Nicki Elson's Blog, page 28

Sizzling Summer (LOADED KINDLE FIRE HD!) Giveaway

The ladies of YA Bound have definitely picked the right name for this giveaway---the temps are sizzling in the Chicago area these days. How about by you?

The other thing sizzling about this giveaway is that you have the chance to win one of two loaded Kindle Fire HDs. One comes loaded with hot YA reads and the other comes loaded with steamy NA & Adult reads. (contest open through July 27 to U.S. residents)

To get to the entry form, click on either of the images below to visit a hosting blog; hop around to all the participating book review blogs to meet the featured authors. I'll be at I Heart YA Books, Book Nerd Paradise, and The Book Lover's Report asking for a little help in defining my author platform---and sharing a couple excerpts. ;) Have fun & good luck!
Titles on the NA/Adult Kindle Fire HD:

Titles on the YA Kindle Fire HD:

Let's go on an eRoad Trip, New Adult-style

Quest #1; Stop #8
This week, my blog is a featured stop in the NAmazing Adventure, a blog event featuring over 60 New Adult authors + prize packs that include ARCs, signed books, gift cards, swag, and more! There are six legs in this journey---during each, you'll travel through a series of blogs, picking up info on great NA reads, and then take a simple quiz at the end. You can get a quest map for the overall NAmazing Adventure at NA Alley, home of our amazing tour guides. Now, let's hit the trail!
THREE DAVES by Nicki Elson: Jennifer Whitney was the last American virgin. At least that’s what she felt like in 1986 as she began her sophomore year at Central Illinois University. She was proud of her decision to wait for the right guy, and yet she was getting restless. It seemed like everyone around her was doing it... and having fun doing it, too. She didn’t want to become the campus slut or anything, but surely there was a difference between a trashy skank and a nice girl with a little experience. Perhaps it was time to stop relying on fate to guide her and instead take matters into her own hands. And with that realization, Jen decided to find “the one” and lose her virginity, although not necessarily in that order... 


Got that written down in your travel journal? Good. Keep it handy because you'll need that info. for the quiz at the end of this leg. And remember, you must complete ALL 6 quizzes to be eligible for a prize pack. The contest will remain open until 11am EST on Monday, July 22.
Thanks for stopping by. Ready for the next stop on the adventure?Click HERE to visit Norse goddess, ST Bende. 
And if that's not enough adventure for ya, Three Daves is on tour this week w/ AToMR Tours. The 3D tour is packed with excerpts, guest posts, reviews and more ways to win the book. You can find the full schedule here. 

I'm at the New Adult Book Club Today for a Little Q & A

Happy Friday, everyone!  Just want to let you know that I'm over at the New Adult Book Club at Goodreads with a Q&A that will be open all weekend. Below is my intro. If it sparks any questions or comments at all, please click it & head over to the forum to drop me a line. 
I'd love it if you'd Tweet about it. Here'a a handy-dandy Tweetable:Visit @NickiElson3D at the NA Book Club & get a prize just for asking a question. http://ow.ly/mUz5I 
Anyone who stops by w/ a question or comment will get a pdf of the unpublished Three Daves Appendix (3 days told from the guy's POV). And on Monday I'll randomly choose one question-asker to win an eCollection of my two novels & short single. 

Pop the Bubbly for Pop Travel by Tara Tyler!

Today's the day!Tara Tyler's techno-thriller, Pop Travel, is now available at Amazon!!! 
(more links coming soon)
Congratulations, Tara. I'm absolutely thrilled for you and cannot wait to join P.I. Cooper on his adventure. Lucky me gets to host the lovely debut author on release day, and because I know she has tons going on, I only asked her one simple question...
Me: If you had to pick one song that best captures the essence of Pop Travel, what would it be and why?

Tara T: A while back, I did a blogfest that asked, What if your book became a movie… We were supposed to pick movie stars and a theme song. For my song, I chose "New Low" by Middle Class Rut. It's perfect for Cooper. It has a futuristic sound and is about a guy who's had a rough time and is cynical about it.
But I am also excited to share that my eldest son read Pop Travel and did a report on it for school – he chose 10 songs for a soundtrack! 

Here's his playlist for Pop Travel:
Georgia by Ray Charles – Setting
New Low by Middle Class Rut – Cooper, protagonist
I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift – Geri
Try by Pink – Theme, Never give up
Price Tag by Jesse J – Theme, Money can't buy your way out of things
Airplanes by B.o.B. & Haley Williams – Cooper is a pilot and is afraid of popping
Somebody's Watchin' Me by Rockwell – Setting, Constant surveillance, cameras everywhere
Cruella de Vil by Bill Lee – Vivienne, antagonist
Wish You Were Here by Incubus – Theme, Cooper misses dead wife
Second Chance by Shinedown – Theme, Cooper gets a second chance at life
Click image to watch New Low official video at You TubeThanks, Nicki, for letting me share this incredible event! So exciting!

