GAME has been nominated for the 2019 Teen Choice Awards! Teens can vote for up to five of their favorite titles until Feb 1. If you’re a teen, I’m asking you to visit the site and please register your votes. That will make a huge impact on the book.
Also, THE TRAITOR’S GAME will be released in paperback on January 29th. If you’ve been waiting to read the book until it’s a little more affordable, now is the time! Get ready because book 2, THE DECEIVER’S HEART, will be released only one month later!
Among other awesome lists, RESISTANCE was included by A Mighty Girl as one of their Best Books of 2018. My thanks to them. Also, because of high demand, it was super out of stock at Amazon over the holidays, but it’s back now. If that’s your venue, you’ll find it there. Also, if you have not yet seen the book trailer, click HERE. Trust me, it’s awesome.
Finally, if you are A) an artist (or know one) and B) an Ascendance Trilogy fan, I am looking for art from the book to include in a future video. Please send it to me at jen@jennielsen.com. Sending the art constitutes your agreement for me to use the art in public. I will credit you and/or your website for everything I use.
Now here’s the best part! A GIVEAWAY! Rules:
Talk about any of this news on Social Media, then tag me into your post or comment below about what you did (@nielsenwriter on Twitter or Instagram or @Jennifer A. Nielsen, Author on Facebook).
At midnight EST on Jan 21, I will randomly choose three or more winners to receive either an arc of THE DECEIVER’S HEART or a paperback of THE TRAITOR’S GAME(winner’s choice).
If you are not on social media, find someone who is and get them to do the entry for you.
Multiple entries are allowed
Links for the above mentioned items are below;
The Book Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyaTL...)
Teen Reads Voting (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TRC-Te...)
Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Jen...)
The Contact Me page of my website (http://jennielsen.com/contact)
The Mighty Girl List (https://www.amightygirl.com/books-of-...)