Me: The pleasure was all mine, Tara. A visit to your blog is always a treat, so I can only how much fun Pop Travel is going to be. And that is so cool that your son made a playlist for you! 

In 2080, technology has gone too far for J. L. Cooper. He is happily hidden in his simple, secluded life as a private detective in a small town, far from any pop travel laser teleportation stations. Until he takes on a client who insists pop travel made his fiancé disappear.
When Cooper investigates, he finds evidence of pop travel's deadly flaw, sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother. He’d like to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
The only way he can save his brother is to fool his observers while looking for a way to expose the problem. He decides to go to the source and confront the Creator of pop travel. On his way, Cooper meets Southern siren, Geri Harper (an undercover FBI agent) who tags along despite his protests. When they reach the Creator, he has plans of his own and leads them on a wild detour.

Tara Tyler started out as a math teacher. After having a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering and living up and down the Eastern US, she finally found some roots, writing and teaching in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. In addition to her novels, she has published short stories and poetry in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, and Humor. So many stories to tell!
Buy Pop Travel at AmazonAdd Pop Travel at Goodreads
Tell Tara Congrats and enter a Giveaway at her Blog

IWSG: The Worst Review Ever

Hola, fellow members of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, founded by the marvelous Alex J. Cavanaugh. A frequent topic in the group is dealing with negative feedback on our writing, whether it be via reviews, crit groups, or online forums. It seems we all agree that constructive criticism is rather like a visit to the dentist. It might hurt, but in the end we recognize that we're better off for it and will even come back for more.
And then there is the feedback that's just plain mean. This is like...like walking innocently down the sidewalk and having a random jogger punch you in the face. By the time you recover enough to ask why, the jogger has crossed the street and disappeared from your vision (this actually happened to my brother once, btw). It hurts, you're bruised, and you're left with no explanation as to what the jerk's problem was. Nothing good comes from this because there is no meaning in the meanness. All we can do is get up, shake it off, and try to not let it make us afraid to walk down the sidewalk again. 
Thus far I've been fairly fortunate and haven't been dealt any blows I can't easily deflect, but if I strive to widen my audience...well, success will mean dealing with meanness. But not to worry, because I have an automatic go-to to make me feel better in that situation, and you may borrow it if you like. It's a comment from Mark Twain about Jane Austen's writing, copied below. What it serves to remind me of is that everyone approaches a book from a different standpoint. Some people will love it, some people won't, and some people will feel the need to spit venom over it. That's just the way it is. 
 Mark Twain in a letter to Joseph Twichell, 13 September 1898:

"I often want to criticise Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can't conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Every time I read 'Pride and Prejudice' I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone."

Janie had the good fortune of being dead when this letter was written, but even still, I can't imagine it didn't sting just a little. Yet that doesn't keep thousands and thousands of people (who are not Mark Twain) from adoring her work, me included.

A Friday Quickie - Book Signings

Just popping in to let you know that I'm over at Savvy Authors today talking about the benefits of live signing events.  So if a signing event might be in your future, please stop by. That site requires registration to leave a comment, so feel free to leave your two cents here if you prefer.  Happy Friday! 

The Real Reasons to Do Live Signing Events
In other news, I have an unusual offer on the table&A signed copy of Divine Temtpation is up for grabs at Goodreads.

Thrills and Chills

Today is The Thrill of it All Blogfest, hosted by Tara Tyler and Heather M. Gardner. The point of the fest is to thrill fellow hoppers with your own personal brand of thrillage.

My entry is an excerpt from my latest novel, but before I give you that, I want to share some other thrilling news---to the left you will see the newly revealed cover of Hold Tight by Cherie Colyer. Hold Tight is the upcoming sequel to Embrace , a fabulous YA novel that has also gotten a brand new cover! Click on either image to see them bigger and get all the wonderful info. on these books. Congratulations, Cherie!

For my blogfest entry, you'll see that I definitely went for thrills via chills. Here is an excerpt from Divine Temptation :

Strings of vomit spilled out the sides of Tommy's mouth. The demon was trying to get out. A flash of fear ripped through Maggie, and then eased. Everything was going to be okay. She could take the pain from this child. She had the ability. All she needed to do was open up to accept the spirit into herself instead. She’d be a savior. As an adult, she’d be much better able to handle the gifts this being would bestow upon her. Of course a stupid child had failed to deliver. But she wouldn’t. She was so much more worthy than this sniveling creature and his insipid parents clutching their trinkets. As if those could ever save them.

Maggie gasped. These thoughts weren’t hers. She shot her gaze desperately at Monsignor Sarto and saw that his eyes were opened, watching her with an odd expression of expectation.

Below is the list of fellow Thrill Hoppers, but before you go, I'd love it if you'd click over to my new page where I talk (spoiler-free) about the original ending to Divine Temptation---which was far different than what made it into print. I also offer you an opportunity to get a pdf copy of it. [Hint: Some of you have already earned that right. ;)]

What I Learned in Wyoming

The answer to last week's question is...yes, life without internet is possible, even enjoyable. The magnificent views definitely help to offset the sketchy outside communication. While visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, I didn't quite catch any bison standing in a steaming geyser basin, but I did get this...
Midway Geyser Basin; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
and this...
Grand Teton National Park; Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Surely I can Photoshop them together, yes?
No? Well then, will you accept a moose in a marsh? 
Roadside in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This was my first time venturing out to western Wyoming, and the trip was well worth it. Yellowstone is an odd combination of raw, freaky nature and civilization. I have to admit that the Counting Crows' lyric "paved paradise to put up a parking lot" resided at the back of my brain pretty much the whole time I was there, but that's not really fair, because the management of the place exhibits a tremendous respect for the protection of Yellowstone's natural gifts, yet they also have a mandate to make the enjoyment of these gifts easily accessible to the public. And the property is enormous, so there is plenty of untouched wilderness.
Exiting through Yellowstone's south entrance toward the Teton Range is like leaving the quirky treasure box of grandma's house to go out and party with your cool, younger cousin. The ski/outdoor adventure culture is so much more apparent in Grand Teton National Park and all of Jackson Hole, and one quick stop at the park's visitor center will have you giggling at the marked upgrade in technology and overall presentation...*ahem* not that technology matters when you're taking in scenic wonders. *un-ahem* 
As per usual, I learned a few things during my adventure, and I'd like to share five of those things with you in case you ever make a similar trek:

1. Elk can and will cross a creek. And when they do, you will never see a more giant collective step backward by the humans.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

2. A sweet & friendly doggie at a gas station can be just as memorable as all the elk, moose, bison and pronghorns on the range.

Gas Station, Somewhere in Wyoming

3. No matter how many times you politely remind your family of the designated---and separate---areas for technology, food and toiletries in your minuscule hotel room, they won't listen.

Video Cameras & Tissues mingling with Waterbottles & Coffee - the Horror!

4.  When taking a tram to the top of a mountain, even though you've chosen the easy way up, flip-flops are not an excellent choice in footwear. There are slippery rocks up there. And snow.

Top of Rendezvous Mountain; Jackson Hole, Wyoming

5. The view is much sweeter when you've actually climbed your way up there.

What used to be babies looking out from Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park

Is Life Without Internet Possible?

Well, I'm certainly willing to give it a go...especially if the views come anything close to what I'm promised above. Alas, it does mean I'll be out of touch for a week or so (heavy on the "so"). But M.J. Joachim has sent me off with a HUGE smile because of the review she gave to Divine Temptation yesterday. I was sweating that one out after noting that Mother Teresa - yeah, the one and only amazing Mother freaking Teresa - was one of the few writers on her recommend list, but I'm very pleased to report that...no, I won't spoil it for you - go on, read the review. 

How Do You Like Your Heroes?

The adorable Jackie at Bouquet of Books and Dani at Entertaining Interests are hosting this Heroes & Villains blogfest, in which we get to talk about our favorite heroes & villains...
Me, I like the ambiguous type, so I have an affinity for the villains who are also heroes...and the heroes who are also villains. Today, I have only one name for you: Severus Snape. Of Harry Potter fame for those who don't know (is it possible there's anyone out there who doesn't know?). Throughout the series we learn that he is a man capable of both intense cruelty and profound, unselfish courage.
What I love most about Snape is that he kept us guessing throughout the entire series. Even by the end, the answer isn't entirely clear as to whether or not he was good or bad. ***SPOILER (sort of) ALERT*** He certainly did good, even heroic, acts, but that doesn't erase the fact that he was a total arse to Harry and the other students for all those years, no matter what the backstory was on his motivation.
My fascination with Snape is actually what led me to write my first novel-length fiction, a  Harry Potter fanfiction titled Professor Burbage and the Potions Master. He was very fun to write, precisely because of that duality in his character, especially when the intelligent and talented hero/villain was paired with an entirely sweet, fluffy-headed innocent. 
There are many great Snape quotes, but my favorites are his condescending remarks to the students. I said he was an arse, but that doesn't mean he didn't crack me up.

“I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death — if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.”
-Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (J.K. Rowling)

“That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger,” said Snape cooly. “Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.”
-Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (J.K. Rowling)

Alan Rickman did a marvelous job portraying the sinister wizard in the movies, but considering Snape was supposed to be the same age as Harry's parents, he was a little elderly for the role. If my fanfic were being made into a movie, this is who I'd pick to play him:

Jack Davenport (as the ex-Commodore Norrington in Dead Man's Chest)
So who is your favorite Hero who's also a villain?